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Extraordinary #3
You're the Con That I Want
Charlotte, a.k.a. Ruby the town psychic, has a good thing going in Castle Cove. Her baby sister Paige is blossoming under their newfound stability. Charlotte is becoming a pillar in the quirky beachside community, thanks to her new friends and neighbors. And Deputy Jared has finally wedged himself into her life with a heart big enough to make them a real family.
But Charlotte should have known better than to let a con run too long.
Her parents have found them, and the inveterate con artists won’t let Paige out of their clutches unless Charlotte helps them rob the innocent people of Castle Cove blind—including Jared. As the clock ticks down to meet the parents’ demands, it gets harder and harder to prevent her exposure as the fraud she is. But Charlotte won’t stop until she finds a way to protect everyone. At any cost. Even if it means losing everything.
CANNOT BE READ AS A STAND ALONE NOVEL--Book Three in a three book series. Book one is Fake it to the Limit, book two is Too Much Crime on My Hands.
But Charlotte should have known better than to let a con run too long.
Her parents have found them, and the inveterate con artists won’t let Paige out of their clutches unless Charlotte helps them rob the innocent people of Castle Cove blind—including Jared. As the clock ticks down to meet the parents’ demands, it gets harder and harder to prevent her exposure as the fraud she is. But Charlotte won’t stop until she finds a way to protect everyone. At any cost. Even if it means losing everything.
CANNOT BE READ AS A STAND ALONE NOVEL--Book Three in a three book series. Book one is Fake it to the Limit, book two is Too Much Crime on My Hands.
Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2018
About the author
Mary Frame
33 books766 followersMary Frame writes romantic comedies with quirky characters, steamy moments, and banter that will make you blush and snort-laugh at the same time. She’s a full time mom with a full time job and has no idea how she manages to write novels, but it probably helps that she's a dedicated introvert. She doesn't enjoy writing about herself in third person, but she does enjoy reading, writing, dancing, and damaging the ear drums of her co-workers when she randomly decides to sing to them.
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
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Bookbub: @MaryFrame
She LOVES hearing from readers and will not only respond but likely begin stalking them while tossing out hearts and flowers and rainbows! If that doesn't creep you out, e-mail her at: maryframeauthor@gmail.com
www.maryframe.com
Instagram: @maryframeauthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryFrame
Bookbub: @MaryFrame
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
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December 24, 2017It's coming....
The third and final installment of the Extraordinary Series will be live 1/11/18. I'm so excited for it to be released. I had a LOT of fun writing this book, actually the entire series was a blast.
There's no cliffy in this book! But you must read Anything But Extraordinary and A Life Less Extraordinary first!
Thank you everyone who came along the journey with me!
<3
Mary
The third and final installment of the Extraordinary Series will be live 1/11/18. I'm so excited for it to be released. I had a LOT of fun writing this book, actually the entire series was a blast.
There's no cliffy in this book! But you must read Anything But Extraordinary and A Life Less Extraordinary first!
Thank you everyone who came along the journey with me!
<3
Mary
February 14, 2018
I love this series! The dialogue is superb and funny, all the characters are awesome and the love story between the MCs is swoon worthy. This was perfect!
April 3, 2018
Part 3.
After my enjoyment of the preceding two books I confess I found this conclusion to be a bit of a disappointment.
At the end of the second book Charlotte and Paige's ne'er do well, con artist parents have caught up with them and are blackmailing Charlotte to help them with a con in Castle Cove. Charlotte hates lying to her friends and helping her parents but she can't let them take Paige, especially since there is a creepy lawyer who has taken far too much interest in a young girl for Charlotte's liking. But every time Charlotte thinks she may be able to get away from her parents they show her they are already one step ahead of her at all times.
Whilst Charlotte and Paige only came to Castle Cove to escape their ghastly parents, this is the first time we the readers have seen them, other than through Charlotte's memories. Hence, although they were a known factor in the preceding books, they were never present and the third book in the trilogy has a very different feel to the other books. I spent much of the time reading this book thinking, has Paige confided in someone? Do they know what is going on? Whilst my suppositions weren't entirely accurate, and there were unimagined secrets revealed, this felt more like a small town suspense rather than a small town mystery like the other two books.
Overall, while I was pleased that the overarching plotline involving the parents was resolved, I prefered the small town mystery novels.
After my enjoyment of the preceding two books I confess I found this conclusion to be a bit of a disappointment.
At the end of the second book Charlotte and Paige's ne'er do well, con artist parents have caught up with them and are blackmailing Charlotte to help them with a con in Castle Cove. Charlotte hates lying to her friends and helping her parents but she can't let them take Paige, especially since there is a creepy lawyer who has taken far too much interest in a young girl for Charlotte's liking. But every time Charlotte thinks she may be able to get away from her parents they show her they are already one step ahead of her at all times.
Whilst Charlotte and Paige only came to Castle Cove to escape their ghastly parents, this is the first time we the readers have seen them, other than through Charlotte's memories. Hence, although they were a known factor in the preceding books, they were never present and the third book in the trilogy has a very different feel to the other books. I spent much of the time reading this book thinking, has Paige confided in someone? Do they know what is going on? Whilst my suppositions weren't entirely accurate, and there were unimagined secrets revealed, this felt more like a small town suspense rather than a small town mystery like the other two books.
Overall, while I was pleased that the overarching plotline involving the parents was resolved, I prefered the small town mystery novels.
February 22, 2026
Spoiler Alert: an excellent end to the series! At the cliff hanger end in the last book, Ruby and Paige’s show up. It seems they need money badly and they want to run a con on the town. A charity gala seems to be in order. Ruby does everything she can to stall, set them up by robbing the jewellery store. She even finds out Paige isn’t her real sister, she was kidnapped as an infant after her wealthy parent died in a plane crash. She has a trust fund coming when she is 18. In the end Ruby (Charlotte). Announces at the gala that she is a fraud and her alleged aunt and uncle are cons. She sees the wealthy lawyer her parents were going to give Paige to at the gala and realises full confession is the only way to keep Paige safe. Just before the gala she took her to nearby camp Paige’s best friend went to for the summer. She is arrested and helps the FBI with their inquiries. She sings like a canary and all the bad guys are taken into custody. When the FBI lets Charlotte go she goes back to Castle Cove and is surprised to walk into a welcome home party hosted by the real Ruby who has returned from India. Very satisfying.
June 2, 2026
Play ‘Mastermind’ by Taylor Swift
December 28, 2017
This is book three in this series. In order to understand all that happens in this book, it would be beneficial to read the two the come before it.
I devoured Extraordinary World. I wanted to do nothing but read, but life rarely allows that to happen. I snatched every available moment to make my way through this book; I wanted to know how it all turned out. Every time it seemed like I could predict what would happen next, I found a surprise twist. I did keep hoping that Jared would have figured out what was happening and step in to help Charlotte. In his way, he did, but she faced the majority of what came at her on her own. Looking back, that's a good thing, but I really did want Jared to be her partner in facing everything. I now want to know what happens next in Charlotte's life, in Paige's , in Jared's, in those of the residents of Castle Cove? These characters? I feel like I know them. They made me feel like I was living right alongside them. I WANT to know them I feel exceedingly greedy, but while this book is everything it should be, I want more. It’s like I can’t get enough of this town and the people who populate it, and I especially can’t get enough of Charlotte, Paige, Jared, Tabby, and all the others in Castle Cove.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free review copy of Extraordinary World from the author.
I devoured Extraordinary World. I wanted to do nothing but read, but life rarely allows that to happen. I snatched every available moment to make my way through this book; I wanted to know how it all turned out. Every time it seemed like I could predict what would happen next, I found a surprise twist. I did keep hoping that Jared would have figured out what was happening and step in to help Charlotte. In his way, he did, but she faced the majority of what came at her on her own. Looking back, that's a good thing, but I really did want Jared to be her partner in facing everything. I now want to know what happens next in Charlotte's life, in Paige's , in Jared's, in those of the residents of Castle Cove? These characters? I feel like I know them. They made me feel like I was living right alongside them. I WANT to know them I feel exceedingly greedy, but while this book is everything it should be, I want more. It’s like I can’t get enough of this town and the people who populate it, and I especially can’t get enough of Charlotte, Paige, Jared, Tabby, and all the others in Castle Cove.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a free review copy of Extraordinary World from the author.
June 2, 2021
Should be one book instead of 3
However it is enjoyable now all 3 are published to get through them all in 4 short days. First books I have read about this author
I did think the kids could have turned their parents in to a law enforcement agency as soon as they arrived in Castle Cove but I guess the story needed a ‘big bad villain’ to upset the girls new found happiness and freedom and that’s why the story has them as a loose end twisting in the wind.
However it is enjoyable now all 3 are published to get through them all in 4 short days. First books I have read about this author
I did think the kids could have turned their parents in to a law enforcement agency as soon as they arrived in Castle Cove but I guess the story needed a ‘big bad villain’ to upset the girls new found happiness and freedom and that’s why the story has them as a loose end twisting in the wind.
August 2, 2022
I accidentally did a reread of this series. I found my old review under the box set and I had the same reaction as the first read - I didn't much care for this last book. I found it stressful and the resolution undermined the whole series.
July 13, 2022
Fun conclusion
Book 3 wraps up the Castle Cove mysteries. The sisters learn the truth of who they are, what family means and who their real friends are.
Book 3 wraps up the Castle Cove mysteries. The sisters learn the truth of who they are, what family means and who their real friends are.
August 26, 2020
Most important: This is not a three-book series but a single large novel published in three volumes. This should not surprise anyone as the author's own blurb warns the readers against cliffhangers in volumes 1 and 2. You will be paying about 8$ for the whole story, but it's about 700 Kindle pages so that's not excessive. Get the boxset, as you will definitely want to keep reading after the first (free) book.
Quirky and engaging and sometimes charming characters inhabit picturesque Castle Cove. Among these, baby sister Paige was, for me, the best-drawn character, being a perfect thirteen-year old sweet little brat. The lead is the sympathetically-penned Charlotte aka 'Ruby'. The plot is a tumbleweed - a fast moving thicket, blown briskly along by the variably smart, caring, air-headed, scheming Not-Ruby (i.e. Charlotte). The story is more or less character driven and is cleverly played out. Each volume centres around its own focal mystery or point of tension, but the story blows right on from one to the next, with no overlap.
While Charlotte's character seemed a little inconsistent in maturity at times, there was no question but that I was rooting for her all the way. The con-artist parents, however, were noticeably flat villains, especially when viewed in contrast against other characters like the lively Tabby, embattled Ben, Gravy the three-legged cat, etc, etc, etc (the list is long!) Heartthrob Deputy Jared is entirely too flawless.
Four stars rather than five mainly for the variable strength of characterization, and because I feel that this should really be marketed as one book rather than three. Strongly recommended for YA fiction fans.
Quirky and engaging and sometimes charming characters inhabit picturesque Castle Cove. Among these, baby sister Paige was, for me, the best-drawn character, being a perfect thirteen-year old sweet little brat. The lead is the sympathetically-penned Charlotte aka 'Ruby'. The plot is a tumbleweed - a fast moving thicket, blown briskly along by the variably smart, caring, air-headed, scheming Not-Ruby (i.e. Charlotte). The story is more or less character driven and is cleverly played out. Each volume centres around its own focal mystery or point of tension, but the story blows right on from one to the next, with no overlap.
While Charlotte's character seemed a little inconsistent in maturity at times, there was no question but that I was rooting for her all the way. The con-artist parents, however, were noticeably flat villains, especially when viewed in contrast against other characters like the lively Tabby, embattled Ben, Gravy the three-legged cat, etc, etc, etc (the list is long!) Heartthrob Deputy Jared is entirely too flawless.
Four stars rather than five mainly for the variable strength of characterization, and because I feel that this should really be marketed as one book rather than three. Strongly recommended for YA fiction fans.
June 15, 2026
I miss all the quirky Castle Cove characters! One of the best things about this series is that all three books in the series are out so I didn’t have to wait to continue the story!
Charlotte, AKA Ruby, has lots of secrets and a huge one is in town. The parents! And guess what? The parents want to use Charlotte to run a con on the people of Castle Cove. The same people that have embraced Charlotte and Paige, no questions asked and have become more of a family to these two than their parents ever have.
“Everybody has had to deal with an uncomfortable family reunion. Drunk uncles and fighting cousins. Shut-in aunts and busybody grandparents. Skeletons that trot out of the familial closet as soon as the eggnog starts flowing. But when it comes to awkward relative stories, I’ve got them all beat.”
Charlotte is warring with herself trying to figure out the best way to con her con artist parents without hurting the people she loves in Castle Cove, while trying to protect Paige the best way she knows how. There are so many twists and turns, lots of pulling of the heartstrings, but with all the same witty banter that will still make you smile and laugh. I did not expect the events leading up to the end of the story, but it makes me love all the residents of Castle Cove that much more!
I absolutely love this series!
Charlotte, AKA Ruby, has lots of secrets and a huge one is in town. The parents! And guess what? The parents want to use Charlotte to run a con on the people of Castle Cove. The same people that have embraced Charlotte and Paige, no questions asked and have become more of a family to these two than their parents ever have.
“Everybody has had to deal with an uncomfortable family reunion. Drunk uncles and fighting cousins. Shut-in aunts and busybody grandparents. Skeletons that trot out of the familial closet as soon as the eggnog starts flowing. But when it comes to awkward relative stories, I’ve got them all beat.”
Charlotte is warring with herself trying to figure out the best way to con her con artist parents without hurting the people she loves in Castle Cove, while trying to protect Paige the best way she knows how. There are so many twists and turns, lots of pulling of the heartstrings, but with all the same witty banter that will still make you smile and laugh. I did not expect the events leading up to the end of the story, but it makes me love all the residents of Castle Cove that much more!
I absolutely love this series!
October 26, 2026
After three books, I was hoping for a conclusion that made the buildup feel worthwhile. Instead, I found myself underwhelmed by how the overarching storyline came together. Some revelations felt unnecessarily prolonged, while others added information without significantly changing my understanding of the characters. I also wish the major developments had been spread more evenly throughout the trilogy so that the conclusion felt earned rather than packed with explanations.
What disappointed me most was Charlotte's character arc. We know she's protective, fiercely independent, and has difficulty trusting people, but I never felt that the story fully explored who she is beyond those traits. Even with everything we've learned about her past, I still wanted to know what she actually wants for herself and what kind of future she'd choose if survival were no longer her main concern. There was so much potential in exploring how she could move beyond the life she'd always known, but that growth never felt complete. By the end, I was more relieved to move on to something new than satisfied with the conclusion.
What disappointed me most was Charlotte's character arc. We know she's protective, fiercely independent, and has difficulty trusting people, but I never felt that the story fully explored who she is beyond those traits. Even with everything we've learned about her past, I still wanted to know what she actually wants for herself and what kind of future she'd choose if survival were no longer her main concern. There was so much potential in exploring how she could move beyond the life she'd always known, but that growth never felt complete. By the end, I was more relieved to move on to something new than satisfied with the conclusion.
January 11, 2018
Great Ending! But I'll miss these characters.
The beginning of this book was hard for me. Charlotte and Paige's con artist parents were too impossibly despicable. To unbelievably evil. Also, I wanted to slap Charlotte screaming at her for her stubborn refusal to tell the truth and seek help. The fact that she was deceiving Jared while having a relationship with him made me want to give up on her. After all, Jared was an incredibly loving man, the Deputy, and the best person to reach to for help. But I have to admit that part was believable. I can only imagine that someone who was used and psychologically abused all her childhood as she was would be unable to stop obeying her abusers.
But the book definitely redeemed itself at the end. I won't give spoilers, but for anybody who complained of cliffhangers, rest assured this book's ending leaves you satisfied, joyful and more optimistic about life —Yes, good happy endings have that effect on me even when I know it's fiction.
