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Wavering Convictions
Maggie Davidson lives in fear after being robbed on the street outside her office. But the trauma has only just begun, and now she must face her attacker in court. A chance encounter with a beautiful woman in the courthouse café is the only bright spot in her day, until she finds out just who the woman is.
Ally Becker has always been her brother’s hero, and she’s at the courthouse to support him as he faces up to his mistakes. When she discovers that the stranger she shared coffee with is actually Maggie, the victim of her brother’s crime, she is torn between family loyalty and an attraction she can’t seem to forget.
Maggie and Ally have absolutely no intention of falling in love, but what they find in each other just might heal them both.
Ally Becker has always been her brother’s hero, and she’s at the courthouse to support him as he faces up to his mistakes. When she discovers that the stranger she shared coffee with is actually Maggie, the victim of her brother’s crime, she is torn between family loyalty and an attraction she can’t seem to forget.
Maggie and Ally have absolutely no intention of falling in love, but what they find in each other just might heal them both.
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Published June 12, 2019
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About the author
Erin Dutton
20 books115 followersBorn and raised in Upstate New York, Erin Dutton moved to Nashville, Tennessee several years ago. No longer a Yankee, and yet not a true Southerner, she remains somewhere between the two, and is happy to claim both places as home. Her days are spent earning a living, while her nights and weekends are divided between several of her favorite things: writing, reading, golf, and her friends. Erin is the author of ten romance novels and the recipient of the 2011 Alice B. Medal for body of work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 14, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
**'Books are compendiums of bad behavior and literature is the gossip about it..Writing fiction is Not self-expression..'
Erin Dutton's books can be hit,miss or in between and this book ended up being the latter. The storytelling was good but not great but she did rise to the occasion when it came to her compelling and extensive detail on the crime and legal system -- the story did deliver an informative and emotional tale. She even does a fine job balancing out all the mayhem with a huge dose of acceptance guilt and self-reflection on Carey's part.
What gives 'WAVERING CONVICTIONS' its real flavor are the portraits of the justice system and the romance that Ms.Dutton weaves throughout the book with a few revealing stories about family dysfunction, gun policies, being court ordered to a rehab facility etc..
Maggie wants to reclaim her self esteem and confidence after that robbery & aggravated assault incident but in trying to do this, she had to deal with her court case and having the nerve to confront her attacker (Carey). Here she meets Ally, someone she likes but is unaware of her connection to her attacker. It's an unraveling moment when both realized who each were.
The ethereal Maggie seems like the polar opposite of Ally: Maggie is less incline to do any dating for obvious reason and is still upset. Ally is open to finding Ms.Right, she is willowy and affable and her head is filled with lots of ideas about creating her own furniture making business -- something that she enjoy doing. Maggie acts tough and is very skeptical of Ally's true intentions towards her while Ally has a soft exterior and is not afraid to show her feelings -- with having to be the caretaker for both her mother and Carey, himself an addict suffering from a prolong stint with substance abuse.
Luckily, for both Maggie and Ally, their situation did turn out relatively okay -- given where and how their relationship started. If anything the lessons both learned: the need to be mindful, the willingness to forgive, the importance of friends and trustworthiness. Everyone makes mistakes -- it's if you decide to take responsibility.
**'Books are compendiums of bad behavior and literature is the gossip about it..Writing fiction is Not self-expression..'
Erin Dutton's books can be hit,miss or in between and this book ended up being the latter. The storytelling was good but not great but she did rise to the occasion when it came to her compelling and extensive detail on the crime and legal system -- the story did deliver an informative and emotional tale. She even does a fine job balancing out all the mayhem with a huge dose of acceptance guilt and self-reflection on Carey's part.
What gives 'WAVERING CONVICTIONS' its real flavor are the portraits of the justice system and the romance that Ms.Dutton weaves throughout the book with a few revealing stories about family dysfunction, gun policies, being court ordered to a rehab facility etc..
Maggie wants to reclaim her self esteem and confidence after that robbery & aggravated assault incident but in trying to do this, she had to deal with her court case and having the nerve to confront her attacker (Carey). Here she meets Ally, someone she likes but is unaware of her connection to her attacker. It's an unraveling moment when both realized who each were.
The ethereal Maggie seems like the polar opposite of Ally: Maggie is less incline to do any dating for obvious reason and is still upset. Ally is open to finding Ms.Right, she is willowy and affable and her head is filled with lots of ideas about creating her own furniture making business -- something that she enjoy doing. Maggie acts tough and is very skeptical of Ally's true intentions towards her while Ally has a soft exterior and is not afraid to show her feelings -- with having to be the caretaker for both her mother and Carey, himself an addict suffering from a prolong stint with substance abuse.
Luckily, for both Maggie and Ally, their situation did turn out relatively okay -- given where and how their relationship started. If anything the lessons both learned: the need to be mindful, the willingness to forgive, the importance of friends and trustworthiness. Everyone makes mistakes -- it's if you decide to take responsibility.
May 20, 2019
I have to say I was a bit disappointed by this book. It wasn’t a badly written book or anything, I just found myself struggling to connect to it. I like Dutton, I’ve enjoyed most of the books I’ve read of hers and I was actually looking forward to this. To be honest this almost didn’t feel like a Dutton book, but that’s just my opinion since something felt a little off here.
I actually thought this book had an interesting premise. Two women that meet and share a few sparks only to find they are connected through a crime. I can’t really recall reading a book with a premise like this before so I have to give Dutton credit for that. I’m just disappointed that it didn’t end up working for me. Actually, the book almost made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t like the feeling I got while reading this, and one thing I can say about Dutton is she is normally a very comfortable author. This is one of the reasons why this book didn’t really feel like it was one of hers.
One of the biggest issues I had was with the characters. Unfortunately, I found them to be a bit dull and I couldn’t really connect to them. I noticed a lot of reviewers didn’t care for Maggie. Maggie was the victim of a crime and suffered a lot of trauma because of it. It’s funny because I almost always think that authors tend to gloss over trauma too quickly, where in this case I almost thought the trauma was larger than what fit the crime. But then I thought to myself, I have never had a gun stuck in my face, so I have no idea how much it would change my life either. When I thought of it that way, I felt I understood Maggie more. On the other hand with Ally, I felt like she really let people take advantage of her and just walk all over her. I know it’s tough with family, but it drove me a bit nuts that she didn’t stand up to just about everybody including Maggie.
The romance itself was just average for me. It didn’t really grip me or move me, it was just there. Again, the character seemed so dull that I didn’t feel any sparks between them at all. They actually weren’t a bad match because they were both just sort of blah, but I want a bit more when I read a romance.
I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend this one, but I won’t say stay away either. It’s an average read and far from one of Dutton’s best. If you are new to Dutton, I would suggest picking a different book to be your first. This isn’t a bad read, there are just much more enjoyable books out there by her.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I actually thought this book had an interesting premise. Two women that meet and share a few sparks only to find they are connected through a crime. I can’t really recall reading a book with a premise like this before so I have to give Dutton credit for that. I’m just disappointed that it didn’t end up working for me. Actually, the book almost made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t like the feeling I got while reading this, and one thing I can say about Dutton is she is normally a very comfortable author. This is one of the reasons why this book didn’t really feel like it was one of hers.
One of the biggest issues I had was with the characters. Unfortunately, I found them to be a bit dull and I couldn’t really connect to them. I noticed a lot of reviewers didn’t care for Maggie. Maggie was the victim of a crime and suffered a lot of trauma because of it. It’s funny because I almost always think that authors tend to gloss over trauma too quickly, where in this case I almost thought the trauma was larger than what fit the crime. But then I thought to myself, I have never had a gun stuck in my face, so I have no idea how much it would change my life either. When I thought of it that way, I felt I understood Maggie more. On the other hand with Ally, I felt like she really let people take advantage of her and just walk all over her. I know it’s tough with family, but it drove me a bit nuts that she didn’t stand up to just about everybody including Maggie.
The romance itself was just average for me. It didn’t really grip me or move me, it was just there. Again, the character seemed so dull that I didn’t feel any sparks between them at all. They actually weren’t a bad match because they were both just sort of blah, but I want a bit more when I read a romance.
I’m sorry to say I can’t recommend this one, but I won’t say stay away either. It’s an average read and far from one of Dutton’s best. If you are new to Dutton, I would suggest picking a different book to be your first. This isn’t a bad read, there are just much more enjoyable books out there by her.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
May 14, 2019
unfortunately I couldn’t connect with this book at all. Yes it’s a very complex and dark storyline which at the beginning pulled me in when I read the blurb. However the delivery of it was not what I expected from Erin Dutton who for me is one of the very good authors out there. I think the issue is the constant repetition of what Maggie was going through due to the robbery that happened to her. For some reason, I couldn’t feel sorry for her! I didn’t like the character she was too passive, too annoying and very blah! Ally on the other hand was a bit better, but again, nothing exciting.
If I would imagine myself going to dinner with this couple, I would probably imagine a very dull outing. Even their connection wasn’t believable!
I didn’t like the supporting characters as well, none of them added anything exciting to the book! Probably the book wasn’t for me!
Overall my rating is a 2.25 and i can’t get myself to round it up to 3.
I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
If I would imagine myself going to dinner with this couple, I would probably imagine a very dull outing. Even their connection wasn’t believable!
I didn’t like the supporting characters as well, none of them added anything exciting to the book! Probably the book wasn’t for me!
Overall my rating is a 2.25 and i can’t get myself to round it up to 3.
I received an ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
May 18, 2019
This is an enjoyable read which has an interesting concept and brings into play a number of aspects around addiction, family loyalties and the victim versus the perpetrator. Maggie Davidson is held up by an armed robber in the parking garage after work. The experience has traumatised her and the prospect of facing her attacker is terrifying. At the courthouse her need to escape the crush of people leads her to having coffee at the same table as Ally Becker. Ally has a calming presence and it’s not long before she feels strong enough to get to the courtroom. By the time Maggie discovers that Ally is the sister of her attacker she is already attracted to her.
There are positives and negatives in this story but I found the balance to be more on the positive side. Maggie and Ally’s initial connection, both in terms of time as well as comfort levels, was too quick for me. They could have done with more than two conversations in few days to make it believable. If they had chatted and met numerous times over the course of a few weeks I would have seen more reason for them to like each other in spite of the circumstances.
Ally’s conflict of loyalties was nicely expressed along with her struggle to deal with a brother she loves who has done something reprehensible. I think I preferred Ally as a character because she seemed to have more depth. Maggie seemed a little too distant. I’m not sure I liked the resolution much either. On the whole it is a good romance with some lovely, sensuous scenes.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
There are positives and negatives in this story but I found the balance to be more on the positive side. Maggie and Ally’s initial connection, both in terms of time as well as comfort levels, was too quick for me. They could have done with more than two conversations in few days to make it believable. If they had chatted and met numerous times over the course of a few weeks I would have seen more reason for them to like each other in spite of the circumstances.
Ally’s conflict of loyalties was nicely expressed along with her struggle to deal with a brother she loves who has done something reprehensible. I think I preferred Ally as a character because she seemed to have more depth. Maggie seemed a little too distant. I’m not sure I liked the resolution much either. On the whole it is a good romance with some lovely, sensuous scenes.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Unlucky in love.
Maggie is robbed while walking to her car in a parking garage. At the courthouse, she meets a woman, Ally Becker, who she later discovers is a bit too close to her situation.
I thought the concept of this story was unique. At first, I wasn't quite sure what I would do if the situation happened to me. Through reading this, I determined I would not have responded the way that Maggie did. To be honest, I was a little annoyed with her. If I were Ally, there would be zero chance I would have stuck with Maggie through the amount of ghosting that occurred.
Something I really enjoyed about this book was the sensual tactile way in which they were with one another at times. Tracing fingers through the hair just behind her ears. Yeah. Sweet.
Despite feeling like the amount of trauma Maggie experienced was a little much, I still enjoyed the story overall.
I recommend this to those who enjoy romance, conflict, and gardening.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Maggie is robbed while walking to her car in a parking garage. At the courthouse, she meets a woman, Ally Becker, who she later discovers is a bit too close to her situation.
I thought the concept of this story was unique. At first, I wasn't quite sure what I would do if the situation happened to me. Through reading this, I determined I would not have responded the way that Maggie did. To be honest, I was a little annoyed with her. If I were Ally, there would be zero chance I would have stuck with Maggie through the amount of ghosting that occurred.
Something I really enjoyed about this book was the sensual tactile way in which they were with one another at times. Tracing fingers through the hair just behind her ears. Yeah. Sweet.
Despite feeling like the amount of trauma Maggie experienced was a little much, I still enjoyed the story overall.
I recommend this to those who enjoy romance, conflict, and gardening.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
June 12, 2019
I love the premise of this book: when Maggie and Ally share a table in the cafeteria next to the courthouse, neither knows they’re both there for the same case. Maggie was robbed at gunpoint by Ally’s brother. The truth comes out in the next days and both women find themselves in a sort of Catch-22 situation.
There’s a « human interest » feel to it, I could totally see some tabloid headline: « Victime falls in love with attacker’s girlfriend! »
While I felt for Maggie, whose view on life changes dramatically after the robbery, my heart really went to Ally, torn between her family and the woman she’s falling for, her sense of duty and her happiness.
With such a complicated situation, I was surprised to not feel more. It was a completely okay read, not boring but not exciting either. It lacked color, in a way. But I’d still recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a quick read. And if you haven’t yet, check out Erin Dutton’s other books.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a « human interest » feel to it, I could totally see some tabloid headline: « Victime falls in love with attacker’s girlfriend! »
While I felt for Maggie, whose view on life changes dramatically after the robbery, my heart really went to Ally, torn between her family and the woman she’s falling for, her sense of duty and her happiness.
With such a complicated situation, I was surprised to not feel more. It was a completely okay read, not boring but not exciting either. It lacked color, in a way. But I’d still recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a quick read. And if you haven’t yet, check out Erin Dutton’s other books.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it.
The narration is my fav, told in third person and from both point of views. With that said, I warmed to Ally more than Maggie, whereas given what Maggie endured I often wondered if I should've felt more empathy for her...and more importantly, why I didn't.
At times, the story lagged due to having a repetitive feel to it. I get the crippling effects of PTSD, but there comes a point when I no longer need it drummed home. Did that make sense?
With all that said, the story kept me engaged, and I look forward to checking out more book by this author.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
The narration is my fav, told in third person and from both point of views. With that said, I warmed to Ally more than Maggie, whereas given what Maggie endured I often wondered if I should've felt more empathy for her...and more importantly, why I didn't.
At times, the story lagged due to having a repetitive feel to it. I get the crippling effects of PTSD, but there comes a point when I no longer need it drummed home. Did that make sense?
With all that said, the story kept me engaged, and I look forward to checking out more book by this author.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
May 24, 2019
Sometimes I choose books to read based on the descriptive blurb the author writes for the book cover. That’s exactly what happened with Wavering Convictions by Erin Dutton. I read the blurb and chose the book immediately. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about two characters attracted to each other only to find out that one woman is the sister of the man who robbed the other woman at gunpoint.
The possibilities for angst and relationship problems should be almost endless for this story, and the author did use that to a certain degree. The story is well written. I really liked Ally. She is well-developed and has a depth to her that feels real. I did not like Maggie quite as much, probably because she refuses to get any help even though it’s obvious that she’s suffering from PTSD from the robbery. I’m not sure why that bothered me so much, but it did. The two women have great chemistry together. The romance is sweet and I did enjoy that part of the tale. I’m just not sure the author took advantage of all the story options she had with this book.
This is my first book by Erin Dutton, and I will be looking for more books to read by her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
The possibilities for angst and relationship problems should be almost endless for this story, and the author did use that to a certain degree. The story is well written. I really liked Ally. She is well-developed and has a depth to her that feels real. I did not like Maggie quite as much, probably because she refuses to get any help even though it’s obvious that she’s suffering from PTSD from the robbery. I’m not sure why that bothered me so much, but it did. The two women have great chemistry together. The romance is sweet and I did enjoy that part of the tale. I’m just not sure the author took advantage of all the story options she had with this book.
This is my first book by Erin Dutton, and I will be looking for more books to read by her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
May 15, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Maggie leaves work while walking to her car she get held up by gunpoint and gets rob. As she goes to court she stop at a cafe she meets Ally and they have a instant connection.
Ally finally find someone she connects with only to learn that Maggie is the viticm that her brother had rob.
As they try to work out a relationship between them as I feel what Maggie going through her thinking about being recluse and getting a gun to feel safe I just didn't like how she was putting everything on Ally to me.
Ally mother Shirley just being in denial about the whole thing and blaming Ally and having Carey take accountable for his own action and I was happy he finally did.
I like the secondary characters and how Dani gave Ally advice about forgiving and letting go.
Maggie leaves work while walking to her car she get held up by gunpoint and gets rob. As she goes to court she stop at a cafe she meets Ally and they have a instant connection.
Ally finally find someone she connects with only to learn that Maggie is the viticm that her brother had rob.
As they try to work out a relationship between them as I feel what Maggie going through her thinking about being recluse and getting a gun to feel safe I just didn't like how she was putting everything on Ally to me.
Ally mother Shirley just being in denial about the whole thing and blaming Ally and having Carey take accountable for his own action and I was happy he finally did.
I like the secondary characters and how Dani gave Ally advice about forgiving and letting go.
February 4, 2021
Talk about creating a complicated context for a relationship! Forty-something Maggie Davis is attacked and robbed at gunpoint. Her attacker is arrested and she has to go to court. She runs into one Ally Becker (39) in the canteen of the court and there is insta-attraction between the two. Maggie is completely shaken by the attack and she finds herself reaching out to Ally to talk. During their conversation, Ally realises that Maggie was attacked by her brother, but keeps this information to herself. During the next visit to the court, Maggie realises just who Ally is and is quite devastated. Yet, somehow, the two connect again and start developing a relationship.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 22, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a Dutton fan, but this one isn’t one of her best. This features MC Maggie, who is held up at gunpoint and then meets the other MC Ally at the courthouse. Problem is that Maggie was held up by Ally’s brother.
The two characters hit it off, but once they realise who the other is, things become complicated. Even with this they continue to see each other (though I found the way this was done unlikely). Throughout this though the spectre of Ally’s brother hangs over the relationship. There’s also the requisite breakup, which is then resolved too easily.
I don’t know, this just really didn’t do much for me. Neither character was particularly compelling, though Ally was slightly more interesting, she had family issues (although I was annoyed by how she let her mother walk all over her) and I also liked her friends and their kids, but Maggie really had nothing going on outside of the trauma of being held up and the relationship with Ally. Oh, and maybe or maybe not buying a gun. I was actually more interested in Charlie the cop than either of the two MCs.
All in all this was just average. It’s not Dutton’s best by far. 2.5 but I’ll round up to 3 stars.
I’m a Dutton fan, but this one isn’t one of her best. This features MC Maggie, who is held up at gunpoint and then meets the other MC Ally at the courthouse. Problem is that Maggie was held up by Ally’s brother.
The two characters hit it off, but once they realise who the other is, things become complicated. Even with this they continue to see each other (though I found the way this was done unlikely). Throughout this though the spectre of Ally’s brother hangs over the relationship. There’s also the requisite breakup, which is then resolved too easily.
I don’t know, this just really didn’t do much for me. Neither character was particularly compelling, though Ally was slightly more interesting, she had family issues (although I was annoyed by how she let her mother walk all over her) and I also liked her friends and their kids, but Maggie really had nothing going on outside of the trauma of being held up and the relationship with Ally. Oh, and maybe or maybe not buying a gun. I was actually more interested in Charlie the cop than either of the two MCs.
All in all this was just average. It’s not Dutton’s best by far. 2.5 but I’ll round up to 3 stars.
May 28, 2019
I am a Dutton fan. However, this read just did not work for me. The angst was drawn out too long and the ending was absolutely rushed. I also can't say I really appreciated any chemistry between the two MCs. All in all I found it quite dissapointing.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2019
I took a few days to think about my feelings on this book and I still haven't come to a definite conclusion. Maggie Davidson was robbed at gun point after leaving work one day. The day of the first court hearing she meets Ally Becker. I can't say that they have instant chemistry though because of how they react to one another. What they do have appears to be something comfortable with each other. Many romances start out that way, so that doesn't hurt this story line for me. The kicker with this one is that Ally's brother is the one who robbed Maggie.
Let's start out by saying that I over all thought this romance was ok. I did like the interaction between the MC's and they got to know each other despite the elephant in the room. I didn't feel like there was anything that makes this book stand out. I guess what I am trying to say is that I was sort of bored with this one and didn't find the romance that interesting.
I will rate it a 3 star because I don't feel like it was a waste of time.
Let's start out by saying that I over all thought this romance was ok. I did like the interaction between the MC's and they got to know each other despite the elephant in the room. I didn't feel like there was anything that makes this book stand out. I guess what I am trying to say is that I was sort of bored with this one and didn't find the romance that interesting.
I will rate it a 3 star because I don't feel like it was a waste of time.
May 26, 2020
I don't know how how I managed to get to the end of this book. It was so uneventful and boring. The blurb (summary) is literally all there is to the book. Only about 1 thing happens after that. For the next couple hours after the first chapter Nothing but teased romance and poorly built up sexual tension.
Good?
The exploration of trauma. Maggie suffered from a high level of anxiety and paranoia throughout the book. Although I found it a bit confusing why being robbed at gunpoint caused intimacy issues I did like the execution of her anxiety.
The discussion on Guns and how easy the process is to get a hold of a gun.
Good?
The exploration of trauma. Maggie suffered from a high level of anxiety and paranoia throughout the book. Although I found it a bit confusing why being robbed at gunpoint caused intimacy issues I did like the execution of her anxiety.
The discussion on Guns and how easy the process is to get a hold of a gun.
November 29, 2019
A lot of reviewers are saying they can’t connect with the book. Which I for one am glad to read. I’m glad none have been victims or family members of someone committing a violent crime. I enjoyed the book and think the idea was great. Dutton handled the storyline very well and how the two main characters meet and developed a relationship was spot on. I give this 3.5 stars. I guess I’m a little guilty of the not connecting to the characters, but really it’s a great book.
June 23, 2019
Interesting premise with likable characters. Maggie Davidson, heading home from work, is robbed and works to handle the after. Ally Becker, unappreciated champion of her mother and brother. In support of her brother, she meets his victim Maggie and sparks fly. A push and pull drives the read which is interesting and uninteresting as the story unfolds.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
Read provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
May 14, 2019
This is only the third book by this author that I have read. I loved both of the other books but this one didn't do anything for me. The story line was promising, the characters were likeable in their own ways. Maggie grated on my nerves at times throughout the story but I suppose that is understandable with the ordeal she went through. My preferred character was Ally, but in all honesty, I did not feel any connection other than friendship with benefits between the two main characters. I felt that Maggie had more of a connection with Charlie (the Police Officer).
All in all, this book was just an okay read for me.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
All in all, this book was just an okay read for me.
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
August 25, 2019
Another Great Read
This is the 5th book of Erin's i've had the pleasure of reading and they're all very different but have one thing in common very strong story lines and well written characters that you can connect with from the beginning. This books revolves around a mugging victim accidentally meeting the sister of the man who mugged her and having a relationship not realising who they both are.Ally helps Maggie to get over her fears not realising how they are connected and then dealing with the consequences of their relationship. Its a lovely thoughtful well written love story.
This is the 5th book of Erin's i've had the pleasure of reading and they're all very different but have one thing in common very strong story lines and well written characters that you can connect with from the beginning. This books revolves around a mugging victim accidentally meeting the sister of the man who mugged her and having a relationship not realising who they both are.Ally helps Maggie to get over her fears not realising how they are connected and then dealing with the consequences of their relationship. Its a lovely thoughtful well written love story.
June 13, 2019
What a predicament!
This was an interesting story and I empathise with Maggie for her initial reaction to Ally. She's a brave lady though and Ally's strength of character and huge heart is admirable.
This was an interesting story and I empathise with Maggie for her initial reaction to Ally. She's a brave lady though and Ally's strength of character and huge heart is admirable.
July 2, 2019
Loved it! I loved the conflict, how their relationship develops, the huge problem they have to face and how, almost finishing the book, I still didn't know how they were going to solve the situation between them. I enjoy a good story with some drama and Erin Dutton delivered beautifully. This is not the kind of easy story where the main characters meet, fall in love and everything is perfect. Maggie is stubborn, she is trying to heal and recover and her situation is an impossible one. Ally is more optimistic than Maggie and knows for sure she wants to be with her but even if she doesn't think their relationship is impossible, the reality forces her to accept that theirs might be an impossible love. Or not.
June 2, 2019
I don't read a lot of Dutton's works, but the ones that I have read are usually really great, straight forward lesbian romances. They're comfort reads with some good action, relatable leads, and some good chemistry. This is not comfortable, at all. It doesn't go into grim dark territory, nor is is in any way graphic, but the topics Dutton is tackling are not things that are usually associated with her story telling style. And I have to say, that it works on some level with me.
Maggie Davidson is mugged in the parking garage at work, breaking apart her comfortable life. So, when she meets Ally Becker at court while testifying against her attacker, she thinks she can start feeling better. There is one huge problem, though: Ally is the sister of Maggie's attacker. Ally is trying to hold her family up, with her brother potentially going to jail because he robbed a woman to help pay for his addiction, and their mother is not seeing how destructive his behavior actually is. Maggie is a positive, along with her woodworking business, in a situation that keeps getting darker and darker. The question is, will these two women learn to let themselves care for each other despite Ally's family?
So, I have thoughts. One is that the main driver of the plot is not really the building relationship between Maggie and Ally, but how they are learning to heal after trauma. For Maggie, it's about the aftermath of the robbery. For Ally, it's how to separate herself from the toxic relationships in her family. Which is a huge risk for a romance writer. I can see where the romance can fall flat for some people because the book explores a lot of the leads' lives away from their budding romance. Instead, there's focus on how Maggie pays twice as much to park across the street from work, instead of the parking garage. Or her struggle with her perceived safety of owning a gun, but being terrified of them. The focus with Ally is her personality; she is a caregiver, but her family takes advantage of it, especially her mom. The best plotline is actually between Ally and her brother. There's so much commentary about being a loved one to an addict and struggling with where you can actually become an enabler by pretending its not happening - Ally's mom - or seeing it an knowing that you can't always stop the downward spiral of a loved one - Ally.
So, I do think this will not be comfortable for most, and the plot is more engaging than most of the characters, but Ally shines in this and for those who have or are experiencing watching a loved one get lost to addiction, it is a really great depiction of some experiences. There's also some great scenes of ways that trauma affects how you perceive life, too. This is a great character study, but not the best of romances. But props - I enjoyed the heck out of this.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Maggie Davidson is mugged in the parking garage at work, breaking apart her comfortable life. So, when she meets Ally Becker at court while testifying against her attacker, she thinks she can start feeling better. There is one huge problem, though: Ally is the sister of Maggie's attacker. Ally is trying to hold her family up, with her brother potentially going to jail because he robbed a woman to help pay for his addiction, and their mother is not seeing how destructive his behavior actually is. Maggie is a positive, along with her woodworking business, in a situation that keeps getting darker and darker. The question is, will these two women learn to let themselves care for each other despite Ally's family?
So, I have thoughts. One is that the main driver of the plot is not really the building relationship between Maggie and Ally, but how they are learning to heal after trauma. For Maggie, it's about the aftermath of the robbery. For Ally, it's how to separate herself from the toxic relationships in her family. Which is a huge risk for a romance writer. I can see where the romance can fall flat for some people because the book explores a lot of the leads' lives away from their budding romance. Instead, there's focus on how Maggie pays twice as much to park across the street from work, instead of the parking garage. Or her struggle with her perceived safety of owning a gun, but being terrified of them. The focus with Ally is her personality; she is a caregiver, but her family takes advantage of it, especially her mom. The best plotline is actually between Ally and her brother. There's so much commentary about being a loved one to an addict and struggling with where you can actually become an enabler by pretending its not happening - Ally's mom - or seeing it an knowing that you can't always stop the downward spiral of a loved one - Ally.
So, I do think this will not be comfortable for most, and the plot is more engaging than most of the characters, but Ally shines in this and for those who have or are experiencing watching a loved one get lost to addiction, it is a really great depiction of some experiences. There's also some great scenes of ways that trauma affects how you perceive life, too. This is a great character study, but not the best of romances. But props - I enjoyed the heck out of this.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 15, 2019
Maggie Davidson felt her life was going along pretty good considering she had broken off a relationship a few months ago. She had a good job that she enjoyed, especially since her supervisor was also her best friend. Still she had a habit of working late so by the time she called it a day it was often dark and she was alone. Then one night, for the first time she found out just how dangerous that could be.
Ally Becker worked as a carpenter along with her younger brother but what she really wanted was to start her own company doing what she really loved. Making furniture in her workshop was her dream and she felt she was ready to make that happen.
These two women meet in a coffee shop situated in the courthouse where Maggie came to see the guy that had robbed her start his trial. Ally was there to but her reason wasn’t anything like Maggie's. She was there to support her brother who made the a choice that changed not only his life but the life of his victim Maggie Davidson.
Ms Dutton has consistently given us some very good reads over the years and I was pleased that with this novel she has continued that tradition. She weaves a very believable story re how these two women come together. A very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley
Ally Becker worked as a carpenter along with her younger brother but what she really wanted was to start her own company doing what she really loved. Making furniture in her workshop was her dream and she felt she was ready to make that happen.
These two women meet in a coffee shop situated in the courthouse where Maggie came to see the guy that had robbed her start his trial. Ally was there to but her reason wasn’t anything like Maggie's. She was there to support her brother who made the a choice that changed not only his life but the life of his victim Maggie Davidson.
Ms Dutton has consistently given us some very good reads over the years and I was pleased that with this novel she has continued that tradition. She weaves a very believable story re how these two women come together. A very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley
June 22, 2019
I agree with reviewer Cathie W that this would make an excellent book club read. There's a lot to think about and debate here, starting with the unusual plot device of having two people who are attracted to each other realize that there's something between them that they may never get past. I didn't read the blurb first because I love Erin Dutton's books and knew I would want to read this, so I was surprised to learn that Ally is Carey's sister. The author took a big risk with this book because it definitely isn't a typical "warm and fuzzy" story. This just shows me that she really wanted to tell this story. The descriptions of how Maggie tries to live in her new normal, from maybe she'll work from home to avoid any more potential danger to parking in a more expensive parking lot, are heartrending. And Ally is an unwilling victim of a horrible family life and is trying to break free.
My favorite Erin Dutton book is "For the Love of Cake" (hello, it has "cake" in the name) because it shows off her research skills and her beautiful writing technique. Again, she really stepped out on a limb here and went with something uncomfortable, and it worked. The kind of story that needs a recovery period. Well done.
My favorite Erin Dutton book is "For the Love of Cake" (hello, it has "cake" in the name) because it shows off her research skills and her beautiful writing technique. Again, she really stepped out on a limb here and went with something uncomfortable, and it worked. The kind of story that needs a recovery period. Well done.
June 26, 2019
Maggie is trying to get her life back on track after being assaulted and robbed at gunpoint. She meets the alluring Alex at a coffee shop, and she begins to imagine a world where she doesn't live in fear any longer. But those dreams come crashing down she finds out that Alex's brother was the one who assaulted her. Can she move through her trauma while dating Alex, which would remind her of her attacker every day?
I do usually enjoy Erin Dutton's books, however, I really could not get into this one and it was a true struggle to finish. I think the premise was an interesting one, the struggle between family loyalty and following your heart is always a good one. But something fell short for me. I couldn't connect to either main character, I didn't find them relatable or particularly interesting. Ally and her family frustrated me. I feel really bad for Maggie and everything she went through but I still didn't really feel for her as a person. The romance was ok, its impressive everything they overcame, but without connecting to the characters I didn't connect much to the romance either.
I know this won't stop me from checking out Erin Dutton's books in the future, and I look forward to what comes next.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I do usually enjoy Erin Dutton's books, however, I really could not get into this one and it was a true struggle to finish. I think the premise was an interesting one, the struggle between family loyalty and following your heart is always a good one. But something fell short for me. I couldn't connect to either main character, I didn't find them relatable or particularly interesting. Ally and her family frustrated me. I feel really bad for Maggie and everything she went through but I still didn't really feel for her as a person. The romance was ok, its impressive everything they overcame, but without connecting to the characters I didn't connect much to the romance either.
I know this won't stop me from checking out Erin Dutton's books in the future, and I look forward to what comes next.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2019
3 stars. I enjoyed this book but I feel like the characters developed super quickly. This story is about Maggie Davidson, who gets robbed by a man holding a gun in her parking garage at work. She meets Ally Becker at the coffee shop at the courthouse. At first, she does not realize that Ally is the sister of the man who robbed her, Carey Rowe. They meet and have an instant connection. When Maggie talks about why she is at the courthouse, Ally realizes they are connected more than they realize, and is unsure if she should bring up the connection. Maggie overhears Ally talk about her brother and storms off. They are unsure if a relationship is a good idea, but they cannot keep thinking about one another.
They both have feelings for one another quickly and their development seems fast. They have both do not evolve as much as I would have like. They stay the same throughout most of the book. Their relationship evolves rather quickly and there is not as much tension as I would have like. This book was an easy read and it was a cure relationship. I would recommend this if you are looking for an easy read.
They both have feelings for one another quickly and their development seems fast. They have both do not evolve as much as I would have like. They stay the same throughout most of the book. Their relationship evolves rather quickly and there is not as much tension as I would have like. This book was an easy read and it was a cure relationship. I would recommend this if you are looking for an easy read.
July 14, 2019
A NetGalley review
Those who picked up the book based on the blurb that promises a different kind of romance are going to be sorely disappointed in this book. There is no doubt that Erin Dutton is a good writer, but it is also very unfortunate that despite that there was no chemistry between the protagonists. Their connection, though believable when they first met, couldn't be sustained in the rest of the narrative and their declaration of love towards the end seemed unconvincing. A possible reason for that could be that for most of the book the protagonists spend hardly any time with each other, thus leaving very few opportunities to interact and develop any sort of chemistry.
The drama quotient of the book is quite high, though the author doesn't make full use of the tool. After introducing and laying out the main point of contention elaborately- that is, Ally's conflict of interest - the author shies away from exploring her feelings and motivations in depth and really bring out how torn she feels.
All in all, it's an okay book that had the potential to be much better.
Those who picked up the book based on the blurb that promises a different kind of romance are going to be sorely disappointed in this book. There is no doubt that Erin Dutton is a good writer, but it is also very unfortunate that despite that there was no chemistry between the protagonists. Their connection, though believable when they first met, couldn't be sustained in the rest of the narrative and their declaration of love towards the end seemed unconvincing. A possible reason for that could be that for most of the book the protagonists spend hardly any time with each other, thus leaving very few opportunities to interact and develop any sort of chemistry.
The drama quotient of the book is quite high, though the author doesn't make full use of the tool. After introducing and laying out the main point of contention elaborately- that is, Ally's conflict of interest - the author shies away from exploring her feelings and motivations in depth and really bring out how torn she feels.
All in all, it's an okay book that had the potential to be much better.
July 25, 2019
Interesting twist on the two lesbians meet in a difficult situation, can't fight the attraction that have and how do they negotiate that so the book has a happy ending genre of romances. Maggie was robbed at gunpoint and traumatised by the experience she takes refuge in the courthouse coffee house when she has to attend for the arraignment. She meets an attractive woman Ally and they get on well and both notice and feel a spark between them. It then transpires that Ally is the sister of the man who robbed Maggie who is struggling with his drug addiction. Cue many angst ridden chapters before the final inevitable conclusion. The relationship is presented well, very believable particularly Ally's difficulties with her mother. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ally's lesbian best friends who also have two adorable children. An enjoyable relaxing quick read.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 19, 2019
Definitely one of the more unique plots I’ve read in a long time. What would you do If your new romanctic interest ends up being sister to your attacker? Whether or not you agree, Maggie and Ally decide to plow forward at first as friends but then their attraction is undeniable. There is an unusual suspense that’s difficult to name or even quantify about the upcoming trial for Ally’s brother that looms over everything in the book. It kept me invested as I tried to envision how they were going to make an impossible situation work. I liked this book a lot more when I decided that I wasn’t going to put myself in either of their shoes. This would make a great book club choice to debate over personal convictions and reactions to their situation. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2019
Maggie Davidson is struggling to deal with the trauma she suffer after being robbed. Ally Becker is the responsible adult in her family and the support of her younger brother. when she goes to court to support his brother when he is being accused of a robbery, Ally discovers that the woman his brother robbed is the woman she can't get off her mind. Would she chose family or love?
This book was a lot slower than I thought it would. The characters were well develop but as much as i tried to care for either of them I just couldn't. However, as I said, both characters were well developed and the book was well written. I am sure it would be someone's cup of tea, it just wasn't mine.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a lot slower than I thought it would. The characters were well develop but as much as i tried to care for either of them I just couldn't. However, as I said, both characters were well developed and the book was well written. I am sure it would be someone's cup of tea, it just wasn't mine.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
I didn't like this book much at all. I know I've said this before but I really think this will be my last Dutton book.
The relationship - and some of the actions of the characters - didn't feel realistic to me. I didn't feel any connection to or sympathy for Maggie and mostly didn't like her at all. I did feel something for Ally but the way the story unfolded made it impossible for me to care about what happened.
There were other things that bothered me that I'm not going to bother discussing but I will say that if the book had been any longer, I would have abandoned it soon after starting.
Thanks to NetGalley and BSB for the ARC!
The relationship - and some of the actions of the characters - didn't feel realistic to me. I didn't feel any connection to or sympathy for Maggie and mostly didn't like her at all. I did feel something for Ally but the way the story unfolded made it impossible for me to care about what happened.
There were other things that bothered me that I'm not going to bother discussing but I will say that if the book had been any longer, I would have abandoned it soon after starting.
Thanks to NetGalley and BSB for the ARC!
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