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Art of Love #1
Carved In Stone
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B00534Q9L2
Even though his sons tease him about not dating, and his ex-wife thinks he is still hung up on her, 53 yr old retired principal and stone sculptor, William Everett Larson, is glad he waited to date until he found 47 yr old high school art teacher, Jessica Anderson. He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it's true. Yes, it is a problem that the baggage from Jessica's past makes her see dating as merely recreational and men as interchangeable, but when she offers him temporary sexual fidelity, Will decides to take what he can get until he can find a way to convince Jessica she is still capable of love.
Jessica Daniels is mostly happy with her life. Her daughter is graduating college. She is a few years away from retirement. Life is good even though lately she has stopped being interested in both her art and men. Since Jessica has never been the kind of woman looking for that one special man to settle down with, she normally dates and enjoys all the men she wants. What's the harm with doing so suits her? Will is certainly good-looking and charming, but she's not sure he's worth the trouble of an exclusive relationship. She likes riding his motorcycle, seriously admires his art, and thinks he's mostly a great guy. But after thirty years of being single, Jessica knows that most relationships just don't work out for a woman with a past like hers. When Will keeps insisting on sleeping with her, she finally gives in, but Jessica knows in her heart it will never last.
Even though his sons tease him about not dating, and his ex-wife thinks he is still hung up on her, 53 yr old retired principal and stone sculptor, William Everett Larson, is glad he waited to date until he found 47 yr old high school art teacher, Jessica Anderson. He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it's true. Yes, it is a problem that the baggage from Jessica's past makes her see dating as merely recreational and men as interchangeable, but when she offers him temporary sexual fidelity, Will decides to take what he can get until he can find a way to convince Jessica she is still capable of love.
Jessica Daniels is mostly happy with her life. Her daughter is graduating college. She is a few years away from retirement. Life is good even though lately she has stopped being interested in both her art and men. Since Jessica has never been the kind of woman looking for that one special man to settle down with, she normally dates and enjoys all the men she wants. What's the harm with doing so suits her? Will is certainly good-looking and charming, but she's not sure he's worth the trouble of an exclusive relationship. She likes riding his motorcycle, seriously admires his art, and thinks he's mostly a great guy. But after thirty years of being single, Jessica knows that most relationships just don't work out for a woman with a past like hers. When Will keeps insisting on sleeping with her, she finally gives in, but Jessica knows in her heart it will never last.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2011
297 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
About the author
Donna McDonald
151 books602 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.
I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.
I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
August 7, 2013
3.5 Stars
When I saw this freebie on Amazon my interest was piqued due to the hero being fifty three and the heroine nearly fifty. While all is not perfect, Donna McDonald gives a sexy, laugh-out-loud story that I enjoyed. The hero, Will Larson is a complex character. He's retired, divorced, has a sculpted body and drives around on a Harley. There's lots more I'm not saying, but I don't want to give anything away.
The heroine, Jessica Daniels likes her life and doesn't apologize for her choices or lifestyle. She's vibrant, flirty, bold and honest. Sparks fly between this couple and the road to happiness is filled with hotness and laughter as well as a little heartache.
Will's two grown sons, Michael and Shane, are also sinfully handsome, and play a big part of the story. They both have their own books that I'm looking forward to reading. The secondary characters fit perfectly into this family tale.
This book was nothing as I imagined. While there are a few references that had me baffled, I still enjoyed this fun journey. The writing flows smoothly, the characters are intriguing, and I'm looking forward to reading this series.
When I saw this freebie on Amazon my interest was piqued due to the hero being fifty three and the heroine nearly fifty. While all is not perfect, Donna McDonald gives a sexy, laugh-out-loud story that I enjoyed. The hero, Will Larson is a complex character. He's retired, divorced, has a sculpted body and drives around on a Harley. There's lots more I'm not saying, but I don't want to give anything away.
The heroine, Jessica Daniels likes her life and doesn't apologize for her choices or lifestyle. She's vibrant, flirty, bold and honest. Sparks fly between this couple and the road to happiness is filled with hotness and laughter as well as a little heartache.
Will's two grown sons, Michael and Shane, are also sinfully handsome, and play a big part of the story. They both have their own books that I'm looking forward to reading. The secondary characters fit perfectly into this family tale.
This book was nothing as I imagined. While there are a few references that had me baffled, I still enjoyed this fun journey. The writing flows smoothly, the characters are intriguing, and I'm looking forward to reading this series.
January 21, 2018
I got this free book on Amazon and did not have high expectations, but I ended up really enjoying it.
The heroes are mature and have adult children. Both are artists and very talented.
They are explosive together and determined, she does not want to get involved and he is sure that she is the woman of his life.
She is a strong woman who has overcome a great trauma in the past.
He is recovering from a divorce where his wife traded him for a younger man and never accepted his art.
Lots of funny and sentimental scenes too.
I recommend!
The heroes are mature and have adult children. Both are artists and very talented.
They are explosive together and determined, she does not want to get involved and he is sure that she is the woman of his life.
She is a strong woman who has overcome a great trauma in the past.
He is recovering from a divorce where his wife traded him for a younger man and never accepted his art.
Lots of funny and sentimental scenes too.
I recommend!
“Great,” Jessica said morosely, “another rebounder. I hate being the first woman for a divorced guy. Their guilt over their ex never lets it work out with anyone new. They have to go through three or four women before they get over it.”
Never go for a man who thinks everything in life is a formula. Their brains don’t have room for the more interesting stuff.
“This is the best kind of foreplay. This is me letting you know that I want to see you fly apart for me. I want to learn what you like, what turns you on, what you need. Then I plan to exceed all your expectations.”
“Yes. Jessica is going to love the earring,” Shane told him firmly, pulling his dad’s hand away from his ear. “There’s something about the contradiction of a giant man wearing a tiny piece of jewelry. It says you can break the bed but be completely sensitive while doing it.”
“You’re also the type of woman that a man could spend his life exploring and never get to the bottom of no matter how well endowed he is.”
==>ex-wife<==“Will, that woman can’t be better in bed than me. You and I can have all we had, and maybe even more because I would be more appreciative this time around,” Ellen said quietly.
“Trust me,” Will said loudly, looking back down the hall and seeing Ellen walk out of his room. “Jessica Daniels’ vagina is always going to be safe in my hands.”
==>ex-wife==Ellen was already seeing Luke during the last six months we were married, but I didn’t know it for a long time,”
“It takes a lot of trust to turn away from a lover’s face, to trust someone behind you. I was never willing before you. I have to admit you are the most amazing lover I’ve ever had, Will.”
==>Carrie to Michael<==“I want to know if you want our child to raise, because I don’t want it. I’m not a bad person, but I’ve gone through enough in my life, and I can’t do this. So if you don’t want the baby, you don’t have to give it another thought. I’ll arrange for an adoption and never tell anyone it’s yours. I didn’t even tell Tom who the father was.”
“Maybe, but sometimes you just have to believe in what you feel and go for it,” Will told his youngest. “Screw the odds.”
“Screw the odds,” Shane repeated. “Now that sounds like a good chapter title for my book. I think it belongs on the one about the father who remarries a tall sexy redhead after his traumatic divorce from the cool sexy blonde who threw him over for a younger man.”
May 13, 2013
Very disappointed in this book. Even though I finished it, by the time I had I felt I had been through a battle. It simply did not keep my interest or attention and I fought my way through to finish it so I could give an honest opinion.
I was bothered by the example these two adults set for their grown children and no telling what Jessica allowed her daughter to know about her escapades while she was young. The book did not seem realistic.
I am not fond of books that pair individuals up sexually before there is a chance to develop a relationship or at least become familiar with who each other is and what they stand for. Sexual tension is not enough reason to sleep with someone.
I was bothered by the example these two adults set for their grown children and no telling what Jessica allowed her daughter to know about her escapades while she was young. The book did not seem realistic.
I am not fond of books that pair individuals up sexually before there is a chance to develop a relationship or at least become familiar with who each other is and what they stand for. Sexual tension is not enough reason to sleep with someone.
March 19, 2021
Ah, mature hero and heroine - and they ticked several of my romantic boxes!
There were some instances where I was very, very angry with Will! He didn't act in a very mature way at times, and the way he sometimes treated Jessica made no sense to me at all.
However, the way they both dealt with life, love, problems, happiness, joy and the past just made me love them, too!
Buddy read for COYER. I read this book with Sophia Rose.
There were some instances where I was very, very angry with Will! He didn't act in a very mature way at times, and the way he sometimes treated Jessica made no sense to me at all.
However, the way they both dealt with life, love, problems, happiness, joy and the past just made me love them, too!
Buddy read for COYER. I read this book with Sophia Rose.
March 23, 2013
I received this initial book as an Amazon freebie. Halfway in, I went and purchased the entire series ~ it's just that good! Ms. McDonald has created a family with whom we can all relate and to which we all want to belong, even if in some vicarious manner. I'd earlier read her "Dating a Cougar" and loved it for many of the same reasons: mature woman enjoying a wonderful life, not needing anyone/anything to make her life happy....
This book is the introduction to the series. All of the characters are artists in some medium or other, or work w/ artists. As a "mature retired woman" (57 but I look/feel 40-ish) I was so pleased to see a story involving "older" characters who still loved sex and weren't afraid to show it. Jessica, the protagonist in this novel, is a warm, funny, strong role model; I loved her attitude toward life and sex!I loved that she didn't hide her feelings and just let it all out for everyone to see. Will, her love interest, is a dad of two grown sons (more on them in the other books in the series), a retired school principal, and a stone artist. I liked that he was surviving a divorce after 30+ years of marriage. I liked that his ex and her new hubby (more on them in the other books in the series) were so....human.
I think that's what's the best thing about this series: all of the characters in this series, without exception, are dealing with very human situations and their reactions to those situations is heartbreakingly human. The continuity of character throughout the series was exceptional. The interweaving of various plot points throughout the series was wonderful. And the sex was.....phenomenal! I found her series to be every bit as satisfying as Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mtn or Dream Man series. Ms. McDonald has created a family that I'm anxious to continue following: I can't wait for Brooke's and Drake's story!
This book is the introduction to the series. All of the characters are artists in some medium or other, or work w/ artists. As a "mature retired woman" (57 but I look/feel 40-ish) I was so pleased to see a story involving "older" characters who still loved sex and weren't afraid to show it. Jessica, the protagonist in this novel, is a warm, funny, strong role model; I loved her attitude toward life and sex!I loved that she didn't hide her feelings and just let it all out for everyone to see. Will, her love interest, is a dad of two grown sons (more on them in the other books in the series), a retired school principal, and a stone artist. I liked that he was surviving a divorce after 30+ years of marriage. I liked that his ex and her new hubby (more on them in the other books in the series) were so....human.
I think that's what's the best thing about this series: all of the characters in this series, without exception, are dealing with very human situations and their reactions to those situations is heartbreakingly human. The continuity of character throughout the series was exceptional. The interweaving of various plot points throughout the series was wonderful. And the sex was.....phenomenal! I found her series to be every bit as satisfying as Kristen Ashley's Colorado Mtn or Dream Man series. Ms. McDonald has created a family that I'm anxious to continue following: I can't wait for Brooke's and Drake's story!
August 15, 2013
Wow!
I loved this book and could not put it down. It is not often you find a novel dealing with strong, sexy characters who are no longer in their 20’s and 30’s, so it made for a refreshing change to read about the relationship issues facing the more mature generation, and it was so welcome.
I loved the characters in the story. Will is a very sexy and strong 53 year old sculptor who was ready to find love and settle down with that one special person. Jessica on the other hand is a very sexy and strong 47 year old art teacher who had serious emotional issues, and was not ready to settle down and love again. When they meet, sparks fly, in more ways than one.
They were meant to be together – Will knew it, I could see it, but Jessica ... hmm she had her doubts. She was physically attracted to him the first time they met, but she kept her deepest emotions out of her relationships and Will had his hands full getting her to realize and admit that they were destined to be together.
Will’s two sons were a very welcome addition to this story. They are both blessed with good looks, talent and more importantly the strength of character they inherited from their father, which made them so attractive and irresistible to women.
At 80% into the book I started panicking – there was so much I still wanted to see happen, but with only a few chapters left there was no way it could realistically take place, sooo I logged on to Amazon (yet again) to see if there was a sequel --- YES, so I downloaded it immediately.
I loved this book
I loved this book and could not put it down. It is not often you find a novel dealing with strong, sexy characters who are no longer in their 20’s and 30’s, so it made for a refreshing change to read about the relationship issues facing the more mature generation, and it was so welcome.
I loved the characters in the story. Will is a very sexy and strong 53 year old sculptor who was ready to find love and settle down with that one special person. Jessica on the other hand is a very sexy and strong 47 year old art teacher who had serious emotional issues, and was not ready to settle down and love again. When they meet, sparks fly, in more ways than one.
They were meant to be together – Will knew it, I could see it, but Jessica ... hmm she had her doubts. She was physically attracted to him the first time they met, but she kept her deepest emotions out of her relationships and Will had his hands full getting her to realize and admit that they were destined to be together.
Will’s two sons were a very welcome addition to this story. They are both blessed with good looks, talent and more importantly the strength of character they inherited from their father, which made them so attractive and irresistible to women.
At 80% into the book I started panicking – there was so much I still wanted to see happen, but with only a few chapters left there was no way it could realistically take place, sooo I logged on to Amazon (yet again) to see if there was a sequel --- YES, so I downloaded it immediately.
I loved this book
October 31, 2012
I picked this book up for free on Amazon and was really intrigued by a romance between a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s. This was a great story about two people who are both artists with a lust for life. Add in adult kids, an ex-wife, and vagina art and you have a great read! I've already bought the rest of the series!
Want to read
January 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
March 16, 2021
A recently divorced retired school principal and successful sculptor is in no rush about love and believes he'll know it when he sees it. And, then he meets a gorgeous woman with the moxy to be honest about her sexual interest and needs that don't include a desire for a relationship. Fireworks sizzle between the pair of mature would-be lovers and it will take way-to0-interested adult children, friends, art, and their own strong pull of attraction and connection to see their way through the pasts that threaten to sabotage future happiness.
Carved in Stone is the first of a contemporary romance series full of humor tempered with deeper issues and highlights a pair of lovers who show that fifty isn't old, but it is experienced. I've read another book by the same author featuring a mature pair and I'm glad she highlights that sexy, spicy romance isn't only for the young. I can't believe I left this story setting on my shelf so long.
Will Larson is retired as a school principal and now devotes his time to his sculpting art that is recognized and sells well. His divorce of a year ago is settling after his wife of many years who never appreciated his art or his lusty, earthy sexual appetites had an affair with a younger man and is now married to Luke the lawyer. Will is content with life and in no rush to sleep with any woman. He's waiting for The woman. But, his two adult sons, Michael and Shane, urge him to get off the bench and get back in the game because they know their dad is one special guy who deserves love even if the pair of them have their own issues with women and relationships and focus on their art when not chasing skirt.
Will no sooner restates what he wants and it isn't temporary bedfellows when a trip to his favorite cafe on the back of his Harley has him flirting with one of the most alive and sizzling women he has ever met. He brazenly matches her open interest in him and ends up with her on the back of his Harley and taking her to see his art. After a first date fail, Will isn't ready to give up, but then he learns the truth of Jessica Daniel's past and it cuts him to the core.
Jessica endured the death of her husband when they were young and that was closely followed by a rape. She rose from the ashes of these experiences with a beautiful daughter and a gutsy, powerful nature and a lusty sexuality that carries into her art and her teaching. She enjoys men and doesn't hesitate to approach them brazenly for what she wants or shut them down when they start to cop feelings and want a relationship. Things are going well until Will enters her life. He scares her from the start with his intensity and his strength that matches her own. He makes her feel and he is open about wanting something special together that doesn't involve a one and done. She is so intune to him that she peels him open emotionally on the first date to disastrous results. That's fine, she was not planning to tap that anyway because she can't let herself get involved or feel ever again.
But, she didn't reckon on his persuasive boys or her own traitorous need for Will. She fights to stay aloof even while he fights for her to acknowledge the connection while she hides behind other men and his ex does her best to scotch his chances. Who will win this battle for the heart?
Carved in Stone is raw and honest, emotional and sensual. There are hilarious moments and both main characters are unapologetically open with each other and their adult children in ways that my more reserved nature found a bit shocking though I enjoyed them none the less. I liked that the author wrote a rape survivor who was all the nuances and not an uncomplicated woman as a result. Jessica is stunning, but still affected by her past so she was incredibly believable. There was definitely dysfunctionality going on even though all the participants in the story are adult even the children and this led to some funny over the top moments that worked for me in this type of story.
The romance is utterly tempestuous and Will has to work hard to keep Jessica from running. They have some hot and spicy sex proving mature doesn't mean sexually dead. They are both looking and feeling fabulous though I had to chuckle when Will's sons got their dad to update a bit. There was the cliche big misunderstanding at the end, but it didn't take up much space so I didn't get annoyed.
The emphasis on art was great. I had to laugh at the pair of them both choosing a similar subject. I find their mediums interesting and liked that it was a strong background element in the story.
This story does have the start to the next book, Michael's story, already underway so the narrative does go to this younger couple who have a doozy of a situation to get past.
All in all, I enjoyed this story that could have descended into too much angst for me, but didn't while touching on deeper subject matter. For those who want their romance figures a little older, but want good family elements and a spicy hot romance, this is for you.
I read this for COYER Community as a buddy read with Linda @ UnConventional Bookworm
Carved in Stone is the first of a contemporary romance series full of humor tempered with deeper issues and highlights a pair of lovers who show that fifty isn't old, but it is experienced. I've read another book by the same author featuring a mature pair and I'm glad she highlights that sexy, spicy romance isn't only for the young. I can't believe I left this story setting on my shelf so long.
Will Larson is retired as a school principal and now devotes his time to his sculpting art that is recognized and sells well. His divorce of a year ago is settling after his wife of many years who never appreciated his art or his lusty, earthy sexual appetites had an affair with a younger man and is now married to Luke the lawyer. Will is content with life and in no rush to sleep with any woman. He's waiting for The woman. But, his two adult sons, Michael and Shane, urge him to get off the bench and get back in the game because they know their dad is one special guy who deserves love even if the pair of them have their own issues with women and relationships and focus on their art when not chasing skirt.
Will no sooner restates what he wants and it isn't temporary bedfellows when a trip to his favorite cafe on the back of his Harley has him flirting with one of the most alive and sizzling women he has ever met. He brazenly matches her open interest in him and ends up with her on the back of his Harley and taking her to see his art. After a first date fail, Will isn't ready to give up, but then he learns the truth of Jessica Daniel's past and it cuts him to the core.
Jessica endured the death of her husband when they were young and that was closely followed by a rape. She rose from the ashes of these experiences with a beautiful daughter and a gutsy, powerful nature and a lusty sexuality that carries into her art and her teaching. She enjoys men and doesn't hesitate to approach them brazenly for what she wants or shut them down when they start to cop feelings and want a relationship. Things are going well until Will enters her life. He scares her from the start with his intensity and his strength that matches her own. He makes her feel and he is open about wanting something special together that doesn't involve a one and done. She is so intune to him that she peels him open emotionally on the first date to disastrous results. That's fine, she was not planning to tap that anyway because she can't let herself get involved or feel ever again.
But, she didn't reckon on his persuasive boys or her own traitorous need for Will. She fights to stay aloof even while he fights for her to acknowledge the connection while she hides behind other men and his ex does her best to scotch his chances. Who will win this battle for the heart?
Carved in Stone is raw and honest, emotional and sensual. There are hilarious moments and both main characters are unapologetically open with each other and their adult children in ways that my more reserved nature found a bit shocking though I enjoyed them none the less. I liked that the author wrote a rape survivor who was all the nuances and not an uncomplicated woman as a result. Jessica is stunning, but still affected by her past so she was incredibly believable. There was definitely dysfunctionality going on even though all the participants in the story are adult even the children and this led to some funny over the top moments that worked for me in this type of story.
The romance is utterly tempestuous and Will has to work hard to keep Jessica from running. They have some hot and spicy sex proving mature doesn't mean sexually dead. They are both looking and feeling fabulous though I had to chuckle when Will's sons got their dad to update a bit. There was the cliche big misunderstanding at the end, but it didn't take up much space so I didn't get annoyed.
The emphasis on art was great. I had to laugh at the pair of them both choosing a similar subject. I find their mediums interesting and liked that it was a strong background element in the story.
This story does have the start to the next book, Michael's story, already underway so the narrative does go to this younger couple who have a doozy of a situation to get past.
All in all, I enjoyed this story that could have descended into too much angst for me, but didn't while touching on deeper subject matter. For those who want their romance figures a little older, but want good family elements and a spicy hot romance, this is for you.
I read this for COYER Community as a buddy read with Linda @ UnConventional Bookworm
Want to read
January 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
August 1, 2013
I loved this story. It was about real people.
They are not perfect, they have issues they need to deal with and despite them all they find love and a way to overcome the problems and move on.
It was funny and hot and moved my heart is ways I can't explain.
I love that art is the median to heal some of the pain for these wonderful people. It is a very personal thing that is often belittled by people and I was glad to see that aspect shown as well.
This story touched on so many things and I can't wait to read the next in the series to see how it develops.
When I read a story I hope for certain things will happen.
I am entertained.
I am moved, by this I mean my heart is touched.
I find my emotions connect ( I laugh, cry and find my self sigh)
I don't mind sex if it isn't over the top, but it can push the envelope because lets face it, most people in the free world experience sex as part of dating. I find a story that shows that mindless partner changing is an empty life is in fact teaching that the empty lifestyle should be avoided.
A romance should offer the happy ever after mentality of a one on one for ever relationship.
I think this story does that very well.
Happy Reading.
They are not perfect, they have issues they need to deal with and despite them all they find love and a way to overcome the problems and move on.
It was funny and hot and moved my heart is ways I can't explain.
I love that art is the median to heal some of the pain for these wonderful people. It is a very personal thing that is often belittled by people and I was glad to see that aspect shown as well.
This story touched on so many things and I can't wait to read the next in the series to see how it develops.
When I read a story I hope for certain things will happen.
I am entertained.
I am moved, by this I mean my heart is touched.
I find my emotions connect ( I laugh, cry and find my self sigh)
I don't mind sex if it isn't over the top, but it can push the envelope because lets face it, most people in the free world experience sex as part of dating. I find a story that shows that mindless partner changing is an empty life is in fact teaching that the empty lifestyle should be avoided.
A romance should offer the happy ever after mentality of a one on one for ever relationship.
I think this story does that very well.
Happy Reading.
January 27, 2016
I absolutely loved this story. There were parts that mad me cry and parts that made me laugh out loud. Will and his boys have such great big hearts, any woman would be blessed to be with them!!
Will meets Jessica in a diner and sparks fly between the two immediately. Is there any chance for something lasting between the two of them? Will has been divorced for a year and hasn't dated. When he meets Jessica, he knows that she is the one he has been waiting for. But will her past allow them to explore a real relationship? Will his two sons be able to stay out of things or will they interfere? Is his ex wife happy in her new marriage or is she having second thought? Can Jessica get through grieving for the loss of her husband and have an actual relationship? Or is she destined to play the field forever?
Will meets Jessica in a diner and sparks fly between the two immediately. Is there any chance for something lasting between the two of them? Will has been divorced for a year and hasn't dated. When he meets Jessica, he knows that she is the one he has been waiting for. But will her past allow them to explore a real relationship? Will his two sons be able to stay out of things or will they interfere? Is his ex wife happy in her new marriage or is she having second thought? Can Jessica get through grieving for the loss of her husband and have an actual relationship? Or is she destined to play the field forever?
October 3, 2014
Love The Hotness Of Love, Romance Over Fifty!!!!!!
This is one hell'va dam great read!!!! It is sooooo refreshing to see that someone (Ms. McDonald) Can capture the
So called young feelings of love of our youth to the mature crowd, it is TOLD with the freshness of an romance novel but it is
Much more for it is light hearted, funny, thrilling, and of course romantic with an sexy edginess that only one person could capture
Ms. McDonald has done that with such raw emotions that it is an book that you really can't put down until the end.....
And when it's over your sad it ended, but glad that it all worked out in the end for your new friends!!!! I can't wait to read the next
Installment!!!!!!! One of the ALL TIME BEST BOOKS...EVER!!!!!!!
This is one hell'va dam great read!!!! It is sooooo refreshing to see that someone (Ms. McDonald) Can capture the
So called young feelings of love of our youth to the mature crowd, it is TOLD with the freshness of an romance novel but it is
Much more for it is light hearted, funny, thrilling, and of course romantic with an sexy edginess that only one person could capture
Ms. McDonald has done that with such raw emotions that it is an book that you really can't put down until the end.....
And when it's over your sad it ended, but glad that it all worked out in the end for your new friends!!!! I can't wait to read the next
Installment!!!!!!! One of the ALL TIME BEST BOOKS...EVER!!!!!!!
March 21, 2015
Beautiful combination of stories it's just the points of view gets confusing
Want to read
August 13, 2017Amazon Freebie 7/28/17
September 1, 2016
I'm not sure how this book has an overall rating of 4.5 stars. I wanted to like it because the protagonists are an older couple and I like the idea that romance is not just for 20-somethings. However, I was annoyed with both characters most of the time I was reading it.
Will Larson is a sculptor and former high school principal. He meets Jessica Daniels, a retired art teacher who makes "vagina art" for a living. (Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.) They meet in a cafe and have instant chemistry. Jessica picks up Will, who uses the name Everett Williams because he wants her to like him for his art and not his former profession as a principal. O-kay; whatever. Their first date is a disaster because he takes her to see an exhibit of his works - nudes based on his own body profile, which is, according to the book, super-hot - and she, being a fellow artist, can see into his soul because of the sculptures. This unsettles him so much that he grabs her and kisses her viciously, which turns her off and she refuses to see him again.
Jessica was married at 17 and became pregnant immediately. Her husband, a soldier, was killed before the child was born. During her pregnancy, she is violently raped and, as a result, created "rape art" that brought her some early fame. Will finds out about this (because he can't get her out of his mind and his interfering ex-wife tells him who Jessica "really is") and spends 3 days wallowing in bed and remorse because of how her treated her. Really?
Lots of back-and-forth sexual tension and misunderstandings, but they finally live HEA. Both Jessica and Will are stubborn and high-handed to the point of being annoying. I didn't get (can you tell?) someone as strong as Will spending 3 days in bed because of a misunderstanding. I didn't get Jessica's refusal to be honest about her feelings toward Will. For characters 47 and 54, they have some growing up to do.
This is the first of a trilogy and I will not be reading the others in the series.
Will Larson is a sculptor and former high school principal. He meets Jessica Daniels, a retired art teacher who makes "vagina art" for a living. (Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like.) They meet in a cafe and have instant chemistry. Jessica picks up Will, who uses the name Everett Williams because he wants her to like him for his art and not his former profession as a principal. O-kay; whatever. Their first date is a disaster because he takes her to see an exhibit of his works - nudes based on his own body profile, which is, according to the book, super-hot - and she, being a fellow artist, can see into his soul because of the sculptures. This unsettles him so much that he grabs her and kisses her viciously, which turns her off and she refuses to see him again.
Jessica was married at 17 and became pregnant immediately. Her husband, a soldier, was killed before the child was born. During her pregnancy, she is violently raped and, as a result, created "rape art" that brought her some early fame. Will finds out about this (because he can't get her out of his mind and his interfering ex-wife tells him who Jessica "really is") and spends 3 days wallowing in bed and remorse because of how her treated her. Really?
Lots of back-and-forth sexual tension and misunderstandings, but they finally live HEA. Both Jessica and Will are stubborn and high-handed to the point of being annoying. I didn't get (can you tell?) someone as strong as Will spending 3 days in bed because of a misunderstanding. I didn't get Jessica's refusal to be honest about her feelings toward Will. For characters 47 and 54, they have some growing up to do.
This is the first of a trilogy and I will not be reading the others in the series.
February 28, 2016
The hero in the story is an artist, former principal named Will that is 53 years old. Will’s two adult sons want him to find a girlfriend because he has been divorced from their mom for over a year Will was married to their mom for 33 years. Will has no desire to date, he would rather do his art than anything. The heroine in the story is a 47 year old woman, named, Jessica. She is an art teacher at a local school. Jessica does not date for long term relationships. Jessica had a traumatic experience in her past that she would like to keep in the past. Jessica has a daughter that is very active in the story. There is also the ex-wife of Will that is in the story a lot. The hero’s two sons are very active in the story as well which I found fascinating because they have such interesting parts in the story and their lives are challenging as well.
The book made me laugh, cry and even get upset. It was refreshing to read about people that are not quite so young, people who have lived life and had experiences that help them grow and be stronger. It is about everyday ordinary people who just live normal lives. I absolutely could not put the book down I was so mesmerized by the story that I just had to know what was going to happen next. I love many of the unique things that Will and Jessica do in the story that just makes me in awe of their story. The author makes you feel like everyone has a chance in love and shows how passionate she is in her writing. I cannot say how strongly I recommend for people to read this, especially people that get tired of the same old story about the younger generations, and money.
The book made me laugh, cry and even get upset. It was refreshing to read about people that are not quite so young, people who have lived life and had experiences that help them grow and be stronger. It is about everyday ordinary people who just live normal lives. I absolutely could not put the book down I was so mesmerized by the story that I just had to know what was going to happen next. I love many of the unique things that Will and Jessica do in the story that just makes me in awe of their story. The author makes you feel like everyone has a chance in love and shows how passionate she is in her writing. I cannot say how strongly I recommend for people to read this, especially people that get tired of the same old story about the younger generations, and money.
August 25, 2017
It was too much going on in this book, I'm surprised I finished it. 1st there were too many POVs, the story seemed to focus on a group of people more so than one couple. There were just too many people involved. The couple seemed to be around people more than they were alone actually getting to know each other, even making out with people watching often. Everyone had an opinion about their relationship. 2nd the book was just too long, I found myself getting bored, maybe if it focused more on the couple and their POVs it would have shortened it up a lot. 3rd the son Michaels story was introduced, which pretty much became another storyline in the book. That could've been left out, some references would've done the job. Just the introduction of his and Carrie's story makes me not want to read his. I don't find a guy in college sleeping around and taking a girls virginity and going back to a party and forgetting about her, not even remembering her in the present believable. Plus if he has this earth shattering sex and huge connection with her in the present then why didn't he feel that in the past? It also just made me disgusted with him. Which brings me to the last issue, there were just too many unrealistic things occurring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2019
I am having a hard time finishing this. I can't stand Jessica! she is so mercurial and immature. I can't deal with her blowing hot and cold. Clearly, she still has issues. So she hides by acting like the town tramp. She has dated and slept with most of the men in the town. And yes, there is way too much information between her and daughter. I honestly feel Will could have done better. The other thing that annoyed with was all of the young people in this book referring to them as old. 40's and 50's are not old. They are not even senior citizens yet. So I guess people in their 70's and 80's are fossils if this age range is considered old. My parents are in their 70's and they don't think of themselves as antiques. And I'm in my 40's and nowhere near the rocking chair stage. Age is a state of mind. I just can't with this book. It sounded good but it totally failed to deliver.
August 11, 2016
Kirstin's Review:
Will is a recently divorced older man who is still sexy in the prime of his life. Of course his Harley and his work as a stone sculptor have helped to keep him young and in shape, as well as keeping him in touch with his sensual side.
Jessica is the older, but still sexy, redheaded art teacher with a tragic past that has prevented her from opening herself up again to finding love. That is, until she met Will.
It takes quite a bit for Jessica to finally come to terms with her feelings for Will, but all of the steamy sex scenes and emotional angst is what makes their story worth reading!
So, if you are interested in a good romance that shows you are never too old to be sexy and fall in love, then this is the book for you!
01/02/2014
Will is a recently divorced older man who is still sexy in the prime of his life. Of course his Harley and his work as a stone sculptor have helped to keep him young and in shape, as well as keeping him in touch with his sensual side.
Jessica is the older, but still sexy, redheaded art teacher with a tragic past that has prevented her from opening herself up again to finding love. That is, until she met Will.
It takes quite a bit for Jessica to finally come to terms with her feelings for Will, but all of the steamy sex scenes and emotional angst is what makes their story worth reading!
So, if you are interested in a good romance that shows you are never too old to be sexy and fall in love, then this is the book for you!
01/02/2014
September 1, 2015
Got this as a freebie because the blurb sounded interesting. I rarely give 5-stars for a book, but feel this one deserved it. I loved that the H and h were older, in their 50's and late 40's. Being divorced for a year, Will finds a woman he'd like to get to know in Jessica. Their relationship blooms, but not smoothly, with help from his grown kids and her friends. I thought it was funny, and especially loved the dynamics between Will and his grown sons. As with real people, I sometimes got a little frustrated with Jessica, and sometimes Will, but those frustrations did not detract from the story. I will gladly delve further into the series.
March 26, 2013
I was constantly confused with which man was speaking in this book. The male love interest had a pen name, a professional name and maybe another? His sons were both so similar in descriptions at the beginning of the book that I struggled to remember who was the PhD/graphic artist and who was the artist who owned the home. Why it was difficult for me is a mystery. There were several typos/edits as well.
June 1, 2014
It has everything
I never thought this book was going to have me so enthralled with a mature couple . I cried and laughed and even made understand and see that I can actually start a new life again . I gave up in relationships 5 years ago and now I want a man like Will , well , I have always had a thing for men like him and hopefully I will find it . Thank you for opening my eyes !!
I never thought this book was going to have me so enthralled with a mature couple . I cried and laughed and even made understand and see that I can actually start a new life again . I gave up in relationships 5 years ago and now I want a man like Will , well , I have always had a thing for men like him and hopefully I will find it . Thank you for opening my eyes !!
June 12, 2014
I guess I should have focused on the fact this is about people my age for once, but I found the neurotic baggage rather annoying.
Or maybe I'm just annoyed because I have so much less baggage, but I have no studly artist types trying to seduce me.
Maybe that's part of it, but I'm pretty sure 30 years to get over crap is annoyingly self indulgent. Still, a coherent story with few typos and a happy ending counts for something.
Or maybe I'm just annoyed because I have so much less baggage, but I have no studly artist types trying to seduce me.
Maybe that's part of it, but I'm pretty sure 30 years to get over crap is annoyingly self indulgent. Still, a coherent story with few typos and a happy ending counts for something.
December 19, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I love Donna McDonald's books. This book is about how the 'older' generation move on from divorce, new relationships and how their children deal with the changes.... this is the first in the series, and the others are just as well written - recommended it to anyone who enjoys a good, romantic read...
June 9, 2014
Good but to much conflict for me
Good but to much conflict for me
The story was good, but I found it had to much conflict for me. I really liked Will, but Jessica was hard to like. She ruined it for me and I almost stopped reading when she confronted Will and his ex at the retirement party. The ending was ok, but it was cut a little short.
Good but to much conflict for me
The story was good, but I found it had to much conflict for me. I really liked Will, but Jessica was hard to like. She ruined it for me and I almost stopped reading when she confronted Will and his ex at the retirement party. The ending was ok, but it was cut a little short.
March 23, 2013
I loved it! It was so refreshing to read a hot romance that was for the over 40 crowd. I knew we still had it. Thank you to the author for reminding us that love is always out there no matter what age. And for the love of God, Will is absolutely HOT!!!! THis would make an awesome movie!
Want to read
May 26, 2014Free 05-26-14 (Contemp Romance)
http://www.amazon.com/Carved-In-Stone...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/carve...
http://www.amazon.com/Carved-In-Stone...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/carve...
October 21, 2016
I love Donna's books, she creates characters that you can really connect with and feel a part of. All through this book, I kept hoping for pictures of Jessica and Will's art, that's how real they felt to me. Can't wait to read Michael and Shane's stories!
Want to read
December 12, 2012Kindle Freebie today!
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