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Stranded with Her Ex
An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores.
Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart...the passion between them more intense than ever.
But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most? Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Jill Sorenson
43 books461 followersJill Sorenson is the RITA-nominated author of more than a dozen novels, including the Aftershock series with HQN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 17, 2019
This was one selfish, unlikable H till the author flipped the story and the past to give us a ‘both equally at fault’ message. Okay well! I will believe the unbelievable, Ms. Sorenson because it’s your story to tell.
But still let me tell it as it unfolded..
**Spoilers all**
But still let me tell it as it unfolded..
**Spoilers all**
June 6, 2018
Despite the fairly awful title (I get that fairly awful titles are par for the course with Harlequin, but still) I very much enjoyed Stranded with Her Ex, an engrossing and emotional second-chance romantic suspense story.
I love a second-chance romance when done well. BUT. I’m more than a little picky in my judgment of what constitutes “well”. One reason? Well, I frankly struggle to believe in a couple's HEA when, following a break-up, one half immediately dashes out to paint the town red with his penis. I don't understand how it is so easy to move on (and I'm not talking years here, people, but weeks and months). So I appreciated that it wasn't easy for Daniela or Sean to move on.
The couple, who both work in the wildlife biology field, had a happy and passionate marriage. It fell apart when Daniela was in a car accident during her eighth month of pregnancy and miscarried. As she succumbed to depression and anxiety, Sean felt tortured by his inability to save his child. And as he struggled to share his feelings, Daniela struggled to share at all. Both thought that the other would be better off without them. Both were wrong.
Reading each "side of the story" made for one fascinating case study of a marriage. Marriage is hard work even when you don't endure a tragedy. Ongoing and open communication is vital. Speaking of communication! Another reason that I shy away from second-chance romances? The eventual communication often leaves something to be desired. Here, random chance thrust them together on a desolate island for their research. Reconciliation was not the initial goal. But when they got there, they were beautifully raw and honest.
The suspense element, which implicates other members of the research team and spans animal abuse (nothing graphic occurs on-page) to sabotaged boats to secret pasts, was decently done. While some aspects were predictable and the climax was rushed, I frequently found myself second-guessing potential suspects. And I may or may not have had an "EEK!" moment or two.
An entertaining story that I absolutely zoomed through, I would recommend Stranded with Her Ex.
Read for SBTB Best Picture Quarterly Challenge: A romance set in California.
I love a second-chance romance when done well. BUT. I’m more than a little picky in my judgment of what constitutes “well”. One reason? Well, I frankly struggle to believe in a couple's HEA when, following a break-up, one half immediately dashes out to paint the town red with his penis. I don't understand how it is so easy to move on (and I'm not talking years here, people, but weeks and months). So I appreciated that it wasn't easy for Daniela or Sean to move on.
The couple, who both work in the wildlife biology field, had a happy and passionate marriage. It fell apart when Daniela was in a car accident during her eighth month of pregnancy and miscarried. As she succumbed to depression and anxiety, Sean felt tortured by his inability to save his child. And as he struggled to share his feelings, Daniela struggled to share at all. Both thought that the other would be better off without them. Both were wrong.
Reading each "side of the story" made for one fascinating case study of a marriage. Marriage is hard work even when you don't endure a tragedy. Ongoing and open communication is vital. Speaking of communication! Another reason that I shy away from second-chance romances? The eventual communication often leaves something to be desired. Here, random chance thrust them together on a desolate island for their research. Reconciliation was not the initial goal. But when they got there, they were beautifully raw and honest.
The suspense element, which implicates other members of the research team and spans animal abuse (nothing graphic occurs on-page) to sabotaged boats to secret pasts, was decently done. While some aspects were predictable and the climax was rushed, I frequently found myself second-guessing potential suspects. And I may or may not have had an "EEK!" moment or two.
An entertaining story that I absolutely zoomed through, I would recommend Stranded with Her Ex.
Read for SBTB Best Picture Quarterly Challenge: A romance set in California.
June 15, 2011
This book was highly enjoyable. I enjoy a well done second-chance romance, and the unusual setting added to my enjoyment. How often does one see a shark island and danger?
Sean and Danielle were married and loved each other immensely when Danielle who was 8 months pregnant got into an accident and lost the baby and drowned herself in grief even to the extent of shutting Sean down. Unable to reach her, they divorced each letting each other go for different reasons.
Danielle is slowing starting to re-build her life and even gets a job where she runs into Sean, though she is shocked, she knows she needs the job to prove herself that she is strong.
I loved the book. Seeing Danielle jealousy, her efforts to overcome her fears. She acknowledges her faults. Sean too was a great hero, I just had a minor quibble with him when he tried to make her jealous but I understood it, his heart was broken.
Seeing these two accept the past was great. The author I felt showed the reconciliation really well and I especially enjoyed the epilogue as it was very realistic.
And yes it has a celibate couple.
Rating 4.5 stars
Sean and Danielle were married and loved each other immensely when Danielle who was 8 months pregnant got into an accident and lost the baby and drowned herself in grief even to the extent of shutting Sean down. Unable to reach her, they divorced each letting each other go for different reasons.
Danielle is slowing starting to re-build her life and even gets a job where she runs into Sean, though she is shocked, she knows she needs the job to prove herself that she is strong.
I loved the book. Seeing Danielle jealousy, her efforts to overcome her fears. She acknowledges her faults. Sean too was a great hero, I just had a minor quibble with him when he tried to make her jealous but I understood it, his heart was broken.
Seeing these two accept the past was great. The author I felt showed the reconciliation really well and I especially enjoyed the epilogue as it was very realistic.
And yes it has a celibate couple.
Rating 4.5 stars
fck-no
March 17, 2019What the hell?
I call such guys loser,cheater, as*hole, coward and rotten eggs.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
From the above review, one thing is clear that this MESS.
Huge f*cking mess.
I call such guys loser,cheater, as*hole, coward and rotten eggs.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
From the above review, one thing is clear that this MESS.
Huge f*cking mess.
January 18, 2021
Actually 3.5 stars
The last thing marine biologist Daniela Flores expected to find on the small research outpost in the Farallon Islands was her shark expert ex-husband. However, when one of their teammates is attacked, Daniela and Sean are stranded on the island with no phones, no boat, and no one to rely on but each other.
Sorenson does a nice job with world building with this book. I feel like I can really picture the island and the research buildings. However, the motivation behind the villain's attack is flimsy, and the timing of her attack is strange. Why would she wait so long to attack? Still, for a series romance it's good, and a nice diversion for a couple of hours.
The last thing marine biologist Daniela Flores expected to find on the small research outpost in the Farallon Islands was her shark expert ex-husband. However, when one of their teammates is attacked, Daniela and Sean are stranded on the island with no phones, no boat, and no one to rely on but each other.
Sorenson does a nice job with world building with this book. I feel like I can really picture the island and the research buildings. However, the motivation behind the villain's attack is flimsy, and the timing of her attack is strange. Why would she wait so long to attack? Still, for a series romance it's good, and a nice diversion for a couple of hours.
May 21, 2011
The pain and sorrow of losing their daughter in a car accident while 8 months pregnant broke the marriage of Sean Carmichael and Daniela Flores. Suffering from the trauma, Daniela closed herself from everyone including her husband. Despite counseling, they both gave up and called it quits on their marriage.
Now over a year later, they meet again on a research island, where he is studying the sharks and she the sea lions. Knowing how rough and horrifying things can get on the island, Sean tries to get Daniela to leave. Wanting to protect her from anything that might trigger the panic attacks she use to have. But she won't go. For this is her opportunity to turn her life around.
Despite the other males and females around, Sean and Dani gravitate toward the other. It is truly heartbreaking to read as these two people who clearly loved each other try to forgive each other and help the each other move on the way they were not able to when the accident first happened.
When a verbal fights breaks out between Elizabeth and cameraman Brent, Taryn and Daniela go after her. On way back, Daniela slips and plunges into the freezing, shark infested water. Fearing for her life and fighting the feeling that haunts him of not being with her when the wreck happened, Sean pulls her from the water.
From there, they begin talking about their feelings and moving toward reconciliation.
Just as a bad storms is close to erupting, Elizabeth goes crazy and after attacking their cameraman, who must be taken by water for help, leaves Sean and Dani alone together on the island with a crazy woman.
When Elizabeth attacks, they fight for their life and avoid getting eaten by the sharks.
Once home, they both visit their daughters grave. Finally at peace, Sean doesn't wait too long before getting Daniela to agree to be his wife again. And possible have the family they were robbed of.
Now over a year later, they meet again on a research island, where he is studying the sharks and she the sea lions. Knowing how rough and horrifying things can get on the island, Sean tries to get Daniela to leave. Wanting to protect her from anything that might trigger the panic attacks she use to have. But she won't go. For this is her opportunity to turn her life around.
Despite the other males and females around, Sean and Dani gravitate toward the other. It is truly heartbreaking to read as these two people who clearly loved each other try to forgive each other and help the each other move on the way they were not able to when the accident first happened.
When a verbal fights breaks out between Elizabeth and cameraman Brent, Taryn and Daniela go after her. On way back, Daniela slips and plunges into the freezing, shark infested water. Fearing for her life and fighting the feeling that haunts him of not being with her when the wreck happened, Sean pulls her from the water.
From there, they begin talking about their feelings and moving toward reconciliation.
Just as a bad storms is close to erupting, Elizabeth goes crazy and after attacking their cameraman, who must be taken by water for help, leaves Sean and Dani alone together on the island with a crazy woman.
When Elizabeth attacks, they fight for their life and avoid getting eaten by the sharks.
Once home, they both visit their daughters grave. Finally at peace, Sean doesn't wait too long before getting Daniela to agree to be his wife again. And possible have the family they were robbed of.
March 20, 2018
This was a really short book, so it was over before I had time to make up my mind about it. I think my overall impression is 2.5 stars, rounded up to three.
The story is about a marine biologist, Daniela, who goes to a remote island off the coast of California to study sea lions. She is dismayed to find her ex-husband, Sean--a shark expert--already in residence. The two drifted apart and eventually got divorced after she suffered a tragic automobile accident, in which she almost died and lost her unborn child. They still have very strong feelings for each other, which are soon kindled even more as it becomes clear that there is either a psycho in their midst or an intruder on the island, putting them in various dangerous situations.
What I liked: the setting! The remote island setting with sea birds, sea lions and sharks just off-shore was very well done, to the point I could actually imagine myself being there. There were also a couple of great wildlife scenes, such as one in which Daniela rescues an injured young seal.
What was okay: the characters. I didn't dislike them. That's a plus.
What was less good: the "suspense" part of this romantic suspense was really predictable and the ending was way too rushed. I think I would have liked this better if it was just a tale about wildlife biologists getting their groove on.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers 2018 Challenge: Second Chance Romance category.
The story is about a marine biologist, Daniela, who goes to a remote island off the coast of California to study sea lions. She is dismayed to find her ex-husband, Sean--a shark expert--already in residence. The two drifted apart and eventually got divorced after she suffered a tragic automobile accident, in which she almost died and lost her unborn child. They still have very strong feelings for each other, which are soon kindled even more as it becomes clear that there is either a psycho in their midst or an intruder on the island, putting them in various dangerous situations.
What I liked: the setting! The remote island setting with sea birds, sea lions and sharks just off-shore was very well done, to the point I could actually imagine myself being there. There were also a couple of great wildlife scenes, such as one in which Daniela rescues an injured young seal.
What was okay: the characters. I didn't dislike them. That's a plus.
What was less good: the "suspense" part of this romantic suspense was really predictable and the ending was way too rushed. I think I would have liked this better if it was just a tale about wildlife biologists getting their groove on.
Read for Unapologetic Romance Readers 2018 Challenge: Second Chance Romance category.
November 15, 2013
I picked this up after a discussion on Twitter about reunions where the couple are faithful even though separated for some time. I can never resist that trope. Especially in this case where the couple obviously still have strong feelings for each other but a tragedy in the past has torn them apart.
I don't read a lot of suspense because really I'm about the romance. The romance between Sean and Dani was lovely. Seeing Sean in a clinch with Taryn the first time she sees him in a year told us exactly how Dani felt. Sean is a lovely but inarticulate guy who has to learn how to express himself so his ex can understand how he suffered after their loss. Seeing Dani so curled up with grieve was incredibly hard for him. The different way men and women handle grief and loss was nicely demonstrated.
The suspense was nicely graded so it pushed the romance along rather than detracted. I didn't quite understand a couple of things but as I said it was all about the romance for me so apart from a vague distraction it didn't bother me.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down.
I don't read a lot of suspense because really I'm about the romance. The romance between Sean and Dani was lovely. Seeing Sean in a clinch with Taryn the first time she sees him in a year told us exactly how Dani felt. Sean is a lovely but inarticulate guy who has to learn how to express himself so his ex can understand how he suffered after their loss. Seeing Dani so curled up with grieve was incredibly hard for him. The different way men and women handle grief and loss was nicely demonstrated.
The suspense was nicely graded so it pushed the romance along rather than detracted. I didn't quite understand a couple of things but as I said it was all about the romance for me so apart from a vague distraction it didn't bother me.
Overall I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down.
August 4, 2013
Grade: A-
The resolution was just a tad too rushed. Otherwise, I LOVED this book! It has man-eating sharks, a hot Filipino dude cooking lumpia, a rekindled romance, a deranged lunatic on an island, lots of suspense and hot chemistry going on.
LOVED! I couldn't put it down.
The resolution was just a tad too rushed. Otherwise, I LOVED this book! It has man-eating sharks, a hot Filipino dude cooking lumpia, a rekindled romance, a deranged lunatic on an island, lots of suspense and hot chemistry going on.
LOVED! I couldn't put it down.
March 18, 2023
This is very entertaining. The protagonists split up for a good reason but nothing has been done that couldn’t be undone. There is some OW drama, and some jealousy on both parts. However, it’s always clear that he is obsessed with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2011
Trouble in paradise??
How would you feel to be stuck alone on an island with your ex ?? Not all endings end well, but not all love is always lost.
Daniela Flores is a conservation biologist, her dream job has come true, one year of waiting and she is assigned to her ideal position of a lifetime - to work on an exotic wildlife preserve in Farallon Islands. Upon arriving at Farallon she was ready to move with life, beat her anxieties and enjoy her new job.
Until she finds her Ex husband -Sean Carmichael is running the research team. Sean has come to Farallon Islands to research Killer sharks, and now they have both gotten more then they have bargained for. A rift is still in place, a heart wrenching divorce, Daniela heartbroken, ready to move on and Sean determined not to let her into his heart or deter him. An uncomfortable situation for both.
Are they able to move on and just do their jobs assigned? Can Daniela ever forgive Sean for him betraying her when she needed him most?
The passion between them is more intense than ever, Sean and Daniela can’t deny the electricity still flowing between them, but either wanting to admit it. Sean's feelings have resurfaced and can’t help that he still lusts, and yearns for his love of his life. Daniela, also heats up at the site of Sean, his ruggered appearance, has not dulled the intensity she felt for him in and out of the bedroom.
A turn of events take place, the boat is sabotaged, the communication lines are cut, and Daniela plunges into the ocean after a railing is loosened. There is someone on the island, causing havoc and destruction in their wake, for what reason it is unknown. It seems that this isolate island is no longer safe, a killer is on the loose, has attacked one of the researchers and Sean and Daniela have no choice but to be stranded and alone on the island with a killer.
Wow!!!! This book arrived in my mail box, I settled down to a cuppa and just read. From the moment I started I was drawn into this suspenseful, romantic thriller. An intriguing page turner from beginning to end. The right amount of romance and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, reading just to find out who the killer is, why, and if love does find its way. Even the smexy , luscious scenes had me friskily reading ;) Sighing - to myself...
The storyline was fluent, flowed smoothly from each chapter till the next. Providing us with that suspense and mystery and tantalizing us with the romance between Daniela and Sean. The romance was electrifying, sensual and breathe taking. I really enjoyed the way that Jill defined their emotions, at times I had to wipe a tear from my eye, it was that heartwarming and heartfelt... She had me pulling at my heart strings like a marionette. ** I know I am an emotional reader ** lol.. The ending definelty unpredictable, this alone left me captivated.
The love was undeniably mesmirizing !
But the suspense - will have you gasping in dismay. !!!!!!
The main characters fit well together like icing on the cake, very much alike yet very much their own personalities. Sean, hot, good looking, athlete type material with a soft heart, yet hard demnear at times. Straight forward and admirable. But when he realized that someone on the island was endangering Daniela's life, he swore to protect her till his last breath, even in the eyes of Shirley ...
Daniela was more a tortured soul, having experienced a lot in the past year, loosing someone she loved, almost dying and surveying- she surfaced from her zone and tried to move on the best she knew how. Very introverted at first, but Sean brought out that part of her that she had hidden for two years. Making her someone new and ready to live again.
The secondary characters, I really liked, all very different characters, but blended in with the story line and I rather enjoyed Jason's flirtatious comments and humor.
Overall, captivating read, filled with luscious, and sensual love, a love you would die for, and a dream worth fighting for, and a killer you would kill to protect the one you love.
How would you feel to be stuck alone on an island with your ex ?? Not all endings end well, but not all love is always lost.
Daniela Flores is a conservation biologist, her dream job has come true, one year of waiting and she is assigned to her ideal position of a lifetime - to work on an exotic wildlife preserve in Farallon Islands. Upon arriving at Farallon she was ready to move with life, beat her anxieties and enjoy her new job.
Until she finds her Ex husband -Sean Carmichael is running the research team. Sean has come to Farallon Islands to research Killer sharks, and now they have both gotten more then they have bargained for. A rift is still in place, a heart wrenching divorce, Daniela heartbroken, ready to move on and Sean determined not to let her into his heart or deter him. An uncomfortable situation for both.
Are they able to move on and just do their jobs assigned? Can Daniela ever forgive Sean for him betraying her when she needed him most?
The passion between them is more intense than ever, Sean and Daniela can’t deny the electricity still flowing between them, but either wanting to admit it. Sean's feelings have resurfaced and can’t help that he still lusts, and yearns for his love of his life. Daniela, also heats up at the site of Sean, his ruggered appearance, has not dulled the intensity she felt for him in and out of the bedroom.
A turn of events take place, the boat is sabotaged, the communication lines are cut, and Daniela plunges into the ocean after a railing is loosened. There is someone on the island, causing havoc and destruction in their wake, for what reason it is unknown. It seems that this isolate island is no longer safe, a killer is on the loose, has attacked one of the researchers and Sean and Daniela have no choice but to be stranded and alone on the island with a killer.
Wow!!!! This book arrived in my mail box, I settled down to a cuppa and just read. From the moment I started I was drawn into this suspenseful, romantic thriller. An intriguing page turner from beginning to end. The right amount of romance and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, reading just to find out who the killer is, why, and if love does find its way. Even the smexy , luscious scenes had me friskily reading ;) Sighing - to myself...
The storyline was fluent, flowed smoothly from each chapter till the next. Providing us with that suspense and mystery and tantalizing us with the romance between Daniela and Sean. The romance was electrifying, sensual and breathe taking. I really enjoyed the way that Jill defined their emotions, at times I had to wipe a tear from my eye, it was that heartwarming and heartfelt... She had me pulling at my heart strings like a marionette. ** I know I am an emotional reader ** lol.. The ending definelty unpredictable, this alone left me captivated.
The love was undeniably mesmirizing !
But the suspense - will have you gasping in dismay. !!!!!!
The main characters fit well together like icing on the cake, very much alike yet very much their own personalities. Sean, hot, good looking, athlete type material with a soft heart, yet hard demnear at times. Straight forward and admirable. But when he realized that someone on the island was endangering Daniela's life, he swore to protect her till his last breath, even in the eyes of Shirley ...
Daniela was more a tortured soul, having experienced a lot in the past year, loosing someone she loved, almost dying and surveying- she surfaced from her zone and tried to move on the best she knew how. Very introverted at first, but Sean brought out that part of her that she had hidden for two years. Making her someone new and ready to live again.
The secondary characters, I really liked, all very different characters, but blended in with the story line and I rather enjoyed Jason's flirtatious comments and humor.
Overall, captivating read, filled with luscious, and sensual love, a love you would die for, and a dream worth fighting for, and a killer you would kill to protect the one you love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2011
Just got done with this book and decided to write a review! Now your probably wondering why did I rated it what I did. Well I'll get to that in my review so just hold tight and you'll soon see why I gave it four stars. Now on with the review!
Trouble in paradise?
An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores. Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart...the passion between them more intense than ever. But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most?
Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands to study killer sharks. Now a real killer is on the loose, threatening the woman he's never stopped loving. And this time, he knows he can't walk away. Marooned together during a deadly storm, Sean vows to go to hell and back to save Daniela...and for the chance to begin again.
Plot - ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I really enjoyed the plot. It was both familiar and refreshing all at the same time. I haven't read a book quite like this one so that's always a plus! I give the plot four stars!
Writing - ☆ ☆ ☆ I really thought the writing was really good and well orgainzed. It wasn't all thrown together so much that you couldn't understand what the characters were saying, or talking about. I give the writing three stars!
Characters - ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I really enjoyed the characters. They were all original and I didn't find myself hating any of them! I give the characters four stars!
Daniela Flores - I liked her, even though she was a little annoying when she was trying to deny her feels and her wants and her needs... Daniela Flores is your average woman who loves her work and wants to move on with her life, after a tragic accident shattered her both mentally and emotionally.
Sean Carmichael - I really liked him, I don't know why I just did. Sean Carmichael is well known around the world as a shark expert and he loves his job, but now after seeing Daniela and having her on his team might be to much for him to handle.
Jason Ruiz - I liked him he was kind and a ladies man, but had a wandering eye. Jason Ruiz is a shark researcher just as Sean is, who is his idol.
Taryn - I both liked her and...disliked her. Taryn is a dolphin researcher and she has a thing for Sean, you can clearly tell from the first few pages in.
Brent Masterson - I liked him and he sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Brent Masterson is in charge of filming anything and everything. From shark attacks and close encounters.
Elizabeth Winters - Okay I didn't like her so much as the others, but she was a cool character. Elizabeth Winters is the only ornithologist on the team and has quite a chip on her shoulder.
Overall I give this book ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆- nothing more and nothing less!
Trouble in paradise?
An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores. Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart...the passion between them more intense than ever. But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most?
Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands to study killer sharks. Now a real killer is on the loose, threatening the woman he's never stopped loving. And this time, he knows he can't walk away. Marooned together during a deadly storm, Sean vows to go to hell and back to save Daniela...and for the chance to begin again.
Plot - ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I really enjoyed the plot. It was both familiar and refreshing all at the same time. I haven't read a book quite like this one so that's always a plus! I give the plot four stars!
Writing - ☆ ☆ ☆ I really thought the writing was really good and well orgainzed. It wasn't all thrown together so much that you couldn't understand what the characters were saying, or talking about. I give the writing three stars!
Characters - ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ I really enjoyed the characters. They were all original and I didn't find myself hating any of them! I give the characters four stars!
Daniela Flores - I liked her, even though she was a little annoying when she was trying to deny her feels and her wants and her needs... Daniela Flores is your average woman who loves her work and wants to move on with her life, after a tragic accident shattered her both mentally and emotionally.
Sean Carmichael - I really liked him, I don't know why I just did. Sean Carmichael is well known around the world as a shark expert and he loves his job, but now after seeing Daniela and having her on his team might be to much for him to handle.
Jason Ruiz - I liked him he was kind and a ladies man, but had a wandering eye. Jason Ruiz is a shark researcher just as Sean is, who is his idol.
Taryn - I both liked her and...disliked her. Taryn is a dolphin researcher and she has a thing for Sean, you can clearly tell from the first few pages in.
Brent Masterson - I liked him and he sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Brent Masterson is in charge of filming anything and everything. From shark attacks and close encounters.
Elizabeth Winters - Okay I didn't like her so much as the others, but she was a cool character. Elizabeth Winters is the only ornithologist on the team and has quite a chip on her shoulder.
Overall I give this book ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆- nothing more and nothing less!
December 13, 2012
I won Stranded with Her Ex from the author herself, Jill Sorenson. And maybe I sound biased but I swear this review is honest, lol! I'm rarely reading Harlequin novels. And when it come to this famous romance publisher, I usually reading Nocturne imprint (since I'm PNR junkie), HQN (some of my favorite authors is HQN authors) and Mira. Even I think Harlequin Blaze which are books with the hotness scale is top off the chart sometimes can be boring. And don't forget that some of Harlequin lines such as Super Romance, Present and Desire always come with silly titles. I mean, what can I expect from book with title such as "Pregnant with The Billionaire Babies?". Hahahaha!! :P
Woops, sorry. Sarcasm overload ;).
Stranded with Her Ex sure do have silly title, but is the story silly and easily predictable? Noooooooooo :D. Second chance might be not my favorite, but Jill Sorenson can make that theme to be an emotional story. Both MCs, Daniela Flores, a marine biologyst and Sean Charmichael, shark expert are haunted and tortured after their divorce and Daniela's miscarriage. Daniela shut Sean down,and its make Sean depressed because when the accident happen, he's not in her side. Daniela believe that its she who responsible for their failing marriage. I sometimes want to knock both Daniela and Sean's head. But I also want to hug them both. Who is to blame, who is innocent? Daniela and Sean both guilty with their act but also innocent too.
BTW there's a bitchy character that try to woe Sean from Daniela! *gasp*. Glad, its not turn to awkward love triangle and its clear that Sean and Daniela still want each other. The author don't go the easy way to unite them, there's a lot of drama and tension,from themshelves and other people.
There's also suspense part with someone threat to kill them, but I think the suspense is kinda weak even the culprit is unpredictable. Stranded with Her Ex is not just ordinary romantic suspense. Its about how people handle with their wounded heart and learn to move on. Learn to love again and with some people, you can't just let them go. Stranded with Her Ex also have interesting tidbits about shark, seal and sea lions. Y'know, until now I can't differ seals and sea lion. Are they both same animal or different? :/
Note : Stranded with Her Ex kinda remind me of Linda Howard's Cry No More. Since both heroine lost their child and their marriage is failed. Both make me almost weep too :')
Woops, sorry. Sarcasm overload ;).
Stranded with Her Ex sure do have silly title, but is the story silly and easily predictable? Noooooooooo :D. Second chance might be not my favorite, but Jill Sorenson can make that theme to be an emotional story. Both MCs, Daniela Flores, a marine biologyst and Sean Charmichael, shark expert are haunted and tortured after their divorce and Daniela's miscarriage. Daniela shut Sean down,and its make Sean depressed because when the accident happen, he's not in her side. Daniela believe that its she who responsible for their failing marriage. I sometimes want to knock both Daniela and Sean's head. But I also want to hug them both. Who is to blame, who is innocent? Daniela and Sean both guilty with their act but also innocent too.
BTW there's a bitchy character that try to woe Sean from Daniela! *gasp*. Glad, its not turn to awkward love triangle and its clear that Sean and Daniela still want each other. The author don't go the easy way to unite them, there's a lot of drama and tension,from themshelves and other people.
There's also suspense part with someone threat to kill them, but I think the suspense is kinda weak even the culprit is unpredictable. Stranded with Her Ex is not just ordinary romantic suspense. Its about how people handle with their wounded heart and learn to move on. Learn to love again and with some people, you can't just let them go. Stranded with Her Ex also have interesting tidbits about shark, seal and sea lions. Y'know, until now I can't differ seals and sea lion. Are they both same animal or different? :/
Note : Stranded with Her Ex kinda remind me of Linda Howard's Cry No More. Since both heroine lost their child and their marriage is failed. Both make me almost weep too :')
April 19, 2011
3 ½ stars. An enjoyable way to spend time. A divorced couple meets again, deals with grief and now a killer.
STORY BRIEF:
A group of researchers study wildlife on the Farallon Islands west of San Francisco. Sean is a great white shark researcher. Daniela arrives to spend six weeks studying sea lions. Neither one knows the other will be on the island. They were married for five years and then divorced about a year ago. The divorce was due to Daniela’s grief and emotional withdrawal after a car accident. Just now she is coming back to life and resuming her career. They are surprised and uncomfortable to see each other.
It’s an isolated area difficult to get to and from. There are six people on the island. Someone is trying to kill them, creating danger, escape, and survival. Some of the danger is being in the water with great white sharks.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It was a nice romance story but not typical because the story starts after the breakup (divorce). They are uncomfortable being around each other and would not have chosen it. But we see the underlying love and attraction still there. Some time is spent discussing the grief which tore them apart. We don’t see a relationship form and develop. It’s more about coming through trauma to find each other again. Yes there is a happy ending. It kept my interest. It’s short - about 2/3 of a regular novel. There is a moderate amount of suspense. I would have liked more understanding about the bad guy – motives, feelings, fears. I would have liked seeing the bad guy’s point of view a few times. Also I would have liked seeing more about the relationship between Elizabeth and Jason. I felt some confusion or incompleteness regarding that.
DATA:
Story length: 213 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: current day Farallon Islands and San Diego, California. Copyright: 2011. Genre: romantic suspense.
STORY BRIEF:
A group of researchers study wildlife on the Farallon Islands west of San Francisco. Sean is a great white shark researcher. Daniela arrives to spend six weeks studying sea lions. Neither one knows the other will be on the island. They were married for five years and then divorced about a year ago. The divorce was due to Daniela’s grief and emotional withdrawal after a car accident. Just now she is coming back to life and resuming her career. They are surprised and uncomfortable to see each other.
It’s an isolated area difficult to get to and from. There are six people on the island. Someone is trying to kill them, creating danger, escape, and survival. Some of the danger is being in the water with great white sharks.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
It was a nice romance story but not typical because the story starts after the breakup (divorce). They are uncomfortable being around each other and would not have chosen it. But we see the underlying love and attraction still there. Some time is spent discussing the grief which tore them apart. We don’t see a relationship form and develop. It’s more about coming through trauma to find each other again. Yes there is a happy ending. It kept my interest. It’s short - about 2/3 of a regular novel. There is a moderate amount of suspense. I would have liked more understanding about the bad guy – motives, feelings, fears. I would have liked seeing the bad guy’s point of view a few times. Also I would have liked seeing more about the relationship between Elizabeth and Jason. I felt some confusion or incompleteness regarding that.
DATA:
Story length: 213 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: current day Farallon Islands and San Diego, California. Copyright: 2011. Genre: romantic suspense.
July 9, 2011
I don't usually expect much from category romance apart from an entertaining story. Stranded With Her Ex bucked the trend! I hate that I subconsciously must believe the negative press that the romance genre receives, but somehow I still feel surprised when I come across a romance novel that rates high on all the levels of novel appreciation, especially if it is a category romance. I am not a literature snob, far from it, but I seem to have soaked up some of those assumptions.
From the second Daniela sets foot on the stark island, the suspense and drama sets in. The landscape is foreboding, but even the sharks are viewed with a sense of wonder. All the wildlife are viewed as wild and dangerous, even the birds, and the scientific merit of the project, environmental cause and scientistif passion comes through loud and clear. The characters are well written and believable, and the tensions and relationships of the team are real and add to the high drama and suspense. Apart from the main protagonists, everyone has reason to be suspect to the reader. Those same main protagonists are dealing with real and serious issues like anxiety, emotional breakdowns and grief.
I enjoyed reading this novel immensely and recommend it to both romance and thriller readers. I'll be buying Jill Sorenson's novels again in the future, and if my second book is as near as good as this one, Sorenson will have made it onto my autobuy list of authors.
The only part of this book I disliked was the need for a Mills & Boon descriptive title, rather than a meaningful one. However, I understand their marketing strategy and this is not a complaint but an observation. I really loved this book! Five stars! I'm off to read it again...
From the second Daniela sets foot on the stark island, the suspense and drama sets in. The landscape is foreboding, but even the sharks are viewed with a sense of wonder. All the wildlife are viewed as wild and dangerous, even the birds, and the scientific merit of the project, environmental cause and scientistif passion comes through loud and clear. The characters are well written and believable, and the tensions and relationships of the team are real and add to the high drama and suspense. Apart from the main protagonists, everyone has reason to be suspect to the reader. Those same main protagonists are dealing with real and serious issues like anxiety, emotional breakdowns and grief.
I enjoyed reading this novel immensely and recommend it to both romance and thriller readers. I'll be buying Jill Sorenson's novels again in the future, and if my second book is as near as good as this one, Sorenson will have made it onto my autobuy list of authors.
The only part of this book I disliked was the need for a Mills & Boon descriptive title, rather than a meaningful one. However, I understand their marketing strategy and this is not a complaint but an observation. I really loved this book! Five stars! I'm off to read it again...
March 23, 2012
What a lovely surprise to find this in my TBR pile!
The day was rainy, and I wanted a series-like title to pop into. And just like good candy, this read satisfied and I closed the book with a sweet sigh.
It's not really romantic suspense, though one could argue the setting was the suspense part in itself. It's actually pretty amazing how atmostphere+some science+romance+friendships+pop culture/reality TV can all be packed and woven into a satisfying Harlequin series read. There are mysterious goings-on, riveting dynamics within the 6-man research team H/h are part of, and a smattering of scientific stuff on birds and sealife and even some California melting pot touches like tamales and lumpia for dinner.
What takes center stage, though, is a lovely reunion story. It simply tugs at your heartstrings. Daniela and Sean are each other's lifetime loves, and were very happily married until a tragedy broke their partnership (through no one's direct fault). Two years after their divorce, they are surprised to discover each other as part of a 6-man research team on a remote island wildlife preserve. Forced into proximity and working together, both realize that neither has really moved on. Just a lovely lovely reunion and totally believable HEA.
The day was rainy, and I wanted a series-like title to pop into. And just like good candy, this read satisfied and I closed the book with a sweet sigh.
It's not really romantic suspense, though one could argue the setting was the suspense part in itself. It's actually pretty amazing how atmostphere+some science+romance+friendships+pop culture/reality TV can all be packed and woven into a satisfying Harlequin series read. There are mysterious goings-on, riveting dynamics within the 6-man research team H/h are part of, and a smattering of scientific stuff on birds and sealife and even some California melting pot touches like tamales and lumpia for dinner.
What takes center stage, though, is a lovely reunion story. It simply tugs at your heartstrings. Daniela and Sean are each other's lifetime loves, and were very happily married until a tragedy broke their partnership (through no one's direct fault). Two years after their divorce, they are surprised to discover each other as part of a 6-man research team on a remote island wildlife preserve. Forced into proximity and working together, both realize that neither has really moved on. Just a lovely lovely reunion and totally believable HEA.
September 14, 2011
I received this book from the author from her newsletter giveaway. This is actually my first Jill Sorenson book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It took everything I had in me not to flip to the back and see who the baddie was. I held out though and didn't ruin it for myself.
The setting is fan-freaking-tastic. Remote island. Sharks. Creepy house. Who wouldn't enjoy that?!
The characters are engaging. The hero and heroine's nerves, anxiety and shock at seeing each other again leapt off the pages. I could feel their grief over their past and their continued desire to be together.
The suspense was well, suspenseful. I suspected everyone, except H/h, at one point and narrowed it down. Even when I found out who the baddy was I was a little shocked. The only thing that took away from finding out was not getting a better reason said person cracking.
I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I'll just leave it at, I wanted a more concrete, thought out reason.
Overall, it was a stellar book.
The setting is fan-freaking-tastic. Remote island. Sharks. Creepy house. Who wouldn't enjoy that?!
The characters are engaging. The hero and heroine's nerves, anxiety and shock at seeing each other again leapt off the pages. I could feel their grief over their past and their continued desire to be together.
The suspense was well, suspenseful. I suspected everyone, except H/h, at one point and narrowed it down. Even when I found out who the baddy was I was a little shocked. The only thing that took away from finding out was not getting a better reason said person cracking.
I don't want to ruin it for anyone so I'll just leave it at, I wanted a more concrete, thought out reason.
Overall, it was a stellar book.
April 3, 2011
Wow! An excellent read and a perfect balance of romance and suspense. The way JS handled Daniela's past grief and hope for the future with Sean was wonderful. The suspense of being left behind on a remote island in a storm, no less, worked well to move the romance along as well as providing gripping suspense. A real page turner.
Maybe, in future books, JS can tell us what happened to the love lives of Jason, Taryn and Brent respectively. I'm hopeful!
Maybe, in future books, JS can tell us what happened to the love lives of Jason, Taryn and Brent respectively. I'm hopeful!
June 21, 2011
Intrigue, romance, AND sharks? How can a book go wrong. And, I apologize Ms. Sorenson, it was not anywhere near as lame as I had anticipated, being set on the Farallon Islands. Nicely done.
December 24, 2011
Wonderful Intense Emotional Romantic Suspence,without giving out any spoilers all i can say is its a must read
Recommend it!
Recommend it!
March 20, 2020
This is my least favorite book by Jill so far. What I didn't like about it was that it was more of an emotional suspense book and not a romance with a danger/suspense filled plot.
Yes, there was a seriously deranged person on the island causing some problems. However, it wasn't until the last couple chapters where there was suspense outside of the emotional drama between the h/H.
We find out on page 1, that the h/H had divorced approximately 1 yr ago after a tragic accident that left the h with PTSD and other losses leading up to the couple's demise. They are now stuck in very close proximity to one another on a research expedition with 4 other scientists.
The story mostly unfolds with the h/H becoming very jealous of their interactions with the other scientists. This is what I did not care for, I did not like that 2/3 of the plot centered around the h trying to figure out if the H was sleeping (or had slept with, possibly even during their marriage) with the other scientist/intern.
I like Jill's other novels more because her romances don't include cheating, there's never a love triangle, and she usually does a good job of avoiding cliches. Not to say that this novel has all of that, but you definitely THINk it does for 2/3 of the book AND there's very little else to the story. Also, her other books have a more suspenseful plot giving you more than just a romance with a barely there side story. In this book, there was "suspense" but it seemed negligible with the "romance" at the forefront. It wasn't until the end that things started to pick up in the plot.
Still a good read, just not my favorite in her collection.
Yes, there was a seriously deranged person on the island causing some problems. However, it wasn't until the last couple chapters where there was suspense outside of the emotional drama between the h/H.
We find out on page 1, that the h/H had divorced approximately 1 yr ago after a tragic accident that left the h with PTSD and other losses leading up to the couple's demise. They are now stuck in very close proximity to one another on a research expedition with 4 other scientists.
The story mostly unfolds with the h/H becoming very jealous of their interactions with the other scientists. This is what I did not care for, I did not like that 2/3 of the plot centered around the h trying to figure out if the H was sleeping (or had slept with, possibly even during their marriage) with the other scientist/intern.
I like Jill's other novels more because her romances don't include cheating, there's never a love triangle, and she usually does a good job of avoiding cliches. Not to say that this novel has all of that, but you definitely THINk it does for 2/3 of the book AND there's very little else to the story. Also, her other books have a more suspenseful plot giving you more than just a romance with a barely there side story. In this book, there was "suspense" but it seemed negligible with the "romance" at the forefront. It wasn't until the end that things started to pick up in the plot.
Still a good read, just not my favorite in her collection.
May 31, 2023
DNF. This books is completely unrealistic, plot-wise and character-wise. 6 marine biologists on an island, 3 boy, 3 girls - oh and all are hot, single, and around the same age. Very soap-opera.
I didn't feel the angst at all, both the hero and heroine are still in-lust with each other and 70% of the text is just talking about how hot one thinks the other is. There is also this weird part where the hero decides he needs to get over the heroine so he decides to flirt with one of the other girls in the crew at random even though he's not all that attracted to her...it was just completely bizarre and inappropriate. Not to mention the remaining girl in the crew (the one he doesn't flirt with) is the "evil OW" and comes on hard to him.
I didn't feel the angst at all, both the hero and heroine are still in-lust with each other and 70% of the text is just talking about how hot one thinks the other is. There is also this weird part where the hero decides he needs to get over the heroine so he decides to flirt with one of the other girls in the crew at random even though he's not all that attracted to her...it was just completely bizarre and inappropriate. Not to mention the remaining girl in the crew (the one he doesn't flirt with) is the "evil OW" and comes on hard to him.
November 21, 2017
This book had the perfect balance of suspense and romance! I thought the setting was pretty unique and made for some interesting situations. The characters were well thought out and I loved both Sean and Dani! I was surprised by a lot of the events in the novel and I loved that Sorenson was able to keep me on my toes throughout. The beginning was a little slow for me but otherwise I really enjoyed this quick read!
Longer review coming soon! :D
Longer review coming soon! :D
April 13, 2018
HRS #1654 = 2.5 stars
September 17, 2014
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
I have to admit that I love second chance romances, even more so when the couple in question used to be married, I don't know why but I love it when two people who used to be married can find the way back to each other, especially when its clear that the two people in question were truly in love with each other. This book fit perfectly into that, not just that though it had a great element of mystery to it that I really enjoyed and I'm a sucker for anyone who holds animals close to their hearts, so this book was an easy sell for me.
So Daniela and Sean got divorced after a seriously horrible tragedy befell them and they were unable to deal with it. It's a heartbreaking situation, and there truly are no bad guys in this situation, which makes it all the more easy to pull for these two to be able to find their way back to each other. The two of them hadn't seen each other since the divorce but they both end up on the same remote island doing research (her work is with sea lions and his with sharks). It's clear from the beginning that the two of them are uncomfortable with the situation, and in the beginning I totally didn't like how adamant Sean was that Daniela not be allowed to stay on island. I understand that he was trying to look out for her, but I didn't like it at all. Wanted to shake him, but again it was understandable.
There were several really great moments in this book, and not just between Daniela and Sean. There is this great moment between Daniela and a baby sea lion who was injured and she works very hard to save, even puts herself in danger to do so. It was actually a really powerful scene. I actually found that all of the scenes where the researchers on the island were working with animals were really well done and some were quite powerful.
There is also a bit of suspense and mystery within this book. Strange things are happening on the island, and everyone on the island is in some serious danger, only they have no idea where it is coming from. It takes a second to figure out who the person responsible for it all is, and when I finally figured out who the person responsible was I felt a lot of different things about, sad for the person as well as angry for the lengths they were willing to go to to hurt other people.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, it was a great combination of second chance romance (with awesome chemistry), love of animal, and some decent suspense/mystery thrown in for good measure too. I have a feeling I will be looking for more books by Jill Sorenson in the future, but in the meantime I think you guys should check out this book.
I have to admit that I love second chance romances, even more so when the couple in question used to be married, I don't know why but I love it when two people who used to be married can find the way back to each other, especially when its clear that the two people in question were truly in love with each other. This book fit perfectly into that, not just that though it had a great element of mystery to it that I really enjoyed and I'm a sucker for anyone who holds animals close to their hearts, so this book was an easy sell for me.
So Daniela and Sean got divorced after a seriously horrible tragedy befell them and they were unable to deal with it. It's a heartbreaking situation, and there truly are no bad guys in this situation, which makes it all the more easy to pull for these two to be able to find their way back to each other. The two of them hadn't seen each other since the divorce but they both end up on the same remote island doing research (her work is with sea lions and his with sharks). It's clear from the beginning that the two of them are uncomfortable with the situation, and in the beginning I totally didn't like how adamant Sean was that Daniela not be allowed to stay on island. I understand that he was trying to look out for her, but I didn't like it at all. Wanted to shake him, but again it was understandable.
There were several really great moments in this book, and not just between Daniela and Sean. There is this great moment between Daniela and a baby sea lion who was injured and she works very hard to save, even puts herself in danger to do so. It was actually a really powerful scene. I actually found that all of the scenes where the researchers on the island were working with animals were really well done and some were quite powerful.
There is also a bit of suspense and mystery within this book. Strange things are happening on the island, and everyone on the island is in some serious danger, only they have no idea where it is coming from. It takes a second to figure out who the person responsible for it all is, and when I finally figured out who the person responsible was I felt a lot of different things about, sad for the person as well as angry for the lengths they were willing to go to to hurt other people.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, it was a great combination of second chance romance (with awesome chemistry), love of animal, and some decent suspense/mystery thrown in for good measure too. I have a feeling I will be looking for more books by Jill Sorenson in the future, but in the meantime I think you guys should check out this book.
October 10, 2013
แม็กซ์ชอบงานเขียนของจิล ซอเรนสันมาก ๆ นะคะ หนังสือเล่มยาวเล่มแรกที่เธอเขียนเรื่อง Crash into Me ถือเป็นนักเขียนที่ว้าวเราได้แบบที่ไม่มีนักเขียนหน้าใหม่คนใดทำได้ขนาดนั้นมาก่อน และแม้จะผิดหวังเล็ก ๆ กับเล่มสองที่ออกมา แต่เราก็ยังตั้งหน้าตั้งตารอที่จะอ่านงานลำดับต่อไปของเธอค่ะ ซึ่งเธอหันกลับมาเขียนให้กับสนพ.ฮาร์ลิควิน แถมพล็อตยังเป็นแนวที่เราชอบมากอีกต่างหากเสียด้วยสิ
Stranded with Her Ex ของจิล ซอเรนสัน
เรื่องราวของการกลับมาเจอกันหลังจากการหย่าร้างอันเจ็บปวดระหว่างดาเนียลา ฟอร์เรส และฌอน คาร์ไมเคิล ที่ทั้งคู่ต้องมาร่วมงานทำวิจัยบนเกาะร้างอันห่างไกล
ดาเนียลา และฌอนเป็นคู่สามีภรรยาที่สมบูรณ์แบบ ทั้งคู่เจอกันในมหาวิทยาลัย และใช้ชีวิตไม่เคยแยกห่างจากกันนับจากนั้น ซึ่งก็สิบปีมาแล้ว ครอบครัวที่ถูกสร้างขึ้นของทั้งคู่กำลังจะครบถ้วนเมื่อดาเนียลาตั้งครรภ์ แต่ในขณะที่ฌอนอยู่บนเกาะเพื่อทำวิจัย ก่อนขอลายาวเพื่อมาดูแลเธอในตอนท้องแก่ ดาเนียลาประสบอุบัติเหตุบาดเจ็บปางตาย แต่ที่ร้ายที่สุด เธอสูญเสียลูกในท้องไป
นั่นเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของการสิ้นสุด ดาเนียลาไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับมาเผชิญหน้ากับโลกอีกครั้ง เธอกีดกันสามีผู้ห่วงใยออกไปจากชีวิต ตัดเขาออกจากหัวใจ และนั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ฌอนไม่อาจทำใจได้ ดังนั้นเมื่อเธอขอให้เขาย้ายออกไปจากบ้าน ฌอนขอหย่า
มันเป็นเวลาสองปีแล้ว แต่เมื่อทั้งสองต้องมาอยู่ร่วมกันอีกครั้ง ความเจ็บปวดไม่ได้เลือนหายไปเลย แต่ในความเจ็บปวด ความรู้สึกของหัวใจก็เริ่มต้นขึ้นอีกครั้ง
มีความพยายามแทรกพล็อตสืบสวนเข้าไปในเรื่องนี้ด้วยนะคะ ซึ่งเป็นความผิดพลาด เพราะส่วนสืบสวนในเรื่องไม่มีอะไรน่าสนใจเลย แถมบทสรุปสุดท้ายของมันก็ไม่ได้เรื่องอีกต่างหาก แต่จุดเด่นในเรื่องความสัมพันธ์ของตัวละครก็จุดที่ดีที่สุด เราชอบความรู้สึกที่ฌอน และดาเนียลามีให้กัน มันช่างโหยหา และล้ำลึก จึงคาดเดาไม่ยากเลย แถมยังน่าเชื่ออย่างมากอีกว่า ท้ายที่สุดถ่านไฟเก่าก็ต้องคุ เพราะความรักที่ทั้งสองมีให้กันมันยังคงอยู่
ในช่วงเวลาแห่งความเสียใจ อาจบดบังความรู้สึกเหล่านั้น แต่เมื่อดาเนียลาเริ่มกลับสู่การมีีชีวิต และฌอนเลิกโทษตัวเอง ทั้งคู่ก็มองเห็นความจริงตรงหน้า ถึงความรักที่ไม่เคยเลือนหายไปเลย
อาจจะเพราะว่า เล่มนี้เป็นหนังสือเล่มเล็กก็ได้นะคะ เราถึงให้อภัยความไม่ค่อยเอาไหนของพล็อตในส่วนสืบสวนได้โดยไม่ต้องคิดอะไรมาก และคงเป็นเพราะเรื่องในส่วนโรแมนซ์ตอบโจทย์ของเราได้ แม็กซ์อ่านเล่มนี้เพราะอยากได้เรื่องราวแนว รักของเราแต่เก่าก่อน ซึ่งก็ได้รับมาเต็ม ๆ ดังนั้นจึงพอใจกับเรื่องนี้มาก ๆ
เราชอบอารมณ์ ความรู้สึก และความลึกซึ้งของตัวละครค่ะ อ่านแล้วเข้าใจได้ว่า ทำไมคนที่รักกันมาก ๆ อย่างฌอน และดาเนียลาจึงเลิกกันไป และยิ่งเข้าใจมากขึ้นว่า ทำไมเมื่อมีโอกาสได้เจอกันอีกครั้ง ทั้งสองจึงหวนคืนกันได้เร็วเช่นนั้น
คะแนนที่ 73
Stranded with Her Ex ของจิล ซอเรนสัน
เรื่องราวของการกลับมาเจอกันหลังจากการหย่าร้างอันเจ็บปวดระหว่างดาเนียลา ฟอร์เรส และฌอน คาร์ไมเคิล ที่ทั้งคู่ต้องมาร่วมงานทำวิจัยบนเกาะร้างอันห่างไกล
ดาเนียลา และฌอนเป็นคู่สามีภรรยาที่สมบูรณ์แบบ ทั้งคู่เจอกันในมหาวิทยาลัย และใช้ชีวิตไม่เคยแยกห่างจากกันนับจากนั้น ซึ่งก็สิบปีมาแล้ว ครอบครัวที่ถูกสร้างขึ้นของทั้งคู่กำลังจะครบถ้วนเมื่อดาเนียลาตั้งครรภ์ แต่ในขณะที่ฌอนอยู่บนเกาะเพื่อทำวิจัย ก่อนขอลายาวเพื่อมาดูแลเธอในตอนท้องแก่ ดาเนียลาประสบอุบัติเหตุบาดเจ็บปางตาย แต่ที่ร้ายที่สุด เธอสูญเสียลูกในท้องไป
นั่นเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของการสิ้นสุด ดาเนียลาไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับมาเผชิญหน้ากับโลกอีกครั้ง เธอกีดกันสามีผู้ห่วงใยออกไปจากชีวิต ตัดเขาออกจากหัวใจ และนั่นเป็นสิ่งที่ฌอนไม่อาจทำใจได้ ดังนั้นเมื่อเธอขอให้เขาย้ายออกไปจากบ้าน ฌอนขอหย่า
มันเป็นเวลาสองปีแล้ว แต่เมื่อทั้งสองต้องมาอยู่ร่วมกันอีกครั้ง ความเจ็บปวดไม่ได้เลือนหายไปเลย แต่ในความเจ็บปวด ความรู้สึกของหัวใจก็เริ่มต้นขึ้นอีกครั้ง
มีความพยายามแทรกพล็อตสืบสวนเข้าไปในเรื่องนี้ด้วยนะคะ ซึ่งเป็นความผิดพลาด เพราะส่วนสืบสวนในเรื่องไม่มีอะไรน่าสนใจเลย แถมบทสรุปสุดท้ายของมันก็ไม่ได้เรื่องอีกต่างหาก แต่จุดเด่นในเรื่องความสัมพันธ์ของตัวละครก็จุดที่ดีที่สุด เราชอบความรู้สึกที่ฌอน และดาเนียลามีให้กัน มันช่างโหยหา และล้ำลึก จึงคาดเดาไม่ยากเลย แถมยังน่าเชื่ออย่างมากอีกว่า ท้ายที่สุดถ่านไฟเก่าก็ต้องคุ เพราะความรักที่ทั้งสองมีให้กันมันยังคงอยู่
ในช่วงเวลาแห่งความเสียใจ อาจบดบังความรู้สึกเหล่านั้น แต่เมื่อดาเนียลาเริ่มกลับสู่การมีีชีวิต และฌอนเลิกโทษตัวเอง ทั้งคู่ก็มองเห็นความจริงตรงหน้า ถึงความรักที่ไม่เคยเลือนหายไปเลย
อาจจะเพราะว่า เล่มนี้เป็นหนังสือเล่มเล็กก็ได้นะคะ เราถึงให้อภัยความไม่ค่อยเอาไหนของพล็อตในส่วนสืบสวนได้โดยไม่ต้องคิดอะไรมาก และคงเป็นเพราะเรื่องในส่วนโรแมนซ์ตอบโจทย์ของเราได้ แม็กซ์อ่านเล่มนี้เพราะอยากได้เรื่องราวแนว รักของเราแต่เก่าก่อน ซึ่งก็ได้รับมาเต็ม ๆ ดังนั้นจึงพอใจกับเรื่องนี้มาก ๆ
เราชอบอารมณ์ ความรู้สึก และความลึกซึ้งของตัวละครค่ะ อ่านแล้วเข้าใจได้ว่า ทำไมคนที่รักกันมาก ๆ อย่างฌอน และดาเนียลาจึงเลิกกันไป และยิ่งเข้าใจมากขึ้นว่า ทำไมเมื่อมีโอกาสได้เจอกันอีกครั้ง ทั้งสองจึงหวนคืนกันได้เร็วเช่นนั้น
คะแนนที่ 73
March 3, 2013
Overall, I liked this book. I didn't think there were enough sharks. But, then, I love sharks. That was the big draw of this book for me. I'm someone who treats Shark Week like a week-long holiday so of course I'm going to want a good chunk of the book to be centered on them. Speaking of sharks, I question what happens at the end:
There wasn't a lot of suspense in this romantic suspense. There were only a couple of odd occurrences in the first half of the book. The whole conflict basically sprang in the last 40%. The villain and his/her reason for doing what s/he was doing was out-of-left-field crazy and nonsensical. And they were really only stranded one night.
Aside from those things and the presence of a certain euphemism that causes me a certain level of anguish, I thought this was well written and interesting. I loved that there were sharks. I loved there was a Latina Heroine. But mostly it satisfied my desire to read a romance with a married couple. While Sean and Daniela weren't married anymore it was still all about their marriage, how it failed, what needed to be fixed, and them making their way back to each other. I really liked the way their story evolved. 3.5 stars.
There wasn't a lot of suspense in this romantic suspense. There were only a couple of odd occurrences in the first half of the book. The whole conflict basically sprang in the last 40%. The villain and his/her reason for doing what s/he was doing was out-of-left-field crazy and nonsensical. And they were really only stranded one night.
Aside from those things and the presence of a certain euphemism that causes me a certain level of anguish, I thought this was well written and interesting. I loved that there were sharks. I loved there was a Latina Heroine. But mostly it satisfied my desire to read a romance with a married couple. While Sean and Daniela weren't married anymore it was still all about their marriage, how it failed, what needed to be fixed, and them making their way back to each other. I really liked the way their story evolved. 3.5 stars.
October 23, 2011
3.5* rounding up for goodreads.
I picked this book up thinking it would be a light romantic suspense plot. I was in for a surprise when what I got was a serious and emotional story of divorced couple who end up working at the same remote animal research outpost. Both are still suffering the effects of a tragedy that tore apart their marriage a little over a year before the book opens. Sorenson does a great job showing not only the tension between Daniela and Sean, but how that tension affects the other three researchers on the island and all the relationships. The author weaves the past and present together and is very effective in conveying Dani's emotional state to the reader. I was caught up in the confusion of emotions Sean and Dani experienced on the island, and the ripple effect those emotions had on the whole crew.
The suspense wasn't quite as well done, although it added to the mix of high emotions in the story. The motives behind the suspense plot are never well described.
I picked this book up thinking it would be a light romantic suspense plot. I was in for a surprise when what I got was a serious and emotional story of divorced couple who end up working at the same remote animal research outpost. Both are still suffering the effects of a tragedy that tore apart their marriage a little over a year before the book opens. Sorenson does a great job showing not only the tension between Daniela and Sean, but how that tension affects the other three researchers on the island and all the relationships. The author weaves the past and present together and is very effective in conveying Dani's emotional state to the reader. I was caught up in the confusion of emotions Sean and Dani experienced on the island, and the ripple effect those emotions had on the whole crew.
The suspense wasn't quite as well done, although it added to the mix of high emotions in the story. The motives behind the suspense plot are never well described.
February 20, 2012
For a Harlequin Romantic Suspense - this was a really good book..
Daniela Flores is chosen to go to a exotic wildlife preserve to study Sea Lions. The island is also famous for its shark infestation. Daniela is just getting back to life after a horrible accident.
There are two shark experts on the island along with a man filming a documentary and a intern and a bird conservationist. Turns out one of the shark experts is her ex husband Sean Carmichael.
There was extreme heartbreak in Dani and Sean's marriage that caused it to implode. Sean doesnt think she is strong enough to be on the island.
This was not just a romance about two people trying to overcome and heartache and realize they still loved each other. There were plenty of realistic scenes with the sharks, and the sea lions. There is also someone in the group trying to sabotage the missions on the island.
This won on some sites best contemporary romance list so I thought I would give it try and was not disappointed. Very enjoyable read.
Daniela Flores is chosen to go to a exotic wildlife preserve to study Sea Lions. The island is also famous for its shark infestation. Daniela is just getting back to life after a horrible accident.
There are two shark experts on the island along with a man filming a documentary and a intern and a bird conservationist. Turns out one of the shark experts is her ex husband Sean Carmichael.
There was extreme heartbreak in Dani and Sean's marriage that caused it to implode. Sean doesnt think she is strong enough to be on the island.
This was not just a romance about two people trying to overcome and heartache and realize they still loved each other. There were plenty of realistic scenes with the sharks, and the sea lions. There is also someone in the group trying to sabotage the missions on the island.
This won on some sites best contemporary romance list so I thought I would give it try and was not disappointed. Very enjoyable read.
March 28, 2012
I don't know what to rate this. I'll be honest, I decided to read this book for two reasons: 1) It was nominated for a RITA and 2) My March count is really low and I knew I could knock out series titles right quick.
I think the main problem I'm having is that I feel like the suspense part was kinda shoe-horned in. In fact, I thought one of the characters was making a logical progression towards being the Big Bad, but then, all of a sudden, somebody else had, like, a psychotic break and started going 'All work and no play' on the other characters. So suspense-wise, I'd give this two stars.
However, I was impressed by how Sorenson handled the emotional problems between the hero and heroine. There was a natural progression between, albeit slightly compressed, and there was no magical solution. They were both mature adults and acted like it. I also liked the unusual setting and the animal aspect of the story. Based on these factors, I can see why it was nominated and I'd give it four stars.
Averaging it out, I guess I'll just go with three.
I think the main problem I'm having is that I feel like the suspense part was kinda shoe-horned in. In fact, I thought one of the characters was making a logical progression towards being the Big Bad, but then, all of a sudden, somebody else had, like, a psychotic break and started going 'All work and no play' on the other characters. So suspense-wise, I'd give this two stars.
However, I was impressed by how Sorenson handled the emotional problems between the hero and heroine. There was a natural progression between, albeit slightly compressed, and there was no magical solution. They were both mature adults and acted like it. I also liked the unusual setting and the animal aspect of the story. Based on these factors, I can see why it was nominated and I'd give it four stars.
Averaging it out, I guess I'll just go with three.
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