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A Matter of Time #4
A Matter of Time Book IV
Jory Harcourt is back in trouble. An old threat has shown up, and soon Jory is running from a madman who-ll do anything to see him dead. When Jory is kidnapped it soon becomes clear he is up against something bigger than he ever imagined. Sam Kage, the police detective he loves, is caught in the crossfire, and ends up fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Jory springs into action, and goes on the defensive to catch a serial killer. The trail leads from his home in Chicago to Dallas and back. More resourceful than anyone imagined, Jory cracks the case, or does he? And can his love affair with Sam withstand the pressure?
This edition is out of print.
This edition is out of print.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2009
16 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,017 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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June 25, 2024
|| 4.0 stars ||
Wow, this one was so different from all the previous books. I almost felt like I was reading an entirely different series, even though it did have a lot of familiarities that made me enjoy it even more.
The biggest change from the rest was that this book actually seemed to have a real plot. It had an on-going mystery, and was plenty action-packed while also pretty ridiculous. It wasn’t anything serious, and you do have to suspend a certain amount of disbelief, but I genuinely had lots of fun seeing Jory turn into some sort of super detective or secret spy. He did all this crazy stuff and I just found it so enjoyable. I also found it oddly funny. Like, seriously, I do not know if this was meant as a comedy, but I laughed out loud multiple times.
Jory cracked me up and some of his actions just made me giggle. I truly love this character so much: I don’t know what it is about him, but I think he’s hilarious and just so… great. He always does exactly what he wants, and is pretty iconic about it, but he still has his heart in the right place, and often tries to help other people. His mindset isn’t selfish in any way, but he’s not a doormat either. He does what’s best for him and he does so in a way I find extremely entertaining.
Also, this might come as a major surprise, most of all to me, but Sam did not annoy me in this book. It seemed like he genuinely got himself together now: he was loving, caring, protective, possessive, obsessive, adoring, and, best of all, he. did. not. fuck. up. once. This man finally decided to fight for Jory the whole way through, and he constantly stood by him. Even while Jory was running around, doing all this hilariously insane shit, Sam loved him through all of it. It seems like he truly realised that Jory was it for him, and that he was never going to let him slip through his fingers. It’s how it should have been all along, but I’m not complaining about Sam finally getting there now.
All in all, I enjoyed this so much. Jory is a character I truly adore, and I had so much fun with this particular story. The plot genuinely managed to capture my interest and kept me invested throughout. I don’t really have many complaints about anything here.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
Wow, this one was so different from all the previous books. I almost felt like I was reading an entirely different series, even though it did have a lot of familiarities that made me enjoy it even more.
The biggest change from the rest was that this book actually seemed to have a real plot. It had an on-going mystery, and was plenty action-packed while also pretty ridiculous. It wasn’t anything serious, and you do have to suspend a certain amount of disbelief, but I genuinely had lots of fun seeing Jory turn into some sort of super detective or secret spy. He did all this crazy stuff and I just found it so enjoyable. I also found it oddly funny. Like, seriously, I do not know if this was meant as a comedy, but I laughed out loud multiple times.
Jory cracked me up and some of his actions just made me giggle. I truly love this character so much: I don’t know what it is about him, but I think he’s hilarious and just so… great. He always does exactly what he wants, and is pretty iconic about it, but he still has his heart in the right place, and often tries to help other people. His mindset isn’t selfish in any way, but he’s not a doormat either. He does what’s best for him and he does so in a way I find extremely entertaining.
“I love you, Jory. I love your good heart and your kindness and the way you bring out the very best in everyone you meet. I need you, because without you I’m empty and mean.”
Also, this might come as a major surprise, most of all to me, but Sam did not annoy me in this book. It seemed like he genuinely got himself together now: he was loving, caring, protective, possessive, obsessive, adoring, and, best of all, he. did. not. fuck. up. once. This man finally decided to fight for Jory the whole way through, and he constantly stood by him. Even while Jory was running around, doing all this hilariously insane shit, Sam loved him through all of it. It seems like he truly realised that Jory was it for him, and that he was never going to let him slip through his fingers. It’s how it should have been all along, but I’m not complaining about Sam finally getting there now.
“Just coming home, walking in our bedroom and you’re sleeping all warm and safe in our bed… I just… I can’t breathe. My home is a sanctuary now, and I won’t give that up because you’re pissed at me. I don’t love anything or anyone as much as you. You’re my whole life.”
All in all, I enjoyed this so much. Jory is a character I truly adore, and I had so much fun with this particular story. The plot genuinely managed to capture my interest and kept me invested throughout. I don’t really have many complaints about anything here.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
April 23, 2021
⭐ 2.5 "Jory plays a detective in this one and suspension of disbelief is under arrest" stars ⭐
In the words of the illustrious Mary Calmes, and to summarize the plot of this book:
Sources for this: I just read the book. Trust me, dude.
I have to admit this was shaping up to be a 3 stars kind of read at first (aka fairly enjoyable despite not being anything spectacular), but thennnn the last few plot twists were revealed and a few too many jumps in suspension of disbelief were required. To say I was left scratching my head would be an understatement.
Allow me to set the scene first though.
We encounter our dysfunctional pair yet again here, Detective Sam Kage (with the bluest eyes known to man and an acute condition known as Alphamanitis, which leads to an excess of growling and scowling. And yes, it is very much terminal), and Jory Harcourt, née Keyes (who could totally be a model because "have you ever seen chocolate eyes like his? Soulful, amazing, stunning in their intensity? God, and those golden waves").
How I pictured Jory while reading, for full disclosure.
On one hand though, and to address a few positives before the utter ridiculousness that was the rest, I have to say these two were a *lot* more easy to digest as an established couple in book 4. They're still OTT drama central, but they wouldn't be Sam and Jory if that weren't the case. For me, however, It was a pleasant surprise to discover how much I enjoyed them as a pair, particularly when Sam wasn't actively trying to date women and Jory didn't have a revolving door of his copy-pasted stalker exes.
So yes, as infuriating as these two were with their antics in previous books, I found myself kind of shipping them in this one for a change (Y’all, I actually even liked Sam Kage here!!). If anything, I wish we could’ve focused a bit more on the domestic aspect of their relationship and a little (a lot) less on the cheap mash-up of stereotypes that was the “villain” in this one.
But enough of that...
Because all things can’t be good in Joryworld, and Mary Calmes reminds us of the balance needed to maintain the force by the inclusion of a terrible mystery. I expected it to be lackluster, of course, and to figure it out pretty much a paragraph after it was introduced. Yet the plot twist by the end still turned out to be a lot worse than I was prepared for.
Without spoiling things, think Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs + Norman Bates + that one dude from the movie Split… but without all the good acting and charm (of the sociopathic variety) any of those actors displayed. You get a caricature here instead, a poor sap with “VILLAIN” scribbled on his forehead in sharpie, and the writing for his set up is the kind that makes those Simpsons’ Halloween episodes look like they were written by Borges.
