Countdown

Men of the Sisterhood #1B

by Fern Michaels

In the second episode of a spectacular new series from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, the men in the Sisterhood's lives join forces to protect the underdog and see justice served. . .

It takes a special kind of man to love and be loved by one of the Sisterhood. The women's escapades have brought them worldwide fame and created a bond among their menfolk too. But now, Jack, Ted, Harry, Joe, Bert and Abner have formed a secret group of their own and they've got a project in mind--taking down some of Washington D.C.'s most ruthless slum landlords.


First step: making reparations to the tenants who've suffered. Second step: making sure the bad guys pay. Ted, Jack, and company must find a way to hit the villains where it hurts most. Good thing these modern-day Robin Hoods have learned from the best, and that the Sisterhood can always be counted on to help fight for what's right.

Genres: Ebooks, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery

114 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.

As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.

Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.

Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.

READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/

Reviews

[Bonnie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters other

What can I say but the sisterhood men did it again. I just love the series whether it's the girls or the guys. Just waiting for the next in the series.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Sisterhood is light, fun reading but I could not get in to the Men of the Sisterhood series. Seemed too frivolous and silly.

[Roz Curney-Sherod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Men of the Sisterhood" series and I can't believe I actually read (not listened to ) a book in one sitting. Obviously it was an easy read and the only reason it was finished in a day is because of the flooding in our state, I had no access to Cable TV, Internet or phone service today (LOL). This book picked up right where book 1, "Upside down" left off. The guys have their first case with a Lt. Governor and his wife who own rundown buildings and have their tenants living in slum conditions who have also hired a property manager whose personal wealth is forged from misery and death. Even though I was disappointed with the chaos of the Sisterhood and their now relationships with their men, it was a big relief that at least Maggie was welcomed back by the men. I'm glad she realized that something was missing between the women themselves and that their priorities seem to be screwed up! The men are doing an OK job of getting justice for their first clients but they didn't know how far they were willing to go to achieve that success. Without Maggie reminding them that it's all or nothing, I don't think they could have pulled this off. Good story.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved!

The Men of the BOLO offices are setting up their plans to take down the awful owners and management company running in the poorest areas of D.C.; who just happened to be the Lieutenant Governor and his wife.

Meanwhile, Nikki and Jack have been working on repairing their marriage. Nikki cleaned house at her firm and is devoted to making her marriage a priority.

Watch how the men get their revenge with the help of their newest member, Maggie!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic book in Fern Michaels, Men of the Sisterhood series. This book is full of action and suspense. I always wonder how Ms. Michaels manages to come up with another story. I always think she couldn’t top the book, I’m reading now, and then she puts out another book.

[MaryAnn Quellos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read the next

As always her writing is exquisite. The story line is always connected at just the right times in the story. I really love having Cyrus in the story. He sounds like a very intelligent Shepard, all Shepard’s that I have known were too!

[Deanna Detloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown

I just started reading this series (the men of the sisterhood) & like most of her books in the sisterhood series they keep your attention to the last page. I really enjoy all her books that I have read so far and I plan on reading a lot more.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this short series. Good is winning out.

[Martha A Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

The men of the sisterhood is refreshing. It solves problems in an unconventional way. I will continue reading the series. The twists and turn of the plot are very good.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this ! Perfect read for The men that watch us read the sisterhood! Great spinoff on loved characters! Loved this!

[Rhonda Lant]

Loved it

Another great story from Fern Michael's. Looking forward to the next one. Love all the sisterhood books. Usually read more than once.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The men t

The characters are great and the plot keeps you on edge. Loved the Sisterhood books and their men learned well.

[Charlotte Grejtak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown

Good suspense, easy read and kept me reading to the end, yes I recommend for relaxing enjoyable reading. Great writer.

[sheila daak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book

I do not like being dolled out a few chapters at a time in each book but of course I will put up with it for the story. Merry Christmas!

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 94 pages.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story but I read this one out of order

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I am enjoying this side series to the Sisterhood books by this same author. This book also centers on Maggie or I feel it does. One of my favorite characters and I’m always glad to see their lives coming together.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these guy!!!

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Countdown The Men of the Sisterhood Book 2
Author: Fern Michaels
Published: 9-2-14
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Group / Zebra Books
Pages: 97
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Serial, Women's Fiction
ISBN: 9781420134964
ASIN: B00JFABVXG
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

.
Book two in The Men of the Sisterhood takes off where Upside Down, book one, left off as Maggie, her sisters and Annie and Myra gather to discuss what their men might be up to. When the relationships between Nikki, Isabel, and
Alexis and their men, the three women become upset and leave. The men have begun planning their take down of Tyler & Fiona Sandford as well as property manager Lionel Marks. Everyone, including Snowden for clean up, are in place just waiting for the right moment. They have also begun to help the residents of South East district Tenements habitable. Then it is time to teach the Sandfords and Marks that Karma can bite you in the butt.



This is the second book in a three book series. It has a cliff hanger and cannot be read as a standalone. The great news is you won't care; because you will be picking up book three Take Down as soon as you finish Countdown. This series is written so well you want to find a quiet corner to savor the books undisturbed. The books are done in true Fern Michaels style with strong characters and a storyline that will grab and hold you. I have enjoyed reading about the men of the women of the sisterhood and hope Ms. Michaels has plans for future books featuring them and their other cases at BOLO. I would like to buy them as one story so can enjoy them all at one time, but if not I will purchase them as serials if that is how they come.


Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...


Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/count...


Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...


The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Countdown (The Men of the Sisterhood) by Fern Michaels is the second title in the new series featuring the men in the Sisterhood’s lives who join together to protect the underdog and seek justice for those who are unable to do so for themselves.

I have always loved reading about the Sisterhood and it is what piqued my interest in reading about the men in their lives. The men had to be strong to be able to maintain a good relationship with them. While the Sisterhood’s adventures had brought them fame it also forged a bond between the men who shared their secret. Now, Jack, Ted, Harry, Joe, Bert and Abner formed a secret group of their own and they’ve gotten a project in mind—taking down some of Washington, D.C.’s most ruthless slum landlords.

Led by Jack and his loyal dog, Cyrus, the team start making amends to the tenants who have suffered so much without heat, running water, and unfit housing. While the landlords could care less as long as they get their money and see no reason they should repair the rentals. People are sick, some close to death, the elderly are suffering with no one to help them. But Jack and his team aided by some young men in the neighborhood start making repairs to make the tenants more comfortable in the cold, snowy December. The men are even providing them with good food.

The second thing that the men want to do is make sure that the bad guys pay for what they have done. Ted, Jack, and company must come up with a way to hit the villains where it hurts most. As everyone knows it is usually in the pocket and these people are loaded. The men have learned from the Sisterhood and know that they can help them if necessary.

This was a quick fun read. The characters were like a modern day Robin Hood in dishing out their punishment. I won’t give away the ending but I think the punishment fit the crime!! I loved that the men of the Sisterhood have gotten a series of their own. I look forward to reading more about them in further books.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story starts off almost where the last book left off. And if you haven't read that book (Upside Down) in a few weeks, you might find yourself lost like I did. I think a little recap of what all had transpired in the previous book would have been good considering many people don't read series back to back. You definitely can't read this as a standalone

The beginning up until about 56% in (I read this on my kindle so I only have percentages and not page numbers) a lot of the story seemed amateurish with abrupt and unbelievable dialogue. It all sounded forced and as if the author was just trying to get the story done to meet a deadline and not craft the text like is her normal fare. I totally loved Forget Me Not. It was an outstanding novel and I know she has this greatness in her, but it was not apparent on this beginning half. After 56% things started making sense. I have not read any of the "Sisterhood" series so this fact alone may make my experience with the "Men of the Sisterhood" a bit different than someone who was up on every book. I think they are like to book 23 or something amazing like that. Kudos to the author for her stick-to-a-tiveness.

After the 56% point, where newspaper editor, Maggie and co-hort, Ted get together, the story started to roll and it was an amazing finish. This section was easy to read, follow and understand and the dialogue was much more realistic.

I feel like I am being a bit harsh on a tried and true author like Michaels but I guess I just expect more from someone with such a plethora of experience. I will read the next book in the series to finish up the trilogy.

3 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the publisher, author and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in a series about the men of The Sisterhood series. This book is better than the first, which I previously read after getting it through NetGalley to read and review (I also go this one that way). I guess it was only natural that Fern Michaels would write a follow-on series because some readers wanted more of the sisterhood. Just like The Sisterhood series, this one has many of the same characters and borders on the incredulous as far as how they all carry off their vigilantism. Again, there is an unjust landlord, actually a slum landlord. Who, along with his crooked management company, is ripping off the less fortunate residents of apartments the landlord owns. The men have decided to go after the landlord, his wife and the management company POC. The story revolves around how they plan and do this, and is not unlike man of the escapades the sisterhood carried off in that series. In this book, the characters seem more committed to each other, actually trying to reconcile their personal lives, rather than just escape from their problems. As I said, however, the methods used to eliminate the bad eggs in the community are largely beyond belief, as they were in the other series. I guess it can work again, and readers obviously enjoy this sort of thing. However, there may come a time when these antics are no longer interesting to the readers, and this may be about then. I do not know. If you enjoyed the other series, you will enjoy this book. It is a quick read and suitable for a beach read. At this point, though I liked this second book far more than the first, I am still uncertain whether I will continue with the series. I enjoy the author’s works. This sort of thing may just be getting old for me.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book in The Men Of the Sisterhood series we get to see the sort of work - the band of men are trying to tackle from their secret Head Quarters. They are trying to improve things and get rid of the bad people.

They are tackling the slum landlords that have caused heartache for some families- who've lost their children due to the squalid conditions they've been forced to live in. It is coming up to Christmas and they try to make the last christmas for some poorly kids a nice memory for their family.

An old relationship is rekindled during the course of the story and suggests more to come in the next book.

The characters became more developed in this book and I enjoyed it more than the first one in the series.

Received with thanks from Net Galley and the publisher

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerve Wrecking Pace
Oh my heavens…slow down your heart. The twists, turns and plots are coming fast. This is the second book in The Men of the Sisterhood series. This would not read well as a stand-alone book and the reader will benefit greatly from having read, at least, the most recent books in the Sisterhood series. Countdown is absolutely flawless and a definite page-turner. Have book three sitting next to you because you will not want to wait! Enjoy! NetGalley and Kensington Books Zebra Leads provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Countdown" in one sitting. I was difficult watching the conflict between the sisters along with the conflict between the men and their significant others. It was worrisome that Alexis and Nikki's careers are taking such a toll on their health. I liked the interaction between Luther and the men of the sisterhood especially Dennis. Luther and the other "gang" type members are only trying to protect their community and the slum lords only care about money. I can't wait to read the conclusion of the men of the sisterhood and I hoping for some reconciliations!!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely #2 of 3 - each of the first two stories are written as novellas that apparently will add up to a full book. If you've been reading the sisterhood series, you will know the back story for everyone. This book deals with getting back at the lieutenant governor of Virginia who is also a slum land lord. Setup was done in the first novella. This one is less satisfying than most sisterhood books as the vengeance do not seem that bad - maybe there is a little more in novella #3...?

[Janet Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown(The Men of the Sisterhood Book..

The husbands of the Sisterhood are on a roll they have picked there target and made piece with Maggie at the paper. The lts governor and his wife are owners of slum housing making a fortunes on not taking care of these building's. But the men have a great plan it takes their money and the managements money and shows there true colors and reinvest there money to make things right. What a story a must read.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in this story the men have made their plans to take down the major slumlord and his agent. Jack and Nikki have reconnected. Ted and Maggie have reconnected and Maggie has joined the men in their plan. Everything goes down just before Christmas and is a success. Can't wait for number three. It was a fast easy on my Kindle.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems like a continuation of the first in the series. I loved it. The author is adding dimension to the male characters while bringing in some of the female characters - briefly, but keeping in the spirit of the Sisterhood series. I'm about to start #3 and have to say that I enjoy the male counterparts of the group as much as the women!