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Fearless
Jillian Marshall is living her perfect dream. All she's ever wanted is to be a dolphin trainer, and she's going on eighteen years doing just that at Tampa's Marine Research Institute. Her devotion to education and her dedication to the conservation of marine mammals consume her heart and soul. Romance isn't exactly on her agenda. When Laura Carter applied to the institute's thirty-six-week, intensive training program, she left out one important detail--the tragic accident that changed her entire life and left her terrified of drowning. A brilliant animal behaviorist, Laura must decide just how hard she's willing to fight to fulfill her dreams and overcome her nightmares. Falling in love is the easy part, but when Jillian puts her career on the line to help Laura overcome her fear, will she lose everything?
266 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2019
7 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Tina Michele
9 books18 followersTina Michele is a Florida girl living on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon in the biggest small town on the Space Coast. She enjoys all the benefits of living in the Sunshine State. During the day, she pretends to do what they pay her for but really spends most of that time daydreaming and plotting some wild adventure. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her BA in interdisciplinary studies—the most liberal of the liberal arts degrees—majoring in fine art and writing with a minor in women’s studies. To say she is motivated by her Right brain is a major understatement. Afflicted with self-diagnosed Sagittarian Attention Deficit Disorder, she spends a lot of time starting projects that she may, possibly, one day, probably finish. When she isn’t writing, playing, drawing, painting, or creating something of some sort, she feeds and waters the three dogs that are permanently tethered to her hindquarters.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 12, 2019
Laura Carter has wanted to become a dolphin trainer since she was a little girl. Her career path became a convoluted road when she had a near drowning accident as a teenager. It has taken her ten years to overcome the tragedy just enough to apply to Tampa’s Marine Research Institute and their intensive thirty six week internship program. Jillian Marshall is the director of the institute and a consummate professional. She has dedicated her life to education and the animals in her care. The women meet and sparks fly right away. Can they sacrifice dreams in order to have a romantic relationship?
I was looking forward to this book because well, there was a dolphin on the cover. Close enough to my own dreams in a way. Unfortunately it was mostly a miss for me.
Laura’s character suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after her accident and has left her at odds with her dream since marine animal training requires for her to be in the water. Kudos to the author for trying to tackle something like PTSD outside the usual context. However, there were a couple of things that bothered me. Laura was not released by her doctor to pursue this particular training, so she failed to disclose her medical condition when she applied for the internship. In this case, that meant putting herself, fellow trainees and potentially animals at risk. The solution to that dilemma left something to be desired. Jillian not only helped hide Laura’s condition when it became an issue, but then there is an offer to help her overcome PTSD with her own treatment plan. I guess at some point you try different things outside the doctor’s office, but the presentation made me feel like she was devising a treatment plan without a license. It bothered me that a google search and an earmark in a book from an afternoon of research could be better and surpass ten years of therapy. It definitely did not seem ethical on many levels. As the director of the institute, the liability should have been near impossible to ignore.
That brings us to the relationship, which compounded the problem with the morals in this story. This is somewhat of a teacher-student relationship. For all the problems that could have come from this situation, this was mostly an instalove story in which the mains had very little struggle coming together. And not only that, but did close to nothing to hide it. The first make out session was in the parking lot. Of the institute. Right on Jillian’s usual parking spot! Laura immediately tells someone else about the secret relationship too. Maybe things should have been kept more platonic and allow time to pass so we could be a few months into the internship and the relationship be significant by then and based on personality, not physical chemistry (which I will admit, was very much present). And hey, have to mention Jillian’s ‘sweet girl’ immediate term of endearment towards Laura made me cringe. Perhaps because it came from Jillian and she is the one in the position of power. Please save those for the animals.
The story had an interesting, action opening scene that grabs the reader’s attention. The interesting action picks up late in the book when animals become more central to the story. I did like the final resolution as I was not sure how things were going to be solved. Thank you to Pepper the dolphin for coming to the rescue.
The cover design, also by Ms Michele, was excellent and perfect for the story. It is definitely eye catching and guaranteed to get more readers interested in this novel.
3 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to this book because well, there was a dolphin on the cover. Close enough to my own dreams in a way. Unfortunately it was mostly a miss for me.
Laura’s character suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after her accident and has left her at odds with her dream since marine animal training requires for her to be in the water. Kudos to the author for trying to tackle something like PTSD outside the usual context. However, there were a couple of things that bothered me. Laura was not released by her doctor to pursue this particular training, so she failed to disclose her medical condition when she applied for the internship. In this case, that meant putting herself, fellow trainees and potentially animals at risk. The solution to that dilemma left something to be desired. Jillian not only helped hide Laura’s condition when it became an issue, but then there is an offer to help her overcome PTSD with her own treatment plan. I guess at some point you try different things outside the doctor’s office, but the presentation made me feel like she was devising a treatment plan without a license. It bothered me that a google search and an earmark in a book from an afternoon of research could be better and surpass ten years of therapy. It definitely did not seem ethical on many levels. As the director of the institute, the liability should have been near impossible to ignore.
That brings us to the relationship, which compounded the problem with the morals in this story. This is somewhat of a teacher-student relationship. For all the problems that could have come from this situation, this was mostly an instalove story in which the mains had very little struggle coming together. And not only that, but did close to nothing to hide it. The first make out session was in the parking lot. Of the institute. Right on Jillian’s usual parking spot! Laura immediately tells someone else about the secret relationship too. Maybe things should have been kept more platonic and allow time to pass so we could be a few months into the internship and the relationship be significant by then and based on personality, not physical chemistry (which I will admit, was very much present). And hey, have to mention Jillian’s ‘sweet girl’ immediate term of endearment towards Laura made me cringe. Perhaps because it came from Jillian and she is the one in the position of power. Please save those for the animals.
The story had an interesting, action opening scene that grabs the reader’s attention. The interesting action picks up late in the book when animals become more central to the story. I did like the final resolution as I was not sure how things were going to be solved. Thank you to Pepper the dolphin for coming to the rescue.
The cover design, also by Ms Michele, was excellent and perfect for the story. It is definitely eye catching and guaranteed to get more readers interested in this novel.
3 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2019
What's not to like in a book about dolphins, a smart woman with PTSD and a sexy marine environmentalist. Laura finally gets accepted into the marine programme she's spent her life working towards. Only problem is that she isn't sure she's ready to get back into the water. Jillian, an experienced dolphin trainer and instructor, is immediately attracted to Laura and the feeling is mutual. The only thing is that Laura hasn't disclosed her reason for PTSD.
'Fearless' has nice tension with a couple of nail-biting moments. The interactions between the characters are great with a fairly diverse cast. Another enjoyable summer read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
'Fearless' has nice tension with a couple of nail-biting moments. The interactions between the characters are great with a fairly diverse cast. Another enjoyable summer read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 7, 2019
2.75 stars - I didn’t know what to expect when I requested Fearless by Tina Michele. She was a new to me author, but I decided to take a chance since I hadn’t read any romances set in a marine research institute before and I love the ocean wildlife.
Jillian Marshall’s been working at the Tampa’s Marine Research Institute for the past 18 years and is living her dream. When she met Laura Carter, one of the applicants for the training program, Jillian is instantly attracted to her. As Director of the training program, her romantic interest in Laura is problematic, but she takes a bigger risk when Laura confesses her fear of drowning and Jillian decides to hide that important information to the rest of her staff.
Fearless is an insta-love kind of romance and though I can’t deny that there’s chemistry between Jillian and Laura, their relationship evolved way too quickly in my opinion for it to be organic.
I really enjoyed the scenes where they worked with the animals and it’s apparent that Michele did some research, but the main part, the romance didn’t work for me personally. I wish we’d gotten more scenes of them bonding and getting to know each other in the company of dolphins or during Laura’s “extra classes” that really only happened once.
The writing in and of itself isn’t bad. It’s not as fluid as I would like and it can be considered cheesy at times (honestly, the use of expressions like “the goddess” and “my good girl” in the context of this story made me cringe hard at times), but it’s nothing I couldn’t get over. However, I found some of the scenes were a little bit too dramatic and angsty for them to be believable.
Writing and developing a character suffering from a mental illness can be quite a challenge, and though I feel that most of Laura’s PTSD has been portrayed in a respectful and realistic way, some of her actions and reactions (or lack thereof) seemed to be incongruous with her diagnostic.
I’d recommend Fearless for those who like (or aren’t bothered by) insta-love, angsty romances, the teacher/student trope, but most of all sea creatures.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
Jillian Marshall’s been working at the Tampa’s Marine Research Institute for the past 18 years and is living her dream. When she met Laura Carter, one of the applicants for the training program, Jillian is instantly attracted to her. As Director of the training program, her romantic interest in Laura is problematic, but she takes a bigger risk when Laura confesses her fear of drowning and Jillian decides to hide that important information to the rest of her staff.
Fearless is an insta-love kind of romance and though I can’t deny that there’s chemistry between Jillian and Laura, their relationship evolved way too quickly in my opinion for it to be organic.
I really enjoyed the scenes where they worked with the animals and it’s apparent that Michele did some research, but the main part, the romance didn’t work for me personally. I wish we’d gotten more scenes of them bonding and getting to know each other in the company of dolphins or during Laura’s “extra classes” that really only happened once.
The writing in and of itself isn’t bad. It’s not as fluid as I would like and it can be considered cheesy at times (honestly, the use of expressions like “the goddess” and “my good girl” in the context of this story made me cringe hard at times), but it’s nothing I couldn’t get over. However, I found some of the scenes were a little bit too dramatic and angsty for them to be believable.
Writing and developing a character suffering from a mental illness can be quite a challenge, and though I feel that most of Laura’s PTSD has been portrayed in a respectful and realistic way, some of her actions and reactions (or lack thereof) seemed to be incongruous with her diagnostic.
I’d recommend Fearless for those who like (or aren’t bothered by) insta-love, angsty romances, the teacher/student trope, but most of all sea creatures.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
October 27, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a new author for me, and I was also intrigued by the premise, so thought I’d give this a shot. Main premise is that Jillian works as the director of a marine research institute and Laura has just applied to undertake a 9 month training program there. They meet before Laura’s interview and are attracted to each other but then Laura gets accepted, and they each realise it’s a bad idea to get involved. That doesn’t stop the attraction though and it’s also noticed by those close to them.
The main characters are each fairly interesting, though Laura gets more background by virtue of her PTSD storyline. See, the problem is that she survived a near downing about ten years prior and has issues with water, but didn’t disclose that in her application. Jillian finds out and goes to great lengths to help Laura with this, which also leads to them spending more time together.
Laura also makes friends with BJ, who is a trans character, and I was glad to see more representation of trans characters in lesfic. The two bond throughout the book, I really liked their support of and for each other. The only other character to get some substantive story time is Diana, another trainer who Jillian used to be involved with. And this creates the ‘drama’.
Now, for probably the first two thirds of the book I found it interesting, I loved the marine park setting and how the characters interacted and how the MCs were working on Laura’s PTSD. But from when they officially start sleeping together it all started to go off the rails a bit. First, I found the pet names a bit too goopy, and although a long time span had passed, two-three months, it still felt a little too insta-love. The ‘drama’ stuff was also over the top and I thought the way it was handled, both by the park big wigs, and later by the MCs, was too over the top. All the melodrama just sort of left me feeling a bit flat. The ending also seemed rushed, which was disappointing, since it started out well but then kind of fizzled at the end.
I’d give this 3.5 stars but am rounding down, because it’s not four stars. That said, I would try more by this author.
This is a new author for me, and I was also intrigued by the premise, so thought I’d give this a shot. Main premise is that Jillian works as the director of a marine research institute and Laura has just applied to undertake a 9 month training program there. They meet before Laura’s interview and are attracted to each other but then Laura gets accepted, and they each realise it’s a bad idea to get involved. That doesn’t stop the attraction though and it’s also noticed by those close to them.
The main characters are each fairly interesting, though Laura gets more background by virtue of her PTSD storyline. See, the problem is that she survived a near downing about ten years prior and has issues with water, but didn’t disclose that in her application. Jillian finds out and goes to great lengths to help Laura with this, which also leads to them spending more time together.
Laura also makes friends with BJ, who is a trans character, and I was glad to see more representation of trans characters in lesfic. The two bond throughout the book, I really liked their support of and for each other. The only other character to get some substantive story time is Diana, another trainer who Jillian used to be involved with. And this creates the ‘drama’.
Now, for probably the first two thirds of the book I found it interesting, I loved the marine park setting and how the characters interacted and how the MCs were working on Laura’s PTSD. But from when they officially start sleeping together it all started to go off the rails a bit. First, I found the pet names a bit too goopy, and although a long time span had passed, two-three months, it still felt a little too insta-love. The ‘drama’ stuff was also over the top and I thought the way it was handled, both by the park big wigs, and later by the MCs, was too over the top. All the melodrama just sort of left me feeling a bit flat. The ending also seemed rushed, which was disappointing, since it started out well but then kind of fizzled at the end.
I’d give this 3.5 stars but am rounding down, because it’s not four stars. That said, I would try more by this author.
October 6, 2019
I am fan of Tina Michele books and have enjoyed her first few books she has written. When this one became available I was stoked to get a chance to read it. The synopsis does a good job explaining the story so read that if you want to know what it is about...the main concept is that director of wildlife conservation falls for trainee. As you can imagine there is an age gap theme and boss employee theme. All of which Michele does a good job writing about. There is a little drama but honestly not a lot and most of that happens in the last 20% of the book. What the majority of the book gives you is the building romance between Jillian (the Director) and Laura (the trainee) as well as Laura's friendship with BJ and even Brooke.
I will say that though the span of the book is about 3 months, and the relationship that takes places doesn't happen until about 2 months in, it still felt a bit insta-loveish. There are also a good amount of intimate scenes that as great as they were could have had maybe 2 or 3 of them either removed or faded to black in a sense. They just a felt all lumped together.
Regardless of that, I really enjoyed the book. The journey of self discovery and overcoming fears was actually well written and while some dialogue was a bit cheesy, it did make me smile and roll my eyes at the same time. It's a pretty good read and if you like Michele's works, I think you will like this one too. I give it 3.89 stars (that's right I'm sticking it to the man and rating uneven stars lol)
***Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me***
I will say that though the span of the book is about 3 months, and the relationship that takes places doesn't happen until about 2 months in, it still felt a bit insta-loveish. There are also a good amount of intimate scenes that as great as they were could have had maybe 2 or 3 of them either removed or faded to black in a sense. They just a felt all lumped together.
Regardless of that, I really enjoyed the book. The journey of self discovery and overcoming fears was actually well written and while some dialogue was a bit cheesy, it did make me smile and roll my eyes at the same time. It's a pretty good read and if you like Michele's works, I think you will like this one too. I give it 3.89 stars (that's right I'm sticking it to the man and rating uneven stars lol)
***Received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review from me***
November 7, 2019
While reading, a couple thoughts came to mind. First, when you obtain a dream, is there such a thing as dreams changing. I say yes. Second, family can be supportive and awesome. Third, friends can be like family. I totally agree. And, fourth, "love at first sight". Makes me think of the movies, Imagine you and me. I really enjoyed the setting and the interaction with the marine life. Laura Carter, dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy while working to find her footing with the assistance of a strong family. Jill Marshall, works her dream career, focused, not looking for a relationship but who can and does not notice an attractive woman. If you like instant love, this is the read for you. Laura and Jill are drawn to each other and it just so happens they are good for each other. The setting is interesting, the people for the most part are fun to be around and good at what they do.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
October 22, 2019
Jilli Marshall is the director at the Tampa’s Marine Research Institute. She loves training the dolphins and she takes her job seriously. On a personal level, she doesn't appear to be looking for love because she is fulfilled by her job. Each year the Research Institute takes on 9 trainees. In comes Laura Carter who has applied and is interviewing to enter in the several month long program. Laura does have a secret that no one knows about. She almost drowned 10 years ago and has PTSD and anxiety that she has tried to overcome.
I really liked the idea of this romance and thought I would really love this one. I didn't dislike it, I just thought it was too slow which caused it to be a bit boring for me. Initially I just knew that there was going to be major sparks in this one. The author does a good job at expressing the attraction between the mains. Yes they have major chemistry. The chemistry is built higher and higher as each chapter is read until it reaches a point were you think it's going to burst but it doesn't. By the time the dam does break, I really wasn't interested anymore. Listen, I love a romance that has some sizzling hot sex. I think the sex was probably sizzling, but by the time the scene came, I wasn't really interested. All that hype fizzled out for me long before it happened. I was sort of disappointed.
Overall the story was interesting and I thought it was a decent read. I just need this one to move faster. I rate it 3 stars
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I really liked the idea of this romance and thought I would really love this one. I didn't dislike it, I just thought it was too slow which caused it to be a bit boring for me. Initially I just knew that there was going to be major sparks in this one. The author does a good job at expressing the attraction between the mains. Yes they have major chemistry. The chemistry is built higher and higher as each chapter is read until it reaches a point were you think it's going to burst but it doesn't. By the time the dam does break, I really wasn't interested anymore. Listen, I love a romance that has some sizzling hot sex. I think the sex was probably sizzling, but by the time the scene came, I wasn't really interested. All that hype fizzled out for me long before it happened. I was sort of disappointed.
Overall the story was interesting and I thought it was a decent read. I just need this one to move faster. I rate it 3 stars
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
October 12, 2019
Facing the Fear
Laura’s lifelong dream is to work with dolphins. However, an accident derailed her for a while but she is determined to make her dream a reality. She finally has a shot at it when she is chosen for a training program. Jillian has spent the last eighteen years as a dolphin trainer and the head of the program. They will spend the next nine months working together… unless Laura’s past catches up. Will she be forced from the program or will she be able to overcome her problems with Jillian’s help? And will Jillian be able to keep her career after the truth comes out…
This is a fascinating and delightful story. It is so well written and it is obvious that Ms Michele researched the heck out of a marine research facility. The details are great. I loved seeing all the behind the scenes action like all that goes into the feeding and care of the animals, exhibits and even the jobs these women do are highly detailed as well. This is one of those books that puts you into the tale and makes you a part of it. You can see and hear and even smell the settings. I liked the adventures and action, the animals and people, the drama and the romance… Oh the romance…. It’s so beautiful and heartfelt. Jillian and Laura’s attraction is immediate and intense. Their chemistry is palpable and it feels so genuine and sweet. I loved every part of this book and have actually read it twice already! This is so good and I know you will love it too!
Laura’s lifelong dream is to work with dolphins. However, an accident derailed her for a while but she is determined to make her dream a reality. She finally has a shot at it when she is chosen for a training program. Jillian has spent the last eighteen years as a dolphin trainer and the head of the program. They will spend the next nine months working together… unless Laura’s past catches up. Will she be forced from the program or will she be able to overcome her problems with Jillian’s help? And will Jillian be able to keep her career after the truth comes out…
This is a fascinating and delightful story. It is so well written and it is obvious that Ms Michele researched the heck out of a marine research facility. The details are great. I loved seeing all the behind the scenes action like all that goes into the feeding and care of the animals, exhibits and even the jobs these women do are highly detailed as well. This is one of those books that puts you into the tale and makes you a part of it. You can see and hear and even smell the settings. I liked the adventures and action, the animals and people, the drama and the romance… Oh the romance…. It’s so beautiful and heartfelt. Jillian and Laura’s attraction is immediate and intense. Their chemistry is palpable and it feels so genuine and sweet. I loved every part of this book and have actually read it twice already! This is so good and I know you will love it too!
October 9, 2019
Interesting story of romance at a Marine Research Institute and two women who dreamt of nothing but being a dolphin trainer all their lives; one character the established director, the other a frustrated postgrad held back by her PTSD. The animal husbandry feels well researched and will touch any of us with a yearning to work with animals or even just swim with dolphins.
The romance is hot and fast.. it might take a month to happen in the timeline but it's upon us in an instant, as is the steamy sex, real and dreamt. The angst isn’t will they won't they - this is very much an instant romance -it’s will they get caught and what will happen when they do; they may not be breaking the rules but appearances are everything.
Fast paced and intense, both women must find themselves. One overcoming the accident that set her back 10 years before to rediscover the adventurous woman buried inside, the other to rediscover her real calling and have the courage to take hold of it. Both characters are well drawn, as are several of the minor players, especially BJ, a youthful student on the program.
I enjoyed the read, could have lived with more dolphin time but then who couldn’t.
The romance is hot and fast.. it might take a month to happen in the timeline but it's upon us in an instant, as is the steamy sex, real and dreamt. The angst isn’t will they won't they - this is very much an instant romance -it’s will they get caught and what will happen when they do; they may not be breaking the rules but appearances are everything.
Fast paced and intense, both women must find themselves. One overcoming the accident that set her back 10 years before to rediscover the adventurous woman buried inside, the other to rediscover her real calling and have the courage to take hold of it. Both characters are well drawn, as are several of the minor players, especially BJ, a youthful student on the program.
I enjoyed the read, could have lived with more dolphin time but then who couldn’t.
December 19, 2022
This has been that kind of story from which I expected more, but at the end something was missing. Laura has some kind of PTSD due to an accident that is not well explained, or maybe I've been unable to connect the dots the author has let along the book, but at the end has been a bit confusing for me to understand if she was traumatized or what. Jillian is the director in the organization in which Laura always wanted to work but it seems that meeting Laura makes her forget it all, somwehat unbelievable. And then they both act like horny teenagers, her own words, around the worksite. Also beyond belief. Then there is the jealous ex-girlfriend who acts silly and causes a stupid chaos near the end. Therefore, it could have been a great romance between mature women who fight for their dreams above all the problems that life presents to them, but it lacks so many things and has so much nonsense that it is wasted.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
May 4, 2021
I'll keep this short & sweet as my brain is foggy
A co-workers-to-friends-lovers story that captured my attention from start to finish. Jillian and Laura are now a favourite couple of mine. So mature. So silly and sweet at times. And the sex.... oh yeeaaah. Explicit without being gross. There was just enough angst and drama to keep me on my toes without aggravating me. The end was phenomenal. A perfect bookend.
Did I mention how hot and sweet Jillian was? I loved her nickname for Laura, "my sweet girl".... swoon.
A co-workers-to-friends-lovers story that captured my attention from start to finish. Jillian and Laura are now a favourite couple of mine. So mature. So silly and sweet at times. And the sex.... oh yeeaaah. Explicit without being gross. There was just enough angst and drama to keep me on my toes without aggravating me. The end was phenomenal. A perfect bookend.
Did I mention how hot and sweet Jillian was? I loved her nickname for Laura, "my sweet girl".... swoon.
October 4, 2019
Six stars? Can I give six stars to this book? Because it is perfect! It ticks all the boxes of what I love to read and left me completely happy and gazing off into space while sighing.
What do I love about this book?
The cover: dolphins and sunlight, yes please! This is a beautiful cover that just begged me to find out what was behind it and I am so glad it did. I mean, dolphins? Sign me up!
The setting: the author really knows the area and it shows. The details are perfect and ring true about the Floridian weather and the institute itself.
The characters: I couldn’t stop my happy squeals when I noticed our two MCs bear a resemblance to another famous duo we in the lesfic world all know and love. The focus of the story is on Jillian, the super-hot director, and Laura, a sweet and awkward young woman who is fighting the demons of her past with dignity and strength—and is training under the supervision of Jillian. This is a slight age-gap, but Laura is older than the other trainees and she is mature, kind and did I mention awkward? She makes some hilarious blunders and is never hesitant to laugh at herself.
Our MCs aren’t perfect, they make mistakes and have flaws, but they are both strong and absolutely smoking hot together.
The secondary characters don’t overpower the narrative and I really like the relationship Laura has with BJ, her fellow trainee who proves himself a true friend and ally throughout.
The plot: this book has everything I love to read about, from the sexually-charged first meeting to the surprise second meeting, the aspect of forbidden love, the push-pull of undeniable attraction right from the first moment, and of course the sizzling hot love scenes. The plot deals with some heavy issues, mainly PTSD but that is balanced out by funny moments that are sprinkled through the narrative. I laughed out loud a few times, probably scaring the other people on the train, most notably when Laura is unable to find her pocket and has an adorably hilarious inner monologue about pants.
I also love their job! The author really researched the topic and doesn’t pull punches with the gory behind-the-scenes aspects of taking care of living beings. The story overflows with love, understanding and respect for sea life. Both Laura and Jillian are as devoted to the work as they are each other and makes the inevitable conflict that much more heartbreaking.
Okay, this review is becoming a novel in itself. Thanks for reading this far!
While not everyone will love this novel as much as I do, I heartily recommend it to anyone who has ever has a childhood dream they wished could come true or who is battling to overcome some trouble whether it is a traumatic event or a fear that is holding them back. The only complaint I have about this book is that it’s finished and I can’t read about The Further Adventures of Jillian and Laura and Their Happy and Hot Sexytimes. *pouts*
My rating: the maximum amount of stars!
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
What do I love about this book?
The cover: dolphins and sunlight, yes please! This is a beautiful cover that just begged me to find out what was behind it and I am so glad it did. I mean, dolphins? Sign me up!
The setting: the author really knows the area and it shows. The details are perfect and ring true about the Floridian weather and the institute itself.
The characters: I couldn’t stop my happy squeals when I noticed our two MCs bear a resemblance to another famous duo we in the lesfic world all know and love. The focus of the story is on Jillian, the super-hot director, and Laura, a sweet and awkward young woman who is fighting the demons of her past with dignity and strength—and is training under the supervision of Jillian. This is a slight age-gap, but Laura is older than the other trainees and she is mature, kind and did I mention awkward? She makes some hilarious blunders and is never hesitant to laugh at herself.
Our MCs aren’t perfect, they make mistakes and have flaws, but they are both strong and absolutely smoking hot together.
The secondary characters don’t overpower the narrative and I really like the relationship Laura has with BJ, her fellow trainee who proves himself a true friend and ally throughout.
The plot: this book has everything I love to read about, from the sexually-charged first meeting to the surprise second meeting, the aspect of forbidden love, the push-pull of undeniable attraction right from the first moment, and of course the sizzling hot love scenes. The plot deals with some heavy issues, mainly PTSD but that is balanced out by funny moments that are sprinkled through the narrative. I laughed out loud a few times, probably scaring the other people on the train, most notably when Laura is unable to find her pocket and has an adorably hilarious inner monologue about pants.
I also love their job! The author really researched the topic and doesn’t pull punches with the gory behind-the-scenes aspects of taking care of living beings. The story overflows with love, understanding and respect for sea life. Both Laura and Jillian are as devoted to the work as they are each other and makes the inevitable conflict that much more heartbreaking.
Okay, this review is becoming a novel in itself. Thanks for reading this far!
While not everyone will love this novel as much as I do, I heartily recommend it to anyone who has ever has a childhood dream they wished could come true or who is battling to overcome some trouble whether it is a traumatic event or a fear that is holding them back. The only complaint I have about this book is that it’s finished and I can’t read about The Further Adventures of Jillian and Laura and Their Happy and Hot Sexytimes. *pouts*
My rating: the maximum amount of stars!
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.
January 5, 2020
I tried really hard to give this book the benefit of the doubt, but it was a really stupid book. Poorly written really overblown drama and angst. All set to the backdrop of a dolphin training faculty which they did very little dolphin training at.
There was also the issue of the insta live. Like they fell in love with each other the middle here they met at the coffee machine. All of the things that Jillian did to make sure Laura kept her job were j ethical and she should have been fired. This was a crazy book that basically turned into really bad love we ces at the end. It was like one right after the other instead of the author spacing them out a bit.
I didn’t like the zip lining part either when you are supposed to be so afraid of heights but all you can think about is how the harness is too tight on your private areas? Also Laura and her not so subtle observation about how good Jillian was at putting on a harness. Ugh the whole book was just the worst.
There was also the issue of the insta live. Like they fell in love with each other the middle here they met at the coffee machine. All of the things that Jillian did to make sure Laura kept her job were j ethical and she should have been fired. This was a crazy book that basically turned into really bad love we ces at the end. It was like one right after the other instead of the author spacing them out a bit.
I didn’t like the zip lining part either when you are supposed to be so afraid of heights but all you can think about is how the harness is too tight on your private areas? Also Laura and her not so subtle observation about how good Jillian was at putting on a harness. Ugh the whole book was just the worst.
November 11, 2019
I've never read a Tina Michele book before - how, I don't know - but I'll definitely be looking into her back catalog. But anyways...
This book is all about taking chances and being brave enough to go after what you want. Laura has always wanted to be a dolphin trainer, but a near-drowning experience a decade before leaves her with vicious PTSD. Now in her late 20s, Laura wins a coveted spot as a trainee in a 9-month program. Jillian has everything she wants: a successful career as a trainer, now director of the institute. When these two meet at Laura's interview, the meet-cute is electric, but can it really happen?
The pacing is excellent; there's good dialogue and some cheesy humor, which I loved; the setting/plot is certainly unique. I'd say pick this one up!
** I received this book free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
This book is all about taking chances and being brave enough to go after what you want. Laura has always wanted to be a dolphin trainer, but a near-drowning experience a decade before leaves her with vicious PTSD. Now in her late 20s, Laura wins a coveted spot as a trainee in a 9-month program. Jillian has everything she wants: a successful career as a trainer, now director of the institute. When these two meet at Laura's interview, the meet-cute is electric, but can it really happen?
The pacing is excellent; there's good dialogue and some cheesy humor, which I loved; the setting/plot is certainly unique. I'd say pick this one up!
** I received this book free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. **
October 27, 2019
I love the ocean and dolphins, so for me this book was a no brainer to read.
The book was an easy read, but the story fell a little flat. From the first few chapters you knew Jillian and Laura would end up together, but they Will have some major obstacles to overcome. Laura wants to become a dolphin trainer, but an accident in her youth has left her afraid of the water. Jillian tries to help her, much to the chagrin of her ex and coworker Diana. At first the ladies don’t act on their attraction, until they can’t hold it back. An obstacle filled love story begins.
I like the addition of BJ, a trans guy, he seems like a good friend to have. I’d love to have had some more story with him.
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review*
The book was an easy read, but the story fell a little flat. From the first few chapters you knew Jillian and Laura would end up together, but they Will have some major obstacles to overcome. Laura wants to become a dolphin trainer, but an accident in her youth has left her afraid of the water. Jillian tries to help her, much to the chagrin of her ex and coworker Diana. At first the ladies don’t act on their attraction, until they can’t hold it back. An obstacle filled love story begins.
I like the addition of BJ, a trans guy, he seems like a good friend to have. I’d love to have had some more story with him.
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review*
November 12, 2019
Most definitely one of Tina Michele's best to date. I've been a fan since Venus in Love and while a couple of her others have missed the mark for me, Fearless is heads and tails above.
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