And we're also all supposed to buy that it is Jory, the 26-year-old graphic designer, who actually ends up solving the entire mystery, and almost singlehandedly at that. Because of course that makes sense (said nobody ever). It's DETECTIVE Jory Harcourt for you now, peasants.
But hey, we all know why we read these books. And the intriguing and thought-provoking suspense isn't one of the reasons.
Or is it?
Don't let my low rating or all of the very real issues I had with this book fool you, however… because I’m still gonna read the rest of the series 🥴 In my defense, I’m in too deep by now not to!
******
A matter of Time series by Mary Calmes
Book I — 2.8 ⭐
Book II — 3.5 ⭐
Book III — 3 ⭐
Book IV — 2.5 ⭐
Bulletproof — TBR.
But For You — TBR.
Parting Shot — TBR.
Piece of Cake — TBR.
In the words of the illustrious Mary Calmes, and to summarize the plot of this book:
Sources for this: I just read the book. Trust me, dude.
I have to admit this was shaping up to be a 3 stars kind of read at first (aka fairly enjoyable despite not being anything spectacular), but thennnn the last few plot twists were revealed and a few too many jumps in suspension of disbelief were required. To say I was left scratching my head would be an understatement.
Allow me to set the scene first though.
We encounter our dysfunctional pair yet again here, Detective Sam Kage (with the bluest eyes known to man and an acute condition known as Alphamanitis, which leads to an excess of growling and scowling. And yes, it is very much terminal), and Jory Harcourt, née Keyes (who could totally be a model because "have you ever seen chocolate eyes like his? Soulful, amazing, stunning in their intensity? God, and those golden waves").
How I pictured Jory while reading, for full disclosure.
On one hand though, and to address a few positives before the utter ridiculousness that was the rest, I have to say these two were a *lot* more easy to digest as an established couple in book 4. They're still OTT drama central, but they wouldn't be Sam and Jory if that weren't the case. For me, however, It was a pleasant surprise to discover how much I enjoyed them as a pair, particularly when Sam wasn't actively trying to date women and Jory didn't have a revolving door of his copy-pasted stalker exes.
So yes, as infuriating as these two were with their antics in previous books, I found myself kind of shipping them in this one for a change (Y’all, I actually even liked Sam Kage here!!). If anything, I wish we could’ve focused a bit more on the domestic aspect of their relationship and a little (a lot) less on the cheap mash-up of stereotypes that was the “villain” in this one.
But enough of that...
Because all things can’t be good in Joryworld, and Mary Calmes reminds us of the balance needed to maintain the force by the inclusion of a terrible mystery. I expected it to be lackluster, of course, and to figure it out pretty much a paragraph after it was introduced. Yet the plot twist by the end still turned out to be a lot worse than I was prepared for.
Without spoiling things, think Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs + Norman Bates + that one dude from the movie Split… but without all the good acting and charm (of the sociopathic variety) any of those actors displayed. You get a caricature here instead, a poor sap with “VILLAIN” scribbled on his forehead in sharpie, and the writing for his set up is the kind that makes those Simpsons’ Halloween episodes look like they were written by Borges.
And we're also all supposed to buy that it is Jory, the 26-year-old graphic designer, who actually ends up solving the entire mystery, and almost singlehandedly at that. Because of course that makes sense (said nobody ever). It's DETECTIVE Jory Harcourt for you now, peasants.
But hey, we all know why we read these books. And the intriguing and thought-provoking suspense isn't one of the reasons.
Or is it?
Don't let my low rating or all of the very real issues I had with this book fool you, however… because I’m still gonna read the rest of the series 🥴 In my defense, I’m in too deep by now not to!
******
A matter of Time series by Mary Calmes
Book I — 2.8 ⭐
Book II — 3.5 ⭐
Book III — 3 ⭐
Book IV — 2.5 ⭐
Bulletproof — TBR.
But For You — TBR.
Parting Shot — TBR.
Piece of Cake — TBR.
June 20, 2016
***3 Stars***
"We're all mad, Jory, you're an idiot!"
Which was probably true. I couldn't really defend myself.
Jory annoyed me to no end in this book. Sit down, shut the fuck up and listen when you're being given GOOD FUCKING ADVICE!! Have some fucking common sense.
And for the love of Alexander Graham Bell, quit fucking hanging up the phone on people!!!!!
I have no idea how Sam puts up with him most of the time!
"I cannot believe that my family, your brother, all our friends, and an entire police force can't keep tabs on one twenty-six year old graphic designer who thinks he's fuckin' Batman."
His decision making was idiotic, naive and just plain old reckless and stupid.
So, what kept me going? Sam. Plain and simple. His unyielding love and devotion to Jory was just melt your heart and throw your panties across the room fantastic!!
"I don't sleep the same when you're not with me. I figured that out when I was gone all that time. You're the only one who makes me forget about everything else so I can just...be."
"You know, for a big tough silent guy type, you say a lot of really good stuff."
"Yeah well, I try."
"No, you don't. And that's the best part."
And that's what I loved about Sam the most. He didn't try...he just was. He was unbelievably in love with Jory. The can't breathe, sleep, think, live without you kind of love. And I loved every single second of that. All the extra over the top shenanigans were completely unnecessary for me. Frankly, they just got in the way. All I wanted was Sam and Jory.
"I think, in real life, magic happens every day," he said, rolling over on top of me, staring down into my eyes. "But even if it doesn't, who cares? I don't need a happily ever after, J, I just need the ever after part. The adjective can be whatever. Up and down ever after, sometimes rocky ever after, crazy ever after - I don't give a shit. As long as you stick around, we'll just do the best we can, day after day."
So, Sam and Jory, the romance, get 4 stars. Loved their quiet (ok, as quiet as it can get with Jory) times together. Somehow, they just balance each other out and work. And by the way, Sam is free to manhandle me any day of the week. Just saying! The rest of the over the top suspense storyline get a generous 2 stars from me. There was no need for all the ridiculous craziness. So, I'll put my average at 3 and call it a day.
October 31, 2014
I have been putting off writing this review for days now. It's time to put on my Big Girl Pants and get it done.
I had surgery on Oct. 13, 2014 and knew I was going to have 14 glorious days of doing absolutely nothing to spend reading all the books I have been dying to read, but needed uninterrupted time to enjoy them. On that list was the Cut and Run series (because, duh!) and Amy Lane's Promises series along with several stand alone titles. One of those stand alone titles was Mary Calmes' All Kinds of Tied Down. Wow, I absolutely LOVED that book! Put it on my absolute favorites list, gave it a glowing review and after that I went to read what my fellow GR friends thought of the book. In reading other reviews, I found out that Sam Spade, Miro and Ian's boss, was one of the Mc's in the Matter of Time series. Jackpot, I thought, I have all this time, I'm going to squeeze that series into my 2 weeks since I already know and love tall, serious and handsome Sam Spade and I am a serious Mary Calmes fan. Plus, M/M romance fans go mental for that series. WIN/WIN!! Oh my goodness, how I wish that is how it had turned out...
I guess it all started out pretty well. Even though I felt MC Jory was a bit young at 23, I liked the hot GFY romance in the first book. I must say I liked Jory and his relationship with his boss Dane more, which is kinda weird, but considering how the two of them ended up, I see now why that was. As I started the second book, I wasn't as into these boys because of the fighting and how I just wasn't into what Jory was up to without Sam in the picture. And, as it turned out, after reading the first 4 books, Jory spent the vast majority of the time AWAY from Sam, not with him. I didn't particularly enjoy that. Jory was written as this character of absolute perfection. Everybody who met him feel for his charms instantly. He could liven up any party, seduce any man OR woman, make anyone feel instantly at ease. He was a little TOO perfect. It got old. FAST.
And don't even GET ME STARTED on how much I hated how many times Sam and Jory broke up and then got back together. Honestly, I was SO CLOSE to completely giving up on the series many, many times, but I really wanted to give at least the first 4 books a chance. But now here is where I feel kinda let down, but I don't blame anyone but myself. Honest!
When I am reading a book that isn't going well for me but I make a pact with myself that I am absolutely going to finish, when I have free reading time and I'm not "feeling" the book, I'll do something else instead. If it's a book I'm not sure about, I'll just read a different book and go back to it later, no big deal. But with this series, I made myself give it my undivided attention. And there were SO many times I wasn't feeling it so I'd turn on the TV or take a nap, etc. Before I knew it, my 2 weeks off was almost over and I has used it up with this series and just a few other books. SUCH a bummer... No Cut and Run series, no Promises. But, again, my decision. I guess I didn't realize how quickly time was passing.
I did like parts of this series and can certainly see where many fell in love with Sam and Jory, but I'm going to have to say goodbye to them and wish them well on their continued journeys. I do know where they end up so I know there are lots of hearts and flowers, so that makes me happy and I'm good with that without having to read the remaining books in the series.
October 31, 2014
Written October 30, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - A startling conclusion after 4 fantastic anxious (to me) books. I'm hereby passionately in love with this fascinating Jory-world.
Book #4
What an adventure this has been. For almost an entire week have I listened to these first four (of six) audio books about the beautiful, flashy, so heavenly loving and always so brave, Jory and his sexy burly detective Sam.
When I finished this fourth book a couple of days ago was I completely exhausted and needed a few days for a review... - Which is not going to be much to review but simply a fem lines between my happy-dancing movements.
SIMPLY FANTASTIC AUDIBOOKS!!
Listen or read these books and see / hear / discover all this for yourself. I salute and thanks Ms Calmes for everything she has given me here. - How could I hesitate about her M/M romances and style before? Stupid, stupid me!!
***********************************************************
Those A Matter of Time's books are about the relationship, love and struggles between Jory Keyes Harcourt (26) and Detective Sam Kage (38).
We also meet Jory's former boss and "brother" Dane Harcourt and a lot of other friends, family etc. It is all set in Chicago in present time.
I listened to the first three as well and they were all very nicely narrated by a splendid good narrator by the name Paul Morey.
#1 - A Matter of Time 1 (3.8 stars)
#2 - A Matter of Time 2 (3.8 stars)
#3 - A Matter of Time 3 (4.1 stars)
***********************************************************
This was probably the most patience-demanding and nerve-wracking -but so grand in the love parts- book series I've ever read (listened to). I loved these characters so much in the end but I must say they rub on my mood and almost cracked my heart. Gee, could it really be more anxiety and back and forth than this? - BUT I got my HEA in this fourth one.
I'm not sure I dare to start #5 (Bulletproof). What if these guys complicate everything again?
I LIKE - More than words can explain right now
**********
The A Matter of Time series by Mary Calmes:
4 1/2 Stars - A startling conclusion after 4 fantastic anxious (to me) books. I'm hereby passionately in love with this fascinating Jory-world.
Book #4
What an adventure this has been. For almost an entire week have I listened to these first four (of six) audio books about the beautiful, flashy, so heavenly loving and always so brave, Jory and his sexy burly detective Sam.
When I finished this fourth book a couple of days ago was I completely exhausted and needed a few days for a review... - Which is not going to be much to review but simply a fem lines between my happy-dancing movements.
SIMPLY FANTASTIC AUDIBOOKS!!
Listen or read these books and see / hear / discover all this for yourself. I salute and thanks Ms Calmes for everything she has given me here. - How could I hesitate about her M/M romances and style before? Stupid, stupid me!!
***********************************************************
Those A Matter of Time's books are about the relationship, love and struggles between Jory Keyes Harcourt (26) and Detective Sam Kage (38).
We also meet Jory's former boss and "brother" Dane Harcourt and a lot of other friends, family etc. It is all set in Chicago in present time.
I listened to the first three as well and they were all very nicely narrated by a splendid good narrator by the name Paul Morey.
#1 - A Matter of Time 1 (3.8 stars)
#2 - A Matter of Time 2 (3.8 stars)
#3 - A Matter of Time 3 (4.1 stars)
***********************************************************
This was probably the most patience-demanding and nerve-wracking -but so grand in the love parts- book series I've ever read (listened to). I loved these characters so much in the end but I must say they rub on my mood and almost cracked my heart. Gee, could it really be more anxiety and back and forth than this? - BUT I got my HEA in this fourth one.
I'm not sure I dare to start #5 (Bulletproof). What if these guys complicate everything again?
I LIKE - More than words can explain right now
**********
The A Matter of Time series by Mary Calmes:
April 18, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I need to stop*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 18.04.2018
Why am I doing this to myself. This is the last re-read of this series for me. I can't do it anymore. Jory is too stupid and Dane is a married man. Just doesn't work for me. Everyone loves Jory, everyone touches Jory, everyone yells at Jory and everyone find Jory gorgeous. Apparently he's irresistible. Not for me. I don't like him. A man boy who can't take anything series, is so damn annoying and needs to be slapped to get some seriousness into him. Jory even lets people kiss him. And touch him. Sam must be crazy. He probably is. He act so possessive - I love that - so I don't understand how he can stand how much Jory lets people do to him.
He had promised to return, but without a word for three years I had given up hope of ever seeing him again. And then he was suddenly back and ready to pick up where we'd left off.
I had fought him off much longer than I would have thought, almost a week, before succumbing to the pull of my heart, the needs of my body, my brain buried under an avalanche of emotion. .
Overall, this re-read - the whole re-read of the first four books in the series - was and is a complete bust. I can't stand the characters and the one I did stand is now married. And that took away what was alright with the book. Jory - who is the main character - ruins it. I mean, how can a man with no skill of a police officer or detective managed what a police officer or detective couldn't? How could Jory find the guilty one and no one else could? It just doesn't work. I seriously need to stop, because though I don't hate Jory - I dislike him strongly - I can start if I continue with how much he actually annoys me. And it would've been a long as review if so. So I'm gonna stop.