I will miss terribly my Castle Cove characters. Ms. Olsen with her cat outfits, Ms. Viola sitting in her unnecessary wheelchair, The Newsomes with their kinky/yucky romantic encounters. Gravy the hissing cat. I'll especially miss Tabby and Troy. I really hope Ms. Frame eventually retakes this series by continuing Tabby and Ben's stories or even Troy and Eleanor's.
The beginning of this book was hard for me. Charlotte and Paige's con artist parents were too impossibly despicable. To unbelievably evil. Also, I wanted to slap Charlotte screaming at her for her stubborn refusal to tell the truth and seek help. The fact that she was deceiving Jared while having a relationship with him made me want to give up on her. After all, Jared was an incredibly loving man, the Deputy, and the best person to reach to for help. But I have to admit that part was believable. I can only imagine that someone who was used and psychologically abused all her childhood as she was would be unable to stop obeying her abusers.
But the book definitely redeemed itself at the end. I won't give spoilers, but for anybody who complained of cliffhangers, rest assured this book's ending leaves you satisfied, joyful and more optimistic about life —Yes, good happy endings have that effect on me even when I know it's fiction.
I will miss terribly my Castle Cove characters. Ms. Olsen with her cat outfits, Ms. Viola sitting in her unnecessary wheelchair, The Newsomes with their kinky/yucky romantic encounters. Gravy the hissing cat. I'll especially miss Tabby and Troy. I really hope Ms. Frame eventually retakes this series by continuing Tabby and Ben's stories or even Troy and Eleanor's.
November 19, 2024
Beautiful finale
I have loved all three books. The characters are warm, loving and so caring despite circumstances and that won my heart before the writing, the humour and the lovely pace. The idea of coming out good as our own choice might sound like it may be serious and heavy but it wasn’t. Instead, it was written with a light touch that had us thinking about choices. All three books are fun and humorous and allow the reader to connect with the main characters and the peripheral.
Normally I try to stay away from duets, trilogies or cliff hangers because I don’t like being pushed into another book. I will do it but my preference is for a series where each book stands alone with perhaps continuity of events and characters. I knew straight away I had to finish the series. The first two books ended the way a day ends - more has to happen tomorrow and so reading the next book was easy. Loved the ending, lots of warms and fuzzies. Highly recommend as a feel good.
I have loved all three books. The characters are warm, loving and so caring despite circumstances and that won my heart before the writing, the humour and the lovely pace. The idea of coming out good as our own choice might sound like it may be serious and heavy but it wasn’t. Instead, it was written with a light touch that had us thinking about choices. All three books are fun and humorous and allow the reader to connect with the main characters and the peripheral.
Normally I try to stay away from duets, trilogies or cliff hangers because I don’t like being pushed into another book. I will do it but my preference is for a series where each book stands alone with perhaps continuity of events and characters. I knew straight away I had to finish the series. The first two books ended the way a day ends - more has to happen tomorrow and so reading the next book was easy. Loved the ending, lots of warms and fuzzies. Highly recommend as a feel good.
December 24, 2023
When a Con Gets Conned
This third book was the best one I thought. If you are going to read this series, you really need to have all 3 books. Since the first two leave you on cliffhangers, you don't want to be stuck waiting for the next book. Anyway, this book was so good and Ruby and Paige are so smart. I love how many surprises happen and it was funny in places that had me laughing and other places had me on pins and nee
dles. Fabulous series and I f to books but I don't, so that is why I read so much.
This third book was the best one I thought. If you are going to read this series, you really need to have all 3 books. Since the first two leave you on cliffhangers, you don't want to be stuck waiting for the next book. Anyway, this book was so good and Ruby and Paige are so smart. I love how many surprises happen and it was funny in places that had me laughing and other places had me on pins and nee
dles. Fabulous series and I f to books but I don't, so that is why I read so much.
February 12, 2018
Wonderful Ending
We definitely need a few more books squeezed into this series before we allow you to end it Mary Frame!! The best possible ending for this book. Unfortunately I fell in love with the characters, all of them. I recommend you read this series. Must be read in order. Wonderful character development enough characters in the series to continue to build onto this series.
Thank you Author Mary Frame for working so hard for us.
We definitely need a few more books squeezed into this series before we allow you to end it Mary Frame!! The best possible ending for this book. Unfortunately I fell in love with the characters, all of them. I recommend you read this series. Must be read in order. Wonderful character development enough characters in the series to continue to build onto this series.
Thank you Author Mary Frame for working so hard for us.
July 4, 2024
Not for me
In the authors defense I did not read the summary of the book. I decided to read the series without knowing anything about it. Needless to say that I am not a fan. The writing is a little amateurish and the story was silly and a bit over the top. I had to drag myself through it. I suspect that it is written for adolescents rather than adults. The story reminds me of those after school specials I used to watch in my youth
In the authors defense I did not read the summary of the book. I decided to read the series without knowing anything about it. Needless to say that I am not a fan. The writing is a little amateurish and the story was silly and a bit over the top. I had to drag myself through it. I suspect that it is written for adolescents rather than adults. The story reminds me of those after school specials I used to watch in my youth
July 12, 2024
I love a twisty mystery and a happy ending. It’s sad to think of what Charlotte and Paige have been through because of their parents. I was happy to know that Jared had given her a chance even knowing a piece of the truth the whole time. That guy is a gem! Of course Tom com guys always are.
This series would make a fun movie!
This series would make a fun movie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2019
Perfect ending
I just adored the odd characters in this series. I know it was a mystery but I laughed all the way through. The Newman's were a hoot, and I can still see Mrs Olson's sequined dress with the cat on the rump. The series was very entertaining and I loved the ending.
I just adored the odd characters in this series. I know it was a mystery but I laughed all the way through. The Newman's were a hoot, and I can still see Mrs Olson's sequined dress with the cat on the rump. The series was very entertaining and I loved the ending.
June 15, 2019
Perfect ending.
It was just so fascinating story....fascinating series!!!!!!! Secrets are out & the little reveal made me love the old small town even more. Perfect beginning to the end. ENOUGH SAID!!!!!
It was just so fascinating story....fascinating series!!!!!!! Secrets are out & the little reveal made me love the old small town even more. Perfect beginning to the end. ENOUGH SAID!!!!!
August 10, 2019
Good summer read
It is set in a beach town in Oregon. This is the last book in a series of 3. I read the book in a day. I figured out a few things about Jared which was confirmed at the very end. It was a good ending for the series.
It is set in a beach town in Oregon. This is the last book in a series of 3. I read the book in a day. I figured out a few things about Jared which was confirmed at the very end. It was a good ending for the series.
December 27, 2019
This was an amazing ending for an amazing series. Loved the characters so much I wanted to take them out of the book and hug them all (okay, maybe not all of them, there were some nasty ones) and I definitely want to move to Castle Cove. I needed this book in my life.
December 18, 2022
great series
Got the 1st book free and had to buy the 2and 3rd to get the whole story. Just a good read with good story line, great character development and showing the good in folks. Highly recommend this series to anyone wanting a great story to keep you riveted.
Got the 1st book free and had to buy the 2and 3rd to get the whole story. Just a good read with good story line, great character development and showing the good in folks. Highly recommend this series to anyone wanting a great story to keep you riveted.
January 29, 2023
I admit, the previous cliffhangers and the bleakness of the situation, all combined to make me a little leery. That said, I'm happy I stuck with it. Happy sigh. Just the right ending on a rainy, cold day.
June 15, 2024
I’m low key sad that it’s over. Like I was NOT expecting to love this series so much. It’s such a light cozy read that I absolutely fell in love with. Very very good for something to just fall in love without thinking too hard. Loved it.
August 23, 2025
This whole series felt like an ode to the serial tv watcher—I loved all the fun little references. I may have hallucinated some (White Collar) but the others were definitely blatant (Psych, Supernatural).
April 22, 2026
Where the book really shines is in its balance of humor and heart. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it still gives the characters room to grow and confront their choices. If anything, I just wanted a little more exploration of the consequences toward the end.
March 11, 2021
Meh. Estava com uma expectativa de um romance mais… satisfatório. Mas toda as reviravoltas das trapaças e os personagens na cidade foram meio sem noção…
December 19, 2023
Pretty satisfying conclusion, if you’re able to suspend disbelief a bit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews