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Good Intentions
Maggie Miller has had more than her fair share of bad men, bad luck, a tragic past, and would really like to buckle down start her new life in Boston as a pediatric physical therapist. But Ryan Milan, also starting his new life in Boston, is in the way of the low-key life that she has planned for herself.
Ryan shows Maggie that, despite her misgivings, he loves her for her. Ryan and Maggie could have the perfect relationship—could—but tragedy pulls them apart after a fateful night, and a long-term separation leaves them at a cross-roads.
When Ryan finds Maggie seven years later, he is shocked to find the life she is living. Now that Ryan's back, will her life take her in a direction she’s not willing to go? Can Maggie stay true to herself while finding true love?
Ryan shows Maggie that, despite her misgivings, he loves her for her. Ryan and Maggie could have the perfect relationship—could—but tragedy pulls them apart after a fateful night, and a long-term separation leaves them at a cross-roads.
When Ryan finds Maggie seven years later, he is shocked to find the life she is living. Now that Ryan's back, will her life take her in a direction she’s not willing to go? Can Maggie stay true to herself while finding true love?
- GenresContemporary Romance
308 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2013
About the author
Kathryn R. Biel
28 books375 followersKathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 13, 2013
Maggie Miller is about to start her life in Boston. She's done with grad school and has a good job as a pediatric physical therapist. Maggie sees herself as plain and ordinary, nothing remarkable. She doesn't see that surviving a horrific car accident that killed her mother and brother as anything special. She's had bad taste in men and is jaded, and has decided to lay low while she focuses on her career. Matt Slavin is Maggie's best friend from college. He has an atrocious girlfriend, who hates Maggie for no reason. But he also has this good friend from home. Ryan Milan is a drop-dead gorgeous young attorney who, despite significant reservations, has relocated to Boston to start his career as a prosecutor. He is good at reading the people he's prosecuting, but cannot read women. Maggie and Ryan dance around each other, never sure of where the other stands. After months of push and pull, they finally realize that the other is actually interested. After finally getting together, they are pulled apart by Ryan's family tragedy, and he is unable to return to Maggie. Just when Maggie thinks she does not have the strength to rebuild again, she finds she no longer has that choice. And when they're finally reunited seven years later, Maggie's life is barely recognizable...
Good Intentions is author Kathryn R. Biel's debut novel. It always gives me a pleasant surprise when an author's debut novel is so well written with a story that keeps your attention. I thought each character was relatable and enjoyed getting to know them all. Although each character had their own struggles, it was interesting to see how they handled their situations. Overall, I thought Good Intentions was a well written book and would recommend it to others. I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for the future.
Good Intentions is author Kathryn R. Biel's debut novel. It always gives me a pleasant surprise when an author's debut novel is so well written with a story that keeps your attention. I thought each character was relatable and enjoyed getting to know them all. Although each character had their own struggles, it was interesting to see how they handled their situations. Overall, I thought Good Intentions was a well written book and would recommend it to others. I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for the future.
August 16, 2014
Good Intentions by Kathryn Biel starts off in a typical chick lit fashion – the female protagonist (Maggie Miller) going on about the events of the day, gravitating towards a litany about her job, hair, make up, shoes, and men. Normally, this would make me fast forward to the next chapter, but the fumbling Maggie is quite an endearing character (how is she still single?).
The funny parts are actually funny, which really does not prepare you for the chain of events that unfold. She goes through the rough cycle of coupling with her best friend’s mate, Ryan, whose intentions are hazy. They dance around each other, and Ryan goes hot and cold, then pulls away. Then the story takes a different turn, with revelations that change the relationship dynamics (for the worse). And your heart just breaks for Maggie. And it keeps breaking. (You’ll have to read the book to see if it stops.)
Good Intentions is the kind of book that would give you a newfound respect and admiration for the chick lit genre.
The funny parts are actually funny, which really does not prepare you for the chain of events that unfold. She goes through the rough cycle of coupling with her best friend’s mate, Ryan, whose intentions are hazy. They dance around each other, and Ryan goes hot and cold, then pulls away. Then the story takes a different turn, with revelations that change the relationship dynamics (for the worse). And your heart just breaks for Maggie. And it keeps breaking. (You’ll have to read the book to see if it stops.)
Good Intentions is the kind of book that would give you a newfound respect and admiration for the chick lit genre.
August 17, 2013
I wasn't sure about this book at first. It was kind of slow in the beginning and I wasn't sure I liked the main character. She had zero self esteem. The more I read, though, the more I found myself really enjoying the book. It was a great story and a quick read. I would definitely read more from this author.
August 29, 2013
Pediatric therapist Maggie Miller has survived a car accident that killed her brother and mother. She has let this accident define her. She has bad taste in men, until she meets Ryan Milan. Ryan is Maggie’s best friend, Matt Slavin’s best friend. Ryan and Maggie start dating and one thing leads to another, until Ryan has to rush home because his father is dying. When he is unable to return to Boston and Maggie, Maggie decides to move on and not date anyone. Then seven years later they are reunited and life is so different then when they first met and fell in love.
This is a story that grabbed me from the very beginning. I actually read it in one day, not being able to put it down. Maggie is a character that I was cheering for from the very beginning. She was making it on her own in a tough world, without a lot of family support, although you weren’t told why until later in the story. The fact that she just wanted to help other children as someone had done for her when she was younger made her an amazing person. Her relationship with Matt reminded me of the one I have with my best guy friend. The sparks they were between them were pretty much ignored since they knew it would not be good for their friendship to take that leap.
Then there is the romance between Maggie and Ryan. I laughed at how they danced around each other, neither sure what the other was thinking or wanting to take that first step. When they finally got together you knew it was going to be hot and I was not disappointed. Ryan fell from my graces when he rushed home, not because he went home, but because he would not even respond to Maggie. And then when they found each other again I was sadly disappointed by how he treated Maggie. I ended up thinking him a jerk and was worried that they would get back together.
Kathryn Biel wrote a novel that will pull you right in and keep a tight hold on you. I will recommend this book to any chic-lit lover.
This is a story that grabbed me from the very beginning. I actually read it in one day, not being able to put it down. Maggie is a character that I was cheering for from the very beginning. She was making it on her own in a tough world, without a lot of family support, although you weren’t told why until later in the story. The fact that she just wanted to help other children as someone had done for her when she was younger made her an amazing person. Her relationship with Matt reminded me of the one I have with my best guy friend. The sparks they were between them were pretty much ignored since they knew it would not be good for their friendship to take that leap.
Then there is the romance between Maggie and Ryan. I laughed at how they danced around each other, neither sure what the other was thinking or wanting to take that first step. When they finally got together you knew it was going to be hot and I was not disappointed. Ryan fell from my graces when he rushed home, not because he went home, but because he would not even respond to Maggie. And then when they found each other again I was sadly disappointed by how he treated Maggie. I ended up thinking him a jerk and was worried that they would get back together.
Kathryn Biel wrote a novel that will pull you right in and keep a tight hold on you. I will recommend this book to any chic-lit lover.
January 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, the characters well defined. I couldn't put it down and spent nearly all day reading, completely ignoring my life. Ms. Biel has an interesting style for writing, one that I had never really read before. It didn't take me long to get into the story and I really enjoyed the pace. I was worried when I read other reviews that said it was not the happy ending they were expecting. This book had a very happy ending - true, it was not what I thought would happen but I was thrilled with it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 15, 2014
This book is for all of us who live our lives by trying to please others and forget our own needs for happiness. It resonated with my own life and found myself cheering for the characters and pondering for my own life outcomes...I could not put it down until I finished!
June 3, 2013
I loved this book, and I became so engrossed in the story that I finished it in one day! I'm so proud of my friend, the author, Kathryn Biel.
July 8, 2015
3.5 stars
Overall, I felt the story of Maggie Miller told in Good Intentions was an interesting one to follow. After reading the blurb and the sample, this looked to be a second chance romance which I am a sucker for. But this isn't your typical second chance story and the author weaves in various plot twists that I surely was not expecting. It is definitely full of drama and has quite a bit of frustration and angst.
Good Intentions spans the course of 9 years and begins where we see Maggie meet a very handsome and great guy, Ryan, who is a childhood friend of her best friend Matt. There is definite attraction between Maggie and Ryan from the start, and when they begin to explore a relationship, they are torn apart when Ryan needs to move back home due to family obligations. Despite there being an obvious connection between Maggie and Ryan, it is frustrating to see that Ryan seems to disregard Maggie by severing communication with her, as she tries to keep in contact with him. Around this time, Maggie's life takes a big change, something I'm not a fan of in romance novels since it is overused, but here it works because it is the basis of Maggie's story. Eventually Maggie feels alone and abandoned not only by Ryan but by her best friend Matt who also stopped returning her calls and emails.
Fast forward 7 years and we find out Maggie has started a new life in a new location, and surprise, she is found by her old friend Matt. We learn the circumstances of how things came to be so messed up, and eventually we see Ryan re-enter the picture. The journey Maggie took through the remainder of the story was a bucket of emotions and frustration. I wanted to strangle a certain guy sooooo many times, and finally at the end of the story it was good to see Maggie in a good place. My only compliant was I felt the end was a bit abrupt and the connection made at the end of the story felt rushed and almost too perfect.
Overall, I felt the story of Maggie Miller told in Good Intentions was an interesting one to follow. After reading the blurb and the sample, this looked to be a second chance romance which I am a sucker for. But this isn't your typical second chance story and the author weaves in various plot twists that I surely was not expecting. It is definitely full of drama and has quite a bit of frustration and angst.
Good Intentions spans the course of 9 years and begins where we see Maggie meet a very handsome and great guy, Ryan, who is a childhood friend of her best friend Matt. There is definite attraction between Maggie and Ryan from the start, and when they begin to explore a relationship, they are torn apart when Ryan needs to move back home due to family obligations. Despite there being an obvious connection between Maggie and Ryan, it is frustrating to see that Ryan seems to disregard Maggie by severing communication with her, as she tries to keep in contact with him. Around this time, Maggie's life takes a big change, something I'm not a fan of in romance novels since it is overused, but here it works because it is the basis of Maggie's story. Eventually Maggie feels alone and abandoned not only by Ryan but by her best friend Matt who also stopped returning her calls and emails.
Fast forward 7 years and we find out Maggie has started a new life in a new location, and surprise, she is found by her old friend Matt. We learn the circumstances of how things came to be so messed up, and eventually we see Ryan re-enter the picture. The journey Maggie took through the remainder of the story was a bucket of emotions and frustration. I wanted to strangle a certain guy sooooo many times, and finally at the end of the story it was good to see Maggie in a good place. My only compliant was I felt the end was a bit abrupt and the connection made at the end of the story felt rushed and almost too perfect.
September 14, 2013
I received this book in one of goodread's giveaways. What a wonderful story about the paths we choose in life and how each choice we make leads us to new experiences. When I first started the book I honestly did not like the main character. I felt she was childish and intent on just being a party girl who slept around. Boy was I wrong. This book really picked up and held my interest right to the last word. Well don Ms. Biel and thank you for my autograph copy! I will certainly recommend the book and wish you continued success. One last thought, I really hope Maggie's relationship works out. I was certainly rooting for her in the end.
August 23, 2014
Bravo, Kathryn! I rate this book 4.5 stars. This book pulled me in from the beginning. Maggie was a fun, clutzy woman but as much as she was independent, she also had her self-doubts. She was an easy character to relate to.
Throughout the book, Kathryn pulled me back and forth between the love interests, and I had no idea who I wanted to win Maggie's heart. In the end, I felt very satisfied with the result.
There were a few moments in this book I almost pulled out the tissues - and it's not an easy thing to make me cry when I read a book!
I plan on reading Hold Her Down, Kathryn's second book, soon!
Throughout the book, Kathryn pulled me back and forth between the love interests, and I had no idea who I wanted to win Maggie's heart. In the end, I felt very satisfied with the result.
There were a few moments in this book I almost pulled out the tissues - and it's not an easy thing to make me cry when I read a book!
I plan on reading Hold Her Down, Kathryn's second book, soon!
November 7, 2013
Maggie Miller is a pediatric physical therapist who is living her life living up to others expectation. She meets Ryan Milan a young attorney and they seem to have been developing their relationship when Ryan's father passes away. Fast forward 7 years when they reunite over a common bond. It is not a successful relationship so they both move on.
I initially found this book slow moving but the story picked up and by the conclusion I was happy in the direction it took. It kep me riveted to the last page!
I received a signed copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am happy to have it!
I initially found this book slow moving but the story picked up and by the conclusion I was happy in the direction it took. It kep me riveted to the last page!
I received a signed copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am happy to have it!
January 26, 2014
A received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review….
When Kathryn Biel hooked me, she really hooked me. I found myself completely immersed in Maggie's life! I was able to totally relate to her and understand her.
Unlike most books I read, as I neared the end, I didn't know how I hoped the story would turn out. I was very torn. I couldn't decide what I wanted for Maggie's future….
As I read the last few pages I had a goofy smile on my face. I couldn't have asked for a better end. I look forward to more from this author!
When Kathryn Biel hooked me, she really hooked me. I found myself completely immersed in Maggie's life! I was able to totally relate to her and understand her.
Unlike most books I read, as I neared the end, I didn't know how I hoped the story would turn out. I was very torn. I couldn't decide what I wanted for Maggie's future….
As I read the last few pages I had a goofy smile on my face. I couldn't have asked for a better end. I look forward to more from this author!
March 23, 2014
This book has been on my to read list ever since it was recommended to me by a friend. I finally had a chance to sit down to read it this week and I couldn't put it down! Good intentions is the story of Maggie, which begins after she graduates and spans until she is in her 30's. The twists and turns that follow in her personal life keep you hooked hoping that she finally find the love and life that she deserves and has been searching for. Check out this book from a brand new author!
October 23, 2014
Couldn't put Down
characters seem real and human. no perfect models. I loved her writing and want MORE. not making a decision is a decision....good lessons
characters seem real and human. no perfect models. I loved her writing and want MORE. not making a decision is a decision....good lessons
June 6, 2015
I really liked this book. I thought Maggie was a strong character. I was dissapointed with Matt and Ryan. It had a little twist at the end that I wasn't expecting.
June 8, 2013
Such a good story, I wanted to see how it ended so much I finished it in one day!
November 17, 2017
Loved this! Shared it with my co-worker who said she has not read a more moving book.
June 20, 2021
Heading into darkness
It's amazing to read about how love can go so dang wrong. Perseverance is the key key to any relationship.😃
It's amazing to read about how love can go so dang wrong. Perseverance is the key key to any relationship.😃
December 16, 2015
A 3.5 stars for this one.
I really liked the book.It started out as a usual chick lit but kept surprising me as it went.I loved Maggie.I loved how she didn't end up with the guy who royally screwed her.It was really good to see that the author did not go for the cliched ending.I didnt expect much from this considering it was chick lit genre but it really exceeded my expectations.It was a light and easy read.The pace was good too.The characters were well developed.The story went smoothly.The only thing that bothered me was Ryan.His character seemed one dimensional and there seemed to be no valid reason for his actions..I couldn't understand why someone like Maggie would fall in love with someone like Ryan.She put up with him way more longer than she should have.The other thing that bothered me was how the relationship between Matt and Maggie was handled.I would have preferred them to be just best friends without the romance angle.Other than that this book was great.I am sure gonna read other books by this author.
I really liked the book.It started out as a usual chick lit but kept surprising me as it went.I loved Maggie.I loved how she didn't end up with the guy who royally screwed her.It was really good to see that the author did not go for the cliched ending.I didnt expect much from this considering it was chick lit genre but it really exceeded my expectations.It was a light and easy read.The pace was good too.The characters were well developed.The story went smoothly.The only thing that bothered me was Ryan.His character seemed one dimensional and there seemed to be no valid reason for his actions..I couldn't understand why someone like Maggie would fall in love with someone like Ryan.She put up with him way more longer than she should have.The other thing that bothered me was how the relationship between Matt and Maggie was handled.I would have preferred them to be just best friends without the romance angle.Other than that this book was great.I am sure gonna read other books by this author.
December 26, 2015
Not too sure
Let me start off by saying that the author has done a really good job with the writing but still I'm more of a cliche happy ending reader and even though this was a happy ending I was constantly hoping Maggie would solve her problems with Ryan. However if she actually did solve it all it wouldn't have been very realistic because of the past they had and the way he treated her afterwards so I can understand why it did end up like that. Nonetheless I'm it too sure if I'm happy with it. It was quite bittersweet for me. But I would definitely try out other books from Kathryn.
Let me start off by saying that the author has done a really good job with the writing but still I'm more of a cliche happy ending reader and even though this was a happy ending I was constantly hoping Maggie would solve her problems with Ryan. However if she actually did solve it all it wouldn't have been very realistic because of the past they had and the way he treated her afterwards so I can understand why it did end up like that. Nonetheless I'm it too sure if I'm happy with it. It was quite bittersweet for me. But I would definitely try out other books from Kathryn.
October 17, 2015
Great story
I loved the story but I did not care for the ending, at all. I feel like to me, that ruined the book for me. That's the joy of reading, someone else might love the ending.
I loved the story but I did not care for the ending, at all. I feel like to me, that ruined the book for me. That's the joy of reading, someone else might love the ending.
January 1, 2015
Review coming soon!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews