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Twice Lucky
“When you love someone, there’s suddenly a whole lot more to consider, to risk, to fight for.”
Mackenzie “Mouse” James’s life is all about firefighting. Being a firefighter fills her waking hours, leaving her too tired to think, to socialize, or to put herself out there. A large part of Sarah Macarthur’s success as a doctor is due to the structure and control that she has established to help her cope when all the elements are thrown her way.
A chance encounter late one rainy night brings Mac’s and Sarah’s worlds together. As danger draws closer, they are tested in ways neither had ever imagined. Both must fight far more than fear—they will need to fight for the lives of those they love.
Mackenzie “Mouse” James’s life is all about firefighting. Being a firefighter fills her waking hours, leaving her too tired to think, to socialize, or to put herself out there. A large part of Sarah Macarthur’s success as a doctor is due to the structure and control that she has established to help her cope when all the elements are thrown her way.
A chance encounter late one rainy night brings Mac’s and Sarah’s worlds together. As danger draws closer, they are tested in ways neither had ever imagined. Both must fight far more than fear—they will need to fight for the lives of those they love.
264 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2015
9 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Mardi Alexander
4 books21 followersMardi grew up on the Mid North Coast of Australia, with big rivers, sun, surf, and sand all within reach. Among Mardi’s greatest loves are watching storms out to sea and sitting on a rock wall, fishing and watching the world go by.
She moved inland to study, where the mountains called to her and eventually stole her heart. It’s where she now calls home, along with her partner, two dogs, two cats, and a couple of hundred sheep. Life in the country is never boring, with no two days being the same. Her greatest frustration is that neither she nor anyone else has been able to create the perfect water pump that never breaks down.
Easily bored, Mardi is always on the lookout for a new project of some sort or other, including, but not limited to, music, animals, drawing, woodwork, and now writing.
When she’s not working full-time, Mardi is also a volunteer firefighter, firefighting instructor, and a member of a local wildlife rescue service looking after orphaned, sick, and injured native animals.
She moved inland to study, where the mountains called to her and eventually stole her heart. It’s where she now calls home, along with her partner, two dogs, two cats, and a couple of hundred sheep. Life in the country is never boring, with no two days being the same. Her greatest frustration is that neither she nor anyone else has been able to create the perfect water pump that never breaks down.
Easily bored, Mardi is always on the lookout for a new project of some sort or other, including, but not limited to, music, animals, drawing, woodwork, and now writing.
When she’s not working full-time, Mardi is also a volunteer firefighter, firefighting instructor, and a member of a local wildlife rescue service looking after orphaned, sick, and injured native animals.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 27, 2015
Mardi Alexander's debut novel is a sweet, feel-good romance.
I have a weak spot for first responders and medical personnel so firefighter Mac and Dr. Sarah and their instant attraction were just what I was looking for in a light read. Unlike many lesbian romance novels, once these two get together their relationship continues to strengthen without the usual breakup/makeup.In place of the tried and true formula, Alexander adds external conflict and work related drama to ramp up the tension.
This conflict is necessary to offset the friendly, kind and sweet secondary characters. They are all loveable, right down to Sarah's nephew and the puppy Mac is trying to train at the animal shelter where she volunteers.
I did have a concern with the thriller ending. Yes, conflict was needed to bring me out of my sugar high, but the level of violence bordered on gratuitous. Sometimes less is more and in the case of Twice Lucky a little less sweetness and a little less dramatic finish would have improved the read.
I did enjoy this debut novel and will definitely look for more books by this author.
3.5 Stars
ARC received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
I have a weak spot for first responders and medical personnel so firefighter Mac and Dr. Sarah and their instant attraction were just what I was looking for in a light read. Unlike many lesbian romance novels, once these two get together their relationship continues to strengthen without the usual breakup/makeup.In place of the tried and true formula, Alexander adds external conflict and work related drama to ramp up the tension.
This conflict is necessary to offset the friendly, kind and sweet secondary characters. They are all loveable, right down to Sarah's nephew and the puppy Mac is trying to train at the animal shelter where she volunteers.
I did have a concern with the thriller ending. Yes, conflict was needed to bring me out of my sugar high, but the level of violence bordered on gratuitous. Sometimes less is more and in the case of Twice Lucky a little less sweetness and a little less dramatic finish would have improved the read.
I did enjoy this debut novel and will definitely look for more books by this author.
3.5 Stars
ARC received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
December 4, 2015
Like a moth drawn to a flame, so was I drawn to this book which promised to combine medical with emergency services (pwoarrr)
The opening chapters were enough to hook me in to shelling out my $$ to buy the book but... :(
I REALLY wanted to like this book, I really did. Debut author, based in Australia (it was nice to instantly understand/visualize the town / landscape references for once)... But I just can't
The pacing is wildly inconsistent and, I hate to labour the point but, like the smell of one flower can overpower when joined by the bunch, so did the author's consistent, un-subtle use of analogy ultimately greatly detract from the story. I persisted and finished the book but by the end of it I was literally groaning and/ or rolling my eyes at the end of every para as I read yet another analogy.
I don't like saying it but even for the biggest med/emergency services fans out there, there are much better reads :(
The opening chapters were enough to hook me in to shelling out my $$ to buy the book but... :(
I REALLY wanted to like this book, I really did. Debut author, based in Australia (it was nice to instantly understand/visualize the town / landscape references for once)... But I just can't
The pacing is wildly inconsistent and, I hate to labour the point but, like the smell of one flower can overpower when joined by the bunch, so did the author's consistent, un-subtle use of analogy ultimately greatly detract from the story. I persisted and finished the book but by the end of it I was literally groaning and/ or rolling my eyes at the end of every para as I read yet another analogy.
I don't like saying it but even for the biggest med/emergency services fans out there, there are much better reads :(
February 25, 2015
Review of Twice Lucky by Mardi Alexander
The story of a beautiful ER Doctor and a gorgeous fire fighter might seem a bit stereotypical and formulaic but Ms Alexander takes that concept and turns it on its head. This starts off with the heroic firefighter Mackenzie James rescuing a pregnant woman from a car crash and sets up the character very well. Known as Mouse (explained in the book - I won't spoil it), she is brave but not reckless and driven to save and help. This is something she has in common with Sarah MacArthur, a successful ER doctor running her department and working nights as she has little else in her life but her work.
The excellent thing in this book - apart from the credible and likeable main characters - are the myriad secondary characters who are well developed and add depth to the narrative. The animal shelter owners, the woman in the Fire Station who has 'adopted' Mouse, the sister and nephew of Sarah, Mouse's fire rescue partner, all add to the main characters and give a credible emotional framework for the harrowing ending set up by Ms Alexander. The cosy nature of the story turns and you are taken along for the ride. The ending fits well and does not seem out of place because of the clever way the author has planted ideas along the way. But also it is not predictable as anyone guessing might follow the path apparently laid out rather than the one that eventually arises.
I hope Ms Alexander uses these characters again - especially Maree and Terri from the animal shelter.
The story of a beautiful ER Doctor and a gorgeous fire fighter might seem a bit stereotypical and formulaic but Ms Alexander takes that concept and turns it on its head. This starts off with the heroic firefighter Mackenzie James rescuing a pregnant woman from a car crash and sets up the character very well. Known as Mouse (explained in the book - I won't spoil it), she is brave but not reckless and driven to save and help. This is something she has in common with Sarah MacArthur, a successful ER doctor running her department and working nights as she has little else in her life but her work.
The excellent thing in this book - apart from the credible and likeable main characters - are the myriad secondary characters who are well developed and add depth to the narrative. The animal shelter owners, the woman in the Fire Station who has 'adopted' Mouse, the sister and nephew of Sarah, Mouse's fire rescue partner, all add to the main characters and give a credible emotional framework for the harrowing ending set up by Ms Alexander. The cosy nature of the story turns and you are taken along for the ride. The ending fits well and does not seem out of place because of the clever way the author has planted ideas along the way. But also it is not predictable as anyone guessing might follow the path apparently laid out rather than the one that eventually arises.
I hope Ms Alexander uses these characters again - especially Maree and Terri from the animal shelter.
March 1, 2015
It was lovely to read a book set in Australia and written by an Australian. The idioms and the culture are a bit different to elsewhere, and it was lovely to see that reflected in this book by Alexander.
There is a good sense of character and both the main characters are active participants in their own lives, which always makes it more fun to read. Mackenzie James is a firefighter who volunteers at the local animal shelter, and is an all-round hero. However, she is a bit too good to be true. I don't know anyone who has that much energy and never gets tired or bad tempered, and making her a little more believable and fallible would have made the book more interesting. The same could be said for the other main character, Sarah Macarthur, who is the head of the ER at the local hospital. Again, she is a little too perfect, and as a result, their relationship blooms almost without hiccup.
I did like how Alexander built the tension with violent character in the story, without it ever overtaking the main romance. Tricky to do, but the author did a really good job with this part of the plot. I'm not going to give the game away, but this works well to add tension.
This has the feel of a first book. I think Alexander will be able to tighten up some of the dialogue and will push her characters a bit more next time. She has all the basics covered, and has written a very enjoyable book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book by Mardi Alexander.
3.5 stars.
There is a good sense of character and both the main characters are active participants in their own lives, which always makes it more fun to read. Mackenzie James is a firefighter who volunteers at the local animal shelter, and is an all-round hero. However, she is a bit too good to be true. I don't know anyone who has that much energy and never gets tired or bad tempered, and making her a little more believable and fallible would have made the book more interesting. The same could be said for the other main character, Sarah Macarthur, who is the head of the ER at the local hospital. Again, she is a little too perfect, and as a result, their relationship blooms almost without hiccup.
I did like how Alexander built the tension with violent character in the story, without it ever overtaking the main romance. Tricky to do, but the author did a really good job with this part of the plot. I'm not going to give the game away, but this works well to add tension.
This has the feel of a first book. I think Alexander will be able to tighten up some of the dialogue and will push her characters a bit more next time. She has all the basics covered, and has written a very enjoyable book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book by Mardi Alexander.
3.5 stars.
March 29, 2015
Great debut novel by Mardi Alexander. The leading ladies were sweet and interesting and the supporting characters were delightful (both human and animal).
I really enjoyed 99% of this book. As for the other 1%
Well done Ms Alexander on a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading your future work.
I really enjoyed 99% of this book. As for the other 1%
Well done Ms Alexander on a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading your future work.
April 3, 2015
Nice romance. Great character development. Being a former firefighter in a small town in New England USA, I was interested in seeing the similarities and the differences of the profession. Great debut book.!!
September 7, 2019
Some parts were brutal, but I did like the book. You can't go wrong when there are cute doggos and kitty's... and two appealing main characters, of course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 27, 2024DNF @30%. Dreadfully dull for a firefighter/doctor romance.
March 26, 2015
This story has a plethora of information about fire fighters and emergency room medical personnel. I was in data heaven. I simply adore details, the impact of high tension professions on the folks engaged in them, and the indescribable warmth from the lives saved on countless levels is indescribable. Therefore it is rather interesting that the major crisis point occurred at gun point when a very unstable person takes control and dear lives hang in the balance. For me, however, the heart, soul, and deeply felt love, along with high tech challenges, made this book a winner. By the way, this book takes place in Australia. Marvelous!
Mac, officially known as Lieutenant Mackenzie James, is a powerful composite of talents, dedications, and a huge loving heart. She is a very gifted artist along with being a top-notch member of the fire rescue squad. She has the nickname of Mouse, because she is inherently shy. Mac is just a darling, with some classic talents and certain skill deficiencies that have her and her friends often chortling. On balance, I sense she is a remarkable woman with beautiful hidden depths. It was more than a delight to kind of be in her back pocket as the story progressed. Additionally, I think she qualifies as the *Twice Lucky* woman. Sparklingly gratifying!
Dr. Sarah Macarthur or initially known to Mac as Dr. Hot Chocolate Eyes, certainly appears as a highly competent emergency room doctor and an extraordinarily dedicated professional. Possibly her only deficiency—and that is a point of view issue—is that she rarely stays connected within any loving situation for more than a few dates. Her strongest and often only extended link is with her sister and her nephew. That relationship is an astoundingly rich one and quite an integral part of the non-medical/emergency world that is her primary place of activity. I was smitten with Dr. Macarthur right off the bat and her choice for short-term connections was a bit of a puzzlement to me. Nonetheless, it definitely adds a spicy element when Dr. Hot Chocolate Eyes becomes actively involved. A great deal of tension erupts within the emergency room and ancillary departments. So watching, enjoying, and rooting for Mac and the doctor, with some appreciated hot coupling action, provided fantastic counterpoint to the near constant proceedings and danger. Indulgently grand!
It was very easy and most enchanting to get completely wrapped up in this story and the wonderful range of characters. I am very partial to technical intricacies, so I found those enhancements more than entertaining. To me, this is a winner!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Mac, officially known as Lieutenant Mackenzie James, is a powerful composite of talents, dedications, and a huge loving heart. She is a very gifted artist along with being a top-notch member of the fire rescue squad. She has the nickname of Mouse, because she is inherently shy. Mac is just a darling, with some classic talents and certain skill deficiencies that have her and her friends often chortling. On balance, I sense she is a remarkable woman with beautiful hidden depths. It was more than a delight to kind of be in her back pocket as the story progressed. Additionally, I think she qualifies as the *Twice Lucky* woman. Sparklingly gratifying!
Dr. Sarah Macarthur or initially known to Mac as Dr. Hot Chocolate Eyes, certainly appears as a highly competent emergency room doctor and an extraordinarily dedicated professional. Possibly her only deficiency—and that is a point of view issue—is that she rarely stays connected within any loving situation for more than a few dates. Her strongest and often only extended link is with her sister and her nephew. That relationship is an astoundingly rich one and quite an integral part of the non-medical/emergency world that is her primary place of activity. I was smitten with Dr. Macarthur right off the bat and her choice for short-term connections was a bit of a puzzlement to me. Nonetheless, it definitely adds a spicy element when Dr. Hot Chocolate Eyes becomes actively involved. A great deal of tension erupts within the emergency room and ancillary departments. So watching, enjoying, and rooting for Mac and the doctor, with some appreciated hot coupling action, provided fantastic counterpoint to the near constant proceedings and danger. Indulgently grand!
It was very easy and most enchanting to get completely wrapped up in this story and the wonderful range of characters. I am very partial to technical intricacies, so I found those enhancements more than entertaining. To me, this is a winner!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 1, 2015
Originally posted @ http://readaholiczone.blogspot.com
I found this to be book average finding both good and bad characteristics. I will start out with the aspects of the book that I found positive. The prose is descriptive and humorous. Also, the author is creative with her wording. It is innovative making Thomas deaf then providing a connection with sign language between him and Mac who knew sign language since her late brother was deaf and also tying in Nell the deaf dog. Another great aspect is how dedicated Mac is to her job as a firefighter likewise having an immense internal strength.
There are some things about the story that I found faulty. Both Mac and Sarah had not been in relationships for a long time. For Mac, that was due to a tragedy. For me, it did not seem right that they jumped into a full blown relationship so fast. Next the violence at the end was too much. It is incredibly overdone and very brutal. Overall this was not a bad book. It is just one of those reads that you read once and move on.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me give an honest review
I found this to be book average finding both good and bad characteristics. I will start out with the aspects of the book that I found positive. The prose is descriptive and humorous. Also, the author is creative with her wording. It is innovative making Thomas deaf then providing a connection with sign language between him and Mac who knew sign language since her late brother was deaf and also tying in Nell the deaf dog. Another great aspect is how dedicated Mac is to her job as a firefighter likewise having an immense internal strength.
There are some things about the story that I found faulty. Both Mac and Sarah had not been in relationships for a long time. For Mac, that was due to a tragedy. For me, it did not seem right that they jumped into a full blown relationship so fast. Next the violence at the end was too much. It is incredibly overdone and very brutal. Overall this was not a bad book. It is just one of those reads that you read once and move on.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me give an honest review
June 15, 2015
I have mixed emotions about this book. I found some parts of it a bit boring. Other parts were very cliché. And certainly, other parts were really nice. Overall it was a decent read, but I was expecting more. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Oh yeah, I agree with other reviewers that the violence at the end was excessive and unnecessary.
Oh yeah, I agree with other reviewers that the violence at the end was excessive and unnecessary.
November 24, 2020
I loved the Australian landscape for this novel and there were three action scenes that I absolutely loved. I felt the adrenaline pumping. One area I wasn't a great fan of was the amount of 'telling' in this book. At some points I honestly felt like I was reading an early draft.
November 19, 2017
Sweet story. Makes you feel good about the care and generosity of others. Doctors and firefighters what a dynamic combination. MacKenzie James is a firefighter through and through and rarely makes time for friends let alone a relationship. Yet, she makes time for shelter animals. Sarah Macarthur is a doctor with a drive to be awesome. I cheer right along with the supporting characters for their relationship to succeed. Thomas is adorable. Jean is strong and reliable. Maree and Terri are such a supportive couple and only want happiness for their friend. Mac and Sarah like moths to a flame. Lovely.
September 24, 2019
I've been really impressed with Mardi Alexander. This is her first novel, and it was a very enjoyable read. Firefighter and ER doc overcome their own resistances to relationships to form a great one! Good supporting cast including a deaf nephew who, I thought, was extremely well done.
January 28, 2019
This is a good read, a sweet romance set in Australia. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of characters except one which didn’t end to well for them.
March 1, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest opinion.
Mac is a firefighter and Sarah a doctor. They met briefly one night when Mac and her partner brought a patient into the hospital. Mac was then given a rotation of Inspections & Fire Safety training. Of course, the hospital Sarah works at is on the list. They both felt an attraction toward one another and finally had a "date" for coffee.
Mac had lost a partner to illness about 3 years ago and had closed herself off. Sarah has commitment issues. Can they work through this and open their lives up to one another?
At times, I felt like the book was kind of "wordy:". There were a lot of words but nothing really being said.
What I did like about this story was the sense of family. Sarah had a sister and nephew and while Mac's parents didn't live in the area, she had people she considered her family like Martha, John, Maree and Terri. These people were all so caring and supportive.
It was nice to see both ladies slowly let go of the issues that made them isolate themselves from relationships and learn to trust one another.
Mac is a firefighter and Sarah a doctor. They met briefly one night when Mac and her partner brought a patient into the hospital. Mac was then given a rotation of Inspections & Fire Safety training. Of course, the hospital Sarah works at is on the list. They both felt an attraction toward one another and finally had a "date" for coffee.
Mac had lost a partner to illness about 3 years ago and had closed herself off. Sarah has commitment issues. Can they work through this and open their lives up to one another?
At times, I felt like the book was kind of "wordy:". There were a lot of words but nothing really being said.
What I did like about this story was the sense of family. Sarah had a sister and nephew and while Mac's parents didn't live in the area, she had people she considered her family like Martha, John, Maree and Terri. These people were all so caring and supportive.
It was nice to see both ladies slowly let go of the issues that made them isolate themselves from relationships and learn to trust one another.
March 21, 2015
Lovely, I really enjoyed this book, there are a wonderful group of characters that come together for Mac and encourage Sarah in the pursuit of this new relationship. What drew me to this book was the Firefighter theme, when I'm not reading books on the Paranormal (weres, vampires or space aliens) I enjoy books portrayed by strong female characters in stories of intrigue and suspense. Mac proves to be a strong woman as well as a passionate one who finally has come out of her shell for the love of Sarah and friends old and new.
January 26, 2024
So good!!
So much that I loved about this book.
Two professionals great at their job, one a widow, neither looking for a relationship but find it with each other.
Mac, Sarah, Jean, Thomas, John and the rest of the gang make it though the hard times.
Enjoy this HEA!
So much that I loved about this book.
Two professionals great at their job, one a widow, neither looking for a relationship but find it with each other.
Mac, Sarah, Jean, Thomas, John and the rest of the gang make it though the hard times.
Enjoy this HEA!
September 5, 2017
Cute love story with a little of crime drama...good book to read
July 16, 2019
Nice read
I loved it. I love the characters. It’s a bit different than what I’ve read so far I’d definitely recommend this!
I loved it. I love the characters. It’s a bit different than what I’ve read so far I’d definitely recommend this!
April 21, 2015
Family Affair
In this heartwarming romance firefighter Mac meets new ER doc Sarah.
The characters in this book were wonderful, colourful, vivid and for the most part funny and lovable. There was little Thomas. his mum and his kitten Henry, Terri and Maree from the animal rescue, Martha and the boys from the fire house.... all played their roles wonderfully. I liked seeing Mac and Sarah grow individually and as a couple. It was sweet how quickly each other's “families” came to care for the other partner offering advice, insight and support.
There was some nail biting suspense and drama that kept me reading faster and faster till I could finally breather again! It was a very sweet story and well worth the read.
Original review with Prism Book Alliance
In this heartwarming romance firefighter Mac meets new ER doc Sarah.
The characters in this book were wonderful, colourful, vivid and for the most part funny and lovable. There was little Thomas. his mum and his kitten Henry, Terri and Maree from the animal rescue, Martha and the boys from the fire house.... all played their roles wonderfully. I liked seeing Mac and Sarah grow individually and as a couple. It was sweet how quickly each other's “families” came to care for the other partner offering advice, insight and support.
There was some nail biting suspense and drama that kept me reading faster and faster till I could finally breather again! It was a very sweet story and well worth the read.
Original review with Prism Book Alliance
April 16, 2015
Twice lucky
Twice lucky is about a firefighter and a doctor. It has thrill, suspense ,passion ,love and anything else you might need in a good book . I chose five stars because I really enjoyed reading this book.
Twice lucky is about a firefighter and a doctor. It has thrill, suspense ,passion ,love and anything else you might need in a good book . I chose five stars because I really enjoyed reading this book.
July 19, 2015
A wonderful debut novel set in Australia by a new Australian author. The story centres around a rural firefighter and an emergency room doctor. The characters are well defined and believeable. Well done Ms Alexander, I look forward to more stories from you!
May 11, 2015
Super
Well all I can say is this was one of those you're glad to see everything works out in the end.
Well all I can say is this was one of those you're glad to see everything works out in the end.
December 16, 2015
Twice Lucky by Mardi Alexander: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 17, 2016
Love this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters. The plot is great. It does keep you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoy this author. Please keep the books coming.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters. The plot is great. It does keep you on the edge of your seat. I really enjoy this author. Please keep the books coming.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews