Deadly Omissions

by Lauren Reign

Harper Sloan is a warrior. She’s survived the childhood from hell and clawed her way out on her own. But no amount of life experience could have prepared her for the heartache Colton would bring. He was the best man she’d ever dated, until he shattered that flawless image with his unthinkable deception. Colton is a liar, but so is Harper. And now her own secrets may have deadly consequences.

FBI agent Colton Brady made a choice. He faked his death, going undercover to save his best friend's life from a serial killer, but it cost him the woman he loves. When he learns Harper is involved with a dangerous loan shark, he forces his way back into her life. Harper may hate him, but there is no line Colton won't cross to protect her.

Genres: Suspense, Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2016

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sloan has not had an easy life. Raised by abusive parents who spent everything on drugs and alcohol, she finally escaped with her much younger sister and ran to her Aunt Meg who took over raising Sage and doing whatever she could for Harper.

She has scrimped and saved and sacrificed so that Sage will not have the kind of life she had.
FBI Agent Colton Brady finishes destroying her. He went undercover for an assignment and was reported dead. No one knew that Colton and Harper were a couple and she learns of his death on morning television. She is absolutely heartbroken. And now he is back.

While he was 'dead' Harper got mixed up with a dangerous loan shark, but she needs the money to keep her sister in boarding school. And the loan shark is circling. He wants her work for him to pay off the balance of her loan. And if she doesn't, no one around her is safe...and he knows her secret.

Colton wants something from her as well ... love, forgiveness, understanding, And when she goes to him for help, he'll do anything and everything to protect her.

Although this is okay as a stand along, I highly recommend starting with WEB OF DECEIT (Book 1).

This one has a little of everything... love, hate, heartbreak and sorrow, danger, loan sharks, revenge, murder, and lots of fast-paced action. The characters are cleverly written and easily credible and likeable. I'm a sucker for strong, protective men and Colton is right up my alley. Harper is resilient and no push-over. I love how these characters interact with each other.

The action is practically non stop, lasting until the very end.... a surprising ending that I didn't see coming. Warning ... there is a bit of a cliff hanger, so I'll be looking for Book 3 in the near future.

Many thanks to the author / The Wild Rose Press, Inc / Netgalley for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I seem to have read a completely different version of this book than everyone else or something. This book received super high ratings and I'm a little shocked by how much I just didn't get and/or like this book.

One of the first things that I noticed was the fact that there was more talking about conversations than the characters actually having them. Basically what would happen is the characters would think about half of the conversation in an inner dialogue and then finish the conversation in a ... you guessed it ... actual conversation. It was very strange. I found that I wasn't getting to know the characters as much as I wanted to because about half of the time, you never got to experience them interacting with anyone else. Because of all of this, the book reads more like a monologue.

The timeline in the book is also muddied beyond recognition. I have absolutely no clue how long it was between some of the scenes. It's insinuated that a long time has passed in some of the inner dialogues but it isn't always stated. It's difficult to get your bearings in a book when you feel like you're caught in a vortex of timeless space where no one talks to each other, they just think about it.

There were about 75 zillion characters that you have to keep up with. Unfortunately, they kind of just meld together after a little while. That's not good. All of the male characters seemed to be exactly the same, they just had different names and different women that they hovered around. Maybe it feels this way because there were 10 different stories going on at once and you were never able to fully invest into any of the story because there was so much going on.

I'm not sure if there is a book that preceded this or what. I felt like I never fully understood why certain things were happening in the book or why characters were behaving the way that they were. In addition to so many things going on, there was tons of shit that was completely omitted. The characters would be at the beginning of a situation and then it would just skip over what happened and then the characters would vaguely touch on it later. HEY!! I want to read that shit! It's the entire reason I picked this book up - to read about this story that the blurb on the back of the book hinted at. I don't want stuff skipped over.

The only reason this book got two stars from me is because there were hints of a good story in there. I liked the bones of the book but there was too much going on, too many characters that were too similar, main characters I barely knew, a ridiculously vague timeline and too much skipped over. If it weren't for that and a few more things, I would have liked this book. Not for me but there are a ton of people who just loved this. I don't understand what they saw that I didn't but I'm glad that they had a better reading experience than I did.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

[Judy Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Omissions will captivate you from the beginning with not only Lauren's amazing writing ability but also the spectacular plot and story line she gives us filled with Romance, Suspense and twists that will have your head spinning at times.

Deadly Omissions starts where Web of Deceit left off. After Colton faked his death in order to go undercover to save his best friend, he lost the woman he loves. Harper is now with Max who knew Colton wasn't dead. But what happens when Colton comes back and wants Harper? Can Colton get her back?

Can Colton protect her from the loan sharks that are now after her?

Harper is a very strong female who has her own secrets. But can she choose between Max and Colton when she has feelings for both of them and at the same time betrayed.

Lauren not only gives you a Romantic Suspense novel but its emotionally packed that you will be on a roller coaster of a ride.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

3.0/5.0

Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Deadly Omissions was a great 5 star read.

Harper Sloan has been through quite a bit in her life. Than she fell in love with Colton Brady and was deceived in the most hurtful way. She was told Colton had died in the line of duty, trying to move forward after his death she ends up developing some feelings for Max another FBI agent.
When she goes to the hospital to visit her friend she is completely shocked to hear his voice and see him sitting in her room not only alive but laughing. WTH, her heart shattered at being lied to in the worst way.

I hate that Colton broke me when I had always prided myself as being unbreakable.

We jump ahead a few months to Harper bartending and trying to move forward from Colton and Max. She has been ignoring both men for months, she hasn't been able to get past their deception. One night after her car breaks down Colton shows up and helps her. Can Harper forgive Colton? Can they make things work again?
There is nothing more puzzling than your heart speeding up for two men at the same time.

There is so much more to this great read. There are several twists and turns that added a great element to the story. The secondary characters were also great, and the big reveal was definitely not expected but made a lot of sense. I really liked Harper, Colton and Max. I was conflicted on who I wanted to see her with, but I was pleasantly surprised at the end. We don’t end in a cliffhanger however we are left with an ending that definitely leaves room for more from these two. I look forward to reading more from The Deceptive Lovers series. Thank you Lauren Reign for a great read.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sloan is a warrior, as she survived a childhood that nightmares are made of. But that doesn't hold her back from busting her behind to make things better, and take care of her little sister. She was finally letting Colton Brady in, when he destroyed her with a heartbreaking deception. Harper had kept him at arms length because of her secrets, but he proved that he's as big of a liar as she is, and she's done with him. FBI Agent Colton Brady had made a choice of faking his own death to save his best friend from a serial killer, but it cost him big time. Now he's back trying to get Harper to listen and forgive him, but she's being very stubborn, and may never forgive him. However, Harper finally has to ask him for help when her secrets are revealed, which has put her in serious danger. Will she be able to let him close enough to keep her and her sister safe?

OMG Lauren Reign, you brilliant and sexy beast! I LOVED LOVED LOVED every minute of this epic story, and couldn't devour it quickly enough! No food, drink, or bathroom breaks until the very last page! Her brilliant writing style had me fully emersed from the very first to the last word, and if I had one complaint, it would be that I WANT MORE! The diabolical twists and turns kept me on my toes with heart racing cover to cover, and made for an f-bomb dropping parade of EPIC, (yes I'm using EPIC all over the place on purpose), proportions! Not to mention, all the emotional angst peppered in, had my dramatic girly girl emotions all over the place, and my eyes may or may not have leaked a time or two. Now that ending put the her on my list of authors trying to KILL ME DEAD, and so I must hash tag her, forevermore, #EVILWHORE! I'm aware that my fan girl gushing is winding up, so I'm going to close this out before I give out spoilers! Her next book CANNOT come out quickly enough for my addiction, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND Deadly Omission, and Lauren Reign to EVERYONE!

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Reviewed on behalf of Mytimeoutbookblog

I give Deadly Omissions (The Deceptive Lovers Series #2) 5 stars for captivating me and not letting me down. Fantastic writing, great plot, a lot of suspense, twists and turns and of course romance in abundance.

Lauren Reign once again has written a great story that picked up where it left off in Web of Deceit and gave us more insight into the lives of these characters.

After faking his death to go undercover to save his best friend, he's lost Harper, the woman he loves. She's mad not only for his deceit, but because she had fallen in Max's arms, her FBI babysitter who knew Colton wasn't dead.

Colton wants her back but Max also wants her. Colton discovers her involvement with a lone shark and he will stop at nothing to protect her. Will he keep her safe?

Harper is strong, determined and has clawed her way out from hell. She has her own secrets that she has been deceitful about. She likes both men but feels betrayed by them. Will she forgive them for their deceit? What's her secrets and will they have deadly consequences?

Deadly Omissions is a suspense/romance novel which includes many highs and lows that will have your emotions at a peek. The plot continues from the previous novel and, I dare say, is even better.

I absolutely loved this book and am itching for more!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read book 2 I seriously suggest you read book. Don't miss out on the characters that make the core group. First the character of Harper Sloan is a main character from book one and knowing her story and how she connects to Colton and Jaxxon is important, it helps to know where her bitter, nasty and closed off attitude comes from. WOW a warrior that I have a lot of adjectives about. I really liked the authors style. In book one I felt like she was trying to make the character set-up too easy, but this was so much better.

The author creates a solid "cast" that will be great for several more books in this series. There is one person I really want a book for but I won't mention who or why due to the plot details. There is a part where the reveal of Sage and how it has to do with the mob and loan sharks comes up and I was wow

If you love the suspense and a does of romance then it is a series for you. Based on these two books I purchased her others. It is something I can easily fall in love with.

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Fabulous Stars! Colton fakes his death and goes undercover to save his best friend but in the process he loses the love of his life Harper. Max is Colton's FBI agent friend who is sent to watch over Harper but in the process he is falling for her. Colton then discovers that Harper's involved with a loan shark. Can Colton protect Harper from the loan shark and which man will she choose? This story is full of suspense, romance, and mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author writes a well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the second book in the Deceptive Lovers Series and we come in contact with the same characters we met in Web of Deceit which is book one. I highly recommend this book and look forward to where the author goes next!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

~JENNY~
Harper Sloan is a warrior. She's survived the childhood from hell and clawed her way out on her own. But no amount of life experience could have prepared her for the heartache Colton would bring.

Get the tissues ready because you are going to need them. Or at least that was the case for me while reading this AMAZING story written by Lauren Reign.

Deadly Omissions will have your emotions at an all-time high. It's an emotional story about learning to LOVE and TRUST after you have been broken.
This story had the perfect balance between romance, drama, and suspense.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Definitely take a chance reading a story of second chances, righting wrongs, overcoming past mistakes, and overcoming hidden truths.

I rate Deadly Omissions 5 STARS

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second part of “The Deceptive Lovers Series” and Web of Deceit need to be read first in order to have an insight to the background of this story. Months after the deception Harper is doing what she can to just survive, when FBI agent Colton returns back into her life. He is determined to make things right with Harper, but she does not want to know anything. Can Harper forgive Colton and Max? You really need to read this for yourself to find out!
This is a well written series, with suspense, twists and turns, a good plot, as well as love. I recommend this authors work for all suspense lovers, and look forward to reading more from her.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book!

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters while reading Web of Deceit, especially Harper. Life has not been kind to this girl, but that never stops her. She works hard to support herself, as well as, her younger sister and along the way she falls in love with Colton Brady. Without giving too much away, for those that haven't read the first book, Harpers world is rocked when Colton goes missing from her life only to reappear several months later. Because of Coltons deception Harper refuses to let him close again, even if her life is in danger, but Colton's no quitter and he's prepared to win back her heart.

Lauren Reign was a new to me author, but she has earned a fan with these two books. They are suspenseful, with strong female characters, alpha males, and everything it takes to make a great romance novel. This book is a real page turner, I couldn't put it down because I needed to know how Harper and Colton's story would end. This is the second story in a series and I would highly recommend reading Web of Deceit first.

[Myra Espino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I like the story of this book but there are parts that I kind of not like tho (just some parts). Anyway, the story and the characters are good - easy to relate with and like. I love how I was easily pulled in on Harper's story. The drama is just right and I was intrigued on how the story would end. Over all, the story is good but as what I said, I kind of find something lacking tho (on some characters - Harper in particular).
But still it's a good book.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Omissions was the first book I read by Lauren Reign but I will be reading more for sure. It is the second book in the The Deceptive Lovers Series & can be read as a stand alone but I would suggest reading them in order. This book ended on a cliff hanger & I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and needs to be read in order,i just love harper adore her from the first book like Colton as well and enjoyed this book a lot it sucks you in right from the start cant wait for the rest of the series recommended

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

**Disclaimer: This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading them in order as parts of Web of Deceit, book one, are integral to the plot of this story.**

Background: In Web of Deceit, we met Harper, bartender at Tapped That and friends with Kalli. Harper met Colton and Kalli in college, and was attracted to Colton and vice versa, however neither acted on it for years. They later begin a secret relationship and Harper is devastated when she sees, on the news no less, that Colton was killed while rescuing Kalli. After everything is resolved in regards to the killer, Harper then learns, by hearing his laughter coming from Kalli's hospital room, that Colton is alive and everyone, except for her and Kalli, knew it. She calls Colton out on his deception and the pain it caused her, then walks away.

This story picks up months later and Harper, though she misses Colton, hasn't forgiven him, nor will she talk to him about it. However, Colton refuses to give up, she just doesn't know it yet.

Though Harper still loves Colton, she won't forgive him for the secrets he kept, even though she's keeping some of her own, but justifies it because she truly believes her secrets would kill any feelings Colton may have had for her. However, when a past action puts her younger sister, Sage, in danger, Colton is the only one she trusts to keep her safe.

This instinctive reaction on her part finally breaks down the wall she's kept between herself and everyone else and she confesses her secrets. Colton sees his opportunity to get the second chance with Harper that he's been waiting for and seizes it.

Will Harper be able to fully forgive Colton? What will Colton and the others think when Harper tells them everything? How will her revelations impact her and Colton's future? Can Colton keep her and Sage safe? Will Colton and Harper get their second chance? Is their a HEA in their future?

One-click now and follow along as both Colton and Harper struggle with the consequences of Colton's decision in the first book and see if they can find their way back to each other. I'm looking forward to book three and seeing what happens between Jamison, a member of Jaxxon's team, and Morgan, a woman rescued in Web of Deceit after being held hostage by the killer.

On a purely personal note, I could've done without Colton going dating. No we don't see any of them, but we are told that he's on one and later confirms to Harper that he'd gone on a few. Yes, he was ready to end each one almost immediately, never went on date number two with any of them, and he couldn't move on from Harper. In case you're wondering, as it was my concern also, we are told he never slept with anyone else during their separation. I just feel this whole scenario, though I'm extremely glad he wasn't intimate with any of them, wasn't necessary. From everything we've learned he was in love with Harper and was devastated when she shut him out of her life. We also learn, after we're told about the dates, that he was never going to give up hope about getting her back. But going on dates, in my opinion at least, really contradicts those two things.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Disclaimer: This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading them in order as parts of Web of Deceit, book one, are integral to the plot of this story.**

Background: In Web of Deceit, we met Harper, bartender at Tapped That and friends with Kalli. Harper met Colton and Kalli in college, and was attracted to Colton and vice versa, however neither acted on it for years. They later begin a secret relationship and Harper is devastated when she sees, on the news no less, that Colton was killed while rescuing Kalli. After everything is resolved in regards to the killer, Harper then learns, by hearing his laughter coming from Kalli's hospital room, that Colton is alive and everyone, except for her and Kalli, knew it. She calls Colton out on his deception and the pain it caused her, then walks away.

This story picks up months later and Harper, though she misses Colton, hasn't forgiven him, nor will she talk to him about it. However, Colton refuses to give up, she just doesn't know it yet.

Though Harper still loves Colton, she won't forgive him for the secrets he kept, even though she's keeping some of her own, but justifies it because she truly believes her secrets would kill any feelings Colton may have had for her. However, when a past action puts her younger sister, Sage, in danger, Colton is the only one she trusts to keep her safe.

This instinctive reaction on her part finally breaks down the wall she's kept between herself and everyone else and she confesses her secrets. Colton sees his opportunity to get the second chance with Harper that he's been waiting for and seizes it.

Will Harper be able to fully forgive Colton? What will Colton and the others think when Harper tells them everything? How will her revelations impact her and Colton's future? Can Colton keep her and Sage safe? Will Colton and Harper get their second chance? Is their a HEA in their future?

One-click now and follow along as both Colton and Harper struggle with the consequences of Colton's decision in the first book and see if they can find their way back to each other. I'm looking forward to book three and seeing what happens between Jamison, a member of Jaxxon's team, and Morgan, a woman rescued in Web of Deceit after being held hostage by the killer.

On a purely personal note, I could've done without Colton going dating. No we don't see any of them, but we are told that he's on one and later confirms to Harper that he'd gone on a few. Yes, he was ready to end each one almost immediately, never went on date number two with any of them, and he couldn't move on from Harper. In case you're wondering, as it was my concern also, we are told he never slept with anyone else during their separation. I just feel this whole scenario, though I'm extremely glad he wasn't intimate with any of them, wasn't necessary. From everything we've learned he was in love with Harper and was devastated when she shut him out of her life. We also learn, after we're told about the dates, that he was never going to give up hope about getting her back. But going on dates, in my opinion at least, really contradicts those two things.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexual tension galore makes this one a steamy, cheek-flushing, fan-fluttering read.

Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Vickie Sarmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline of this book. The character Harper Sloan really tugs at the readers heart as she struggles to just barely survive, while making sure that her sister, Sage, is able to attend a private school. Harper is purely selfless and deals with a grueling job as a bartender at a bar and Iives in a really horrible apartment just getting by. Then she meets a hunk of a man that's a really kind and caring man, Colton. However, she continues to hide her secret. Harper doesn't want Colton to know what her background is and where she has come from. Harper is a very independent and strong woman who keeps everyone at a distance and she doesn't trust easily. Later in the relationship she finds out that Colton is an FBI Agent. This really complicates things for her. Throw in mix, Rocky, who is a loan shark she borrowed money for in order to put Sage in the private school, and Coltons' supposed death, the drug cartel, human trafficking, intrigue, and you've got a good book to read. How will Harper handle all of this turmoil in her life? What's the deal with Colton - is he dead? Why is Sage in a private school? What's Harper long hidden secret?? I won't spoil it for you. Read it. I liked the way the author wrote the characters. The reader could almost feel the anguish, pain, sadness, and sometimes happiness of the individuals. I liked the storyline, but feel it should have been delved into the histories of the characters so that the reader could understand them more and to make them more believable. I did not like the ending, as it basically just stops, without any further intrigues of what is coming up next in the sequel - not even a lead-in - so to speak. This is why I was unable to give the books 5 stars. Review provided by Hot Box Reviews. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper grew up abused, trailer park trash (her words). At 16, she became emancipated and went to live with her Aunt, taking Sage, with her. When her aunt died a few years later, she dropped out of school, went to work full time and borrowed money from a loan shark to keep Sage in the private boarding school she was currently attending. Harper has been let down so many times that she doesn’t let anyone in all the way, refuses any help, but doesn’t hesitate to help anyone she calls friend.

Colton is an FBI agent. He was Harper’s secret boyfriend until he faked his death and failed to tell her he was still alive. He loves her beyond reason, wants to help her, take care of her, but his betrayal cut deep.

When Harper gets in over her head, she finally runs to Colton to help her. While some of this story is predictable, there are still some surprises, twists and turns that caught me off guard and had me on the edge of my seat.

This team of FBI agents are all alpha males; Colton, his twin, Jaxxon, Jamison and Max. Kalliope (love that name) and Morgan are protected by their significant others, Jaxxon and Jamison respectively. Morgan has some serious issues from all she‘s been through. We get Morgan and Jamison’s story next. This cast of characters is definitely an interesting mix, and make me want to know more about them.

I wasn’t too far into this book when I realized it was a continuing story and not truly a standalone. While I read it as a standalone, I immediately went back to buy book one to fill in the gaps. I recommend reading them in order. I can’t wait for the next one!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley

[Sarah Rife]

I received a chance to read this book from NetGalley! This is my Honest review!

This is a series, it is recommended to read in the order they are written!
BEFORE YOU READ THIS introduce yourself to "Web of Deceit"

With that said I really liked this book, I love the independent aspect of Harper's life, she has only had herself to rely on for a long time, after Cohen's death she had to take matters in to her own hands and grow up quickly, Although she might not have done that in the best way, she did do what she had to do to survive until Colton came along. [[ I DON'T WANT TO PUT ANY SPOILERS IN HERE - So i can't go into the story as much as I'd like but I love that she sacrificed her own life for "her responsibilities" ]] The author also did a really really great job of keeping that tidbit hidden until it was time!! My jaw was on the ground after that twist!
I don't know what it is about this woman but men seem to drop like flies around her! First Cohen, then Colton, then Max!! I can see why she forgave/picked Colton, i mean they had a history and all that, not to mention the book was set up for them to be the ones getting together, I however always seem to root for the underdog in these situations so I was #TeamMax (MAYBE if he would have actually put up a fight for her things would have turned out differently. I know she technically wasn't his in the first place but he could have tried way harder)!!! Even with that said I was just happy when it all came together and mostly everyone was okay in the end! I Will definitely go buy the first book to fill in some gaps and wait not so patiently for the 3rd to come out!! REALLY REALLY hoping even though Morgan and Jamison’s story is clearly next, I'm really hoping to hear more about Max- I would love to see a happy ending play out for him! Maybe Holly, maybe Harper will finally come to her senses(haha), Maybe Morgan since she clearly doesn't think Jamison will ever be able to look at her other than wounded prey every again! I don't care just give the guy a happy ending!!!
SPEAKING OF MORGAN HOLY COW! Where did that come from !? Jamison was clearly right when he said she was stronger than she seemed!!

One thing i thought was funny about these books was the group is mostly set up couples(even the ones that aren't together are clearly matched up for the future), and You can tell from the way the guys are introduced that they're these hot, strong, determined to do anything for their women type of men, but yet none of them are actually saving their own women! Colton sacrifices pretty much everything to save Kalli but she's with Jaxxon, Max jumps in front of bullets to save Harper while Colton is running out the door(even though he made a promise but come on), Now the way it's set up someone else besides Jamison is going to save Morgan! I would love to see these guys actually fighting for their own damn women!! But have to admit the way they look at for each other as a group is pretty fricken awesome!!
(One thing did annoy me about this book, maybe because i just read another book where they used the same nickname, but seriously can guys STOP calling girls "Kitten"!! For some reason it just annoys me, it's not cute at all, after the 3rd or 4th time it was used i started skipping the word when i knew it was coming!)