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Striving #3
Striving for Acceptance
Third in the Striving Series, but can be read alone. We all want to feel accepted, but sometimes we do unacceptable things. When we push it too far and do the unforgivable, are we still allowed to hope for that acceptance? Or are we doomed to accept a life of loneliness? My current bed friend is someone who's struggling to find his own acceptance. His big crime? He's following his dreams. His father can't accept the fact he no longer wants to follow in his footsteps. Should he be shut out because he quit the family business? I don't think so. But if he should, I've got bigger problems. My crime? I cheated on my husband and then killed the man I cheated with. Would you still accept me? Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence.
322 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2014
62 people want to read
About the author
B.L. Mooney
15 books99 followersB.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do—she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she’s made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 30, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
First of all I Love B.L. Mooney books, so I can tend to be bias. However, I will be honest. This book is the hottest one out of The Striving Series, hand down! The author was definitely making sure you got the connection between Deb and Mick.
This book was emotional just like the rest of the books, but I honestly think it had more happy points and humor than the first two in the series. At the same time it was more suspenseful than the first two as well.
I love the journey of Dreams that Deb and Mick go on. While this book would probably come second to Striving for Perfection (the second in the series). It is the perfect ending to The Striving Series. The Epilogue was Perfect!!
First of all I Love B.L. Mooney books, so I can tend to be bias. However, I will be honest. This book is the hottest one out of The Striving Series, hand down! The author was definitely making sure you got the connection between Deb and Mick.
This book was emotional just like the rest of the books, but I honestly think it had more happy points and humor than the first two in the series. At the same time it was more suspenseful than the first two as well.
I love the journey of Dreams that Deb and Mick go on. While this book would probably come second to Striving for Perfection (the second in the series). It is the perfect ending to The Striving Series. The Epilogue was Perfect!!
March 1, 2015
Emotional and suspenseful!
Deb had survived a trauma where she took a man’s life. Her actions leading up to that event haunted her and her already shaky relationship with her family seemed to be buckling under the strain. The man was not just anyone – he was the ex-boyfriend of her brother’s fiancé. Struggling to keep moving forward with her own life in the aftermath, Deb was regularly attending therapy while concentrating on opening her own florist’s shop. Keeping the world – and all her relationships - at arm’s length was the only way she knew how to cope. As her story was tantalizingly revealed, it became clear that Mick, her landlord and unexpected supporter, was there to help her whether she wanted it or not. She struggled with her actions leading up to the event and with mishaps occurring at the shop she feared even more that the past was not going to let her lead the life she was afraid to hope for. Mick, fighting the bonds of family tradition and legacy, was trying to fulfill his own dream of opening his own restaurant while looking to his own divided family for the support they both needed. With family and friends rallying around her, could Deb reach out and accept Mick’s love and support?
This is the third book in the Striving series and the first book I have read by this author. The story reads well as a stand-alone though it is clear supporting characters had their own stories which led up to the telling of Deb’s own story. Deb and Mick were complex characters and I loved the way the point of view seamlessly shifted from one to the other throughout. Both were dealing with family issues and the theme of acceptance was woven into both their lives. Deb was trying to accept the past and her part in it while Mick was trying to re-write his future by following his own career dreams despite his family’s objections.
The story was well-written and fast-paced as we learned about the past through therapy sessions, inner monologues and both serious and humorous scenes with all the stories characters. From intense family conversations to seriously hot lovemaking scenes, the author had a deft hand throughout and kept me reading from start to finish in one session. I couldn’t put down this 5 star read! I can’t wait to catch up on the first books in the series and other books by this author.
~Diane
Deb had survived a trauma where she took a man’s life. Her actions leading up to that event haunted her and her already shaky relationship with her family seemed to be buckling under the strain. The man was not just anyone – he was the ex-boyfriend of her brother’s fiancé. Struggling to keep moving forward with her own life in the aftermath, Deb was regularly attending therapy while concentrating on opening her own florist’s shop. Keeping the world – and all her relationships - at arm’s length was the only way she knew how to cope. As her story was tantalizingly revealed, it became clear that Mick, her landlord and unexpected supporter, was there to help her whether she wanted it or not. She struggled with her actions leading up to the event and with mishaps occurring at the shop she feared even more that the past was not going to let her lead the life she was afraid to hope for. Mick, fighting the bonds of family tradition and legacy, was trying to fulfill his own dream of opening his own restaurant while looking to his own divided family for the support they both needed. With family and friends rallying around her, could Deb reach out and accept Mick’s love and support?
This is the third book in the Striving series and the first book I have read by this author. The story reads well as a stand-alone though it is clear supporting characters had their own stories which led up to the telling of Deb’s own story. Deb and Mick were complex characters and I loved the way the point of view seamlessly shifted from one to the other throughout. Both were dealing with family issues and the theme of acceptance was woven into both their lives. Deb was trying to accept the past and her part in it while Mick was trying to re-write his future by following his own career dreams despite his family’s objections.
The story was well-written and fast-paced as we learned about the past through therapy sessions, inner monologues and both serious and humorous scenes with all the stories characters. From intense family conversations to seriously hot lovemaking scenes, the author had a deft hand throughout and kept me reading from start to finish in one session. I couldn’t put down this 5 star read! I can’t wait to catch up on the first books in the series and other books by this author.
~Diane
December 28, 2014
Emotional and suspenseful!
Deb had survived a trauma where she took a man’s life. Her actions leading up to that event haunted her and her already shaky relationship with her family seemed to be buckling under the strain. The man was not just anyone – he was the ex-boyfriend of her brother’s fiancé. Struggling to keep moving forward with her own life in the aftermath, Deb was regularly attending therapy while concentrating on opening her own florist’s shop. Keeping the world – and all her relationships - at arm’s length was the only way she knew how to cope. As her story was tantalizingly revealed, it became clear that Mick, her landlord and unexpected supporter, was there to help her whether she wanted it or not. She struggled with her actions leading up to the event and with mishaps occurring at the shop she feared even more that the past was not going to let her lead the life she was afraid to hope for. Mick, fighting the bonds of family tradition and legacy, was trying to fulfill his own dream of opening his own restaurant while looking to his own divided family for the support they both needed. With family and friends rallying around her, could Deb reach out and accept Mick’s love and support?
This is the third book in the Striving series and the first book I have read by this author. The story reads well as a stand-alone though it is clear supporting characters had their own stories which led up to the telling of Deb’s own story. Deb and Mick were complex characters and I loved the way the point of view seamlessly shifted from one to the other throughout. Both were dealing with family issues and the theme of acceptance was woven into both their lives. Deb was trying to accept the past and her part in it while Mick was trying to re-write his future by following his own career dreams despite his family’s objections.
The story was well-written and fast-paced as we learned about the past through therapy sessions, inner monologues and both serious and humorous scenes with all the stories characters. From intense family conversations to seriously hot lovemaking scenes, the author had a deft hand throughout and kept me reading from start to finish in one session. I couldn’t put down this 5 star read! I can’t wait to catch up on the first books in the series and other books by this author.
Deb had survived a trauma where she took a man’s life. Her actions leading up to that event haunted her and her already shaky relationship with her family seemed to be buckling under the strain. The man was not just anyone – he was the ex-boyfriend of her brother’s fiancé. Struggling to keep moving forward with her own life in the aftermath, Deb was regularly attending therapy while concentrating on opening her own florist’s shop. Keeping the world – and all her relationships - at arm’s length was the only way she knew how to cope. As her story was tantalizingly revealed, it became clear that Mick, her landlord and unexpected supporter, was there to help her whether she wanted it or not. She struggled with her actions leading up to the event and with mishaps occurring at the shop she feared even more that the past was not going to let her lead the life she was afraid to hope for. Mick, fighting the bonds of family tradition and legacy, was trying to fulfill his own dream of opening his own restaurant while looking to his own divided family for the support they both needed. With family and friends rallying around her, could Deb reach out and accept Mick’s love and support?
This is the third book in the Striving series and the first book I have read by this author. The story reads well as a stand-alone though it is clear supporting characters had their own stories which led up to the telling of Deb’s own story. Deb and Mick were complex characters and I loved the way the point of view seamlessly shifted from one to the other throughout. Both were dealing with family issues and the theme of acceptance was woven into both their lives. Deb was trying to accept the past and her part in it while Mick was trying to re-write his future by following his own career dreams despite his family’s objections.
The story was well-written and fast-paced as we learned about the past through therapy sessions, inner monologues and both serious and humorous scenes with all the stories characters. From intense family conversations to seriously hot lovemaking scenes, the author had a deft hand throughout and kept me reading from start to finish in one session. I couldn’t put down this 5 star read! I can’t wait to catch up on the first books in the series and other books by this author.
December 24, 2014
I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.
WOW I just finish reading this book, and I am a little sad that this series came to an end, I love the series, love the characters, and love how each book turn out to be, I am so happy that we finally got hear from Deb story, and to read what she really think about, I am gone keep this short and sweet since I don't want to give anything away.
This is the story of Deb, if you had read the first two book In the series, than you met her, Deb is the older sister of Dennis and Rachel.
After Deb and Drew found themselves in a bad situation, with Drew ex crazy boyfriend, and the man that use Deb to get to Drew, Deb found herself pulling the trigger as self defense, now months after that incident Deb is trying to get her life back together, she got her a flower shop with a very hot and sexy landlord, Mick he is the owner of the building and a former cop, he quit being a cop to make his own dreams of being a chef come true, but he got the idea of getting to know Deb a little more better, and want to know what she afraid of, while they spend more time with each other the feeling get more deep, but she Deb is afraid to fall for him, and Mick is afraid to tell her what his job use to be, will Deb give Mick a chance when she find out what he use to do, or will she let her fears get in the way.
I really love seen how Micks and Deb are with each other, love it how she wants to prove to everyone that she could make it on her own, love it how Mick wants to protect her and be their for her and the Sex Scene are hot.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the series and I did not wanted to come to an end, Author B.L. Mooney THANK YOU for this wonderful series and this amazing characters love them.
WOW I just finish reading this book, and I am a little sad that this series came to an end, I love the series, love the characters, and love how each book turn out to be, I am so happy that we finally got hear from Deb story, and to read what she really think about, I am gone keep this short and sweet since I don't want to give anything away.
This is the story of Deb, if you had read the first two book In the series, than you met her, Deb is the older sister of Dennis and Rachel.
After Deb and Drew found themselves in a bad situation, with Drew ex crazy boyfriend, and the man that use Deb to get to Drew, Deb found herself pulling the trigger as self defense, now months after that incident Deb is trying to get her life back together, she got her a flower shop with a very hot and sexy landlord, Mick he is the owner of the building and a former cop, he quit being a cop to make his own dreams of being a chef come true, but he got the idea of getting to know Deb a little more better, and want to know what she afraid of, while they spend more time with each other the feeling get more deep, but she Deb is afraid to fall for him, and Mick is afraid to tell her what his job use to be, will Deb give Mick a chance when she find out what he use to do, or will she let her fears get in the way.
I really love seen how Micks and Deb are with each other, love it how she wants to prove to everyone that she could make it on her own, love it how Mick wants to protect her and be their for her and the Sex Scene are hot.
I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the series and I did not wanted to come to an end, Author B.L. Mooney THANK YOU for this wonderful series and this amazing characters love them.
December 26, 2014
5 Stars
*I received and ARC for an honest review.*
What a great story about someone overcoming some terrible circumstances in their life and coming out on the other side.
Deb always felt alone in life, she never felt like she belonged in her family, her marriage was a flop and she got mixed up with one horrendous man who made her feel less than herself. That is until her new leaseholder makes it known that he wants to be in her life...that he has seen the good person she could be without the tough girl facade.
Mick. I loved me some Mick. What a fantastic leading male character. He had all the qualities you look from a good male lead. Protective, sweet, sexy and dominant when he needed to be.
Their story started off rocky with Deb needing to be in control, but Mick pushed until her took a little control and had Deb open up to him. I loved their connection and the genuine feel of it. What made this story all the better was the bit of suspense on what would come from Debs past. It hung over her head like a dark gloomy cloud preventing her from living her life to the fullest. She was scared of what could be taken from her and the ones she let herself love and love her in return. When it finally all came down to it, I did or see it happening in the way it did, but the way it happened proved to Deb that she is not the person she thought herself to be.
This is the first book of this series that I have read, but I will read the first two soon. I enjoyed all the characters and I would like to get their full stories to better understand their characters and the roles they all played in each other's lives.
*I received and ARC for an honest review.*
What a great story about someone overcoming some terrible circumstances in their life and coming out on the other side.
Deb always felt alone in life, she never felt like she belonged in her family, her marriage was a flop and she got mixed up with one horrendous man who made her feel less than herself. That is until her new leaseholder makes it known that he wants to be in her life...that he has seen the good person she could be without the tough girl facade.
Mick. I loved me some Mick. What a fantastic leading male character. He had all the qualities you look from a good male lead. Protective, sweet, sexy and dominant when he needed to be.
Their story started off rocky with Deb needing to be in control, but Mick pushed until her took a little control and had Deb open up to him. I loved their connection and the genuine feel of it. What made this story all the better was the bit of suspense on what would come from Debs past. It hung over her head like a dark gloomy cloud preventing her from living her life to the fullest. She was scared of what could be taken from her and the ones she let herself love and love her in return. When it finally all came down to it, I did or see it happening in the way it did, but the way it happened proved to Deb that she is not the person she thought herself to be.
This is the first book of this series that I have read, but I will read the first two soon. I enjoyed all the characters and I would like to get their full stories to better understand their characters and the roles they all played in each other's lives.
December 15, 2014
ARC Kindle Copy
We all are looking to be accepted but sometimes we do things that might be questionable. But can we still strive to be accepted.
Deb finds herself killing a man in self defense but it keeps haunting. It was not just any random guy it was the guy who she cheated on despite being married. A guy who was thrown in jail for pushing his pregnant girlfriend down the stairs and caused her to lose their baby in which he spent four years in prison as she corresponded with him during his imprisonment. The ex girlfriend who is now engaged to her brother.
A relative new detective out to make a name for himself is bent on reopening the case and charge her with murder threatens her future and cause her to be weary of police. She thinks that any day she will be charged with murder as she goes to therapy to cope with what she done.
Deciding to start a flower shop and do something with her life, she ends up renting space. The landlord happens to be a former police who recently inherited some rental properties. Between them there is attraction as he senses earlier on her dislike of police and does not tell her of his past occupation as the two become close as he prepares to open up a restaurant despite his family of police officers and his father disapproval.
Learning to accept each other no matter what and that you cannot think to ahead for life throws things when you least expect it. You can only live one day at a time.
We all are looking to be accepted but sometimes we do things that might be questionable. But can we still strive to be accepted.
Deb finds herself killing a man in self defense but it keeps haunting. It was not just any random guy it was the guy who she cheated on despite being married. A guy who was thrown in jail for pushing his pregnant girlfriend down the stairs and caused her to lose their baby in which he spent four years in prison as she corresponded with him during his imprisonment. The ex girlfriend who is now engaged to her brother.
A relative new detective out to make a name for himself is bent on reopening the case and charge her with murder threatens her future and cause her to be weary of police. She thinks that any day she will be charged with murder as she goes to therapy to cope with what she done.
Deciding to start a flower shop and do something with her life, she ends up renting space. The landlord happens to be a former police who recently inherited some rental properties. Between them there is attraction as he senses earlier on her dislike of police and does not tell her of his past occupation as the two become close as he prepares to open up a restaurant despite his family of police officers and his father disapproval.
Learning to accept each other no matter what and that you cannot think to ahead for life throws things when you least expect it. You can only live one day at a time.
October 12, 2015
5 VIGOROUSLY ACCEPTING STARS!
This story is so compelling and dynamic! I couldn't put it down, even for a second.
Deb: Surviving a disturbing ordeal and being repeatedly haunted by her actions leading to her murdering her brother’s fiance's, ex boyfriend... whom she was cheating on her husband with.
"My crime?
I cheated on my husband and then killed the man I cheated with. Would you still accept me?"
Deb already had a precariously rocky relationship with her family and was caving under the pressure it caused.
She is straining to move on with her life after everything she's been through. She goes to therapy and is trying to open her own florist’s shop. Coping by closing everyone out.
Her landlord, Mick, is not someone she expected to be supportive, but he is. Even though she doesn't want or think she needs it.
With setbacks happening at her shop, she's afraid that her past wouldn't lead to the future she was hoping for.
Mick: Was trying to open his own restaurant like he dreamed, even if it was against family tradition and his legacy.
Can Deb capture and obtain Mick's love and support, while having her family and friends backing her?
This being the third book in the stand alone, Striving series, was both impressive and meaningful.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
This story is so compelling and dynamic! I couldn't put it down, even for a second.
Deb: Surviving a disturbing ordeal and being repeatedly haunted by her actions leading to her murdering her brother’s fiance's, ex boyfriend... whom she was cheating on her husband with.
"My crime?
I cheated on my husband and then killed the man I cheated with. Would you still accept me?"
Deb already had a precariously rocky relationship with her family and was caving under the pressure it caused.
She is straining to move on with her life after everything she's been through. She goes to therapy and is trying to open her own florist’s shop. Coping by closing everyone out.
Her landlord, Mick, is not someone she expected to be supportive, but he is. Even though she doesn't want or think she needs it.
With setbacks happening at her shop, she's afraid that her past wouldn't lead to the future she was hoping for.
Mick: Was trying to open his own restaurant like he dreamed, even if it was against family tradition and his legacy.
Can Deb capture and obtain Mick's love and support, while having her family and friends backing her?
This being the third book in the stand alone, Striving series, was both impressive and meaningful.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Laura Redmon
Cutting Muse Blog Review
December 26, 2014
I was fortunate to stumble across B.L. Mooney’s books, and she quickly became an automatic go-to author of mine. Striving for Acceptance is the third installment in The Striving Series, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Deb, the older sister of Rachel and Dennis from the other two books in the series, has begun to rebuild her life after a horrific incident. Opening a flower shop is her dream and therapy at the same time. Renting the store from a very sexy man named Mick may just prove to be the wrong combination for both of them. Mick is afraid to divulge his “secret” to Deb in fear of him not being able to get close to her, and Deb is afraid because of her past to get close to another man.
This third book in the series stays true to Ms. Mooney’s amazing writing style. There is just the right amount of suspense, steamy scenes, and fully developed characters to create the perfect mixture of a five-star read.
Thank you, Ms. Mooney, for a great conclusion to this fabulous series!
Deb, the older sister of Rachel and Dennis from the other two books in the series, has begun to rebuild her life after a horrific incident. Opening a flower shop is her dream and therapy at the same time. Renting the store from a very sexy man named Mick may just prove to be the wrong combination for both of them. Mick is afraid to divulge his “secret” to Deb in fear of him not being able to get close to her, and Deb is afraid because of her past to get close to another man.
This third book in the series stays true to Ms. Mooney’s amazing writing style. There is just the right amount of suspense, steamy scenes, and fully developed characters to create the perfect mixture of a five-star read.
Thank you, Ms. Mooney, for a great conclusion to this fabulous series!
December 27, 2014
Another 5 star read from Ms. Mooney. I have loved this series and each can be read as a stand alone. I loved these characters, Deb and Mick, each striving for acceptance in their own way and maybe finding it with each other. Deb has a past that haunts her and Mick has let down his father with some choices he has made. This story had me hooked from the start, I wanted to see Deb finally find happiness. The suspense of who was causing her problems and why, had me on the edge of my seat. I also loved that the characters from the other books were also in this one. The series is wrapped up in the end perfectly. B.L. definitely has a fan in me, if she writes it, I will read it with no hesitation.
January 5, 2015
A most for filling story
This story about Deb and Mick is a both heartbreaking and love filled one. I feel it was well written and also a well told story and I found the fact that you go through therapy with Deb was a new interesting way to run through her past. You understand her heartache because you live through it with her.
I also greatly appreciate the realism in this story. This is real people we read about or so it seems; there is no un naturalistic bank account or magic solutions to their problems.
To end on a sexy note; I love Mick, though he makes a few mistakes along the way he does have a heart of gold and to me he is swoon worthy.
This story about Deb and Mick is a both heartbreaking and love filled one. I feel it was well written and also a well told story and I found the fact that you go through therapy with Deb was a new interesting way to run through her past. You understand her heartache because you live through it with her.
I also greatly appreciate the realism in this story. This is real people we read about or so it seems; there is no un naturalistic bank account or magic solutions to their problems.
To end on a sexy note; I love Mick, though he makes a few mistakes along the way he does have a heart of gold and to me he is swoon worthy.
December 30, 2014
This is the last book in the series, and let me tell you it's just as good at the first. I have read all 3 of the books and loved every single one of them. This one is no exception. Follow Mick, a landlord who is renting one of his spaces to a new business owner, Deb. Deb is opening a new flower shop, will she fold or flourish in her new business, or fold under the pressure. What happens when her new landlord, Mick seems to fall for her? What happens when he past comes back to haunt them both? Find out in this final installment of The Striving Series.
December 26, 2014
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What a great way to end a GREAT series, this is the 3rd and final book in the Striving Series. Its Mick and Debs story but you do get all the characters from book 1 and 2. I highly recommend this whole series but each book can be read as a standalone.
What a great way to end a GREAT series, this is the 3rd and final book in the Striving Series. Its Mick and Debs story but you do get all the characters from book 1 and 2. I highly recommend this whole series but each book can be read as a standalone.
January 2, 2015
Wow. This was an amazing ending to an amazing trilogy. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. I loved how Deb overcame her fears and began to move forward with Mick. It was a very well written book. I would recommend that you give it try. I know you will not be disappointed.
October 17, 2014
4.5 stars! Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews