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Floodgates
Tracy Brandt considers himself a lucky man. He has a wonderful family, good friends, and a dependable job. His love life, however, features a cheating ex who, though out of the house, is not yet out of the picture—with a past that just might get Tracy killed.
Homicide inspector Cord Nolan wants nothing more than to show his best friend’s little brother that he’s a reliable man, but to do that he’ll have to get Tracy to look past the player he used to be. It'll be a tough sell; reputation is everything, and Cord's is tarnished by his past indiscretions.
Tracy and Cord have spent five years trying to suffocate their fiery attraction under a blanket of grudging antagonism. When Tracy finds himself with a target on his back, Cord finally has the chance to ride to the rescue and break through the dam of Tracy's reserve. But he’d better be if Cord is breaking the floodgates to wash away the past, he's going to have to hold tight to Tracy to make sure they're still standing when the tumult recedes.
Homicide inspector Cord Nolan wants nothing more than to show his best friend’s little brother that he’s a reliable man, but to do that he’ll have to get Tracy to look past the player he used to be. It'll be a tough sell; reputation is everything, and Cord's is tarnished by his past indiscretions.
Tracy and Cord have spent five years trying to suffocate their fiery attraction under a blanket of grudging antagonism. When Tracy finds himself with a target on his back, Cord finally has the chance to ride to the rescue and break through the dam of Tracy's reserve. But he’d better be if Cord is breaking the floodgates to wash away the past, he's going to have to hold tight to Tracy to make sure they're still standing when the tumult recedes.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2014
212 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,016 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
March 3, 2014
There shall be drinking.
**
Thankyou, Julio, for buying this book for me!
There was drinking. An entire bottle of sav blanc.
2.5 stars
In this iteration, Jory is Tracy and has been dating a dickhead, and Sam is Cord. You will recognise scenes/lines/characteristics/plot points from all Calmes's books here - Timing, Again, Mine, Matter of Time, etc. I want to make it clear I don't think this is a bad thing.
But this particular version just missed the mark for me. The majority of the beloved Calmesian elements are there, but it tried too hard to capture true Joryness for the MC, Tracy, and it became a little . . . manic. Strained. There is an extensive conversation about scones half way through that was downright painful.
It was odd that Calmes pulls a clunker in the plot
To me this genuinely reads as a second draft: there's lots of good stuff (all sex and kissing between Sam and Jory) but other things that needed more work. There's one conversation that leaps to mind, that comes out of nowhere and is right out of Scooby Doo. Transporting Tracy to Vermont so he could be protected slash draw big bad out - WTH, people?
Overall, even for big Calmes fans (like me) I'd suggest skipping this one, and re-reading Frog instead.
**
Thankyou, Julio, for buying this book for me!
There was drinking. An entire bottle of sav blanc.
2.5 stars
In this iteration, Jory is Tracy and has been dating a dickhead, and Sam is Cord. You will recognise scenes/lines/characteristics/plot points from all Calmes's books here - Timing, Again, Mine, Matter of Time, etc. I want to make it clear I don't think this is a bad thing.
But this particular version just missed the mark for me. The majority of the beloved Calmesian elements are there, but it tried too hard to capture true Joryness for the MC, Tracy, and it became a little . . . manic. Strained. There is an extensive conversation about scones half way through that was downright painful.
It was odd that Calmes pulls a clunker in the plot
To me this genuinely reads as a second draft: there's lots of good stuff (all sex and kissing between Sam and Jory) but other things that needed more work. There's one conversation that leaps to mind, that comes out of nowhere and is right out of Scooby Doo. Transporting Tracy to Vermont so he could be protected slash draw big bad out - WTH, people?
Overall, even for big Calmes fans (like me) I'd suggest skipping this one, and re-reading Frog instead.
March 5, 2014
Another delightfully predictable Mary Calmes down the hatch!
I don't read a lot of Mary Calmes because, well, if you've read one you've kind of read them all. However, whenever I read one of her books I find myself liking it despite myself. They have a certain undeniable appeal that works for me most of the time. If I'm in the right mood for some Mary, I gots to get me some Mary!
This book was kind of an oddball. It had a nonsensical, bumbling plot full of holes so large I could stick three Jorys into them. The police work was inept at best, and the romance was too rushed for my taste.
However...
This book still miraculously worked for me. The Brandt brothers were adorable. I love a loving, close family and brothers that have that connection just short circuit the rational part of my brain, leaving me with just a pile of goo inside my cranium. ::Awwww, look at how all of these men LOOOOOVE each other!::
I also liked Tracey and Cord together. I like the kind of couples where sexual tension has been building for years- it just makes for some explosive (ahem!) chemistry. I loved the heat between the two guys and how sweet them seemed as a couple.
Yes, parts of this book were confusing as hell and the mystery was poorly done. Yes, I understand that this isn't Mary Calmes strongest book. But I still liked it :)
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 14, 2014
2.5 slap-me-with-that-red-herring stars
Buddy read with all my fabulous friends here. Loved that, girls; thanks.
An alcohol refresher is necessary, but damn it, it's early afternoon.
Me while reading this book:
Brain dump here:
I think Mary and I are breaking up. This was just so overwraught. There was a lot of focus on Tracy's relationship with his despicable ex, Breckin, and not enough on-page relationship development between Trace and Cord, his love interest.
Breckin was a piece of cold, slimy kidney pie, disgusting and repulsive, and I wanted him to die.
Tracy was supremely whishy-washy, passive, and weak. He surely needed to stand up for himself more.
Cord was growly and all alpha man, and then he did this 360, and was all, "You're mine, Tracy. Tell me you love me, or I won't fuck you into the mattress anymore." OK, so that was kind of steamy, but really it was one-dimensional. Why did he even fall for Trace? Trace was like a wet noodle: practically no personality, and no balls either.
There were a couple "mysteries" in here, the first of which was
The second mystery
The whole plot was melodrama from beginning to end; it bordered on absurdity. I felt like there were too many unnecessary banter/dialogue scenes, too many secondary characters (Trace's friends and brothers and dad; Breckin's family; Trace's dad's girlfriend and the girlfriend's daughter AND that silly side-plot with the wedding, which is used to set up the Vermont fiasco and is never mentioned again), and one coincidence too many.
I liked the scenes with Cord and Trace together, really together; they were hot. But I wanted more of that love and tenderness and fierceness. There was way too much focus on Trace and his piece-of-shit ex; even at the end, he comes up! I was soooo tired of Trace allowing Breckin to manipulate him. It almost made me feel like Trace just fell into Cord because Cord wanted him to.
The HEA was total puppies and picket fences; that's what Mary Calmes does. And I do love HEAs, but time sort of warp-sped forward at the end, and the HEA felt too formulaic and flat, since we never see the MCs develop a mature, give-and-take relationship.
Buddy read with all my fabulous friends here. Loved that, girls; thanks.
An alcohol refresher is necessary, but damn it, it's early afternoon.
Me while reading this book:
Brain dump here:
I think Mary and I are breaking up. This was just so overwraught. There was a lot of focus on Tracy's relationship with his despicable ex, Breckin, and not enough on-page relationship development between Trace and Cord, his love interest.
Breckin was a piece of cold, slimy kidney pie, disgusting and repulsive, and I wanted him to die.
Tracy was supremely whishy-washy, passive, and weak. He surely needed to stand up for himself more.
Cord was growly and all alpha man, and then he did this 360, and was all, "You're mine, Tracy. Tell me you love me, or I won't fuck you into the mattress anymore." OK, so that was kind of steamy, but really it was one-dimensional. Why did he even fall for Trace? Trace was like a wet noodle: practically no personality, and no balls either.
There were a couple "mysteries" in here, the first of which was
The second mystery
The whole plot was melodrama from beginning to end; it bordered on absurdity. I felt like there were too many unnecessary banter/dialogue scenes, too many secondary characters (Trace's friends and brothers and dad; Breckin's family; Trace's dad's girlfriend and the girlfriend's daughter AND that silly side-plot with the wedding, which is used to set up the Vermont fiasco and is never mentioned again), and one coincidence too many.
I liked the scenes with Cord and Trace together, really together; they were hot. But I wanted more of that love and tenderness and fierceness. There was way too much focus on Trace and his piece-of-shit ex; even at the end, he comes up! I was soooo tired of Trace allowing Breckin to manipulate him. It almost made me feel like Trace just fell into Cord because Cord wanted him to.
The HEA was total puppies and picket fences; that's what Mary Calmes does. And I do love HEAs, but time sort of warp-sped forward at the end, and the HEA felt too formulaic and flat, since we never see the MCs develop a mature, give-and-take relationship.
January 22, 2016
Audiobook Review
January 22, 2016
4 stars
Narrator Michael Anthony did a great job with this book. I typically find something annoying in the various readings of books I've liked. But, not here. One of the more-enjoyable listens I've had in awhile.
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Original Review
March 2, 2014
4 stars
Mary Calmes just does it for me. I don't know that I can explain it. I like sap. I like smut. I like HEA's. I like possessive, growly "Mine"s. I sometimes get a craving for the perfect characters to find their perfect mates and live their perfect lives. I like when the story goes just this side of over-the-top. Or at least...I like all these things when MARY does it.
Floodgates, for the most part, is probably one my favorite of the author's books to date. It's not so much that it's written differently, it just resonates with me (especially the San Francisco locale and some of the Russian bits...since I've lived in both places). And, honestly, it was one of the more emotional ones...running the full gamut of emotions, really...that I've read from her.
There are definitely your signature Calmes bits: an everyone-loves-him MC (Tracy), an eccentric boss/friend (Dimah...though he's technically a partner), a grouchy-but-hot love interest (Cord), bend-him-in-half sex, gunshots, danger, and a full host of side characters. And yes, I know the exact height of each of her MC's. :) But it's not...formulaic...as some of her books can be. It's familiar, but adds something to the typical recipe.
What I loved best about this book were the characters:
Tracy - in his mind, he's an average Joe among beautiful people. What we come to find is that he has his own beauty, both inside and out, and I loved that about him. He's strong but vulnerable. Sometimes sassy, sometimes tender. Is kind. Loves and is loved so greatly. There are parts of Tracy, the ones in his head, the times when he describes himself...that I completely identify with. I really loved him.
Cord - ahhhh Cord, you sexy beast. When Tracy finally 'sees' him...the transformation is this big jerk of a guy turning into a MAN...an over-protective, I-need-only-you kinda man. And it's frickin' HOT. Admittedly, the bit of insecurity that bleeds out and then gushes out towards the end of the book kinda irritated me (enough with the "please tell me you won't leave" demands during sex). But, if Tracy's family can adore you, so can I.
The Brandt Family - 3 brothers, a dad, and a dog. The Brandt family parts are what MADE the book for me. The deep love and the particular personalities of them all were SUCH a warm combination. I love how they love. I want there to be a tv show, and then a move, and then merchandise, and then a reality show...about the Brandt family! I want more of them all!
I do admit that the plot was, as it tends to be in her books, a bit over-the-top. The mystery element took away from the story, in my mind. But honestly, it was secondary and I'm fine to keep it there. I also didn't love the last 30%'ish of the book. As I mentioned, Cord turned a little whiney, the scenes tended to be repetitive, and the characters started to shift back into generic versions of the typical Calmes characters. Even the HEA was gushier and more OTT than usual.
BUT...I had such a love affair with the first 2/3 of the book, I was totally blissed-out by that point. So completely satisfied with this read...I miss the characters already!
September 15, 2014
**Calms down after 3 hours of sputtering**
First a note to Ms. Mary Calmes, purveyor of sugar everywhere: The review is critical only because I love you so much, Mary. In the words of every teacher I ever had: Mary is not working up to her potential. In the words of parents everywhere: I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed….
Ok, it’s like this….
Recently, I read a perfect review on Goodreads of a Mary Calmes book. I have no idea where this review is to be found as I’m too busy commenting on Goodread’s threads to find it, but I’d like to thank this person because they’re brilliant. [It's Emma Sea. Of course.]
This reviewer compared Mary Calmes’ books to apple pie. Sometimes she’s apple cobbler, sometimes she’s an apple cinnamon muffin, sometimes she has a lattice crust or is more of an apple crumble. However, no matter what form you bake her in, she's always going to be apple pie. Yes, her characters, plots and…oh, yeah everything is repetitive. But sometimes you just want apple pie. Sweet, reliable & readily available for your consumption. That’s why that reviewer (me too!) still reads Mary Calmes, even in the face of all acknowledged What the fuck is wrong with me? Why am I still reading this shit? Note to self: contact therapist immediately. Is Zoloft an option?
(By the way, if someone recognizes the above metaphor, please send me a link, I’d like to add it. Thank you!)
I’m going to take this apple metaphor one step further. Sometimes you think you’re getting a nice, juicy apple pie. You actually have apple pie in the house and it looks delicious.
So you take a huge bite, ready to feel that sweet satisfaction coursing through your veins…but then. Oh then! You realize that what you’re eating is actually a gluten-free apple pie. And even more terrible – a sugar-free, gluten-free apple pie. With freakin’ Stevia instead of sugar. And you can only exclaim, “What the fuck is this shit?”
Cause sometimes, despite what your doctor says about avoiding gluten & sugar, YOU NEED SOME FUCKING FLOUR & SUGAR, PEOPLE. And that’s what this book is; gluten-free, sugar-free apple pie. All the ingredients of a classic Calmes pie are there, but they’re like cardboard in your mouth.
Here are a few of the signs that you’ve entered Calmesian territory:
1. Pea coats masquerading as wool topcoats. WE SEE WHAT YOU’RE DOING, MARY. We’re not STUPID, you know.
2. Cops, lots & lots of cops. Who are always bad-ass rebels, bucking the very system they strive to protect. Keee–RIST.
3. Orgasm-inducing sexy times. The woman does know how to write a sex scene, however there is a severe lack of them in this book. The first isn’t until 74% of the way into the book. What. The. HELL.