“You know, I have a theory that because your brain is so small you can't hold more than one thought in your head at a time. That's why you do such stupid shit all the time, 'cause when the new stuff is in there you forget everything else.”
I had to laugh because he sounded so serious.
Other characters:
↦ Dane Harcourt (41), the best character in the series. Used to be Jory's boss (had been his assistant for 5 years) and the main architect for one of the premier architectural firms in the city, Harcourt, Brown, and Cogan.
↦ Caleb Reid, and Jeremy Reid, Dane's biological brothers. Susan and Daniel Reid, Dane's biological parents. Gwen Reid, Dane's biological sister.
↦ Michael ‘Mike’ Kage, a architect and Sam's brother. Beverly ‘Bev’ Stiles, Michael's new girlfriend.
↦ Regina Rappaport Kage, Sam's mother and Thomas Kage, his father.
↦ Jennifer ‘Jen’ Levine, Sam's sister, used to be married to Mitch Levine, got two daughters, Ally Levine (2) and Carla Levine together. Used to be lover to Kurt Pratt. He has a wife (Rita Pratt) and kids of his own. They had an affair. Is now dating Doug Yates.
↦ Rachel ‘Rach’, Sam's oldest sister and her husband Dean.
↦ Levi Kage and Joseph ‘Joe’ Kage, brothers and Sam's cousins.
↦ Nick Sullivan, a doctor that wants Jory. Jory sets him up with Dr. Kai Akita, PhD, works at the Field Museum. They broke up; lasted a year. Jory has lost touch with Nick.
↦ Dominic ‘Dom’ Kairov, used to be Sam's partner at work and best friend. Turns out to be the mold, the bad guy and is now in witness protection program.
↦ Dylan ‘Dy’ Greer, Jory's friend, and work partner. Chris Greer her husband.
↦ Aja Greene, Dane's wife. Hate her; I don't like sharing. Alex Greene, Aja's brother.
↦ Chloe Stazzi, Sam's new partner in work.
↦ Richard ‘Rick’ Jenner (Attorney At Law), Lance Simmons, Jude Coughlin, Dane's groomsmen
↦ Sadie Kincaid, Jory and Dylan's receptionist from Kenosha, Wisconsin.
↦ Aubrey ‘Abe’ Flanagan, comes to help Jory while Dylan's out on maternity leave.
↦ Aaron Sutter, a rich guy who Jory dated for a year.
↦ Evan ‘Ev’ Rheems and his partner, Loudon McKay, friends of Jory.
“I want you back here now. I want you next to me now. I cannot believe that my family, your brother, all our friends, and an entire police force can't keep tabs on one twenty-six-year-old graphic designer who thinks he's fuckin' Batman.”
First read review:
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contains spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Why am I continuing with this series? There's too many goddamn “I love you”'s in the book. I'm sure there's at least 20. The series bores me and though I love Mary Calmes' writing, I don't like her writing styles for this series: the suddenly two weeks laters, the doing of this and not getting it really written, the characters not being all that affected by life.... It's like... a tv show. Each book is a episode and we are just looking from the outside, seeing the couple. Jory Harcourt (26) and Samuel “Sam” Thomas Kage (38) are cute together, but I still don't feel all that much towards them. Nor do I feel much for them separately either.
“You know, I have a theory that because your brain is so small you can't hold more than one thought in your head at a time. That's why you do such stupid shit all the time, 'cause when the new stuff is in there you forget everything else.”
Overall, I really don't wanna quit as I hate giving up, but man, this series is testing me, big time. I don't like the timeline, which is probably my biggest problem with this series and I don't like that something big is missing from it: real emotion (for the readers). Plus, Jory is acting quite stupid sometimes, and so emotionally detached sometime. I also don't like how nice he is all the time, never really saying no and everyone loves him... Quite annoying, really. And what's up with Sam asking Jory thing, like when he do something; bring him along, Jory nods or promise, yet never do it. And what the hell was up with the last chapter? It just really annoyed me and bothered me. Specially the fact that Sam let it happen.
“I just want you to get it finally. I want you to realize that you are not a superhero, you are not bulletproof. You need me to protect you, and I need to do it. All I want is to stand between you and the world... please just let me.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Four
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dane Harcourt.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 1.5/2 stars
June 19, 2011
Few books have ever made me as angry as this one did. The author’s knack for breaking up the main characters in every book no longer had me empathising with them as much as I had when I began reading this series, but the bitter taste that this one particularly left in my mouth isn’t something I can easily forget. The complete and utter lack of respect that Sam showed Jory in this one astounded me. Not acknowledging him in public at the wedding they attended together was bad enough considering this was supposed to be the last book in the series, but admittedly I thought I understood why he was doing it when he said it wasn’t about them, it was the bride’s special day. But the way he pranced around with The Bimbo on his arm and basically acted like they were straight and together, completely disregarded Jory’s feelings on the matter and then came home one night hot after watching The Bimbo perform a striptease and had sex with Jory – there is no doubt in my mind who he was thinking about when he was doing it either - made me feel dirty and used and completely ruined any respect I could have had left for this series.
March 3, 2011
I was just so glad it was over. you can see my thoughts in my comments if you really care. This series was not for me
This is what i thought of Jory
This is what i thought of Jory
August 13, 2016
Oi. I loved the first few books, but this one not so much. Jory, Jory, Jory... Duuuude! You made me want to pull my hair out. And I won't even get started on the breaking up and getting back together between Sam and Jory. -_- I'm going to take a quick break and then come back to the series. It's all beginning to feel repetitive AF so a break is in order. Don't worry Jory and Sam-
did-not-finish
March 3, 2011I could not finish this book. I hated Jory. I hated Sam. And I hated the story. I loved Dane though. To bad the story wasn't about him.
May 26, 2011
Jory is the King of the World. He's the hottest and more charming man in the whole planet. Even the almighty Rego James respects him. Please. I hadn't read a book so unrealistic since Twilight, and there are 150 books or so in between them. I'll quote Jory:
Then, there's the spelling mistakes. I don't even speak English, but I can tell when an editor has done their job right. The lack of commas frustrated me.
I'll stop bitching, but I have to ask: is there anyone who didn't consider Jory perfect, who couldn't put up with him? Apart from Caleb?
"It was the most ridiculous situation ever. The kidnapper had gotten car jacked. Hysterical."I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Half the time I felt like I was in FF.net reading a slash fic. And to think the first book is in my favorites shelf...
Then, there's the spelling mistakes. I don't even speak English, but I can tell when an editor has done their job right. The lack of commas frustrated me.
I'll stop bitching, but I have to ask: is there anyone who didn't consider Jory perfect, who couldn't put up with him? Apart from Caleb?
August 15, 2021
Re-read 13th - 14th August 2021
Re-read 29th - 30th August 2020
Re-read 28th April 2019.
Re-read 8th September 2018.
If I had to pick one word to sum it up it would be ridiculous.
Mary’s books are always OTT but this takes it to a whole new level and Jory. I think it’s impossible not to love Jory. It wasn’t an instant thing for me, he slowly grew on me but here it’s hard to explain. I enjoyed the adventure but I struggled again with Super Jory. He’s just brilliant at everything including solving crimes, he leaves the FBI in the dust as he rides in.
The whole thing was unbelievable but yet I couldn’t read it fast enough.
The ending, Michael’s wedding was the big downer for me. Now I understand the reasoning but I don’t agree at all. Family is family and I hated the whole Amanda thing with a passion.
Rating this is difficult it’s crazy and unbelievable but enjoyable so 4*. But then the ending was upsetting and in my opinion unnecessary so I want to deduct a star. But that would give a rating of 3* and this book is, in my opinion better than that so I’m going with 4.
Re-read 29th - 30th August 2020
Re-read 28th April 2019.
Re-read 8th September 2018.
If I had to pick one word to sum it up it would be ridiculous.
Mary’s books are always OTT but this takes it to a whole new level and Jory. I think it’s impossible not to love Jory. It wasn’t an instant thing for me, he slowly grew on me but here it’s hard to explain. I enjoyed the adventure but I struggled again with Super Jory. He’s just brilliant at everything including solving crimes, he leaves the FBI in the dust as he rides in.
The whole thing was unbelievable but yet I couldn’t read it fast enough.
The ending, Michael’s wedding was the big downer for me. Now I understand the reasoning but I don’t agree at all. Family is family and I hated the whole Amanda thing with a passion.
Rating this is difficult it’s crazy and unbelievable but enjoyable so 4*. But then the ending was upsetting and in my opinion unnecessary so I want to deduct a star. But that would give a rating of 3* and this book is, in my opinion better than that so I’m going with 4.
June 25, 2022
This review will be a combined review of the first 4 books as a whole so use caution as there could be spoilers for other books.
Ok, I have read this series several times over the years, and in fact was one of the first books I read when I started mm romance. I don't remember if the things that annoy me now did then too. I can say I totally enjoyed them the first go round and was obsessed.
Now on my who know's how many re-reads later, those annoyances are VERY in your face. Not in any particular order:
- Jory, why does everyone want to touch, kiss, hang on, be around, have sex with, instantly fall in love with him? There has not been one person, male or female, who didn't want Jory in one way or another. Annoying!! I so want to edit this book!
- Interruptions, Gah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They all constantly interrupt each other. Why?????????????????? How many hanging sentences can there be in a story? Unofficial tally 90% of this story is told via interrupted sentences. I so want to edit this book!
- knowing what the other is thinking. There is a lot of psychic ability here because somehow everyone can read minds, which leads to interrupting someone! Stoooooooop!!! I so want to edit this book!
- asking stupid/obvious questions. Hmm, why is the killer after me, why does everyone touch Jory, why is Jory in trouble? Duh!!! Jory says yes to everything and has no sense. And then the just stupid questions of like, who someone is, or what their job means. There are so many basic obvious things being asked I wanted to shake people. It's like the characters got paid by the word. I so want to edit this book!
- yawning. Is there not some other "thing" a character could do, like scratch their nose, or play with their hair, or crack their knuckles. EVERYBODY is yawning in this story. Why are they yawning every 5 minutes??? I so want to edit this book!
- laughing. Yeah, sometimes laughing is good, when something is funny. But Jory laughs wrong. Death, murder, mayhem, anger, danger, running, hiding, during an argument, etc. So not the right time to laugh. And yet, Jory does this routinely. Has anyone checked him for a brain tumor? I so want to edit this book!
- danger. How much danger can one person get in to and survive?!?!? If you are Jory, the answer is a lot and always. Dumb, dum-du-du-du-dum-dumb! Pimps, killers, cops, drug runners, random friends, random people! Jory should just live in an underground bunker and have food delivered by a very small shoot. I so want to edit this book!
- drinking/parties/wanting Jory to "be there." Jory is beyond popular. Everyone wants him and wants to be around him. He is invited everywhere and of course is constantly berated for forgetting to show up (he is out getting not murdered, sometimes). Frankly, with Jory's track record, I would want him as far away from me as possible. And Jory drinks a lot!! Substituting drinking for plot does not work. I so want to edit this book!
- Dane adopts Jory. Say what? I know I had this same reaction the first time. Ok, not adopts. Dane makes Jory his brother. Ok, got it. But what?? Seriously, what magic does Jory possess that makes people do these things! Dane, a very smart, serious, not seemingly daft in the head person, decides his admin assistant, Jory, should be his brother. Legal stuff, yada-yada-yada, Jory changes his name to Harcourt. Um, what? I so want to edit this book!
- constant yelling at Jory, and Jory ignoring. Jory is a flight risk (from those who tell him what to do) and has no sense of self protection, which yep, gets him almost murdered constantly by rando people he meets. Sam yells at Jory to come home, come to the hospital, come to him wherever, just come. And does Jory listen? Ha, nope! So by book 4, why even bother?
-Sam. Sigh, Sam. What a douche!!!!!!!!! I do NOT remember the part where someone is pointing out how Sam is different when Jory is around by explaining Sam FOLLOWED SOMEONE WHO CUT HIM OFF (driving) AND BEAT HIM UP!!!!!!!!!!!! Sam, a POLICE OFFICER! Followed a stranger and beat him up. Yes, this is logical and sane and I would totally date him, so go for it Jory! And let's not forget how often Sam ignored Jory in the beginning, or how cheap he treated him. Then expects Jory to just take him back, snap of fingers. Nope. What a douche!!!
- dialogue short hand. Watcha, hafta, wanna, etc. Annoyed the crarp out of me!!!!! And it wasn't just Jory talking that way, which could be a character trait. No, it was MOST of the characters talking that way. These are not technically words!!! Sure fiction should have a basis in reality but this is ridiculous! I don't speak in short hand routinely, maybe when I am just playing around. But I promise you if I talked like that at work, I would have people looking at me weird and possibly a sit down with HR. Add in the yawning and they might think I am on drugs! 😁😁 I have to say, this is possibly the thing that annoyed me the most. Use real contractions, can't, won't, want to, have to, what are you doing...yes those last are not contractions, just making a point.
- People loving, then hating, then loving Jory again. You say bad things to me, you're out. People talk serious bad bad bad things to Jory and then he accepts their apology and acts as if nothing happened! Even to those who are trying to kill him! Yes, let's huddle for body warmth next to a possible Jory serial killer because Jory never wears enough clothes in the winter, in Chicago (right?). Again, no sense of self preservation.
- Other characters. a) stop molesting Jory. b) stop telling Jory how beautiful he is you random wacko stranger. c) ditto for not strangers. d) get a life that does not revolve around Jory (you can do better). e) Stop bringing your problems to Jory to solve. He can't help himself. You have relationship/work/money problems, a hangnail, someone wants to kill you (for a change), figure it out you adult adults, and tell the police about the last one.
Ha, these books just make no sense!! I do NOT know anybody who is THIS popular. How is it possible people all over the world don't know Jory at this point?
I am not as obsessed with this series as I was before. Hurray maturity and experience. One of these days I WILL go thought this series and edit annoying parts, delete stupid parts, and finally have a story that doesn't make me feel like ripping out my eyeballs.
And now....on to book 5. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Ok, I have read this series several times over the years, and in fact was one of the first books I read when I started mm romance. I don't remember if the things that annoy me now did then too. I can say I totally enjoyed them the first go round and was obsessed.
Now on my who know's how many re-reads later, those annoyances are VERY in your face. Not in any particular order:
- Jory, why does everyone want to touch, kiss, hang on, be around, have sex with, instantly fall in love with him? There has not been one person, male or female, who didn't want Jory in one way or another. Annoying!! I so want to edit this book!
- Interruptions, Gah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They all constantly interrupt each other. Why?????????????????? How many hanging sentences can there be in a story? Unofficial tally 90% of this story is told via interrupted sentences. I so want to edit this book!
- knowing what the other is thinking. There is a lot of psychic ability here because somehow everyone can read minds, which leads to interrupting someone! Stoooooooop!!! I so want to edit this book!
- asking stupid/obvious questions. Hmm, why is the killer after me, why does everyone touch Jory, why is Jory in trouble? Duh!!! Jory says yes to everything and has no sense. And then the just stupid questions of like, who someone is, or what their job means. There are so many basic obvious things being asked I wanted to shake people. It's like the characters got paid by the word. I so want to edit this book!
- yawning. Is there not some other "thing" a character could do, like scratch their nose, or play with their hair, or crack their knuckles. EVERYBODY is yawning in this story. Why are they yawning every 5 minutes??? I so want to edit this book!
- laughing. Yeah, sometimes laughing is good, when something is funny. But Jory laughs wrong. Death, murder, mayhem, anger, danger, running, hiding, during an argument, etc. So not the right time to laugh. And yet, Jory does this routinely. Has anyone checked him for a brain tumor? I so want to edit this book!
- danger. How much danger can one person get in to and survive?!?!? If you are Jory, the answer is a lot and always. Dumb, dum-du-du-du-dum-dumb! Pimps, killers, cops, drug runners, random friends, random people! Jory should just live in an underground bunker and have food delivered by a very small shoot. I so want to edit this book!
- drinking/parties/wanting Jory to "be there." Jory is beyond popular. Everyone wants him and wants to be around him. He is invited everywhere and of course is constantly berated for forgetting to show up (he is out getting not murdered, sometimes). Frankly, with Jory's track record, I would want him as far away from me as possible. And Jory drinks a lot!! Substituting drinking for plot does not work. I so want to edit this book!
- Dane adopts Jory. Say what? I know I had this same reaction the first time. Ok, not adopts. Dane makes Jory his brother. Ok, got it. But what?? Seriously, what magic does Jory possess that makes people do these things! Dane, a very smart, serious, not seemingly daft in the head person, decides his admin assistant, Jory, should be his brother. Legal stuff, yada-yada-yada, Jory changes his name to Harcourt. Um, what? I so want to edit this book!
- constant yelling at Jory, and Jory ignoring. Jory is a flight risk (from those who tell him what to do) and has no sense of self protection, which yep, gets him almost murdered constantly by rando people he meets. Sam yells at Jory to come home, come to the hospital, come to him wherever, just come. And does Jory listen? Ha, nope! So by book 4, why even bother?
-Sam. Sigh, Sam. What a douche!!!!!!!!! I do NOT remember the part where someone is pointing out how Sam is different when Jory is around by explaining Sam FOLLOWED SOMEONE WHO CUT HIM OFF (driving) AND BEAT HIM UP!!!!!!!!!!!! Sam, a POLICE OFFICER! Followed a stranger and beat him up. Yes, this is logical and sane and I would totally date him, so go for it Jory! And let's not forget how often Sam ignored Jory in the beginning, or how cheap he treated him. Then expects Jory to just take him back, snap of fingers. Nope. What a douche!!!
- dialogue short hand. Watcha, hafta, wanna, etc. Annoyed the crarp out of me!!!!! And it wasn't just Jory talking that way, which could be a character trait. No, it was MOST of the characters talking that way. These are not technically words!!! Sure fiction should have a basis in reality but this is ridiculous! I don't speak in short hand routinely, maybe when I am just playing around. But I promise you if I talked like that at work, I would have people looking at me weird and possibly a sit down with HR. Add in the yawning and they might think I am on drugs! 😁😁 I have to say, this is possibly the thing that annoyed me the most. Use real contractions, can't, won't, want to, have to, what are you doing...yes those last are not contractions, just making a point.
- People loving, then hating, then loving Jory again. You say bad things to me, you're out. People talk serious bad bad bad things to Jory and then he accepts their apology and acts as if nothing happened! Even to those who are trying to kill him! Yes, let's huddle for body warmth next to a possible Jory serial killer because Jory never wears enough clothes in the winter, in Chicago (right?). Again, no sense of self preservation.
- Other characters. a) stop molesting Jory. b) stop telling Jory how beautiful he is you random wacko stranger. c) ditto for not strangers. d) get a life that does not revolve around Jory (you can do better). e) Stop bringing your problems to Jory to solve. He can't help himself. You have relationship/work/money problems, a hangnail, someone wants to kill you (for a change), figure it out you adult adults, and tell the police about the last one.
Ha, these books just make no sense!! I do NOT know anybody who is THIS popular. How is it possible people all over the world don't know Jory at this point?
I am not as obsessed with this series as I was before. Hurray maturity and experience. One of these days I WILL go thought this series and edit annoying parts, delete stupid parts, and finally have a story that doesn't make me feel like ripping out my eyeballs.
And now....on to book 5. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
February 20, 2022
Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down
January 22, 2015
OMG ... romantic comedy is not dead yet :D. And it's in form of male/male romantic fiction. I chose this book expecting angst because of the summary but ...
I literally gobbled up all 4 titles of this book in less than a day ... What a ride, what a story, such adorable characters!!! This series needs to be read if one already has ALL 4 titles ready. WHY? Because each book (except book 4) ends with a cliffhanger that can make one goes crazy. I am so in love with Jory and the people in his life. He is SO, SO adorable. He reminds me of Kevin Connor from Scott Sherman's "First You Fall", with his gorgeous outlook and wits.
It is impossible not to fall in love with Jory, just like everybody else in his life. His banters with the love of his life, Detective Sam Kage, or another constant man in his life, his brother Dane Harcourt, entertain me to no end. Reading how Jory get into trouble but at the same time able to get out of it by dodging police officers, FBI agents, drug dealers, as well as keeping his lover and brother at bay is HILARIOUS.
Sam is the typical Alpha Male, that just want to protect his lover, who loves to swear and shouts a lot, and well, tells Jory that he belong to him, over and over again. He doesn't take "no" for an answer too. Nope, not Sam. Reading this behavior in repeat for pages and pages can be annoying if not tread carefully - but in this case, it is just so amusing, because Jory sure knows how to handle his man. I can help to giggle a lot when I read it. It's funny to read that Sam is jealous with Jory's male "friends", while Jory is jealous to Sam's female admirers (yes, Sam used to be straight ;p). The secondary characters are entertaining as well. Oh, the family and friends!!! The fact that I can't stop reading Jory's adventure is a testament on how quick and fast I fall in love with this book.
It reminds me of the early Stephanie Plum series, the books by Jane Graves, the early Alpha Male of Linda Howard. All I'm saying is that I love it so very VERY much.
I literally gobbled up all 4 titles of this book in less than a day ... What a ride, what a story, such adorable characters!!! This series needs to be read if one already has ALL 4 titles ready. WHY? Because each book (except book 4) ends with a cliffhanger that can make one goes crazy. I am so in love with Jory and the people in his life. He is SO, SO adorable. He reminds me of Kevin Connor from Scott Sherman's "First You Fall", with his gorgeous outlook and wits.
It is impossible not to fall in love with Jory, just like everybody else in his life. His banters with the love of his life, Detective Sam Kage, or another constant man in his life, his brother Dane Harcourt, entertain me to no end. Reading how Jory get into trouble but at the same time able to get out of it by dodging police officers, FBI agents, drug dealers, as well as keeping his lover and brother at bay is HILARIOUS.
Sam is the typical Alpha Male, that just want to protect his lover, who loves to swear and shouts a lot, and well, tells Jory that he belong to him, over and over again. He doesn't take "no" for an answer too. Nope, not Sam. Reading this behavior in repeat for pages and pages can be annoying if not tread carefully - but in this case, it is just so amusing, because Jory sure knows how to handle his man. I can help to giggle a lot when I read it. It's funny to read that Sam is jealous with Jory's male "friends", while Jory is jealous to Sam's female admirers (yes, Sam used to be straight ;p). The secondary characters are entertaining as well. Oh, the family and friends!!! The fact that I can't stop reading Jory's adventure is a testament on how quick and fast I fall in love with this book.
It reminds me of the early Stephanie Plum series, the books by Jane Graves, the early Alpha Male of Linda Howard. All I'm saying is that I love it so very VERY much.
May 7, 2021
28/3/2019 Audio ❤❤❤❤❤
Re read still love em
Second read
How I have missed these two. Its been almost a year sins my first read and I still love them just as much. These guys have a very special place in my heart.
14 June 2015
IT ONLY GETS BETTER WOW
Full review at the end of the series
Re read still love em
Second read
How I have missed these two. Its been almost a year sins my first read and I still love them just as much. These guys have a very special place in my heart.
14 June 2015
IT ONLY GETS BETTER WOW
Full review at the end of the series
zz-dnf
April 17, 2021DNF
Ok, time for me to get off this crazy train!!! I lasted wayyyyyyy longer than I expected to, but it was a decent match for the weird mood I was in. I really just wanted to zone out to some Bridgertons-like television, but I couldn't find anything that appealed, and then this ended up feeling very much like a cracky primetime soap. It was just entertaining enough to hold my attention (not always intentionally, but even that was amusing me for a while, which just goes to show how very weird my mood was...), but just like most of the primetime soaps, this one lost all entertainment value far too quickly and just let the annoying parts run wild instead.
Mary Calmes: The only author who can string me through a three-book binge that I follow up by completely deleting all traces of her from my TBR 🤣🤣 (At least until the new Marshals book is out...)
Ok, time for me to get off this crazy train!!! I lasted wayyyyyyy longer than I expected to, but it was a decent match for the weird mood I was in. I really just wanted to zone out to some Bridgertons-like television, but I couldn't find anything that appealed, and then this ended up feeling very much like a cracky primetime soap. It was just entertaining enough to hold my attention (not always intentionally, but even that was amusing me for a while, which just goes to show how very weird my mood was...), but just like most of the primetime soaps, this one lost all entertainment value far too quickly and just let the annoying parts run wild instead.
Mary Calmes: The only author who can string me through a three-book binge that I follow up by completely deleting all traces of her from my TBR 🤣🤣 (At least until the new Marshals book is out...)
December 20, 2009
Jory and Sam are going strong in this last installment...but Jory spends most of it separated from Sam as he tries to solve a mystery (and does a better job then the local police AND the FBI).
The last leg of the journey was way over the top but incredibly fun to read. Watching Jory get in and out of trouble was a riot. What a way to end the ride. I hope we hear more from Jory and Sam. I have no doubt that Jory will not be able to stay out of trouble and Sam is just the guy to try and keep him in line.
It is unfortunate that they took one good book and broke it into 4 parts like this. It makes it very expensive. If you are going to invest in the tale you won't be sorry but since you really do have to read all four books very close together to get the most enjoyement (I would recommend back to back) you will see considerable savings if you wait until all 4 sections are available at Fictionwise instead of buying from the publisher or mobipocket.com...
The last leg of the journey was way over the top but incredibly fun to read. Watching Jory get in and out of trouble was a riot. What a way to end the ride. I hope we hear more from Jory and Sam. I have no doubt that Jory will not be able to stay out of trouble and Sam is just the guy to try and keep him in line.
It is unfortunate that they took one good book and broke it into 4 parts like this. It makes it very expensive. If you are going to invest in the tale you won't be sorry but since you really do have to read all four books very close together to get the most enjoyement (I would recommend back to back) you will see considerable savings if you wait until all 4 sections are available at Fictionwise instead of buying from the publisher or mobipocket.com...
February 2, 2019
RR January 2019
_____________
Re-read June 2017
_____________
Re-read June 2017
December 22, 2014
Absolutely addictive!
(And I'm the constant addict)
(And I'm the constant addict)
July 2, 2010
Book 4 was a blast though I could have done without Sam humoring Amanda's advances at Beverly's wedding. Sure, Sam was just having a bit of fun watching Jory seethe with jealousy but I was a little tired by the time I reached the end of this story and I just wanted to see Jory rested and happy.
Don't get me wrong - Sam and Jory have a great, sweet HEA with Sam reiterating the fact that there's no one else in their lives except each other. The mystery/suspense revs up in this final installment, which was a pleasant surprise as I thought it was going to be merely window dressing.
Jory...ah, Jory. He's adorable beyond words. I chuckled all the way through Book 4, groaning in sympathy for Sam and Dane. I know Jory's supposed to be gorgeous but his physical beauty remains in the background until someone mentions it. Otherwise, it's his sparkling personality that's at the forefront all the way.
