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Stewart Realty #2
Sweat Equity
Now that he's made the ultimate commitment to the woman he believes is his soul-mate, Jack Gordon believes all is right in their world. But a series of misunderstandings, and a dose of self-fulfilling prophecy bring his perfectly crafted house of cards tumbling down around him, forcing him to confront his lingering misgivings about commitment and trust.
Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two things which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it frustrating, thanks to their near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara's family history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes simpler than fighting a near-constant war with the one person who should be her safe haven.
Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara's tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the elusive elements of trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans, that leave them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.
This second edition is refreshed and re-edited.
Sara struggles with her intense need for Jack and her desire for less volatility in her busy life, two things which appear to be mutually exclusive. Although willing to put in the time and emotional effort to make their relationship work, she finds it frustrating, thanks to their near-identical personalities and temperaments. Given Sara's family history, easing back into the comfortable status quo becomes simpler than fighting a near-constant war with the one person who should be her safe haven.
Buffeted by circumstance, temptation and distraction, Jack and Sara's tenuous relationship crumbles, sparking a continuous quest for the elusive elements of trust, love and acceptance. By the time they rebuild a foundation for renewal, fate has other plans, that leave them both reeling, once again questioning their destiny.
This second edition is refreshed and re-edited.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2012
11 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Liz Crowe
100 books1,231 followersLiz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.
The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.
Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 27, 2012
4.5 stars!! Okay so I feel like I need to say what is said to you when you get ready to ride a roller coaster...Ladies and Gentlemen please fasten your seat belts and keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times and enjoy your ride...well you get the point LOL! Ms. Crowe can certainly write it all over the place and it IS NOT a bad thing. The drama, the dysfunction, the angst, the turmoil, the sex, the intense desire, the awkwardness etc etc etc.
Jack and Sara are two people so very much alike yet extremely stubborn and do not communicate very well at all. They will take you on a ride of highs and lows. Yes, I wanted to choke him, then I wanted to choke her, then I was like ah hell I want to friggin choke both of them! gaaahhhh they drove me nuts!!
She grabbed the hair dryer and ignored the growing ache in her chest–the spot she’d come to call Jack’s place. He alone had the ability to fill it with joy and ecstasy one moment, fury and frustration the next.
but that is who they are and I truly believe deep down they love each other and will someday figure it out and get their $hit straight!! There are many couples and exes and such, hence all the drama. Craig is thrown into the mix here as he has feelings for Sara and also works for the same company as both Jack and Sara do. He is loving, caring and also sexy as hell and wants so badly to help Sara forget Jack. Throw in Suzanne, Jack's friend, to mix it up a bit as she says
“Some people are just meant to be together, Craig no matter how much we might think otherwise. There is no explaining it. I for one, think those two are just such people.
Now we add Sara's mom with her little too late motherly advice
"You should never measure your success by what your friends and family think of you. Remember only you hold that ruler."
I actually love that quote myself!
So at this point you are probably asking yourself should I read this? My answer would be yes. It is a short read, keeps your interest with all the twists and turns and the sex is without a doubt HOT!
There is also a light mix of BDSM and a a M/M sexual relationship in this book which is different for me but did not keep me from reading the story. If you cannot handle reading about any of the following things I mentioned then you might not want to read it but I for one am enjoying every hot, exploding minute of it and am anxious to see where it all ends. My final words: Holy Moly that was one hell of a ride!......I was provided a copy of this by the publisher for an honest review. This is the second book in the series and I do recommend you read them in order!
November 11, 2014
Sweat Equity is the second installment in the Stewart Realty series by Liz Crowe.
Book two picks up some months after Floor Time (book one) leaves off. Jack and Sara continue to confuse and frustrate each other to the point of aggravation. These two characters excel and making each other (and themselves) miserable, and now there’s a mix of family, friends, exes, and friends with benefits that just serve to further complicate and confound matters.
I’m not generally a fan of “triangle” stories. I typically find them frustrating because there’s usually a clear choice to the reader as to who the heroine should choose. Well NOT in this series. I still don’t know whether I love Jack or just wish he’d find the rock he crawled out from under. Then there’s Craig, who by all accounts seems to be a sweet guy, but almost saccharine sweet. Maybe he’s just a little too good, at least for Sara. Or is he? There’s a niggling thought that makes me wonder exactly what Craig’s playing at too. What’s with the flirtatious thing going on with Suzanne? It kinda makes me wonder if he isn’t a bit of a cad too. Or at the very least, as confused as the rest of them.
And Sara… gah! Come on, for cryin’ out loud! You’re an educated and successful woman. Wake up, figure it out, or cut both these poor men loose to scratch their itch somewhere else, and move the hell on girlfriend! Maybe Jack deserves his misery. Lord knows he’s dealt enough of it himself. The jury’s still out on Craig, though, and Sara using him for sex – at least I think that’s what she’s doing – made me want use my Kindle as a projectile more than once. Now that I think about it, maybe Jack and Sara actually deserve each other and all their craziness, but who could sustain that kind of insanity for any length of time before going off the deep end?
I’ll have to consider that thought for a little while longer as I immediately make a grab for Closing Costs (book three). The author warned me that I would need to have it handy as I finished Sweat Equity. She was absolutely right. I cannot promise you resolution – no spoilers here – but I can promise you more of the Liz Crowe brand of smoking hot scenes, a little M/M, and some light BDSM thrown in for good measure. So, for now, I’m compelled to continue reading. At least I can be grateful I heeded her warning, but I’m not sure I’m looking forward to a continued state of confusion and frustration. Mercifully, the end is in sight.
For the ability to keep me at a heightened state of annoyance with nearly every character, Sweet Equity earns four exasperating (but I’m smiling here) stars.
Book two picks up some months after Floor Time (book one) leaves off. Jack and Sara continue to confuse and frustrate each other to the point of aggravation. These two characters excel and making each other (and themselves) miserable, and now there’s a mix of family, friends, exes, and friends with benefits that just serve to further complicate and confound matters.
I’m not generally a fan of “triangle” stories. I typically find them frustrating because there’s usually a clear choice to the reader as to who the heroine should choose. Well NOT in this series. I still don’t know whether I love Jack or just wish he’d find the rock he crawled out from under. Then there’s Craig, who by all accounts seems to be a sweet guy, but almost saccharine sweet. Maybe he’s just a little too good, at least for Sara. Or is he? There’s a niggling thought that makes me wonder exactly what Craig’s playing at too. What’s with the flirtatious thing going on with Suzanne? It kinda makes me wonder if he isn’t a bit of a cad too. Or at the very least, as confused as the rest of them.
And Sara… gah! Come on, for cryin’ out loud! You’re an educated and successful woman. Wake up, figure it out, or cut both these poor men loose to scratch their itch somewhere else, and move the hell on girlfriend! Maybe Jack deserves his misery. Lord knows he’s dealt enough of it himself. The jury’s still out on Craig, though, and Sara using him for sex – at least I think that’s what she’s doing – made me want use my Kindle as a projectile more than once. Now that I think about it, maybe Jack and Sara actually deserve each other and all their craziness, but who could sustain that kind of insanity for any length of time before going off the deep end?
I’ll have to consider that thought for a little while longer as I immediately make a grab for Closing Costs (book three). The author warned me that I would need to have it handy as I finished Sweat Equity. She was absolutely right. I cannot promise you resolution – no spoilers here – but I can promise you more of the Liz Crowe brand of smoking hot scenes, a little M/M, and some light BDSM thrown in for good measure. So, for now, I’m compelled to continue reading. At least I can be grateful I heeded her warning, but I’m not sure I’m looking forward to a continued state of confusion and frustration. Mercifully, the end is in sight.
For the ability to keep me at a heightened state of annoyance with nearly every character, Sweet Equity earns four exasperating (but I’m smiling here) stars.
September 29, 2012
Jeesum petes this one was good. Jack's a dirty dawg, but I could live with that. Sara "works my last nerve." Part two of the Stewart Realty series....awesome. However, without giving anything away, I'd recommend having the next one, "Closing Costs" close at hand or ready to download, cause I finished this one and immediately started the next.
April 30, 2014
Same issues as the first book. We spent the entire book working through Jack's commitment issues and Sara's trust issue. Yet nothing is resolved. I'm over it.
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January 9, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (1/9/2020)! 🎁
July 13, 2012
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Sexy Tales and Toys
I had to review both Sweat Equity (Stewart Realty 2) by Liz Crowe and Closing Costs (Stewart Realty 3) together because Sweat Equity ended with a cliffhanger, and you can’t read #2 without going right to #3. I have to tell you, these two books were the most frustrating books I have ever read, EVER. I will split up the review so I don’t give anything away in this book review, but just know I reviewed Book 2 after finishing book 3 as well.
In book one, Floor Time, Jack and Sara got engaged at the end. So book two, Sweat Equity, begins with Sara planning the wedding and Jack just doesn’t want to deal with it. Arguments and distance ensue. Then Sara finds some old condoms in a suitcase, doesn’t listen to Jack’s explanation, and the engagement is off. Though these two can’t stop feeling the pull together, they are both such stubborn asses, they can’t admit what they want and trust each other. But there is hot little sweetie-pie Craig, waiting in the wings again to pick up the pieces. Craig is nice, gorgeous, understanding and wonderful, but poor guy, Sara just uses him to forget Jack; as much as she likes Craig, he isn’t Jack. (but Craig knows what he is getting into).
The back and forth between Jack and Sara was realistic of two stubborn asses who can’t say what they really feel and it drove me crazy. I began to think Sara was a selfish bitch. Not only did she use Craig, but she relied on her brother so much that it caused lots of problems in his relationship with Rob (though that is more Blake’s fault, she could have stopped it). Jack, at least was true to himself way more than Sara. He expressed his feelings a few times (though stupid asshole stuff came out more).
“Like what, baby? Like that you miss me?” She started to protest but he cut her off. “Do not say a word. Just listen a minute, if you can. I miss you too, like a fucking phantom limb, do you understand? You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
But Sara rarely said anything, admitted any weakness back. Sara jumps to conclusions, pushes him away and lets ONE stupid comment ruin her entire future with Jack, after he worked so hard to get her back. She puts him off all the time, but wishes he would stay. Both of them can’t stop obsessing over the other, but keep getting in their own way. Grrrrr, it began to really drive me nuts. Then the book ends with a major cliff-hanger!
There were a few sexy scenes, one with light BDSM, but I was hoping for more of that from this series.
I can’t even do likes and dislikes for this book, because, though I couldn’t put it down unless I got so annoyed I had to, and I felt like throwing my phone. A LOT. Yet I immediately purchased the next one!
There were a number of little errors (missing word or letter), and a lot of use of the expression “my scalp tingled” when Jack was near, and Sara wasn’t the only one with a tingly scalp. Apparently, this is common in Ann Arbor. But the series was written well, engaging, and came highly recommended as well as winning some awards. It was just frustrating as hell.
Because I honestly don’t know if I loved it or hated it, I’m settling on a 3 star rating, but I am rounding up. The sex scenes were well written but ran about a 4 to me.
I had to review both Sweat Equity (Stewart Realty 2) by Liz Crowe and Closing Costs (Stewart Realty 3) together because Sweat Equity ended with a cliffhanger, and you can’t read #2 without going right to #3. I have to tell you, these two books were the most frustrating books I have ever read, EVER. I will split up the review so I don’t give anything away in this book review, but just know I reviewed Book 2 after finishing book 3 as well.
In book one, Floor Time, Jack and Sara got engaged at the end. So book two, Sweat Equity, begins with Sara planning the wedding and Jack just doesn’t want to deal with it. Arguments and distance ensue. Then Sara finds some old condoms in a suitcase, doesn’t listen to Jack’s explanation, and the engagement is off. Though these two can’t stop feeling the pull together, they are both such stubborn asses, they can’t admit what they want and trust each other. But there is hot little sweetie-pie Craig, waiting in the wings again to pick up the pieces. Craig is nice, gorgeous, understanding and wonderful, but poor guy, Sara just uses him to forget Jack; as much as she likes Craig, he isn’t Jack. (but Craig knows what he is getting into).
The back and forth between Jack and Sara was realistic of two stubborn asses who can’t say what they really feel and it drove me crazy. I began to think Sara was a selfish bitch. Not only did she use Craig, but she relied on her brother so much that it caused lots of problems in his relationship with Rob (though that is more Blake’s fault, she could have stopped it). Jack, at least was true to himself way more than Sara. He expressed his feelings a few times (though stupid asshole stuff came out more).
“Like what, baby? Like that you miss me?” She started to protest but he cut her off. “Do not say a word. Just listen a minute, if you can. I miss you too, like a fucking phantom limb, do you understand? You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
But Sara rarely said anything, admitted any weakness back. Sara jumps to conclusions, pushes him away and lets ONE stupid comment ruin her entire future with Jack, after he worked so hard to get her back. She puts him off all the time, but wishes he would stay. Both of them can’t stop obsessing over the other, but keep getting in their own way. Grrrrr, it began to really drive me nuts. Then the book ends with a major cliff-hanger!
There were a few sexy scenes, one with light BDSM, but I was hoping for more of that from this series.
I can’t even do likes and dislikes for this book, because, though I couldn’t put it down unless I got so annoyed I had to, and I felt like throwing my phone. A LOT. Yet I immediately purchased the next one!
There were a number of little errors (missing word or letter), and a lot of use of the expression “my scalp tingled” when Jack was near, and Sara wasn’t the only one with a tingly scalp. Apparently, this is common in Ann Arbor. But the series was written well, engaging, and came highly recommended as well as winning some awards. It was just frustrating as hell.
Because I honestly don’t know if I loved it or hated it, I’m settling on a 3 star rating, but I am rounding up. The sex scenes were well written but ran about a 4 to me.
March 8, 2015
Sweat Equity is, hands down, one of my favorite reads of 2012 and has earned a much deserved 5 stars! I finished this book over a week ago and yet I still cannot find the words to accurately convey how much I loved it. Will the fact that I can’t find another book to grab my attention because I’m still thinking about it, suffice? Or how about this, I’ve read Chapter 17, 18, the Epilogue and the sneak peek of Closing Costs – no less than 10 times since my original read. I can’t get these characters out of my head! For me, that speaks volumes about how totally captivating and well written the story is.
In Sweat Equity, Jack and Sara’s heart-wrenching story continues & picks up a few months after the ending of Floor Time. We get a small glimpse of them together on a trip where they are happy and have let go of their fears & insecurities, but only for a short time. As soon as they return home, they are overcome with the tidal wave that is their doubt, love, fear, insecurity, hope & yes, even hate. They drown in these emotions and cannot seem to get their head above water for a breath, let alone to reach for the life preserve that is their love for each other. They panic and defense mechanisms kick in. In an effort to save themselves, they push the other underneath with words and actions that will cause the most pain. They know it’s wrong, but just can’t stop.
The more that I read Jack’s character, the more I love him. His feelings for Sara are so intense, visceral and evoke such depth, they make you want to climb into the book and become Sara just so you can feel them. Then he makes a magnificent ass of himself and all you want to do is smack him and scream “No!!!! WTH are you doing?” His self-hatred is so great and his fear is so strong he just can’t let go to love completely, it is heart-wrenching to read. My favorite Jack quote in the book:
“Like what, baby? Like that you miss me?” She started to protest but he cut her off. “Do not say a word. Just listen a minute, if you can. I miss you too, like a fucking phantom limb, do you understand? You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
Sara is scared. She doesn’t trust and she refuses to see or accept Jack for more than what she thinks he is. That’s partially Jack’s fault because he has never let her see anything past that but, she hasn’t tried or pushed him to show her more. She wants his love, but only on her terms. I think that she is almost scared to get all of him because that will mean she’ll have no excuse but to trust. That completely terrifies her. Don’t get me wrong, Jack is a complete and total shit to her and does some pretty nasty things. I just wish that she would realize & see the underlying cause of them, Jack’s fear. However, that would mean admitting her own, and she isn’t ready.
This series, and especially Sweat Equity, is so realistic, raw, emotional, mouth-watering hot & totally fucked up – but I absolutely LOVE it! I recommend it with complete certainty that you’ll fall in love and, be just as hooked as I am.
In Sweat Equity, Jack and Sara’s heart-wrenching story continues & picks up a few months after the ending of Floor Time. We get a small glimpse of them together on a trip where they are happy and have let go of their fears & insecurities, but only for a short time. As soon as they return home, they are overcome with the tidal wave that is their doubt, love, fear, insecurity, hope & yes, even hate. They drown in these emotions and cannot seem to get their head above water for a breath, let alone to reach for the life preserve that is their love for each other. They panic and defense mechanisms kick in. In an effort to save themselves, they push the other underneath with words and actions that will cause the most pain. They know it’s wrong, but just can’t stop.
The more that I read Jack’s character, the more I love him. His feelings for Sara are so intense, visceral and evoke such depth, they make you want to climb into the book and become Sara just so you can feel them. Then he makes a magnificent ass of himself and all you want to do is smack him and scream “No!!!! WTH are you doing?” His self-hatred is so great and his fear is so strong he just can’t let go to love completely, it is heart-wrenching to read. My favorite Jack quote in the book:
“Like what, baby? Like that you miss me?” She started to protest but he cut her off. “Do not say a word. Just listen a minute, if you can. I miss you too, like a fucking phantom limb, do you understand? You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
Sara is scared. She doesn’t trust and she refuses to see or accept Jack for more than what she thinks he is. That’s partially Jack’s fault because he has never let her see anything past that but, she hasn’t tried or pushed him to show her more. She wants his love, but only on her terms. I think that she is almost scared to get all of him because that will mean she’ll have no excuse but to trust. That completely terrifies her. Don’t get me wrong, Jack is a complete and total shit to her and does some pretty nasty things. I just wish that she would realize & see the underlying cause of them, Jack’s fear. However, that would mean admitting her own, and she isn’t ready.
This series, and especially Sweat Equity, is so realistic, raw, emotional, mouth-watering hot & totally fucked up – but I absolutely LOVE it! I recommend it with complete certainty that you’ll fall in love and, be just as hooked as I am.
June 16, 2012
Can I just say holy mother of all that is natural.....this is the most frustrating book I have ever read! The frustration was obviously amazing since I am here to share it with you....As you were left off in Floor Time with Jack and Sara no longer together it then continues in Sweat Equity as a back and forth back and forth what are you doing to each other kind of thing. After their break up they move on with others....omg why? I really do like the sweetness you find between Craig and Sara and it makes you feel sooooo bad for Craig. Although, he knows the whole time what he is getting into. And then Jacks choice make is easy to hate her! I am pretty sure I got a crack in the back of the iphone from one of the scene because it took flight and then I snapped back to reality and was like oh no did I do that....?
By the end of this book it took me a couple days to read as I would be upset with Jack and then I couldn't stay away so I would read more and then Sara was being unreasonable so I had to stop for a 5 minute break to collect myself. And then the Yes you can do its begin and you think that all is going good and then its over faster than it started.
The changes that the two take in this book are amazing in growth but they have sooooo far to yet come. I say I was frustrated but it is a good one and what an amazing read you will have. At the end of the book I am pretty sure I was crying from being sad and mad and I really don't know what other emotion to say but you will have to read for yourself and let me know what your last emotion is.
By the end of this book it took me a couple days to read as I would be upset with Jack and then I couldn't stay away so I would read more and then Sara was being unreasonable so I had to stop for a 5 minute break to collect myself. And then the Yes you can do its begin and you think that all is going good and then its over faster than it started.
The changes that the two take in this book are amazing in growth but they have sooooo far to yet come. I say I was frustrated but it is a good one and what an amazing read you will have. At the end of the book I am pretty sure I was crying from being sad and mad and I really don't know what other emotion to say but you will have to read for yourself and let me know what your last emotion is.
November 11, 2012
In Sweat Equity we find that old trust issues haven't gone away but just laid low for a while and things aren't looking like there is a happy ever after in sight for Jack and Sara. With similar personality traits and tempers the on again, off again relationship that they share continues and both are to stubborn to make the first move to repair whats wrong. We also get to see more of the supporting characters in this book and hear more of their stories. These secondary characters stories are intertwined with Sara and Jack and compel the story line in surprising ways.
Liz Crowe writes "romance for real life" in her books people are messed up and nothing just magically fixes that, you get to see the struggle and the hard work that her characters go through to fix themselves and to fix their relationships. Ms Crowe also has very realistic depictions of the steamy hot moments between the lovers in her books and all of that combined makes for fantastic reading that reaches in and grabs your heart (and your hormones) and takes them captive on a wild roller coaster ride of lust, love, deception, redemption and I need a cold shower moments.
These are books that you finish in one sitting because you can't put it down. It is a series that as soon as you finish one you want the other sitting right there so you know what happens next.
I am giving the Stewart Reality Series books 1-3 my highest rating, these are staying on my keeper shelf.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Liz Crowe writes "romance for real life" in her books people are messed up and nothing just magically fixes that, you get to see the struggle and the hard work that her characters go through to fix themselves and to fix their relationships. Ms Crowe also has very realistic depictions of the steamy hot moments between the lovers in her books and all of that combined makes for fantastic reading that reaches in and grabs your heart (and your hormones) and takes them captive on a wild roller coaster ride of lust, love, deception, redemption and I need a cold shower moments.
These are books that you finish in one sitting because you can't put it down. It is a series that as soon as you finish one you want the other sitting right there so you know what happens next.
I am giving the Stewart Reality Series books 1-3 my highest rating, these are staying on my keeper shelf.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 1, 2012
I've been waiting none too patiently for this second installment in Liz Crowe’s “THE REALTORS” trilogy, SWEAT EQUITY. Luckily, the wait was brief and completely worthwhile. I was completely drawn into the story. The relationships are even more complex and dysfunctional and the sex just as steamy as in FLOOR TIME, the first book in the series. This is no fairy tale love story where a brief conflict is simply solved and everyone’s lives proceed to the happily ever after. No, nearly everyone in this book has issues and those issues affect, most often negatively, them and those they love. Crowe has a talent for bringing to the page characters with confused, conflicting emotions who don’t even realize they are creating their own misery by trying so hard to avoid broken hearts – just like real life! Jack and Sara make misstep after misstep until I wanted to scream at them to get it together already. They love each other so much and yet make their lives so hard. A huge cliffhanger left me to again impatiently await the next book, CLOSING COSTS.
Heat Rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Rating: 4.5
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
Heat Rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Rating: 4.5
Reviewed By: Jeanne Stone-Hunter for My Book Addiction and More
December 7, 2015
This is the second book in the Stewart realty company series by Liz Crowe. I grinned and bared through the first book. I had plenty of issues with the first book but I had already bought the second thinking I would really like this series. I decided to read the second hoping and praying it would be better but that was not the case. I think what really did it for me was all the misspelled words, there were so many I could barely understand what was going on... seriously what was this editor doing?! On top of that the plot was completely pointless their together all happy hunky dory she dumps him they both decide they want to work it out she freaks and dumps him again then she finds she's pregnant the end. Sara is so infuriating and so obnoxious I couldn't stand to read about her. Jack isn't so bad but he's still kind of stupid. Then we have the random chapters about characters that aren't important like Blake. I'm all for gay marriage and gay relationships but I don't care to read about their sex lives. This book did nothing for me and I won't be continuing this series. I can't seem to figure out why people love it so much but that's just my opinion.
April 11, 2015
My Rating:
4.5 Stars
Favorite Quotes:
“You should never measure your happiness by what your friends and family think.”
“I love him. I hate him. I can’t live without him. I have a goddamned hole in my chest all day, every day.”
“You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny it. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
My Review:
Although well written and ingenious, this book frustrated the hell out of me. Ms. Crowe teased me and kept me on edge and my chest feeling tight throughout this volume. The main characters were constantly circling and frustrating each other, and just can’t seem to get it right. They are each miserable apart, but continue to cruelly eviscerate each other when they get together. And as misery loves company, it seems to be bleeding over into nearby relationships with a domino effect on their friends, and now no one is happy. If you love angst, you will enjoy this section of the story.
4.5 Stars
Favorite Quotes:
“You should never measure your happiness by what your friends and family think.”
“I love him. I hate him. I can’t live without him. I have a goddamned hole in my chest all day, every day.”
“You are a crucial, functioning part of me, always will be. But I get it. I’m a shit. I won’t deny it. But I’ll never, ever be happy or complete without you.”
My Review:
Although well written and ingenious, this book frustrated the hell out of me. Ms. Crowe teased me and kept me on edge and my chest feeling tight throughout this volume. The main characters were constantly circling and frustrating each other, and just can’t seem to get it right. They are each miserable apart, but continue to cruelly eviscerate each other when they get together. And as misery loves company, it seems to be bleeding over into nearby relationships with a domino effect on their friends, and now no one is happy. If you love angst, you will enjoy this section of the story.
September 2, 2016
If you read Floor Time, how could you not move immediately to the next installment of the Realtor Series "Sweat Equity" Still captivated by Jack & Sara (now with even more obstacles) I felt so drawn to this series. Although at times my frustrations for the two were almost "boiling" I couldn't turn a page fast enough to see what would happen next. Liz Crowe shows us in the Realtor Series that sometimes the biggest obstacle to overcome in a relationship, is ourselves.
October 29, 2012
ok...waited for the redeeming qualities of Sara and Jack that I thought were there. But by the end of the book I was so ticked off at both of them. It was too tortured of not saying what needed to be said, and trying to protect self...as a reader...even I was tortured by the moment of them finally baring their hearts...to not even 5 minutes later flinging hate words at each other and tap dancing around each other for weeks...it got old fast.
July 12, 2012
OMG! This book was infuriating! I mean, I totally understood how Sara felt until the very end of the book when she got all pissy with Jack again over the dumbest thing! Ugh! I just wanted to throw my iPad against the wall at the end of this book! However, I still loved it... It was a very good read & now I'm on to the last one.....
June 15, 2014
Oh my what a story line. Great book, full of sex and tension, but I did get frustrated with Sara and jack. I so wanted them to get their act together but I guess happy ever after is not on the cards just yet.
April 11, 2012
More drama with Jack and Sara...I'm ready for them to see the light and get together!
July 30, 2013
same story as the first book just wash and repeat.
July 11, 2019
I thought Sweat Equity was a great sequel to book 1 Floor Time. This is where Sara and Jack continue their love story. However, there are still misgivings about the relationship. There are a lot of trust issues on both Sara and Jack's part. Even though eventually they do become engaged it is short lived because neither one of them know what they really want. Sara finds condoms on a weekend trip he took and rather than to try to explain, which he could do, he ruins it and they split up.
Sara runs to Craig a colleague that she works with who is more than willing to be there for Sara, but she is only using him for sexual release. She doesn't want to hurt Craig but that is exactly what she is doing.
Jack runs back to this psychotic woman, whom he doesn't like but he's a man who still doesn't fully get it.
Will Jack finally get it and beg Sara to come back, and will Sara continue to use Craig as she mourns the loss of Jack? Those are all good questions as you read this novel you will be captivated by the twist and turns of how the author captivates you and keeps the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to read Closing Costs.
This novel was gifted to me by the author Liz Crowe.
Sara runs to Craig a colleague that she works with who is more than willing to be there for Sara, but she is only using him for sexual release. She doesn't want to hurt Craig but that is exactly what she is doing.
Jack runs back to this psychotic woman, whom he doesn't like but he's a man who still doesn't fully get it.
Will Jack finally get it and beg Sara to come back, and will Sara continue to use Craig as she mourns the loss of Jack? Those are all good questions as you read this novel you will be captivated by the twist and turns of how the author captivates you and keeps the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to read Closing Costs.
This novel was gifted to me by the author Liz Crowe.
July 11, 2019
Sweat Equity is the second installment in the Stewart Realty series by Liz Crowe and picks up some months after Floor Time (which is book one).
Now generally I’m not a fan of “ love triangle's” but I found it suited the storyline and characters perfectly. Even with all the back and forth, I really enjoyed this instalment of their book and will continue on with the rest of their story in hopes that both Jack and Sara will finally get 'their version' of a happily ever after.
Now generally I’m not a fan of “ love triangle's” but I found it suited the storyline and characters perfectly. Even with all the back and forth, I really enjoyed this instalment of their book and will continue on with the rest of their story in hopes that both Jack and Sara will finally get 'their version' of a happily ever after.
October 22, 2012
Originally posted on Breath of Life Reviews
Falling in love is the easy part. Overcoming years of emotional damage and conditioning in order to be with the one you love? Not so easy.
Sweat Equity picks up where Floor Time left off. Jack Gordon and Sara Thorton are in love, they're engaged, then they're not, and they still have issues. Big ones.
Get ready for the angst and turmoil readers, Sweat Equity excels at putting you through the emotional ringer with Jack and Sara and you just might enjoy the ride more than you think!
Jack and Sara started a whirlwind affair in Floor Time and never really got to know each other as individuals, it was a bit too easy for them. They tried to completely bypass their own problems as well as each others and just be together. However, you can't just stuff your problems into a closet. Sooner or later, that closet door is going to burst open and your problems are going to suffocate you. Despite what people say, love is NOT all you need. That point is really emphasized in Sweat Equity. Author Liz Crowe does an excellent job of giving her characters (and maybe even a few readers) a reality check about relationships. If Dr. Phil helped fictional characters, I'd be hard pressed to find two characters who'd need his help more than Jack and Sara.
And as if those two didn't have enough problems between them, there's now the added element of Craig, who wants to be the one who makes Sara forget Jack. Looking at Craig without rose colored glasses on, he knew what he was getting into and he knew it was going to be an uphill battle he may not win. He's not a bad guy though. He had to try, even if he thought he'd fail. That's part of real life too. You never know how things will turn out if you don't try. I really liked him and because to me, characters are real, I hope he finds someone to make him happy.
Sweat Equity is what really defined Liz Crowe's "Romance for Real Life" in my opinion. Jack and Sara's story isn't an easy one, it isn't a fairytale, their problems aren't going to be solved simply by saying "I love you" and the end of the book doesn't guarantee a "Happily Ever After," merely a "What Happens Next." Just like Liz Crowe promises. I am learning, she is a woman of her word.
Jack and Sara, to me, represent every couple in today's world. Maybe to varying degrees but we are all either Jack or Sara. We don't have all the answers, we all have problems and sometimes those problems interfere with our love lives in a big way.
There are a few minor typos and missing words in Sweat Equity but it wasn't too big of a deal, my mind took over and I knew what words went where and what the author was trying to say. You can't catch every error you know.
I'm still in the early stages of reading the next book in the series, Closing Costs and I still have a few books to go after that but I know in my heart that Jack and Sara are going to be two characters I'll never forget.
Falling in love is the easy part. Overcoming years of emotional damage and conditioning in order to be with the one you love? Not so easy.
Sweat Equity picks up where Floor Time left off. Jack Gordon and Sara Thorton are in love, they're engaged, then they're not, and they still have issues. Big ones.
Get ready for the angst and turmoil readers, Sweat Equity excels at putting you through the emotional ringer with Jack and Sara and you just might enjoy the ride more than you think!
Jack and Sara started a whirlwind affair in Floor Time and never really got to know each other as individuals, it was a bit too easy for them. They tried to completely bypass their own problems as well as each others and just be together. However, you can't just stuff your problems into a closet. Sooner or later, that closet door is going to burst open and your problems are going to suffocate you. Despite what people say, love is NOT all you need. That point is really emphasized in Sweat Equity. Author Liz Crowe does an excellent job of giving her characters (and maybe even a few readers) a reality check about relationships. If Dr. Phil helped fictional characters, I'd be hard pressed to find two characters who'd need his help more than Jack and Sara.
And as if those two didn't have enough problems between them, there's now the added element of Craig, who wants to be the one who makes Sara forget Jack. Looking at Craig without rose colored glasses on, he knew what he was getting into and he knew it was going to be an uphill battle he may not win. He's not a bad guy though. He had to try, even if he thought he'd fail. That's part of real life too. You never know how things will turn out if you don't try. I really liked him and because to me, characters are real, I hope he finds someone to make him happy.
Sweat Equity is what really defined Liz Crowe's "Romance for Real Life" in my opinion. Jack and Sara's story isn't an easy one, it isn't a fairytale, their problems aren't going to be solved simply by saying "I love you" and the end of the book doesn't guarantee a "Happily Ever After," merely a "What Happens Next." Just like Liz Crowe promises. I am learning, she is a woman of her word.
Jack and Sara, to me, represent every couple in today's world. Maybe to varying degrees but we are all either Jack or Sara. We don't have all the answers, we all have problems and sometimes those problems interfere with our love lives in a big way.
There are a few minor typos and missing words in Sweat Equity but it wasn't too big of a deal, my mind took over and I knew what words went where and what the author was trying to say. You can't catch every error you know.
I'm still in the early stages of reading the next book in the series, Closing Costs and I still have a few books to go after that but I know in my heart that Jack and Sara are going to be two characters I'll never forget.
September 22, 2015
Engaged to her dream man Jack, Sara has everything she wants...if it weren't for those niggling doubts about his fidelity. Sara simply can’t be 100% sure that she can trust Jack with her heart. Does she really want to end up like her mother, putting up with her father’s constant cheating through the years? Turns out she doesn’t and calls off the engagement. Heartbroken, Sara finds comfort in the arms of her friend and co-worker, Craig, while Jack flaunts a new woman around town. Jack knows he's lost the best thing that ever happened to him, but he also knows he isn't man enough to earn and hold her trust. It's time for Jack to grow up and show Sara that he can be the man she needs him to be, hopefully before he’s lost her to Craig for good.
Where do I start?! As frustrating as book one in The Stewart Realty series was, Sweat Equity makes that one look like child’s play. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, Sweat Equity is a roller coaster ride of emotions, taking you through a colossal train wreck of a relationship…then has you begging to go again. Jack is such a disgusting pig of a man, but at the same time, Sara pisses me off just as much since she continues to allow Jack to fulfill her sexual needs even though they’re both dating other people. Toward the end of the book, I truly thought that Jack had grown up and allowed himself to love Sara like she needed to be loved. I won’t go any further than that because I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but let’s just say that I despise Jack’s character even more than I did at the end of Floor Time and am no longer hoping for any sort of reconciliation. Ms. Crowe has done an outstanding job of making you feel every verbal slap, every erotic touch, and every heartbreaking and colossal screw up from beginning to end. The sex in the book is incredible…it’s fast, furious, angry, elemental and animalistic to say the least. There are a lot of erotic encounters in Sweat Equity, including some super fabulous MM scenes with Sara’s brother Blake and his partner Rob, but none are over the top or placed in as filler for the “real” plot. For its realistic story line and dialogue, ability to make me connect with every single character in the book and the capacity to both piss me off and turn me on simultaneously, Sweat Equity is much deserving of a JERR Gold Star Award. I am waiting anxiously for Ms. Crowe's third installment in The Stewart Realty series with bated, and outraged, breath.
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
Where do I start?! As frustrating as book one in The Stewart Realty series was, Sweat Equity makes that one look like child’s play. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, Sweat Equity is a roller coaster ride of emotions, taking you through a colossal train wreck of a relationship…then has you begging to go again. Jack is such a disgusting pig of a man, but at the same time, Sara pisses me off just as much since she continues to allow Jack to fulfill her sexual needs even though they’re both dating other people. Toward the end of the book, I truly thought that Jack had grown up and allowed himself to love Sara like she needed to be loved. I won’t go any further than that because I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but let’s just say that I despise Jack’s character even more than I did at the end of Floor Time and am no longer hoping for any sort of reconciliation. Ms. Crowe has done an outstanding job of making you feel every verbal slap, every erotic touch, and every heartbreaking and colossal screw up from beginning to end. The sex in the book is incredible…it’s fast, furious, angry, elemental and animalistic to say the least. There are a lot of erotic encounters in Sweat Equity, including some super fabulous MM scenes with Sara’s brother Blake and his partner Rob, but none are over the top or placed in as filler for the “real” plot. For its realistic story line and dialogue, ability to make me connect with every single character in the book and the capacity to both piss me off and turn me on simultaneously, Sweat Equity is much deserving of a JERR Gold Star Award. I am waiting anxiously for Ms. Crowe's third installment in The Stewart Realty series with bated, and outraged, breath.
Original review for JERR at http://www.justeroticromancereviews.c...
February 17, 2014
Reviewed by Molly
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Okay. I have to take just a minute and say holy crap! This book blew me away. Liz Crowe’s second Stewart Realty novel has filled me with gut wrenching emotion, inner turmoil and amazing need to read more of her Stewart Realty series. I’m totally in love with this rocking great series and I am having a hard time putting into words what I feel about this second book; it’s just that good. Crowe’s writing style is skilled to instantly capture her readers, able to hook me from start to finish. Her characters are incredibly complex beyond words.
Sara Thornton. Once again, I have a love/hate relationship with her! I really wanted to smack her in the head so many times during this installment! I mean come on. She had two really incredibly sexy, loving guys in front of her, but one she knew she couldn’t love, and the other she was so in love with she can’t see straight. But, as the reader, I could really see her inner turmoil and the conflict within her mind about what she truly wanted, especially after her childhood.
And Jack. Oh.My.God. I still think he is an incredible dominating Alpha male! His possessiveness towards Sara was amazing and my heart truly went out to him. I could feel his heart working around the fact that Sara gave him a devastating blow, and then he lost himself in someone he didn’t want. I wanted to go to him and tell him that he doesn’t need her, I’d take his dominating self any day! ;-) But, seriously, I really loved the way he was in this story and coming to terms with his heart and true self.
Along with Sara and Jack, Ms. Crowe brings back all the loving secondary characters we met in book 1. Blake, Sara’s overprotective bother, Rob-Blake’s lover, Suzanne, Craig, even the not-my-favorite-person Heather. They really added the perfect amount of depth to the Stewart Realty group and kept me focused on the entire setting!
So, I definitely recommend this book with the highest possible ratings! I loved every gut wrenching moment, many of which truly brought me to tears for this conflicted couple! This series is by far my absolute favorite series, written with the perfect amount of sexiness, sizzling hot passion, dominating men and stubborn women! I can’t wait to read book 3, CLOSING COSTS, to see if Sara and Jack’s future plays out the way I hope it will….or if they are destined to be two stubborn hard heads! Another incredible job, Ms. Crowe!
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Okay. I have to take just a minute and say holy crap! This book blew me away. Liz Crowe’s second Stewart Realty novel has filled me with gut wrenching emotion, inner turmoil and amazing need to read more of her Stewart Realty series. I’m totally in love with this rocking great series and I am having a hard time putting into words what I feel about this second book; it’s just that good. Crowe’s writing style is skilled to instantly capture her readers, able to hook me from start to finish. Her characters are incredibly complex beyond words.
Sara Thornton. Once again, I have a love/hate relationship with her! I really wanted to smack her in the head so many times during this installment! I mean come on. She had two really incredibly sexy, loving guys in front of her, but one she knew she couldn’t love, and the other she was so in love with she can’t see straight. But, as the reader, I could really see her inner turmoil and the conflict within her mind about what she truly wanted, especially after her childhood.
And Jack. Oh.My.God. I still think he is an incredible dominating Alpha male! His possessiveness towards Sara was amazing and my heart truly went out to him. I could feel his heart working around the fact that Sara gave him a devastating blow, and then he lost himself in someone he didn’t want. I wanted to go to him and tell him that he doesn’t need her, I’d take his dominating self any day! ;-) But, seriously, I really loved the way he was in this story and coming to terms with his heart and true self.
Along with Sara and Jack, Ms. Crowe brings back all the loving secondary characters we met in book 1. Blake, Sara’s overprotective bother, Rob-Blake’s lover, Suzanne, Craig, even the not-my-favorite-person Heather. They really added the perfect amount of depth to the Stewart Realty group and kept me focused on the entire setting!
So, I definitely recommend this book with the highest possible ratings! I loved every gut wrenching moment, many of which truly brought me to tears for this conflicted couple! This series is by far my absolute favorite series, written with the perfect amount of sexiness, sizzling hot passion, dominating men and stubborn women! I can’t wait to read book 3, CLOSING COSTS, to see if Sara and Jack’s future plays out the way I hope it will….or if they are destined to be two stubborn hard heads! Another incredible job, Ms. Crowe!
March 10, 2015
I thought this was a good read/listen, the author gives you a very emotional roller-coaster ride.I felt for the most part the characters needed to grow up and find what they truly wanted.
I thought the narrator did an outstanding job bring life to all the emotions the author gives us. You can feel the pain and the sexual emotions of each character. I felt she does this better than most narrators I have listened to. I was blow away by her sexual emotions she brought to this story.
You have 3 people in this relationship, Jack who knows what he wants but doesn't know what life style he wants to live. He doesn't think Sarah is ready for what he wants out of her. He really isn't sure what he wants from her, he does ask her to marry him but is he really ready for marriage or is it a way to own her. I really think he is just afraid to comment and goes about issues the wrong way to get himself out of it.
Sarah is playing two men Jack and Craig, she runs to Craig when she gets mad at Jack. She is playing one against the other and really doesn't know what she wants. I really do not care to much for any of these characters but out of them all I dislike Sarah the most with her on and off again relationship with both men. She really needs to grow up and get a life.
Craig is willing to wait for Sarah he knows in the end he will have her. I guess out of any of the characters I feel the sorriest for him. He is to dumb to know he is being used and in the end he will lose.
Just when you think Sarah and Jack will work it out there are to many doubts, old fears, and misunderstandings. She goes back to Craig. Jack goes back to some crazy women he never wanted to start with. I never really understood why he went back to her. If he truly wanted Sarah he could have made her understand put he didn't put must effort into it. He just doesn't think she is ready for the lifestyle he wants. In my book all these characters need to get their act together and work out their issues. I would have loved to have slapped each of them and maybe even banged a few heads together.
The author does give you a major twist at the end and leaves you wondering what will happen. For me this was a hard book to review and most likely more to real life than any book I have read. I know some where in this world there are a ton of Sarah's and Jack's who are living their life making everyone around them unhappy as they play with others lives. Even thought I do not like the characters I did enjoy the book and can't wait to see what the author does with her last twist she gave us.
I thought the narrator did an outstanding job bring life to all the emotions the author gives us. You can feel the pain and the sexual emotions of each character. I felt she does this better than most narrators I have listened to. I was blow away by her sexual emotions she brought to this story.
You have 3 people in this relationship, Jack who knows what he wants but doesn't know what life style he wants to live. He doesn't think Sarah is ready for what he wants out of her. He really isn't sure what he wants from her, he does ask her to marry him but is he really ready for marriage or is it a way to own her. I really think he is just afraid to comment and goes about issues the wrong way to get himself out of it.
Sarah is playing two men Jack and Craig, she runs to Craig when she gets mad at Jack. She is playing one against the other and really doesn't know what she wants. I really do not care to much for any of these characters but out of them all I dislike Sarah the most with her on and off again relationship with both men. She really needs to grow up and get a life.
Craig is willing to wait for Sarah he knows in the end he will have her. I guess out of any of the characters I feel the sorriest for him. He is to dumb to know he is being used and in the end he will lose.
Just when you think Sarah and Jack will work it out there are to many doubts, old fears, and misunderstandings. She goes back to Craig. Jack goes back to some crazy women he never wanted to start with. I never really understood why he went back to her. If he truly wanted Sarah he could have made her understand put he didn't put must effort into it. He just doesn't think she is ready for the lifestyle he wants. In my book all these characters need to get their act together and work out their issues. I would have loved to have slapped each of them and maybe even banged a few heads together.
The author does give you a major twist at the end and leaves you wondering what will happen. For me this was a hard book to review and most likely more to real life than any book I have read. I know some where in this world there are a ton of Sarah's and Jack's who are living their life making everyone around them unhappy as they play with others lives. Even thought I do not like the characters I did enjoy the book and can't wait to see what the author does with her last twist she gave us.
May 30, 2012
PDF via Kindle Fire (free for honest review)
Sara and Jack are now engaged and planning a wedding. However, Sara is still very untrusting of Jack and soon this is their demise. The wedding is called off and Sara moves back to her own place and soon is being “comforted” by her hunky co-worker Craig. Sara knows it is wrong to use Craig only as a fun distraction, but she can’t seem to stop herself when she sees his wonderful blond, surfer, body near her. Top all that hunk off with an uncommon niceness and he is just the thing Sara needs. Soon Craig is starting to fall in love with Sara, Sara is still in love with Jack, and Sara’s brother Blake is having his own relationship issues too. This book is full of emotional turmoil, relationship woes, and mind blowing sex. Will Sara and Jack be able to work out their differences again and get back together? Or will Sara decide to give Craig a shot at her heart? Can Sara and her brother Blake ever get over the fact that not all men are like their Father, who caused nothing but heartache for their Mother?
I enjoyed this book, but I think I liked the first book concerning Sara and Jack better. I felt this one was a lot of back and forth and back and forth of emotions concerning Sara and Jack. She loved him, she hated him…no she loved him…no she hated him. I know this can be how real life can be or seem, but I think it pinballed back and forth a bit too much. The characters became a bit more developed in this book though and more of their backgrounds came out, which I did like. I also liked the concept of a confused woman not knowing whether to stay and fight for her love or just walk away. Sara is a bit inclined to jump to conclusions though, but that adds to her personality. The sex scenes in the book were just as hot or hotter than the first book! WOW! The author is so descriptive I almost felt like it was all happening in my own living room or on my own TV, I could see it so clearly. This was a great book whether is was a continued read or a stand alone book if you didn’t read the first one. It clearly continues form the first one though, so reading Floor Time before this one is a good idea to get the full concept. I also can’t wait to read the next one to see where life takes Sara…and Jack.
5/5 Stars!
Sara and Jack are now engaged and planning a wedding. However, Sara is still very untrusting of Jack and soon this is their demise. The wedding is called off and Sara moves back to her own place and soon is being “comforted” by her hunky co-worker Craig. Sara knows it is wrong to use Craig only as a fun distraction, but she can’t seem to stop herself when she sees his wonderful blond, surfer, body near her. Top all that hunk off with an uncommon niceness and he is just the thing Sara needs. Soon Craig is starting to fall in love with Sara, Sara is still in love with Jack, and Sara’s brother Blake is having his own relationship issues too. This book is full of emotional turmoil, relationship woes, and mind blowing sex. Will Sara and Jack be able to work out their differences again and get back together? Or will Sara decide to give Craig a shot at her heart? Can Sara and her brother Blake ever get over the fact that not all men are like their Father, who caused nothing but heartache for their Mother?
I enjoyed this book, but I think I liked the first book concerning Sara and Jack better. I felt this one was a lot of back and forth and back and forth of emotions concerning Sara and Jack. She loved him, she hated him…no she loved him…no she hated him. I know this can be how real life can be or seem, but I think it pinballed back and forth a bit too much. The characters became a bit more developed in this book though and more of their backgrounds came out, which I did like. I also liked the concept of a confused woman not knowing whether to stay and fight for her love or just walk away. Sara is a bit inclined to jump to conclusions though, but that adds to her personality. The sex scenes in the book were just as hot or hotter than the first book! WOW! The author is so descriptive I almost felt like it was all happening in my own living room or on my own TV, I could see it so clearly. This was a great book whether is was a continued read or a stand alone book if you didn’t read the first one. It clearly continues form the first one though, so reading Floor Time before this one is a good idea to get the full concept. I also can’t wait to read the next one to see where life takes Sara…and Jack.
5/5 Stars!
April 14, 2012
The road to true love and happiness isn't without some twists and turns and bumps along the way, which perfectly describes the on-again off-again relationship between Jack Gordon and Sara Thornton in this second installment to Liz Crowe's Realtors' series. Just when it seemed like they were on the right track at the end of the previous book, doubts, old fears, and misunderstandings arise to tear Sara and Jack apart again. Their relationship isn't the only one in turmoil as Sara's brother Blake's love life has also veered off course. Add in Sara's friend/sometimes lover Craig's sudden fascination with Blake's old love and your head is left spinning with all the gutwrenching melodrama. A lot of the issues these lovers have are purely due to misunderstandings and letting past hurts affect the future which was very frustrating and made me hate these characters from time to time. At the same time I was desperate for them to find happiness with those so obviously perfect for them. Sexual tension abounds in this story and kept me feeling edgy as the pages kept turning. The sexual interludes between the different couples were nicely spaced throughout the story and just as steamy as in the previous book with a bit of lite BDSM to keep things even more tense.
This wasn't an easy book to read. It's highly emotional with likable characters doing unlikable things, but I was never bored and was totally drawn into this world waiting with bated breath for the next part of this rollercoaster ride to romance. Daily soap operas on tv pale in comparison to what Liz Crowe has created here! With so many romances left in limbo and a jaw dropping incident (which I knew was coming but didn't diminish the shock) coming at the very end of this book, I'm on pins and needles waiting to read the concluding book in this pull-out-your-hair-tug-out-your-heart series.
This wasn't an easy book to read. It's highly emotional with likable characters doing unlikable things, but I was never bored and was totally drawn into this world waiting with bated breath for the next part of this rollercoaster ride to romance. Daily soap operas on tv pale in comparison to what Liz Crowe has created here! With so many romances left in limbo and a jaw dropping incident (which I knew was coming but didn't diminish the shock) coming at the very end of this book, I'm on pins and needles waiting to read the concluding book in this pull-out-your-hair-tug-out-your-heart series.
February 7, 2015
Jack and Sara appear to be in the right direction to a happily ever after future... or are they? These two characters are so stubborn and unwilling to give a little sometimes... and yet you know these two love each other deeply.
A difficult pregnancy, hormones all over the place and her usual stubbornness describes Sara. She has now read the rights to both Craig and Jack. She does not know who is the father and will not be finding out. She is going to raise this child by herself and no matter what she will not listen to anyone with a different opinion of the situation.
Reading this book, I felt that Sara was holding Craig and Jack "prisoners" by not allowing them to find out who the father of Katie was. She says she wants nothing from them, but of course both men have to feel the responsibility toward a child they may have fathered. In all of this, Sara is not handling motherhood very well. Jack is again lost out there without a someone to love him unconditionally. His life is a mess and he is confused as to what he should do about the baby.
As alluring as Sara and Jack's love affair has been, the raising and caring of this child is the real deal. All the parties involved - Jack, Craig, Sara, Blake, Rob, etc.-- they all share in the responsibility of raising this child. They all are dealing with this out of love for Sara and the baby, but I think also from a standpoint of displaced responsibility.
Keep reading, folks! Jack and Sara are hot for each other and boy they do know how to mess up a good thing!
A difficult pregnancy, hormones all over the place and her usual stubbornness describes Sara. She has now read the rights to both Craig and Jack. She does not know who is the father and will not be finding out. She is going to raise this child by herself and no matter what she will not listen to anyone with a different opinion of the situation.
Reading this book, I felt that Sara was holding Craig and Jack "prisoners" by not allowing them to find out who the father of Katie was. She says she wants nothing from them, but of course both men have to feel the responsibility toward a child they may have fathered. In all of this, Sara is not handling motherhood very well. Jack is again lost out there without a someone to love him unconditionally. His life is a mess and he is confused as to what he should do about the baby.
As alluring as Sara and Jack's love affair has been, the raising and caring of this child is the real deal. All the parties involved - Jack, Craig, Sara, Blake, Rob, etc.-- they all share in the responsibility of raising this child. They all are dealing with this out of love for Sara and the baby, but I think also from a standpoint of displaced responsibility.
Keep reading, folks! Jack and Sara are hot for each other and boy they do know how to mess up a good thing!
March 1, 2014
DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ FLOOR TIME!!!
OMG, when we left Sara and Jack things were looking good, they looked like they were heading towards their Happily Ever After. But can you ever truly trust a man-whore to change his wicked ways? Sara is not so sure. Plagued by bad dreams, past conquests popping up everywhere and her brother whispering in her ear she just may make a decision she could regret for a very long time.
“you fucking self-centered asshole.”
Sara is a strong, motivated and competitive woman. Those are the things that Jack loves most about her, but they are also aspects of his own personality and being that much alike may be just the thing to tear them apart. “Christ in a sidecar, he wanted her again. Her temper, her honestly earned outrage, he fucking loved that about her.” This book is a turbulent look at their relationship or lack thereof. It’s up and down, on and off, this way and that way, can we or not? These two people are the definition of “love is not enough”? Holy cow I almost had heart failure the way they ping pong back and forth and Sara, wow I just wanted to smack her most of the time! I had a feeling the book was going to end the way it did but it still left me feeling a bit OMG! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series Closing Costs and give this book 4 stars.
“Fuck her and her goddamned independent streak.”
OMG, when we left Sara and Jack things were looking good, they looked like they were heading towards their Happily Ever After. But can you ever truly trust a man-whore to change his wicked ways? Sara is not so sure. Plagued by bad dreams, past conquests popping up everywhere and her brother whispering in her ear she just may make a decision she could regret for a very long time.
“you fucking self-centered asshole.”
Sara is a strong, motivated and competitive woman. Those are the things that Jack loves most about her, but they are also aspects of his own personality and being that much alike may be just the thing to tear them apart. “Christ in a sidecar, he wanted her again. Her temper, her honestly earned outrage, he fucking loved that about her.” This book is a turbulent look at their relationship or lack thereof. It’s up and down, on and off, this way and that way, can we or not? These two people are the definition of “love is not enough”? Holy cow I almost had heart failure the way they ping pong back and forth and Sara, wow I just wanted to smack her most of the time! I had a feeling the book was going to end the way it did but it still left me feeling a bit OMG! I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series Closing Costs and give this book 4 stars.
“Fuck her and her goddamned independent streak.”
April 2, 2012
Sweat Equity is the second book in The Realtors trilogy and it continues the story of Jack Gordon and Sara Thornton. Their incredibly complex, on-again, off-again relationship took an interesting turn at the end of the last book, and book number two deals with the fallout.
A series of factors lead the pair on a merry dance, and soon circumstance, temptation and distraction cause their relationship to crumble. But while their relationship status has changed, their mutual need for one another hasn't. Can they finally overcome all the barriers keeping them apart, or will their volatile relationship eventually come to a permanent end?
It's very hard to write this review without giving any spoilers, so I'll be brief. I enjoyed this book. The characters, however frustrating they may be, are realistic and have dramas just like everyone else. There's conflict galore, with lots of break up and make up sex, and even more sex besides - and it's always hot!
I wasn't sure where the story was going as I got into this book, but by the time the ending arrived I'd guessed what was going to happen. Despite this, I'm interested to see where this new development takes the story, so bring on book three!
A series of factors lead the pair on a merry dance, and soon circumstance, temptation and distraction cause their relationship to crumble. But while their relationship status has changed, their mutual need for one another hasn't. Can they finally overcome all the barriers keeping them apart, or will their volatile relationship eventually come to a permanent end?
It's very hard to write this review without giving any spoilers, so I'll be brief. I enjoyed this book. The characters, however frustrating they may be, are realistic and have dramas just like everyone else. There's conflict galore, with lots of break up and make up sex, and even more sex besides - and it's always hot!
I wasn't sure where the story was going as I got into this book, but by the time the ending arrived I'd guessed what was going to happen. Despite this, I'm interested to see where this new development takes the story, so bring on book three!
October 11, 2012
I can officially say that I am completely hooked by Liz Crowe’s Stewart Realty series, in fact I am borderline obsessed with this series and this is only the second novel! LOL! I couldn’t wait to start Sweat Equity!
I find it really difficult to write this review without giving any of the story away. So much happens in this next installment in the ongoing saga of Jack and Sara, are they together or are they apart. I felt so much angst while reading this novel, it was as though I knew these characters personally. I was definitely on an emotional rollercoaster ride! I have come to love all the characters in the Stewart Realty series, and I loved how I got to learn a little more about them in this novel.
Sweat Equity will keep you on your toes, both for the fantastic storyline and its equally fantastic HOTNESS!
I find it really difficult to write this review without giving any of the story away. So much happens in this next installment in the ongoing saga of Jack and Sara, are they together or are they apart. I felt so much angst while reading this novel, it was as though I knew these characters personally. I was definitely on an emotional rollercoaster ride! I have come to love all the characters in the Stewart Realty series, and I loved how I got to learn a little more about them in this novel.
Sweat Equity will keep you on your toes, both for the fantastic storyline and its equally fantastic HOTNESS!
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