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Atlanta's Finest
A Passionate Kiss
Retired Marine, Mason Bennett, has two goals: adjust to civilian life and keep drama out of it. His focus is on his role as part-owner, along with his siblings, of Atlanta’s hottest nightclub. However, his attention shifts when the woman he has loved like a sister reenters his life and thoughts of a passionate kiss they shared hijacks his mind. Their connection is explosive. Feelings he’s tried to deny come to the forefront, and he’s tempted to do something he thought he would never do—cross that line from friends to lovers.
TV news anchor, London Alexander, is back home in Atlanta and ready to start a new chapter in her life. This time she hopes her future includes Mason, the man she has loved forever. She’s ready to step over the forbidden line that he’s drawn in their relationship.
Will taking a chance on love lead to a happily-ever-after? Or will risking their friendship leave them both with broken hearts?
Check out the other two books in the series!
A PASSIONATE LOVE – Delaney Diamond
A PASSIONATE NIGHT – Candace Shaw
NOTE: Stories in this series can be read in any order.
TV news anchor, London Alexander, is back home in Atlanta and ready to start a new chapter in her life. This time she hopes her future includes Mason, the man she has loved forever. She’s ready to step over the forbidden line that he’s drawn in their relationship.
Will taking a chance on love lead to a happily-ever-after? Or will risking their friendship leave them both with broken hearts?
Check out the other two books in the series!
A PASSIONATE LOVE – Delaney Diamond
A PASSIONATE NIGHT – Candace Shaw
NOTE: Stories in this series can be read in any order.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2016
184 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Sharon C. Cooper
69 books929 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 6, 2016
Nice love story on childhood friends close like brother and sister then decide to turn there close friendship into a relationship but not without having doubts and obstacles first!!! However London was determine that Mason was going to let her in no matter what and of course he did
August 21, 2023
It was OK.
Mason always loved London like a sister. But now there's a problem. London just moved back to Atlanta from North Carolina to avoid her sleazy ex-boyfriend. London realizes she has deep feelings for Mason and they are not sisterly!
When Corey stalks London from North Carolina, will Mason finally realize how much London means to him?
Want to read
June 20, 20216/18/2021 - Going back on my TBR because physical reading isn’t working for me right now… 😒
6/17/2021 - Reading this because even though I’m almost exclusively listening - I also can’t read a series out of order and this prequel is only in book form. 🤣
6/17/2021 - Reading this because even though I’m almost exclusively listening - I also can’t read a series out of order and this prequel is only in book form. 🤣
September 2, 2016
Another great installment of the Bennett Triplettes. Mason Bennett is a tough man but the love of his life has just returned to the ATL. London knew she needed to return to her family in Atlanta. Charlotte, NC had become to crowded for her. She was being stalked and her nerves were all over the place. Harper is London's best friend and Mason's sister. She knows if she tells Mason he will go ballistic so she keeps the secret for London.
London goes to the club and finds Mason as she runs in the door. The attraction these two have for each other revs up a few notches. Harper shares with London, that Mason wants children but not a wife. London wants a family so she wants to apply for the job. However, the heart wants what the heart wants. London and Mason become a hot an heavy couple but postpone the baby making venture. Mason lives to kiss London and London melts when he kisses her.
London's stalker makes an appearance and Mason goes on the offensive. What happens is devastating to London and finds her pushing Mason away. The accusation causes Mason blow his top and his cool. London finds Atlanta is no longer a place she can stay.
Will she leave? Will Mason realize life is too short without London? Everyone should read the other Bennett books to follow all the characters..
Fabulous read...Hope there will be more about Mason's business associates in his new company....Thank you Ms Cooper for a wonderful story.
London goes to the club and finds Mason as she runs in the door. The attraction these two have for each other revs up a few notches. Harper shares with London, that Mason wants children but not a wife. London wants a family so she wants to apply for the job. However, the heart wants what the heart wants. London and Mason become a hot an heavy couple but postpone the baby making venture. Mason lives to kiss London and London melts when he kisses her.
London's stalker makes an appearance and Mason goes on the offensive. What happens is devastating to London and finds her pushing Mason away. The accusation causes Mason blow his top and his cool. London finds Atlanta is no longer a place she can stay.
Will she leave? Will Mason realize life is too short without London? Everyone should read the other Bennett books to follow all the characters..
Fabulous read...Hope there will be more about Mason's business associates in his new company....Thank you Ms Cooper for a wonderful story.
August 28, 2016
Hey May I Have This Triplet?
Mason and London's story will be added to another one of those really nice love stories told by this author. Mason and London grew up together. After her parents died, London became a fixture in the Bennett family home. Even though Harper and London were best friends, Mason secretly had feelings for his sisters best friend. Although,London was certain her love for Mason was unrequited, she was sure she would accept what ever he was willing to offer her. And since she knew he wanted children only, not a wife; London decided she would offer to be his baby's mother. After several weeks of pretending to be just friends the two decided to give up the charades and just be a couple. Things were going well in the relationship until her stalker ex returned and caused a mild riff between them. Happily they made it past all the drama and was able to make it to happily ever after...
Mason and London's story will be added to another one of those really nice love stories told by this author. Mason and London grew up together. After her parents died, London became a fixture in the Bennett family home. Even though Harper and London were best friends, Mason secretly had feelings for his sisters best friend. Although,London was certain her love for Mason was unrequited, she was sure she would accept what ever he was willing to offer her. And since she knew he wanted children only, not a wife; London decided she would offer to be his baby's mother. After several weeks of pretending to be just friends the two decided to give up the charades and just be a couple. Things were going well in the relationship until her stalker ex returned and caused a mild riff between them. Happily they made it past all the drama and was able to make it to happily ever after...
August 26, 2016
Loves going to last
We have Mason and London. What a tale. You have to always know that you never settle. You go after what you want and if God see fits it shall come to pass. That is what we have with Mason and London, having known each other since ten years of age. It was sweet to see how their loved blossomed. Especially with the support of Harper and Cameron. It's always interesting when friends become lovers. You have the foundation but how does one move pass that arrangement. The additional element of this story was Clay, and his impact on London and Jason's relationship.
You'll like this story because of it's evolution. It's core values of friendship and family support. Love is a beautiful thing and worth fighting for.
We have Mason and London. What a tale. You have to always know that you never settle. You go after what you want and if God see fits it shall come to pass. That is what we have with Mason and London, having known each other since ten years of age. It was sweet to see how their loved blossomed. Especially with the support of Harper and Cameron. It's always interesting when friends become lovers. You have the foundation but how does one move pass that arrangement. The additional element of this story was Clay, and his impact on London and Jason's relationship.
You'll like this story because of it's evolution. It's core values of friendship and family support. Love is a beautiful thing and worth fighting for.
August 29, 2016
I am a Sharon Cooper fan and her new story just embedded that sentiment more deeply. Mason was a over protective mess. London moved back to Atlanta because of a ex-stalker boyfriend and to be closer to her childhood friends.
She has spent most of her life pining for Mason. But Mason has his own baggage to carry.
London was a bit naive at times which made me want to kick her once or twice. Mason finds out about her stalker and trust me, he isn't having it. That hallway scene tho..LOL
You've got to read the book.
She has spent most of her life pining for Mason. But Mason has his own baggage to carry.
London was a bit naive at times which made me want to kick her once or twice. Mason finds out about her stalker and trust me, he isn't having it. That hallway scene tho..LOL
You've got to read the book.
August 31, 2016
Amazing...
Sharon Cooper's, "A Passionate Kiss", is as advertised. This story flowed smoothly from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed London and Mason's story. Their chemistry was on point from their first scene together. 'The Bennett Triplet' series has not disappointed. Cameron's story was my first read from this series, and I'm fiending to read Harper's story next.
T
Sharon Cooper's, "A Passionate Kiss", is as advertised. This story flowed smoothly from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed London and Mason's story. Their chemistry was on point from their first scene together. 'The Bennett Triplet' series has not disappointed. Cameron's story was my first read from this series, and I'm fiending to read Harper's story next.
T
August 29, 2016
Jackpot!!!
Sharon C. Cooper has done it again. Childhood friends to lovers, London and Mason share a wonderful story. A little drama, a little action and add in some romance, and you have a book worth reading.
Sharon C. Cooper has done it again. Childhood friends to lovers, London and Mason share a wonderful story. A little drama, a little action and add in some romance, and you have a book worth reading.
August 27, 2016
Great Great
I read Cameron story and now Mason. You ladies outdone yourselves. This story was well written and I
enjoyed it. I'm reading the last book and I know it will be great. I can't wait for the Jenkins books.
Awesome
I read Cameron story and now Mason. You ladies outdone yourselves. This story was well written and I
enjoyed it. I'm reading the last book and I know it will be great. I can't wait for the Jenkins books.
Awesome
August 31, 2016
Awesome Ending
Awesome ending to this trilogy. Mason and London's story was just as sweet as the other two. Great job Sharon. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Awesome ending to this trilogy. Mason and London's story was just as sweet as the other two. Great job Sharon. Looking forward to reading more from you.
August 28, 2016
Wow
Wow what a good book what a way to end a trilogy. I this book was the best one out of the three.
Wow what a good book what a way to end a trilogy. I this book was the best one out of the three.
August 31, 2016
A Long Time Coming
London has been an honorary member of the Bennett family for a little nag time, but she's always had feelings for Mason!
#readingandreviewingchallenge
#CillasBookManiacs
London has been an honorary member of the Bennett family for a little nag time, but she's always had feelings for Mason!
#readingandreviewingchallenge
#CillasBookManiacs
September 2, 2016
The passion continues
This is the second book that I've read of the Bennett triplets series and I'm still enjoying this series. Great job ladies!
This is the second book that I've read of the Bennett triplets series and I'm still enjoying this series. Great job ladies!
September 11, 2016
Great book!!!! I have really enjoyed this series!
October 8, 2020
Amazing stor written by Sharon C. Cooper. I loved Mason & London's story. The beginning was a bit slow, but story overall ran smoothly. Look forward to reading Harper & Cameron's stories eventually.
October 4, 2017
Mason Bennett of the Bennett Triplets is a straight up Alpha male, protector of women, retired Marine and trying to adjust to civilian life.
Mason Bennett has been on secret ops missions, in places he will never be able to speak about, has seen the worst of the worse and came out of the Marines a broken man. An operation that went horribly wrong, living him battling for his life and his best friend dead. But with the love of his family, Mason has battled back from the darkness and is looking to have children but does not want to get married.
London Alexander was the only survivor in a home invasion that left both her parents dead and now living with her grandparents. She grew up next door to the Bennett Triplets who easily made her a sibling and has grown up with them ever since. Mason has always been her protector and London has always loved him. But a kiss that happened many years ago changed everything for them which didn't bring them together because Mason was still in the Marines. London has a job in North Carolina and Mason life belongs to the Military.
London moving back to Atlanta was the best thing for her, with a stalkerish ex-boyfriend she left behind in North Carolina and a brand new job in Atlanta, she is ready to reconnect with her best friend Harper and her brothers especially Mason. But their ideas about Marriage wholly differs, London wants to Marry and Mason does not. A proposition London makes with Mason will change everything they have believed but before anything can happen grounds rules must be laid out.
Ground rules never work especially when you have loved someone for most of your life. London has loved Mason it seems like forever and Mason will find out just what happens when you fall in love, it changes everything and for him, he now wants forever with London. But outside circumstances may bring all of that to a halt, London has not been well and her stalker has made his way to Atlanta. London belongs to Mason and he protects his own, he will not allow her stalker or her illness to keep them apart.
I loved Mason when I first caught glimpses of him from his sister's Harper story in "A Passionate Night". I wanted to know who was the gourmet eating lollipop, who barely spoke but took care of business in the club that his siblings and himself run together. Mason's story was definitely worth it and I loved every minute of it.
