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Out in Portland #2
For Good
How do you choose between your life . . . and your heart?
In this too-small, dusty town, brand-new district attorney Kristen Brock knows she'll never fit in. Still, the job will look great on her resume---if she can just keep her head down and play by the rules. Because in a town run by a self-serving, powerful family, the last thing Kristen needs is trouble . . . but one kiss from the beautiful ex-rodeo queen Marydale Rae turns her world upside down. And Marydale is definitely trouble.
Marydale didn't intend to hide her past from Kristen, but the prospect of a friend who doesn't know she spent time in prison is too tempting to pass up. Add in the passionate night they share, and Marydale never wants Kristen to know the truth. But small towns don't keep secrets, and the powerful Holten clan is determined to destroy anything and anyone who makes Marydale happy.
In this too-small, dusty town, brand-new district attorney Kristen Brock knows she'll never fit in. Still, the job will look great on her resume---if she can just keep her head down and play by the rules. Because in a town run by a self-serving, powerful family, the last thing Kristen needs is trouble . . . but one kiss from the beautiful ex-rodeo queen Marydale Rae turns her world upside down. And Marydale is definitely trouble.
Marydale didn't intend to hide her past from Kristen, but the prospect of a friend who doesn't know she spent time in prison is too tempting to pass up. Add in the passionate night they share, and Marydale never wants Kristen to know the truth. But small towns don't keep secrets, and the powerful Holten clan is determined to destroy anything and anyone who makes Marydale happy.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2016
39 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Karelia Stetz-Waters
11 books766 followersKarelia Stetz-Waters remembers a time when happy endings romantic love was a holy grail she thought she would never find. Stories about lesbians all ended tragically. At seventeen, she was certain the best she could hope for was to die nobly for the woman she loved (who would never love her back, of course). Four years later, she saw her true love across a crowded room, and they have been together for twenty-plus years.
Knowing that happily-ever-after is possible for everyone, Stetz-Waters has made it her life’s mission to craft happy endings about women finding true love with other women. She is also on a quest to spread “cliteracy” across the country, using her work as a romance writer to teach readers about female sexual anatomy, desire, and pleasure.
When she’s not shopping for model clitorises or writing love stories, she’s teaching writing at a community college in rural Oregon where her students inspire her every day with their bravery, creativity, and perseverance. She also teaches for the Golden Crown Literary Society Writing Academy, a creative writing program for queer women. It’s been her honor to mentor writers who are now her peers and colleagues. Karelia also loves to garden, draw, and play with her pug-mix, Willa Cather.
Karelia has a BA in Comparative Literature from Smith College and an MA in English from the University of Oregon. She is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
Knowing that happily-ever-after is possible for everyone, Stetz-Waters has made it her life’s mission to craft happy endings about women finding true love with other women. She is also on a quest to spread “cliteracy” across the country, using her work as a romance writer to teach readers about female sexual anatomy, desire, and pleasure.
When she’s not shopping for model clitorises or writing love stories, she’s teaching writing at a community college in rural Oregon where her students inspire her every day with their bravery, creativity, and perseverance. She also teaches for the Golden Crown Literary Society Writing Academy, a creative writing program for queer women. It’s been her honor to mentor writers who are now her peers and colleagues. Karelia also loves to garden, draw, and play with her pug-mix, Willa Cather.
Karelia has a BA in Comparative Literature from Smith College and an MA in English from the University of Oregon. She is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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August 28, 2023There are several instances where bisexuality is mentioned and I wish I knew what the author's thought process was. For example, when Marydale and Kristen kiss for the first time, "warnings" go off in Kristen's mind: "Roommate. Small town. Bisexual." Are we making the category of reasons why their hookup is possibly a bad idea, and "bisexual" is Kristen's (mistaken) belief about Marydale? The other instances include a seemingly-author-endorsed character saying that unlike a lesbian, a bisexual woman can just choose a man if it's too difficult to date women, and Kristen rejecting the bisexual label by saying she's just attracted to Marydale.
I've seen comments on several of the author's other books about biphobia, so I've passed on reading any more of her work.
I've seen comments on several of the author's other books about biphobia, so I've passed on reading any more of her work.
March 5, 2018
Karelia wrote one of my favorite LGBT books of all time (Forgive Me If I’ve Told You This Before), so of course I’ll give any of her books a try. I thought the first installment of the Portland series fun and cute, but nothing remarkable. This one though... wow! I started reading in the middle of the night (damn insomnia) and pretty much read it through in one seating.
As usual, Karelia takes us for an emotional ride. At the end of act one I was ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. I couldn’t figure out how the author was going to get us to forgive one of our leading ladies, and I’m glad I trusted her to get me there.
Definitely worth a read. And no worries if you haven’t read the first one, this is a standalone story.
As usual, Karelia takes us for an emotional ride. At the end of act one I was ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. I couldn’t figure out how the author was going to get us to forgive one of our leading ladies, and I’m glad I trusted her to get me there.
Definitely worth a read. And no worries if you haven’t read the first one, this is a standalone story.
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September 30, 2016This has been sitting untouched at 67% in my Currently Reading shelf for months now, and I've decided to just put it aside. It just got too dark and shifted tone too much from the beginning, losing all of the initial aspects I loved from the start and replacing them with cliches and grimdark scenarios. Just not what I was looking for. Maybe I'll come back to it at some point, but for now--DNF.
October 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book more than "Something True". I just didn't connect with those characters. This book "For Good" had good character development and the two stories blended together nicely. Also the characters had good connection and chemistry.
March 25, 2019
A great story and a great read.
Karelia Stetz-Waters has written another stellar book. Rodeos, distilleries, houseboats, prisons, beauties, dogs, lawyers, polymorphism, crooks, and beautiful surroundings. All with a hard earned happily ever after. I had a little angst with this story, it made me cry, and made me happy. I heartily recommend this well written book.
Karelia Stetz-Waters has written another stellar book. Rodeos, distilleries, houseboats, prisons, beauties, dogs, lawyers, polymorphism, crooks, and beautiful surroundings. All with a hard earned happily ever after. I had a little angst with this story, it made me cry, and made me happy. I heartily recommend this well written book.
July 11, 2016
What a book!
Wow!!! What a book! This is an epitome of what life is like in small, repressed small towns who have a very negative mindset of what being different is like and how people are treated because of being different. The protagonists are so strong and their love so deep that transcends time and adverse circumstances. This is my first book by this author and I think she did an amazing story. Well done!!
,
Wow!!! What a book! This is an epitome of what life is like in small, repressed small towns who have a very negative mindset of what being different is like and how people are treated because of being different. The protagonists are so strong and their love so deep that transcends time and adverse circumstances. This is my first book by this author and I think she did an amazing story. Well done!!
,
July 28, 2018
For good
Well this was one of those reads that really ropes you in. At first it took a little getting into and I had my doubts about one of the MC's but by the end I'd forgotten any of those issues and simply gotten embroiled in the story.
This is the second I've read by this author and it's clear she is a talented and safe pair of hands.
Well this was one of those reads that really ropes you in. At first it took a little getting into and I had my doubts about one of the MC's but by the end I'd forgotten any of those issues and simply gotten embroiled in the story.
This is the second I've read by this author and it's clear she is a talented and safe pair of hands.
May 17, 2020
No, For Bad.
May 13, 2018
A small town with secrets. Imagine that. Marydale Rae is a put upon character who is trying to survive day-to-day. Kristen Brock comes to this small town as a next step in her professional career. Marydale and Kristen meet and become friends. With Marydale's past, is more possible? With Kristen's intent to move on, is Marydale's appeal enough? The injustice of the justice system. Lack of quality/competent attorneys. A self-absorbed powerful family. However you want to view the injustice done onto Marydale, this read will have you thinking about the importance of having someone that not only believes in you but cares about you. This read is an uncomfortable page turner of the prison system, small town life, whiskey, romance, and second chances.
July 13, 2016
So much of contemporary romance that I’ve read of late are all about the connection and a character unable to trust or forget their past. Karelia Stetz-Waters tosses those issues into the mix with society-imposed expectations and the bleak reality of prejudice and judgment. Far more than a simple romance, this story managed to explore close-minded attitudes, self-doubts, questionable choices and double standards and come out in the end with a lasting connection.
Tristess is a small town, full of dark secrets and hidden agendas, but desperately in need of a District Attorney. Kristen steps in to fill the position, and with a chance meeting with a waitress at the local diner, finds a room to let. Kristen is reserved and carefully following a path she believes will bring her success and happiness, this DA position is just one more square on the board.
Marydale the waitress is gentle, kindhearted, openly gay and a convict. Even with all of the negative heaped on her, she wouldn’t change any of her decisions or choices, and has managed to maintain a kindness and openness that is instantly apparent to everyone who meets her. She’s got a series of challenges that she attacks head-on, even if her choices aren’t great, her courage is.
These two have so many obstacles, with the town, Marydale’s choices and Kristen’s fears, the outlook for a positive (forget happy) ending is bleak. In fact, Stetz-Waters manages to write a story that has moments of joy and light which directly contrast with the sadness and pure meanness of the town, when it wasn’t mired in apathy. Hopeful despite the staggering weight of what was and the unknowns of what could be, the characters stand out, imperfect and flawed, but oh so very real.
Character driven with moments that jump on the roller coaster of emotions kept me glued to the pages, hoping for someone to just offer a kind word or gesture to Marydale, and for Kristen to take a chance and let down her guard, and truly see just what it was she desired. Beautifully written and plotted despite the greyer tones, everyone can relate to the tumult these characters face.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Tristess is a small town, full of dark secrets and hidden agendas, but desperately in need of a District Attorney. Kristen steps in to fill the position, and with a chance meeting with a waitress at the local diner, finds a room to let. Kristen is reserved and carefully following a path she believes will bring her success and happiness, this DA position is just one more square on the board.
Marydale the waitress is gentle, kindhearted, openly gay and a convict. Even with all of the negative heaped on her, she wouldn’t change any of her decisions or choices, and has managed to maintain a kindness and openness that is instantly apparent to everyone who meets her. She’s got a series of challenges that she attacks head-on, even if her choices aren’t great, her courage is.
These two have so many obstacles, with the town, Marydale’s choices and Kristen’s fears, the outlook for a positive (forget happy) ending is bleak. In fact, Stetz-Waters manages to write a story that has moments of joy and light which directly contrast with the sadness and pure meanness of the town, when it wasn’t mired in apathy. Hopeful despite the staggering weight of what was and the unknowns of what could be, the characters stand out, imperfect and flawed, but oh so very real.
Character driven with moments that jump on the roller coaster of emotions kept me glued to the pages, hoping for someone to just offer a kind word or gesture to Marydale, and for Kristen to take a chance and let down her guard, and truly see just what it was she desired. Beautifully written and plotted despite the greyer tones, everyone can relate to the tumult these characters face.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
January 8, 2023
Satisfaction Guaranteed was the first and only Karelia Stetz-Waters book I had read prior to this one. This book has a very different vibe to Satisfaction Guaranteed, which I was quite impressed by since I feel most authors who write ff romance follow the same 'recipe' with every new book.
This book is much more than a romance, it's researched, it's dark, it's emotional. At one point, around the middle, I had to put it down briefly because I felt the characters' frustrations a little too deeply. I mean that in the best way, I love a book that can make you feel even if the feelings are uncomfortable.
I will say I found some parts a little too wordy, a tad too descriptive, and I would start to glaze over or speed read.
I also didn't quite understand the offhand digs at pansexuality, maybe it was a character flaw?
All in all a good read -and not what I was expecting.
This book is much more than a romance, it's researched, it's dark, it's emotional. At one point, around the middle, I had to put it down briefly because I felt the characters' frustrations a little too deeply. I mean that in the best way, I love a book that can make you feel even if the feelings are uncomfortable.
I will say I found some parts a little too wordy, a tad too descriptive, and I would start to glaze over or speed read.
I also didn't quite understand the offhand digs at pansexuality, maybe it was a character flaw?
All in all a good read -and not what I was expecting.
Read
March 12, 2019First off, I'm not a romance novel reader. But reading this series; lesbian romance novel taking place in Portland? It's a secret vice, along with watching Temptation Island and Lohan Beach Club. Full admission there.
July 5, 2016
Love—when everything…everyone—seemed to be working against it…
Marydale knows who she is and, despite everything she has gone through, continues to go through, she refuses to change. Kristen, on the other hand, is confused about the decisions she has made (even if they were logical), and the ones facing her now. If that isn’t a recipe for conflict—for disaster—I don’t know what is…
“I didn’t mean to fuck her”, Marydale said.
“You just tripped on the carpet and bam?”
I’m having a hard time getting my thoughts down for this story.
On one hand…
The writing was top-notch and the characters were quirky and interesting. Marydale was beautiful, a former rodeo queen, but that didn’t help her when her fate was choreographed and orchestrated by others. Kristen was dropped into a sleepy small town that, had she but known, had ugliness just percolating under the surface…
On the other…
I read each chapter hoping there would be some relief from the despair and utter bleakness that radiated in the events and from the people living them. They were dealing with bigotry and hate, and even worse—numbing apathy. Marydale was dealt a raw hand, and there didn’t seem to be any let up at all in what she had to live through and endure. The injustice seemed so matter of fact, so common place, that it just made the fallout seem that much worse. Kristen had a goal and she tried to stick to the well-trodden path, but when her heart got involved things got messy quickly.
I liked these characters. They were real, flawed, and not broken down completely by the strain of a not-easy life. While there was an HEA, by that time my heart was so heavy and sad that it couldn’t lift itself out of the melancholy it found itself in. This story made me feel strong emotions even if it wasn’t what I had expected. Or perhaps secretly hoped for… ~ Diane, 3 stars
Marydale knows who she is and, despite everything she has gone through, continues to go through, she refuses to change. Kristen, on the other hand, is confused about the decisions she has made (even if they were logical), and the ones facing her now. If that isn’t a recipe for conflict—for disaster—I don’t know what is…
“I didn’t mean to fuck her”, Marydale said.
“You just tripped on the carpet and bam?”
I’m having a hard time getting my thoughts down for this story.
On one hand…
The writing was top-notch and the characters were quirky and interesting. Marydale was beautiful, a former rodeo queen, but that didn’t help her when her fate was choreographed and orchestrated by others. Kristen was dropped into a sleepy small town that, had she but known, had ugliness just percolating under the surface…
On the other…
I read each chapter hoping there would be some relief from the despair and utter bleakness that radiated in the events and from the people living them. They were dealing with bigotry and hate, and even worse—numbing apathy. Marydale was dealt a raw hand, and there didn’t seem to be any let up at all in what she had to live through and endure. The injustice seemed so matter of fact, so common place, that it just made the fallout seem that much worse. Kristen had a goal and she tried to stick to the well-trodden path, but when her heart got involved things got messy quickly.
I liked these characters. They were real, flawed, and not broken down completely by the strain of a not-easy life. While there was an HEA, by that time my heart was so heavy and sad that it couldn’t lift itself out of the melancholy it found itself in. This story made me feel strong emotions even if it wasn’t what I had expected. Or perhaps secretly hoped for… ~ Diane, 3 stars
August 9, 2016
For Good by Karelia Stetz-Waters is simply amazing. The story starts off with Marydale Rae and her backstory, this is amazing so you can get a feel for the character and see how she operates. The other character Kristen Brock, honestly it takes a bit to warm up to her. I did not click with her right away.
What I really liked about this story is how accurate Stetz-Waters captured the life in a small town, if you are different everyone judges you while ignoring their own sins. The story was amazing well thought out and was easy to follow. The characters were complex and each had their own demons to battle. The dialogue was spot on and there were enough subplots to keep the story interesting. What I really enjoyed is seeing other characters from the Out in Portland series.
I will definitely recommend this story to others. I give it 4.5 out of 5 Platypires.
What I really liked about this story is how accurate Stetz-Waters captured the life in a small town, if you are different everyone judges you while ignoring their own sins. The story was amazing well thought out and was easy to follow. The characters were complex and each had their own demons to battle. The dialogue was spot on and there were enough subplots to keep the story interesting. What I really enjoyed is seeing other characters from the Out in Portland series.
I will definitely recommend this story to others. I give it 4.5 out of 5 Platypires.
March 3, 2018
I picked this up because it's currently on sale on the amazon canada kindle store - GO BUY IT. It's seriously so good. I was glued to this book, hating every time I had to stop reading it.
Both characters are so fleshed out, and with a great chemistry between them. It uses a trope I like - - and has some great doggo sidekicks.
My one gripe is that I wish the epilogue was longer and more detailed, because I wanted to spend more time with them once everything was sorted out. Also .
I'm definitely going to check out the author's other books - I've already picked up the book in the series before this (I'll just try to forget what I learned about those characters in this book, lol).
Both characters are so fleshed out, and with a great chemistry between them. It uses a trope I like - - and has some great doggo sidekicks.
My one gripe is that I wish the epilogue was longer and more detailed, because I wanted to spend more time with them once everything was sorted out. Also .
I'm definitely going to check out the author's other books - I've already picked up the book in the series before this (I'll just try to forget what I learned about those characters in this book, lol).
April 2, 2022
I loved this book, read it in 24 hours and couldn’t put it down. The story was enticing, and not generally the content I’m reading in lesbian novels. PLUS we didn’t have to wait until the last chapter for the characters to get together. Ugh I just loved it. My fav author at the moment for WLW novels. Satisfaction Guaranteed was my favorite book of the year so far, but this novel is giving it a run for its money. Would recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2018
Powerful
A powerful story, at times painfully so. The depiction of the small town mindset is staggeringly vivid. The main characters are wonderful, and it was nice to see some old friends as well.
A powerful story, at times painfully so. The depiction of the small town mindset is staggeringly vivid. The main characters are wonderful, and it was nice to see some old friends as well.
March 3, 2019
This book was amazing. Well written book with a great story line and deeply layered characters. This book could be hard to read at times and made me very angry. But I couldn't put it down. So amazing I love this series and would recommend that you get it this instant.
June 17, 2020
Lovely story - heartwarming
I loved the story, the relationship of the main characters and the description of the feelings and the story behind it all.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
I loved the story, the relationship of the main characters and the description of the feelings and the story behind it all.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
August 22, 2021
This was amazing from start to finish. It's sexy, sensual and romantic. Good luck not reading this book in one sitting! If you're hesitating to read it, this is a sign to go ahead and read it! I guarantee you won't regret it. Thank me later!
November 29, 2017
The start was slow but then it grabbed me and I loved the book.
April 17, 2018
Loved it
Another awesome love story. Great images from the Oregon small town. Some tough twists but a page turner waiting to see how everything works out.
Another awesome love story. Great images from the Oregon small town. Some tough twists but a page turner waiting to see how everything works out.
May 26, 2018
Good book
This was a very interesting story and I really enjoyed reading it. I found the relationship between the women to be fun to watch develop.
This was a very interesting story and I really enjoyed reading it. I found the relationship between the women to be fun to watch develop.
June 4, 2019
Liked the characters and the writing.
October 14, 2021
Loved it! I only give 5* to books I know I will reread and as soon as I finished , I started it again. Very different from the usual romance. Don't hesitate. Its a great read.
March 10, 2025
Lesbian romance but also wrongful imprisonment etc so uh ?
November 5, 2016
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I loved the first book in this series, not just for its characters or for the joy I felt at seeing lesbian romance from a mainstream publishing house, but mainly for the vividness of setting that made me keen to learn more about Portland and maybe visit there one day. So, I was really hoping that upcoming books in the series would deliver more of the same and let me see more of that setting. That wasn’t quite what I got this time around.
Kristen Brock leaves Portland to take up the post of Deputy District Attorney in a small Oregon town. After a month of living in a rundown motel, she’s keen to find a place of her own, but the only empty property on offer is owned by a sleazy member of the town’s most influential family, the Holtens. Trying to keep out of local politics, Kristen instead takes up the offer of a house-share offered by the waitress at the local diner, knowing that the young woman is an outcast, but not keen to find out why.
Marydale Rae is on parole for the murder six years earlier of another member of the Holten family – the young man who tried to beat and rape her after finding out she was having an affair with his girlfriend. In almost any other place she would have been charged with manslaughter if taken to trial at all – self-defence seems the most likely verdict – but in the Holtens’ town, the whole case was rigged against her. It’s even a condition of her parole that Marydale stay within the county and not involve herself in any relationships with other women.
Marydale has some supporters, however, including Kristen once she learns the full story, but it’s not long before the tentative romance between the two women is discovered and their future together destroyed by the Holtens. All this bleakness was a little much for me, but I was more disappointed by the way we’re then flung forward in time five years.
The two women are now both in Portland unbeknown to each other: Kristen is working for a big corporate law-firm and Marydale is helping her best friend from back home run his up-and-coming whiskey distillery. They meet again for the first time when Kristen’s new-age hippy sister drags her to a New Year’s party where the distillery is holding a promotion. Slowly, Kristen and Marydale attempt to rebuild their relationship, but the reach of the Holtens extends further than they anticipated, and Marydale finds herself in trouble with the law once again. Luckily for her, this time Kristen is there to fight for her, although things get very bleak again before they even start to get better.
I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more – but then I also wish I could have seen more of Portland and less of both small-town prejudice and bleak prison conditions. The missing five years was the big sticking point for me; I’d have liked to see what happened to the two women in that time, rather than being told about it in conversations and memories. I’m not giving up on the series just yet, but I really hope the next book returns to a formula closer to that of the first one.
I loved the first book in this series, not just for its characters or for the joy I felt at seeing lesbian romance from a mainstream publishing house, but mainly for the vividness of setting that made me keen to learn more about Portland and maybe visit there one day. So, I was really hoping that upcoming books in the series would deliver more of the same and let me see more of that setting. That wasn’t quite what I got this time around.
Kristen Brock leaves Portland to take up the post of Deputy District Attorney in a small Oregon town. After a month of living in a rundown motel, she’s keen to find a place of her own, but the only empty property on offer is owned by a sleazy member of the town’s most influential family, the Holtens. Trying to keep out of local politics, Kristen instead takes up the offer of a house-share offered by the waitress at the local diner, knowing that the young woman is an outcast, but not keen to find out why.
Marydale Rae is on parole for the murder six years earlier of another member of the Holten family – the young man who tried to beat and rape her after finding out she was having an affair with his girlfriend. In almost any other place she would have been charged with manslaughter if taken to trial at all – self-defence seems the most likely verdict – but in the Holtens’ town, the whole case was rigged against her. It’s even a condition of her parole that Marydale stay within the county and not involve herself in any relationships with other women.
Marydale has some supporters, however, including Kristen once she learns the full story, but it’s not long before the tentative romance between the two women is discovered and their future together destroyed by the Holtens. All this bleakness was a little much for me, but I was more disappointed by the way we’re then flung forward in time five years.
The two women are now both in Portland unbeknown to each other: Kristen is working for a big corporate law-firm and Marydale is helping her best friend from back home run his up-and-coming whiskey distillery. They meet again for the first time when Kristen’s new-age hippy sister drags her to a New Year’s party where the distillery is holding a promotion. Slowly, Kristen and Marydale attempt to rebuild their relationship, but the reach of the Holtens extends further than they anticipated, and Marydale finds herself in trouble with the law once again. Luckily for her, this time Kristen is there to fight for her, although things get very bleak again before they even start to get better.
I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more – but then I also wish I could have seen more of Portland and less of both small-town prejudice and bleak prison conditions. The missing five years was the big sticking point for me; I’d have liked to see what happened to the two women in that time, rather than being told about it in conversations and memories. I’m not giving up on the series just yet, but I really hope the next book returns to a formula closer to that of the first one.
December 25, 2016
Kristen is new in Tristess. She's found a job in the small town and works as a district attorney, but she'll never really belong. When she's at the local diner the waitress, Marydale, offers Kristen a room. Marydale has a history, something Kristen knows nothing about. She won't be able to keep her secret for long though, but before she has the chance to share it with Kristen they have a special night. It's the only one they get.
Marydale is a convict and she can't manage to stay out of prison. She lives in a town where most people are against her and she doesn't have a chance to stand up for herself. When Kristen finds out about Marydale's past she runs away, because it can cost her her entire career, something she's worked for very hard. Marydale is on her own once more, but maybe fate will finally help her some day. Will she and Kristen have a future together eventually or will Marydale spend the rest of her life behind bars?
For Good is a beautiful emotional story. Marydale is openly gay and the people in Tristess don't accept this. My heart ached for her and everything she had to go through. She didn't deserve what she got, but there was nobody to help her or defend her, nobody fought for her. She's a sweet and loving person and I liked her from the start. Kristen is a reserved lawyer and Marydale is good for her. She makes her less tense and I kept hoping she would see sense and go for what she's always wanted. Following her heart will be difficult, but it will also bring her something she badly needs, love. Work isn't all there is in life, love is much more important and I really liked how Karelia Stetz-Waters writes about this in an amazing sensitive way.
For Good is a story filled with sadness, longing, hope and joy. I often had tears in my eyes because of the injustice of Marydale's situation. She and Kristen belong with one another and their connection is special. I love stories about true love and this is definitely a good one. Karelia Stetz-Waters writing flows easily and I enjoyed reading her vivid descriptions, they made the story come to life extremely well. I could almost feel everything the main characters were feeling. For Good is a gripping, moving story with many complex layers. I loved this book and think the story is fantastic. It's compelling from beginning to end and it has a wonderful touching finale.
Marydale is a convict and she can't manage to stay out of prison. She lives in a town where most people are against her and she doesn't have a chance to stand up for herself. When Kristen finds out about Marydale's past she runs away, because it can cost her her entire career, something she's worked for very hard. Marydale is on her own once more, but maybe fate will finally help her some day. Will she and Kristen have a future together eventually or will Marydale spend the rest of her life behind bars?
For Good is a beautiful emotional story. Marydale is openly gay and the people in Tristess don't accept this. My heart ached for her and everything she had to go through. She didn't deserve what she got, but there was nobody to help her or defend her, nobody fought for her. She's a sweet and loving person and I liked her from the start. Kristen is a reserved lawyer and Marydale is good for her. She makes her less tense and I kept hoping she would see sense and go for what she's always wanted. Following her heart will be difficult, but it will also bring her something she badly needs, love. Work isn't all there is in life, love is much more important and I really liked how Karelia Stetz-Waters writes about this in an amazing sensitive way.
For Good is a story filled with sadness, longing, hope and joy. I often had tears in my eyes because of the injustice of Marydale's situation. She and Kristen belong with one another and their connection is special. I love stories about true love and this is definitely a good one. Karelia Stetz-Waters writing flows easily and I enjoyed reading her vivid descriptions, they made the story come to life extremely well. I could almost feel everything the main characters were feeling. For Good is a gripping, moving story with many complex layers. I loved this book and think the story is fantastic. It's compelling from beginning to end and it has a wonderful touching finale.
July 9, 2017
For Good (Out in Portland, #2) — Karelia Stetz-Waters (Prologue + Part One [15 chapters?] + Part Two: Five Years Later [22 chapters?]) July 8-9, 2017
Note: This is a sweet, but sexy story between two consenting females. If that kind of story does nothing for you, turn away and read something else.
I read this book between two of Emily Kimelman’s awesome books in the Sydney Rye Mystery series. It was a happy accident. First let me note that the formatting was a little funky on my version. There were two chapter 14’s in Part One, and Part Two had two chapter 5’s and was missing chapter 21. Also note: I found out afterwards that I read this series out of order. I also have Something True, I just didn’t know that For Good came second. More on that later.
This is the first book I have read by this author; this is actually the second author I have read recently that I can put in my “new favorite author” group. What a story this was. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like a felony character. But as it turns out, Marydale is very sweet, and maintains that through all her ordeals. All the characters were awesome. Even the evil ones. They were written in a believable way.
The plot moved along and had the right twists and turns. The story was well fleshed out and tightly written. I didn’t see anything in here that I thought could have been left out. This is a very pleasant read. I didn’t even skip over the sexy bits like I normally do because those scenes were written so well.
It really was a quick read, in that it gobbled up time, but it really didn’t feel like it.
A nice comfortable read with a HEA. Loved it!
Let me circle back around to this being #2 in The Out in Portland series. This story felt like a standalone. I now know that two characters that were previously in Something True are mention in this one, but it read very natural. There are not a lot of “series” books that you can start reading out of order and not feel out of place. The author has since stated that the “Out in Portland” was placed in the title to guide readers to which stories are from that arc, but that characters might not be in all stories across the books. I’m hooked. I’ll read the “real first book in the series” later this summer. But for now, I’m savoring this jem.
Five stars.
Note: This is a sweet, but sexy story between two consenting females. If that kind of story does nothing for you, turn away and read something else.
I read this book between two of Emily Kimelman’s awesome books in the Sydney Rye Mystery series. It was a happy accident. First let me note that the formatting was a little funky on my version. There were two chapter 14’s in Part One, and Part Two had two chapter 5’s and was missing chapter 21. Also note: I found out afterwards that I read this series out of order. I also have Something True, I just didn’t know that For Good came second. More on that later.
This is the first book I have read by this author; this is actually the second author I have read recently that I can put in my “new favorite author” group. What a story this was. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like a felony character. But as it turns out, Marydale is very sweet, and maintains that through all her ordeals. All the characters were awesome. Even the evil ones. They were written in a believable way.
The plot moved along and had the right twists and turns. The story was well fleshed out and tightly written. I didn’t see anything in here that I thought could have been left out. This is a very pleasant read. I didn’t even skip over the sexy bits like I normally do because those scenes were written so well.
It really was a quick read, in that it gobbled up time, but it really didn’t feel like it.
A nice comfortable read with a HEA. Loved it!
Let me circle back around to this being #2 in The Out in Portland series. This story felt like a standalone. I now know that two characters that were previously in Something True are mention in this one, but it read very natural. There are not a lot of “series” books that you can start reading out of order and not feel out of place. The author has since stated that the “Out in Portland” was placed in the title to guide readers to which stories are from that arc, but that characters might not be in all stories across the books. I’m hooked. I’ll read the “real first book in the series” later this summer. But for now, I’m savoring this jem.
Five stars.
February 20, 2025
For her second novel, this is really solid. The characters were likable and had a decent chemistry. I did feel like things with them moved very fast. It was hard to get behind how they ended up getting together. But other than that it’s quite entertaining.
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