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romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
3.0
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
My least favorite part of the story was probably Olivia. She was confusing to me. A majority of the time she seemed preachy in regards to her beliefs but then she would sit down and socialize with people while they are meat and she wouldn't show an ounce of judgement. I liked her better when he was less judgmental but firm in her beliefs.
Pete was a good guy right from the start. A real muffin making, kitten saving, dog training sweetheart who just so happens to be harboring guilt from an incident from his past.
Both Pete and Olivia try to deny their developing feelings for each other for fear of being hurt but they can't seem to stop themselves either. It was the cautious, but steady pace of their relationship that really made the story for me.
Overall I enjoyed this story and think that it was well written. The characters were well-developed and the story itself was sweet and unique. There was even a bit of mystery thrown into the story that I thought kept it from becoming overly sweet. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a quick, easy read with little angst and a HEA.
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
Summary
Olivia Bennet is not having the best birthday. She got drunk and somehow convinced herself that spraying graffiti would be a good idea. What is worse, she gets caught and thrown in jail. Apparently the evidence of too much alcohol in her system. She does have one highlight of her night, the cop that ends up arresting her is drop dead gorgeous and she is in serious trouble because their attraction is sizzling. Pete Samson, is going to be up for detective soon, and he is getting much pressure from his boss, to get to the bottom of vandalism attacks, and his main suspect is Olivia Bennet. But he is drawn to Olivia, and she just doesn't fit the MO of these attacks. He knows it is forbidden to pursue any type of relationship with Olivia, but when personal attacks start happening at her home, he is getting worried that something serious is at work here and he is going to get to the bottom of it. When his relationship with Olivia starts to grow, he isn't sure he is ready for it, or the feelings she would evoke in him. Will both Olvia and Pete trust in their feelings for each other to have a future or will they have to let each other go?
The Hero
Pete Sampson works as a deputy and is currently striving to become a detective, which is his dream. Pete became a law officer because of his father. His father was a drug addict and through a course of events, ended up committing murder and is now in jail. He grew up with some dark times, but he always was close to this mother and sister. Even though Pete was once married, he has a hard time with trust and opening himself up to someone again, especially a woman who is so bad for him and his future. Pete is honorable and trustworthy but is also dealing with some inner demons that prevent him from being completely open to anyone. Pete was quite the sexy and irresistible hero. He likes animals, great with kids, honest and hard working and can curl your toes with one look.
The Heroine
Olivia Bennett is twenty-nine years old, was attending law school but wasn't sure that being a lawyer was what she truly wanted for herself. She is a large supporter of the right treatment of animals. Her most passionate cause is the chicken plant in their local area. She runs a website with videos of cruel treatment of chickens, that include torture and situations that would sicken anyone. She is determined to fight for those animals, that deserve respect even if they are about to be killed for food. I found Olivia to be quite passionate and still searching for her dreams. She doesn't even know what she really "wants to be when she grows up" but in Ever After we see her see what is right for her, which is fighting for what she believes in the most. Olivia was quite lively at times, spirited and dedicated. It was quite engaging to see a heroine have many qualities that you could see being best friends with her.
Plot and Story Line
Ever After is the first time I have ever read this author, and when I received this ARC from Netgalley, well I wasn't sure what to expect, but I always love trying new authors. And quite frankly I just couldn't resist trying it out. The first thing that drew me was the cover, and this book totally drew me in with the cover alone. I was shocked when I started reading Ever After, and I was instantly captivated by this author's writing style. The first page alone, with a few sentences and I had to know more. What we have is the beginning starts with out heroine vandalizing the Chicken Slaughter House and she is trying to make a statement. This company is nationwide, but she has set her mind on accomplishing her goals. She is drunk, which she was an amusing drunk, boy was she hilarious. Loved the humor and trying to charm the sexy cop---but really didn't work that well. These two have sparks, even though at first they are literally on opposite sides of the law. But we soon realize what a wonderful human Olivia is. She faces what she has done and accepts it and makes reparations for it. She doesn't make excuses or complains, she just takes it in stride. I don't know about you all, but I love seeing that strength just shine through. Now let us talk a bit about our hero. Now I don't think I have read many cop romances, but this one had me. Pete is a cop, he is devoted to his work and loves what he does. He is very black and white most of the time until Olivia enters his life. And soon he sees a woman that made a mistake while drunk. He sees her courage and passion and standing for what is right....and not what is easy. Pete struggles with some issues, many of them emotional and still hasn't truly faced his past and his childhood which haunts him. Olivia is the key to helping him heal, but we see how he has to want to heal and accept her love and acceptance.
When you were teaching me how to meditate, you kept telling me to find my center and my happy place, but the truth is that you're my center. Wherever you are is where I need to be.
There were so many memorable moments in this story that had me completely hooked. Now what I adored most about this book was how entrenched I was in the story...and couldn't put it down. Stayed up pretty late reading it, but so worth it!! Bring on more Rachel Lacey....GIMME MORE!! :)
The Cover
This is such an adorable cover. I love how affectionate they seem to be together, and boy look at his muscles...just yummy. And I love the country background, with the green hills, and the dog and little kitten---so adorable right?!!
Overall View
Ever After is a story that is full of charm and loveable characters that will win your heart. This is a book for animal lovers everywhere, a story about believing in yourself and fighting for love and for what is right. A fun and a sweet love story to hold you captive.
Unleashed (1)
For Keeps (2)
Ever After (3)
homicidoll's review against another edition
2.0
jcmbank's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
My least favorite part of the story was probably Olivia. She was confusing to me. A majority of the time she seemed preachy in regards to her beliefs but then she would sit down and socialize with people while they are meat and she wouldn't show an ounce of judgement. I liked her better when he was less judgmental but firm in her beliefs.
Pete was a good guy right from the start. A real muffin making, kitten saving, dog training sweetheart who just so happens to be harboring guilt from an incident from his past.
Both Pete and Olivia try to deny their developing feelings for each other for fear of being hurt but they can't seem to stop themselves either. It was the cautious, but steady pace of their relationship that really made the story for me.
Overall I enjoyed this story and think that it was well written. The characters were well-developed and the story itself was sweet and unique. There was even a bit of mystery thrown into the story that I thought kept it from becoming overly sweet. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a quick, easy read with little angst and a HEA.
klndonnelly's review against another edition
3.0
http://beveragesandbooks.com/?p=313
kimmylovestoread's review
4.0
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I knew I was going to like this book from the first scene. Olivia gets arrested by Pete (aka Deputy Hot Stuff) after being caught spray painting Halverson's Foods' chicken processing plant. Talk about a meet cute! Sure, it seemed like a good idea at the time (of course alcohol was involved), but Olivia is left to take the fall when she is abandoned by her friends. She takes her punishment in stride, but does not give up her quest to take down Halverson's Foods.
As soon as Pete met Olivia, he knew that she was different. She wasn't your typical perp and despite the fact that she was in serious trouble, she didn't back down from what she believed in. Unfortunately for Olivia, that means backlash from Halverson employees that puts her in some precarious positions.
Enter Deputy Hot Stuff...again. Whether it is coming to her rescue when those employees get a little too close for comfort or learning how to meditate with her, he can't seem to stay away. And even though being with her is bad for the promotion he is up for, he doesn't care.
I loved Pete. He was just the sweetest...a tough cop with a soft heart towards animals (*SWOON*) and pretty girls in distress. Come on! On paper, Pete and Olivia don't make sense, but they are the definition of "opposites attract" and quite happy together. They have fantastic chemistry and have fun when they are together. Unfortunately, like most relationships, they face some stumbling blocks along the way and their budding relationship is put to the test.
This is a delightful book and a great addition to the series. We get a glimpse of characters from the past two books as well as some new four legged friends that make this series so great.