4. Testosterone-driven men who are well-over 6ft tall whose animal magnetism gives out heat like a…like a…HEATER. (The word “heat” is mentioned in conjunction with Cord in 11 places. I counted.) In their defense they do know how to talk dirty & are enjoyably alpha.
5. MC’s who are either fantastically good-looking but pay no mind to it or insist they’re plain, even when EVERYONE AROUND THEM remarks on how “pretty” they are. This is the same issue I have with het romance & one reason I rarely read it anymore: if I were super good looking I’d at least have the decency to know it. The fuck, Mary?
6. 18 – 25 pages of flashbacks, always while in the middle of a conversation in the present, followed by someone yelling their name in annoyance & ending in “chuckle, chuckle, oops, guess I drifted off there.” No shit, asshole. TRY SOME RITALIN.
7. 13 people explaining to the MC why he’s just so wonderful & giving & loyal & BARF-O-RAMA.
8. People “lunging” into hugs. This just sounds painful.
9. People “gasping” or “catching their breath” at the general wonderfulness and/or generosity of the MC (see #7). I think these people need to get their lungs checked out by a doctor.
10. Characters are never allowed to finish their sentences. These people desperately need to read That's Not What I Meant! by Deborah Tannen.
11. Eyebrows that lift, raise & arch. Also, furrow. However, we have only one “waggle” here, people.
12. I could go on (I haven’t even mentioned the fact that “real men” wears shit-stomping boots, but only snobby jerks wear loafers) but I CAN TAKE THIS NO LONGER.
Here’s my advice. Although I highly doubt there’s a reader in the MM world who hasn’t read at least something by this author, I offer this warning: I swear to jeebus, do not read Calmes unless you enjoy being addicted to crack. RUN. SAVE YOURSELF. It’s too late for me. I’m prepared to sell my toaster to get my hands on this woman’s next book.
But if you want to start somewhere, go with Matter of Time vol 1. NOT THIS CRAP.
Or, take Emma Sea’s advice & go read Frog. It’s good, it’s short and it’ll give you a general idea of what you’re getting into.
My prayers are with you, Calmes-virgins.
Update 4/16/2014
Original review (complaint-o-rama, really) below. I'm going to update this tomorrow though. FURTHER BITCHING IS NECESSARY.
Sometime in March.
Ok, I have to get this out of my brain ‘cause I've been obsessing.
I will continue to buy Mary Calmes' books because when she's good, she's really awesome. She (along with Cardeno C.) writes some of the best sugar-pop mm out there. HOWEVER...just once, ONCE, I would like to see one of her asshat ex-boyfriend characters get their due.
Major spoilers ahead:
December 1, 2016
Re-read 11/30/2016
Just as crackalicious as the first time I read this.
**************************************
**************************************
Because, reasons.
Alright, I’m just gonna come right out and say this…
I have an addiction..
I’m addicted to Mary Calmes books. It doesn’t matter what this woman writes, I’m gonna read it and enjoy it and cherish it and adore it. I can’t help myself. I HAVE TO read her books!
Floodgates is no different. When I first saw that it was coming out soon I broke out into a sweat and I swear I began having heart palpitations. The anticipation was killing me! I think I need professional help.
So many people were disappointed that it seemed just like her other books but me - I liked that. I wanted that.
I want the formula.
I want the insta-love.
I want the Jory/Stefan/Jin character.
I want the Alpha male.
I want the kidnapping.
I want the perfection.
There were parts to this book that irritated the ever loving shit outta me. But I loved it nonetheless.
Once again I will say: this woman could rewrite the damn phone book and I would read it.
This is my crack. This is my addiction.
I don’t wanna be cured.
March 15, 2014
*** 2.5 Stars ***
A fluffy popcorn read that was let down by a doormat of a main character, too many ludicrous plot points and improbable red-herrings, and an entire gaggle of extraneous characters.
Favourite quote:
"I'm keeping you, Trace. You need to get it right in your head."
I already had. Fast had never scared me, only indecision.
A fluffy popcorn read that was let down by a doormat of a main character, too many ludicrous plot points and improbable red-herrings, and an entire gaggle of extraneous characters.
Favourite quote:
"I'm keeping you, Trace. You need to get it right in your head."
I already had. Fast had never scared me, only indecision.
March 3, 2014
I love stories by Mary Calmes. It's the characters, the dialogue, the descriptions, and the relationships...they all just fit together into a bundle of awesomeness and work for me. This read is no exception and resulted in a sleepless night. I'm sure work will be fun today but that's what happens when you can't put down the book because you want to see how things work out.
December 3, 2018
Re-read December 2018
Because I needed my Mary fix.
---------------------------------------
4.5 stars
Mary,
I love how in your face the emotions in her books are. And this was no exception.
I lifted up and sealed my lips over his, kissing him hard, taking what I needed because the man was making my heart hurt. I’d had no idea he could be so romantic, so serious, and the idea that I had brought it out in him was overwhelming. I couldn’t seem to kiss, touch, or breathe him in enough. I needed more.
*happy sigh*
We have a bunch of characters with ridiculous names, a lot of totally crazy police work (don’t even try to really suspend your disbelief, just roll your eyes and go with it), and lots of face touching. I loved it all.
Tracy is our gorgeous character in this. He is of course perfect and everyone wants him. Or at least wants to touch him. They are either touching him or telling him their life stories, or both. He is awesome like that.
Cord is the best friend of Tracy’s brother. He used to be a manwhore, but has now seen his ways and changed over the years, just for Tracy.
Cord didn’t make his move sooner, because Tracy was in a relationship with Breckin, until Breckin cheated. Twice.
There is a killer on the loose and Tracy, Cord, Breckin and the woman Breckin got pregnant, are forced to spend time together in Breckin’s parent’s house. Joy!
Cord gets possessive, Trace is swept of his feet, Breckin is acting like an ass, and after the killer is caught, everyone lives happily ever after. Of course.
I loved Tracy. I loved Cord. I just love this formula of oblivious MC with his possessive alpha. Lots of touching, grunting, growling and sexy times.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but as many other readers I did have a bit of an issue with some things. Some things just didn’t make any sense (who on earth thought it would be a good idea to catch the killer by collecting everyone involved and going to Breckin’s parents house, who he hasn’t seen in 18 years.. yeah right…).
Still, this was a classic Mary Calmes read and I just want more.
Because I needed my Mary fix.
---------------------------------------
4.5 stars
Mary,
I love how in your face the emotions in her books are. And this was no exception.
I lifted up and sealed my lips over his, kissing him hard, taking what I needed because the man was making my heart hurt. I’d had no idea he could be so romantic, so serious, and the idea that I had brought it out in him was overwhelming. I couldn’t seem to kiss, touch, or breathe him in enough. I needed more.
*happy sigh*
We have a bunch of characters with ridiculous names, a lot of totally crazy police work (don’t even try to really suspend your disbelief, just roll your eyes and go with it), and lots of face touching. I loved it all.
Tracy is our gorgeous character in this. He is of course perfect and everyone wants him. Or at least wants to touch him. They are either touching him or telling him their life stories, or both. He is awesome like that.
Cord is the best friend of Tracy’s brother. He used to be a manwhore, but has now seen his ways and changed over the years, just for Tracy.
Cord didn’t make his move sooner, because Tracy was in a relationship with Breckin, until Breckin cheated. Twice.
There is a killer on the loose and Tracy, Cord, Breckin and the woman Breckin got pregnant, are forced to spend time together in Breckin’s parent’s house. Joy!
Cord gets possessive, Trace is swept of his feet, Breckin is acting like an ass, and after the killer is caught, everyone lives happily ever after. Of course.
I loved Tracy. I loved Cord. I just love this formula of oblivious MC with his possessive alpha. Lots of touching, grunting, growling and sexy times.
I wanted to give this 5 stars, but as many other readers I did have a bit of an issue with some things. Some things just didn’t make any sense (who on earth thought it would be a good idea to catch the killer by collecting everyone involved and going to Breckin’s parents house, who he hasn’t seen in 18 years.. yeah right…).
Still, this was a classic Mary Calmes read and I just want more.
April 22, 2017
Re-read 4/22/17 I am on a Mary Calmes re-reading streak it seems...pretty sure I am gonna re-read Matter of Time series next, for like the hundredth time :P
First things first...
This book has been on my tbr-list for some time, but I was a bit hessitant to start it because of the reviews. Some seem to love it, while others seem to hate it. However...my sweet sweet friend Susan, convinced me to just jump in. She knows me so well. Thank you Susan, you were right, I really enjoyed it !!
Of course this is Mary Calmes and I should have had more faith. I don't know what it is about her books, but once I start reading, I just can't stop. She has her own writing formula and even though her books are often heavy on the insta-love and way OTT, I just can't stop loving them. I just love Mary !!!
Now what is this book about...
Well, if you've read any of her other books, you should know :P
We have a gorgeous Jory-like man, who's an accountant in this case. Tracy of course works for some (sinister) Russian dude, who is fiercly protective of him. He also has two amazing brothers, who are again fiercly protective of him and he just ended his relationship with a douchebag, who cheated on him twice, but who wants him back...
We also have Cord. The big bad alpha detective. He's the best friend of Tracy's brother and he's had his eyes onJory, Tracy for a long time. Now that Tracy has ended his relationship with the douchecanoe, he's moving in...claiming what's his.
Then there is also the mystery part of the story, where someone wants to killJory Tracy and Cord has to protect him. It was OTT and ridiculous, but I gobbeled that shit up !!
While protecting Tracy from this mad man who's trying to kill him, he stakes his claim and makes it perfectly clear that he's always loved Tracy and that they are now together. Of course Tracy realizes that he has always been in love with Cord as well....
This book was totally Mary Calmes style and while my review might make it seem that I didn't love it...I totally did !! It was awesome :) The only thing I was a bit disappointed about, was the steam.
It took a long time for these guys to cum together....lol :P
So even though they were pretty hot when they finally did, I just wanted a bit more "them" time.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. Not as much as I enjoyed Jory and Sam, but I don't think any book that Mary Calmes writes will ever top the crush I have on Jory !!
I'm gonna gonna give this one 3,5 stars rounded up, because this is Mary and I do love her so :)
First things first...
This book has been on my tbr-list for some time, but I was a bit hessitant to start it because of the reviews. Some seem to love it, while others seem to hate it. However...my sweet sweet friend Susan, convinced me to just jump in. She knows me so well. Thank you Susan, you were right, I really enjoyed it !!
Of course this is Mary Calmes and I should have had more faith. I don't know what it is about her books, but once I start reading, I just can't stop. She has her own writing formula and even though her books are often heavy on the insta-love and way OTT, I just can't stop loving them. I just love Mary !!!
Now what is this book about...
Well, if you've read any of her other books, you should know :P
We have a gorgeous Jory-like man, who's an accountant in this case. Tracy of course works for some (sinister) Russian dude, who is fiercly protective of him. He also has two amazing brothers, who are again fiercly protective of him and he just ended his relationship with a douchebag, who cheated on him twice, but who wants him back...
We also have Cord. The big bad alpha detective. He's the best friend of Tracy's brother and he's had his eyes on
Then there is also the mystery part of the story, where someone wants to kill
While protecting Tracy from this mad man who's trying to kill him, he stakes his claim and makes it perfectly clear that he's always loved Tracy and that they are now together. Of course Tracy realizes that he has always been in love with Cord as well....
This book was totally Mary Calmes style and while my review might make it seem that I didn't love it...I totally did !! It was awesome :) The only thing I was a bit disappointed about, was the steam.
It took a long time for these guys to cum together....lol :P
So even though they were pretty hot when they finally did, I just wanted a bit more "them" time.
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. Not as much as I enjoyed Jory and Sam, but I don't think any book that Mary Calmes writes will ever top the crush I have on Jory !!
I'm gonna gonna give this one 3,5 stars rounded up, because this is Mary and I do love her so :)
May 8, 2024
I am never, never, EVER, EVER EEEEEVVVVEEEEEER READING ANOTHER MARY CALMES BOOK AGAIN.
Fuck all these characters.
Fuck Tracy for being a doormat and being sooooo understanding about absolutely EVERYTHING.
Fuck Cord for having the same name as my uncle.
Fuck Brack for being good looking but having ALL the audacity.
Fuck Celia for being TMI.
Fuck Dimah for being an amazing character and being SEVERELY underused.
Fuck the plot for being unnecessarily angsty and making me need Pepto-Bismol. All that... ALL THAT....for the real bad guy to get exactly what he wanted, with no consequences. For him to be forgiven for being a POS.
ETA: I came back just to drop kick another star off of this because there NO WAY I can sleep with this having 3 stars.
Fuck all these characters.
Fuck Tracy for being a doormat and being sooooo understanding about absolutely EVERYTHING.
Fuck Cord for having the same name as my uncle.
Fuck Brack for being good looking but having ALL the audacity.
Fuck Celia for being TMI.
Fuck Dimah for being an amazing character and being SEVERELY underused.
Fuck the plot for being unnecessarily angsty and making me need Pepto-Bismol. All that... ALL THAT....for the real bad guy to get exactly what he wanted, with no consequences. For him to be forgiven for being a POS.
ETA: I came back just to drop kick another star off of this because there NO WAY I can sleep with this having 3 stars.
October 20, 2023
Updated for 2nd edition with added content:
The reasons I originally didn't particularly love this book are still here so I don't have anything to add to my previous review.
*******************
Updated 12/2016 for audio:
I think now that I've had some truly terrible experiences with audio I can better appreciate the job Michael does with this story.
90% of his narration is wonderful. I must have been being a really picky bitch with it before, because truly, this time around it was mostly delightful.
The story still irks the hell out of me though.
