Against All Odds

by J.M. Dragon, Erin O'Reilly

Stephanie Grant has a past that is hard to escape. Attempting a fresh start, she opens an art gallery in the small town of Mapleton hoping that her normal wandering spirit will allow her to stay. A chance encounter with vivacious Louise Masterson has Steph thinking in the long-term for the first time in her life. Louise, a high school teacher and the daughter of the richest man in town, has a stubborn streak. She refuses to knuckle down to her domineering father’s demands and life-style, instead living a simple life away from the family home. After meeting Stephanie Grant, her world changes and love looms on the horizon. Life however takes twisted paths, setting both Steph and Louise in directions they never thought possible. Will love win out against all odds or will love be forever lost? From award winning and bestselling author JM Dragon, with significant updates by, Erin O’Reilly comes an original tale of romance where everything seems to be stacked against two women whose destinies bring them together.

Genres: Lesbian

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

JM Dragon was born in the United Kingdom and after leading a hectic working life in logistics, made the startling decision to up root and move half way around the world to New Zealand. That decision changed her life, she is now a New Zealand citizen and looks at the country now as her home and in her words 'I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world it's fabulous'.
Her life changed dramatically to a lifestyle block owner of 3 acres, complete with 2 Alpacas, 80 chickens and 4 cats.
She has written for as long as she can remember and has in her portfolio many novels and short stories. Some of which are published.
Today she splits her time between, her home life 'those darn weeds and chickens', her business venture with Affinity Ebook Press NZ LTD and writing.

Reviews

[W. Gregory Kett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I enjoyed this book a lot, it pulled me in quickly. The fact that it evoked strong emotions, anger, joy and at one point sufficient rage that I wanted to write hate mail to one character, more on that later, just showed me how good the book was.

As tragic as the events happening were, to an extent they too predictable. I would be reading along and go like, "Hmm, 50 pages since trouble, what's the worst thing that could happen right now..." And BAM here it came charging around a corner. I was actually begging the book prior to Steph's New York trip, 'don't play the Amnesia card, please don't.' And yet pages later there it was.

Then of course when things are working well, or working to get better came the character I consider the blunt chisel of an anti-relationship wedge, Peter... hiss,spit,hackles rising Into every relationship a little PETER must fall. Louise and Steph start making up - Along comes Peter to kill the mood. Amy and Liz first date - Peter inserts himself and make Liz feel like a 3rd wheel. (explained later but the damage was done) Amnesiac Steph has her hopes of a relationship with Louise crushed by the cruelest words Peter could have used. You bought a ring a week before Europe, ok all good. Before leaving for Europe you severed all relationships, cruel but factual. Wouldn't matter anyways the person you bought the ring for moved on and found someone else to care for. COME ON drive a stake through the heart of a budding relationship will you? Cruel and evil. Looking back over the Peter char I see him somewhat schizoid, friendly one scene, intrusive and self-centered the next. Steph's best friend, yet he always chooses the worst words and cruelest delivery.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I see 4 and 5 star reviews and I think "did I read a different book from them"? I can't constructively critique this book so I'll just leave it with 2 stars and shake of my head.