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Inevitable #4
Sensational
THEY SAY YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE…
Lauren McKinnon has always prided herself on never backing down from a challenge, living life to its fullest, and refusing to be ruled by her emotions. She is the quintessential wild child who became a bold, fearless woman, she doesn’t believe in regrets or second chances, and thinks that true love only happens in fairy tales. Except for the time it happened to her one magical summer. But unlike fairy tales, in real life love can also be cruel, and after having her heart broken Lauren has vowed to never allow herself to be vulnerable again.
Ben Rafferty has always been a loner, never truly belonging anywhere or to anyone, until the summer he visits Big Sur and meets the girl he immediately recognizes as his soulmate. But Lauren’s star shines far too brightly, and to stay with her means the real possibility of dimming that brilliant light. The decision to leave her behind will be the most difficult of his life, and for years later he’s left to wonder what would have happened if he’d stayed.
When their paths inevitably cross again, Lauren’s pride and refusal to forgive continues to keep them apart, as does the new woman in Ben’s life. As truths are eventually revealed, and emotions can no longer be denied, will Lauren and Ben finally find their way back to each other, or will they be destined to forever remain apart?
Lauren McKinnon has always prided herself on never backing down from a challenge, living life to its fullest, and refusing to be ruled by her emotions. She is the quintessential wild child who became a bold, fearless woman, she doesn’t believe in regrets or second chances, and thinks that true love only happens in fairy tales. Except for the time it happened to her one magical summer. But unlike fairy tales, in real life love can also be cruel, and after having her heart broken Lauren has vowed to never allow herself to be vulnerable again.
Ben Rafferty has always been a loner, never truly belonging anywhere or to anyone, until the summer he visits Big Sur and meets the girl he immediately recognizes as his soulmate. But Lauren’s star shines far too brightly, and to stay with her means the real possibility of dimming that brilliant light. The decision to leave her behind will be the most difficult of his life, and for years later he’s left to wonder what would have happened if he’d stayed.
When their paths inevitably cross again, Lauren’s pride and refusal to forgive continues to keep them apart, as does the new woman in Ben’s life. As truths are eventually revealed, and emotions can no longer be denied, will Lauren and Ben finally find their way back to each other, or will they be destined to forever remain apart?
278 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
17 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Janet Nissenson
17 books811 followersJanet is a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides on the northern California coast with her husband Steve and Golden Retriever Max. She worked for more than two decades in the financial services industry before turning her focus to producing running events. She is a former long-distance runner, current avid yoga practitioner, is addicted to Pinterest, likes to travel and read. She has been writing for more than three decades but Serendipity is her first official published work. There will be a total of six full-length books in the Inevitable series, plus one novella. Up next is the release of book one in the new Splendor trilogy!
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October 5, 2015
Beyond my expectations! Full review to follow but simply brilliant!
OK, here's the full review now.
From the first time I was introduced to the character of Lauren McKinnon almost two years ago in Serendipity, I knew there was way more to her than what appeared to be on the surface. Now that her story has finally been told in the fourth book in this incredible series, my instincts were all correct – there is far more to Lauren than the tough talking, ballsy chick she has been presented as in every book in the series. And she has definitely cemented herself as not just my favorite of the heroines in the Inevitable series but possibly my very favorite heroine ever!
Hints were tossed around in one of the previous books that Lauren had fallen in love once, and had her heart broken as a result. Now, in Sensational, we get to see all of that unfold as the story begins several years in the past when Lauren was still a college student, and we finally get to meet the oh so mysterious man in her past. And when they get together it is insta-lust, with the outspoken Lauren being the one to put the moves on the quiet, unsuspecting Ben!
Ben is a great hero, too. A quiet loner with a rather sad past, he quickly falls head over heels for the beautiful girl he meets one summer. He’s a man without roots – no steady job or much money and not much prospect of that changing in the near future. Whereas Lauren is an immensely talented photographer who Ben thinks has a golden future just ahead of her, and he’s afraid staying around will hold her back. He’s a noble kind of guy with good intentions and figures that someone like Lauren will move on to the next guy quickly and without regrets. Little does he know that Lauren’s heart will remain broken for years to come over him.
They meet up again several years later (because, don’t you know, it’s just inevitable that this will happen – pun intended!) Lauren has put up these walls around her in the years in between, and hates for anyone to think she’s weak or helpless. She’s also still royally ticked off at Ben for walking out on the good thing they had together, and won’t listen to any of his explanations or reasons. They wind up working together (Ben is her new editor) and a good part of the book revolves around their interactions at the office and how they both continue to fight their attractions towards the other. What complicates matters is that Ben now has a live-in girlfriend (the sweet but really annoying Elle) and Lauren has a very strict hands-off policy when it comes to guys who are already involved.
(Before anyone starts jumping to conclusions and throwing the “C” word around (c for cheating), relax because aside from a really hot kiss towards the latter part of the book there isn’t any.)
So the question that continues to surface throughout the book is not so much if Lauren and Ben will get back together (because this is the Inevitable series, isn’t it?) but rather the how and the when and the where. And without giving away any spoilers, I will just say that the manner in which things get resolved is both extremely satisfying and will bring a little tear to the eye as well.
There are several new characters introduced in this book – namely Lauren’s co-workers Karl, Chris, George, and Nadine. Her relationships with each of them range from sisterly to confrontational, and some of the very best scenes in the whole book revolve around her contentious relationship with the hapless George. We also get to know Lauren’s Aunt Madelyn a little better (a character who was very briefly introduced in one of the earlier books and often mentioned) and learn about her backstory. There are several scenes with Julia (Lauren’s twin sister) and Nathan from Serendipity, as well as a scene or two with Angela and Nick from the third book (Shattered) and even a really awesome scene with my favorite book boyfriend ever – namely, Ian from book number two (Splendor). And the epilogue is one of the most satisfying I’ve ever read, though a little sad, too, because I fear we won’t get to read too much more about the McKinnon twins in future books and I adore both of these ladies and their men.
Janet has a really magical way of weaving these characters – both new and old – into her books and having them complement the current story without taking it over. I also love how certain scenes from previous books are re-told to a certain degree but from a different POV, which lends a whole different view to the scene. And of course this book, like all of the others, is told in third person and in multiple voices (though largely the hero’s and heroine’s) which is a huge bonus to me. I have never been a fan of first person, even when it alternates POVs, and really feel that you get a much more complete story when it is told in third person.
I’ve been hooked on this series ever since the first book, and Janet’s writing just gets stronger and more nuanced with each new book. She creates characters unlike any others, making them realistic but never boring, and writes some of the most engaging dialog I’ve ever read. There’s a great flow to her stories, even when they encompass a period of several years, and you’re never left scratching your head asking “Huh?” after a particular scene. Sensational is another example of her mastery with the written word, and in bringing characters to life on the page. You can definitely read this without having read the other books in the series first.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
OK, here's the full review now.
From the first time I was introduced to the character of Lauren McKinnon almost two years ago in Serendipity, I knew there was way more to her than what appeared to be on the surface. Now that her story has finally been told in the fourth book in this incredible series, my instincts were all correct – there is far more to Lauren than the tough talking, ballsy chick she has been presented as in every book in the series. And she has definitely cemented herself as not just my favorite of the heroines in the Inevitable series but possibly my very favorite heroine ever!
Hints were tossed around in one of the previous books that Lauren had fallen in love once, and had her heart broken as a result. Now, in Sensational, we get to see all of that unfold as the story begins several years in the past when Lauren was still a college student, and we finally get to meet the oh so mysterious man in her past. And when they get together it is insta-lust, with the outspoken Lauren being the one to put the moves on the quiet, unsuspecting Ben!
Ben is a great hero, too. A quiet loner with a rather sad past, he quickly falls head over heels for the beautiful girl he meets one summer. He’s a man without roots – no steady job or much money and not much prospect of that changing in the near future. Whereas Lauren is an immensely talented photographer who Ben thinks has a golden future just ahead of her, and he’s afraid staying around will hold her back. He’s a noble kind of guy with good intentions and figures that someone like Lauren will move on to the next guy quickly and without regrets. Little does he know that Lauren’s heart will remain broken for years to come over him.
They meet up again several years later (because, don’t you know, it’s just inevitable that this will happen – pun intended!) Lauren has put up these walls around her in the years in between, and hates for anyone to think she’s weak or helpless. She’s also still royally ticked off at Ben for walking out on the good thing they had together, and won’t listen to any of his explanations or reasons. They wind up working together (Ben is her new editor) and a good part of the book revolves around their interactions at the office and how they both continue to fight their attractions towards the other. What complicates matters is that Ben now has a live-in girlfriend (the sweet but really annoying Elle) and Lauren has a very strict hands-off policy when it comes to guys who are already involved.
(Before anyone starts jumping to conclusions and throwing the “C” word around (c for cheating), relax because aside from a really hot kiss towards the latter part of the book there isn’t any.)
So the question that continues to surface throughout the book is not so much if Lauren and Ben will get back together (because this is the Inevitable series, isn’t it?) but rather the how and the when and the where. And without giving away any spoilers, I will just say that the manner in which things get resolved is both extremely satisfying and will bring a little tear to the eye as well.
There are several new characters introduced in this book – namely Lauren’s co-workers Karl, Chris, George, and Nadine. Her relationships with each of them range from sisterly to confrontational, and some of the very best scenes in the whole book revolve around her contentious relationship with the hapless George. We also get to know Lauren’s Aunt Madelyn a little better (a character who was very briefly introduced in one of the earlier books and often mentioned) and learn about her backstory. There are several scenes with Julia (Lauren’s twin sister) and Nathan from Serendipity, as well as a scene or two with Angela and Nick from the third book (Shattered) and even a really awesome scene with my favorite book boyfriend ever – namely, Ian from book number two (Splendor). And the epilogue is one of the most satisfying I’ve ever read, though a little sad, too, because I fear we won’t get to read too much more about the McKinnon twins in future books and I adore both of these ladies and their men.
Janet has a really magical way of weaving these characters – both new and old – into her books and having them complement the current story without taking it over. I also love how certain scenes from previous books are re-told to a certain degree but from a different POV, which lends a whole different view to the scene. And of course this book, like all of the others, is told in third person and in multiple voices (though largely the hero’s and heroine’s) which is a huge bonus to me. I have never been a fan of first person, even when it alternates POVs, and really feel that you get a much more complete story when it is told in third person.
I’ve been hooked on this series ever since the first book, and Janet’s writing just gets stronger and more nuanced with each new book. She creates characters unlike any others, making them realistic but never boring, and writes some of the most engaging dialog I’ve ever read. There’s a great flow to her stories, even when they encompass a period of several years, and you’re never left scratching your head asking “Huh?” after a particular scene. Sensational is another example of her mastery with the written word, and in bringing characters to life on the page. You can definitely read this without having read the other books in the series first.
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review***
September 30, 2015
Since I started this series, I have been desperate to read Lauren’s story. The whole series has captivated me in a way that hasn’t happened in a while. I believe that Janet Nissenson is an extremely talented author. She creates stories that are honest. While you may not always love what the characters say or do, there is a realism to the stories and the lives they live. I found this to be the most emotional book of the series and I may have shed a few tears.
In the past books in the series, we have met Lauren and she has always been great comedic relief and slightly scary. But Lauren isn’t a clown and her story was begging to be told. I needed to know who Lauren really was past the bravado and pushiness. I knew that deep down, there was a woman who was so wounded by her past that the story could only be truly sensational.
Lauren is described in the book as “a gorgeous, sexy and sassy woman who was both strong and confident, and didn’t know the meaning of the word insecure.” This pretty much sums up Lauren. She is the life of the party, but almost so over the top at times that she seems exhausting to be around. The book opens with a young Lauren meeting Ben by accident when he trespasses on her property. Within a couple of hours, they are having mind blowing sex in her cabin. The first part of the book features the intense and wonderful ten days that Lauren and Ben spent together. Thankfully, there is a ton of sex and love scenes because it has to tide you over because they spend the next SIX years without each other.
Lauren is a photographer who travels the world for National Geographic. Her relationship with her team was one of the things that just added that extra element to the story. Her camaraderie and teasing helped me to understand Lauren deeper. For such a tough exterior, Lauren had a heart of gold.
It would be easy to hate Ben because of how he did her wrong, but it was hard. Ben was a very likeable and honourable character. While he wanted Lauren more than anything, he walked away because of misguided sense of responsibility. Usually, this would just make me want to smack the guy in the head, but Ben had pure motivations and feelings. This story didn’t pull at your heart stings in a contrived method. The story, the characters and the emotions felt so real to me as I devoured this book. While it was fantastic to relieve some scenes from previous books and to revisit some of my favourite characters, it was the depth of Lauren’s longing that make me connect emotionally with this book. I found this story quite suspenseful at times. There is no mystery or murder plot, but rather how Ben and Lauren would find their way back to each other. Would the author make Ben a cheater? Why was it taking so long for him to end the relationship with his girlfriend? What is going to happen??? But aren't these types of stories the best?
I always find it so sad when the author gives you a rich and meaty epilogue at the end of a series. While I hunger for the knowledge of their future, it drives it home that this is it. Janet Nissenson has stated that there will be some follow up books to other characters, I just kind of feel sad that this journey is over.
The book comes out in November and I am posting my review now so that you have time to read all the books in the series. This series is one that you really don’t want to miss out on. The author is extremely talented and I can’t wait for whatever she dreams up next.
In the past books in the series, we have met Lauren and she has always been great comedic relief and slightly scary. But Lauren isn’t a clown and her story was begging to be told. I needed to know who Lauren really was past the bravado and pushiness. I knew that deep down, there was a woman who was so wounded by her past that the story could only be truly sensational.
Lauren is described in the book as “a gorgeous, sexy and sassy woman who was both strong and confident, and didn’t know the meaning of the word insecure.” This pretty much sums up Lauren. She is the life of the party, but almost so over the top at times that she seems exhausting to be around. The book opens with a young Lauren meeting Ben by accident when he trespasses on her property. Within a couple of hours, they are having mind blowing sex in her cabin. The first part of the book features the intense and wonderful ten days that Lauren and Ben spent together. Thankfully, there is a ton of sex and love scenes because it has to tide you over because they spend the next SIX years without each other.
Lauren is a photographer who travels the world for National Geographic. Her relationship with her team was one of the things that just added that extra element to the story. Her camaraderie and teasing helped me to understand Lauren deeper. For such a tough exterior, Lauren had a heart of gold.
It would be easy to hate Ben because of how he did her wrong, but it was hard. Ben was a very likeable and honourable character. While he wanted Lauren more than anything, he walked away because of misguided sense of responsibility. Usually, this would just make me want to smack the guy in the head, but Ben had pure motivations and feelings. This story didn’t pull at your heart stings in a contrived method. The story, the characters and the emotions felt so real to me as I devoured this book. While it was fantastic to relieve some scenes from previous books and to revisit some of my favourite characters, it was the depth of Lauren’s longing that make me connect emotionally with this book. I found this story quite suspenseful at times. There is no mystery or murder plot, but rather how Ben and Lauren would find their way back to each other. Would the author make Ben a cheater? Why was it taking so long for him to end the relationship with his girlfriend? What is going to happen??? But aren't these types of stories the best?
I always find it so sad when the author gives you a rich and meaty epilogue at the end of a series. While I hunger for the knowledge of their future, it drives it home that this is it. Janet Nissenson has stated that there will be some follow up books to other characters, I just kind of feel sad that this journey is over.
The book comes out in November and I am posting my review now so that you have time to read all the books in the series. This series is one that you really don’t want to miss out on. The author is extremely talented and I can’t wait for whatever she dreams up next.
January 17, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
There is no secret that I love Janet's work and I was absolutely fascinated by Serendipity and Splendor. The characters, the story line, the twist and turns made every book a pleasure for me, and when I got the chance to read about Julia's twin sister, I just couldn't resist. I knew they were different, but I had no idea what a special story she had in stored for me.
The story begins when Lauren meets Ben, who was trespassing her propriety when traveling. Unlikely for Lauren, who doesn't trust so easily, she felt an instant connection with Ben and after a short while they begin a very intense romance, that only lasts a couple of days. After their all consuming affair, Ben leaves her side without a word, leaving Lauren heartbroken and swears never to fall in love again. After 2 years they meet again, but under different circumstances. Ben is her new boss and you can imagine how fun it will be to work together with an old flame..
Enough with the spoilers, let me tell you about the characters. I interacted with Lauren before and I knew she is not her twin sister. Maybe they look the same, but as in personalities they are nothing alike. Lauren is the total opposite of Julia and I liked her because she stands out. She was fierce, independent, drank a lot, spoke her mind and didn't accept bullshit from nobody. The fact that she fell in love with Ben in a matter of days was not likely for her, but showed us her vulnerable and soft side - the one that craved affection and love. Not that she didn't received it from her parents and sister, but the all consuming and special kind of love you could only get from a lover. I liked her very much in her manly and bitchy moments, but there were scenes where I just wanted to strangle her for being so stubborn, and not realising certain things.
Speaking of strangling, Ben is the total opposite of Lauren. While she is very open and tells you exactly how she feels, Ben was very complicated to read and very reticent to let go and just take what has been his for years. He also fell in love with Lauren years ago, but because of his uncertainty, he let her go. He underestimated her and considered that maybe money was a big deal for her, because she was used to having a good financial situation, and by his side she will face certain need that he couldn't satisfy. He was so wrong, for him Lauren would have lived under a bridge, but of course it was too late for him to figure it out, because he left.. He really annoyed me back them and I wanted him to redeem himself by chasing Lauren, telling her he was sorry and that he wanted to make a life together. He waited in some aspect too long. He was committed in a miserable relationship, and didn't have the courage to let go of the past and embrace the future, to take risks in the name of what he loved. Whatever:) I know there was a complicated and intense connection between them, I knew he loved her, but I wanted him to fight more. Not find himself facing a wall and realising what will he do without Lauren. No, wrong, you love her, you fight.
In conclusion, the book was intense, the relationship between the characters a constant state of push and pull, but it was worthy. They can't all be perfect, and considering that I don't want a perfect fictional story, but a genuine and real one, I give this book a solid 4 stars. Lauren was my kind of girl:)
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
There is no secret that I love Janet's work and I was absolutely fascinated by Serendipity and Splendor. The characters, the story line, the twist and turns made every book a pleasure for me, and when I got the chance to read about Julia's twin sister, I just couldn't resist. I knew they were different, but I had no idea what a special story she had in stored for me.
The story begins when Lauren meets Ben, who was trespassing her propriety when traveling. Unlikely for Lauren, who doesn't trust so easily, she felt an instant connection with Ben and after a short while they begin a very intense romance, that only lasts a couple of days. After their all consuming affair, Ben leaves her side without a word, leaving Lauren heartbroken and swears never to fall in love again. After 2 years they meet again, but under different circumstances. Ben is her new boss and you can imagine how fun it will be to work together with an old flame..
Enough with the spoilers, let me tell you about the characters. I interacted with Lauren before and I knew she is not her twin sister. Maybe they look the same, but as in personalities they are nothing alike. Lauren is the total opposite of Julia and I liked her because she stands out. She was fierce, independent, drank a lot, spoke her mind and didn't accept bullshit from nobody. The fact that she fell in love with Ben in a matter of days was not likely for her, but showed us her vulnerable and soft side - the one that craved affection and love. Not that she didn't received it from her parents and sister, but the all consuming and special kind of love you could only get from a lover. I liked her very much in her manly and bitchy moments, but there were scenes where I just wanted to strangle her for being so stubborn, and not realising certain things.
Speaking of strangling, Ben is the total opposite of Lauren. While she is very open and tells you exactly how she feels, Ben was very complicated to read and very reticent to let go and just take what has been his for years. He also fell in love with Lauren years ago, but because of his uncertainty, he let her go. He underestimated her and considered that maybe money was a big deal for her, because she was used to having a good financial situation, and by his side she will face certain need that he couldn't satisfy. He was so wrong, for him Lauren would have lived under a bridge, but of course it was too late for him to figure it out, because he left.. He really annoyed me back them and I wanted him to redeem himself by chasing Lauren, telling her he was sorry and that he wanted to make a life together. He waited in some aspect too long. He was committed in a miserable relationship, and didn't have the courage to let go of the past and embrace the future, to take risks in the name of what he loved. Whatever:) I know there was a complicated and intense connection between them, I knew he loved her, but I wanted him to fight more. Not find himself facing a wall and realising what will he do without Lauren. No, wrong, you love her, you fight.
In conclusion, the book was intense, the relationship between the characters a constant state of push and pull, but it was worthy. They can't all be perfect, and considering that I don't want a perfect fictional story, but a genuine and real one, I give this book a solid 4 stars. Lauren was my kind of girl:)
For more reviews please check https://readwithloveblog.wordpress.com
May 30, 2022
I had read the first book in this set but not books 2 and 3, I couldn't wait to start this book. the author is a fantastic writer. all the characters were well thought-out and really worked well together. the story line flowed really well and I was totally hooked until the last page
highly recommended
www.obsessedbookreviews.com
September 27, 2015
"Sensational," by Janet Nissenson, is the fourth book in the Inevitable Series. I really love the journey in her books. They take place over long periods of time and her characters and their relationships evolve. She takes her time telling the story but the whole trip is emotionally satisfying and interesting. The books are all separate stories but the characters' lives overlap and that adds a great dimension because they're wonderful people who you want to know. "Sensational" was awesome and the ending was so affecting, I'm still a little verklempt.
November 14, 2015
This is the first time I have read anything by Janet Nissenson and I am disappointed in myself for being late to discover her amazing books. Lauren is a determined and talented photographer that is successful in her public life but still harbors a heartache from her past in her personal life. Ben and Lauren were college sweethearts but complete opposites in personality. Where Lauren was bold and outspoken, Ben was more laid back and shy who is amazed that he has caught Lauren’s attention. Ben believes Lauren is destined for greatness and he would just hold her back so he decides to leave her but this devastates Lauren and she carries that pain with her for years. Time passed and Lauren and Ben are reunited and must work together. They both feel the attraction but are afraid to act upon it plus Ben has a girlfriend. Awkward. This was a good story that combined heartache and hope. The characters seemed genuine and I enjoyed the interaction with their friends and family that added to the overall story.
October 19, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
In ten days Lauren and Ben fall in love. In one night he broke her heart and it’s going to take years before either finds happiness.
Lauren is a twenty year old college student who finds Ben, a twenty-eight year old writer on her property. After giving him a hard time about trespassing the two instantly bond and embark on a ten day whirl-wind affair. For the first time, Lauren finds herself head over heels in love but much to her dismay she awakes one morning to find Ben gone. No note, no text, and no voice-mail, no anything…just gone. Ben has never been so attracted to a woman before, he most definitely has never loved one the way he loves Lauren. It’s only been ten days but Ben knows that he has found the love of his life; but realizing that he and Lauren are from different worlds and afraid that she may hold off on pursuing her dreams, Ben decides the best thing for him to do is to leave.
And that’s how the story of Ben and Lauren begins. It’s another two and a half years before the pair crosses paths again. By this time Ben is in a committed relationship where he is insanely unhappy but stays in out of obligation. Over the next three years Ben and Lauren tip-toe around each other, managing to never make their colleagues aware of their past relationship. However everyone around them is very much aware of the sexual tension between the two.
This story is way too complicated to give specifics, it’s a good complicated, but it’s complicated none the less. This is book four in the Inevitable Series. I haven’t read the three previous books but from what I can gather from the appearances of characters from those stories all four kind of take place simultaneously. Which makes me think Ms. Nissenson is either a genius, or insane. I can’t begin to imagine how someone can keep that many storylines going; so for that alone my goes off to her. While I’m curious about the preceding books I kind of feel like there is no reason to read them because I sort of got their endings from reading Sensational.
What worked for me in this book? I loved the characters. For the first time in a long time I actually liked both characters. Lauren was the more aggressive of the two. She let Ben know right away that she was sexually attracted to him that she wanted him. She is very straightforward and does not mince words. If she thinks it, then more than likely she was going to say it. Demonstrating self-control was not one of her strongest qualities. I really liked that Lauren was such a strong personality but there were times when I needed her to soften just a little bit. I hated the fact that everything in her life was such a secret, she really didn’t confide in anyone about anything in her life. Not even her twin sister. He tough exterior was on display 24/7.
Ben on the other hand was more reserved. What I liked about him was he wasn’t some man-whore. His sexual encounters/experience was not extensive at all. While he admitted he was sexually attracted to Lauren, his main goal was never sex. I liked Ben, I really did, but he drove me a tad bit batty with his misplaced loyalties (at least to me they were misplaced). While there were times I wanted Lauren to soften up, there were times when I needed Ben to man-up. During a large part of the book, Ben is involved with his live-in girlfriend Elle. Now here’s a person in this book I absolutely loathed. I lost count of the amount of times I wanted her to get hit by a bus or a cab or fall down a manhole. I needed Ben to just shut her down sometimes. Instead he kind of let her bully him into to various situations. Thankfully, there were a few times where he did lose his cool and it almost always was directed at Lauren.
What didn’t work for me in this book? It was long. Not long in the sense that there were a lot of pages; long in the sense that certain scenes seemed to drag on and on. I loved the five year progression, but there were times when the story lulled to the point where I had to almost sit on my hands to keep from just skimming through parts. There was a section of the where you get background on a relationship Lauren’s aunt had, which I honestly could have done without. I think I would have appreciated more time spent on Ben’s background/childhood. That subject is kind of glossed over and towards the end we are introduced to other members of his family but I still felt like I needed more. One other part that didn’t work for me was the ending. The epilogue seemed to go on forever.
I really enjoyed this book. Again, I loved the whole five year progression format and if it weren’t for those lulls or those sections that seemed to be filler…this would be a five star read but I’m going to leave it at four for now.
In ten days Lauren and Ben fall in love. In one night he broke her heart and it’s going to take years before either finds happiness.
Lauren is a twenty year old college student who finds Ben, a twenty-eight year old writer on her property. After giving him a hard time about trespassing the two instantly bond and embark on a ten day whirl-wind affair. For the first time, Lauren finds herself head over heels in love but much to her dismay she awakes one morning to find Ben gone. No note, no text, and no voice-mail, no anything…just gone. Ben has never been so attracted to a woman before, he most definitely has never loved one the way he loves Lauren. It’s only been ten days but Ben knows that he has found the love of his life; but realizing that he and Lauren are from different worlds and afraid that she may hold off on pursuing her dreams, Ben decides the best thing for him to do is to leave.
And that’s how the story of Ben and Lauren begins. It’s another two and a half years before the pair crosses paths again. By this time Ben is in a committed relationship where he is insanely unhappy but stays in out of obligation. Over the next three years Ben and Lauren tip-toe around each other, managing to never make their colleagues aware of their past relationship. However everyone around them is very much aware of the sexual tension between the two.
This story is way too complicated to give specifics, it’s a good complicated, but it’s complicated none the less. This is book four in the Inevitable Series. I haven’t read the three previous books but from what I can gather from the appearances of characters from those stories all four kind of take place simultaneously. Which makes me think Ms. Nissenson is either a genius, or insane. I can’t begin to imagine how someone can keep that many storylines going; so for that alone my goes off to her. While I’m curious about the preceding books I kind of feel like there is no reason to read them because I sort of got their endings from reading Sensational.
What worked for me in this book? I loved the characters. For the first time in a long time I actually liked both characters. Lauren was the more aggressive of the two. She let Ben know right away that she was sexually attracted to him that she wanted him. She is very straightforward and does not mince words. If she thinks it, then more than likely she was going to say it. Demonstrating self-control was not one of her strongest qualities. I really liked that Lauren was such a strong personality but there were times when I needed her to soften just a little bit. I hated the fact that everything in her life was such a secret, she really didn’t confide in anyone about anything in her life. Not even her twin sister. He tough exterior was on display 24/7.
Ben on the other hand was more reserved. What I liked about him was he wasn’t some man-whore. His sexual encounters/experience was not extensive at all. While he admitted he was sexually attracted to Lauren, his main goal was never sex. I liked Ben, I really did, but he drove me a tad bit batty with his misplaced loyalties (at least to me they were misplaced). While there were times I wanted Lauren to soften up, there were times when I needed Ben to man-up. During a large part of the book, Ben is involved with his live-in girlfriend Elle. Now here’s a person in this book I absolutely loathed. I lost count of the amount of times I wanted her to get hit by a bus or a cab or fall down a manhole. I needed Ben to just shut her down sometimes. Instead he kind of let her bully him into to various situations. Thankfully, there were a few times where he did lose his cool and it almost always was directed at Lauren.
What didn’t work for me in this book? It was long. Not long in the sense that there were a lot of pages; long in the sense that certain scenes seemed to drag on and on. I loved the five year progression, but there were times when the story lulled to the point where I had to almost sit on my hands to keep from just skimming through parts. There was a section of the where you get background on a relationship Lauren’s aunt had, which I honestly could have done without. I think I would have appreciated more time spent on Ben’s background/childhood. That subject is kind of glossed over and towards the end we are introduced to other members of his family but I still felt like I needed more. One other part that didn’t work for me was the ending. The epilogue seemed to go on forever.
I really enjoyed this book. Again, I loved the whole five year progression format and if it weren’t for those lulls or those sections that seemed to be filler…this would be a five star read but I’m going to leave it at four for now.
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November 4, 2015I'm posting this with one more week to go until release date, the time I typically like to give you all a little bit of background/insight into what went into writing this book. I don't ever rate or review my own books, so even though this will show up under "Reviews" technically it isn't that, but rather a space where I can simply share my writing process with you.
Sensational was a fun book to write, and perhaps the easiest of the books so far. Lauren is by far the most outrageous of my heroines, and if you've read the other books in the series you will already be well acquainted with the other McKinnon twin. She is fearless, outspoken, bossy, and quite often a pain in the rear end. But Lauren is also fiercely loyal and devoted to her family and friends, passionate, and a force to be reckoned with.
There is, however, a very different side to Lauren than the one everyone around her sees. She has secrets that very, very few people know about, and one in particular that she's never fessed up to anyone about - that of the summer fling she had years ago while still a college student, the one she never got over and never forgot about. The opening chapter of Sensational is set during that very summer, and recounts the passionate affair she had with a mysterious man named Ben - a man she will end up meeting again years later under very different circumstances. And even though Lauren professes to be well and truly over him, that just isn't true.
I would liken Lauren a bit to Katherina in Taming of the Shrew, for ultimately it is true love that finally manages to soften her up and bring out a different side of her. But you'll have to read her story to watch this unfold.
And while Sensational is definitely a more lighthearted book than Shattered was, this new book still has its poignant moments, especially when we get to see a more vulnerable side of the tough talking Lauren.
I hope that you enjoy reading her story. It's long overdue and I only hope that I did it justice!
Sensational was a fun book to write, and perhaps the easiest of the books so far. Lauren is by far the most outrageous of my heroines, and if you've read the other books in the series you will already be well acquainted with the other McKinnon twin. She is fearless, outspoken, bossy, and quite often a pain in the rear end. But Lauren is also fiercely loyal and devoted to her family and friends, passionate, and a force to be reckoned with.
There is, however, a very different side to Lauren than the one everyone around her sees. She has secrets that very, very few people know about, and one in particular that she's never fessed up to anyone about - that of the summer fling she had years ago while still a college student, the one she never got over and never forgot about. The opening chapter of Sensational is set during that very summer, and recounts the passionate affair she had with a mysterious man named Ben - a man she will end up meeting again years later under very different circumstances. And even though Lauren professes to be well and truly over him, that just isn't true.
I would liken Lauren a bit to Katherina in Taming of the Shrew, for ultimately it is true love that finally manages to soften her up and bring out a different side of her. But you'll have to read her story to watch this unfold.
And while Sensational is definitely a more lighthearted book than Shattered was, this new book still has its poignant moments, especially when we get to see a more vulnerable side of the tough talking Lauren.
I hope that you enjoy reading her story. It's long overdue and I only hope that I did it justice!
November 17, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Can this author do any wrong? Once again she brilliantly weaves a raw, touching, and heartfelt story about two beautiful souls that never truly got over their first love.
Lauren McKinnon. She is a tough girl. Beautiful and bold, she never backs down to anything. She knows what she wants and is in charge of every aspect of her life. Until Ben Rafferty comes barreling in, arriving on her door step. Literally. She has taken to this man. Something about him intrigues her. She sees something deeper than this lonely man. And for Ben? He’s a man with no home or place to call his. But he finds solace and peace in Lauren. A light he never knew he needed in his dark world. These two strangers become lovers. And like all love stories, there’s a beginning...and an end. Ben sacrifices his feelings and walks away from the best thing that has ever happened to him. He left his heart with Lauren and he has every intention on letting her keep it.
When the past comes crashing down for Lauren and Ben, they realize that their wounds were never healed. Their hearts, never mended. After six years, you still feel that sizzle between them. The electricity between these two are off the charts. Their underlying desire and passion for each other is still very alive. But things have changed. Ben and Lauren are not in any position to give into temptation. One of them is already promised to someone else. Too bad they didn’t realize that you only belong to the one you selflessly give your heart to.
“Don’t you realize, Blue Eyes, that you were my dream?”
The romance in Sensational is deep and passionate. There is no insta love between Ben and Lauren. Their tangible connection will have your heart beating. Their declarations of love are magical in not only the words, but the emotions felt in the writing. Oh Ben, you kind hearted beautiful soul. My heart felt the inner struggle that Ben and Lauren endured. While Lauren still feels that fire for Ben, she is still left scarred from the past. Her heart is still shattered to pieces. No man has ever been brave enough to put those pieces back together. But her soul already knew that only Ben could be the one to make her feel whole.
I want to commend the author for truly writing a strong and beautiful heroine. There are so many times where I read a story and the heroine is portrayed as meek or timid. Or love simply changes the heroine. This is not the case for Lauren. She is fierce yet has the biggest heart you have ever read about. Despite her broken heart, she strives to be an amazing person that makes the best of her circumstances. I found Lauren to be awe inspiring, fun, and refreshing. I believe we need more women like her in the literary world.
There is so much depth to the author’s writing. She never ceases to amaze me. She meticulously chooses each word to add to her stories. Her writing is the answer to a reader’s dream as she effortlessly allows you be become embedded within the pages. Until you are lost in the story. Lost in the characters and their lives. She pours her heart and soul into her characters and this is felt in their development. Her characters are in no way one dimensional. They are multi layered and all exhibit a realness factor about them that makes it easy to truly relatable.
“It’s like an electrical storm every time the two of you are in the same room.”
Sensational is a breathtaking romance. Their story is captivating and I could not put this one down. While Ben and Lauren suffered from the heartache of all those years ago, they come to realize that love heals. Love endures. And their love certainly did.
Can this author do any wrong? Once again she brilliantly weaves a raw, touching, and heartfelt story about two beautiful souls that never truly got over their first love.
Lauren McKinnon. She is a tough girl. Beautiful and bold, she never backs down to anything. She knows what she wants and is in charge of every aspect of her life. Until Ben Rafferty comes barreling in, arriving on her door step. Literally. She has taken to this man. Something about him intrigues her. She sees something deeper than this lonely man. And for Ben? He’s a man with no home or place to call his. But he finds solace and peace in Lauren. A light he never knew he needed in his dark world. These two strangers become lovers. And like all love stories, there’s a beginning...and an end. Ben sacrifices his feelings and walks away from the best thing that has ever happened to him. He left his heart with Lauren and he has every intention on letting her keep it.
When the past comes crashing down for Lauren and Ben, they realize that their wounds were never healed. Their hearts, never mended. After six years, you still feel that sizzle between them. The electricity between these two are off the charts. Their underlying desire and passion for each other is still very alive. But things have changed. Ben and Lauren are not in any position to give into temptation. One of them is already promised to someone else. Too bad they didn’t realize that you only belong to the one you selflessly give your heart to.
“Don’t you realize, Blue Eyes, that you were my dream?”
The romance in Sensational is deep and passionate. There is no insta love between Ben and Lauren. Their tangible connection will have your heart beating. Their declarations of love are magical in not only the words, but the emotions felt in the writing. Oh Ben, you kind hearted beautiful soul. My heart felt the inner struggle that Ben and Lauren endured. While Lauren still feels that fire for Ben, she is still left scarred from the past. Her heart is still shattered to pieces. No man has ever been brave enough to put those pieces back together. But her soul already knew that only Ben could be the one to make her feel whole.
I want to commend the author for truly writing a strong and beautiful heroine. There are so many times where I read a story and the heroine is portrayed as meek or timid. Or love simply changes the heroine. This is not the case for Lauren. She is fierce yet has the biggest heart you have ever read about. Despite her broken heart, she strives to be an amazing person that makes the best of her circumstances. I found Lauren to be awe inspiring, fun, and refreshing. I believe we need more women like her in the literary world.
There is so much depth to the author’s writing. She never ceases to amaze me. She meticulously chooses each word to add to her stories. Her writing is the answer to a reader’s dream as she effortlessly allows you be become embedded within the pages. Until you are lost in the story. Lost in the characters and their lives. She pours her heart and soul into her characters and this is felt in their development. Her characters are in no way one dimensional. They are multi layered and all exhibit a realness factor about them that makes it easy to truly relatable.
“It’s like an electrical storm every time the two of you are in the same room.”
Sensational is a breathtaking romance. Their story is captivating and I could not put this one down. While Ben and Lauren suffered from the heartache of all those years ago, they come to realize that love heals. Love endures. And their love certainly did.
November 9, 2015
Sooo happy to finally get Lauren's story and it did not disappoint! She is such a great heroine, and finally meets her match in Ben but in an unexpected way because he is NOT your typical alpha male but more the strong and silent type. Loved the epilogue - priceless!
October 27, 2015
**more at melenasreviews.wordpress.com**
Once again Janet Neissenson has done it again bringing in a way this series to a close end in some ways. We were introduced to Lauren in Julia`s story but like a shadow we saw small parts of her. We finally figure out why she called Ben a bastard in the previous books and what really happened. I loved that Janet put so much history between them and yet we still learn a lot about what makes Lauren tick. The chemistry between Ben and Lauren was like a rollercoaster of fun, betrayal, hurt and most of all passion. It is because of this passion that makes their love strong and them to work hard to keep it. For readers who have read the previous books you definitely don`t want to miss Lauren and Ben`s story for this is one couple.
Once again Janet Neissenson has done it again bringing in a way this series to a close end in some ways. We were introduced to Lauren in Julia`s story but like a shadow we saw small parts of her. We finally figure out why she called Ben a bastard in the previous books and what really happened. I loved that Janet put so much history between them and yet we still learn a lot about what makes Lauren tick. The chemistry between Ben and Lauren was like a rollercoaster of fun, betrayal, hurt and most of all passion. It is because of this passion that makes their love strong and them to work hard to keep it. For readers who have read the previous books you definitely don`t want to miss Lauren and Ben`s story for this is one couple.
November 18, 2015
This was another great book by Janet Nissenson, I loved Lauren and her sassy attitude. I hate that she and Ben had took so long to find their way back to each other. But overall this was very good book, and hope that Janet has more books to share with us that love to read.
November 24, 2015
**5-star review from Laura at Amo's Book Corner**
I completely fell in love with Janet’s characters and writing after reading Shattered (Book #3). So you can imagine I was waiting with baited breath for the release of Lauren’s story as both her twin sister and best friend already had their HEAs.
Lauren comes across as a feisty, independent, take no prisoners woman in Shattered but you know from reading between the lines that she has been hurt by love. Yet, we don’t know the details; until now….
The story starts off just over 5 years ago when Lauren is just about to turn 21, enjoying the summer break from college at her family cabin in Big Sur when she encounters wannabe travel writer Ben Rafferty, and they fall completely and hopelessly in love. What follows is 10 unforgettable days where they share more than some people share in a lifetime, but hard decisions soon have to be made.
Ben, or Blue Eyes to Lauren, has always been a bit of a loner and carries some baggage from his childhood. Realising Lauren has the talent to go far as a photographer and even though he knows he’s found his ‘home’ in her he makes the misguided decision to leave her:
“Be brilliant for me. Shine brighter than the brightest star. And know that I’m doing this because I love you too damned much to stay and ruin your life.”
After waking to find Ben is gone, Lauren builds a wall around her heart and is determined to never let anyone close enough ever again to penetrate her walls and give them the ability to hurt her.
We follow them over the next few years: Ben gets the travel writer’s job he always wanted and Lauren has become a travel photographer. And yes, you’ve guessed it!! Their paths inevitably cross once again and feelings that have never gone away resurface along with old hurts. Of course there are a few spanners in the works. Namely Ben has ‘found’ himself in a relationship with the odious Elle (seriously!!). Add to this Lauren’s refusal to accept his apology or his reasons for leaving her all those years ago.
I don’t know how many times I wanted to strangle one of them!! What ensues is a catalogue of misunderstandings as discussions and feelings are misconstrued. One thing is undeniable throughout; Ben and Lauren are still desperately in love with one another:
“…..he would probably never stop loving her.”
I really felt like I’d been put through an emotional ringer at the end, but it was all worth it and I don’t mind admitting that I shed a tear or two especially when Ben tells Lauren:
“I’ll always be here from now on.”
No two characters deserved their HEA more!
Note: ARC kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.
I completely fell in love with Janet’s characters and writing after reading Shattered (Book #3). So you can imagine I was waiting with baited breath for the release of Lauren’s story as both her twin sister and best friend already had their HEAs.
Lauren comes across as a feisty, independent, take no prisoners woman in Shattered but you know from reading between the lines that she has been hurt by love. Yet, we don’t know the details; until now….
The story starts off just over 5 years ago when Lauren is just about to turn 21, enjoying the summer break from college at her family cabin in Big Sur when she encounters wannabe travel writer Ben Rafferty, and they fall completely and hopelessly in love. What follows is 10 unforgettable days where they share more than some people share in a lifetime, but hard decisions soon have to be made.
Ben, or Blue Eyes to Lauren, has always been a bit of a loner and carries some baggage from his childhood. Realising Lauren has the talent to go far as a photographer and even though he knows he’s found his ‘home’ in her he makes the misguided decision to leave her:
“Be brilliant for me. Shine brighter than the brightest star. And know that I’m doing this because I love you too damned much to stay and ruin your life.”
After waking to find Ben is gone, Lauren builds a wall around her heart and is determined to never let anyone close enough ever again to penetrate her walls and give them the ability to hurt her.
We follow them over the next few years: Ben gets the travel writer’s job he always wanted and Lauren has become a travel photographer. And yes, you’ve guessed it!! Their paths inevitably cross once again and feelings that have never gone away resurface along with old hurts. Of course there are a few spanners in the works. Namely Ben has ‘found’ himself in a relationship with the odious Elle (seriously!!). Add to this Lauren’s refusal to accept his apology or his reasons for leaving her all those years ago.
I don’t know how many times I wanted to strangle one of them!! What ensues is a catalogue of misunderstandings as discussions and feelings are misconstrued. One thing is undeniable throughout; Ben and Lauren are still desperately in love with one another:
“…..he would probably never stop loving her.”
I really felt like I’d been put through an emotional ringer at the end, but it was all worth it and I don’t mind admitting that I shed a tear or two especially when Ben tells Lauren:
“I’ll always be here from now on.”
No two characters deserved their HEA more!
Note: ARC kindly received from author in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2015
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“And by no stretch of the imagination could what just happened be called sex. Sex doesn’t make skyrockets go off in your brain, doesn’t make every single nerve ending in your body come alive. I have never – ever – felt anything close to that before.”
“I would say – in my inexpert opinion, mind you – that what just happened was really, really incredible, toe-curling, mind-numbing, earth-shattering, out of this @ing world, hot, hard, dirty sex. But… since I’m far from an expert on the matter – and not very experienced – I’d say we need to have several repeat performances before I could say for sure.”
“Gordon was something of a cross between a stuffed shirt and a pompous ass,”
“He kissed her as though he was starved for the taste and feel and smell of her – because he was.”
“Meeting you for the first time… was like getting hit square in the chest with a thunderbolt.”
My Review:
Sensational was my first Janet Nissenson experience, and soon after beginning, the quality and skill of her craft was readily apparent. The characters were unique, powerful, and well defined, and I adore a feisty and ballsy heroine. The story was extensively and richly detailed, and incredibly sensual. I enjoyed most of the characters and their humor, and clever wit. The two main characters shared an intense and passionate chemistry that was mishandled by poor judgment – or was it? Maybe Ben’s fears were not groundless and he had a point, but he didn’t go about making it well. I grew a bit frustrated with the middle of the story when it seemed to stall and retread back on itself into a rather angsty loop – which admittedly is not my favorite trope - but the first and ending quarters were stellar.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“And by no stretch of the imagination could what just happened be called sex. Sex doesn’t make skyrockets go off in your brain, doesn’t make every single nerve ending in your body come alive. I have never – ever – felt anything close to that before.”
“I would say – in my inexpert opinion, mind you – that what just happened was really, really incredible, toe-curling, mind-numbing, earth-shattering, out of this @ing world, hot, hard, dirty sex. But… since I’m far from an expert on the matter – and not very experienced – I’d say we need to have several repeat performances before I could say for sure.”
“Gordon was something of a cross between a stuffed shirt and a pompous ass,”
“He kissed her as though he was starved for the taste and feel and smell of her – because he was.”
“Meeting you for the first time… was like getting hit square in the chest with a thunderbolt.”
My Review:
Sensational was my first Janet Nissenson experience, and soon after beginning, the quality and skill of her craft was readily apparent. The characters were unique, powerful, and well defined, and I adore a feisty and ballsy heroine. The story was extensively and richly detailed, and incredibly sensual. I enjoyed most of the characters and their humor, and clever wit. The two main characters shared an intense and passionate chemistry that was mishandled by poor judgment – or was it? Maybe Ben’s fears were not groundless and he had a point, but he didn’t go about making it well. I grew a bit frustrated with the middle of the story when it seemed to stall and retread back on itself into a rather angsty loop – which admittedly is not my favorite trope - but the first and ending quarters were stellar.
March 29, 2021
3.5 Stars
I skipped a few to get to this one. Sensational is Lauren and Ben’s story. (Lauren is Julia’s twin sister from Serendipity) I initially found Lauren’s personality off-putting, and went in planning to skim for a firmer HEA for Julia and Nathan, but got hooked.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but it probably won’t appeal to everyone. Ben spends most of the book trying to make things right with Elle, which won’t scream romance to most. (although it’s very clear his feelings for Lauren are much bigger) This conflict does generate a fair amount of angst, so if that’s your thing…give it a try. (it’s on KU) This book pretty much puts the twin’s storyline to rest, and ends with a nice epilogue four years later.
I skipped a few to get to this one. Sensational is Lauren and Ben’s story. (Lauren is Julia’s twin sister from Serendipity) I initially found Lauren’s personality off-putting, and went in planning to skim for a firmer HEA for Julia and Nathan, but got hooked.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but it probably won’t appeal to everyone. Ben spends most of the book trying to make things right with Elle, which won’t scream romance to most. (although it’s very clear his feelings for Lauren are much bigger) This conflict does generate a fair amount of angst, so if that’s your thing…give it a try. (it’s on KU) This book pretty much puts the twin’s storyline to rest, and ends with a nice epilogue four years later.
November 19, 2015
3.5 out of 5
You had better settle in for the long haul because this is a long book!
I was intrigued with the story when I read the synopsis and I must say that the author did a sterling job with the flow but god did she give me characters that I wanted to throttle!!!
Ben and Lauren had a relationship in college but they could not be more different and when Ben makes his unilateral decision that she is better off without him, he sets of a chain of events that will define them both. But the repercussions are going to have an impact neither of them could have imagined.
Lauren was a wild child, full of life and the vitality that the exuberance of youth brings and Ben’s decision hits her so hard that she almost shuts up shop, she emotionally circles the wagon’s and refuses to ever be in a position to feel like that again. All her effort goes into her passion – photography. And making her name in the world! But she would never forget or in some respects forgive Ben.
Years later, all that angst is going to find its outlet when they are forced to work together because despite the pain that Lauren has carried and the guilt Ben has harboured there is a pull between them but the baggage has a life of its own.
Lauren was someone that I think I would find difficult to like in real life, she seemed to do everything to excess, she liked her liquor but it made her a mean drunk, she was spiteful to more people than I could possibly ever remember and her nasty mouth meant that I wasn’t actually sure why anyone would want to be in her company in the first place. I got that in many respects she used her bad attitude to protect her heart but come on love, give the world a break!!!
Ben on the other hand was just someone that I wanted to grab by the shoulders and shake. He was too nice in some respects and that made him weak – he never loved Elle, I got that but what I didn’t get is why he was willing to get up each morning and keep up his pretence? Honestly man grow a pair and move on!
The story is as I said long and at times, I got a little bogged down but when it was in full flow it was enjoyable.
Their reconnection and the emotion that, that drew from them was a strength that I think the author used to supreme effect. This was a good story about unfinished business, the impact that a lack of communication can leave and about understanding that you only get one shot at putting right your wrongs.
While the characters were not my favourite, I could appreciate the story and the sentiment and while Lauren was definitely not my favourite – I could appreciate the fact that she was a strong woman, I just didn’t take to her methods.
You had better settle in for the long haul because this is a long book!
I was intrigued with the story when I read the synopsis and I must say that the author did a sterling job with the flow but god did she give me characters that I wanted to throttle!!!
Ben and Lauren had a relationship in college but they could not be more different and when Ben makes his unilateral decision that she is better off without him, he sets of a chain of events that will define them both. But the repercussions are going to have an impact neither of them could have imagined.
Lauren was a wild child, full of life and the vitality that the exuberance of youth brings and Ben’s decision hits her so hard that she almost shuts up shop, she emotionally circles the wagon’s and refuses to ever be in a position to feel like that again. All her effort goes into her passion – photography. And making her name in the world! But she would never forget or in some respects forgive Ben.
Years later, all that angst is going to find its outlet when they are forced to work together because despite the pain that Lauren has carried and the guilt Ben has harboured there is a pull between them but the baggage has a life of its own.
Lauren was someone that I think I would find difficult to like in real life, she seemed to do everything to excess, she liked her liquor but it made her a mean drunk, she was spiteful to more people than I could possibly ever remember and her nasty mouth meant that I wasn’t actually sure why anyone would want to be in her company in the first place. I got that in many respects she used her bad attitude to protect her heart but come on love, give the world a break!!!
Ben on the other hand was just someone that I wanted to grab by the shoulders and shake. He was too nice in some respects and that made him weak – he never loved Elle, I got that but what I didn’t get is why he was willing to get up each morning and keep up his pretence? Honestly man grow a pair and move on!
The story is as I said long and at times, I got a little bogged down but when it was in full flow it was enjoyable.
Their reconnection and the emotion that, that drew from them was a strength that I think the author used to supreme effect. This was a good story about unfinished business, the impact that a lack of communication can leave and about understanding that you only get one shot at putting right your wrongs.
While the characters were not my favourite, I could appreciate the story and the sentiment and while Lauren was definitely not my favourite – I could appreciate the fact that she was a strong woman, I just didn’t take to her methods.
November 8, 2015
******MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*******
I did not find the inherent characteristics of Ben the slightest bit alluring.What decent human being would string an 'emotionally unbalanced' woman along for two years into thinking they had some semblance of a relationship while secretly lusting after another the entire book is beyond me.He is either dumb or a predator that preys on vulnerable women.He was aware that she was in love with him and his telling her that he would never love her was cruel & hurtful as he actually did not distance himself from her.He enabled her unhealthy fixation by moving in with her & further using her sexually for years.
He finally breaks up with her in chapter 25.The novel has 26 chapters.I find it highly unbelievable that a man would stay in a relationship with a woman just because he assumes her too fragile to handle the truth.
He was staying in her home,wearing designer suits bought by her,weekends in the Hampton,trips to Spain yet his thoughts were constantly filled with how he hated living this expensive upper class lifestyle.His woe is me attitude constantly grated on my nerves.
Despite the authors unarguable hot sex scenes and in parts enjoyable writing style I actually gave a sigh of relief when I reached the end.
Lauren came across as a poor imitation of Lara Croft & somehow intensely immature.She & Ben deserved each other
Elle you have my sympathies.I hope you get a novel of your own.You are well rid of Ben aka The Leech.
I did not find the inherent characteristics of Ben the slightest bit alluring.What decent human being would string an 'emotionally unbalanced' woman along for two years into thinking they had some semblance of a relationship while secretly lusting after another the entire book is beyond me.He is either dumb or a predator that preys on vulnerable women.He was aware that she was in love with him and his telling her that he would never love her was cruel & hurtful as he actually did not distance himself from her.He enabled her unhealthy fixation by moving in with her & further using her sexually for years.
He finally breaks up with her in chapter 25.The novel has 26 chapters.I find it highly unbelievable that a man would stay in a relationship with a woman just because he assumes her too fragile to handle the truth.
He was staying in her home,wearing designer suits bought by her,weekends in the Hampton,trips to Spain yet his thoughts were constantly filled with how he hated living this expensive upper class lifestyle.His woe is me attitude constantly grated on my nerves.
Despite the authors unarguable hot sex scenes and in parts enjoyable writing style I actually gave a sigh of relief when I reached the end.
Lauren came across as a poor imitation of Lara Croft & somehow intensely immature.She & Ben deserved each other
Elle you have my sympathies.I hope you get a novel of your own.You are well rid of Ben aka The Leech.
September 30, 2015
Lauren McKinnon and Ben Rafferty are combustible together. At least for 10 scorching hot days. Until Lauren wakes up to find Ben gone, from her bed and her life. Disappeared as if he had never been there. Shes too young, too wild and way too tough to let one broken heart stand in the way of chasing her dreams, even if it was the love of a lifetime.
Ben was a loner, a broke nomad who traveled the world on a shoestring budget, taking photos and selling articles to magazines. When he stumbled on the beautiful coastline of Big Sur, California and the even more breathtaking Lauren, he knew he was in uncharted territory. What could a girl like HER want with a nobody like him? In his mind, nothing. And he would leave her with a broken heart before he would drag her down with him.
From the description of this book, it sounds really wonderful. Two people who fall in insta-love, not to mention insta-sex with each other and have this incredible, heartbreaking journey to find each other again after a time apart. And really, that is the premise of the story. But good golly, Miss Molly, this is a long book. The story was good, but not great. I really never liked the heroine, Lauren. She drank too much, swore too much and was a royal bitch to everyone except her family. I get that she had her heart broken and she was hurt, but her personality was so in-your-face and over the top that im surprised she ever had any friends at all. She was constantly eating, drinking, swearing and reducing grown men to simpering idiots with her sharp tongue and even sharper martial arts skills. (eye roll)
Ben was a weak, spineless bloke. He never had the nerve to say no to anyone. He lived with a woman he didn't love for YEARS, leading her to believe they had a real relationship all because he didn't want to hurt her. He took a job he didn't want, dressed in a way he didn't like... all to please this woman, Elle, who he didn't really love. Hmmm.
Honestly, I like my men a lot stronger than Ben and my women to be nicer than Lauren. I understand being a strong woman, but there is a line between strong and bitch and Lauren definitely leaned to the bitch side more often than not.
The characters, even though I did not like either of them, were well developed. The editing was good and the storyline flowed at a good pace. As for the story itself, I just felt there was too much of it. About 30% in I got kind of bored and started skimming. I rarely ever DNF a book and never do I skip ahead to the end, although I was tempted with this one. I realize a lot of readers like the balls-to-the-wall, in your face kind of heroine, but this one was just too much for me. I have some friends who will like this book, so I will recommend it to them. I will also read more from this author because she seems to be a really good writer, I just didnt care for this particular story. I give it 3***wickedgoodstars. -asw
Ben was a loner, a broke nomad who traveled the world on a shoestring budget, taking photos and selling articles to magazines. When he stumbled on the beautiful coastline of Big Sur, California and the even more breathtaking Lauren, he knew he was in uncharted territory. What could a girl like HER want with a nobody like him? In his mind, nothing. And he would leave her with a broken heart before he would drag her down with him.
From the description of this book, it sounds really wonderful. Two people who fall in insta-love, not to mention insta-sex with each other and have this incredible, heartbreaking journey to find each other again after a time apart. And really, that is the premise of the story. But good golly, Miss Molly, this is a long book. The story was good, but not great. I really never liked the heroine, Lauren. She drank too much, swore too much and was a royal bitch to everyone except her family. I get that she had her heart broken and she was hurt, but her personality was so in-your-face and over the top that im surprised she ever had any friends at all. She was constantly eating, drinking, swearing and reducing grown men to simpering idiots with her sharp tongue and even sharper martial arts skills. (eye roll)
Ben was a weak, spineless bloke. He never had the nerve to say no to anyone. He lived with a woman he didn't love for YEARS, leading her to believe they had a real relationship all because he didn't want to hurt her. He took a job he didn't want, dressed in a way he didn't like... all to please this woman, Elle, who he didn't really love. Hmmm.
Honestly, I like my men a lot stronger than Ben and my women to be nicer than Lauren. I understand being a strong woman, but there is a line between strong and bitch and Lauren definitely leaned to the bitch side more often than not.
The characters, even though I did not like either of them, were well developed. The editing was good and the storyline flowed at a good pace. As for the story itself, I just felt there was too much of it. About 30% in I got kind of bored and started skimming. I rarely ever DNF a book and never do I skip ahead to the end, although I was tempted with this one. I realize a lot of readers like the balls-to-the-wall, in your face kind of heroine, but this one was just too much for me. I have some friends who will like this book, so I will recommend it to them. I will also read more from this author because she seems to be a really good writer, I just didnt care for this particular story. I give it 3***wickedgoodstars. -asw
January 3, 2016
Sensational by Janet Nissenson
5 Stars
Reviewed by Amanda
This book was really good! To think a random stranger could turn into so much so fast and then deny one another for so long! I really enjoyed the story line in this book! And to realize it is part of a series and I can learn every other character's story from their point of view was an awesome discovery. The author wrote this so well you feel as if you became part of the family watching from the side lines. You read and go through everything they are feeling and experiencing. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I love to read so I also enjoyed the fact that it was a longer story than most and I got to enjoy it longer. I love how in love these characters were with each other.
Late Night Books Reviewer Amanda
5 Stars
Reviewed by Amanda
This book was really good! To think a random stranger could turn into so much so fast and then deny one another for so long! I really enjoyed the story line in this book! And to realize it is part of a series and I can learn every other character's story from their point of view was an awesome discovery. The author wrote this so well you feel as if you became part of the family watching from the side lines. You read and go through everything they are feeling and experiencing. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
I love to read so I also enjoyed the fact that it was a longer story than most and I got to enjoy it longer. I love how in love these characters were with each other.
Late Night Books Reviewer Amanda
November 12, 2015
DNF @ 52%
I didn't actually DNF this book at 52%, I was basically skimming through everything by 40%-ish. The plot was what drew me to this book initially, because I love it when the Hero screw the Heroine up and having to ask for her forgiveness while the Heroine gives him the cold shoulder. It really gives me so much life.
Unfortunately that's not what I get from this book. First of all, this book is incredibly boring. I literally fell asleep at one point.
I loved the Heroine at first, I liked that she's so confident of herself, sexuality and I liked her sassiness and sarcastic remarks. But it got old pretty quickly. Instead of coming off as this really strong, opinionated Heroine, she became very immature AS HELL. My patience was literally hanging by a thread.
And the Hero is a literal piece of shit. While he never did cheat on Elle (up to 52%), but emotionally? He sure did. And it was wrong of him to string her along like that. I was so disgusted by him.
I didn't actually DNF this book at 52%, I was basically skimming through everything by 40%-ish. The plot was what drew me to this book initially, because I love it when the Hero screw the Heroine up and having to ask for her forgiveness while the Heroine gives him the cold shoulder. It really gives me so much life.
Unfortunately that's not what I get from this book. First of all, this book is incredibly boring. I literally fell asleep at one point.
I loved the Heroine at first, I liked that she's so confident of herself, sexuality and I liked her sassiness and sarcastic remarks. But it got old pretty quickly. Instead of coming off as this really strong, opinionated Heroine, she became very immature AS HELL. My patience was literally hanging by a thread.
And the Hero is a literal piece of shit. While he never did cheat on Elle (up to 52%), but emotionally? He sure did. And it was wrong of him to string her along like that. I was so disgusted by him.
October 28, 2017
Ben is a spineless man he spent years with a woman that he didn't love, kept saying in the whole book that he loved Lauren and don't get me going with Lauren pining over a man that she met and fell in love in a matter of days. To me this whole book is not about Lauren and Ben is about Ben and Elle
August 11, 2016
POV: Third Person
Main Characters: Lauren McKinnon, Ben Rafferty
Setting: California & New York
My Thoughts: This is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. Lauren was a great character. I didn't like Ben very much. He is a total pushover. He leaves Lauren - because he is intimidated by her family’s wealth – for Elle who is also stinking rich and likes to flaunt it. It didn't make much sense to me, but at least Lauren’s strong character makes up for it.
Review
Lauren and Ben meet each other one summer and spend ten magical days together where both feel they have met their soul mate but Ben thinks he isn't good enough for her and leaves without an explanation.
Years later they run into each other again. Lauren is a successful photographer travelling all over the world and he is her new boss. They are still attracted to each other. Not only is Lauren's pride and Ben’s girlfriend standing in their way, Lauren has never forgiven him for leaving her…
Main Characters: Lauren McKinnon, Ben Rafferty
Setting: California & New York
My Thoughts: This is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed it very much. Lauren was a great character. I didn't like Ben very much. He is a total pushover. He leaves Lauren - because he is intimidated by her family’s wealth – for Elle who is also stinking rich and likes to flaunt it. It didn't make much sense to me, but at least Lauren’s strong character makes up for it.
Review
“Good-by, sweetheart,” he whispered brokenly. “Be brilliant for me. Shine brighter than the brightest star. And know that I’m doing this because I love you too damned much to stay and ruin your life.”
Lauren and Ben meet each other one summer and spend ten magical days together where both feel they have met their soul mate but Ben thinks he isn't good enough for her and leaves without an explanation.
There were two things of which Lauren was absolutely certain. One was that never again would she put herself in a position to have her heart and her spirit crushed like Ben had managed to do this past summer. And the second was that she would never – ever – cry over a man again.
Years later they run into each other again. Lauren is a successful photographer travelling all over the world and he is her new boss. They are still attracted to each other. Not only is Lauren's pride and Ben’s girlfriend standing in their way, Lauren has never forgiven him for leaving her…
July 27, 2016
I liked Julia better than Lauren, but Ben better than Nathan, lol. Still an excellent story.
April 12, 2018
4 💖🗺💖 🌟🌟🌟🌟s
January 16, 2019
The author had provided me with a reader copy of Sensational.
I loved this book as much as I have enjoyed the entire Inevitable series. It was fun and light when it needed to be. Emotional and relatable when it should be.
"Lauren McKinnon has always prided herself on never backing down from a challenge, living life to its fullest, and refusing to be ruled by her emotions. " Lauren is a ferocious young woman, fearless and passionate.
"Ben Rafferty has always been a loner, never truly belonging anywhere or to anyone." I truly related to Ben because I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere or in a group of people. I, too, come from a family with financial instabilities, and his emotions really resonated with me.
"When their paths inevitably cross again, Lauren’s pride and refusal to forgive continues to keep them apart, as does the new woman in Ben’s life." At times, I felt like the new woman in his life was an easy plot-line to keep Ben and Lauren apart. However, Ben is a solid character, and a wonderful love-interest.
Overall, Sensational was a great romance stand-alone, set in the universe of an amazing romance series. I strongly recommend it. You'll surely fall in love with the characters, their antics, and stories.
I loved this book as much as I have enjoyed the entire Inevitable series. It was fun and light when it needed to be. Emotional and relatable when it should be.
"Lauren McKinnon has always prided herself on never backing down from a challenge, living life to its fullest, and refusing to be ruled by her emotions. " Lauren is a ferocious young woman, fearless and passionate.
"Ben Rafferty has always been a loner, never truly belonging anywhere or to anyone." I truly related to Ben because I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere or in a group of people. I, too, come from a family with financial instabilities, and his emotions really resonated with me.
"When their paths inevitably cross again, Lauren’s pride and refusal to forgive continues to keep them apart, as does the new woman in Ben’s life." At times, I felt like the new woman in his life was an easy plot-line to keep Ben and Lauren apart. However, Ben is a solid character, and a wonderful love-interest.
Overall, Sensational was a great romance stand-alone, set in the universe of an amazing romance series. I strongly recommend it. You'll surely fall in love with the characters, their antics, and stories.
August 19, 2017
5 stars!!
I absolutely loved Lauren in this book, she is so feisty and determined yet underneath it all there is a heart of gold. As for Ben I wanted to slap some sense into him but it all worked out in the end. This series just keeps getting better, can't wait to read the next one.
I absolutely loved Lauren in this book, she is so feisty and determined yet underneath it all there is a heart of gold. As for Ben I wanted to slap some sense into him but it all worked out in the end. This series just keeps getting better, can't wait to read the next one.
August 26, 2016
4 Stars
#highlyrecommended
#highlyrecommended
September 18, 2017
Just adore this series
Another great novel The office and co-worker Chelsea characters are a definite joy! George, poor George all the abuse but I don't think he even knew it LOL
Another great novel The office and co-worker Chelsea characters are a definite joy! George, poor George all the abuse but I don't think he even knew it LOL
November 16, 2019
WhAt a complete disappointment. Ben was a complete pussy!! Who does that shit. Lauren deserved a way better book
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