*******************
Updated 7/2015 for audio:
Michael Anthony had some good moments. There were times when he really got into the flow of things and his narrating was as smooth as an eighteen year old scotch.
But other times it was bad. Like...bad. He changed character's accents, or garbled their voices so I couldn't tell who was speaking, and at one critical point he switched the character voices around...talk about confusing!
The good outweighs the bad, but not enough for me to recommend to others.
*******************
Read 09/2014
Gotta go 2.5 on this. And it kills me, because I am a HUGE Mary Calmes fan. But there were two major plot points that I just couldn't get over.
Other than that...I like that Mary Calmes creates similar characters (beautiful, cut, ripped, gorgeous, stubborn, sarcastic, etc.) and that works for me....usually. But something with this one just fell flat.
I prefer her other contemporary romances.
The reasons I originally didn't particularly love this book are still here so I don't have anything to add to my previous review.
*******************
Updated 12/2016 for audio:
I think now that I've had some truly terrible experiences with audio I can better appreciate the job Michael does with this story.
90% of his narration is wonderful. I must have been being a really picky bitch with it before, because truly, this time around it was mostly delightful.
The story still irks the hell out of me though.
*******************
Updated 7/2015 for audio:
Michael Anthony had some good moments. There were times when he really got into the flow of things and his narrating was as smooth as an eighteen year old scotch.
But other times it was bad. Like...bad. He changed character's accents, or garbled their voices so I couldn't tell who was speaking, and at one critical point he switched the character voices around...talk about confusing!
The good outweighs the bad, but not enough for me to recommend to others.
*******************
Read 09/2014
Gotta go 2.5 on this. And it kills me, because I am a HUGE Mary Calmes fan. But there were two major plot points that I just couldn't get over.
Other than that...I like that Mary Calmes creates similar characters (beautiful, cut, ripped, gorgeous, stubborn, sarcastic, etc.) and that works for me....usually. But something with this one just fell flat.
I prefer her other contemporary romances.
October 22, 2014
3.5 stars from me. I'm a Mary Calmes virgin 
....have I missed out on anything by not reading any of her books in the 2 years I've been reading m/m exclusively...no, I don't think so. She seems to polarise readers views, either wildly for or against...I'm firmly in the 'middle of the road' camp I'm afraid.
This story was slightly better than OK, and certainly more interesting than 'Better than Chance' IMHO, but although I definitely liked the characters and their banter, I thought that the police...and yes Cord, you in particular (you should have been thinking with your 'big' head, not your 'little' one
) would have discovered who the killer was without resorting to moving everyone to New England...a little research and investigation guys, isn't that what you get paid for?? And can I just say once again how much I hate that slimy little shit Breckin, who STILL hasn't stopped his slutty ways and is now cheating on....I'll leave this one here.
I do have Frog on the kindle, but won't be reading it yet. Thanks to Susan and Heather, and everyone else involved in getting the buddy read organised.
....have I missed out on anything by not reading any of her books in the 2 years I've been reading m/m exclusively...no, I don't think so. She seems to polarise readers views, either wildly for or against...I'm firmly in the 'middle of the road' camp I'm afraid.This story was slightly better than OK, and certainly more interesting than 'Better than Chance' IMHO, but although I definitely liked the characters and their banter, I thought that the police...and yes Cord, you in particular (you should have been thinking with your 'big' head, not your 'little' one
) would have discovered who the killer was without resorting to moving everyone to New England...a little research and investigation guys, isn't that what you get paid for?? And can I just say once again how much I hate that slimy little shit Breckin, who STILL hasn't stopped his slutty ways and is now cheating on....I'll leave this one here. I do have Frog on the kindle, but won't be reading it yet. Thanks to Susan and Heather, and everyone else involved in getting the buddy read organised.
July 23, 2018
I'm so not surprised that I loved it! Even taking little tiny breaks I still read it too fast. I didn't want it to end. Love Mary Calmes books...
11/25/16...Rereading. The first time I read it was in 2014...
11/26/16...Its was great to read this one again. Still just as good to me...
11/25/16...Rereading. The first time I read it was in 2014...
11/26/16...Its was great to read this one again. Still just as good to me...
September 27, 2019
Mary Calmes is my happy place...
This one's going to be short and sweet. I read 'Floodgate' a while ago and I really liked it. Here's the link to my original review...
Floodgates e-book review
When I saw the e-book on audible.com I immediately listened to the sample smiled from start to finish and added it to my cart. Wanting to have a break from things a few days ago I scrolled through my list of books and when 'Floodgates' caught my eye I knew I'd found what I needed and clicked on play.
Michael Anthony was the narrator for this story and while I admit that Tristan James is my narrator of choice for Mary Calmes audiobooks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed this narrator and won't hesitate to listen to other audio books narrated by Mr. Anthony or to replay 'Floodgates' and enjoy it again.
July 5/18 - it's my 4th time with this story...nothings changed and I loved it...the end and I'm on to the next story.
This one's going to be short and sweet. I read 'Floodgate' a while ago and I really liked it. Here's the link to my original review...
Floodgates e-book review
When I saw the e-book on audible.com I immediately listened to the sample smiled from start to finish and added it to my cart. Wanting to have a break from things a few days ago I scrolled through my list of books and when 'Floodgates' caught my eye I knew I'd found what I needed and clicked on play.
Michael Anthony was the narrator for this story and while I admit that Tristan James is my narrator of choice for Mary Calmes audiobooks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed this narrator and won't hesitate to listen to other audio books narrated by Mr. Anthony or to replay 'Floodgates' and enjoy it again.
July 5/18 - it's my 4th time with this story...nothings changed and I loved it...the end and I'm on to the next story.
September 13, 2016
Don't look to me for an unbiased review of a Mary Calmes book- if that's what you want, feel free to move on. From my first, A Matter of a Time, to now Floodgates- I enjoy them all. As another reviewer has said about Ms. Calmes' stories- they're a sweet confection- but one that I don't mind having over and over. Don't judge. I make no excuses and I will likely always buy her books! This is classic Mary Calmes (I personally prefer her contemporary stories over the shifter ones) and if you like her stories and her characters- Jory/Sam, Stefan/Rand, Sivan/Walter- you'll love this one.
November 2, 2018
I read Floodgates as part of a group buddy read, which I have to say was fun because the thoughts and opinions were wide and varied and all were appreciated, respected and allowed which only made me enjoy the book that much more. Mary Calmes is my go to, warm fuzzy, feel better, total escape from reality and all that sucks read, without fail. There are other authors but she is at the top of my list.
Yes, her books have been described as very formulaic, but it works and I love them. So what was different about this book from her series A Matter of Time (AMoT). I found 2 things and one of them to me was a biggie. Anyone who has read AMoT is familiar with the MC's Jory & Sam. In this book we have Tracy(Jory) and Cord(Sam). I liked that Tracy was given a loving family and that they played a fairly prominent role in his life. Unlike Jory from AMoT or Stefan from Timing and After the Sunset Tracy has a family, a very close knit family consisting of 2 brothers and a father. One of those brothers happens to be Cord's best friend. Cord also has a family that loves him, unfortunately they just don't do the gay thing because unlike Sam, Cord only keeps his clothes in the closet.
The other difference that I noticed was Tracy's best friend was male, another gay man who was in a committed relationship. Both Jory & Stefan had female best friends. A big change, no, not really but still something that I liked and noticed.
I liked Tracy that person that we all know with the charmingly infectious personality, who makes everyone smile and want to be with them, touch them in some small way, protect them and just float in their orbit and Cord, strong, a definite Alpha male and protector, sees what he wants and goes for it.
I disliked Breck, immensely! The man was a self centered, arrogant douche. The best thing that ever happened to Tracy was finding that out and Celia, well let's just say she and Breck deserved each other so all was as it should be.
I think we all have go to authors and books that we read because we just like them, they make us feel good, they make us smile and feel entertained. If I equate books to food for the brain, Mary Calmes is my junk food without all the calories but still having all the yummy goodness of my favorite treat, that one that you just can't quit nibbling on until it's all gone and your sweet tooth has been satisfied.
Yes, her books have been described as very formulaic, but it works and I love them. So what was different about this book from her series A Matter of Time (AMoT). I found 2 things and one of them to me was a biggie. Anyone who has read AMoT is familiar with the MC's Jory & Sam. In this book we have Tracy(Jory) and Cord(Sam). I liked that Tracy was given a loving family and that they played a fairly prominent role in his life. Unlike Jory from AMoT or Stefan from Timing and After the Sunset Tracy has a family, a very close knit family consisting of 2 brothers and a father. One of those brothers happens to be Cord's best friend. Cord also has a family that loves him, unfortunately they just don't do the gay thing because unlike Sam, Cord only keeps his clothes in the closet.
The other difference that I noticed was Tracy's best friend was male, another gay man who was in a committed relationship. Both Jory & Stefan had female best friends. A big change, no, not really but still something that I liked and noticed.
I liked Tracy that person that we all know with the charmingly infectious personality, who makes everyone smile and want to be with them, touch them in some small way, protect them and just float in their orbit and Cord, strong, a definite Alpha male and protector, sees what he wants and goes for it.
I disliked Breck, immensely! The man was a self centered, arrogant douche. The best thing that ever happened to Tracy was finding that out and Celia, well let's just say she and Breck deserved each other so all was as it should be.
I think we all have go to authors and books that we read because we just like them, they make us feel good, they make us smile and feel entertained. If I equate books to food for the brain, Mary Calmes is my junk food without all the calories but still having all the yummy goodness of my favorite treat, that one that you just can't quit nibbling on until it's all gone and your sweet tooth has been satisfied.
March 5, 2014
3.5★'s - I liked it just as much as I didn't. And actually, I wouldn't call it dislike. I think more like confusion and overload. There was a ton going on and a ton that should have been going on but wasn't and a whole ton of stuff that could have just been erased. This is my second book by Mary Calmes and believe me, regardless of my feels for this one, there is no doubt I will be reading more, like soon.
I love, love, LOVE Tracy. I even got his behavior with the douchey Dr. most of the time. To me, Tracy was just calm. His sense of humor was awesome and the rest of him, well, again, he just had such a calm about him that made me feel for him. He didn’t want conflict so he would just go with the flow. I can see how I would have loved the relationship between Tracy and Cord but I only ended up liking it, I just needed a little bit more. Maybe instead of all the thoughts about Dr. Douche there could have been more about Tracy and Cord’s history. It was hot though and seriously possessive and well, yeah, I really like that.
I could go on about the things that didn’t work for me but seriously most of them are the same things that didn’t work for everyone so I won’t bore you with the details.
I am not sorry I read it and will definitely be reading more by this author.
Most awesome Party/Buddy Read with the best bunch of people! Can’t wait to see what we get up to next month!
I love, love, LOVE Tracy. I even got his behavior with the douchey Dr. most of the time. To me, Tracy was just calm. His sense of humor was awesome and the rest of him, well, again, he just had such a calm about him that made me feel for him. He didn’t want conflict so he would just go with the flow. I can see how I would have loved the relationship between Tracy and Cord but I only ended up liking it, I just needed a little bit more. Maybe instead of all the thoughts about Dr. Douche there could have been more about Tracy and Cord’s history. It was hot though and seriously possessive and well, yeah, I really like that.
I could go on about the things that didn’t work for me but seriously most of them are the same things that didn’t work for everyone so I won’t bore you with the details.
I am not sorry I read it and will definitely be reading more by this author.
Most awesome Party/Buddy Read with the best bunch of people! Can’t wait to see what we get up to next month!
March 5, 2014
I still can't quite parse together what on earth I just read. So I'll begin by recapping the first 40% of the book in 8 lines:
[Douchebag: "I'm sorry I cheated on you with my male friend."
Tracy/Jory: "We're breaking up."
DB:"No please! I want to take care of you."
TJ: "Okay."
DB: "I'm sooo sorry I cheated on you again and got a woman pregnant."
TJ: "Okay, now we are definitely breaking up!"
DB: "No!!! Please????? I REALLY want to take care of you."
TJ: "Okay."]
So after this...the romance starts? It was hard to feel suddenly invested in the character of TracyJory when so much of the book had been a nauseating repetitious back-and-forth with his ex.
Eventually, TraJory finds love with another man, but by this point I was completely disengaged, and a bit lost between the myriad of disconnected mystery plots.
By the end, TJory and his god-like alpha male find their Super-HEA, but I don't think I really care. I'll add that there were some very cute, near-touching moments.
Here's to another utterly infallible, perfect, funny, ten-ten-would-fight-over-again Jory.
[Douchebag: "I'm sorry I cheated on you with my male friend."
Tracy/Jory: "We're breaking up."
DB:"No please! I want to take care of you."
TJ: "Okay."
DB: "I'm sooo sorry I cheated on you again and got a woman pregnant."
TJ: "Okay, now we are definitely breaking up!"
DB: "No!!! Please????? I REALLY want to take care of you."
TJ: "Okay."]
So after this...the romance starts? It was hard to feel suddenly invested in the character of TracyJory when so much of the book had been a nauseating repetitious back-and-forth with his ex.
Eventually, TraJory finds love with another man, but by this point I was completely disengaged, and a bit lost between the myriad of disconnected mystery plots.
By the end, TJory and his god-like alpha male find their Super-HEA, but I don't think I really care. I'll add that there were some very cute, near-touching moments.
Here's to another utterly infallible, perfect, funny, ten-ten-would-fight-over-again Jory.
March 5, 2014
It´s the first time I read Mary Calmes books, and I enjoyed it!
The plot was good, not awesomely good but a ligth, happy read, the characters well built... especially CORD (*faints*), the brothers, and of course Cord and Tracy together!
Didn´t like the Breckin's whiney and ... and the mistery, didn´t captured, the way I like it, but I love books that ends well, so I give it a solid 4!!
The plot was good, not awesomely good but a ligth, happy read, the characters well built... especially CORD (*faints*), the brothers, and of course Cord and Tracy together!
Didn´t like the Breckin's whiney and ... and the mistery, didn´t captured, the way I like it, but I love books that ends well, so I give it a solid 4!!
October 24, 2023
3.5
Looking at other reviews it seems Mary Calmes did some changes for this new version of Floodgates. Now it's like your classic Calmes story with its usual whirlwind craziness and all those distracting detours, with rambling thoughts and loving possessiveness, with abandons of brand names, trusted friendships and strong family connections, with an empathetic MC with the heart of a screwball heroine straight out of the 50s and his grumpy alpha male love interest. The mystery is as so often what Hitchcock would have called MacGuffin, something to keep the ball rolling, to add a little suspense but actually only a reason to get the 2 man together. So do I mind that the Vermont baiting resolution is totally ridiculous and nothing an editor for a more realistic mystery would accept? Not at all, I just enjoyed to have a little Calmes nostalgia tour.
Looking at other reviews it seems Mary Calmes did some changes for this new version of Floodgates. Now it's like your classic Calmes story with its usual whirlwind craziness and all those distracting detours, with rambling thoughts and loving possessiveness, with abandons of brand names, trusted friendships and strong family connections, with an empathetic MC with the heart of a screwball heroine straight out of the 50s and his grumpy alpha male love interest. The mystery is as so often what Hitchcock would have called MacGuffin, something to keep the ball rolling, to add a little suspense but actually only a reason to get the 2 man together. So do I mind that the Vermont baiting resolution is totally ridiculous and nothing an editor for a more realistic mystery would accept? Not at all, I just enjoyed to have a little Calmes nostalgia tour.
March 4, 2014
Great buddy read with amazing friends... I loved it!!!!
I'm giving this book 3 stars... I would like to give more, but there are so many unrealistic scenes and some others that remind me of other books from this author, that I can't.
There are things that I really loved, like Brandt men, Bo, and even the MCs have some excellent and hot scenes... On the other hand we have things that didn't work for me... predictable and unrealistic!
So, my stars are all for the HEA, the Brandt men and for the scenes where is just Tracy and Cord, because they are fabulous together!
I'm giving this book 3 stars... I would like to give more, but there are so many unrealistic scenes and some others that remind me of other books from this author, that I can't.
There are things that I really loved, like Brandt men, Bo, and even the MCs have some excellent and hot scenes... On the other hand we have things that didn't work for me... predictable and unrealistic!
So, my stars are all for the HEA, the Brandt men and for the scenes where is just Tracy and Cord, because they are fabulous together!
March 5, 2014
3.5 stars
I like reading Mary Calmes because I generally know what I am going to get. Floodgates is classic Mary Calmes with a hero everyone loves who is often in danger, but luckily one of those people that loves him will be there to rescue him and there will be lots of hot sex and possessive declarations. Floodgates had all of those things, but I felt like the romance between Cord and Trace got a little lost in the madness since there were so many things going on with so many other characters. I guess I just didn't connect with them the way I have with some of her other couples.
That being said the book was a quick read, and I loved to hate Breckin. He is a truly horrible person. Trace's family was adorable and Cord was cranky/sexy. The mystery was crazy over the top and I really didn't understand why the storyline with Trace's business partner was there. Not my favorite Mary Calmes book, but entertaining nonetheless.
Thanks to everyone at Buddy Read Central for a fun time!
I like reading Mary Calmes because I generally know what I am going to get. Floodgates is classic Mary Calmes with a hero everyone loves who is often in danger, but luckily one of those people that loves him will be there to rescue him and there will be lots of hot sex and possessive declarations. Floodgates had all of those things, but I felt like the romance between Cord and Trace got a little lost in the madness since there were so many things going on with so many other characters. I guess I just didn't connect with them the way I have with some of her other couples.
That being said the book was a quick read, and I loved to hate Breckin. He is a truly horrible person. Trace's family was adorable and Cord was cranky/sexy. The mystery was crazy over the top and I really didn't understand why the storyline with Trace's business partner was there. Not my favorite Mary Calmes book, but entertaining nonetheless.
Thanks to everyone at Buddy Read Central for a fun time!
June 5, 2025
Tracy Brandt considers himself a lucky man. He has a wonderful family, good friends, and a dependable job. His love life, however, features a cheating ex who, though out of the house, is not yet out of the picture—an ex with a past that might get Tracy killed. Homicide inspector Cord Nolan wants nothing more than to show his best friend’s little brother that he’s a reliable man, but to do that he’ll have to get Tracy to look past the player he used to be. It’ll be a tough sell. Reputation is everything, and Cord’s is tarnished by his past indiscretions. Tracy and Cord have spent five years trying to smother their fiery attraction under a blanket of grudging antagonism. When Tracy finds himself with a target on his back, Cord rides to the rescue, and he finally has the chance to break through the dam of Tracy’s reserve. But Cord had better be careful: if he’s opening the floodgates to wash away the past, he’s going to have to hold tight to Tracy to make sure they’re still standing when the tumult recedes.
I absolutely love Mary Calmes writing and her characters...she' like a big cup of comforting hot chocolate.
I really liked this book, but I like ALL of her books! I know some folks that were "iffy" about it... but I ask you who could not love Tracy and Cord? How could you NOT wish them all the luck in the world in their efforts to "get together"? I believe that you have to really understand how this author first presents and then tells the story, to see where she was leading us with Cord and Tracy.
Tracy was an emotional roller coaster...a train wreck going somewhere to happen. He had recently separated from his cheating ex, who I hated at the first encounter. But guess what? He wants Tracy back...his life is being threatened. I thought "good". Tacey's doing just fine without him and has a new and real, attraction for police inspector, Cord Nolan. The problem here is that Tracy wants "forever", but Cord just wants a good time...well...for now anyway.
The "villain" was a crazy person that had held a grudge for literally years. I can see the problem that some folks might have had with it. There was a lot of different storylines in this one, a lot of different things going on at the same time, and sometimes it did all became a little "too much".
But hey...it's Mary Calmes, and Mary Calmes couldn't write a bad story if she tried. I never guessed the ending of this one. I like when I'm surprised...and this one certainly did surprise me. I would give the story 4.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't, for some odd reason, like half-stars...so only 4 will show...but you have to think 4.5
I absolutely love Mary Calmes writing and her characters...she' like a big cup of comforting hot chocolate.
I really liked this book, but I like ALL of her books! I know some folks that were "iffy" about it... but I ask you who could not love Tracy and Cord? How could you NOT wish them all the luck in the world in their efforts to "get together"? I believe that you have to really understand how this author first presents and then tells the story, to see where she was leading us with Cord and Tracy.
Tracy was an emotional roller coaster...a train wreck going somewhere to happen. He had recently separated from his cheating ex, who I hated at the first encounter. But guess what? He wants Tracy back...his life is being threatened. I thought "good". Tacey's doing just fine without him and has a new and real, attraction for police inspector, Cord Nolan. The problem here is that Tracy wants "forever", but Cord just wants a good time...well...for now anyway.
The "villain" was a crazy person that had held a grudge for literally years. I can see the problem that some folks might have had with it. There was a lot of different storylines in this one, a lot of different things going on at the same time, and sometimes it did all became a little "too much".
But hey...it's Mary Calmes, and Mary Calmes couldn't write a bad story if she tried. I never guessed the ending of this one. I like when I'm surprised...and this one certainly did surprise me. I would give the story 4.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't, for some odd reason, like half-stars...so only 4 will show...but you have to think 4.5
March 4, 2014
Wavering between 2 and 3 stars. Full review to come, getting down thoughts now while it's fresh.
The Dimah stuff had nothing to do with anything at all and could have easily been left out, but then I decided it's just there to make Tracy seem like a dumb kid who needs to be chided about his choices by everyone around him. The shooting was never resolved, and was just another way to make Tracy a Perils of Penelope Pitstop character. Not one but TWO completely unrelated people threatening him?
Breck was scum. You know he cheated more than we found out about. The family/old boyfriend stuff was so inconsistent and out of left field, as was him lifting a hand to Tracy.
I didn't like Celia either. She seduces the guy's boyfriend (not that I imagine it took much effort on her part), then asks HIM to step aside? Some nerve, even if Tracy was out by this point.
Oh, and how coincidental that she happened to be a bridesmaid to the daughter of the woman Tracy' dad is seeing, and they all, yes DoucheBreck included, end up at Tracy's dad's house.
Loved the Brandt family, but man, are people really that touchy feely? I have never seen any of my male relatives or friends be so huggy or kissy with each other.
Leave the freaking state to fly cross country to draw the crazy person out? Fantastic idea. How come Tracy's former cop current DEA brother didn't take time off work to go with them? No idea.
Not one but two people get kidnapped under police protection. Keystone cops, here. Dimah sent two guys to watch Tracy, and they did nothing, wtf? But Dimah, who has this type of people to send this way isn't mobbed up. OK, yeah.
The Dimah stuff had nothing to do with anything at all and could have easily been left out, but then I decided it's just there to make Tracy seem like a dumb kid who needs to be chided about his choices by everyone around him. The shooting was never resolved, and was just another way to make Tracy a Perils of Penelope Pitstop character. Not one but TWO completely unrelated people threatening him?
Breck was scum. You know he cheated more than we found out about. The family/old boyfriend stuff was so inconsistent and out of left field, as was him lifting a hand to Tracy.
I didn't like Celia either. She seduces the guy's boyfriend (not that I imagine it took much effort on her part), then asks HIM to step aside? Some nerve, even if Tracy was out by this point.
Oh, and how coincidental that she happened to be a bridesmaid to the daughter of the woman Tracy' dad is seeing, and they all, yes DoucheBreck included, end up at Tracy's dad's house.
Loved the Brandt family, but man, are people really that touchy feely? I have never seen any of my male relatives or friends be so huggy or kissy with each other.
Leave the freaking state to fly cross country to draw the crazy person out? Fantastic idea. How come Tracy's former cop current DEA brother didn't take time off work to go with them? No idea.
Not one but two people get kidnapped under police protection. Keystone cops, here. Dimah sent two guys to watch Tracy, and they did nothing, wtf? But Dimah, who has this type of people to send this way isn't mobbed up. OK, yeah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading Floodgates a bit early—just a bit but it was enough of a bit that made me want to put everything down and read it straight through so I could cackle to myself in glee as people posted about how much they wanted to read this book.
Well, their wait is over and man, thank goodness for them because I couldn't wait as long as I had to.
But oh the wait was worth it.
Floodgates is a rolling tumble of a book with an oblivious-to-his-looks Trace and the man who loves him but doesn't have him, Cord. Calmes packs this book with the remains of a relationship Trace is trying to decide if he's going to shake off or forgive his cheating ex.
In the end, it really isn't about the ex. Cord won't let Trace go, not when he's worked so hard on his own life to make himself worthy of Trace's love.
There's a lot of action in this book and a lot of steamy tension. It is classic Calmes with a spicy twist and I loved every word of it. Grab this book, pour yourself a cup of something hot and rich and settle down into a love story with everything the heart needs to keep itself warm.
Well, their wait is over and man, thank goodness for them because I couldn't wait as long as I had to.
But oh the wait was worth it.
Floodgates is a rolling tumble of a book with an oblivious-to-his-looks Trace and the man who loves him but doesn't have him, Cord. Calmes packs this book with the remains of a relationship Trace is trying to decide if he's going to shake off or forgive his cheating ex.
In the end, it really isn't about the ex. Cord won't let Trace go, not when he's worked so hard on his own life to make himself worthy of Trace's love.
There's a lot of action in this book and a lot of steamy tension. It is classic Calmes with a spicy twist and I loved every word of it. Grab this book, pour yourself a cup of something hot and rich and settle down into a love story with everything the heart needs to keep itself warm.
March 5, 2014
So very disappointed with this book.
The way certain things were handled, and the cliches that were implemented had me rolling my eyes and ready to chuck my kindle out of the window.
I'll give it three stars for character development and an ending that I thought was appropriate.
Other than that, the plot was choppy, all over, and included a lot of unneeded scenarios that never delivered anything other than wasting space on the pages.
The way certain things were handled, and the cliches that were implemented had me rolling my eyes and ready to chuck my kindle out of the window.
I'll give it three stars for character development and an ending that I thought was appropriate.
Other than that, the plot was choppy, all over, and included a lot of unneeded scenarios that never delivered anything other than wasting space on the pages.
December 29, 2015
I would have really liked this one if Tracy had been just a little less passive. I'm all for the dominant/submissive angle in a romance, but Tracy sorta let everyone push him around. Even if he wasn't agreeing with someone just to get them to shut up, he never came out with what needed to be said. It irritated me.
Want to read
August 12, 2016Prepare for those floodgates!!!
#TeamMaryCalmes
#BookCrack
#DisBitchIsReading
#FuckYeah!
#I'mOnItMan!
#Can'tWait
#TeamMaryCalmes
#BookCrack
#DisBitchIsReading
#FuckYeah!
#I'mOnItMan!
#Can'tWait
December 3, 2016
This was a little crazy even for Mary !
Hard to decide . Less stars because , even though I can suspend my disbelief a lot ( like really a LOT ) , this plot had massive holes and was slightly bananas .
Or that Tracey / Jory was an actual wilting damsel in distress .
More stars because somehow despite the above , I liked it , and it took me to my happy Mary place .
3 Stars , I'm not reading this as a police procedural after all .
Hard to decide . Less stars because , even though I can suspend my disbelief a lot ( like really a LOT ) , this plot had massive holes and was slightly bananas .
Or that Tracey / Jory was an actual wilting damsel in distress .
More stars because somehow despite the above , I liked it , and it took me to my happy Mary place .
3 Stars , I'm not reading this as a police procedural after all .
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