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American Gypsy #2
The Waiting Game
Twenty-five-year-old Tommy Costello has been going out on the road with his best friend Jim Reilly since they were kids. They've pulled cons together, picked up dates together, and have always had each other's back. They're as close as brothers, and Tommy's sure their bond will never be broken.
That is, until Maggie Downey shows up. She's an enigma: smart, bold, and charming. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. But there's a huge problem. She's arranged to be married to Jim.
Tommy tries to keep his feelings for Maggie in check, but it's not easy, especially when he's also hiding a dark secret for his best friend. Jim is gay, and that reality will not only make him an outcast among the Travelers, but could mean a life of misery for Maggie as well. Tommy does his best to protect both his friendship and his own heart, but it's soon clear that falling in love with his best friend's wife is the least dangerous thing happening in the Village.
The Waiting Game is a prequel to The Long Game, and the second book in J.L. Fynn’s American Gypsy series.
That is, until Maggie Downey shows up. She's an enigma: smart, bold, and charming. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. But there's a huge problem. She's arranged to be married to Jim.
Tommy tries to keep his feelings for Maggie in check, but it's not easy, especially when he's also hiding a dark secret for his best friend. Jim is gay, and that reality will not only make him an outcast among the Travelers, but could mean a life of misery for Maggie as well. Tommy does his best to protect both his friendship and his own heart, but it's soon clear that falling in love with his best friend's wife is the least dangerous thing happening in the Village.
The Waiting Game is a prequel to The Long Game, and the second book in J.L. Fynn’s American Gypsy series.
- GenresRomance
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2014
393 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 10, 2014
This book was not a typical NA lightweight romance based on steamy sex. It was pretty much a flawlessly written unique & interesting story involving Travelers (Irish Gypsies) and their drama, heartache and love. Although 2nd in the series (3rd if you include the novella Short Game), this book is actually a prequel to the original book, The Long Game. I suppose you could read it as a stand alone, but I think reading the first book will give you a deeper picture and better understanding of the Travelers and the story told. I read all three books straight through in a couple of days. Of the three books, I liked this one by far the best. It pulled me in more emotionally. The back story of the main characters, Tommy, Maggie, and Jim was sweet, full of angst, pain, heartache, love, and suspense. We will still need the last installment to find out what happens.
I do agree with a couple of the other reviews that the time lapses were a little distracting. (2 months later) (7 months later). I'm not sure how that could be fixed unless more information was given on what took place during that time. Also when Maggie and Tommy finally got together romantically for the first time, it felt like that part was skipped over somewhat...seems like it needed a little more steam there!
In all I really loved the series and am looking forward to the last book which will hopefully give us a happy ending.
I do agree with a couple of the other reviews that the time lapses were a little distracting. (2 months later) (7 months later). I'm not sure how that could be fixed unless more information was given on what took place during that time. Also when Maggie and Tommy finally got together romantically for the first time, it felt like that part was skipped over somewhat...seems like it needed a little more steam there!
In all I really loved the series and am looking forward to the last book which will hopefully give us a happy ending.
January 27, 2014
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
The Waiting Game is the second in the American Gypsy series (not including a novella in between). I read the first one in preparation for this read. I don't know if you necessarily have to read one before the other, but I believe it ties the story together. The Waiting Game is actually the prequel to The Long Game (book #1).
I actually liked this book more than the first. It was so interesting to see how the characters from book 1 were connected.
I absolutely loved Tommy, Maggie, and oh-so-complex Jim. Their story really tugged at my heart strings and I found myself crying on more than one occasion toward the end of the book. I don't want to give much away because the series really has some great mystery to it, but I will say that the story will catch your attention (I read the book in one sitting).
I gave it four stars instead of five because I really wanted more heat between the characters. I hate it when the steamy parts are looked over---but that's just my personal preference. I am also not a huge fan of major/often time lapses in a book, and this one has a few. I would have liked to have seen more time spent on building the 2 characters' relationship with one another.
In all, great read and I am hoping there is more to come from the Travelers.
Thanks so much for the review opportunity!
The Waiting Game is the second in the American Gypsy series (not including a novella in between). I read the first one in preparation for this read. I don't know if you necessarily have to read one before the other, but I believe it ties the story together. The Waiting Game is actually the prequel to The Long Game (book #1).
I actually liked this book more than the first. It was so interesting to see how the characters from book 1 were connected.
I absolutely loved Tommy, Maggie, and oh-so-complex Jim. Their story really tugged at my heart strings and I found myself crying on more than one occasion toward the end of the book. I don't want to give much away because the series really has some great mystery to it, but I will say that the story will catch your attention (I read the book in one sitting).
I gave it four stars instead of five because I really wanted more heat between the characters. I hate it when the steamy parts are looked over---but that's just my personal preference. I am also not a huge fan of major/often time lapses in a book, and this one has a few. I would have liked to have seen more time spent on building the 2 characters' relationship with one another.
In all, great read and I am hoping there is more to come from the Travelers.
Thanks so much for the review opportunity!
April 22, 2014
Pretty good! Real review to come later
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2014
3.5 Pretty interesting stars
This is the prequel to The Long Game. I think I might of enjoyed reading this first. I have really enjoyed reading this series. The characters and background are so original and really very intriguing. The story sucks you in and gets your curiosity running on overtime.
I really love Maggie. She is a woman who doesn't put up with much. She is so quiet in her strength. I admire her and would like to possess just an ounce of her strength.
I still think the only way that the authors could have written this with so much detail is that they must somehow have a connection to the elusive American Gypsies...maybe they are Maggie's Granddaughters???
This is a pretty good series-- one I would read again.
This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2014
3.5 Pretty interesting stars
This is the prequel to The Long Game. I think I might of enjoyed reading this first. I have really enjoyed reading this series. The characters and background are so original and really very intriguing. The story sucks you in and gets your curiosity running on overtime.
I really love Maggie. She is a woman who doesn't put up with much. She is so quiet in her strength. I admire her and would like to possess just an ounce of her strength.
I still think the only way that the authors could have written this with so much detail is that they must somehow have a connection to the elusive American Gypsies...maybe they are Maggie's Granddaughters???
This is a pretty good series-- one I would read again.
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I have never read a book by J.L. Fynn before, but I was really intrigued by the idea of a book series about gypsies. The Waiting Game is the second full length book in the American Gypsies series, but is a prequel to The Long Game so I didn't have any problems with understanding anything by not having read the previous stories. I have mixed feelings on this book, but I did enjoy parts of this story. I will say that this book is completely original and is unlike anything else I have ever read. I am very interested to read the rest of the series and see how everything plays out.
Tommy is used to being on the road with his best friend Jim for most of the year. They are on the road when Jim's father Pop Reilly calls them home so that Jim can fulfill his duty to the clan and get married. Jim has avoided marriage for as long as he can because he is gay, and his clan would never accept it no matter who his dad is. When they return to the Village, Tommy agrees to go pick up Jim's soon to be wife. Tommy is instantly attracted to Maggie and feels much more than he should for her. Tommy tries to keep his distance from her, but finds it harder and harder to avoid her. After Jim and Maggie get married, Tommy thinks the biggest thing he has to worry about is protecting himself from falling in love with his best friend's wife. But soon, that is the least of his worries as everything starts to fall apart. Will Tommy be able to keep his friendship with Jim who has always been like a brother to him while he is married to the woman Tommy loves? Or will Tommy be left with nothing? And what happens when things within the clan turn dangerous?
I liked Tommy a lot. I felt so badly for him because he really got dealt a really bad hand in life. Not only is he orphaned with only his friend and his friend's family to help fill in the gaps, but then the woman he falls for just so happens to belong to his best friend. Talk about a no win situation. Tommy was so sweet and a great guy despite what the gypsies do for a living. He was a great friend and extremely loyal to those he cared about. But he really struggled with his feelings because of the bad situation he was in. I liked Maggie, but I felt like she was sort of wishy washy. One minute she would do and say one thing, and the next she was acting completely differently. I understand that they were in a difficult situation, but it still didn't quite work for me. I liked that she never gave in to what other people expected of her though, and that she would always go her own way and do what he wanted. You could tell that she was strong despite being shipped off to live with complete strangers and marry someone she had never met. I thought that Tommy and Maggie were really sweet together, but they also had a ton of chemistry. It was clear that they felt very deeply about each other in order to sacrifice so much in spite of their feeling and connection.
I did however think that the jumps in time were a bit disorienting and sort of took me out of the story. It would have been nice to get more of the in between so that things didn't seem so disjointed. I also would have liked to have seen more interaction between the characters. There was very little between Tommy and Maggie or even between Tommy and Jim. Even though the story was always moving forward, it felt like there we missed out on so much and the story ended up feeling a bit flat because of it. I did like that we were told the story in Tommy's POV. I always like it when we get the guy's POV and get to see what his thoughts and feelings are. I think that was part of why I felt a bit more connected to Tommy and liked him better than Maggie. I also thought that J.L. Fynn did a great job of keeping the reader guessing, and I liked that I never knew what was going to happen next. This story was filled with twists and turns and kept me interested until the end. I will admit that I was not a fan of the ending. It was not a bad ending, and there will be another book after this one. But without spoiling anything, the ending was just not what I had expected and therefore left me unsatisfied. I am interested to go back and read the first two stories in this series, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and how everything plays out. This book is really different and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something unique. I will say that that I hope we get a bit more character development and depth with the other stories in this series and hopefully the characters will get the resolution they deserve.
**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**
I have never read a book by J.L. Fynn before, but I was really intrigued by the idea of a book series about gypsies. The Waiting Game is the second full length book in the American Gypsies series, but is a prequel to The Long Game so I didn't have any problems with understanding anything by not having read the previous stories. I have mixed feelings on this book, but I did enjoy parts of this story. I will say that this book is completely original and is unlike anything else I have ever read. I am very interested to read the rest of the series and see how everything plays out.
Tommy is used to being on the road with his best friend Jim for most of the year. They are on the road when Jim's father Pop Reilly calls them home so that Jim can fulfill his duty to the clan and get married. Jim has avoided marriage for as long as he can because he is gay, and his clan would never accept it no matter who his dad is. When they return to the Village, Tommy agrees to go pick up Jim's soon to be wife. Tommy is instantly attracted to Maggie and feels much more than he should for her. Tommy tries to keep his distance from her, but finds it harder and harder to avoid her. After Jim and Maggie get married, Tommy thinks the biggest thing he has to worry about is protecting himself from falling in love with his best friend's wife. But soon, that is the least of his worries as everything starts to fall apart. Will Tommy be able to keep his friendship with Jim who has always been like a brother to him while he is married to the woman Tommy loves? Or will Tommy be left with nothing? And what happens when things within the clan turn dangerous?
I liked Tommy a lot. I felt so badly for him because he really got dealt a really bad hand in life. Not only is he orphaned with only his friend and his friend's family to help fill in the gaps, but then the woman he falls for just so happens to belong to his best friend. Talk about a no win situation. Tommy was so sweet and a great guy despite what the gypsies do for a living. He was a great friend and extremely loyal to those he cared about. But he really struggled with his feelings because of the bad situation he was in. I liked Maggie, but I felt like she was sort of wishy washy. One minute she would do and say one thing, and the next she was acting completely differently. I understand that they were in a difficult situation, but it still didn't quite work for me. I liked that she never gave in to what other people expected of her though, and that she would always go her own way and do what he wanted. You could tell that she was strong despite being shipped off to live with complete strangers and marry someone she had never met. I thought that Tommy and Maggie were really sweet together, but they also had a ton of chemistry. It was clear that they felt very deeply about each other in order to sacrifice so much in spite of their feeling and connection.
I did however think that the jumps in time were a bit disorienting and sort of took me out of the story. It would have been nice to get more of the in between so that things didn't seem so disjointed. I also would have liked to have seen more interaction between the characters. There was very little between Tommy and Maggie or even between Tommy and Jim. Even though the story was always moving forward, it felt like there we missed out on so much and the story ended up feeling a bit flat because of it. I did like that we were told the story in Tommy's POV. I always like it when we get the guy's POV and get to see what his thoughts and feelings are. I think that was part of why I felt a bit more connected to Tommy and liked him better than Maggie. I also thought that J.L. Fynn did a great job of keeping the reader guessing, and I liked that I never knew what was going to happen next. This story was filled with twists and turns and kept me interested until the end. I will admit that I was not a fan of the ending. It was not a bad ending, and there will be another book after this one. But without spoiling anything, the ending was just not what I had expected and therefore left me unsatisfied. I am interested to go back and read the first two stories in this series, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and how everything plays out. This book is really different and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for something unique. I will say that that I hope we get a bit more character development and depth with the other stories in this series and hopefully the characters will get the resolution they deserve.
**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**
June 11, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read The Long Game (American Gypsy #1) and The Short Game (1.5) and then The Waiting Game all in about three days, so I hope I don't get them mixed up in the reviews.
The Waiting Game is a prequel to The Long Game. In the Waiting Game we meet the real Tommy Costello and find out what his relationship was/is to Jimmy and Shay from The Long Game. Tommy is an American Gypsy, or traveller, as they prefer to be called. He lives in a clan in Louisiana, without the help of family or any real friends except for Jimmy, his best friend. He and Jimmy travel together, scamming and conning their way across their assigned states. But Jimmy has a secret that he would give anything to protect, and Tommy is the one keeping it for him. Until the day that Jimmy gets called home and told he is to marry Maggie, the most beautiful girl Tommy has ever seen. A twisted love triangle, (and sometimes a square?) ensues.
I was quite pleased with this book over all. It's very well written and the characters are beautifully developed. It was nice to find out what had happened all those years ago to make Tommy run off from the clan, and why Maggie is so bitter in her middle life. It also left itself open quite nicely for the next book in the series, which I can't wait to read. I love how these books describe the gypsy lifestyle, something I knew basically nothing about, without telling me in great detail all the parts I don't need to know. There's a lot of show me, not a lot of tell me, which I always appreciate in a book.
All in all, it's great book, and I would definitely recommend it.
I read The Long Game (American Gypsy #1) and The Short Game (1.5) and then The Waiting Game all in about three days, so I hope I don't get them mixed up in the reviews.
The Waiting Game is a prequel to The Long Game. In the Waiting Game we meet the real Tommy Costello and find out what his relationship was/is to Jimmy and Shay from The Long Game. Tommy is an American Gypsy, or traveller, as they prefer to be called. He lives in a clan in Louisiana, without the help of family or any real friends except for Jimmy, his best friend. He and Jimmy travel together, scamming and conning their way across their assigned states. But Jimmy has a secret that he would give anything to protect, and Tommy is the one keeping it for him. Until the day that Jimmy gets called home and told he is to marry Maggie, the most beautiful girl Tommy has ever seen. A twisted love triangle, (and sometimes a square?) ensues.
I was quite pleased with this book over all. It's very well written and the characters are beautifully developed. It was nice to find out what had happened all those years ago to make Tommy run off from the clan, and why Maggie is so bitter in her middle life. It also left itself open quite nicely for the next book in the series, which I can't wait to read. I love how these books describe the gypsy lifestyle, something I knew basically nothing about, without telling me in great detail all the parts I don't need to know. There's a lot of show me, not a lot of tell me, which I always appreciate in a book.
All in all, it's great book, and I would definitely recommend it.
June 15, 2014
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read book one, 1.5, and this book over the course of two days because this series is so well written that It was very hard to put it down once I started. Even though I really want to know what happens next after the ending of book one and 1.5, I like that in this book you get the back story about Tommy, Jim, and Maggie that sheds huge light on the main story in this series.
This book takes place years before book one and begins before Jimmy and Shay were born. Tommy and Jim are best friends travel to run cons as part of their clan responsibilities. Tommy is loyal Jim and keeps his secret that if discovered would cause great disgrace in their clan. When Jim's father Pop Reilly leader of their clan calls to tell Jm that he is to be married, Tommy worries for his friend and soon to be bride. When lays eyes on Maggie for the first time, it changes him forever.
After having read book one and knowing somewhat how things end up between Maggie and Tommy made this book even more interesting to read. There were surprises and also aha moments that made book one and 1.5 make a lot more sense. I highly recommend all of the books in this series so far, and if you do read them do it in order because they build on one another even though book two takes place in the past. absolutely can't wait for book three, and I hope it comes out really soon! I am on the edge and so eager to read about what happens when all the characters come together in one place.
I read book one, 1.5, and this book over the course of two days because this series is so well written that It was very hard to put it down once I started. Even though I really want to know what happens next after the ending of book one and 1.5, I like that in this book you get the back story about Tommy, Jim, and Maggie that sheds huge light on the main story in this series.
This book takes place years before book one and begins before Jimmy and Shay were born. Tommy and Jim are best friends travel to run cons as part of their clan responsibilities. Tommy is loyal Jim and keeps his secret that if discovered would cause great disgrace in their clan. When Jim's father Pop Reilly leader of their clan calls to tell Jm that he is to be married, Tommy worries for his friend and soon to be bride. When lays eyes on Maggie for the first time, it changes him forever.
After having read book one and knowing somewhat how things end up between Maggie and Tommy made this book even more interesting to read. There were surprises and also aha moments that made book one and 1.5 make a lot more sense. I highly recommend all of the books in this series so far, and if you do read them do it in order because they build on one another even though book two takes place in the past. absolutely can't wait for book three, and I hope it comes out really soon! I am on the edge and so eager to read about what happens when all the characters come together in one place.
April 30, 2014
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review - I was sent the first 3 books in this series...this being the 3rd. The series is about an Irish Clan living in the south. The different books have built up and connected the main characters and were each told from a different characters viewpoint.
The first book established the story of 2 brothers - Jimmy Boy and Shay - who lived with their mother, Maggie and ran cons together, the second was told from Jimmy Boy's viewpoint and continued where the first left off filling in the blank in the story.
The first book was very difficult for me to get into, it had a good story line but it wasn't until the end of the story that I felt myself getting hooked. I gave that book 3 stars. The 2nd book was much easier to read and follow along with, I gave it 5 stars. Warning - it left off in such a cliffhanger and is not picked back up in the 3rd book.
In the Waiting Game, the author takes us back in time to the story of the brothers' mother - Maggie. This interesting character that we have so many hints about in the first 2 books comes to life in the 3rd. We learn about her arranged marriage to Jim and the secrets he kept as well as her relationship with Tommy, Jim's best friend. This book answers a lot of questions from the first two and pieces a lot of the puzzle together.
I am now officially hooked with this series and look forward to where the next book will go with the story.
The first book established the story of 2 brothers - Jimmy Boy and Shay - who lived with their mother, Maggie and ran cons together, the second was told from Jimmy Boy's viewpoint and continued where the first left off filling in the blank in the story.
The first book was very difficult for me to get into, it had a good story line but it wasn't until the end of the story that I felt myself getting hooked. I gave that book 3 stars. The 2nd book was much easier to read and follow along with, I gave it 5 stars. Warning - it left off in such a cliffhanger and is not picked back up in the 3rd book.
In the Waiting Game, the author takes us back in time to the story of the brothers' mother - Maggie. This interesting character that we have so many hints about in the first 2 books comes to life in the 3rd. We learn about her arranged marriage to Jim and the secrets he kept as well as her relationship with Tommy, Jim's best friend. This book answers a lot of questions from the first two and pieces a lot of the puzzle together.
I am now officially hooked with this series and look forward to where the next book will go with the story.
June 23, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Tommy and Jim are best friends. While out on the road, Jim's father calls him back to the village. A deal has been made and he is getting married to Maggie next week.
Tommy is hiding a big secret for Jim from Maggie and the rest of the village. And he's been hiding something from Jim too. But when Jim finds out, he's ok with it. Will this plan work to keep everyone happy? And when it's time to leave will Maggie go with?
I've enjoyed series so far! I had read the two books in the series prior to this, so I knew part of what was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. I didn't expect Tommy's part in the story and this makes things very interesting for Shay and Spencer in the final book in the series The End Game. Can't wait for that! There was a lot of unexpected in this book. But I should have known better because we always hide the truth from our kids only telling them what they need to know to be happy.
The Sheedy's are shady and I didn't like them from the beginning of the series. I wanted to like Jim, but I couldn't. Maybe if he would've gotten his act together. Tommy and Maggie were my favorites. Of course, that's who the book is about! They both just want to do what's right and keep their noses out of trouble. Hard to do in that village!
Tommy and Jim are best friends. While out on the road, Jim's father calls him back to the village. A deal has been made and he is getting married to Maggie next week.
Tommy is hiding a big secret for Jim from Maggie and the rest of the village. And he's been hiding something from Jim too. But when Jim finds out, he's ok with it. Will this plan work to keep everyone happy? And when it's time to leave will Maggie go with?
I've enjoyed series so far! I had read the two books in the series prior to this, so I knew part of what was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. I didn't expect Tommy's part in the story and this makes things very interesting for Shay and Spencer in the final book in the series The End Game. Can't wait for that! There was a lot of unexpected in this book. But I should have known better because we always hide the truth from our kids only telling them what they need to know to be happy.
The Sheedy's are shady and I didn't like them from the beginning of the series. I wanted to like Jim, but I couldn't. Maybe if he would've gotten his act together. Tommy and Maggie were my favorites. Of course, that's who the book is about! They both just want to do what's right and keep their noses out of trouble. Hard to do in that village!
June 23, 2014
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
I've always wanted to read The Long Game and i thought signing up for an R&R for both The Waiting Game and The Short Game would be an excellent opportunity for that. At first i was confused and didn't know which one to read first even though i knew that The Long Game was out first but i took notice to some readers advice and read the Waiting Game first; Big Mistake!!! For all of you out there i think we should listen to the authors and read their books the way they intended them to be read.
Basically the Waiting Game should be read first if you want to read this series chronologically, then the Short Game (which i haven't finished yet) and then the Long Game. But i'm sure that the author (and I) would disagree with that. So, i read the WG, which i loved by the way, and then i started reading the LG... i was so frustrated with myself and with the things i knew that by that time i was pretty sure that i was not supposed to know.. the level of anxiety and curiosity was pretty low and that's not the way it's supposed to be. i had the answers to all the questions and i didn't enjoy it very much... But i love the series and i can't wait for it to be complete!
So back to reviewing the WG, it was great very informative after reading the LG and i definitely recommend it!
I've always wanted to read The Long Game and i thought signing up for an R&R for both The Waiting Game and The Short Game would be an excellent opportunity for that. At first i was confused and didn't know which one to read first even though i knew that The Long Game was out first but i took notice to some readers advice and read the Waiting Game first; Big Mistake!!! For all of you out there i think we should listen to the authors and read their books the way they intended them to be read.
Basically the Waiting Game should be read first if you want to read this series chronologically, then the Short Game (which i haven't finished yet) and then the Long Game. But i'm sure that the author (and I) would disagree with that. So, i read the WG, which i loved by the way, and then i started reading the LG... i was so frustrated with myself and with the things i knew that by that time i was pretty sure that i was not supposed to know.. the level of anxiety and curiosity was pretty low and that's not the way it's supposed to be. i had the answers to all the questions and i didn't enjoy it very much... But i love the series and i can't wait for it to be complete!
So back to reviewing the WG, it was great very informative after reading the LG and i definitely recommend it!
January 10, 2014
Just when I think J.L. Fynn couldn't possible get me more attached to their exciting and unique characters I am proven wrong - over and over again. The story about Tommy and Maggie is one of the best love stories I think I've ever read. And let me tell you, as a hopeless romantic, I've read quite a few, and The Long Game, The Short Game and The Waiting Game all just improves in quality and I have fallen madly in love with every single part of the installment so far.
And I absolutely bawled my eyes out to this novel and it literally feels like I know both Maggie and Tommy and that we're all close friends, and that they have both confided their feelings to me, and that's why this novel worked its way into my heart and rooted there. And judging on how much I loved this, it's gonna stay there for a very long time, up there with John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" and Charlotte Brontës "Jane Eyre" and many more. I will personally be experiencing withdrawal symptoms until I can get my hands on the next release in the American Gypsies installment.
Young Adult, New Adult and Romance readers beware - J.L. Fynn is here to stay, and their American Gypsies installment will enchant every single one of you.
And I absolutely bawled my eyes out to this novel and it literally feels like I know both Maggie and Tommy and that we're all close friends, and that they have both confided their feelings to me, and that's why this novel worked its way into my heart and rooted there. And judging on how much I loved this, it's gonna stay there for a very long time, up there with John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" and Charlotte Brontës "Jane Eyre" and many more. I will personally be experiencing withdrawal symptoms until I can get my hands on the next release in the American Gypsies installment.
Young Adult, New Adult and Romance readers beware - J.L. Fynn is here to stay, and their American Gypsies installment will enchant every single one of you.
July 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book isn't perfect. Let's start with that, but keep in mind that it was clearly written with love as you read it. And perhaps that's what made me love it.
It delved into characters who had only been passing moments in the previous novel and novella. It was rich with emotion, and it was oh so enjoyable.
It evoked several emotions in me as I was reading, from apprehension in the beginning, as it didn't quite grab me as the previous ones had, to excitement. Characters appeared who had been written about before and I rejoiced in the moments in which they joined this novel. There were moments where I nibbled on my thumb in worry, concerned for the characters though I already knew their end.
While not as fun as the previous two books, it is still good. After all, the tone of this novel could't very well be a very happy one throughout, all things considered but the pacing and tone are wonderfully used to conduct the movements of the character and the threads of the story.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance, who likes happy and unhappy endings and just likes to be taken on a quick ride through someone else's life.
This book isn't perfect. Let's start with that, but keep in mind that it was clearly written with love as you read it. And perhaps that's what made me love it.
It delved into characters who had only been passing moments in the previous novel and novella. It was rich with emotion, and it was oh so enjoyable.
It evoked several emotions in me as I was reading, from apprehension in the beginning, as it didn't quite grab me as the previous ones had, to excitement. Characters appeared who had been written about before and I rejoiced in the moments in which they joined this novel. There were moments where I nibbled on my thumb in worry, concerned for the characters though I already knew their end.
While not as fun as the previous two books, it is still good. After all, the tone of this novel could't very well be a very happy one throughout, all things considered but the pacing and tone are wonderfully used to conduct the movements of the character and the threads of the story.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good romance, who likes happy and unhappy endings and just likes to be taken on a quick ride through someone else's life.
January 24, 2014
Once again, I found it easy to fall in love with the characters because JL Fynn creates such relatable and well-defined characters, despite the fact that they live a completely different lifestyle than your average person. It's hard not to love certain ones, and despise others. I am so glad that we got the real backstory in The Waiting Game...it felt so much better than the horrible story that we got from Pop Sheedy in The Long Game. This book showed the deep and complex relationship between Maggie and Tommy, as well as Jim. Maggie and Tommy's love story is as beautiful as it is sad. I really love the dynamics between the characters and I feel as though we as readers really get to know them. This story made me laugh and cry, and I am so glad that I read it. It was interesting to find out all of the truths that were hidden in the first book, and nothing is more exciting than twists and turns, which this novel has plenty of. I can't wait for the third and final book of the series to find out how JL Fynn pulls it all together. I'm sure it will be as fantastic as the first two (and the novella)!
January 21, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. Let me start by saying that the premise and the plot are unique, and that's great. I've never read a book about Travelers (Gypsies) and I thought the idea of the book was great. I enjoyed Maggie and Tommy. I thought they were both sweet. I liked the fact that Maggie didn't ever completely conform to the gypsy way. I even liked Jim, even though he was a horrible husband. But he had his reasons and while I don't agree, I totally understand.
That being said, the story fell flat for me. I didn't like how it skipped over such long periods of time. I would have liked to see more of the interaction of Jim and Tommy while they were on the road and the interaction of the three of them while back at the Village. We never really got to see Tommy and Maggie together……just a snippet here and there.
The twists and turns the story took were unexpected, and I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. All in all, a good love story, I just wish there was more character development.
That being said, the story fell flat for me. I didn't like how it skipped over such long periods of time. I would have liked to see more of the interaction of Jim and Tommy while they were on the road and the interaction of the three of them while back at the Village. We never really got to see Tommy and Maggie together……just a snippet here and there.
The twists and turns the story took were unexpected, and I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. All in all, a good love story, I just wish there was more character development.
May 26, 2014
Won novel courtesy of Goodreads.com giveaway
I devoured this book in a matter of hours! I just couldn't put it down. It was captivating for a number of reasons. First, I had never heard of the Travelers or their lifestyle and I was/am intrigued. They are Gypsies who live together in Villages and are sent off on con jobs during warm weather. Now, I'm not sure if this is a researched group of people or a made-up group of people. The characters and their interactions within the group make me believe the story was written from research on this lifestyle.
I also loved the storyline. The characters experienced the same angst and emotions that we've come to expect from well-written love stories, but this storyline veered off in directions I've not encountered before. From con jobs out in the world to con jobs on their own families, "The Waiting Game" has me hooked! This is a series that I'll be looking forward to continuing.
I devoured this book in a matter of hours! I just couldn't put it down. It was captivating for a number of reasons. First, I had never heard of the Travelers or their lifestyle and I was/am intrigued. They are Gypsies who live together in Villages and are sent off on con jobs during warm weather. Now, I'm not sure if this is a researched group of people or a made-up group of people. The characters and their interactions within the group make me believe the story was written from research on this lifestyle.
I also loved the storyline. The characters experienced the same angst and emotions that we've come to expect from well-written love stories, but this storyline veered off in directions I've not encountered before. From con jobs out in the world to con jobs on their own families, "The Waiting Game" has me hooked! This is a series that I'll be looking forward to continuing.
June 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Warning: Contains Spoilers. I read the short game before reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the first scenes in this book is where we find out that there are two friends that look out for each other and one of them, Jim, hasn't come out of the closet. Then we find out that Jim is set to be married to a woman named Maggie. I knew Maggie would end up with two kids based on the previous book I read, and I assumed it wouldn't be with Jim, so that led me to one conclusion...
......
......
......
.....it would be with the friend. Knowing this so early on kind of ruined the book for me. If I had a do-over, I would have read this book first and the then short game. Overall, it was difficult for me to get interested in the story and connect with the characters. I give it 3 stars, but I'm still looking forward to reading more about the son, jimmy boy, and Tracey.
Warning: Contains Spoilers. I read the short game before reading this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the first scenes in this book is where we find out that there are two friends that look out for each other and one of them, Jim, hasn't come out of the closet. Then we find out that Jim is set to be married to a woman named Maggie. I knew Maggie would end up with two kids based on the previous book I read, and I assumed it wouldn't be with Jim, so that led me to one conclusion...
......
......
......
.....it would be with the friend. Knowing this so early on kind of ruined the book for me. If I had a do-over, I would have read this book first and the then short game. Overall, it was difficult for me to get interested in the story and connect with the characters. I give it 3 stars, but I'm still looking forward to reading more about the son, jimmy boy, and Tracey.
August 12, 2016
This is, by far, my favorite of this series so far. It is actually a prequel to Shay and Jimmy Boys stories. This is about their Mam, Maggie, their father, Jimmy, and Tommy, who you find out a huge bomb about him in book 1. It is a bit of a love triangle story, but not in the way of most. I'd say more but I think that might give too much away.
This book made me cry. Alot! But the book is amazing. All the emotional roller coasters these three faced definitely hooked my attention through out the whole book. It did not lag once. And Jimmy will be the worst at the whole crying parts. Just a warnin
The only thing I didn't like was the jumps in the timeline. I kept forgetting time changed and I would get a little confused. I just don't think it transitioned well. But I do understand that the that's really the only way to tell this story and have it fit into the series so far.
Oh, and another NOT ending. Good thing I loved the book!
This book made me cry. Alot! But the book is amazing. All the emotional roller coasters these three faced definitely hooked my attention through out the whole book. It did not lag once. And Jimmy will be the worst at the whole crying parts. Just a warnin
The only thing I didn't like was the jumps in the timeline. I kept forgetting time changed and I would get a little confused. I just don't think it transitioned well. But I do understand that the that's really the only way to tell this story and have it fit into the series so far.
Oh, and another NOT ending. Good thing I loved the book!
February 2, 2014
The Waiting Game by J.L. Fynn is the second full length book in their American Gypsy series.
Alright ladies - get the tissues out for this one - it has some seriously intense tear-jerking moments. You have been warned. The sex scenes are more of a "behind closed doors" approach than a "full on descriptive" but the chemistry is still there.
A story so different from anything I've ever read before. The whole Gypsy angle in a modern setting is unique. Lifelong best friends, secret sexual orientation, loving the person that is arranged to be married to your best friend. It's a deep story so prepare yourself.
Alright ladies - get the tissues out for this one - it has some seriously intense tear-jerking moments. You have been warned. The sex scenes are more of a "behind closed doors" approach than a "full on descriptive" but the chemistry is still there.
A story so different from anything I've ever read before. The whole Gypsy angle in a modern setting is unique. Lifelong best friends, secret sexual orientation, loving the person that is arranged to be married to your best friend. It's a deep story so prepare yourself.
April 19, 2014
I just love J.L.Finn writing style and her books.This one was such great read and I love it!I read her first two from "American Gypsy"series and this one was so far the best one.I'm so glad that I found out how Tommy and Maggie story begin and also to know Jim better.This book was huge help to understand whole series much better and can't wait for last book to finally found out what will be happened with Tommy and Maggie relationship,their kids,how will be ending relationship with Shay and Spencer, and also with Jimmy Boy and Tracy.I'm also very inpatient to fond out what will be happening with Pop Sheedy and the rest of the Travelers.I'm hoping for happy ending,at least for main characters.
I'm highly recommend this series.Very good read!
°I was given this book from author for honest review!
I'm highly recommend this series.Very good read!
°I was given this book from author for honest review!
April 22, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. So here it goes:
My actual rating of this book is 2.5. I was seriously debating whether the book was ok(2 stars) or if I liked it(3 stars). And I finally decided that it falls in between. Hence, the 2.5 stars. The Waiting Game is the story of two good friends Jim and Tommy who are 'Travellers' which basically means they belong to a community of people who make their living by conning people. This sounded like an interesting premise to me which is why I signed up for the review in the first place. Unfortunately, I did not get much enjoyment out of reading the only two con acts in the book. Neither could I feel the passion between Tommy and Jim's wife Maggie. Their forbidden love was all this story was supposed to revolve around. So there, strictly speaking, it was an okay read.
My actual rating of this book is 2.5. I was seriously debating whether the book was ok(2 stars) or if I liked it(3 stars). And I finally decided that it falls in between. Hence, the 2.5 stars. The Waiting Game is the story of two good friends Jim and Tommy who are 'Travellers' which basically means they belong to a community of people who make their living by conning people. This sounded like an interesting premise to me which is why I signed up for the review in the first place. Unfortunately, I did not get much enjoyment out of reading the only two con acts in the book. Neither could I feel the passion between Tommy and Jim's wife Maggie. Their forbidden love was all this story was supposed to revolve around. So there, strictly speaking, it was an okay read.
September 9, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The blurb about the book sounded really interesting and something I hadn't read before. I had a hard time following this book in the beginning. I felt the story jumped in time quite a bit at the beginning and I couldn't keep up. With that being said, once I got about 30% into the book that changed and I found the book a little more interesting.
I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the characters on the road and in the Village. We never really got to see Tommy and Maggie together and I would have liked to have gotten a glimpse into their life.
The twists and turns the story took were not something I expected and I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. Overall, it was a good love story, but I'm not sure if it's one I would read again.
The blurb about the book sounded really interesting and something I hadn't read before. I had a hard time following this book in the beginning. I felt the story jumped in time quite a bit at the beginning and I couldn't keep up. With that being said, once I got about 30% into the book that changed and I found the book a little more interesting.
I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the characters on the road and in the Village. We never really got to see Tommy and Maggie together and I would have liked to have gotten a glimpse into their life.
The twists and turns the story took were not something I expected and I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending. Overall, it was a good love story, but I'm not sure if it's one I would read again.
April 27, 2016
Original review at Gabic Reads. ARC received from author for honest review.
There were so many time skips. 3 weeks later. 5 months later. 2 years later. I couldn't keep up. Also, what kind of person allows his wife to cheat on him? And then decide to have a child with her after her lover leaves? The whole situation was weird. That plus the time jumps, and I disliked the book. And the ending was weird. When I finally thought Maggie and Tommy would have a happy ending, Maggie sends Tommy off so she can keep the Village at bay from chasing him down. It was pretty much the strangest book I've ever read.
There were so many time skips. 3 weeks later. 5 months later. 2 years later. I couldn't keep up. Also, what kind of person allows his wife to cheat on him? And then decide to have a child with her after her lover leaves? The whole situation was weird. That plus the time jumps, and I disliked the book. And the ending was weird. When I finally thought Maggie and Tommy would have a happy ending, Maggie sends Tommy off so she can keep the Village at bay from chasing him down. It was pretty much the strangest book I've ever read.
June 8, 2014
I recieved this book free in exchange for an honest review.
After reading this book I went back over 1.5 and it all made a lot more sense to me. I was kinda on the edge of my seat there at the end wondering what was going to happen and where this is all heading. The more I read about all these characters the closer I feel to them but at the same time I'm still not that fond of the story. I know that really makes no sense but hey, it is what it is. I want to read the final book just because I hate leaving a story unfinished. I really do want to know what is going to happen to this family and hoping they will all get their happy ever after. In the future though I'm not so sure I will read anymore gypsy love stories. I just couldn't relate to the story or the characters very well.
After reading this book I went back over 1.5 and it all made a lot more sense to me. I was kinda on the edge of my seat there at the end wondering what was going to happen and where this is all heading. The more I read about all these characters the closer I feel to them but at the same time I'm still not that fond of the story. I know that really makes no sense but hey, it is what it is. I want to read the final book just because I hate leaving a story unfinished. I really do want to know what is going to happen to this family and hoping they will all get their happy ever after. In the future though I'm not so sure I will read anymore gypsy love stories. I just couldn't relate to the story or the characters very well.
February 19, 2014
I liked the story of Maggie and tommy and it answered a lot of questions I had running through my mind from the first two books also I'm glad we got to meet the boys dad in this, I love Maggie I really do, I only one problem with this book and it was that it didn't go into enough detail about the first time tommy and Maggie met, I believe in love at first sight but it just seems like I didn't know enough about there first meeting and what went on for tommy to go completely head over heals for this girl he's met once. It might just be me but I like to see it and feel it when they fall in love with each other, but that could just be preference on my part. 3.5 stars x
June 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
This is a prequel to "The Long Game," which I read right before reading this. While I really enjoyed this book and believe it could stand alone, I found myself wishing I hadn't read The Long Game, yet. Knowing how the story was going to end made it a little less enjoyable for me. I also found myself hoping that Shay and Spencer weren't brother and sister the ENTIRE time I was reading this. The relationships in this story were very real and it was easy to feel for the characters. All-in-all, I loved the story of Jim, Tommy, and Maggie and I was glad I read it, but I wish this was book #1.
This is a prequel to "The Long Game," which I read right before reading this. While I really enjoyed this book and believe it could stand alone, I found myself wishing I hadn't read The Long Game, yet. Knowing how the story was going to end made it a little less enjoyable for me. I also found myself hoping that Shay and Spencer weren't brother and sister the ENTIRE time I was reading this. The relationships in this story were very real and it was easy to feel for the characters. All-in-all, I loved the story of Jim, Tommy, and Maggie and I was glad I read it, but I wish this was book #1.
January 20, 2014
J.L. Fynn has once again woven a spell over me to make me turn the page as quickly as I possibly can, sacrificing sleep, food and even a missed phone call (they can leave a message) to finish reading their tale in a single sitting. Having a general idea of where Tommy and Maggie's story would go did nothing to stop their love story from pulling me in and tugging at my heartstrings. The only negative to The Waiting Game is that it left me (im)patiently waiting for The End Game....that comes out next week, right?
August 19, 2016
I received all 3 books in exchange for an honest review. I had a hard time getting into The Long Game because these books are unlike anything I've ever read. So I took a day off, picked it up again and started all over. So glad I did!! This series weaves a beautiful story of love...love of mother and child, husband and wife, brothers and friends. It's easy to see passed the lying and stealing into the soul of the characters....which sounds weird but there it is! I would absolutely recommend this series to my friends!
August 9, 2016
The best book so far. I loved how this book gave us the history that we were wondering about for the first 2. It really connected all the dots between all the characters so far. There were so many AHA! Moments for me. All the of the stories told all flow together so well, I can't waist for them to all come back together to see what will happen!!! It wasn't until I read this book, that I realized how well written these books are. So many little details that fit perfectly together. Like I said can't wait for the next one
March 24, 2014
R2R provided by author for a honest review.
I liked that there was another characters story but the way the two characters "fell in love" bored me.. there was no passion. It was a strange mix of events but it did answer some questions I had in book 1. Book 1 is still my favorite overall..this ones just leaves me missing something.
The "games" in each book are very interesting I wouldn't of titled this book the waiting game. maybe the lying game?
I thank the author for allowing me this read.
I liked that there was another characters story but the way the two characters "fell in love" bored me.. there was no passion. It was a strange mix of events but it did answer some questions I had in book 1. Book 1 is still my favorite overall..this ones just leaves me missing something.
The "games" in each book are very interesting I wouldn't of titled this book the waiting game. maybe the lying game?
I thank the author for allowing me this read.
June 22, 2014
l was given this book to write an honest review.
These writers just keep getting better and better.
The waiting game is the prequel to the long game and puts alot of the pieces together.
Poor Maggie l feel for her and l really want her to have a happy ending! The characters were well written and I just love Tommy! He deserves so much more than he gets in this book.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down.
This story Will have you crying, laughing, shouting etc It was just Brilliant!
These writers just keep getting better and better.
The waiting game is the prequel to the long game and puts alot of the pieces together.
Poor Maggie l feel for her and l really want her to have a happy ending! The characters were well written and I just love Tommy! He deserves so much more than he gets in this book.
I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down.
This story Will have you crying, laughing, shouting etc It was just Brilliant!
June 14, 2014
Now we're talking!
This third book was fantastic! Told several years before the first two books, about Tommy, Jim (their father) and Maggie (Mother). And wow! It makes everything so much clearer.
This story was told through Tommy boys side of view. How Jim come to be with Maggie and all the inbewteens. This tied all three books together and made me crave for more. I can't wait to read the next one. I have got to know what happens to this crazy family.
I wish I could tell you more, but I feel like I would give something away. Just read it!
This third book was fantastic! Told several years before the first two books, about Tommy, Jim (their father) and Maggie (Mother). And wow! It makes everything so much clearer.
This story was told through Tommy boys side of view. How Jim come to be with Maggie and all the inbewteens. This tied all three books together and made me crave for more. I can't wait to read the next one. I have got to know what happens to this crazy family.
I wish I could tell you more, but I feel like I would give something away. Just read it!
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