It was also good catching up with some of the crew from the "Reunited Series" and I am excited to know that author Sharon Cooper's next series "The Atlanta's Finest" will find couples from the "Reunited Series" plus Mason and London from "The Bennett Triplets." I am definitely looking forward to that.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
Mason Bennett has been on secret ops missions, in places he will never be able to speak about, has seen the worst of the worse and came out of the Marines a broken man. An operation that went horribly wrong, living him battling for his life and his best friend dead. But with the love of his family, Mason has battled back from the darkness and is looking to have children but does not want to get married.
London Alexander was the only survivor in a home invasion that left both her parents dead and now living with her grandparents. She grew up next door to the Bennett Triplets who easily made her a sibling and has grown up with them ever since. Mason has always been her protector and London has always loved him. But a kiss that happened many years ago changed everything for them which didn't bring them together because Mason was still in the Marines. London has a job in North Carolina and Mason life belongs to the Military.
London moving back to Atlanta was the best thing for her, with a stalkerish ex-boyfriend she left behind in North Carolina and a brand new job in Atlanta, she is ready to reconnect with her best friend Harper and her brothers especially Mason. But their ideas about Marriage wholly differs, London wants to Marry and Mason does not. A proposition London makes with Mason will change everything they have believed but before anything can happen grounds rules must be laid out.
Ground rules never work especially when you have loved someone for most of your life. London has loved Mason it seems like forever and Mason will find out just what happens when you fall in love, it changes everything and for him, he now wants forever with London. But outside circumstances may bring all of that to a halt, London has not been well and her stalker has made his way to Atlanta. London belongs to Mason and he protects his own, he will not allow her stalker or her illness to keep them apart.
I loved Mason when I first caught glimpses of him from his sister's Harper story in "A Passionate Night". I wanted to know who was the gourmet eating lollipop, who barely spoke but took care of business in the club that his siblings and himself run together. Mason's story was definitely worth it and I loved every minute of it.
It was also good catching up with some of the crew from the "Reunited Series" and I am excited to know that author Sharon Cooper's next series "The Atlanta's Finest" will find couples from the "Reunited Series" plus Mason and London from "The Bennett Triplets." I am definitely looking forward to that.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
November 10, 2016
First book I've read by Mrs. Cooper and the last book I've read in the Bennett Triplets...I found London and Mason to be INTRIGUING couple. They'd known each other so long it was AMAZING how well they could read one another and tell what the other was feeling. Mase was always London's protector ONLY seems fitting he should be there for her now. What I love about all three of the Bennett's is that once their "soulmate" came into their lives they didn't fight it they willing accepted it despite their fear or the possibility that they might end up w/a broken heart. May have to check out more of Mrs. Cooper's novels.
October 7, 2017
Great love story on Mason Bennett and London even though with the issues the two of them were having it was really nice that they were able to come together when it really counted.
A Passionate Kiss - Mason and London, A Passionate Night - Harper and Hunter, A Passionate Love - Cameron And Simone were all stand alone books it would have been nice if they were actual continuations of the previous books to allow the readers to see how the characters were progressing.
It was also nice to know that Mason was friends with Wiz and Malik and it was great to read that Malik and Natasha have children.
Waiting for Sharon's next book.
A Passionate Kiss - Mason and London, A Passionate Night - Harper and Hunter, A Passionate Love - Cameron And Simone were all stand alone books it would have been nice if they were actual continuations of the previous books to allow the readers to see how the characters were progressing.
It was also nice to know that Mason was friends with Wiz and Malik and it was great to read that Malik and Natasha have children.
Waiting for Sharon's next book.
August 29, 2016
While unlike what Candace Shaw did in A Passionate Night by weaving her other series with this one, Ms. Cooper wove a great story with this book. The middle, and most troubled, triplet is former military man Mason. While still getting himself straight after his separation from the military, he is reunited with London. They have been friends since childhood, with him fighting the attraction for more. As a true alpha male, her being in danger propels him in to recognizing what she truly means to him. This was a wonderful HEA and great installment in this multi author trilogy.
September 15, 2016
Eh
I've read some of Sharon's other works and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to this read. It was a quick, short read and took no more than a couple of hours. I enjoyed it, but I feel like I didn't really know Mason. I wish we got to know a bit more about him. Maybe a bit more explaining when it came to his accident. I feel that took precedent in the beginning and then quickly felt to the back burner and was never mentioned again. I felt this was more so London's story. Overall pretty decent read.
I've read some of Sharon's other works and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to this read. It was a quick, short read and took no more than a couple of hours. I enjoyed it, but I feel like I didn't really know Mason. I wish we got to know a bit more about him. Maybe a bit more explaining when it came to his accident. I feel that took precedent in the beginning and then quickly felt to the back burner and was never mentioned again. I felt this was more so London's story. Overall pretty decent read.
September 6, 2016
I've been looking forward to this series! This author is new to me, so I decided to read this book first. I enjoyed Mason and London's story. There were a couple of situations where I thought the author would take the predictable route ( Harper and Cameron's acceptance of the relationship, London meeting the ex at the club), but I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't. I liked the relationship that the Bennetts and London had, and especially liked the close relationship between Harper and London.
This made for a nice start to the series. Next up: Harper's story!
This made for a nice start to the series. Next up: Harper's story!
August 30, 2016
Lovely read
This is my first book for this author. I found it through another authors recommendation.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the Bennet siblings. Mason and London are a perfect pair. Friends since childhood, she has always loved Mason and while Mason doesn't want to admit his feelings for her, he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and maybe lose his heart in the meantime.
Great read and chemistry. Can't wait to read the next books.
This is my first book for this author. I found it through another authors recommendation.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the Bennet siblings. Mason and London are a perfect pair. Friends since childhood, she has always loved Mason and while Mason doesn't want to admit his feelings for her, he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and maybe lose his heart in the meantime.
Great read and chemistry. Can't wait to read the next books.
September 5, 2016
Communication VS Fear
Fear is real, to the person who is dealing with it, no matter what others say one has to learn to deal on their own. A child hood tragedy has London "Tiny" jumping when the winds blows. Mean while Mason Bennett avoids commitment as a means of dealing with life. I enjoyed the way Mason and Tiny we're willing to attempt to help each other even if the both had an ulterior motive. Outstanding Ms. Cooper dealing with a real life problem.
Fear is real, to the person who is dealing with it, no matter what others say one has to learn to deal on their own. A child hood tragedy has London "Tiny" jumping when the winds blows. Mean while Mason Bennett avoids commitment as a means of dealing with life. I enjoyed the way Mason and Tiny we're willing to attempt to help each other even if the both had an ulterior motive. Outstanding Ms. Cooper dealing with a real life problem.
February 3, 2018
This was a wonderful and very interesting series. Mason and London's story was very special because they have loved each other for a life time and they finally decided to put that love to a test. Mason is my kind of guy because he's very loving and most protective of his loved ones! Him and London were made for each other. She was the softer side that smoothed out his rough edges! Awesome love story...it's a terrible thing that happened to Cory, but I guess he got what he deserved!
May 15, 2022
No.
Why? Because it's:
・Sexist as hell
・Disjointed
・Unconvincing
・All about telling, not showing
・Did I mention sexist as hell?
The few good points ...
・Black-centred
・Decent sex scenes
・Short
・The waiter, a "Don Cheadle look alike, with a diamond stud in his left ear and a huge toothy smile" 😂
Am I being harsh?
Let's start with Mason's view of women. Which is ... how should I put it ... NOT GOOD. I'm flabbergasted that the author, a woman, would have a character like this in her head as an ideal romantic interest ... and that so many people would lap him up, too. Simply put, Mason's a stereotypical macho protector type with a misogynistic bent. He has a fuck buddy named Faith ... who he doesn't respect at all and actively resents. Faith is a "high maintenance, self-centered, materialistic woman" and he "hated the way she treated people and she loved drama." Oh, "drama." We'll get to that. But why did the author (a woman) have to resort to such sexist characterizations? And I do mean the plural here: Faith is a stereotype and Mason's view of her is stereotypical. Via Mason's perspective, apparently there's only three types of women in this world: the "bad" option (Faith), the "good" option (London), and family. On London, our heroine: she's wrong about everything and Mason is always right. Almost all of their interactions involve this dynamic ... as well as his equally nefarious obsession with her weight and diet. Almost every scene involves his unwanted commentary on her food choices or lack thereof, how much weight she's lost or gained, and/or asking her about her food habits. Barf. And then we have this little gem: "He already knew that when a woman was added to that equation, drama followed." There's that "drama" again! Damn women and their drama! No man wants that! (And no man ever causes drama himself, of course.)
London, meanwhile, is ready and willing to settle for Mason, who wants children but not marriage. For no reason. We never find out why. Of course, he suddenly changes his mind at the end. But at the start we have (a) a woman who's willing to settle and (b) a man who won't let her ... and in fact mansplains how wrong she is for wanting to. Um .... what? Why set up the situation this way? Are we supposed to be happy that the man isn't taking advantage of the woman? Also, we need to bury this "love will change his mind!" fantasy in the ground without a tombstone. This messaging is everywhere, not just in romance novels, and we internalize it ... and then waste our real lives (or worse) acting on it. When people tell you who they are, listen. (But when they try to tell you who you are, give them the middle finger and walk away. Sadly, London didn't do that.)
Mason is also recently returned from war and frequently characterizes himself as "a trained killer with a short fuse" who is overprotective of his family. Later,
I was really excited when the first sex scene involved a condom. Yes! Normalizing condoms during sex is fantastic. Especially when those involved are working through their relationship. But then, after the next sex scene, London belatedly realizes that they didn't use a condom ... well, she thinks about it, but doesn't say anything ... and they go on their merry lives. Huh!? All this time, they'd been conscientious about focusing on whether or not they can work as a couple ... purposefully avoiding pregnancy. Then suddenly they both conveniently "forget"? What was the point of this? A subtle (and inappropriate) clue that they'd "unconsciously" decided to carry forward officially?
Here's the last point I'll cover ... keeping in mind there's so much more that's wrong with this novel ... Mason wants kids (for some unknown reason) but doesn't want girls. Why? Because, in his words, "if you think I'm protective of [London], how much worse will I be with daughters?" Also, he doesn't want to deal with future boyfriends. Okay, this world is cis/heterosexist to the extreme, like most romance novels. But there's something else sinister lurking behind these words, something I hear quite a lot. "We have a good reason to exclude women: [enter reason that is portrayed as concern about or even helpful to women, but is actually about men's convenience, desire to control, and/or fear]" And everyone nods and goes along with it.
I'm sorry, but what is the draw here? Why write men and women this way? Is this what you all really want in a romance? Well, this definitely isn't and will never be my fantasy.
Why? Because it's:
・Sexist as hell
・Disjointed
・Unconvincing
・All about telling, not showing
・Did I mention sexist as hell?
The few good points ...
・Black-centred
・Decent sex scenes
・Short
・The waiter, a "Don Cheadle look alike, with a diamond stud in his left ear and a huge toothy smile" 😂
Am I being harsh?
Let's start with Mason's view of women. Which is ... how should I put it ... NOT GOOD. I'm flabbergasted that the author, a woman, would have a character like this in her head as an ideal romantic interest ... and that so many people would lap him up, too. Simply put, Mason's a stereotypical macho protector type with a misogynistic bent. He has a fuck buddy named Faith ... who he doesn't respect at all and actively resents. Faith is a "high maintenance, self-centered, materialistic woman" and he "hated the way she treated people and she loved drama." Oh, "drama." We'll get to that. But why did the author (a woman) have to resort to such sexist characterizations? And I do mean the plural here: Faith is a stereotype and Mason's view of her is stereotypical. Via Mason's perspective, apparently there's only three types of women in this world: the "bad" option (Faith), the "good" option (London), and family. On London, our heroine: she's wrong about everything and Mason is always right. Almost all of their interactions involve this dynamic ... as well as his equally nefarious obsession with her weight and diet. Almost every scene involves his unwanted commentary on her food choices or lack thereof, how much weight she's lost or gained, and/or asking her about her food habits. Barf. And then we have this little gem: "He already knew that when a woman was added to that equation, drama followed." There's that "drama" again! Damn women and their drama! No man wants that! (And no man ever causes drama himself, of course.)
London, meanwhile, is ready and willing to settle for Mason, who wants children but not marriage. For no reason. We never find out why. Of course, he suddenly changes his mind at the end. But at the start we have (a) a woman who's willing to settle and (b) a man who won't let her ... and in fact mansplains how wrong she is for wanting to. Um .... what? Why set up the situation this way? Are we supposed to be happy that the man isn't taking advantage of the woman? Also, we need to bury this "love will change his mind!" fantasy in the ground without a tombstone. This messaging is everywhere, not just in romance novels, and we internalize it ... and then waste our real lives (or worse) acting on it. When people tell you who they are, listen. (But when they try to tell you who you are, give them the middle finger and walk away. Sadly, London didn't do that.)
Mason is also recently returned from war and frequently characterizes himself as "a trained killer with a short fuse" who is overprotective of his family. Later,
I was really excited when the first sex scene involved a condom. Yes! Normalizing condoms during sex is fantastic. Especially when those involved are working through their relationship. But then, after the next sex scene, London belatedly realizes that they didn't use a condom ... well, she thinks about it, but doesn't say anything ... and they go on their merry lives. Huh!? All this time, they'd been conscientious about focusing on whether or not they can work as a couple ... purposefully avoiding pregnancy. Then suddenly they both conveniently "forget"? What was the point of this? A subtle (and inappropriate) clue that they'd "unconsciously" decided to carry forward officially?
Here's the last point I'll cover ... keeping in mind there's so much more that's wrong with this novel ... Mason wants kids (for some unknown reason) but doesn't want girls. Why? Because, in his words, "if you think I'm protective of [London], how much worse will I be with daughters?" Also, he doesn't want to deal with future boyfriends. Okay, this world is cis/heterosexist to the extreme, like most romance novels. But there's something else sinister lurking behind these words, something I hear quite a lot. "We have a good reason to exclude women: [enter reason that is portrayed as concern about or even helpful to women, but is actually about men's convenience, desire to control, and/or fear]" And everyone nods and goes along with it.
I'm sorry, but what is the draw here? Why write men and women this way? Is this what you all really want in a romance? Well, this definitely isn't and will never be my fantasy.
October 6, 2016
Tender moments
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The term, "you only live once ..." Is so fitting in this story. Mason and London both jump in feet first, indulging in a risky relationship while periodically pulling back when vulnerabilities make them uncomfortable. So glad they figured it out. Great job Sharon C Cooper. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The term, "you only live once ..." Is so fitting in this story. Mason and London both jump in feet first, indulging in a risky relationship while periodically pulling back when vulnerabilities make them uncomfortable. So glad they figured it out. Great job Sharon C Cooper. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
February 6, 2017
This was a great book. I enjoyed meeting Mason Bennett, one of the Bennett triplets,. Mason is a retired Marine trying to adjust to civilian life and he doesn't do drama. Mason also wants children , but no wife; that is until childhood friend London Alexander returns to Atlanta. Sparks fly and they decide to try a relationship.
October 21, 2018
I enjoyed Mason's story, but was a little let down with how the Cory story arc ended. I was kind of a let down that it happened (off screen). London didn't really get to have her "moment" with him and what he was doing. The bow was a little too neatly wrapped on that part of their(her) journey. Otherwise, a good read.
September 8, 2016
Wonderful Read
I have truly enjoyed reading A Passionate Kiss. Mason was planning on adjusting to civilian life with no drama in his life. However London returns and Mason has to readjust his plans. Now the real drama begin. Happy reading.
I have truly enjoyed reading A Passionate Kiss. Mason was planning on adjusting to civilian life with no drama in his life. However London returns and Mason has to readjust his plans. Now the real drama begin. Happy reading.
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