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Sisterhood Diaries #1
Cutting Loose
From New York Times bestselling author Susan Andersen, a classic tale of a good girl, a bad boy and the chemistry they can't resist.
Jane thinks nothing can make her lose her cool. But the princess of propriety blows a gasket the night she meets the contractor restoring the Wolcott mansion. Devlin Kavanagh's rugged sex appeal may buckle her knees, but the man is out of control! Jane had to deal with theatrics growing up--she won't tolerate them in someone hired to work on the house she and her two best friends have inherited.
Dev could renovate the mansion in his sleep. But ever since the prissy owner spotted him jet-lagged and hit hard by a couple of welcome-home drinks, she's been on his case. Yet there's something about her. Jane hides behind conservative clothes and a frosty manner, but her seductive blue eyes and leopard-print heels hint at a woman just dying to cut loose!
Jane thinks nothing can make her lose her cool. But the princess of propriety blows a gasket the night she meets the contractor restoring the Wolcott mansion. Devlin Kavanagh's rugged sex appeal may buckle her knees, but the man is out of control! Jane had to deal with theatrics growing up--she won't tolerate them in someone hired to work on the house she and her two best friends have inherited.
Dev could renovate the mansion in his sleep. But ever since the prissy owner spotted him jet-lagged and hit hard by a couple of welcome-home drinks, she's been on his case. Yet there's something about her. Jane hides behind conservative clothes and a frosty manner, but her seductive blue eyes and leopard-print heels hint at a woman just dying to cut loose!
379 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
95 people are currently reading
2373 people want to read
About the author
Susan Andersen
104 books1,274 followersI grew up in a household with two brothers, a daddy, and my grandfather. Too many men, in other words. They diluted M'ma's influence by diverting my attention to things like the danger of answering nature's call in the dead of the night. I've got a hint for those of you raised in a less spit-and-scratch world: check before you sit, because chances are that seat is gonna be up. And they don't even have the grace to be embarrassed about it. According to my sweet baby boy, if you're the minority sex in the household, you oughtta be putting it up for them. Sigh.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.
A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.
Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.
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September 21, 2015
WARNING: SEX DISCUSSED IN THIS REVIEW! IF THAT SQUICKS YOU OUT, TURN BACK NOW!
How the hell was he supposed to climb over the wall she'd erected when she refused to even let him near enough to make an overture?
Hell, he didn't know why he felt the need to scale her frigging walls anyhow. He'd never met a woman who bristled with so many warning signs - and who needed that hassle? She was bound to be way more work than she was worth.
Yet he had this crazy urge to see her smile again.
I apologize in advance, this is going to be a long review.
Jane is a very thin brunette with tiny breasts. (This is how she's described in the book.) Her parents are two-bit actors who are drunks. They are horrible parents. Jane's a bit fucked-up in the head due to her upbringing. She's just inherited a house (along with her two best friends).
Devlin is an Irish-American Catholic with auburn hair and a killer body. (Again, this is how the book describes him.) He has six siblings and his huge family makes him claustrophobic, which is why he fled for Europe when he was 19 and has been living there ever since, earning his living as a sailor. He's only back in the States now because his oldest brother has cancer. Devlin and his family have been hired to renovate the house Jane has inherited.
...
THE GOOD
1.) The plot is solid. We have a great premise here. Jane being a teetotaler because her parents were drunks and Jane judging Devlin very harshly the first time she meets him (he's hammered in a bar) are very good starting points for a romance novel. They have to work together and end up falling in love. That's great.
Devlin's problem of having a too big and too loving family, however, is a stretch. And although I was buying Andersen telling me that Jane is terrified of drinking and overreacts to people who drink (very much understand this), it was harder for me to believe that she was afraid of passion. Andersen weaves this whole thing where Jane is afraid to be passionate or fall in love because she's afraid of turning into her parents. Not as likely, but still - I'll bite.
And I liked how Jane expressed this hidden passion by secretly having a very colorful interior in her home, and dressing very staid and proper except for her wild Carrie-Bradshaw-type shoes that she wore with every boring outfit, and (as Devlin later learns) sexy and pretty underwear. Cute.
2.) This was one of the few romance novels I've ever read where a heroine is allowed to notice how attractive other men are (in this case, Devlin's brothers). Usually the author says that the heroine only notices the hero. Also, Devlin's brothers flirt with her a bit and Devlin never shows a hint of jealousy or insecurity. This is very refreshing.
3.) "Don't even start thinking that every time I disagree with you, you can kiss away my objections."
"No, ma'am. Wouldn't dream of it."
Cute.
4.) "But come with me and I'll show you something personal." He wagged his dark eyebrows at her. "Something I know you'll like." Taking her hand, he led her toward what could only be a bedroom.
"And would this something be an item that accompanies you everywhere you go?" she asked dryly. She was surprised, because she'd expected his approach to be smoother, more sophisticated. Still, she was grateful to be moving, to have his hands on her again because she didn't THINK so damn much when he was touching her.
"What?" He stopped and stared at her. "Oh, shit, you thought I meant - " Throwing his head back, he roared with laughter. Then he hauled her in and gave her a rib-creaking hug that lifted her high heels clear off the ground. Controlling himself, he set her on her feet again and stepped back. But he held her shoulders and grinned at her. "You thought I was talking about my dick?"
This seems serendipitous since I was just lecturing a character in Truth Be Told about how your penis is not a "surprise" for women. If you say, "I want to show you something" or "I have a surprise for you" and what you're talking about is your penis, then I have news for you. Bad news.
THE BAD
This section is also going to be called
How's the sex, Carmen?
Unfortunate, but that's how it is.
I'm only going to analyze one sex scene (out of three) because I have a character-limit in this review.
Let's start with the kissing.
I love to read about kissing and I love when authors describe kissing, but this was not making me happy.
How about
Dev's fingers tightened in her hair and he raised his mouth until they were connected only by his tongue as it continued to meddle with the lightly sealed seam. "Open up, Jane," he murmured, half hoping for a reprieve, but dreading it, as well. "Let me in."
I'm trying to imagine this and it's not pleasant.
He eased his body closer to hers while his tongue stole over the slick inner lining of her bottom lip. The serrated edges of her teeth
WTF?
scraped his tongue's underside
Um...
as he slipped it farther into the damp cavern of her mouth.
Damp cavern of her mouth!?!?!?
Her flavors burst upon his taste buds.
*Carmen just looks at you*
And she was searing where he'd expected lukewarm.
Then, after this... interesting first-time-ever kissing session, standing up in the house they are renovating, he - get this - tries to get in her panties. Literally, I mean. Which, of course, jolts her back into reality and she's like
"Oh my God." She went very still for a moment. Then she burst into a flurry of activity, shoving at his shoulders.
THEN, he calls her a cock-tease. *Carmen cocks her head to one side* ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME WITH THIS SHIT? Listen... Jeez Louise, I have no idea where to even begin with this. Do you think that a woman kissing you means that she owes you sex? I mean, literally, do you? Because that is all shades of fucked-up and I just can't even deal with this. Be happy you had some kissing. She owes you jackshit. If any woman who doesn't have sex with a man she's kissed is a cocktease, I must be the biggest cocktease on the entire planet. AND SHE APOLOGIZES TO HIM. For fuck's sake. He thinks you're a cocktease and you're APOLOGIZING to him!?!!? Girl, listen to me, you don't have to feel guilty for kissing a guy and then not going to bed with him. Kissing a man DOES NOT equal promising him sex. And he's a piece of shit for implying anything like this. PIECE OF SHIT.
Okay, let's move on from the kissing scene to the part where they have sex for the first time. Brace yourself.
For one thing, she gets this genius idea (sarcasm) to have a no-strings-attached affair with him. Because that always works out so well. I swear, it's like the Number Two most popular plot of romance novels.
Why NOT have a brief affair? What could it hurt? Surely passion wasn't necessarily a bad thing if it had a finite run, with understood rules and a beginning and an end. Right? Why, it would probably make her a better curator. She'd gain firsthand experience with sexuality and all the emotional grizz that went with it.
Needless to say, he jumps all over this. As the media has told you endlessly since you were born, men only want sex and hate marriage and kids. This is a huge, enormous lie. Men love having a girlfriend or wife (or boyfriend or husband) and the majority of them want marriage and kids, too. I really hate how this complete falsehood is just accepted as a fact of life. BUT OKAY. The sex. We were going to talk about the sex.
Their gazes locked for one heartbeat. Two. Then simultaneously, they made twin yearning sounds in their throats, and his hands reached out to frame her face.
Twin yearning sounds? o.O
This kiss was slow and deep, and she sank into a hot, rich world brimming with his flavors.
Just... no.
At one point she caught his lower lip between her teeth, and it was firm and full when she scrapped her teeth over it, flexible when she sank them in to catch it in a firmer grip and give it an experimental tug. The membrane stretched as he slowly lifted his head, and when he smiled she felt it change shape.
What the bleep? The membrane? What? NO.
But he raised her off the mattress to unfasten her bra and peeled her out of it and her nipples promptly leaped out at him like eager puppies begging for attention.
Puppies? The fuck is this?
He rocked her on his hard-on. "Dev's gotta give Legs a ride."
*blink blink* Did you just say that? During sex? Please tell me you didn't say that.
"Oh, wow." Without taking her gaze off his dick, which had sprung free and was pointing at her as if she were the magnet and it the iron shavings, she sat up to remove her panties. Licking her lips, she glanced up at him. "I'm sorry, I know I'm staring. It's just... been a while since I've seen one of those."
His cock was bobbing like a dashboard hula dancer and he wrapped it in his fist to hold it still.
Magnet?! Iron shavings?! His cock was like a dashboard hula dancer?!
He slipped the pad of his forefinger between slippery feminine lips and watched her eyes blur as he slid it lazily up and down the slick furrow.
Please, for the love of Mary, do NOT say "slippery feminine lips" to me EVER AGAIN.
Okay, I can't even believe this part:
Thumbing down his dick, he eased the head inside her.
Jesus. She was slick and wet and so freakin' tight. He looked down at her. "Janie."
Her eyes which were glazed and inward-looking, slowly focused on him. "Hmm?"
"I want you to know I've got a clean bill of health."
*Carmen stares at the page for a good solid minute. Then she screams.* Are you deciding to talk about STDs when you've already started fucking her?!?!!? This is NOT the time to be like, "Oh, by the way, I'm clean. How 'bout you?" I can't even with this idiocy, OMG.
And, to end this sex scene - to top it all off - we have:
"I'm amazed you don't do this twenty-four hours a day," he said. "You were made for this."
"Oh, yeah," she agreed without opening her eyes. She looked as if he'd rode her hard and put her away wet. "I'm a freaking love machine."
I'm incredulous. Did you just say, "rode her hard and put her away wet?" I thought that died a long time ago. Is that back now? Because it's horrible. Please stop this. I can't even believe you'd put that in a romance novel. Goodness gracious me.
Even when it seemed like some good thing would happen during the sex, like some interesting or exciting part was going to appear
He almost had her divested of the slacks, but couldn't prevent himself from pausing to run his thumb up the damp satin-covered furrow of her sex.
It just goes nowhere and the author just drops the whole thing. Like here:
She's a rank beginner, and you've been around the block a time or two, his ego whispered. You gonna let her lead you around by the dick?
Hell, no.
He lowered himself alongside her and set out to demonstrate who was boss. He poured on the expertise, kissing her until she panted, touching her until she moaned.
That's it. Just when I would have wanted more details from Andersen - expertise? Kissing? Expert touching? He's the boss? - she clams up. Perhaps that's for the best, though, it seems her "details" end up in disaster.
And that's another thing. See how Devlin just called Jane "a rank beginner?" What? What is up with that? She's not a virgin. So... how many men does a woman have to sleep with to get out of this "rank beginner" category? I was just kind of confused by this part. I mean, I understand she can count her sexual partners on one hand and that she "hasn't done this in a while" (whatever THAT means) but Devlin's always talking about her as if she's... I don't know. Never seen a penis before or something? This whole plotline was a bit confusing. And when she's rationalizing having a "fling" with Devlin, Jane says now she can "gain firsthand experience with sexuality and all the emotional grizz that went with it." Um... she's had a long-term boyfriend before. And sex before. I'm not really understanding this.
AND THE UGLY
The ugly. Okay. Besides the ugly I've already covered (calling Jane a cocktease for kissing him but not having sex with him, men are revolted by the idea of marriage and kids), we have much more.
"Huh?"
"A dog." Snapping his fingers in her face, he gave her the insolent look he perfected on his sisters. "Try to stay on track here, babe."
Did you just snap your fingers in her face? Disrespectful.
She comes to eat lunch with him and her brothers. She brings a salad. Apparently, this is not acceptable, and the brothers decide she must eat some corned beef and cabbage.
He set his own meal on the table, took a seat next to Jane and turned his head to look at her. "Eat your soup." The look in his eyes warned her not to argue.
Fuck you! If a woman wants to eat a salad for lunch... Then she has a right to eat a fucking salad for lunch. You have no right to comment on it, much less force or guilt her into eating whatever crap you THINK she should be eating. I have a zero-tolerance policy for this shit. Anyone who tries to control a person's eating is on my shit list, big time. Whether you're trying to get her to eat more or less, it's controlling and disgusting.
Any man who tells me what to eat, what not to eat, or when to eat losesan appendage any chance of kissing me ever again.
Lastly, Andersen sets up our next book by making Poppy and the detective, Jason, fight with each other and hate each other. Because fighting and hatred are signs that two people are attracted to each other. <---sarcasm
"What the hell was that all about?"
"Wasn't it obvious?" her blonde friend returned blandly. "He was stonewalling us and I called him on it."
"Yes, you did," Ava agreed dryly. "But your body language was more 'Daddy, do me'"
This is such a thing in romance books and I hate it. If I get into an argument with a man, it means completely the opposite of "I want to have sex with him." I don't understand at all how this 'anger and fighting = sexual attraction and lust and sexy times' thing got to be so huge.
...
Tl;dr - Sigh.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
I was tempted to give this two stars, but I don't know if I can bring myself to do that. o.O
How the hell was he supposed to climb over the wall she'd erected when she refused to even let him near enough to make an overture?
Hell, he didn't know why he felt the need to scale her frigging walls anyhow. He'd never met a woman who bristled with so many warning signs - and who needed that hassle? She was bound to be way more work than she was worth.
Yet he had this crazy urge to see her smile again.
I apologize in advance, this is going to be a long review.
Jane is a very thin brunette with tiny breasts. (This is how she's described in the book.) Her parents are two-bit actors who are drunks. They are horrible parents. Jane's a bit fucked-up in the head due to her upbringing. She's just inherited a house (along with her two best friends).
Devlin is an Irish-American Catholic with auburn hair and a killer body. (Again, this is how the book describes him.) He has six siblings and his huge family makes him claustrophobic, which is why he fled for Europe when he was 19 and has been living there ever since, earning his living as a sailor. He's only back in the States now because his oldest brother has cancer. Devlin and his family have been hired to renovate the house Jane has inherited.
...
THE GOOD
1.) The plot is solid. We have a great premise here. Jane being a teetotaler because her parents were drunks and Jane judging Devlin very harshly the first time she meets him (he's hammered in a bar) are very good starting points for a romance novel. They have to work together and end up falling in love. That's great.
Devlin's problem of having a too big and too loving family, however, is a stretch. And although I was buying Andersen telling me that Jane is terrified of drinking and overreacts to people who drink (very much understand this), it was harder for me to believe that she was afraid of passion. Andersen weaves this whole thing where Jane is afraid to be passionate or fall in love because she's afraid of turning into her parents. Not as likely, but still - I'll bite.
And I liked how Jane expressed this hidden passion by secretly having a very colorful interior in her home, and dressing very staid and proper except for her wild Carrie-Bradshaw-type shoes that she wore with every boring outfit, and (as Devlin later learns) sexy and pretty underwear. Cute.
2.) This was one of the few romance novels I've ever read where a heroine is allowed to notice how attractive other men are (in this case, Devlin's brothers). Usually the author says that the heroine only notices the hero. Also, Devlin's brothers flirt with her a bit and Devlin never shows a hint of jealousy or insecurity. This is very refreshing.
3.) "Don't even start thinking that every time I disagree with you, you can kiss away my objections."
"No, ma'am. Wouldn't dream of it."
Cute.
4.) "But come with me and I'll show you something personal." He wagged his dark eyebrows at her. "Something I know you'll like." Taking her hand, he led her toward what could only be a bedroom.
"And would this something be an item that accompanies you everywhere you go?" she asked dryly. She was surprised, because she'd expected his approach to be smoother, more sophisticated. Still, she was grateful to be moving, to have his hands on her again because she didn't THINK so damn much when he was touching her.
"What?" He stopped and stared at her. "Oh, shit, you thought I meant - " Throwing his head back, he roared with laughter. Then he hauled her in and gave her a rib-creaking hug that lifted her high heels clear off the ground. Controlling himself, he set her on her feet again and stepped back. But he held her shoulders and grinned at her. "You thought I was talking about my dick?"
This seems serendipitous since I was just lecturing a character in Truth Be Told about how your penis is not a "surprise" for women. If you say, "I want to show you something" or "I have a surprise for you" and what you're talking about is your penis, then I have news for you. Bad news.
THE BAD
This section is also going to be called
How's the sex, Carmen?
Unfortunate, but that's how it is.
I'm only going to analyze one sex scene (out of three) because I have a character-limit in this review.
Let's start with the kissing.
I love to read about kissing and I love when authors describe kissing, but this was not making me happy.
How about
Dev's fingers tightened in her hair and he raised his mouth until they were connected only by his tongue as it continued to meddle with the lightly sealed seam. "Open up, Jane," he murmured, half hoping for a reprieve, but dreading it, as well. "Let me in."
I'm trying to imagine this and it's not pleasant.
He eased his body closer to hers while his tongue stole over the slick inner lining of her bottom lip. The serrated edges of her teeth
WTF?
scraped his tongue's underside
Um...
as he slipped it farther into the damp cavern of her mouth.
Damp cavern of her mouth!?!?!?
Her flavors burst upon his taste buds.
*Carmen just looks at you*
And she was searing where he'd expected lukewarm.
Then, after this... interesting first-time-ever kissing session, standing up in the house they are renovating, he - get this - tries to get in her panties. Literally, I mean. Which, of course, jolts her back into reality and she's like
"Oh my God." She went very still for a moment. Then she burst into a flurry of activity, shoving at his shoulders.
THEN, he calls her a cock-tease. *Carmen cocks her head to one side* ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME WITH THIS SHIT? Listen... Jeez Louise, I have no idea where to even begin with this. Do you think that a woman kissing you means that she owes you sex? I mean, literally, do you? Because that is all shades of fucked-up and I just can't even deal with this. Be happy you had some kissing. She owes you jackshit. If any woman who doesn't have sex with a man she's kissed is a cocktease, I must be the biggest cocktease on the entire planet. AND SHE APOLOGIZES TO HIM. For fuck's sake. He thinks you're a cocktease and you're APOLOGIZING to him!?!!? Girl, listen to me, you don't have to feel guilty for kissing a guy and then not going to bed with him. Kissing a man DOES NOT equal promising him sex. And he's a piece of shit for implying anything like this. PIECE OF SHIT.
Okay, let's move on from the kissing scene to the part where they have sex for the first time. Brace yourself.
For one thing, she gets this genius idea (sarcasm) to have a no-strings-attached affair with him. Because that always works out so well. I swear, it's like the Number Two most popular plot of romance novels.
Why NOT have a brief affair? What could it hurt? Surely passion wasn't necessarily a bad thing if it had a finite run, with understood rules and a beginning and an end. Right? Why, it would probably make her a better curator. She'd gain firsthand experience with sexuality and all the emotional grizz that went with it.
Needless to say, he jumps all over this. As the media has told you endlessly since you were born, men only want sex and hate marriage and kids. This is a huge, enormous lie. Men love having a girlfriend or wife (or boyfriend or husband) and the majority of them want marriage and kids, too. I really hate how this complete falsehood is just accepted as a fact of life. BUT OKAY. The sex. We were going to talk about the sex.
Their gazes locked for one heartbeat. Two. Then simultaneously, they made twin yearning sounds in their throats, and his hands reached out to frame her face.
Twin yearning sounds? o.O
This kiss was slow and deep, and she sank into a hot, rich world brimming with his flavors.
Just... no.
At one point she caught his lower lip between her teeth, and it was firm and full when she scrapped her teeth over it, flexible when she sank them in to catch it in a firmer grip and give it an experimental tug. The membrane stretched as he slowly lifted his head, and when he smiled she felt it change shape.
What the bleep? The membrane? What? NO.
But he raised her off the mattress to unfasten her bra and peeled her out of it and her nipples promptly leaped out at him like eager puppies begging for attention.
Puppies? The fuck is this?
He rocked her on his hard-on. "Dev's gotta give Legs a ride."
*blink blink* Did you just say that? During sex? Please tell me you didn't say that.
"Oh, wow." Without taking her gaze off his dick, which had sprung free and was pointing at her as if she were the magnet and it the iron shavings, she sat up to remove her panties. Licking her lips, she glanced up at him. "I'm sorry, I know I'm staring. It's just... been a while since I've seen one of those."
His cock was bobbing like a dashboard hula dancer and he wrapped it in his fist to hold it still.
Magnet?! Iron shavings?! His cock was like a dashboard hula dancer?!
He slipped the pad of his forefinger between slippery feminine lips and watched her eyes blur as he slid it lazily up and down the slick furrow.
Please, for the love of Mary, do NOT say "slippery feminine lips" to me EVER AGAIN.
Okay, I can't even believe this part:
Thumbing down his dick, he eased the head inside her.
Jesus. She was slick and wet and so freakin' tight. He looked down at her. "Janie."
Her eyes which were glazed and inward-looking, slowly focused on him. "Hmm?"
"I want you to know I've got a clean bill of health."
*Carmen stares at the page for a good solid minute. Then she screams.* Are you deciding to talk about STDs when you've already started fucking her?!?!!? This is NOT the time to be like, "Oh, by the way, I'm clean. How 'bout you?" I can't even with this idiocy, OMG.
And, to end this sex scene - to top it all off - we have:
"I'm amazed you don't do this twenty-four hours a day," he said. "You were made for this."
"Oh, yeah," she agreed without opening her eyes. She looked as if he'd rode her hard and put her away wet. "I'm a freaking love machine."
I'm incredulous. Did you just say, "rode her hard and put her away wet?" I thought that died a long time ago. Is that back now? Because it's horrible. Please stop this. I can't even believe you'd put that in a romance novel. Goodness gracious me.
Even when it seemed like some good thing would happen during the sex, like some interesting or exciting part was going to appear
He almost had her divested of the slacks, but couldn't prevent himself from pausing to run his thumb up the damp satin-covered furrow of her sex.
It just goes nowhere and the author just drops the whole thing. Like here:
She's a rank beginner, and you've been around the block a time or two, his ego whispered. You gonna let her lead you around by the dick?
Hell, no.
He lowered himself alongside her and set out to demonstrate who was boss. He poured on the expertise, kissing her until she panted, touching her until she moaned.
That's it. Just when I would have wanted more details from Andersen - expertise? Kissing? Expert touching? He's the boss? - she clams up. Perhaps that's for the best, though, it seems her "details" end up in disaster.
And that's another thing. See how Devlin just called Jane "a rank beginner?" What? What is up with that? She's not a virgin. So... how many men does a woman have to sleep with to get out of this "rank beginner" category? I was just kind of confused by this part. I mean, I understand she can count her sexual partners on one hand and that she "hasn't done this in a while" (whatever THAT means) but Devlin's always talking about her as if she's... I don't know. Never seen a penis before or something? This whole plotline was a bit confusing. And when she's rationalizing having a "fling" with Devlin, Jane says now she can "gain firsthand experience with sexuality and all the emotional grizz that went with it." Um... she's had a long-term boyfriend before. And sex before. I'm not really understanding this.
AND THE UGLY
The ugly. Okay. Besides the ugly I've already covered (calling Jane a cocktease for kissing him but not having sex with him, men are revolted by the idea of marriage and kids), we have much more.
"Huh?"
"A dog." Snapping his fingers in her face, he gave her the insolent look he perfected on his sisters. "Try to stay on track here, babe."
Did you just snap your fingers in her face? Disrespectful.
She comes to eat lunch with him and her brothers. She brings a salad. Apparently, this is not acceptable, and the brothers decide she must eat some corned beef and cabbage.
He set his own meal on the table, took a seat next to Jane and turned his head to look at her. "Eat your soup." The look in his eyes warned her not to argue.
Fuck you! If a woman wants to eat a salad for lunch... Then she has a right to eat a fucking salad for lunch. You have no right to comment on it, much less force or guilt her into eating whatever crap you THINK she should be eating. I have a zero-tolerance policy for this shit. Anyone who tries to control a person's eating is on my shit list, big time. Whether you're trying to get her to eat more or less, it's controlling and disgusting.
Any man who tells me what to eat, what not to eat, or when to eat loses
Lastly, Andersen sets up our next book by making Poppy and the detective, Jason, fight with each other and hate each other. Because fighting and hatred are signs that two people are attracted to each other. <---sarcasm
"What the hell was that all about?"
"Wasn't it obvious?" her blonde friend returned blandly. "He was stonewalling us and I called him on it."
"Yes, you did," Ava agreed dryly. "But your body language was more 'Daddy, do me'"
This is such a thing in romance books and I hate it. If I get into an argument with a man, it means completely the opposite of "I want to have sex with him." I don't understand at all how this 'anger and fighting = sexual attraction and lust and sexy times' thing got to be so huge.
...
Tl;dr - Sigh.
ONE REAL STAR, ONE ROMANCE STAR
I was tempted to give this two stars, but I don't know if I can bring myself to do that. o.O
March 11, 2019
I did enjoy this one. A gripe or two but, hey, what's new with me and that? Devlin - Irish - a reference again to him being able to "hold" his drink as he comes from Irish stock. It is getting old for me to read this shite in books...
LIST PER CAPITAL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION - COUNTRIES.
1 Belarus 17.50
2 Moldova 16.80
3 Lithuania 15.40
4 Russia 15.10
5 Romania 14.40
6 Ukraine 13.90
7 Andorra 13.80
8 Hungary 13.30
9 Czech Republic 13.00
10 Slovakia 13.00
11 Portugal 12.90
12 Serbia 12.60
13 Grenada 12.50
14 Poland 12.50
15 Latvia 12.30
16 Finland 12.30
17 South Korea 12.30
18 France 12.20
19 Australia 12.20
20 Croatia 12.20
Ireland isn't even in the TOP TWENTY so Fuck Off with those references in books.
One more thing... no self respecting Irish person would sing the National Anthem as a party piece. We respect the Anthem. So to suggest that the Kavanagh gang were singing the National Anthem in the middle of a party is BS.
Other than that, all was fine and dandy!!
So, onwards and upwards to the next in the series. The main characters are not Irish so you won't have me on my high horse ... hopefully.
LIST PER CAPITAL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION - COUNTRIES.
1 Belarus 17.50
2 Moldova 16.80
3 Lithuania 15.40
4 Russia 15.10
5 Romania 14.40
6 Ukraine 13.90
7 Andorra 13.80
8 Hungary 13.30
9 Czech Republic 13.00
10 Slovakia 13.00
11 Portugal 12.90
12 Serbia 12.60
13 Grenada 12.50
14 Poland 12.50
15 Latvia 12.30
16 Finland 12.30
17 South Korea 12.30
18 France 12.20
19 Australia 12.20
20 Croatia 12.20
Ireland isn't even in the TOP TWENTY so Fuck Off with those references in books.
One more thing... no self respecting Irish person would sing the National Anthem as a party piece. We respect the Anthem. So to suggest that the Kavanagh gang were singing the National Anthem in the middle of a party is BS.
Other than that, all was fine and dandy!!
So, onwards and upwards to the next in the series. The main characters are not Irish so you won't have me on my high horse ... hopefully.
May 8, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com, book release: August 2008
Okay, I should probably just go ahead and fess up. I’m a sucker for the whole ‘trilogy’ thing. Even though I know some of the story going in…there’s gonna be one smart one, one shy one, and one really gorgeous one. There will be some thread that binds them together whether it’s school, home life situation, work together…whatever. I still love ‘em, can’t get enough of ‘em. I read the first one, and assuming it’s any good, I put the other two on my wishlist right away. Now, if you’ve read other works by Susan Andersen, it shouldn’t be any surprise that after reading “Cutting Loose”, I’ve already put her next one “Bending the Rules” coming in summer 2009 on my auto-buy list!
In this first book of the “Sisterhood Diaries”, Andersen does a great job setting the background for this new series. We meet all three of the women, get an overview of their stories, and a bang-up job on setting the stage for book two. (I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of the next ‘hero’ and he’s already got my senses tingling!) But, back to basics—the first heroine is the smart one, Jane. Jane’s a little, okay a lot, repressed. However she has a good reason! Her home life growing up an only child taught her to be afraid of passion. I cracked up when I read Jane’s description of her parents, “…stars of the Battling Bickertons’ Always Amazing Traveling Road Show.” No doubt about it, Jane took her stage actor parents’ unintentional lessons to heart and doesn’t allow herself to get passionate about anything except her work. Whatever will she do when she discovers that sometimes real passion doesn’t allow for any control at all?
Our hero, Devlin, on the other hand, grew up in the midst of a huge Irish Catholic brood. His efforts to escape the constant lack of privacy led him to take on the life of a wanderer, crewing on yachts all over the world. Recently, his older brother’s sickness has brought him home to Seattle to help out in the family construction business. Although he and Jane are instantly attracted, their initial meeting is considerably less than auspicious. She thinks he’s a drunk and he thinks she’s a judgmental snot! Of course we all know they’ll soon be together, and Ms Andersen’s flowing plot and pacing make their journey a smooth sail indeed.
I enjoyed the richness of the scenery for this story. I also learned a bit about curating museum exhibits and the fascinating array of objects that modern museums showcase. It ain’t just paintings anymore folks! I was also drawn into the hints of mystery and possible danger scattered throughout the plot. The author’s handling of the lead and secondary character’s motivations were extremely believable and by golly, her ability to write sensual, passionate, and yet, still mainstream acceptable love scenes is exceptional. I think my husband will be VERY happy with me! As I think back over this story, there are still several scenes that stick in my head…and when it’s all said and done, isn’t that what makes a cracking good read?
Okay, I should probably just go ahead and fess up. I’m a sucker for the whole ‘trilogy’ thing. Even though I know some of the story going in…there’s gonna be one smart one, one shy one, and one really gorgeous one. There will be some thread that binds them together whether it’s school, home life situation, work together…whatever. I still love ‘em, can’t get enough of ‘em. I read the first one, and assuming it’s any good, I put the other two on my wishlist right away. Now, if you’ve read other works by Susan Andersen, it shouldn’t be any surprise that after reading “Cutting Loose”, I’ve already put her next one “Bending the Rules” coming in summer 2009 on my auto-buy list!
In this first book of the “Sisterhood Diaries”, Andersen does a great job setting the background for this new series. We meet all three of the women, get an overview of their stories, and a bang-up job on setting the stage for book two. (I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of the next ‘hero’ and he’s already got my senses tingling!) But, back to basics—the first heroine is the smart one, Jane. Jane’s a little, okay a lot, repressed. However she has a good reason! Her home life growing up an only child taught her to be afraid of passion. I cracked up when I read Jane’s description of her parents, “…stars of the Battling Bickertons’ Always Amazing Traveling Road Show.” No doubt about it, Jane took her stage actor parents’ unintentional lessons to heart and doesn’t allow herself to get passionate about anything except her work. Whatever will she do when she discovers that sometimes real passion doesn’t allow for any control at all?
Our hero, Devlin, on the other hand, grew up in the midst of a huge Irish Catholic brood. His efforts to escape the constant lack of privacy led him to take on the life of a wanderer, crewing on yachts all over the world. Recently, his older brother’s sickness has brought him home to Seattle to help out in the family construction business. Although he and Jane are instantly attracted, their initial meeting is considerably less than auspicious. She thinks he’s a drunk and he thinks she’s a judgmental snot! Of course we all know they’ll soon be together, and Ms Andersen’s flowing plot and pacing make their journey a smooth sail indeed.
I enjoyed the richness of the scenery for this story. I also learned a bit about curating museum exhibits and the fascinating array of objects that modern museums showcase. It ain’t just paintings anymore folks! I was also drawn into the hints of mystery and possible danger scattered throughout the plot. The author’s handling of the lead and secondary character’s motivations were extremely believable and by golly, her ability to write sensual, passionate, and yet, still mainstream acceptable love scenes is exceptional. I think my husband will be VERY happy with me! As I think back over this story, there are still several scenes that stick in my head…and when it’s all said and done, isn’t that what makes a cracking good read?
September 16, 2010
After my fourth in a row trashy romance novel I have decided that this book could really use some constructive criticism. I am going to point out the problems with it and give my reccommendations of how to make it better.
Problem- Lame premise. Three really annoying girls are taken under the wing of a crotchety old millionaire socialite woman with a mansion who inevitably takes a shine to said annoying girls, gives them diaries to write in, and several years later dies and leave the girls the mansion. To make matters more complicated the main character Janey is supposed to oversee the massive art collection left to a museum.
Solution- Make it a haunted mansion, kill off the women in the first three chapters and do the reader the service of not having to continue reading.
Problem- Horrible diary entries. The girls are given diaries to keep brilliant thoughts in and, lucky us, we get to read them. What's in the entries? Things like, "Poppy said that thongs were comfortable but she was so wrong. Never doing that again."
Solution- Rip off the diary of a wimpy kid journal entries instead.
Problem- The men are supposed to be hyper-masculine stereotypes but should be interior decorators or fashion designers. The main love interest is supposed to be a burly, drunken Irish construction worker sailor guy. What does this guy notice about Janey, the main character? Her shoes. He says to her, "I don't like all this fru-fru decoration in here." and then goes on to promptly notice her "yellow velvet slippers sporting extravagant puffs of maribou." I don't work in construction but I doubt he has had much opportunity to know what maribou is any more than I do. He also knows what shade "butter cream gold" is.
Solution- Let the guy decorate and then he will have less angst about his romantic attachments.
Problem- Romantic dialogue that is not. Some examples of dialogue, "I don't think this love seat was made for 3. Especially when one of us has such impressively curvey hips." And "You have unexpectedly hot taste in shoes." And "Babe, I feel a bleep-load of passion for you."
Solution- Rip off Shakespear. It's ok, everyone does it.
Problem- Lame bad guy. The guy who turns out to be evil, spends more money in one month on manicures than Janey does in a whole year. His evil motive for stealing stuff from the mansion? He wants to be a poker star on tv. He has friends, "from the hood" but exfoliates his cheeks every Saturday.
Solution- Get a bad guy less involved with skincare.
Problem- Over use of the expression "Really jazzed." This is used to describe joy over a marriage, an inheritance, and of course, shoes.
Solution- Get a thesaurus.
Problem- Extremely unromantic gifts. What does the construction guy, Devlin use to express his love? He gives Janey a pair of green parachute pants. Not kidding. That is how she knows he loves her.
Solution- Get out of the 1980's.
Problem- Bad song quotes. The guy acutally says to Janey, "Our future is so bright we gotta wear shades."
Solution- Get out of the 1980's.
Problem- I listened to this whole book.
Solution- Return it to the library ASAP.
Pre-listen guess
Oh man, this is gonna be so lame.
Problem- Lame premise. Three really annoying girls are taken under the wing of a crotchety old millionaire socialite woman with a mansion who inevitably takes a shine to said annoying girls, gives them diaries to write in, and several years later dies and leave the girls the mansion. To make matters more complicated the main character Janey is supposed to oversee the massive art collection left to a museum.
Solution- Make it a haunted mansion, kill off the women in the first three chapters and do the reader the service of not having to continue reading.
Problem- Horrible diary entries. The girls are given diaries to keep brilliant thoughts in and, lucky us, we get to read them. What's in the entries? Things like, "Poppy said that thongs were comfortable but she was so wrong. Never doing that again."
Solution- Rip off the diary of a wimpy kid journal entries instead.
Problem- The men are supposed to be hyper-masculine stereotypes but should be interior decorators or fashion designers. The main love interest is supposed to be a burly, drunken Irish construction worker sailor guy. What does this guy notice about Janey, the main character? Her shoes. He says to her, "I don't like all this fru-fru decoration in here." and then goes on to promptly notice her "yellow velvet slippers sporting extravagant puffs of maribou." I don't work in construction but I doubt he has had much opportunity to know what maribou is any more than I do. He also knows what shade "butter cream gold" is.
Solution- Let the guy decorate and then he will have less angst about his romantic attachments.
Problem- Romantic dialogue that is not. Some examples of dialogue, "I don't think this love seat was made for 3. Especially when one of us has such impressively curvey hips." And "You have unexpectedly hot taste in shoes." And "Babe, I feel a bleep-load of passion for you."
Solution- Rip off Shakespear. It's ok, everyone does it.
Problem- Lame bad guy. The guy who turns out to be evil, spends more money in one month on manicures than Janey does in a whole year. His evil motive for stealing stuff from the mansion? He wants to be a poker star on tv. He has friends, "from the hood" but exfoliates his cheeks every Saturday.
Solution- Get a bad guy less involved with skincare.
Problem- Over use of the expression "Really jazzed." This is used to describe joy over a marriage, an inheritance, and of course, shoes.
Solution- Get a thesaurus.
Problem- Extremely unromantic gifts. What does the construction guy, Devlin use to express his love? He gives Janey a pair of green parachute pants. Not kidding. That is how she knows he loves her.
Solution- Get out of the 1980's.
Problem- Bad song quotes. The guy acutally says to Janey, "Our future is so bright we gotta wear shades."
Solution- Get out of the 1980's.
Problem- I listened to this whole book.
Solution- Return it to the library ASAP.
Pre-listen guess
Oh man, this is gonna be so lame.
January 15, 2019
Our heroine’s parents are Actors. That’s with a capital A. They live for the limelight and pull drama into their lives. This often involves lots of alcohol and affairs. They only remember they have a daughter when an audience or arbitrator is needed.
The first time she sees our hero he appears to be drunk and hitting on her. She immediately tags him as someone she wants nothing to do with. Unfortunately he is with the contractors she and her friends hired to fix the mansion they inherited.
So, she doesn’t want romance and he is planning on going back to his life as a roving photojournalist. But, Cupid has other ideas.
Cute romance. 💕
The first time she sees our hero he appears to be drunk and hitting on her. She immediately tags him as someone she wants nothing to do with. Unfortunately he is with the contractors she and her friends hired to fix the mansion they inherited.
So, she doesn’t want romance and he is planning on going back to his life as a roving photojournalist. But, Cupid has other ideas.
Cute romance. 💕
December 9, 2014
I gave up EARLY on... Never even made it to chapter 2...
Here is the beginning of the conversation (which didn't improve later on), that made me realise that Jane REALLY likes to make a big deal out of small things (a drunk guy in a bar? Really?? And he LOOKED at you?) later on she also demonstrates how to be rude!
“Well, shit.” Her disappointment was fierce, which was pretty dumb
considering she’d never even talked to the guy.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She waved it aside. “It’s not important.”
Ava just looked at her.
“Okay, okay. I was doing the eye-flirt thing with this buff redhead over in the
restaurant part of the room and—don’t turn around! For God’s sake, Ava. He
went to the can, anyhow.”
“Eye flirting is good—especially for you, since you don’t do nearly enough of it.
So why are you cursing?”
“He’s drunk. I didn’t realize it until I saw him walking away.”
Well Jane, yes he was, but he woke up sober the next day and you where still a rude *fill in word you feel like using*. . .
Here is the beginning of the conversation (which didn't improve later on), that made me realise that Jane REALLY likes to make a big deal out of small things (a drunk guy in a bar? Really?? And he LOOKED at you?) later on she also demonstrates how to be rude!
“Well, shit.” Her disappointment was fierce, which was pretty dumb
considering she’d never even talked to the guy.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She waved it aside. “It’s not important.”
Ava just looked at her.
“Okay, okay. I was doing the eye-flirt thing with this buff redhead over in the
restaurant part of the room and—don’t turn around! For God’s sake, Ava. He
went to the can, anyhow.”
“Eye flirting is good—especially for you, since you don’t do nearly enough of it.
So why are you cursing?”
“He’s drunk. I didn’t realize it until I saw him walking away.”
Well Jane, yes he was, but he woke up sober the next day and you where still a rude *fill in word you feel like using*. . .
August 24, 2008
I really liked this one! Again... straying from my Regencies... but I think this one would translate to a historical if need be. But quick witty dialogues. Totally HOT attraction and sparing between the h/h. I will be interested in seeing how the next of this trilogy happens.
May 5, 2017
So. Yeah. What a disappointment.
I read the second book of this series, Bending the Rules, before I knew that it was part of a series. I loved Poppy and Jason, and I really liked Dev and Jane in that book. So, I was anticipating reading Cutting Loose and totally falling for them. Well, as I'm sure you can tell from my rating, this was not the case.
I immediately disliked Jane. From the first moment she saw Dev (saw, not met), she was judgmental and harsh without even knowing all the facts. And she continued to be that way for a great while. And, while I am glad to say that this tendency to misjudge people before she meets them eventually died down, she continued to suffer from a very tragic ailment that often infects and takes root in romance heroines: Too Stupid To Live Syndrome. Oh, and she was a bitch. Let's not forget that. All the way up until the last thirty pages or so when she finally realizes she loves Dev, Jane was Super Bitch. I'm not sure about other people, but I cannot abide that in my heroines. Grow up.
Now, Dev is a completely different story. Well, not completely different but, nonetheless, not the same. I actually liked him in the beginning and at other parts throughout the novel. But, what lessened my opinion of him--aside from the fact that he fell for Jane--was that he often sounded like a pussy, whether it was things he actually said or thought or described from his point of view. He paid an inordinate amount of attention to Jane's shoes. That's just not normal. And I felt that he overly described things a lot of the time. Now, I know it's stereotypical to say that no man would pay attention to such detail, but let's face it. Those men are either gay or interior/fashion designers (who are almost always gay, also). Devlin was, quite obviously, not gay. So, let's man up here, buddy.
Poppy and Ava are two characters I actually still like. Maybe it's because these two weren't the focal points in this sucktastic disaster, but I think I just like them in general. And, of course, I still think Jason (the detective investigating the robberies) is uber sexy. He's clearly intelligent, too, since he was the only one who seemed to suspect Gordon. (Never mind that he's a detective and that's his job.) And the scene with Poppy and Jason going head-to-head? No joke, that was my favorite part of the whole book. It kind of makes me want to reread their book. Which I suppose I need to do before I read Playing Dirty so I'm all caught up on everything.
Despite the fact that this completely bombed for me, I am still very excited to read Playing Dirty when it comes out on July 26th. I can't wait to see what happens with Ava and Cade!
I read the second book of this series, Bending the Rules, before I knew that it was part of a series. I loved Poppy and Jason, and I really liked Dev and Jane in that book. So, I was anticipating reading Cutting Loose and totally falling for them. Well, as I'm sure you can tell from my rating, this was not the case.
I immediately disliked Jane. From the first moment she saw Dev (saw, not met), she was judgmental and harsh without even knowing all the facts. And she continued to be that way for a great while. And, while I am glad to say that this tendency to misjudge people before she meets them eventually died down, she continued to suffer from a very tragic ailment that often infects and takes root in romance heroines: Too Stupid To Live Syndrome. Oh, and she was a bitch. Let's not forget that. All the way up until the last thirty pages or so when she finally realizes she loves Dev, Jane was Super Bitch. I'm not sure about other people, but I cannot abide that in my heroines. Grow up.
Now, Dev is a completely different story. Well, not completely different but, nonetheless, not the same. I actually liked him in the beginning and at other parts throughout the novel. But, what lessened my opinion of him--aside from the fact that he fell for Jane--was that he often sounded like a pussy, whether it was things he actually said or thought or described from his point of view. He paid an inordinate amount of attention to Jane's shoes. That's just not normal. And I felt that he overly described things a lot of the time. Now, I know it's stereotypical to say that no man would pay attention to such detail, but let's face it. Those men are either gay or interior/fashion designers (who are almost always gay, also). Devlin was, quite obviously, not gay. So, let's man up here, buddy.
Poppy and Ava are two characters I actually still like. Maybe it's because these two weren't the focal points in this sucktastic disaster, but I think I just like them in general. And, of course, I still think Jason (the detective investigating the robberies) is uber sexy. He's clearly intelligent, too, since he was the only one who seemed to suspect Gordon. (Never mind that he's a detective and that's his job.) And the scene with Poppy and Jason going head-to-head? No joke, that was my favorite part of the whole book. It kind of makes me want to reread their book. Which I suppose I need to do before I read Playing Dirty so I'm all caught up on everything.
Despite the fact that this completely bombed for me, I am still very excited to read Playing Dirty when it comes out on July 26th. I can't wait to see what happens with Ava and Cade!
January 5, 2016
I broke my rule and read this series out of order - or - maybe not. This book seems very familiar, but if I read it, I did it a really long time ago. So, I'll just finish. I remembered all the high points of the plot, but have no memory of the main characters.
Jane is one of three friends who have inherited the sizable Wolcott estate. She is also an assistant curator at the Seattle Met museum which is also a beneficiary of the estate, with the stipulation that Jane curate the exhibits from the estate. This has caused some degree of professional jealousy, that has put Jane in danger.
Devlin is the foreman on the Wollcott estate remodel. He and Jane get off to a really bad start and he has made it clear that he wants to be on better terms with her and more, if possible. Devin is in Seattle for the short term only. His family being all up in his business drove him away a long time age. His brother has cancer and needs Devin to be foreman on the Wollcott job.
Jane and Devin do work out their misunderstandings and find their way to a really steamy affaire with an end date - when Devin returns to Europe. Well that end never happens. I really like that Jane saves herself from the baddie.
Jane is one of three friends who have inherited the sizable Wolcott estate. She is also an assistant curator at the Seattle Met museum which is also a beneficiary of the estate, with the stipulation that Jane curate the exhibits from the estate. This has caused some degree of professional jealousy, that has put Jane in danger.
Devlin is the foreman on the Wollcott estate remodel. He and Jane get off to a really bad start and he has made it clear that he wants to be on better terms with her and more, if possible. Devin is in Seattle for the short term only. His family being all up in his business drove him away a long time age. His brother has cancer and needs Devin to be foreman on the Wollcott job.
Jane and Devin do work out their misunderstandings and find their way to a really steamy affaire with an end date - when Devin returns to Europe. Well that end never happens. I really like that Jane saves herself from the baddie.
August 7, 2015
This the first book in the Sisterhood Diaries series by Susan Andersen and she didn't disappoint. I loved Devlin Kavanaugh from the first moment that Jane laid eyes on him, and no not just because he had red hair (I am a sucker for red hair), but because he came from a large family. I could connect with him and truly understand his need to be away. He was exactly who and what Jane needed. They were so very hot together. ***Get your coat*** S'all I'm Say'n. Jane was along with all of the girls was so amazingly written. I wanted to bash her parent’s heads together for her. The girls though even with how much I love reading about the HEA are my favorite part of the book. They have such an easy loving flow between them that I honestly envy. I wish I had friends like them. I found this to an incredibly delightful book so much so that it earned a permanent spot my bookshelf so I can go back and reread whenever I need a good giggle. And if the sneak peak in this book gives you any clue on how great the second one is going to be well I better make room for two books on my bookshelf.
January 1, 2010
What I love about Susan Andersen is that she weaves together love story time lines of different characters. In this book we see a little bit of Poppy. Yeee! I am already excited and am already looking into the book dedicated to Poppy's story.
Other than that aspect, Susan Andersen's books are not spectacular and in this particular book I did get held up and was unable to finish it for awhile. She writes a nice love story but sometimes they loose some steam as they go.
Great easy read.
Other than that aspect, Susan Andersen's books are not spectacular and in this particular book I did get held up and was unable to finish it for awhile. She writes a nice love story but sometimes they loose some steam as they go.
Great easy read.
June 7, 2020
Tudtam, hogy mélyen szántó gondolatokra nem kell számítanom ebben a könyvben. Reméltem, hogy a könnyed kikapcsolódás mellett azért fog valami pluszt adni, de nem adott. A történet sekélyes, a karakterek pedig unalmasak. Mint megtudtam, ez egy trilógia első része. Ha valamelyik még a kezembe akad, lehet, hogy elolvasom, de a megszerzésükért nem fogok erőfeszítéseket tenni.
January 26, 2021
Passionate, exciting and fun romance
4 stars
I am a huge fan of Susan Andersen and I'm really happy to see her back with the start of a new trilogy of books. This series, The Sisterhood Diaries, focuses on three friends, Jane, Poppy and Ava, who have just inherited a mansion.
In this book we get to meet all the girls, as well as Dev's family, but it really is Jane and Dev that stand out. Jane is an independent, modern girl with enough faults and hang-ups that you can really support and love her. Dev is a typical Susan Andersen hero - strong, alpha, rugged and deliciously sexy. Together the pair are passionate, fun and burn up the pages.
As always with Susan Andersen, there is an element of suspense/danger in the story but it is minor enough to not eclipse the main story yet is interesting enough to keep the pages turning.
I wouldn't say that this was Susan Andersen's best book but it was still a fun, well-written and passionate read. The characters really stand out and I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the Sisterhood Diaries. 4 stars.
August 3, 2016
Secret Passages: CUTTING LOOSE by Susan Andersen
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to BENDING THE RULES, the second book in the series, first. and, while I found it intriguing and entertaining I had trouble with some of the tropes and I had a real issue with the way the compact discs were formatted. I also felt I had missed some backstory. I recommend that you read or listen to the series in order.
I liked this one a little more. The discs was formatted for an easy download to my I-Tunes set-up. The characters felt a little more real but the set-up of the story was a little obvious. I certainly liked the relationship between the characters: the friends are close, but still have a real relationship with the occasional barb and argument.
Jane, the love interest in this story, is a museum curator, has an immediate attraction to the male love interest, Devin. That lust turns to aversion as she thinks he’s drunk. He’s more “punch drunk” from a combo of let lag and a family party.
But, things heat up as these two discover they are very attracted to each other, despite their very different backgrounds and lifestyles.
The crisis is somewhat obvious, possibly more so as I had already read the second book. But, it didn’t really detract from the book. I wanted the couple to make it through their tough-ish times. And, while I had an idea of the crisis it was still suspenseful.
The narration only had one note that I didn’t like and that was in the portrayal of a police detective who only appears briefly. Emily Durante’s voices for the characters seemed pretty spot on.
I think this a good start to the series and I enjoyed listening to it.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to BENDING THE RULES, the second book in the series, first. and, while I found it intriguing and entertaining I had trouble with some of the tropes and I had a real issue with the way the compact discs were formatted. I also felt I had missed some backstory. I recommend that you read or listen to the series in order.
I liked this one a little more. The discs was formatted for an easy download to my I-Tunes set-up. The characters felt a little more real but the set-up of the story was a little obvious. I certainly liked the relationship between the characters: the friends are close, but still have a real relationship with the occasional barb and argument.
Jane, the love interest in this story, is a museum curator, has an immediate attraction to the male love interest, Devin. That lust turns to aversion as she thinks he’s drunk. He’s more “punch drunk” from a combo of let lag and a family party.
But, things heat up as these two discover they are very attracted to each other, despite their very different backgrounds and lifestyles.
The crisis is somewhat obvious, possibly more so as I had already read the second book. But, it didn’t really detract from the book. I wanted the couple to make it through their tough-ish times. And, while I had an idea of the crisis it was still suspenseful.
The narration only had one note that I didn’t like and that was in the portrayal of a police detective who only appears briefly. Emily Durante’s voices for the characters seemed pretty spot on.
I think this a good start to the series and I enjoyed listening to it.
May 2, 2013
The 2 books I've read in this series are super cute. I liked Playing Dirty more than I liked this one but I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories in all of their many variations. I have a few caveats, however. 1) Not a fan of the villains' p.o.v. If there is supposed to be an element of suspense in the story, using the villain's p.o.v. ruins it. It can work, I guess, but I've yet to see a successful example of it. 2) I feel like the resolution happens a little quickly. The emotional issues get resolved in an A Ha! moment, but life-long issues take more than 3 seconds to get over. 3) In this book particularly, there is a whiff of homophobia that made me unhappy. It's not overt but Jane wonders about a dude's sexual orientation because he happens to wear nice clothes and moisturize and then having him be the villain is a subtle stereotype reinforcement, i.e. grooming is gay->dude is well-groomed->dude is bad->gay is bad. I'll probably read the middle book eventually.
January 15, 2010
This is really 3 1/2* I liked the book well enough once it got off the ground. But for me that wasn't until nearly the end of chapter 9.
I really didn't like Jane's automatic assumption that Dev had a drinking problem from such a brief interaction with him at the beginning, no matter what her issues were.
Dev and his brothers interactions between each other, along with Jane and their family was my favorite part.
The unabridged audio version narrated by Carol Monda was done well and enjoyable from about chapter nine on. Listen to the first chapter to get the set up and then fast forward if your like me.
I really didn't like Jane's automatic assumption that Dev had a drinking problem from such a brief interaction with him at the beginning, no matter what her issues were.
Dev and his brothers interactions between each other, along with Jane and their family was my favorite part.
The unabridged audio version narrated by Carol Monda was done well and enjoyable from about chapter nine on. Listen to the first chapter to get the set up and then fast forward if your like me.
October 8, 2010
This storyline was ok for me. Who doesnt love the male character with an irish background. I couldnt complain on that aspect, but the storyline was kinda weak for me. Devlin, The hunky male main character went from noway relationship to wanna move to the other end of the world with me alittle too fast for a character who is supposed to be portraying his independance. I enjoyed the book but thought at times there was too much dialogue in the characters head and it at times drifted off. The heat between the two characters was good but there could have been more. The book was a quick read.
January 7, 2012
Starting with the first book in a romance series is unusual for me. Usually, I browse the library shelves looking for either a historical or contemporary romance and take the first one that strikes my fancy, even if it is out of sequence.
In this case, dumb luck helped me find the first in the Sisterhood Diaries. It was fun read and contained all of my requirements from romance. Interesting characters and setting, some humor and a little sex and of course the fairy tale ending.
I had not read Susan Andersen before, but I will read her again.
In this case, dumb luck helped me find the first in the Sisterhood Diaries. It was fun read and contained all of my requirements from romance. Interesting characters and setting, some humor and a little sex and of course the fairy tale ending.
I had not read Susan Andersen before, but I will read her again.
June 20, 2013
I'm sorry to say I didn't like this read. The entire story was rather disappointing and oh-so predictable. Not one original notion to the entire story-line. I particularly didn't like Jane Kaplinski, the female lead. That woman has some weird hang-ups and she can't handle a healthy relationship when one is presented. It's all very Deja-vu, and boring.
I remember a time - long ago - when this author used to be fresh-sounding and original.
I remember a time - long ago - when this author used to be fresh-sounding and original.
August 30, 2008
I liked the verbal sparring in this book and how disagreements between the couple weren't drawn out forever, they were resolved quickly. The villain in the book wasn't that scary, more of an annoyance. It was a quick and pleasant read and I hope we see the hero's brother, Finn, in a future book. The little glimpses we see of him were yummy.
April 23, 2009
Another random purchase that I enjoyed thoroughly. Sweet romantic story with some intrigue to boot. I liked the characters too... always a plus. Will look for more books by her, I was excited to find out this is a book in a series.
October 23, 2008
This story about three friends, neglected in different ways by their parents while growing up, who inherit a house full of valuable artwork, is not up to Andersen's usual standard.
November 13, 2009
Jane and Dev are an inspiration to a new kind of romance that Susan Andersen creates with this page turning start of her new series. I give it two thumbs up.
June 15, 2011
Good book. I really hated the bad guy Gordon. He was such a horribly unlikable character. I know he was supposed to be but it made me mad reading it and what he was thinking.
April 26, 2016
4 Stars....!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Loved Dev and Jane..........!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Loved Dev and Jane..........!!!
July 10, 2020
"Cutting Loose" is the 1st novel of the Sisterhood Diaries Trilogy that is a sizzling example of everything I equate to an author writing Harlequin® romance novels. I haven't read a Harlequin® romance for a long, long time but favorite authors that come to mind are Barbara Delinsky, Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Linda Lael Miller, and Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. Some might call this type of romance novel light and fluffy or predictable but in some cases that is exactly why a reader might initially make the selection. However, it is not the reason why I still select one even if not as often. The women have often been underestimated by some of the populace but their true friends always know each other's strengths and complement each other's weaknesses so they can help each other to find laughter in the midst of tears or encouragement to try something new or give support when confidence needs to be refreshed. The man who becomes their "one and only" sees the incredible person that others have misjudged and is able to look at their own behavior (sometimes with the help of a loving relative or friend) and takes responsibility for their part in any misdirect of the relationship to become a positive. Any individual can write a sentence with descriptive adjectives but only a talented author can create sizzling settings throughout the entire novel that as you read the chapters it feels like the body heat of the couple you know are in love (even before they know) is steaming from each page as each sentence adds to the electricity and the steam is seemingly rising off each page from the newest developments of the storyline.
In this 1st book of the trilogy, the man is Devlin Kavanagh who has come back to his hometown of Seattle to be the lead on one of the construction projects as his brother Bren continues cancer treatments. The brothers Kavanagh are a formidable group of men individually and together and that doesn't even begin to take into account their sisters, parents, and extended family. The woman is Jane Kaplinski who with friends Poppy Calloway and Ava Spencer have inherited the Wolcott mansion stemming from a special friendship with Miss Agnes Wolcott that the girls had enjoyed since they were young adults.
I easily guessed that the 2nd novel in the trilogy would highlight Poppy Calloway. I'll let you determine if you can guess why when you read "Cutting Loose." We'll all have to read "Bending the Rules" to delight in Poppy's story which would then naturally lead to Ava's story being the highlight of "Playing Dirty."
In this 1st book of the trilogy, the man is Devlin Kavanagh who has come back to his hometown of Seattle to be the lead on one of the construction projects as his brother Bren continues cancer treatments. The brothers Kavanagh are a formidable group of men individually and together and that doesn't even begin to take into account their sisters, parents, and extended family. The woman is Jane Kaplinski who with friends Poppy Calloway and Ava Spencer have inherited the Wolcott mansion stemming from a special friendship with Miss Agnes Wolcott that the girls had enjoyed since they were young adults.
I easily guessed that the 2nd novel in the trilogy would highlight Poppy Calloway. I'll let you determine if you can guess why when you read "Cutting Loose." We'll all have to read "Bending the Rules" to delight in Poppy's story which would then naturally lead to Ava's story being the highlight of "Playing Dirty."
September 9, 2017
Nach einer Kindheit, die dank ihrer Schauspieler-Eltern nur so von Drama, Streit, Versöhnungen und Alkohol bestimmt war kann Jane es nicht verstehen wieso sie auf einmal Gefühle für Devlin Kavanagh hat. Vor allen, da er bei ihrer ersten Begegnung nicht gerade den besten Eindruck machte…
Zuerst dachte ich, wow, was für eine Zicke. Jane machte mir nicht gerade einen sympathischen Eindruck. Sie kam mir doch eher etwas oberflächlich und eigensinnig vor. Erst im Nachhinein versteht man wieso sie in manchen Situationen so reagiert.
Devlin hingegen, hmm lecker. Das war mein erster Gedanke. Das er aber auch mit Problemen beladen ist, merkt man sofort. Trotzdem war er mir im Gegensatz zu Jane sofort sympathisch. Er und seine Familie haben mich vom ersten Augenblick an fasziniert. Sie sind eine laute Truppe die sich immer in das Leben der anderen einmischen müssen.
Auch die Geschichte die Erbschaft die die drei Freundinnen gemacht haben und ihre Freundschaft zueinander fand ich von der Autorin sehr schön beschrieben.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr locker und leicht. Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Jane und Devlin geschrieben. Was es einfacher machte, manche Entscheidungen der zwei zu verstehen.
Es ist ein Buch was man sehr gut zwischendurch lesen kann, wenn man eine leichte Lektüre lesen möchte die humorvoll, leidenschaftlich, und etwas spannend ist.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall den zweiten Teil der Reihe auch lesen. Ich möchte wissen wie es mit Jane, Poppy und Ava weitergeht.
Zuerst dachte ich, wow, was für eine Zicke. Jane machte mir nicht gerade einen sympathischen Eindruck. Sie kam mir doch eher etwas oberflächlich und eigensinnig vor. Erst im Nachhinein versteht man wieso sie in manchen Situationen so reagiert.
Devlin hingegen, hmm lecker. Das war mein erster Gedanke. Das er aber auch mit Problemen beladen ist, merkt man sofort. Trotzdem war er mir im Gegensatz zu Jane sofort sympathisch. Er und seine Familie haben mich vom ersten Augenblick an fasziniert. Sie sind eine laute Truppe die sich immer in das Leben der anderen einmischen müssen.
Auch die Geschichte die Erbschaft die die drei Freundinnen gemacht haben und ihre Freundschaft zueinander fand ich von der Autorin sehr schön beschrieben.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr locker und leicht. Das Buch ist abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Jane und Devlin geschrieben. Was es einfacher machte, manche Entscheidungen der zwei zu verstehen.
Es ist ein Buch was man sehr gut zwischendurch lesen kann, wenn man eine leichte Lektüre lesen möchte die humorvoll, leidenschaftlich, und etwas spannend ist.
Ich werde auf jeden Fall den zweiten Teil der Reihe auch lesen. Ich möchte wissen wie es mit Jane, Poppy und Ava weitergeht.
October 17, 2021
Cutting Loose is about a woman, Jane, who inherits a great fortune at the same time as meeting a man she is attracted to but lets her stubbornness get in the way. This book is about friendship, love, and a pinch of mystery.
I liked that this book had just the right amount of romance while diving slightly into the characters backgrounds. Also that part of the plot involves a jealous, angry co-worker that wants to ruin Jane. It was interesting having her co-workers POV because you really got to see how he felt about the matter. I honestly didn't see that POV being included but it added a nice touch to the story.
The ending was cute, but not overly cute. The author had you reading up to the last word wanting to know how it ended.
At a certain point though I almost felt that the co-worker's schemey plot was the only thing keeping the story interesting. There was an argument between Jane and Dev about their relationship but it wasn't enough fire for me.
I give this 3 stars because the plot and characters could have been taken to the next level, but there were great parts of the book between her friends Poppy and Ava and their relationship and how things were developing between Dev and Jane. This is an older book so I know it's not as relevant and known, but it was a nice read. Not one to keep in my collection though so I'm going to drop it off at a little free library.
I liked that this book had just the right amount of romance while diving slightly into the characters backgrounds. Also that part of the plot involves a jealous, angry co-worker that wants to ruin Jane. It was interesting having her co-workers POV because you really got to see how he felt about the matter. I honestly didn't see that POV being included but it added a nice touch to the story.
The ending was cute, but not overly cute. The author had you reading up to the last word wanting to know how it ended.
At a certain point though I almost felt that the co-worker's schemey plot was the only thing keeping the story interesting. There was an argument between Jane and Dev about their relationship but it wasn't enough fire for me.
I give this 3 stars because the plot and characters could have been taken to the next level, but there were great parts of the book between her friends Poppy and Ava and their relationship and how things were developing between Dev and Jane. This is an older book so I know it's not as relevant and known, but it was a nice read. Not one to keep in my collection though so I'm going to drop it off at a little free library.
July 14, 2025
This was really cute solid book with lots of intrigue and mystery. Jane is damaged as her parents are selfish actors and never had time for her. They fought and drank to where she can't really stand alcohol. Meanwhile she and her two best friends grow up and lean on each other like sisters from childhood to adulthood. Along the way the befriend a wealthy old woman who years later dies and leaves the 3 friends her Wolcott mansion and collections.
Jane is to curate them for her museum and with her friends want to restore the mansion. Jane is a thin brunette (I was picturing a young Lauren Bacall or Keira Christina Knightley type) while her friends are gorgeous blonde and redhead. She is the plain jane of the group. When she meets the contractors that Poppy hired she is enraged as Devlan seems drunk and hit on her, a real HOT BUTTON. She hates him.
Thing move on and he is actually a great guy but takes her awhile to realize it. Lots of humor, banter and hotness. There is a mystery as someone is stealing items from the mansion and it comes to head on a dark and stormy night LOL perfect setting!
Jane is to curate them for her museum and with her friends want to restore the mansion. Jane is a thin brunette (I was picturing a young Lauren Bacall or Keira Christina Knightley type) while her friends are gorgeous blonde and redhead. She is the plain jane of the group. When she meets the contractors that Poppy hired she is enraged as Devlan seems drunk and hit on her, a real HOT BUTTON. She hates him.
Thing move on and he is actually a great guy but takes her awhile to realize it. Lots of humor, banter and hotness. There is a mystery as someone is stealing items from the mansion and it comes to head on a dark and stormy night LOL perfect setting!
November 16, 2017
This was sweet, steamy and entertaining story.
Jane and her friends inherit a house full of priceless treasures and some amazing collectibles. Jane works at the Seattle Met and she is in charge of some collections that are going on display from the house she inherited from her friend, Mrs. Agnes. But the house needs some work so in walks Devlin Kavanaugh, from Kavanaugh Construction. Dev & Jane have sparks between them but it comes out as getting on each other’s nerves. Which is a perfect segue into a hot relationship, which it eventually becomes. But as she gets ready for her display at the Met she finds that some of the collectibles are missing and a thief is on the hunt. Will they catch him or will her career come to ruin? Will Dev and Jane have a future too even when Dev wants to return to Europe?
This is a sweet story and it was entertaining. I like the storyline as much as you can in a story setting like this. I mean we know it’s cheesy and they make arguments out of mole hills. But at least it was quickly resolved. A quick fun read.
Jane and her friends inherit a house full of priceless treasures and some amazing collectibles. Jane works at the Seattle Met and she is in charge of some collections that are going on display from the house she inherited from her friend, Mrs. Agnes. But the house needs some work so in walks Devlin Kavanaugh, from Kavanaugh Construction. Dev & Jane have sparks between them but it comes out as getting on each other’s nerves. Which is a perfect segue into a hot relationship, which it eventually becomes. But as she gets ready for her display at the Met she finds that some of the collectibles are missing and a thief is on the hunt. Will they catch him or will her career come to ruin? Will Dev and Jane have a future too even when Dev wants to return to Europe?
This is a sweet story and it was entertaining. I like the storyline as much as you can in a story setting like this. I mean we know it’s cheesy and they make arguments out of mole hills. But at least it was quickly resolved. A quick fun read.
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