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sarahduensing's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
thatmedicalbookworm1's review
4.0
I liked the character development of Tanya and the way the relationship progressed. I was very interested in her relationship with her father as well, maybe because I’m going through something similar
lezreadalot's review
4.0
Tonya was spinning. She felt drunk. The need to take in air burned her lungs, but breathing was something she could do any day. There was a different fire in her that took precedence.
It's been a weird week or so for me, since for the first time in forever I've been doing stuff other than reading with my free time. At first I was a little worried about this book and the fact that it was getting caught in the crosshairs of my distraction, because right after I started it I got absorbed in other things. But I ended up being pleasantly surprised, because even though I took 8 days (!!!) to finish this book, I was still completely absorbed/entranced whenever I picked it up. I adored this couple, ADORED their romance so so much. Tonya is a psychiatrist and Haley is a rookie cop. Tonya is still grieving her mother and dealing with the strained relationship with the rest of her family; Haley is getting used to the job and her obnoxious new partner. They're such different people, at different stages in their life (there's a bit of an age gap) but their chemistry and connection was never in doubt; it was just written so damn well. I really didn't love the plot of this one; there practically wasn't a plot because there was so much internal/familial conflict. But because there was also so much great character interaction and romance, I ended up liking this book so so much. Tonnes of little moments that made me giddy. I love when characters in romance share their hobbies and niche interests with each other. Haley teaching Tonya to play video games genuinely warmed my heart. Also, the bowling and pool? Gah!
Like I said, I didn't really care about the side-plots too much. Tonya's conflict with her family was at least compelling, if a little exhausting. I did appreciate the conversation about race, as heavy-handed as they sometimes were. I didn't really care about Haley's side-stuff. Even though I liked her a lot more than I usually like cop characters, and I liked that fact that this book did acknowledge system-wide corruption, it still didn't do so in a way that made me feel anything other than apathetic about her job. And I'm not sure how much I love the way it wrapped but... but again, the romance is why this worked for me.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden, and she remains the GOAT. I diiiiid kinda wish we had dual narration, but, ah well. I think this is my fave thing by Williamson so far, and I'll be sure to read more of her backlist.
Content warnings:
Spoiler
child abuse/beating, homophobia, racism, anti-black slursnicolang's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ghostlycreature's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
2.0
Objectively, the characters in this book are interesting, and the conflict. realistic. But I didn't manage to engage with the characters. Or care for them, at all.
As a matter of fact, I was more invested in Tang's fate than in Tonya and Hailey's. I cannot say why, but it simply didn't work for me.
Abby Craden's narration was good, easy to understand and with recognizable voices for each character, but girl! I really, really hated Hailey's voice. That is, of course, a matter of taste and does nothing to lessener the quality of narration
As a matter of fact, I was more invested in Tang's fate than in Tonya and Hailey's. I cannot say why, but it simply didn't work for me.
Abby Craden's narration was good, easy to understand and with recognizable voices for each character, but girl! I really, really hated Hailey's voice. That is, of course, a matter of taste and does nothing to lessener the quality of narration
patricia71's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book!!!! More than 5 stars and I have to put it in my top 10 books. The build-up, The chemistry, The humour, the way it handled the homophobia from Tonya’s dad, the way it handled the racism(as a black woman living in the Netherlands I could relate to the not belonging anywhere issues) And the sex....mind blowing, heat giving
wickedregal's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the dynamics between the two leading ladies. And what a way to have a first meeting, of sorts. But from that first interaction, however stressful, the seed of thought had been set. Once again the theme seemed to be of breaking down walls and letting people in. The struggles Tonya was going through with her family was well written and portrayed with the character's interactions with her family. She's smart, intelligent, and knows she has to work through those challenges. But she is closed off from her family and keeps her coping to herself, seeing a psychotherapist to help.
Meanwhile, there's Haley, who I adore. Really, I love both of them. They are adorable in their own right, to be quite honest. Haley is a cop... with maybe a slight hero complex. Her personality is very much opposite of Tonya's, going out with friends, finding women to flirt with... until she meets Tonya. Then going out just isn't cutting it, and she finds Tonya on her thoughts. Thank goodness, they spot each other again... and again. They compliment each other beautifully.
While this book is part of the Cops and Docs series, it can be read independently from books 1 & 2 as the characters are completely new. However I highly suggest you read the first two books though because they're fantastic.
Meanwhile, there's Haley, who I adore. Really, I love both of them. They are adorable in their own right, to be quite honest. Haley is a cop... with maybe a slight hero complex. Her personality is very much opposite of Tonya's, going out with friends, finding women to flirt with... until she meets Tonya. Then going out just isn't cutting it, and she finds Tonya on her thoughts. Thank goodness, they spot each other again... and again. They compliment each other beautifully.
While this book is part of the Cops and Docs series, it can be read independently from books 1 & 2 as the characters are completely new. However I highly suggest you read the first two books though because they're fantastic.
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
This third book in the Cops and Docs series features two new characters, psychiatrist Tonya Preston and the much younger butch cop, Haley Preston. There are secondary characters to love or loathe and a setting, the city of New Orleans, which influences and impacts the lives of Tonya and Haley.
Haley is a rookie cop and mad gamer who enjoys hanging out at the local bars with friends playing pool and playing the field. With Haley’s good looks and butch confidence, she has no lack of interested ladies lining up to sample all that Haley has to offer. It’s impossible not to love Haley and her positive outlook on life even when she is saddled with a slime-ball of a partner at work. She sees the best in everyone and is willing to go the extra distance when she finds herself attracted to the older, slightly remote but very attractive Tonya.
Tonya has spent her life putting other first. She’s dealt with caring for her mother when no one else would, protecting her younger sister from harm and allowing her father to ignore his own responsibilities to his wife and family. She has financially supported her sister’s education for years and allowed her dad to move in with her after he lost his home during Hurricane Katrina. Her relationship with her father is a difficult one. Williamson touches on the strained relationship between Tonya and her father and the emotional toll it takes on Tonya’s life.
What I loved about this novel is that Haley and Tonya could not be more different when they meet for the first time. Williamson proceeds to bring these two together and shows us that age, race and background influences can be overcome when two women make a love connection that cannot be ignored. I liked how their age difference was never a factor in their relationship. Tonya’s personal life was almost non-existent before she meets Haley. My favourite part of this story was watching Tonya blossom and allow herself to experience all that a loving relationship has to offer.
I also appreciated that the author doesn’t try to tie everything up in a neat little bow. Life is messy. Relationships, no matter how solid can be slammed by events that the couple cannot predict or control. We might all dream of fairy tale endings for our fictional couples but life is rarely that simple. No matter the adversity, I think this fictional couple has the stuff to weather whatever storms come their way.
Review copy provided by Ylva Publishing.
Haley is a rookie cop and mad gamer who enjoys hanging out at the local bars with friends playing pool and playing the field. With Haley’s good looks and butch confidence, she has no lack of interested ladies lining up to sample all that Haley has to offer. It’s impossible not to love Haley and her positive outlook on life even when she is saddled with a slime-ball of a partner at work. She sees the best in everyone and is willing to go the extra distance when she finds herself attracted to the older, slightly remote but very attractive Tonya.
Tonya has spent her life putting other first. She’s dealt with caring for her mother when no one else would, protecting her younger sister from harm and allowing her father to ignore his own responsibilities to his wife and family. She has financially supported her sister’s education for years and allowed her dad to move in with her after he lost his home during Hurricane Katrina. Her relationship with her father is a difficult one. Williamson touches on the strained relationship between Tonya and her father and the emotional toll it takes on Tonya’s life.
What I loved about this novel is that Haley and Tonya could not be more different when they meet for the first time. Williamson proceeds to bring these two together and shows us that age, race and background influences can be overcome when two women make a love connection that cannot be ignored. I liked how their age difference was never a factor in their relationship. Tonya’s personal life was almost non-existent before she meets Haley. My favourite part of this story was watching Tonya blossom and allow herself to experience all that a loving relationship has to offer.
I also appreciated that the author doesn’t try to tie everything up in a neat little bow. Life is messy. Relationships, no matter how solid can be slammed by events that the couple cannot predict or control. We might all dream of fairy tale endings for our fictional couples but life is rarely that simple. No matter the adversity, I think this fictional couple has the stuff to weather whatever storms come their way.
Review copy provided by Ylva Publishing.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
4.0
#3 in the Cops and Docs books, but not related so doesn't matter if you read this one in order of the other two. I enjoy Williamson's writing, but this one (while still good) was not a favorite of mine. I enjoy that her characters have normal jobs, semi-normal lives, with normal shit to overcome. I didn't much buy into this relationship. I didn't mind Haley but thought she was sometimes immature, to the point where the age difference played a pretty big issue. This is just me though. I am in my mid 30's now and when put in social gatherings with anyone between 20-25 the struggle is real. I can't imagine a relationship with someone who just barely can buy their own beer, with Tonya. This just really comes down to personal preference. To each their own, this was just one of small issues I struggled with during the book. It really was quite small of an issue. I still enjoyed it, but probably won't revisit it in the future. For me it was a 3.5.. rounded up. I do love the author's other works though.