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Dundee, Idaho #7
The Other Woman
A second chance doesn't mean second best!
Elizabeth O'Connell has survived one of the worst betrayals a wife can imagine. Finding out that she wasn't the only woman in her husband's life meant the end of her marriage and a year of personal hell. Now she's focusing on her new business and raising her two kids.
Carter Hudson isn't part of her plan. When he's introduced to Liz by well-meaning friends, her dislike is instant. But as she spends time with him, Liz realizes she likes having Carter in her life -- more than likes it. However, Carter has secrets in his past that he can't seem to escape, secrets that apparently involve a woman. Liz is sure of one thing -- she'll never be "the other woman" again!
Elizabeth O'Connell has survived one of the worst betrayals a wife can imagine. Finding out that she wasn't the only woman in her husband's life meant the end of her marriage and a year of personal hell. Now she's focusing on her new business and raising her two kids.
Carter Hudson isn't part of her plan. When he's introduced to Liz by well-meaning friends, her dislike is instant. But as she spends time with him, Liz realizes she likes having Carter in her life -- more than likes it. However, Carter has secrets in his past that he can't seem to escape, secrets that apparently involve a woman. Liz is sure of one thing -- she'll never be "the other woman" again!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
212 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,987 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 14, 2017
Not as full of soapy goodness as the previous book. But like the previous book, this one feels closer to women's fiction than romance. The romance between Liz and Carter is just one element of the story, not THE element of the story. There is a lot of page space given to her estranged father and the reasons why he was not the greatest dad while she and her brother were growing up with their wicked stepmother.
There is another plot with her opening of a chocolate shop influenced (as we are bludgeoned over the head repeatedly) by the movie Chocolat and a person sabotaging the opening. And finally Carter has a tragic backstory and he needs to resolve.
Liz makes a rather boneheaded decision toward the end of the book which makes no sense. She is supposed to be an adult and in this case acts rather as a teen. But a (little too) neatly provided resolution fixes everything and paves the way for her HEA.
Like I said in my review of the previous book, this author is hit or miss and this one, while not a complete miss, it not a hit either.
Listened on audio. The narrator was ok. Took me sometime to get used to Carter's Brooklyn accent. She almost made him sound like a wiseguy.
There is another plot with her opening of a chocolate shop influenced (as we are bludgeoned over the head repeatedly) by the movie Chocolat and a person sabotaging the opening. And finally Carter has a tragic backstory and he needs to resolve.
Liz makes a rather boneheaded decision toward the end of the book which makes no sense. She is supposed to be an adult and in this case acts rather as a teen. But a (little too) neatly provided resolution fixes everything and paves the way for her HEA.
Like I said in my review of the previous book, this author is hit or miss and this one, while not a complete miss, it not a hit either.
Listened on audio. The narrator was ok. Took me sometime to get used to Carter's Brooklyn accent. She almost made him sound like a wiseguy.
August 2, 2016
Refer to Big Girls Don't Cry review except add serial killer and Chocolate.
December 18, 2016
This was good.
The guy is a little different from typical romances. I liked their relationship. The story was pretty good.
This is book 7 in the 8 book Dundee, Idaho series. Each book can be read as a stand alone but I think this book would be better if you read book 6 (Big Girls Don’t Cry) before reading this. In book 6, Keith is married to two women at the same time (Reenie and Liz) and keeps them secret from each other. Book 6 is Reenie’s story. This book 7 is Liz’s story. She refuses to be second choice to any man again. She is single again with children. She is opening a chocolate shop based on the movie Chocolate.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 304 pages. Swearing language: moderate plus the s*** word but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day Dundee, Idaho. Copyright: 2006. Genre: contemporary romance.
The guy is a little different from typical romances. I liked their relationship. The story was pretty good.
This is book 7 in the 8 book Dundee, Idaho series. Each book can be read as a stand alone but I think this book would be better if you read book 6 (Big Girls Don’t Cry) before reading this. In book 6, Keith is married to two women at the same time (Reenie and Liz) and keeps them secret from each other. Book 6 is Reenie’s story. This book 7 is Liz’s story. She refuses to be second choice to any man again. She is single again with children. She is opening a chocolate shop based on the movie Chocolate.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 304 pages. Swearing language: moderate plus the s*** word but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day Dundee, Idaho. Copyright: 2006. Genre: contemporary romance.
December 12, 2018
I have really enjoyed the Dundee series, but these last two books have not been good. The husband leading a double life story line has ran it's course and these two main characters didn't work together. Liz's choices were questionable. There was something missing between them, hoping the next one is better!
January 24, 2019
Overall this was a good read. I will admit that near the end the MC really made me angry. Thankfully it went different. Liz has been trying to deal with the betrayal of her ex husband. She then meets Carter who is in town to help out. They start spending time together and of course he has some issues too. In the end everything is good and everyone is happy.
August 10, 2021
Loved it!
Read
September 1, 2019Categories
Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Dundee Idaho
Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Dundee Idaho
April 11, 2024
Handled very well Liz's story is continued in Dundee, Idaho as she opens her chocolate store and begins to fall in love with Carter Hudson, the secretive man who is political aide to Renee's senator father. Dave Shapiro, Liz's tennis coach from LA doesn't want her to forget him and beseeches her to marry him despite the difference in their ages. Someone however doesn't want Liz in Dundee and trashes her finally finished store. A good love story.
August 11, 2023
I loved Liz and Carter's story! When she had a part in the previous book, I didn't care for her character, she seemed to just do what was expected of her and didn't fight for herself. In this one, she finally starts standing up for herself. Also this book delved more into her past which made her more real. I felt bad for her in several parts of this book, she's had to deal with a lot of heartache in her life.
My heart went out to Carter and everything he dealt with in his past. He was so real and raw. I loved his accent.
I felt a little bad for Dave but she kept telling him that he was too young and had his life to live in L A., yet he didn't listen.
I really enjoy how Brenda brings her characters to life in her stories, they are so realistic, with flaws and all.
My heart went out to Carter and everything he dealt with in his past. He was so real and raw. I loved his accent.
I felt a little bad for Dave but she kept telling him that he was too young and had his life to live in L A., yet he didn't listen.
I really enjoy how Brenda brings her characters to life in her stories, they are so realistic, with flaws and all.
May 6, 2017
I could swear the book says Liz is a blonde - yet the cover art shows a brunette. What did I miss? Listened to the audio for this book, the performer was just okay. This story revolves around Keith's second wife, Liz, who I just couldn't warm up to. I guess she always came off as desperate - the move to Idaho to be by Keith, then the whole affair with Dave and finally jumping in with Carter. I did like the ending to the vandalism, it wasn't who I thought it would be and now I can't wait to find out the results of Gabe's surgery, whether or not is was successful.
October 29, 2020
I've enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was just okay. Elizabeth was an intriguing character in the previous book (Big Girls Don't Cry, unfortunately she irritated me in this one. She pushed Carter away too much, and acted pretty stupid in the last part of the book.
Overall this one was a miss. With that said, I'm still interested in reading more books in the series.
2.75 Stars
Overall this one was a miss. With that said, I'm still interested in reading more books in the series.
2.75 Stars
January 29, 2015
I would highly suggest reading Big Girls Don't Cry, Dundee, Idaho Series #6 prior to reading this book. It sets up the characters and the back story for book #7.
That being said, I really enjoyed The Other Woman. I think that was largely because I loved the character of Carter. His story was so interesting that I wanted a whole book devoted to just his past. I'm looking forward to reading book #8.
That being said, I really enjoyed The Other Woman. I think that was largely because I loved the character of Carter. His story was so interesting that I wanted a whole book devoted to just his past. I'm looking forward to reading book #8.
April 4, 2017
Another great story in the Dundee, Idaho series. Can Liz get over Keith's betrayal and get on with her life? Will she make a fresh start in Dundee and find true love or even believe in love again? Can she learn to trust again? Read the story to find out.
I loved the character of Carter. He is one amazing guy.
I loved the character of Carter. He is one amazing guy.
May 11, 2015
Did not like this as much as others. The relationship with Keith is not realistic. Too convoluted! The ending seemed to forced and fast for all the detail earlier in the book. Not sorry I read it, just ok for me.
November 22, 2023
Book seven in the Dundee Idaho series was first titled, “The Other Woman” it was retitled as “Just the Two of Us”. From the very first chapter Liz is out on a date with Carter who now works for Senator Holbrook. I barely got through that first scene. Carter was totally rude, condescending and a total jerk. He only talked about Keith, what he did, how could she be friend with Reenie, and what was she even in Idaho?
Carter is a huge man of mystery. We know throughout the book that he worked construction, was an FBI agent and is now a political campaign manager. Throughout the whole book we don’t have a strong indication of when he worked in construction, how long was he an FBI agent, why politics, why Idaho, who is the woman next to him in a wedding picture? We know nothing about Carter except there is a spark - actually only a day after that disastrous dinner date with Liz. Truthfully Liz is so lonely it is amazing she has been strong about not getting back with her ex Keith.
Two mysterious men in her life are not good. Then add in her dad who threw her under the bus when her mom died. And the bad guys in the destruction of her store are not being prosecuted??
This book had a lot and a lot not explained. Not my favorite in this series.
Carter is a huge man of mystery. We know throughout the book that he worked construction, was an FBI agent and is now a political campaign manager. Throughout the whole book we don’t have a strong indication of when he worked in construction, how long was he an FBI agent, why politics, why Idaho, who is the woman next to him in a wedding picture? We know nothing about Carter except there is a spark - actually only a day after that disastrous dinner date with Liz. Truthfully Liz is so lonely it is amazing she has been strong about not getting back with her ex Keith.
Two mysterious men in her life are not good. Then add in her dad who threw her under the bus when her mom died. And the bad guys in the destruction of her store are not being prosecuted??
This book had a lot and a lot not explained. Not my favorite in this series.
August 6, 2018
Liz discovers her husband has been married to another woman in Dundee and decides to move her children there to be close to him and try to win him back. She soon discovers the town is pulling for Reenie (1st wife) and he wants to get back with her as well. Liz's brother comes to town with her and ends up falling in love with Reenie and Keith tries to get back with Liz bit she decides she does note want to be second and moves on with her life. A couple years later, she opens a chocolate shop and Reenie's Dad sends one of his employees to help her and the hit it off right off (she ends up pregnant) Liz's dad comes to town and announces that he is not her real dad and this rattles her world again. She has vandals in her shop and everyone seems to think it is Keith but after she decides to go back to LA, Carter and Keith finds out that it is Dave the man she was going back to LA to marry who has hired someone to scare Liz back to him.
I just love this series and really sad to know there is only one more left.
I just love this series and really sad to know there is only one more left.
January 27, 2018
great story. Liz moves to Idaho so her kids can be near their father who is a two timing rat. He was married someone else and her at the same time. He got caught and lost both of them while he was trying to go back to his first wife.
Liz is starting over and with the help of her brother and his new wife Renee she gets set up on a blind date with Carter. Liz's date with Carter is cut short because he keeps talking about her scandalous relationship with her ex Keith.
Liz is starting over and with the help of her brother and his new wife Renee she gets set up on a blind date with Carter. Liz's date with Carter is cut short because he keeps talking about her scandalous relationship with her ex Keith.
July 25, 2019
WHY does everyone keep telling Keith he's a "good dad"?! He literally abandoned his daughter Mica in the middle of her gymnastics lesson. Just got up and walked out of the door to drive to the airport to try to save his "real" marriage. Then he told Reenie that he would never see Mica or Christopher ever again if she'd take him back. But in this book, everyone keeps assuring him he's a "good father".
September 8, 2020
The Other Woman (Dundee, Idaho #7) was another great read by Brenda Novak. Liz is looking at getting her second chance at love. Liz was hurt badly by her ex husband. She decides to focus on her new business and her children. She meets Carter, but she instantly dislikes him. They both like each other but have secrets that could ruin everything. I really enjoyed reading Liz and Carter’s story and can’t wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
March 23, 2021
I'm finally finishing up the Dundee series...two books left but I already read the last one lol. I'm working on my goal of reading 50 Brenda Novak books to earn my pin. The Dundee series has had some interesting twists and turns, I've enjoyed listening to it and I'm looking forward to finding more about Gabe and his story hopefully in the next book?!
December 17, 2017
good book! the first of Brenda's that I felt 'let down' with. I felt the ending was rushed and very brief. Still a great read, just not as thorough as usual. Spoiled with all of her other books, I guess. still would recommend!
April 27, 2018
Oh what a tangled web we weave! Hot, sizzling, frustrating, tender and funny! Yes Brenda knows how to hit on all of your emotions when she writes a book. I always have happy and sad tears while I read her! Thank you for such special books!
August 20, 2019
The Other Woman becomes the only woman.
Liz never wanted to be second again. This story is great. Two people who have known heartache. Can they love and trust again. This is a great love story. Brenda has done it again. This is a great book.
Liz never wanted to be second again. This story is great. Two people who have known heartache. Can they love and trust again. This is a great love story. Brenda has done it again. This is a great book.
June 21, 2020
Liz has been thru so much recently. She meets Carter. They become intimate. Dave and Keith are vying for her love. She is given some shocking news then finds her shop vandalized.
I can't believe who is actually at fault.
I can't believe who is actually at fault.
October 27, 2021
This is a story about Liz. Liz is the woman that married another woman’s husband. She and her brother, Isaac, moved to the same town the the first wife lived in. Liz’s tennis coach ended up in the same town.
March 31, 2023
Awesome book! So glad that I finally got to read it. I really loved Liz's story, and glad she gets her happily ever after. This is going on my keeper shelf along with all my books by this incredible author.
June 6, 2024
Another old book I re-read. With friends who are new to one of my favorite authors. You have the believable and interesting characters you have come to know, a suspenseful twist, along with finding love.
March 31, 2025
Very different
Much more engaging than the usual M&B fare. Viewpoints of some of the other MC's and some mystery too as well as broken hearts, family issues and also romance. Will read more by this writer .
Much more engaging than the usual M&B fare. Viewpoints of some of the other MC's and some mystery too as well as broken hearts, family issues and also romance. Will read more by this writer .
January 4, 2017
Wonderful
Liz finally finds love after what Keith did to her and Reenie - Carter is a jerk to start with but it turns into love quickly, and there's a surprise at the end.
Liz finally finds love after what Keith did to her and Reenie - Carter is a jerk to start with but it turns into love quickly, and there's a surprise at the end.
September 13, 2017
Loved this story. Always follow your heart. Great job Brenda Novak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews