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Once and Always
IS THERE A PROBLEM, OFFICER?
Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life.
BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS
Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .
Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life.
BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS
Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
36 people are currently reading
1269 people want to read
About the author
Julia Harper
10 books144 followersJulia Harper is a pseudonym of Elizabeth Hoyt.
The author of the New York Times bestselling Maiden Lane series and the Legend of the Four Soldiers series as well as the Princes trilogy, Elizabeth Hoyt writes "mesmerizing" (Publishers Weekly) historical romances. She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The author of the New York Times bestselling Maiden Lane series and the Legend of the Four Soldiers series as well as the Princes trilogy, Elizabeth Hoyt writes "mesmerizing" (Publishers Weekly) historical romances. She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 15, 2017
Extremely disappointing!
I hated the heroine, Maisa. She was stupid!! Her never-ending stubbornness and idiocy drove me crazy over and over again. I would have felt differently toward this book if she hadn't existed in this story. Gosh, I don't even know why I bothered trying to finish it, probably because it was Elizabeth Hoyt's book... I keptlying telling myself while reading this story that it was going to get better, something good would happen, just held on a little longer... Alas, it never happened. Things got even worse and worse to the point that I didn't care how the story would end. To hell with Maisa!!
To be honest, this book wasn't that bad. It was only the heroine who was awful, and seriously, she ruined the book! Every time I started to enjoy the story, she had to do something irritated me. Stupid woman!
My first intention was to give this book 3 stars but as it took me like forever to finish, I have to lower my rating to 2 instead.
I hated the heroine, Maisa. She was stupid!! Her never-ending stubbornness and idiocy drove me crazy over and over again. I would have felt differently toward this book if she hadn't existed in this story. Gosh, I don't even know why I bothered trying to finish it, probably because it was Elizabeth Hoyt's book... I kept
To be honest, this book wasn't that bad. It was only the heroine who was awful, and seriously, she ruined the book! Every time I started to enjoy the story, she had to do something irritated me. Stupid woman!
My first intention was to give this book 3 stars but as it took me like forever to finish, I have to lower my rating to 2 instead.
February 13, 2015
(Source: I received a finished copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Clara Diaz and Little Brown Book Group.)
“Then he was striding towards his truck, tall and broad shouldered and brave and every woman’s dream.
No. That wasn’t right. Her dream. Maisa’s dream.
She was so f*cking screwed.”
This was a nice contemporary romance, and I liked the ending.
I felt quite sorry for Maisa, it couldn’t have been easy for her growing up knowing that her family was part of the mafia, and the way she knew she couldn’t have Sam, even though she wanted him, because of the unlawful things her family was involved in was quite sad.
The storyline in this had some action both in and out of the bedroom, with no shortage of guns being fired, and bad guys on the loose. Maisa and Sam created some serious steam when they eventually made it to the bedroom, and they made a really cute couple.
The ending to this was good, and I liked that we got a happily ever after.
6.25 out of 10
“You know damn well I want more than just a couple of dates. I want more of this.”
“Then he was striding towards his truck, tall and broad shouldered and brave and every woman’s dream.
No. That wasn’t right. Her dream. Maisa’s dream.
She was so f*cking screwed.”
This was a nice contemporary romance, and I liked the ending.
I felt quite sorry for Maisa, it couldn’t have been easy for her growing up knowing that her family was part of the mafia, and the way she knew she couldn’t have Sam, even though she wanted him, because of the unlawful things her family was involved in was quite sad.
The storyline in this had some action both in and out of the bedroom, with no shortage of guns being fired, and bad guys on the loose. Maisa and Sam created some serious steam when they eventually made it to the bedroom, and they made a really cute couple.
The ending to this was good, and I liked that we got a happily ever after.
6.25 out of 10
“You know damn well I want more than just a couple of dates. I want more of this.”
May 4, 2015
Arc provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through Netgalley
Release Date: February 24 th
This was basically an okay read...
The beginning was great in a, "I don't ever want to stop reading it"that kind of great.
Great chemistry between the two leading characters, plus a great number of secondary characters led me to expect a different kind of story: one that I would have devoured in one sitting.
Unfortunately after a strange and silly situation of exchanged luggages, Sam and May find themselves stuck in a somewhat stereotyped eighties romance: Sam ends up being a little too Neanderthal for my tastes.
He likes to boss around and especially favourites the word "Mine".
You see where this is going..
As to May or Maisa, I found her a little lacking in character development. In the end I wanted more from her that simply bouts of bad humour.
The secondary characters were okay, but with the exception of Karl's with his man-bro's thoughts, they really weren't that memorable.
The thriller parts weren't that engaging, and the hot and steamy ones _ I can't believe I am going to say this _ although extremely hot, ended up being tiresome in a plot that had little else to give, you know?
The thing is, when the story starts, Sam and May already have _or had _ a story, so we're not able to see those first moments in their relationship, and for me, their romance feels somewhat lacking because of that.
Maybe if the story had been cut shorter I wouldn't feel that way, but as it was, I was more than ready to be done with it.
In the end this ended having one too many stupid to live moments, more appropriate to a new adult story, than an adult romantic contemporary romance.
The writing however was flawless as is normal with Elizabeth Hoyt's novels.
Release Date: February 24 th
This was basically an okay read...
The beginning was great in a, "I don't ever want to stop reading it"
Great chemistry between the two leading characters, plus a great number of secondary characters led me to expect a different kind of story: one that I would have devoured in one sitting.
Unfortunately after a strange and silly situation of exchanged luggages, Sam and May find themselves stuck in a somewhat stereotyped eighties romance: Sam ends up being a little too Neanderthal for my tastes.
He likes to boss around and especially favourites the word "Mine".
You see where this is going..
As to May or Maisa, I found her a little lacking in character development. In the end I wanted more from her that simply bouts of bad humour.
The secondary characters were okay, but with the exception of Karl's with his man-bro's thoughts, they really weren't that memorable.
The thriller parts weren't that engaging, and the hot and steamy ones _ I can't believe I am going to say this _ although extremely hot, ended up being tiresome in a plot that had little else to give, you know?
The thing is, when the story starts, Sam and May already have _or had _ a story, so we're not able to see those first moments in their relationship, and for me, their romance feels somewhat lacking because of that.
Maybe if the story had been cut shorter I wouldn't feel that way, but as it was, I was more than ready to be done with it.
In the end this ended having one too many stupid to live moments, more appropriate to a new adult story, than an adult romantic contemporary romance.
The writing however was flawless as is normal with Elizabeth Hoyt's novels.
December 11, 2020
This book started off really cute, intense, and lovely but it quickly fizzled out with the complicated and unbelievable plot that she's linked to the mafia. I got super confused at the audiobook and didn't enjoy it as much. Romantic suspense don't mesh well with me I guess.
January 26, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Once and Always by Julia Harper
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
IS THERE A PROBLEM, OFFICER?
Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life.
BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS
Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .
What I Liked:
Gosh, I am soooo addicted to Elizabeth Hoyt's books. Julia Harper is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Hoyt - just clearing that up so I don't confuse anyone. This isn't Hoyt's first book written as Harper; you can find Harper's other books on Goodreads. It's been nearly six years since the publication of her last "Harper" book. I've read and enjoyed Hoyt's Maiden Lane series (which is historical romance), and when I saw this contemporary romance novel, I was immediately intrigued. Hoyt did not let me down at all!
Sam West and Maisa Burnsey are no strangers. One night half a year ago, they let their guards down and shared a single night together. Sam has been chasing Maisa for a year and a half, and he doesn't let her go that easily. When the pair gets entangled in some shady dealings and a Russian mobster, it could be the opportunity for the two of them to actually learn to trust each other - or get killed.
I'm not always the biggest fan of romances that involve a romantic history between the protagonists. Best friend history, totally fine, but romantic history, eh. I'm usually wary. However, I LOVED how Hoyt handles this romance structure. Maisa and Sam really don't know each other at all, since they only spent a night together. But both of them have wanted the other for a year and a half, despite not continuing what they had that night. I loved seeing them slowly get to know each other in this book, as well as build up trust.
Maisa is a likable heroine - she's grumpy and tough and protective of her heart. She annoyed me at times, but at the same time, I totally understand her. I can't say I'd be scowling all the time like she basically was, but I understand why she was the way she was. I'm just as prickly and protective, so I get that.
I really, really like Sam. He's actually such a decent person, with command and poise and selflessness hardwired into him. He was in the Army, on tour in Afghanistan, as a career, and now he's a cop in a small town. He's brooding on the interior, but sweet and kind and dependable on the exterior. Everyone loves him and depends on him, because he's easygoing and laid back, but underneath, he's a storm of anger and sadness, over what happened in Afghanistan. I loooove Sam. I loooove a man in uniform. He's definitely one of my favorite male protagonists from an adult contemporary romance novel.
The Russian-mob-craziness story is, in my opinion, more significant than the romance. The story revolves around stolen diamonds and a mix-up of suitcases and hostages. Trust me, there are plenty of romance and steamy scenes and whatnot, but there is also a very solid plot that has little to do with the romance. The romance had my heart stuttering, but the high-stakes story had me at the edge of my seat, at some points.
The romance is sooo steamy. The chemistry between Sam and Maisa sizzles, burns, and erupts. Hoyt masterfully creates a romance that does not involve insta-love or insta-lust. She also really knows how to write hot scenes, and makes them unique. Which is hard to do, in romance, in my opinion!
Not to mention that there is another romance subplot between two other characters - so adorable! Karl and Molly are great together; Karl is a bit silly and crazy, and Molly is very levelheaded and serious. They are a great match!
I really liked the setting - it's a snowy town in Minnesota. The setting is HUGE in this book, as snow is a limitation at several key points of the book. In bad ways, and in very, very good ways.
Overall, I LOVED this book. 100% would reread, recommend, buy, borrow, etc. I was already hooked on Hoyt's historical romance novels, but she has proven that she can handle contemporary romance just as well as historical romance.
What I Did Not Like:
More Sam and Maisa? Hehe I kid, I kid, this isn't a dislike.
Would I Recommend It:
YES! I loved this one! If you like adult contemporary romance, then definitely check out this book. Or Hoyt's historical romance novels. Basically anything by Elizabeth Hoyt/Julia Harper.
Rating:
4 stars. 4.5 stars. Love love love. One of my favorite adult contemporary romance novels! I will certainly be looking out for more Hoyt/Harper contemporary books in the future!
Once and Always by Julia Harper
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
IS THERE A PROBLEM, OFFICER?
Small town cop Sam West certainly doesn't mind a routine traffic stop: speeding ticket, stern warning, and sayonara. With a whopper of a blizzard closing in, that's all he has time for. But the lawbreaker he pulls over is anything but typical. From her mile-long legs to her razor-sharp wit, Maisa Bradley is like nothing Coot Lake, Minnesota, has ever seen . . . and she's about to take Sam on the ride of his life.
BEING BAD HAS ITS BENEFITS
Whoever said blood is thicker than water probably wasn't related to a former Russian mobster. But an innocent mix-up and rumors of stolen diamonds soon have the Russian mob taking an unusual interest in the sleepy little town-and Maisa facing heated scrutiny from a certain tall, dark, and handsome deputy. Sam's dazzling blue eyes beg her to reveal all her secrets, but how much should she tell? Getting snowed in with the sexiest lawman in the frozen north may not be the worst way to decide . . .
What I Liked:
Gosh, I am soooo addicted to Elizabeth Hoyt's books. Julia Harper is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Hoyt - just clearing that up so I don't confuse anyone. This isn't Hoyt's first book written as Harper; you can find Harper's other books on Goodreads. It's been nearly six years since the publication of her last "Harper" book. I've read and enjoyed Hoyt's Maiden Lane series (which is historical romance), and when I saw this contemporary romance novel, I was immediately intrigued. Hoyt did not let me down at all!
Sam West and Maisa Burnsey are no strangers. One night half a year ago, they let their guards down and shared a single night together. Sam has been chasing Maisa for a year and a half, and he doesn't let her go that easily. When the pair gets entangled in some shady dealings and a Russian mobster, it could be the opportunity for the two of them to actually learn to trust each other - or get killed.
I'm not always the biggest fan of romances that involve a romantic history between the protagonists. Best friend history, totally fine, but romantic history, eh. I'm usually wary. However, I LOVED how Hoyt handles this romance structure. Maisa and Sam really don't know each other at all, since they only spent a night together. But both of them have wanted the other for a year and a half, despite not continuing what they had that night. I loved seeing them slowly get to know each other in this book, as well as build up trust.
Maisa is a likable heroine - she's grumpy and tough and protective of her heart. She annoyed me at times, but at the same time, I totally understand her. I can't say I'd be scowling all the time like she basically was, but I understand why she was the way she was. I'm just as prickly and protective, so I get that.
I really, really like Sam. He's actually such a decent person, with command and poise and selflessness hardwired into him. He was in the Army, on tour in Afghanistan, as a career, and now he's a cop in a small town. He's brooding on the interior, but sweet and kind and dependable on the exterior. Everyone loves him and depends on him, because he's easygoing and laid back, but underneath, he's a storm of anger and sadness, over what happened in Afghanistan. I loooove Sam. I loooove a man in uniform. He's definitely one of my favorite male protagonists from an adult contemporary romance novel.
The Russian-mob-craziness story is, in my opinion, more significant than the romance. The story revolves around stolen diamonds and a mix-up of suitcases and hostages. Trust me, there are plenty of romance and steamy scenes and whatnot, but there is also a very solid plot that has little to do with the romance. The romance had my heart stuttering, but the high-stakes story had me at the edge of my seat, at some points.
The romance is sooo steamy. The chemistry between Sam and Maisa sizzles, burns, and erupts. Hoyt masterfully creates a romance that does not involve insta-love or insta-lust. She also really knows how to write hot scenes, and makes them unique. Which is hard to do, in romance, in my opinion!
Not to mention that there is another romance subplot between two other characters - so adorable! Karl and Molly are great together; Karl is a bit silly and crazy, and Molly is very levelheaded and serious. They are a great match!
I really liked the setting - it's a snowy town in Minnesota. The setting is HUGE in this book, as snow is a limitation at several key points of the book. In bad ways, and in very, very good ways.
Overall, I LOVED this book. 100% would reread, recommend, buy, borrow, etc. I was already hooked on Hoyt's historical romance novels, but she has proven that she can handle contemporary romance just as well as historical romance.
What I Did Not Like:
More Sam and Maisa? Hehe I kid, I kid, this isn't a dislike.
Would I Recommend It:
YES! I loved this one! If you like adult contemporary romance, then definitely check out this book. Or Hoyt's historical romance novels. Basically anything by Elizabeth Hoyt/Julia Harper.
Rating:
4 stars. 4.5 stars. Love love love. One of my favorite adult contemporary romance novels! I will certainly be looking out for more Hoyt/Harper contemporary books in the future!
February 23, 2015
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Hoyt's historical Maiden Lane series so when I heard she was starting a new contemporary series under the name Julia Harper, I perked up. Unfortunately, I want to go back to Maiden Lane and leave the town of Coot Lake, Minnesota. I love a big snow storm in a romance book. It makes me feel cozy and there is always a cabin involved where the hero and heroine can get warm and naked. However, in this book, Sam and Maisa have the Russian mafia chasing them the entire time, leaving not much time for romance.
Maisa has a beloved uncle that lives in Coot Lake, so she makes it a point to visit him regularly. For the past two years, Sam, the local Coot Lake cop, has been pulling May over for speeding. He has lusted from his first sight of her, and makes it a point to pull her over every time she comes into town, much to her frustration. The previous summer, Maisa had a weak moment and ended up sleeping with Sam, sneaking out at first light. Sam wants her - badly. Maisa doesn't want a relationship. She knows her family has a mafia background and doesn't want to involve Sam in it. Instead she lives a reclusive life and designs and sells dresses on Etsy. There is well done tension and some cute banter to start the book.
I think what it comes down to in this book is that is tries to be too many things. We have Sam and Maisa, who had a steamy one night stand (I kind of wish we had a glimpse into the past of this so we could have seen how they ended up in bed together) and now have this "I hate you but I think you are hot relationship." Sam wants her so badly, which is portrayed well but Maisa comes off a little too stand-offish and cold.
We have a big, crazy snow storm that has shut Coot Lake down. We have a hero who served time in Afghanistan and he didn't come back the same person. We have a heroine who has mafia ties. We have an uncle and other mafia people who come to Coot Lake with black suit cases, bombs, diamonds and guns. People get shot and there is a lot of action, yet it felt kind of cartoonish. But not grand enough where it is silly, likable action as maybe a jewel thief book would entail.
The book couldn't decide if it should be a contemporary romance book or a romantic suspense - it felt muddled in the middle. While Sam and Maisa end up in bed and there are hot sex scenes, I didn't feel that Maisa was able to fully fall in love. I wish we could have seen their relationship outside of the mafia craziness.
Too much going on for me.
Rating: C
Maisa has a beloved uncle that lives in Coot Lake, so she makes it a point to visit him regularly. For the past two years, Sam, the local Coot Lake cop, has been pulling May over for speeding. He has lusted from his first sight of her, and makes it a point to pull her over every time she comes into town, much to her frustration. The previous summer, Maisa had a weak moment and ended up sleeping with Sam, sneaking out at first light. Sam wants her - badly. Maisa doesn't want a relationship. She knows her family has a mafia background and doesn't want to involve Sam in it. Instead she lives a reclusive life and designs and sells dresses on Etsy. There is well done tension and some cute banter to start the book.
I think what it comes down to in this book is that is tries to be too many things. We have Sam and Maisa, who had a steamy one night stand (I kind of wish we had a glimpse into the past of this so we could have seen how they ended up in bed together) and now have this "I hate you but I think you are hot relationship." Sam wants her so badly, which is portrayed well but Maisa comes off a little too stand-offish and cold.
We have a big, crazy snow storm that has shut Coot Lake down. We have a hero who served time in Afghanistan and he didn't come back the same person. We have a heroine who has mafia ties. We have an uncle and other mafia people who come to Coot Lake with black suit cases, bombs, diamonds and guns. People get shot and there is a lot of action, yet it felt kind of cartoonish. But not grand enough where it is silly, likable action as maybe a jewel thief book would entail.
The book couldn't decide if it should be a contemporary romance book or a romantic suspense - it felt muddled in the middle. While Sam and Maisa end up in bed and there are hot sex scenes, I didn't feel that Maisa was able to fully fall in love. I wish we could have seen their relationship outside of the mafia craziness.
Too much going on for me.
Rating: C
February 18, 2015
Karia’s thoughts…
A new title is needed…more like “Running Home” or even “Chase” or “The Chase” and the classic “Catch Me”
Maisa (I didn’t like her name and I didn’t like May either…Dyadya called her Mesha mine…that I loved!) is prickly, stubborn and hopeless in lust with Sam. One hot night last year was all it took to have Sam chasing her…and her leading the chase.
Sam is a broken soldier, who has picked up the pieces of his life and become a small town deputy. One look at the gorgeous niece of one his town’s more elusive residents and he is hooked. Sam is the kind of guy who likes to win.
So begins the game of cat and mouse (hey, now that is a good name for the book too!)…but who is the cat and who is the mouse? Because Maisa is certainly no mouse. As a stranger brings bad company to town, a whole motley crew must band together to save Maisa’s uncle, her beloved Dyadya. It was quite a caper at times with the action being over the top, but I loved the Sam included everyone especially Maisa in his strategy to recover the diamonds and save George. Unfortunately, Maisa trusts very little and even fewer people…I was hoping right along with the town that her stupidity didn’t cost all of them everything!
Over all, some good steam, feisty banter and a HEA not just for the two leads! Enjoy!
A new title is needed…more like “Running Home” or even “Chase” or “The Chase” and the classic “Catch Me”
Maisa (I didn’t like her name and I didn’t like May either…Dyadya called her Mesha mine…that I loved!) is prickly, stubborn and hopeless in lust with Sam. One hot night last year was all it took to have Sam chasing her…and her leading the chase.
Sam is a broken soldier, who has picked up the pieces of his life and become a small town deputy. One look at the gorgeous niece of one his town’s more elusive residents and he is hooked. Sam is the kind of guy who likes to win.
So begins the game of cat and mouse (hey, now that is a good name for the book too!)…but who is the cat and who is the mouse? Because Maisa is certainly no mouse. As a stranger brings bad company to town, a whole motley crew must band together to save Maisa’s uncle, her beloved Dyadya. It was quite a caper at times with the action being over the top, but I loved the Sam included everyone especially Maisa in his strategy to recover the diamonds and save George. Unfortunately, Maisa trusts very little and even fewer people…I was hoping right along with the town that her stupidity didn’t cost all of them everything!
Over all, some good steam, feisty banter and a HEA not just for the two leads! Enjoy!
July 27, 2020
Mi-a plăcut mult misterul care a persistat până la sfârșitul cărții, iar iubirea dintre cei doi protagoniști ar fi meritat o continuare. Per ansamblu, cartea se citește ușor, dialogurile sunt scurte și este bună în aceste zile călduroase!
"Trebuia să știe că nimeni nu era în întregime bun ori nebun. Că oamenii erau ființe complexe, capabile să facă tot felul de lucruri pentru a supraviețui."
"Trebuia să știe că nimeni nu era în întregime bun ori nebun. Că oamenii erau ființe complexe, capabile să facă tot felul de lucruri pentru a supraviețui."
April 19, 2018
Once and Always
4.5 Stars
As the grand-niece of a former Russian mobster, Maisa Burnsey is convinced that any future with small town cop Sam West is off the cards despite the intense night they shared. Sam is just as sure that he has no intention of allowing Maisa to get away. May and Sam's non-relationship comes to a head when a group of violent criminals arrive in town in search of their stolen diamonds, which just happen to be in May's possession...
This is my first contemporary romance written by Elizabeth Hoyt under her pseudonym, Julia Harper, and it definitely will not be my last.
May is one of those heroines that readers either love or hate. She has a smart mouth, a prickly disposition and a bit of a chip on her shoulder - obviously, I adore her!
Likewise, Sam might rub some the wrong way with his overbearing tendencies, but anyone with a preference for tortured alpha heroes will love him.
Sam and May's chemistry is sizzling hot and their sexy times are classic Hoyt.
The rest of the plot is an entertaining mix of action packed suspense and small town shenanigans. The residents of Coot Lake, Minnesota are a hoot and the baddies soon learn that they messed with the wrong town.
All in all, Once and Always is an exceedingly entertaining read and I will be reading another of Hoyt's contemporaries ASAP.
4.5 Stars
As the grand-niece of a former Russian mobster, Maisa Burnsey is convinced that any future with small town cop Sam West is off the cards despite the intense night they shared. Sam is just as sure that he has no intention of allowing Maisa to get away. May and Sam's non-relationship comes to a head when a group of violent criminals arrive in town in search of their stolen diamonds, which just happen to be in May's possession...
This is my first contemporary romance written by Elizabeth Hoyt under her pseudonym, Julia Harper, and it definitely will not be my last.
May is one of those heroines that readers either love or hate. She has a smart mouth, a prickly disposition and a bit of a chip on her shoulder - obviously, I adore her!
Likewise, Sam might rub some the wrong way with his overbearing tendencies, but anyone with a preference for tortured alpha heroes will love him.
Sam and May's chemistry is sizzling hot and their sexy times are classic Hoyt.
The rest of the plot is an entertaining mix of action packed suspense and small town shenanigans. The residents of Coot Lake, Minnesota are a hoot and the baddies soon learn that they messed with the wrong town.
All in all, Once and Always is an exceedingly entertaining read and I will be reading another of Hoyt's contemporaries ASAP.
February 25, 2015
As a long time fan of Elizabeth Hoyt’s Historical Romances, it thrilled me to learn that she would be revisiting her previous work as Julia Harper and rereleasing her older contemporaries.
Maisa met her unforgettable one night stand again in the form of a sexy cop Sam West. That night with him is one she’d likely wish to forget because as much as she enjoyed it at the time, the last thing she needs is a relationship. Sam and Maisa’s banter infuses charm into this book. However, Maisa starts out prickly in the beginning. Somehow, Sam is able to thaw her out.
In addition to the romance, secondary characters are introduced and are played up, becoming sources of support and inspiration to the main characters of the story. While I enjoyed this, it can detract attention from the hero and heroine at times.
Harper’s writing is fresh and inviting, creating easy enjoyment for readers. As my first book by this author, I will no doubt be looking forward to explore more of her work.
*ARC provided by publisher
January 22, 2015
Maisa and Sam
2.5 stars
This was like a siege at the Coot Lake corral. Totally unbelievable and silly. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
2.5 stars
This was like a siege at the Coot Lake corral. Totally unbelievable and silly. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
July 26, 2020
3.5*
This was a fun read. Maisa had a habit of speeding when she's driving through Coot Lake MN to visit her uncle. Sam is the one who always pulls her over. This worked because Sam and Maisa had a bit of a prior relationship before the book started. This doesn't rate higher because there were a few continuity errors, Maisa takes some time to warm up to (and she had a TSTL moment). The secondary characters were hilarious too.
I read this for Romance-opoly Lady Lane moon track square.
This was a fun read. Maisa had a habit of speeding when she's driving through Coot Lake MN to visit her uncle. Sam is the one who always pulls her over. This worked because Sam and Maisa had a bit of a prior relationship before the book started. This doesn't rate higher because there were a few continuity errors, Maisa takes some time to warm up to (and she had a TSTL moment). The secondary characters were hilarious too.
I read this for Romance-opoly Lady Lane moon track square.
March 17, 2015
4.5 Stars. I hope that EH continues to write contemporary, because she had a real talent for it.
February 20, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
So I saw Once and Always on Netgalley and thought.. Oh a modern romance by Elizabeth Hoyt (writing as Julia Harper) that should be sweet.. What was I thinking? Hello? Elizabeth Hoyt can't write a sweet regency romance. She writes dark and dangerous.. so her contemporary?? Yeah not so sweet.. But oh what a ride!
Maisa is just your tipical American girl. Raised in Minnesota, got her college degree, has her own business.. pretty normal except of course her Uncle is Russian Mafia, her father refused to marry her mother and is the district attorney that FORCED her uncle to turn state's witness and one of the cops in the small town her uncle lives in seems to be stalking her. She can't even speed through town without getting a ticket. She would blow off officer Sam West, she should blow off officer Sam West.. but Maisa wants Officer Sam West..
Sam West is just a small town cop. A simple guy, a normal guy and ordinary guy. Well, a normal guy who was raised in by an army lifer.. and an ordinary guy who served three terms in Afghanistan.. but he's retired now and he wants a simple life. A simple life with Maisa, if he can actually get her attention. One night will never be enough. But when the Russians show up in his town.. nothing simple, normal or ordinary will do.. Now it's time for Sam to step up and for Maisa to understand that not all men can be ignored.
Just a fabulous book! Once again Elizabeth Hoyt got my attention and held me captive! Russian mob, secret pasts, small town characters and romance. What more could anyone ask for?
I think Elizabeth understands dark passions better than most people. She delves into the darkness and creates a love so bright that the light edge out any darkness. It survives.. It thrives.. It is just a beautiful thing. But Once and Always is about so much more than a romance. It's about learning to really trust someone. To understand that no one is perfect and no one is perfectly flawed.
I especially liked some of the secondary characters in so many ways they define who we are as Americans. They are the ones who just step up. The ones often forgotten or ignored but when push comes to shove, they are the ones to have your back!
This was just such an excellent book! Thanks Elizabeth!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Once and Always, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released February 24, 2015
So I saw Once and Always on Netgalley and thought.. Oh a modern romance by Elizabeth Hoyt (writing as Julia Harper) that should be sweet.. What was I thinking? Hello? Elizabeth Hoyt can't write a sweet regency romance. She writes dark and dangerous.. so her contemporary?? Yeah not so sweet.. But oh what a ride!
Maisa is just your tipical American girl. Raised in Minnesota, got her college degree, has her own business.. pretty normal except of course her Uncle is Russian Mafia, her father refused to marry her mother and is the district attorney that FORCED her uncle to turn state's witness and one of the cops in the small town her uncle lives in seems to be stalking her. She can't even speed through town without getting a ticket. She would blow off officer Sam West, she should blow off officer Sam West.. but Maisa wants Officer Sam West..
Sam West is just a small town cop. A simple guy, a normal guy and ordinary guy. Well, a normal guy who was raised in by an army lifer.. and an ordinary guy who served three terms in Afghanistan.. but he's retired now and he wants a simple life. A simple life with Maisa, if he can actually get her attention. One night will never be enough. But when the Russians show up in his town.. nothing simple, normal or ordinary will do.. Now it's time for Sam to step up and for Maisa to understand that not all men can be ignored.
Just a fabulous book! Once again Elizabeth Hoyt got my attention and held me captive! Russian mob, secret pasts, small town characters and romance. What more could anyone ask for?
I think Elizabeth understands dark passions better than most people. She delves into the darkness and creates a love so bright that the light edge out any darkness. It survives.. It thrives.. It is just a beautiful thing. But Once and Always is about so much more than a romance. It's about learning to really trust someone. To understand that no one is perfect and no one is perfectly flawed.
I especially liked some of the secondary characters in so many ways they define who we are as Americans. They are the ones who just step up. The ones often forgotten or ignored but when push comes to shove, they are the ones to have your back!
This was just such an excellent book! Thanks Elizabeth!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Once and Always, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released February 24, 2015
January 17, 2015
I knew from page one that I was going to like Maisa or 'May' as Sam calls her for her smart whit and humor, "he stopped by her car door, his pelvis framed by her window exactly at eye level, as if he was showing off the bulge of his package. Not that she was looking." The chemistry between Sam and May is undeniable and the humor that comes with their interactions is well funny:
"Too bad," he whispered, his hips brushing against hers. "I'd like to see more of you."
"What for? Sex?"
For some reason her hostile tone made his mouth twitch in amusement. "That, too. Mostly, though, I want to get to know you."
Our boy Sam is a show more than a tell kind of person of course with May he has to be, "the hell with being cautious. He rolled, pinning her beneath him. "You know damn well I want more than just a couple of dates. I want more of this." He pressed his hips into her sweet warmth." I liked this book a lot the characters were lovable and Sam holy moly was quite the chasin' man.
"Too bad," he whispered, his hips brushing against hers. "I'd like to see more of you."
"What for? Sex?"
For some reason her hostile tone made his mouth twitch in amusement. "That, too. Mostly, though, I want to get to know you."
Our boy Sam is a show more than a tell kind of person of course with May he has to be, "the hell with being cautious. He rolled, pinning her beneath him. "You know damn well I want more than just a couple of dates. I want more of this." He pressed his hips into her sweet warmth." I liked this book a lot the characters were lovable and Sam holy moly was quite the chasin' man.
March 2, 2015
I knew from page one that I was going to like Maisa or 'May' as Sam calls her for her smart whit and humor, "he stopped by her car door, his pelvis framed by her window exactly at eye level, as if he was showing off the bulge of his package. Not that she was looking." The chemistry between Sam and May is undeniable and the humor that comes with their interactions is well funny:
"Too bad," he whispered, his hips brushing against hers. "I'd like to see more of you."
"What for? Sex?"
For some reason her hostile tone made his mouth twitch in amusement. "That, too. Mostly, though, I want to get to know you."
Our boy Sam is a show more than a tell kind of person of course with May he has to be, "the hell with being cautious. He rolled, pinning her beneath him. "You know damn well I want more than just a couple of dates. I want more of this." He pressed his hips into her sweet warmth." I liked this book a lot the characters were lovable and Sam holy moly was quite the chasin' man
March 28, 2015
Personally i do not relish heroines of stories that are stubborn, overly prickly and contary in nature. But i guess she is the perfect foil to the goody-goody yet macho hero in this story. The "i want to but i don't want to" gets a bit annoying. The dilemma in this story is very much the indecisiveness of the heroine as to how she feels towards the hero. The fight between the good guys and the mafiyas were more like a side show.
Enjoyed the previous book more.
Enjoyed the previous book more.
September 10, 2015
This one got off to a great, playful start and plummeted quickly. Hoyt's trademark in contemporaries is love at first sight (or sound of voice) tossed with a lot of quirk, but this time it all felt contrived and cliche.
December 17, 2017
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sam's and Maisa's story is full of action.
Some of the characters had me laughing!!!
Sam's and Maisa's story is full of action.
Some of the characters had me laughing!!!
April 2, 2015
I mostly liked this book, but it wasn't what I expected and kept changing.
Our hero, Sam West, is a small town cop. In the first scene, he pulls over our heroine, Maisa (May) Bradley on her way to visit her uncle, George, for speeding. Immediately, I'm thinking this is a standard, cozy contemporary because as TropeHeroine would say, "I'm wild and free which is why I always drive too fast. I can't be tamed, except by the gorgeous cop who pulls me over for speeding in the same spot every time!" Sorry if that's cynical, but I have read this opening in at least 4 other books. I'd really like to see the heroine be the cop for once. Anyway...
The banter is going along well. We learn that they had shared one night of passion months ago and Sam wants to pursue a relationship, but May doesn't. She has reasons. We learn those reasons rather late in the book. Before the conversation ends, Sam is forced to jump/slide across the roof of her car to avoid being hit by another speeder who ends up in a snowbank.
This is when my cozy contemporary turned into a farce a la "What's Up Doc?" - the 1972 movie with Barbara Streisand. The man, Ilya Kasyanov, driving the car wasn't seriously hurt, but he wasn't going to be able to continue on his way. Sam took Ilya's black, rolling suitcase out of the trunk to put in the squad car and take the man to a hotel. Meanwhile, May's car had stalled. Sam offers to try and start it and I loved May's response,
He tries to start her car and it failed to start for him either. Definitely giggle inducing. He pulls her suitcase out as well, a black, rolling suitcase, and puts it into the squad car's trunk too. Anyone surprised when May gets out, she take's the man's suitcase instead of her own? At the hotel, a third black suitcase is introduced into the mix when, Karl (who is A LOT like Ed from Northern Exposure), was looking to bum a room since the water pipes to his trailer had frozen. Sam ends up tripping over the two suitcases in the hotel lobby to stop Karl from talking. Neither Ilya nor Karl wanted the suitcases opened, so they each took one but who knows which case they got. May realizes the mix up when she opens the case she has to give her uncle a sweater she brought for him. Instead she finds diamonds - perfect pink, heart shaped diamonds. The next morning, May's uncle adds a 4th case to the mix with tape over the closure saying "Bomb inside."
Turns out May's uncle had been expecting Ilya. Ilya was an account for a Russian mafiya boss, Dzhaba Beridze. Those were Beridze's diamonds which Ilya had stolen thinking his boss was going to be in prison for a long time. However, the sole informant met with a gruesome death. The brutal details of how the body was found turned this story from a cozy contemporary farce into something darker. It was surprising to read. Without the informant, the government had to let Beridze go and those diamonds were extra precious to Beridze. He was headed to Coot Lake to hunt down Ilya.
Now, when finding a stash of diamonds in your possession, what do you do? You go to the only place open to find the cop who's been pursuing you for a relationship, who is there with the Chief of Police and dump it in their lap. They're law enforcement after all. Nope - not if you're only 15-20% of the way into the story. You do all of that except, instead of confessing all, you have a steamy dance in public with the hot cop and try to pump him for information without him catching on. Because that works - not. It just makes him suspicious. It did tell us more about Sam though. He's smart, very smart, in line to be next Chief of Police if he'd go for it. He's not wanting the responsibility because of reasons that have to do with his 3rd time serving in Afghanistan. Also, he's super attracted to our heroine because he just made a fool of himself in public.
Setting is important here, so I should share Coot Lake is a small town in Minnesota. It is snowing hard. Think blizzard. Feet of snow are being dumped onto the little town. No one is bothered by this because it happens every year, probably multiple times a year. They expect it and can cope. Even when it takes out all cell towers and knocks out landlines, which means, no calling for backup or easy means of communicating with each other. Driving is challenging at the beginning of the book and next to impossible as more snow falls. However, there are alternate modes of transportation, such as dog sleds and snowmobiles.
Gerard Walkingtall, a Cherokee, is also visiting Coot Lake at this time. He's there on official business of the Native Rights Council investigating the sale of arrowheads that had been happening on Ebay. The fear is that someone is stealing from a dig happening on the local reservation. Karl's reaction to Walkingtall is hilarious and too long to be quoted. Karl is enamored with Molly and has been most of his life. Walkingtall is a threat to Karl both with Molly and because of what's in Karl's suitcase.
So you see, we have
- a small town romance, technically three romances if you include subplots
- a caper of mixed up suitcases, stolen diamonds, arrowheads and bombs, oh my!
- a crazy, Russian mafiya boss (are there any other kind) who's into torturing people and has a small army (12) of hired men
- and an ex-military, small town cop hero who needs to save his town and his girl
The story mostly worked for me. I loved the townspeople and they reacted fairly true to form for people in the northern part of the midwest. I LOVED when the townspeople pulled out weapons when asked what they'd do if the mafiya men returned to the hotel. I also enjoyed when May was spunky and fighting with Sam and I liked it when they worked together.
What I didn't like was when May turned TSTL (Too stupid to live). It happened about 83% of the way into the story. The shower sex scene if you're not reading it as an ebook. She totally ruined that scene for me with her repeated thoughts of "How this will be the last time" for her and Sam because "He'll never forgive her for what she must do." We don't know what she's planning to do at this point, and it turns out to be rather stupid. I also found the story a bit more violent than necessary or at least some of the descriptions of Beridze's actions could have been less.
A copy of this story was provided to me courtesy of Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.
Our hero, Sam West, is a small town cop. In the first scene, he pulls over our heroine, Maisa (May) Bradley on her way to visit her uncle, George, for speeding. Immediately, I'm thinking this is a standard, cozy contemporary because as TropeHeroine would say, "I'm wild and free which is why I always drive too fast. I can't be tamed, except by the gorgeous cop who pulls me over for speeding in the same spot every time!" Sorry if that's cynical, but I have read this opening in at least 4 other books. I'd really like to see the heroine be the cop for once. Anyway...
The banter is going along well. We learn that they had shared one night of passion months ago and Sam wants to pursue a relationship, but May doesn't. She has reasons. We learn those reasons rather late in the book. Before the conversation ends, Sam is forced to jump/slide across the roof of her car to avoid being hit by another speeder who ends up in a snowbank.
This is when my cozy contemporary turned into a farce a la "What's Up Doc?" - the 1972 movie with Barbara Streisand. The man, Ilya Kasyanov, driving the car wasn't seriously hurt, but he wasn't going to be able to continue on his way. Sam took Ilya's black, rolling suitcase out of the trunk to put in the squad car and take the man to a hotel. Meanwhile, May's car had stalled. Sam offers to try and start it and I loved May's response,
Gosh, do you think your testosterone will make it go? ... No, really, I bet that's why it wouldn't start for me. Too much estrogen. ... Probably you'll just have to squint at my car, all manly and stuff, and vroom!
He tries to start her car and it failed to start for him either. Definitely giggle inducing. He pulls her suitcase out as well, a black, rolling suitcase, and puts it into the squad car's trunk too. Anyone surprised when May gets out, she take's the man's suitcase instead of her own? At the hotel, a third black suitcase is introduced into the mix when, Karl (who is A LOT like Ed from Northern Exposure), was looking to bum a room since the water pipes to his trailer had frozen. Sam ends up tripping over the two suitcases in the hotel lobby to stop Karl from talking. Neither Ilya nor Karl wanted the suitcases opened, so they each took one but who knows which case they got. May realizes the mix up when she opens the case she has to give her uncle a sweater she brought for him. Instead she finds diamonds - perfect pink, heart shaped diamonds. The next morning, May's uncle adds a 4th case to the mix with tape over the closure saying "Bomb inside."
Turns out May's uncle had been expecting Ilya. Ilya was an account for a Russian mafiya boss, Dzhaba Beridze. Those were Beridze's diamonds which Ilya had stolen thinking his boss was going to be in prison for a long time. However, the sole informant met with a gruesome death. The brutal details of how the body was found turned this story from a cozy contemporary farce into something darker. It was surprising to read. Without the informant, the government had to let Beridze go and those diamonds were extra precious to Beridze. He was headed to Coot Lake to hunt down Ilya.
Now, when finding a stash of diamonds in your possession, what do you do? You go to the only place open to find the cop who's been pursuing you for a relationship, who is there with the Chief of Police and dump it in their lap. They're law enforcement after all. Nope - not if you're only 15-20% of the way into the story. You do all of that except, instead of confessing all, you have a steamy dance in public with the hot cop and try to pump him for information without him catching on. Because that works - not. It just makes him suspicious. It did tell us more about Sam though. He's smart, very smart, in line to be next Chief of Police if he'd go for it. He's not wanting the responsibility because of reasons that have to do with his 3rd time serving in Afghanistan. Also, he's super attracted to our heroine because he just made a fool of himself in public.
Setting is important here, so I should share Coot Lake is a small town in Minnesota. It is snowing hard. Think blizzard. Feet of snow are being dumped onto the little town. No one is bothered by this because it happens every year, probably multiple times a year. They expect it and can cope. Even when it takes out all cell towers and knocks out landlines, which means, no calling for backup or easy means of communicating with each other. Driving is challenging at the beginning of the book and next to impossible as more snow falls. However, there are alternate modes of transportation, such as dog sleds and snowmobiles.
Gerard Walkingtall, a Cherokee, is also visiting Coot Lake at this time. He's there on official business of the Native Rights Council investigating the sale of arrowheads that had been happening on Ebay. The fear is that someone is stealing from a dig happening on the local reservation. Karl's reaction to Walkingtall is hilarious and too long to be quoted. Karl is enamored with Molly and has been most of his life. Walkingtall is a threat to Karl both with Molly and because of what's in Karl's suitcase.
So you see, we have
- a small town romance, technically three romances if you include subplots
- a caper of mixed up suitcases, stolen diamonds, arrowheads and bombs, oh my!
- a crazy, Russian mafiya boss (are there any other kind) who's into torturing people and has a small army (12) of hired men
- and an ex-military, small town cop hero who needs to save his town and his girl
The story mostly worked for me. I loved the townspeople and they reacted fairly true to form for people in the northern part of the midwest. I LOVED when the townspeople pulled out weapons when asked what they'd do if the mafiya men returned to the hotel. I also enjoyed when May was spunky and fighting with Sam and I liked it when they worked together.
What I didn't like was when May turned TSTL (Too stupid to live). It happened about 83% of the way into the story. The shower sex scene if you're not reading it as an ebook. She totally ruined that scene for me with her repeated thoughts of "How this will be the last time" for her and Sam because "He'll never forgive her for what she must do." We don't know what she's planning to do at this point, and it turns out to be rather stupid. I also found the story a bit more violent than necessary or at least some of the descriptions of Beridze's actions could have been less.
A copy of this story was provided to me courtesy of Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing.
February 23, 2015
It is my first book by this author. Julia Harper is probably better known as Elizabeth Hoyt, who writes historical romances, but as I haven't read any of her books, I didn't know what to expect from her writing. Nevertheless, the premise was absolutely promising and hilarious, I mean, who doesn't like romance, handsome police officers and a little Russian mobster thrown to the mix! How could I resist such a story?
Well, I couldn't, and quickly found myself deep into the novel.
Sam is head over heels in love with May (or Maisa, or Masha) and he, as a police officer, gladly, willingly and eagerly stops her for speeding. They spent one night together once and he can't forget her, still hoping for more. But May has other ideas. Nevertheless, by some accident, very complicated situation of exchanged suitcases, they find themselves stranded, alone - being entangled in some fishy dealings, the above mentioned suitcases, Russian mobster, three dark SUVs, snow storm, and it could be the making of them. Or not? Are they going to trust each other, or are they going to get themselves killed?
We know that Sam and Maisa had a history, but while Sam is absolutely ready to start something more with her, Maisa, who was abandoned by her father, has some trusting - issues and is not ready to let Sam into her life. And well, who is he in fact? Some little town cop with no ambition, who hasn't even been to college (her words, not mine!). But Sam might have not have an education, but he's pigheaded and he knows what he wants: Maisa. End of story.
I adored Sam, he was great and funny, and reading about him I really had only western films in mind, with all those cowboys, and I really saw him on a horse, and not in his red truck. Or entering a saloon, tipping a hat. Ha, that's sort of hero was he for me. While Maisa was not so well developed, and I haven't had a chance to get to know her character, and neither the others, as the author focused much more on action than people in this book. And there was a lot happening, and some of the situations were ridiculously hilarious, or hilariously ridiculous. We only know that Maisa, who's father left her family, has some abandonment issues, but it's actually all about her.
This book would make a brilliant film, I really believe in this! It was packed with action and really, in my opinion, it belongs on silver screen. Some kind of "catch me if you can" criminal comedy, with a lot of gun - fighting, sled dogs, snow storm and hot, hot police officers. And really, this book has an incredible atmosphere and climate, and the descriptions were so vivid and colourful, I could see Sam, with his hat, for sure cowboy - shoes, big, fat belt, a gun, chewing tobacco, and all those other characters, which mostly I see as Indians - don't ask me why :)
The book started in a funny, promising way and as long as it focused on the romance, everything was great. But then the author added the Russian mafiya and as much as I love this concept, I wasn't sure what she wanted to achieve with shooting a man between the eyes, not sure what she wanted to write: rom - com? Thriller? Comedy? It is as if she tried too much with too many genres and, in fact, mixing all of them didn't work out. It was as if the story went out of hand and really, I didn't buy it mostly. It is as if the author started with too many things at once and then nothing is fully ended, nothing is fully fleshed out, which is a pity, because there really was a great potential. Mostly, the characters and situations were ones that I couldn't buy into, but on the other hand, there can be ridiculous, and there can be ridiculous, and this was the kind of ridiculousness that fits in limits, so I just turned a blind eye on most situations and went with the magic. And sometimes the humour felt a little too forced. It all felt so incredible that I didn't feel any tension, and even those scenes that were supposed to give me thrill, just left me indifferent.
The book, in fact, left me with tons of mixed feelings. It both delivers, and it doesn't, because while I enjoyed the romance and the book had a potential in the characters department, the other side of the story, this mafiya and bloody scores to settle, machine - gun shooting, just was a little too exaggerated, and I'm guessing it was all thought to made us laugh, but in the end it just made me rolling my eyes and sighing with disbelief.
To enjoy this book you must really suspend your disbelief, close your eyes and follow the magic, and then you get a simply hilarious story with a lot of action, some unbelievable scenes, Otter the Dog and, altogether, a fast - paced story. And hey, sometimes you just must to read such a book, to get away from the reality and forget all about your problems, right? It maybe wasn't this what I have expected, but on the other hand, as I didn't know what to expect, I just went with the flow and enjoyed the novel. It was a light - hearted read with a feel - good factor to it and also a hidden message: that trust and family is all that counts. I would for sure check out other books by this author.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
Well, I couldn't, and quickly found myself deep into the novel.
Sam is head over heels in love with May (or Maisa, or Masha) and he, as a police officer, gladly, willingly and eagerly stops her for speeding. They spent one night together once and he can't forget her, still hoping for more. But May has other ideas. Nevertheless, by some accident, very complicated situation of exchanged suitcases, they find themselves stranded, alone - being entangled in some fishy dealings, the above mentioned suitcases, Russian mobster, three dark SUVs, snow storm, and it could be the making of them. Or not? Are they going to trust each other, or are they going to get themselves killed?
We know that Sam and Maisa had a history, but while Sam is absolutely ready to start something more with her, Maisa, who was abandoned by her father, has some trusting - issues and is not ready to let Sam into her life. And well, who is he in fact? Some little town cop with no ambition, who hasn't even been to college (her words, not mine!). But Sam might have not have an education, but he's pigheaded and he knows what he wants: Maisa. End of story.
I adored Sam, he was great and funny, and reading about him I really had only western films in mind, with all those cowboys, and I really saw him on a horse, and not in his red truck. Or entering a saloon, tipping a hat. Ha, that's sort of hero was he for me. While Maisa was not so well developed, and I haven't had a chance to get to know her character, and neither the others, as the author focused much more on action than people in this book. And there was a lot happening, and some of the situations were ridiculously hilarious, or hilariously ridiculous. We only know that Maisa, who's father left her family, has some abandonment issues, but it's actually all about her.
This book would make a brilliant film, I really believe in this! It was packed with action and really, in my opinion, it belongs on silver screen. Some kind of "catch me if you can" criminal comedy, with a lot of gun - fighting, sled dogs, snow storm and hot, hot police officers. And really, this book has an incredible atmosphere and climate, and the descriptions were so vivid and colourful, I could see Sam, with his hat, for sure cowboy - shoes, big, fat belt, a gun, chewing tobacco, and all those other characters, which mostly I see as Indians - don't ask me why :)
The book started in a funny, promising way and as long as it focused on the romance, everything was great. But then the author added the Russian mafiya and as much as I love this concept, I wasn't sure what she wanted to achieve with shooting a man between the eyes, not sure what she wanted to write: rom - com? Thriller? Comedy? It is as if she tried too much with too many genres and, in fact, mixing all of them didn't work out. It was as if the story went out of hand and really, I didn't buy it mostly. It is as if the author started with too many things at once and then nothing is fully ended, nothing is fully fleshed out, which is a pity, because there really was a great potential. Mostly, the characters and situations were ones that I couldn't buy into, but on the other hand, there can be ridiculous, and there can be ridiculous, and this was the kind of ridiculousness that fits in limits, so I just turned a blind eye on most situations and went with the magic. And sometimes the humour felt a little too forced. It all felt so incredible that I didn't feel any tension, and even those scenes that were supposed to give me thrill, just left me indifferent.
The book, in fact, left me with tons of mixed feelings. It both delivers, and it doesn't, because while I enjoyed the romance and the book had a potential in the characters department, the other side of the story, this mafiya and bloody scores to settle, machine - gun shooting, just was a little too exaggerated, and I'm guessing it was all thought to made us laugh, but in the end it just made me rolling my eyes and sighing with disbelief.
To enjoy this book you must really suspend your disbelief, close your eyes and follow the magic, and then you get a simply hilarious story with a lot of action, some unbelievable scenes, Otter the Dog and, altogether, a fast - paced story. And hey, sometimes you just must to read such a book, to get away from the reality and forget all about your problems, right? It maybe wasn't this what I have expected, but on the other hand, as I didn't know what to expect, I just went with the flow and enjoyed the novel. It was a light - hearted read with a feel - good factor to it and also a hidden message: that trust and family is all that counts. I would for sure check out other books by this author.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
February 11, 2015
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/02...
A sexy, determined deputy who’s head over heels in love with a gun-shy dress designer – how could I resist? Author Julia Harper drew me in from the start with Sam and Maisa and I was ready for a fun ride. The two of them have a history, one I wish we’d seen in flashbacks because it serves as a solid foundation for their love story. Maisa, whose family isn’t all on the up-and-up, has abandonment issues thanks to her father and is concerned about letting Sam into her heart only to have him leave her. She needn’t worry, for Sam is absolutely crazy about her and man, he’s a hero to make you swoon. I loved each layer of Sam’s character Ms. Harper revealed, and I only wish Maisa had been as well developed, for she showed a lot of promise.
Once and Always both delivers and doesn’t, for it’s a satisfying romance with interesting characters, but the story ultimately falls short of its potential. The book starts off with contemporary romance staples: a hero and heroine with great chemistry and an impending storm in a small town. But strangely enough, once Ms. Harper gives the story her own spin by adding in the Russian mafia and a crazy suitcase switch with stolen diamonds, the story falters. The issue I had with Once and Always was that it was trying to be too many things at once – steamy romance, screwball comedy, action with the mafia and a High Noon-lite showdown – and none of these things blended well with the other. No storyline or character (except Sam) is fleshed out as well as they could be, which was a pity. A tertiary plotline involving a romance between secondary characters Karl and Molly had potential to be lots of fun, but alas was underserved by limited page time and only ended up detracting further from Sam and Maisa.
Julia Harper is perhaps better known as Elizabeth Hoyt, whose historical romances I absolutely adore. The two names are definitely appropriate, as Ms. Harper’s writing style is very different in Once and Always compared to, say, Wicked Intentions. I liked Once and Always , but perhaps knowing how much better Ms. Hoyt’s books usually are dampened my spirits a bit. All in all, if you want to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy a fast-paced story with some action, steam, humor, and an adorable dog (Otter the Dog is fabulous), I’d say you can’t go wrong with Once and Always . It may not have been my cup of tea overall, but it has promise and I’ll definitely be back for more Julia Harper books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A sexy, determined deputy who’s head over heels in love with a gun-shy dress designer – how could I resist? Author Julia Harper drew me in from the start with Sam and Maisa and I was ready for a fun ride. The two of them have a history, one I wish we’d seen in flashbacks because it serves as a solid foundation for their love story. Maisa, whose family isn’t all on the up-and-up, has abandonment issues thanks to her father and is concerned about letting Sam into her heart only to have him leave her. She needn’t worry, for Sam is absolutely crazy about her and man, he’s a hero to make you swoon. I loved each layer of Sam’s character Ms. Harper revealed, and I only wish Maisa had been as well developed, for she showed a lot of promise.
Once and Always both delivers and doesn’t, for it’s a satisfying romance with interesting characters, but the story ultimately falls short of its potential. The book starts off with contemporary romance staples: a hero and heroine with great chemistry and an impending storm in a small town. But strangely enough, once Ms. Harper gives the story her own spin by adding in the Russian mafia and a crazy suitcase switch with stolen diamonds, the story falters. The issue I had with Once and Always was that it was trying to be too many things at once – steamy romance, screwball comedy, action with the mafia and a High Noon-lite showdown – and none of these things blended well with the other. No storyline or character (except Sam) is fleshed out as well as they could be, which was a pity. A tertiary plotline involving a romance between secondary characters Karl and Molly had potential to be lots of fun, but alas was underserved by limited page time and only ended up detracting further from Sam and Maisa.
Julia Harper is perhaps better known as Elizabeth Hoyt, whose historical romances I absolutely adore. The two names are definitely appropriate, as Ms. Harper’s writing style is very different in Once and Always compared to, say, Wicked Intentions. I liked Once and Always , but perhaps knowing how much better Ms. Hoyt’s books usually are dampened my spirits a bit. All in all, if you want to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy a fast-paced story with some action, steam, humor, and an adorable dog (Otter the Dog is fabulous), I’d say you can’t go wrong with Once and Always . It may not have been my cup of tea overall, but it has promise and I’ll definitely be back for more Julia Harper books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 29, 2015
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. - Thomas A. Edison
Deputy Sam West keeps trying one more time to win over Maisa Bradley. Each time she visits her uncle in Coot Lake, Minnesota, he pulls her over. Sam tries to charm her and even remind her of the passion they shared one hot summer night ... but Maisa keeps her distance. She's content with her budding custom dress business in St. Paul ... and she knows they would mix like oil and water. Her uncle is a retired Russian mobster hiding out in the boonies ... and Sam is a decorated Army veteran. Yet Maisa herself cannot deny the spark between them.
A blizzard traps Maisa in town along with a mobster's accountant on the run. Coot Lake erupts into a battleground when the mobster himself comes looking for the accountant. Sam draws upon his combat experience and enlists local mushers to save the town from the carnage ... and Maisa from her own mobster heritage.
ONCE AND ALWAYS is Northern Exposure meets OK Corral with an ensemble cast ala Ocean's Eleven. Hoyt starts with a small town romance and infuses action, suspense, and redemption. Sam is a juxtaposition with a swagger - he confidently pursues Maisa but resists the sheriff's efforts to groom him as his successor. One deadly patrol in Afghanistan continues to plague Sam. Yet he relies on his Army training when the Russian mafia arrives in Coot Lake. He proves to the townsfolk, Maisa, and himself that anyone can overcome bad history.
Глаза́ боя́тся, а ру́ки де́лают.
Eyes are afraid, but hands are doing the job.
I received a print copy from the author during the Forever Romance book signing at the RWA Annual Conference.
Deputy Sam West keeps trying one more time to win over Maisa Bradley. Each time she visits her uncle in Coot Lake, Minnesota, he pulls her over. Sam tries to charm her and even remind her of the passion they shared one hot summer night ... but Maisa keeps her distance. She's content with her budding custom dress business in St. Paul ... and she knows they would mix like oil and water. Her uncle is a retired Russian mobster hiding out in the boonies ... and Sam is a decorated Army veteran. Yet Maisa herself cannot deny the spark between them.
A blizzard traps Maisa in town along with a mobster's accountant on the run. Coot Lake erupts into a battleground when the mobster himself comes looking for the accountant. Sam draws upon his combat experience and enlists local mushers to save the town from the carnage ... and Maisa from her own mobster heritage.
ONCE AND ALWAYS is Northern Exposure meets OK Corral with an ensemble cast ala Ocean's Eleven. Hoyt starts with a small town romance and infuses action, suspense, and redemption. Sam is a juxtaposition with a swagger - he confidently pursues Maisa but resists the sheriff's efforts to groom him as his successor. One deadly patrol in Afghanistan continues to plague Sam. Yet he relies on his Army training when the Russian mafia arrives in Coot Lake. He proves to the townsfolk, Maisa, and himself that anyone can overcome bad history.
Глаза́ боя́тся, а ру́ки де́лают.
Eyes are afraid, but hands are doing the job.
I received a print copy from the author during the Forever Romance book signing at the RWA Annual Conference.
April 11, 2015
This was a real surprise to me. I like Hoyt, she's a great, detailed writer. But I have never been able to finish one of her historical romances. They often strike me as dense, requiring my full concentration and sometimes a tad dry to start off with. So I somehow always trail off into another author's book before getting very far past chapter two. I keep getting her books though because I know they are great stories, I'm just never in the staid mood to get to the meaty part of the tale. This modern setting and alter ego from her was refreshing. Funny, quirky, fast paced. This is the most difference in writing between pseudonyms I have ever seen in my life. She's still a great writer but things here were happening so quickly, far fetched things, but entertaining and fun for all that, that you really end up having to finish the book.
I am gonna try another of her modern books but this was a definite treat. She wrote like she was off the leash and having fun with it so I had fun reading it. All the characters were suitable small town quirky types. And it felt like we got to know even the ones we barely spent time with quite well.
I'm also a sucker for the man steadfastly chases reluctant woman trope as long as it doesn't cross over into stalkerdom. This toes the line just barely but thankfully never crosses. I liked both mains, neither more than the other surprisingly. There was a cute romance between them (just barely squeezed in among all the action and fighting and shagging). This is a great holiday, plane or beach read.
I am gonna try another of her modern books but this was a definite treat. She wrote like she was off the leash and having fun with it so I had fun reading it. All the characters were suitable small town quirky types. And it felt like we got to know even the ones we barely spent time with quite well.
I'm also a sucker for the man steadfastly chases reluctant woman trope as long as it doesn't cross over into stalkerdom. This toes the line just barely but thankfully never crosses. I liked both mains, neither more than the other surprisingly. There was a cute romance between them (just barely squeezed in among all the action and fighting and shagging). This is a great holiday, plane or beach read.
November 29, 2014
ARC courtesy of Edelweiss
I requested Elizabeth Hoyt's contemporary title for a couple of reasons. First, she set it in western Minnesota, and being a Minnesotan I wished to see how well she did with her characters and place and two, the plot hinged on the unlikely appearance of Russian mafia in western Minnesota. In the first respect, Hoyt did quite well. She properly used the local lingo (hotdish, the 'U'), acknowledged the sexiness of long underwear and made her local characters seem like real and not caricatures of inhabitants of a small, rural town. The plot, though, was pretty ridiculous. I won't go into details, but there's more than a little wild west to the story than I like or even find remotely plausible, which is a pity since the hero (Sam West, who seems to bear a bit of a physical resemblance to the British actor of the same name, but not so much in the temperament department) is otherwise an appealing character. He does seem kind of turned on by violence as most of the sex scenes come after shootouts or the type of violence that typically shows up in thriller/action films. I didn't really warm up to the heroine, Maisa, who seemed underdeveloped in spite of a lengthy back story. So, an uneven effort for Hoyt, good characters for the most part, but plot is definitely lacking.
I requested Elizabeth Hoyt's contemporary title for a couple of reasons. First, she set it in western Minnesota, and being a Minnesotan I wished to see how well she did with her characters and place and two, the plot hinged on the unlikely appearance of Russian mafia in western Minnesota. In the first respect, Hoyt did quite well. She properly used the local lingo (hotdish, the 'U'), acknowledged the sexiness of long underwear and made her local characters seem like real and not caricatures of inhabitants of a small, rural town. The plot, though, was pretty ridiculous. I won't go into details, but there's more than a little wild west to the story than I like or even find remotely plausible, which is a pity since the hero (Sam West, who seems to bear a bit of a physical resemblance to the British actor of the same name, but not so much in the temperament department) is otherwise an appealing character. He does seem kind of turned on by violence as most of the sex scenes come after shootouts or the type of violence that typically shows up in thriller/action films. I didn't really warm up to the heroine, Maisa, who seemed underdeveloped in spite of a lengthy back story. So, an uneven effort for Hoyt, good characters for the most part, but plot is definitely lacking.
March 16, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book, but I think I would have liked it better if it were billed as romantic suspense. I was expecting contemporary romance, so I was real surprised when the Russian mob showed up and was all villainous. The setting and secondary characters absolutely shine, providing some lighter moments to balance the angst of the romance and all that suspense. I definitely wanted more from the romance itself. (It was a tad episodic, and there was much of the romance's development relied on physical intimacy rather than emotional intimacy; in a story that has a mobster and his goonies shooting up a Midwestern town, it's a little jarring to take a sex break... Just saying. Also, it was consistently strange to me that these two were having shouty sex in the LOFTED bedroom of the hero's house when pretty much the entire town was huddled up downstairs. You know all those people downstairs were like "Oh Jesus... they're at it again. AWKWARD...")
BUT! I had fun reading the book, so I guess that's the bottom line.
BUT! I had fun reading the book, so I guess that's the bottom line.
November 24, 2017
This one was not as fun for me as her other two. The mafia angle was kind of weird, and a LOT of people (granted, bad guys only) died in a really cavalier way. Also lots of graphic sex once they got together. So I think it was just more over the top sex and violence than I expected, instead of just straight vanilla romance. I did enjoy some of the side stories and the sled dogs were a lot of fun.
March 12, 2015
3 stars... very strange story, with odd characters, slightly unbelievable plot lines and some weird dialogue, not to mention the romance was kinda weird. overall not my favorite Hoyt project, but a cute contemporary romance for easy reading. full review to hit my blog soon
September 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book! The action was great (and I rarely read shoot-em-up novels), the characters were well drawn, (aka not perfect) and the love scenes were h.o.t.
I'm off to find another Harper novel :)
I'm off to find another Harper novel :)
Want to read
January 9, 2015Elizabeth Hoyt doing small town contemporaries? Uhhhh, HELL YES!
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