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The Test: A Sweet Romance Novel
It's the last chance for law intern Mary Maloney. Twice she's failed the bar exam and if she fails again, she'll lose her job, her home, and her self-respect. Only love keeps her going, but that too seems to be slipping through her fingers.
Tom Falcone has always “the guy” for Mary. He’s kind, thoughtful, wants a family, and he’s all Mary ever wanted. But Mary always seems to have a way of failing. Even at love.
Now, needing everything she’s got to come through, a stunning revelation sends her reeling. The life she’s always dreamed of is still within reach, but only if she can somehow pass one final test.
Tom Falcone has always “the guy” for Mary. He’s kind, thoughtful, wants a family, and he’s all Mary ever wanted. But Mary always seems to have a way of failing. Even at love.
Now, needing everything she’s got to come through, a stunning revelation sends her reeling. The life she’s always dreamed of is still within reach, but only if she can somehow pass one final test.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2015
19 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Bell
24 books144 followersTHE PERFECT PROSECUTOR (Book 2 in the Ike Thompson Legal Thriller Series and the sequel to THE PERFECT LAWYER) is released!
Successfully defending an alleged baby killer restored Ike Thompson’s reputation as “the perfect lawyer.” But it also destroyed his practice. Now, a seemingly random attack on a powerful CEO hints at a truth so horrifying, it could cost him everything.
The story was buried on the back pages of a fringe news website: a mentally ill woman randomly attacked the CEO of one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies outside its Chicago headquarters. At first, Ike dismisses it as just another disturbed person roaming the streets, but further investigation reveals that the woman was not mentally ill, the incident not an attack, and that it was not at all random.
As Ike delves deeper, he uncovers evidence of a monstrous scandal that has caused untold thousands to needlessly die agonizing deaths. Exposing the outrage will take him from a search for truth to something much darker than he'd ever imagined—a fight for survival against powerful forces willing to sacrifice anyone to keep their secrets buried.
Get a free legal thriller ebook short story "The Perfect Client" by signing up to Gregg's newsletter: https://bit.ly/ThePerfectClient
Gregg's other books:
THE PERFECT LAWYER (Book 1 in the Ike Thompson Legal Thriller Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPDLLZ92
THE FIND, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KRAE
MAN OF GOD, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4SSY6
BLOODY SUNRISE, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07215WLG5
I LOVE YOU I KILL YOU, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DS4ZFF
SAVING BABY, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTK3KQS
ONE SLIP, a literary thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD9CQ27
THE TEST, a romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3XKZ86
A WOMAN UNHINGED, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7YR7P6
JAMIE'S GAMBLE, a thriller/romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KP9C
OOPS-A-NAVY, a humorous thriller, is the first book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F24WDW9
DUPES-A-NAVY, the hilarious follow-up to OOPS-A-NAVY, the second book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKHQMVZ
YIPPEE KI YAY-A-NAVY #3 in the zany Navy SEAL Misadventure trilogy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPF9QYR
BETRAYED HEROES, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JWV4VCL
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gregg Bell spent his formative years playing 16" softball, hanging out, and trying not to get into too much trouble until college when he absconded for the University of Florida. There, he took creative writing classes and spent his free time bodysurfing at St. Augustine's gorgeous beach. After his sojourn in the sun, he was drawn back north and attended the University of Notre Dame. Through jobs ranging from laying asphalt to working in corporate America, the one constant in his life was writing. It still is. A lifelong Midwesterner, he lives in suburban Chicago and, like everyone else who lives there, complains about it being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
Visit Gregg's website https://greggbell.net/
Successfully defending an alleged baby killer restored Ike Thompson’s reputation as “the perfect lawyer.” But it also destroyed his practice. Now, a seemingly random attack on a powerful CEO hints at a truth so horrifying, it could cost him everything.
The story was buried on the back pages of a fringe news website: a mentally ill woman randomly attacked the CEO of one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies outside its Chicago headquarters. At first, Ike dismisses it as just another disturbed person roaming the streets, but further investigation reveals that the woman was not mentally ill, the incident not an attack, and that it was not at all random.
As Ike delves deeper, he uncovers evidence of a monstrous scandal that has caused untold thousands to needlessly die agonizing deaths. Exposing the outrage will take him from a search for truth to something much darker than he'd ever imagined—a fight for survival against powerful forces willing to sacrifice anyone to keep their secrets buried.
Get a free legal thriller ebook short story "The Perfect Client" by signing up to Gregg's newsletter: https://bit.ly/ThePerfectClient
Gregg's other books:
THE PERFECT LAWYER (Book 1 in the Ike Thompson Legal Thriller Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPDLLZ92
THE FIND, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KRAE
MAN OF GOD, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4SSY6
BLOODY SUNRISE, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07215WLG5
I LOVE YOU I KILL YOU, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076DS4ZFF
SAVING BABY, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTK3KQS
ONE SLIP, a literary thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD9CQ27
THE TEST, a romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U3XKZ86
A WOMAN UNHINGED, a thriller, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7YR7P6
JAMIE'S GAMBLE, a thriller/romance, is on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH4KP9C
OOPS-A-NAVY, a humorous thriller, is the first book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F24WDW9
DUPES-A-NAVY, the hilarious follow-up to OOPS-A-NAVY, the second book in the Navy SEAL Misadventure Series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKHQMVZ
YIPPEE KI YAY-A-NAVY #3 in the zany Navy SEAL Misadventure trilogy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPF9QYR
BETRAYED HEROES, a thriller, is on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JWV4VCL
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gregg Bell spent his formative years playing 16" softball, hanging out, and trying not to get into too much trouble until college when he absconded for the University of Florida. There, he took creative writing classes and spent his free time bodysurfing at St. Augustine's gorgeous beach. After his sojourn in the sun, he was drawn back north and attended the University of Notre Dame. Through jobs ranging from laying asphalt to working in corporate America, the one constant in his life was writing. It still is. A lifelong Midwesterner, he lives in suburban Chicago and, like everyone else who lives there, complains about it being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
Visit Gregg's website https://greggbell.net/
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 14, 2015
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I received an eCopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 “Live For Me” Stars!
Quote Spotlight...
“... the first time you love someone it’s a gift, but if you lose that love, the second time, you’ve got to work for it.”
The Review:
The Test is a wonderful, angsty, emotionally charged, character driven story about life and the choices and mistakes we make. It’s a woeful tale that includes a slow build that never wavers in it’s story building, it’s strength or it’s enjoyment. With every page, I was enticed to carry on, just to get to the beautiful ending. It’s simple and heartfelt and I loved it.
Story/Characters...
Mary Maloney is twenty-seven and is anything but settled in life. She’s a law intern who seems to be at a stalemate. She’s failed the bar exam for the second time, her short, romantic interlude with her boss is at a close and the reconnection with her wandering ex, the love of her life, isn’t going as smoothly as she’d hoped for.
Between her capricious job, her non-existent social standing and her faltering love life, things seem bleak. Piled on top of all that, a shocking reveal and a bimbo BFF tips things over from bad to worse.
Tom Falcone is a personal fitness trainer who spends all his spare time as an obsessed golfer. Following his compulsion to Thailand, he leaves the woman he is sure is “the one” to chase his dream only to find he might have made a huge mistake. When he returns, he finds things have changed and he may not have a place in the life he once thought of as his future.
Then there’s Jack O’Hern, successful lawyer extraordinaire whose demanding eye creates confusion and uncertainty where Mary is concerned, and could ultimately stand in the way of the future she’s always dreamed of.
Everybody in this story made mistakes that turned the tides of all their futures. And they are left to wade through the mess and struggle to find a place where they belong.
Mary is a VERY indecisive character but she’s also in a tough situation and I felt my heart break for her. Her life is out of control and throughout most of the book, her vulnerability left her open for even more dismay. She’s so concentrated on securing a man in her life, I don’t think she ever truly thinks she can make it on her own. And she really needed to make better choices in the people she surrounded herself with. She was good, kind, reliable, caring and she deserved so much better than the unsupportive relationships she received.
I really enjoyed Mary’s strength though. She wavered in her resolutions but she had some tough decisions to make. It never stopped her from pushing forward though and in the end, she finally understood what was important and where her priorities should lie.
At first, I had a hard time deciding if I liked Tom. He seemed to really care for Mary but he was so closed off and distant, he came across as almost too detached. But I quickly realized this was intentional and his character advanced from removed to conflicted, which really made him more connectable. Tom’s eyes might have strayed during all this conflict but I really liked that his heart never did. He knew, deep down, where his loyalties lay and he was a solid and real character.
I think they all finally realized life may not be easy or go exactly as planned, but if you love hard enough and fight for what you want with acceptance and understanding, things might work out better than you initially planned. And that was a beautiful lesson to watch them learn.
There really wasn’t a strong romance in this story or any passion between the characters but that was okay. They have a lot to wade through to find their happily ever afters and this was the in between parts, the crossroads of their journey.
The Wrap Up:
I enjoyed the stark reality of this story. The author doesn’t sugar coat the reactions of his characters. They are very much life like in what they feel, think and how they act. Sometimes it’s brutally honest, sometimes is bittersweet but it’s undeniably life at the core.
The Test is a brilliantly written drama with a wonderful, solid story and connectable characters. I enjoyed this read!
I received an eCopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 “Live For Me” Stars!
Quote Spotlight...
“... the first time you love someone it’s a gift, but if you lose that love, the second time, you’ve got to work for it.”
The Review:
The Test is a wonderful, angsty, emotionally charged, character driven story about life and the choices and mistakes we make. It’s a woeful tale that includes a slow build that never wavers in it’s story building, it’s strength or it’s enjoyment. With every page, I was enticed to carry on, just to get to the beautiful ending. It’s simple and heartfelt and I loved it.
Story/Characters...
Mary Maloney is twenty-seven and is anything but settled in life. She’s a law intern who seems to be at a stalemate. She’s failed the bar exam for the second time, her short, romantic interlude with her boss is at a close and the reconnection with her wandering ex, the love of her life, isn’t going as smoothly as she’d hoped for.
Between her capricious job, her non-existent social standing and her faltering love life, things seem bleak. Piled on top of all that, a shocking reveal and a bimbo BFF tips things over from bad to worse.
Tom Falcone is a personal fitness trainer who spends all his spare time as an obsessed golfer. Following his compulsion to Thailand, he leaves the woman he is sure is “the one” to chase his dream only to find he might have made a huge mistake. When he returns, he finds things have changed and he may not have a place in the life he once thought of as his future.
Then there’s Jack O’Hern, successful lawyer extraordinaire whose demanding eye creates confusion and uncertainty where Mary is concerned, and could ultimately stand in the way of the future she’s always dreamed of.
Everybody in this story made mistakes that turned the tides of all their futures. And they are left to wade through the mess and struggle to find a place where they belong.
Mary is a VERY indecisive character but she’s also in a tough situation and I felt my heart break for her. Her life is out of control and throughout most of the book, her vulnerability left her open for even more dismay. She’s so concentrated on securing a man in her life, I don’t think she ever truly thinks she can make it on her own. And she really needed to make better choices in the people she surrounded herself with. She was good, kind, reliable, caring and she deserved so much better than the unsupportive relationships she received.
I really enjoyed Mary’s strength though. She wavered in her resolutions but she had some tough decisions to make. It never stopped her from pushing forward though and in the end, she finally understood what was important and where her priorities should lie.
At first, I had a hard time deciding if I liked Tom. He seemed to really care for Mary but he was so closed off and distant, he came across as almost too detached. But I quickly realized this was intentional and his character advanced from removed to conflicted, which really made him more connectable. Tom’s eyes might have strayed during all this conflict but I really liked that his heart never did. He knew, deep down, where his loyalties lay and he was a solid and real character.
I think they all finally realized life may not be easy or go exactly as planned, but if you love hard enough and fight for what you want with acceptance and understanding, things might work out better than you initially planned. And that was a beautiful lesson to watch them learn.
There really wasn’t a strong romance in this story or any passion between the characters but that was okay. They have a lot to wade through to find their happily ever afters and this was the in between parts, the crossroads of their journey.
The Wrap Up:
I enjoyed the stark reality of this story. The author doesn’t sugar coat the reactions of his characters. They are very much life like in what they feel, think and how they act. Sometimes it’s brutally honest, sometimes is bittersweet but it’s undeniably life at the core.
The Test is a brilliantly written drama with a wonderful, solid story and connectable characters. I enjoyed this read!
January 2, 2016
Published: 27/02/2015
Author: Gregg Bell
Recommended for: fans of contemporary romance novels
Edition: Kindle
I found this novel on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I thought that this was a very good read, it kept hold of the readers attention all the way through. Having read quite a few romantic novels some of them end up becoming rather predictable and boring but this book was one that was hard to predict which made it for me to feel unique and not like the other books that I have read previously. The characters of Mary and Tom are really great and the descriptions that the author does of them makes them seem relateable and realistic.
Author: Gregg Bell
Recommended for: fans of contemporary romance novels
Edition: Kindle
I found this novel on the Kindle Store for free and so I thought that I would give it a go. I thought that this was a very good read, it kept hold of the readers attention all the way through. Having read quite a few romantic novels some of them end up becoming rather predictable and boring but this book was one that was hard to predict which made it for me to feel unique and not like the other books that I have read previously. The characters of Mary and Tom are really great and the descriptions that the author does of them makes them seem relateable and realistic.
April 7, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Malone is a Law intern she is down on her luck. She has failed the Bar twice and is still in Love with Tom Falcone her College sweetheart. She would like to fix things with him and get her life straightened out. She doesn't see that happening anytime soon. Tom is just back from Thailand he comes from a strict Italion Catholic Family. Because of his Family valves and some mistakes Mary made he broke up with her. But he still holds her Dear to his heart.C an they overcome their obstacles and rekindle their old flame? Or is it to late for them? A very well written story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, and Soul searching. It was a very intense read with emotions on every page. We get to see how Mary feels and how Tom feels. A Heartwarming story. I highly recommend if you Love a fantastic romance story.
Mary Malone is a Law intern she is down on her luck. She has failed the Bar twice and is still in Love with Tom Falcone her College sweetheart. She would like to fix things with him and get her life straightened out. She doesn't see that happening anytime soon. Tom is just back from Thailand he comes from a strict Italion Catholic Family. Because of his Family valves and some mistakes Mary made he broke up with her. But he still holds her Dear to his heart.C an they overcome their obstacles and rekindle their old flame? Or is it to late for them? A very well written story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, and Soul searching. It was a very intense read with emotions on every page. We get to see how Mary feels and how Tom feels. A Heartwarming story. I highly recommend if you Love a fantastic romance story.
August 8, 2019
The Test by Gregg Bell
A will-they-won't-they get together for an HEA, intertwined with the revelation of hidden secrets form the threads of this excellent romantic suspense story from the creative versatile author Gregg Bell, perhaps better known for his Oops-a-Navy comic tales or I Love You I Kill You gritty crime drama. Instead, The Test is a boy-meets-girl, (Mary, a legal intern)-meets a personal trainer Tom Falcone, who still doesn't seem sure what he really wants, (apart from the freedom to enjoy a carefree batchelor globetrotting existence, while seemingly oblivious to the hurt he's causing his girlfriend, ditzy would-be lawyer Mary Maloney).
Lonely and afraid her career has stalled for good this time, Mary is vulnerable to the attentions of her boss - but is he the one, or should she wait for her wandering paramour to make his mind up if it's her he really wants? And as her body clock is faintly ticking, who can Mary rely on to be her 'baby-daddy'? Which two of Gregg Bell's engaging, realistic characters will make it to the HEA Mary dreams and longs for?
Read The Test to find out if it will be third time lucky!
A will-they-won't-they get together for an HEA, intertwined with the revelation of hidden secrets form the threads of this excellent romantic suspense story from the creative versatile author Gregg Bell, perhaps better known for his Oops-a-Navy comic tales or I Love You I Kill You gritty crime drama. Instead, The Test is a boy-meets-girl, (Mary, a legal intern)-meets a personal trainer Tom Falcone, who still doesn't seem sure what he really wants, (apart from the freedom to enjoy a carefree batchelor globetrotting existence, while seemingly oblivious to the hurt he's causing his girlfriend, ditzy would-be lawyer Mary Maloney).
Lonely and afraid her career has stalled for good this time, Mary is vulnerable to the attentions of her boss - but is he the one, or should she wait for her wandering paramour to make his mind up if it's her he really wants? And as her body clock is faintly ticking, who can Mary rely on to be her 'baby-daddy'? Which two of Gregg Bell's engaging, realistic characters will make it to the HEA Mary dreams and longs for?
Read The Test to find out if it will be third time lucky!
March 6, 2015
The Test by Gregg Bell
Mary Malone is a bit down on her luck. A law intern, she failed the bar twice, and is still in love with her college sweetheart Tom Falcone. She would like to mend things with him, and straighten her life out. But she does not see that happening anytime soon.
Tom, just back from Thailand, comes from a strict Italian-Catholic family. He thought Mary was "the one". Because of his family values and some mistakes Mary has made he broke up with her, but he still holds her dear to his heart.
Can Mary and Tom overcomes their obstacles, challenges, heartache and rekindle their old flames? Or is it too late? Has time and circumstances made this dream impossible?
A well written story of love, loss, betrayal and soul searching. Mary is very likable although imperfect, she has made some bad choices in life. She must face the consequences and find the right answers to get her on the path of true happiness.
Tom is likable as well. He too is facing some inner challenges, mixed emotions and some life altering decisions he must face if he wishes to find true happiness.
The story is deep, intense, emotionally charged. You get to see how Mary feels and know exactly what she is going through. We also see how Tom feels as well. The story moves swiftly with emotions on every page. I like that in a story. The moral dilemma adds a thought provoking air, which kept me engrossed and wondering what choices I would make if I were Mary or Tom.
Overall I found The Test to be warm, heart-felt and memorable, a delightful, satisfying read. I highly recommend to those who love a great (original) romance.
Mary Malone is a bit down on her luck. A law intern, she failed the bar twice, and is still in love with her college sweetheart Tom Falcone. She would like to mend things with him, and straighten her life out. But she does not see that happening anytime soon.
Tom, just back from Thailand, comes from a strict Italian-Catholic family. He thought Mary was "the one". Because of his family values and some mistakes Mary has made he broke up with her, but he still holds her dear to his heart.
Can Mary and Tom overcomes their obstacles, challenges, heartache and rekindle their old flames? Or is it too late? Has time and circumstances made this dream impossible?
A well written story of love, loss, betrayal and soul searching. Mary is very likable although imperfect, she has made some bad choices in life. She must face the consequences and find the right answers to get her on the path of true happiness.
Tom is likable as well. He too is facing some inner challenges, mixed emotions and some life altering decisions he must face if he wishes to find true happiness.
The story is deep, intense, emotionally charged. You get to see how Mary feels and know exactly what she is going through. We also see how Tom feels as well. The story moves swiftly with emotions on every page. I like that in a story. The moral dilemma adds a thought provoking air, which kept me engrossed and wondering what choices I would make if I were Mary or Tom.
Overall I found The Test to be warm, heart-felt and memorable, a delightful, satisfying read. I highly recommend to those who love a great (original) romance.
May 31, 2015
The Test is an easy read romance set in Florida. Mary Maloney is 27, she's studying to pass her law bar exams and she's hoping to catch back up with Tom Falcone, the only man for her.
They split up when Tom went to Thailand to pursue his golfing dream leaving Mary for six months. They had planned to marry after her law exams, Tom comes from a family with traditional morals on marriage and children.
Mary catches up with Tom at a golf match, she's excited to see him and hopes to get back together. Tom blows hot and cold, his golf is important to him as is a book he's trying to write.
Feeling nauseous, Mary checks her dates and realises she could be pregnant from a one night dalliance with her boss at a party. Tom is already upset that Mary went out with her boss, how will she tell him about the baby? She's also got to tell her boss and admit she's just failed her bar exams.
Her life is a mess, and she struggles to do the right thing or let her heart lead the way. But she now needs to think of the baby's future and she'd like a reliable father figure for her child.
This book is for those who like a cosy romance with no heaving bosoms, or blushing moments, it won't leave your toes curling or your pulse racing, but provides a comfortable story with a happy ever after ending.
They split up when Tom went to Thailand to pursue his golfing dream leaving Mary for six months. They had planned to marry after her law exams, Tom comes from a family with traditional morals on marriage and children.
Mary catches up with Tom at a golf match, she's excited to see him and hopes to get back together. Tom blows hot and cold, his golf is important to him as is a book he's trying to write.
Feeling nauseous, Mary checks her dates and realises she could be pregnant from a one night dalliance with her boss at a party. Tom is already upset that Mary went out with her boss, how will she tell him about the baby? She's also got to tell her boss and admit she's just failed her bar exams.
Her life is a mess, and she struggles to do the right thing or let her heart lead the way. But she now needs to think of the baby's future and she'd like a reliable father figure for her child.
This book is for those who like a cosy romance with no heaving bosoms, or blushing moments, it won't leave your toes curling or your pulse racing, but provides a comfortable story with a happy ever after ending.
August 13, 2015
Mary is anxious about her bar exam results. Tom will stop at nothing to be a pro golf champion. Yet all they can think of is each other.
Their relationship has been nothing but a series of struggles from an intense obsession to a golf game to a brief affair with a boss. Yet, even though the two seem distant and awkward, Mary and Tom have a certain, unknown connection. Could they get back to the way they were? Could they have their happily ever after? Of course not! Not without going through the test. And what bigger test than another man, like Dr. McDreamy? Or how about an unexpected pregnancy? Really, the whole story is a series of tests.
Eventually though I got kind of tired of hearing Mary whining and crying over Tom—how she still loves him, how he can be so cold to her, how she can make it work with him after all this, yadda-yadda-yadda. I got so tired of it that I didn’t really care if they ended up together.
The beginning was compelling, especially after finding out that Mary got impregnated by her boss (oy,) but then it sort of fades with the characters constantly hanging onto a love that’s ended. It becomes repetitious and a nuisance.
Overall, this was another good work by Gregg Bell, but not as good as the last one, Jamie's Gamble.
Their relationship has been nothing but a series of struggles from an intense obsession to a golf game to a brief affair with a boss. Yet, even though the two seem distant and awkward, Mary and Tom have a certain, unknown connection. Could they get back to the way they were? Could they have their happily ever after? Of course not! Not without going through the test. And what bigger test than another man, like Dr. McDreamy? Or how about an unexpected pregnancy? Really, the whole story is a series of tests.
Eventually though I got kind of tired of hearing Mary whining and crying over Tom—how she still loves him, how he can be so cold to her, how she can make it work with him after all this, yadda-yadda-yadda. I got so tired of it that I didn’t really care if they ended up together.
The beginning was compelling, especially after finding out that Mary got impregnated by her boss (oy,) but then it sort of fades with the characters constantly hanging onto a love that’s ended. It becomes repetitious and a nuisance.
Overall, this was another good work by Gregg Bell, but not as good as the last one, Jamie's Gamble.
April 2, 2020
The was a 'real' novel. There was believable conflict, characters that pulled me in, delighted and confused me, and the dialogue was natural. The minor characters added to the story significantly and the pace was comfortable. I wanted the main characters to end up together, and the 'villain' was just like they are in real life: not totally obvious. I like how the story caused me to question my own choices and thought patterns. I loved how strong the heroin was! Bravo! It was refreshing how the conflicts were resolved in a way that is in line with my beliefs. He did a great job weaving in romance without making it sappy.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt stressed so much of the time because I had difficult pregnancies and didn't enjoy reliving them by reading this story :). It was uncanny how the author was spot on with depicting thoughts of self doubt. That was uncomfortable. So, yes the writing was amazing. I guess I'll change it to 5 stars.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt stressed so much of the time because I had difficult pregnancies and didn't enjoy reliving them by reading this story :). It was uncanny how the author was spot on with depicting thoughts of self doubt. That was uncomfortable. So, yes the writing was amazing. I guess I'll change it to 5 stars.
June 17, 2019
The Test is my first Gregg Bell novel. I was a bit sceptical that a male author could write a romance with a female lead character and actually express a females feelings and point of view, so I decided to read this book and test my theory, boy was I wrong. The author was so in tune with his lead character ,and describing her feelings and reactions were just as I would have reacted. The details he put into describing places and scenery actually had me seeing the places in my mind's eye. And I am not normally very good at visualizing. I was amused at Tom and his golfing "addiction" especially as the author is an avid golfer. The plot of the story kept me reading to see what happened next. Will Mary and Tom find love? I am not telling, but I know you will enjoy it.
August 19, 2019
Start with Mary is extremely immature. You slept with your boss then happen to find out your pregnant. You're trying to fix things with your ex, who broke up with you to play golf in another country six months prior. You start re-dating your ex, telling yourself that you will tell him that you're pregnant. You keep telling yourself that you will tell your boss that you're pregnant with his child. Yet you put it off over and over again. Grow up and get it over with. When you finally tell Tom you're pregnant with your boss's baby, you expect what? For him to just accept it? Of course he's going to be pissed. Face reality.
Then the book ends on a cliffhanger. Ugh
Then the book ends on a cliffhanger. Ugh
August 7, 2022
I have read many of this author’s books through the years. His psychological thrillers are heart stopping, his humorous books keep me laughing, I really get his sense of humor and this book, The Test, is one of his early works that was recently offered to me.
If you are into sweet romance novels read this book. The main character, Mary, is juggling a lot of problems in her life that she has to figure out. She has an inner battle with herself trying to straighten her life out. All this juggling has to do with men, her job, a test, and a pregnancy. Yes, her life is very complicated. Will Mary figure it all out? Read the book and find out.
If you are into sweet romance novels read this book. The main character, Mary, is juggling a lot of problems in her life that she has to figure out. She has an inner battle with herself trying to straighten her life out. All this juggling has to do with men, her job, a test, and a pregnancy. Yes, her life is very complicated. Will Mary figure it all out? Read the book and find out.
December 12, 2017
I'm not sure I read the same book as every one else. Some say it was angsty...I say it was boring. Horrifically so.
Mary is "in love" with Tom, but slept with boss, Jack, then goes out with Evan. She finds out she's pregnant and the only person she tells us her friend Rachel.
I just...no thank you.
Mary is "in love" with Tom, but slept with boss, Jack, then goes out with Evan. She finds out she's pregnant and the only person she tells us her friend Rachel.
I just...no thank you.
April 29, 2018
Interesting love story. The main protagonists, Tom and Mary, are well written. They almost lose each other because Tom won't tell Mary he loves her. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
January 13, 2023
This book was more romance than anything! Mary Malone has failed her bar twice! She has to pass this time for several reasons. The boyfriend she thinks broke up with comes back from Thailand after 6 months and didn’t know she thought they broke up. This book was all about her trying to win him back!
Mary was kind of a whiny to the extreme! Her boyfriend Tom was kind of a jerk! But I liked the ending! It was a cute book.
Mary was kind of a whiny to the extreme! Her boyfriend Tom was kind of a jerk! But I liked the ending! It was a cute book.
April 15, 2015
For me I found this book very frustrating. When I read the synopsis/blurb of the book, I thought oh sounds good, college sweethearts facing different directions in life, breaks ups, rebound flings and makeups. It sounded promising however I was feeling slightly disappointed after reading.
First the book starts after tom and Mary have broken up, Tom has already went to Thailand and Mary has already had a fling with her boss, and Tom and Mary have got back together again. this I was not expecting because the way the book synopsis reads, I thought we would go on the journey with them, leading up to the breakup and move to Thailand and Mary's feelings with her boss. I didn't know why but I did not expect to be bang right in the middle of their relationship drama.
I also found Mary frustrating and a bit of a pain sometimes, mind you Tom was far from perfect. At times I just wanted to bang their heads together and be like get it together, man up. The way they kept on putting things off or just complaining to other people about each other and not just talk to each other. I also found the romance a bit one sided, Mary seemed to like Tom more and seemed like they lacked chemistry. And many Times Tom just seemed ready to give up on Mary.
And Mary's friend Rachael, omg how could she, what sort of friend is she. What a back stabber, Mary is better off without her.
So overall I found the book a little lacklustre and quite frustrating at times in to romance department however the story was ok, did have so much promise so That's why I give this book a 3 stars.
First the book starts after tom and Mary have broken up, Tom has already went to Thailand and Mary has already had a fling with her boss, and Tom and Mary have got back together again. this I was not expecting because the way the book synopsis reads, I thought we would go on the journey with them, leading up to the breakup and move to Thailand and Mary's feelings with her boss. I didn't know why but I did not expect to be bang right in the middle of their relationship drama.
I also found Mary frustrating and a bit of a pain sometimes, mind you Tom was far from perfect. At times I just wanted to bang their heads together and be like get it together, man up. The way they kept on putting things off or just complaining to other people about each other and not just talk to each other. I also found the romance a bit one sided, Mary seemed to like Tom more and seemed like they lacked chemistry. And many Times Tom just seemed ready to give up on Mary.
And Mary's friend Rachael, omg how could she, what sort of friend is she. What a back stabber, Mary is better off without her.
So overall I found the book a little lacklustre and quite frustrating at times in to romance department however the story was ok, did have so much promise so That's why I give this book a 3 stars.
April 5, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Mary and Tom is told in bits and pieces although this feels very real as it's usually something that the character is thinking of at the time. The first person perspective allows a view of both characters and not at the same time. It allows you some insight into the characters at one point but not at another. I did find that Mary was very frustrating to me. She just kept putting things off or moving things around. And I know that I do that at times and so I should be a little less frustrated with it but her constant going on about it was slightly frustrating. But I did find that Tom had his flaws as well.
The plot was alright. It didn't draw me in and I occasionally found myself getting distracted. The writing was great. It was well done and executed.
Overall, The Test was a good book and if it sounds interesting to you then you should certainly give it a read.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
The story of Mary and Tom is told in bits and pieces although this feels very real as it's usually something that the character is thinking of at the time. The first person perspective allows a view of both characters and not at the same time. It allows you some insight into the characters at one point but not at another. I did find that Mary was very frustrating to me. She just kept putting things off or moving things around. And I know that I do that at times and so I should be a little less frustrated with it but her constant going on about it was slightly frustrating. But I did find that Tom had his flaws as well.
The plot was alright. It didn't draw me in and I occasionally found myself getting distracted. The writing was great. It was well done and executed.
Overall, The Test was a good book and if it sounds interesting to you then you should certainly give it a read.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
September 12, 2015
Gregg Bell is a friend of mine in Twitter and Goodreads.com
I find his posts/blogs to be both enlightening and intriguing. I gave Gregg my word that I would read this book and share my thoughts. I am happy to say this one of the best books I've read in a while. I like the back and forth suspense, relationship woes, unplanned pregnancy, and much more added to the excitement I kept wanting to turn the page because I wanted to see happened next, I even pushed myself through a sleepy spill to finish it - yes, in my opinion this book is that good. It is very well written. I highly recommended it to anyone and everyone. Great job Mr Bell.
I find his posts/blogs to be both enlightening and intriguing. I gave Gregg my word that I would read this book and share my thoughts. I am happy to say this one of the best books I've read in a while. I like the back and forth suspense, relationship woes, unplanned pregnancy, and much more added to the excitement I kept wanting to turn the page because I wanted to see happened next, I even pushed myself through a sleepy spill to finish it - yes, in my opinion this book is that good. It is very well written. I highly recommended it to anyone and everyone. Great job Mr Bell.
May 1, 2015
Good story about love, loyalty and moral beliefs and the challenges they bring. Tom is a good man who loves a girl that lives a girl who masked bad decisions. Their journey to be together is full of challenges.Tom's addiction is golf. Mary tries and fails the bar exam over and over. They end up each having to face thar what they thought they believed might be something that needs adjusting in order to have a HEA.
April 2, 2015
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
I have read every book Gregg Bell has written and this is his best yet. I love his characters, like Mary Maloney in this one. She's so real and very human that I grew attached to her as if I knew her and was just rooting for her to make it in life and find true love. I was holding my breath to see what would happen next. Makes me want more. I can't wait for his next book!
I have read every book Gregg Bell has written and this is his best yet. I love his characters, like Mary Maloney in this one. She's so real and very human that I grew attached to her as if I knew her and was just rooting for her to make it in life and find true love. I was holding my breath to see what would happen next. Makes me want more. I can't wait for his next book!
November 10, 2015
Adorable ,Sweet story
This is the first book of Greggs that I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed it , Gregg is so gifted in being able to draw you right into the story. It reminds me of a Hallmark movie.
This is the first book of Greggs that I have read, I thoroughly enjoyed it , Gregg is so gifted in being able to draw you right into the story. It reminds me of a Hallmark movie.
April 29, 2015
Drama for drama sake that all gets tied In a neat bow at the end
June 10, 2015
An OK holiday read, but not one I would recommend.
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