This book doesn't pretend to be sophisticated nor will you learn anything you don't already know. I've read romances that taught me about antiques, pearl cultivation or counter-intelligence judging by the information they load on me. No such thing with A Matter of Time. I'm not inundated with police procedures, architectural or graphic design processes though all three are our main characters' jobs. Instead, the characters themselves drive the story and all three are riveting from start to finish. I may have been pissed off with Sam through much of Book 2 and 3 but the man redeemed himself adequately. Little things like his turning up everywhere Jory was back in Book 1 is addressed here in Book 4. It did creep me out a little as it was stalker-like so I was relieved Sam made mention of that here. Other small errors irritated but did not detract from my enjoyment - in Hong Kong, the main language spoken is Cantonese, not Mandarin. Not even after HK reverted to China. 'Columbia' should be 'Colombia' since the reference is to drug trafficking. I've come across this mistake quite a few times so Calmes is not the only US author to make this mistake.
That said, I've got some titles I'm looking forward to but AMoT will definitely remain one of the best romances of 2010 for me.
Don't get me wrong - Sam and Jory have a great, sweet HEA with Sam reiterating the fact that there's no one else in their lives except each other. The mystery/suspense revs up in this final installment, which was a pleasant surprise as I thought it was going to be merely window dressing.
Jory...ah, Jory. He's adorable beyond words. I chuckled all the way through Book 4, groaning in sympathy for Sam and Dane. I know Jory's supposed to be gorgeous but his physical beauty remains in the background until someone mentions it. Otherwise, it's his sparkling personality that's at the forefront all the way.
This book doesn't pretend to be sophisticated nor will you learn anything you don't already know. I've read romances that taught me about antiques, pearl cultivation or counter-intelligence judging by the information they load on me. No such thing with A Matter of Time. I'm not inundated with police procedures, architectural or graphic design processes though all three are our main characters' jobs. Instead, the characters themselves drive the story and all three are riveting from start to finish. I may have been pissed off with Sam through much of Book 2 and 3 but the man redeemed himself adequately. Little things like his turning up everywhere Jory was back in Book 1 is addressed here in Book 4. It did creep me out a little as it was stalker-like so I was relieved Sam made mention of that here. Other small errors irritated but did not detract from my enjoyment - in Hong Kong, the main language spoken is Cantonese, not Mandarin. Not even after HK reverted to China. 'Columbia' should be 'Colombia' since the reference is to drug trafficking. I've come across this mistake quite a few times so Calmes is not the only US author to make this mistake.
That said, I've got some titles I'm looking forward to but AMoT will definitely remain one of the best romances of 2010 for me.
November 2, 2014
Audible
As much as I love Jory and Sam, this instalment was my least favourite so far.
Jory's unreasonable behaviour has tired me out. The mystery didn't impress me either, and I thought the story could have been told in half the length of this book. It felt dragged and manufactured. I was exhausted.
Having said that, the wonderful voice of Paul Morey had rescued the book for me. If not for him, I'm not sure I wouldn't have given up on it. He has done an amazing job, not only narrating but acting out all the different roles in the story. It was perfect!
I think it's time to say goodbye to this couple. They kept me up for days and it was very entertaining. But I'm content to let them go now.
***3.4 stars***
"All wounds heal with time."
As much as I love Jory and Sam, this instalment was my least favourite so far.
Jory's unreasonable behaviour has tired me out. The mystery didn't impress me either, and I thought the story could have been told in half the length of this book. It felt dragged and manufactured. I was exhausted.
Having said that, the wonderful voice of Paul Morey had rescued the book for me. If not for him, I'm not sure I wouldn't have given up on it. He has done an amazing job, not only narrating but acting out all the different roles in the story. It was perfect!
I think it's time to say goodbye to this couple. They kept me up for days and it was very entertaining. But I'm content to let them go now.
***3.4 stars***
November 24, 2011
Mary Calmes, I have a gift for you: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.
Okay, there. No, wait, here's some more: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.
Take them, use them liberally. Just splash them on there. I promise you, it helps.
I just don't get it, you are clearly a lovely author and while Jory made me want to punch him in the face a lot, I quite enjoyed the series. But why the dearth of commas? Are you allergic to them? Are you haunted by some kind of weird ghost that eats commas? Does a fairy die every time you use one?
I can't wrap my brain around it...
Okay, there. No, wait, here's some more: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.
Take them, use them liberally. Just splash them on there. I promise you, it helps.
I just don't get it, you are clearly a lovely author and while Jory made me want to punch him in the face a lot, I quite enjoyed the series. But why the dearth of commas? Are you allergic to them? Are you haunted by some kind of weird ghost that eats commas? Does a fairy die every time you use one?
I can't wrap my brain around it...
May 4, 2019
Crazy !!
But good Mary crazy .
But good Mary crazy .
November 8, 2014
At least this fourth book in the series had a true story arc with basic details the reader could follow, or at least try to piece together. The problem with the presentation of time is still in this book, but add to that Sam's miraculous recovery from major abdominal surgery, Jory's tendency to black out at the drop of a hat, and a total lack of sense of place. It was hard to tell what season it was and what city Jory was in. When he ran to Dallas, it could have been San Diego or Mars for all the setting details the reader was provided.
And I won't even start on the random characters the author introduces throughout the series without any set-up or explanation.
This whole series was frustrating beyond belief for me because the author clearly has some substantial talent. I really wish she'd get with a thoughtful editor who could help her produce some fairly realistic stories and characters, while also helping her with her helter-skelter way of putting together a novel. The author doesn't need help with pacing, she's definitely got that down pat. And she got me to buy and read all four books, which is really saying something when I usually can't even finish two star novels.
Final thought. Most interesting character for me was Dane by a long shot, but the storyline of him making Jory his brother was such a stretch it invalidated his reality for me.
And I won't even start on the random characters the author introduces throughout the series without any set-up or explanation.
This whole series was frustrating beyond belief for me because the author clearly has some substantial talent. I really wish she'd get with a thoughtful editor who could help her produce some fairly realistic stories and characters, while also helping her with her helter-skelter way of putting together a novel. The author doesn't need help with pacing, she's definitely got that down pat. And she got me to buy and read all four books, which is really saying something when I usually can't even finish two star novels.
Final thought. Most interesting character for me was Dane by a long shot, but the storyline of him making Jory his brother was such a stretch it invalidated his reality for me.
February 2, 2010
Sorry Ami,I really wanted to like it but this is seriously one of the most unrealistic and ridiculous books I ever read. While the romance part was sweet and I love Sam/Jory (the "baby" became annoying after a while though),the rest just ruined everything for me. The murders and kidnappings and then Jory playing detective...I just wanted it to be over because it was so incredibly bad written :/
July 8, 2020
nienawidzę kończyć książek, nienawidzę kończyć dobrych książek, fajnych książek, książek które mieszają mi w głowie i robią ze mnie głupka bo wydaje się że już wszystko wiem a tymczasem - nic nie wiesz Jonie Snow:D
July 22, 2020
4.25stars
January 24, 2019
Jory sure knows how to scare the hell out of Sam and those who love him. He’s a magnet for lust and a definite magnet for trouble !
April 22, 2020
Za Jory'ego detektywa i mnóstwo zwrotów akcji mogę z czystym sumieniem dać pięć gwiazdek.
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