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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
At this rate I think I'm going to have to join the Kristen Ashley Addicts Support Group. Her books are quite addictive. If you've enjoyed her other books, I can't imagine a reason why you wouldn't like this one.
I am quite sure that Mara's severely low self esteem likely got on the nerves of some readers, but I thought it was fairly realistic considering how long she had been beat down by her family (who are supposed to love and support her) and the people in her town. It's not surprising that it would take a while for a new way of thinking to set in. The fact that she ran away after the pizza incident and tried to hide from him - I totally would have done the same thing, and my self esteem is nowhere near as low as hers.
I am quite sure that Mara's severely low self esteem likely got on the nerves of some readers, but I thought it was fairly realistic considering how long she had been beat down by her family (who are supposed to love and support her) and the people in her town. It's not surprising that it would take a while for a new way of thinking to set in. The fact that she ran away after the pizza incident and tried to hide from him - I totally would have done the same thing, and my self esteem is nowhere near as low as hers.
I've been reading Kristen Ashley's books for a few months now, and she definitely has a certain flavor, a formula she almost follows exactly. However, she still manages to keep all her stories just fresh enough that I can't help but keep reading.
In this story, we get Mitch Lawson. Mitch is a cop, but he isn't quite as rough around the edges as KA's usual heroes. He has a nice apartment with fancy furniture and dresses well. But he's still a KA guy, alpha at his core. I loved the way he wanted Mara, but was so patient in waiting for her. No, he wasn't a monk, he didn't spend all his nights alone, but once Mara finally opened the door to him (with a wonderfully timed broken faucet), Mitch wasted no time in walking right in and slamming that door shut behind him. He knew what he wanted, and he wasn't going to let anything stop him from getting it. He didn't blink when Mara suddenly found herself with three kids to raise, and I loved the way he took them in as his own, and really FOUGHT for them like they were his. It wasn't just to impress the woman, he genuinely fell for them, and I think he would have been a part of their lives, even if it hadn't worked out with Mara. But since they were so good together, of course it worked out.
My only nitpicks with this story was Mara and her insecurity. I know she had a rough life, but how she did NOT see herself as even a little bit attractive is beyond me. I know we women have our hangups, but dayum, Mara was really mess. I loved watching her grow to see herself as others saw her though, a wonderful, caring, beautiful woman, worthy of the love of a good man.
In this story, we get Mitch Lawson. Mitch is a cop, but he isn't quite as rough around the edges as KA's usual heroes. He has a nice apartment with fancy furniture and dresses well. But he's still a KA guy, alpha at his core. I loved the way he wanted Mara, but was so patient in waiting for her. No, he wasn't a monk, he didn't spend all his nights alone, but once Mara finally opened the door to him (with a wonderfully timed broken faucet), Mitch wasted no time in walking right in and slamming that door shut behind him. He knew what he wanted, and he wasn't going to let anything stop him from getting it. He didn't blink when Mara suddenly found herself with three kids to raise, and I loved the way he took them in as his own, and really FOUGHT for them like they were his. It wasn't just to impress the woman, he genuinely fell for them, and I think he would have been a part of their lives, even if it hadn't worked out with Mara. But since they were so good together, of course it worked out.
My only nitpicks with this story was Mara and her insecurity. I know she had a rough life, but how she did NOT see herself as even a little bit attractive is beyond me. I know we women have our hangups, but dayum, Mara was really mess. I loved watching her grow to see herself as others saw her though, a wonderful, caring, beautiful woman, worthy of the love of a good man.
4.5 stars... wow I started this book very unsure about the heroine, Mara - especially as she had a point scale for everyone. At first I just thought it was overall insecurity but of course it was much more than that - and not a superficial thing but a scale of how good a person they are and due to a horrible upbringing her self-esteem was really messed up.
Luckily she starts getting to know her neighbor, nice guy Mitch Lawson. He is definitely an alpha but not as overbearing as many of KA's alphas are. He is an insanely great guy - and while I usually love the overbearing alphas for their stories I would never want to be in a relationship with someone like that. Mitch is much more my speed so that was a pleasant surprise! He helps Mara, along with crazy situations, come to terms with who she really is (though honestly the woman should have also started seeing a therapist).
There are some adorable children in this book - something KA does insanely well and overall it was a warm gooey feel good book.
Luckily she starts getting to know her neighbor, nice guy Mitch Lawson. He is definitely an alpha but not as overbearing as many of KA's alphas are. He is an insanely great guy - and while I usually love the overbearing alphas for their stories I would never want to be in a relationship with someone like that. Mitch is much more my speed so that was a pleasant surprise! He helps Mara, along with crazy situations, come to terms with who she really is (though honestly the woman should have also started seeing a therapist).
There are some adorable children in this book - something KA does insanely well and overall it was a warm gooey feel good book.
Re-read in 2024
I guess it would be more of a 2.5 stars if I was to rate it again…
Note to self : don’t read this one again !
3.5 stars rounded up
I liked both MCs but found reasons to be annoyed by each of them, so I didn’t love them.
And while the romance/ family side delivered (as usual in KA's books), the book lacked on the action side until the last 25%.
On the positive side, the mmc wasn't quite as rage-inducing as some of KA's other mmc's. But he was still pretty annoying at times. Mostly in the beginning.
Was an ok book, and a good read. I don't see many rereads in the future, but I had fun with this today.
Was an ok book, and a good read. I don't see many rereads in the future, but I had fun with this today.
I think this is my favorite out of all the books in this series. They are all fabulous and amazing, but I think Mitch might just tip the scales a bit for me. Another hit for KA...another few late nights for me trying to read as much as possible.
3.5
I freely admit that while I’ve liked a bunch of KA’s other books, I have a hard time with the Dream Man books. And this was no exception. Mitch was working my last nerve. For most of the book, I wanted to dropkick him. And that feeling never really went away.
Having his POV in small parts helped me warm to him, but they were too far and few between to really redeem him. So while I liked him and the book, I didn’t love them.
I freely admit that while I’ve liked a bunch of KA’s other books, I have a hard time with the Dream Man books. And this was no exception. Mitch was working my last nerve. For most of the book, I wanted to dropkick him. And that feeling never really went away.
Having his POV in small parts helped me warm to him, but they were too far and few between to really redeem him. So while I liked him and the book, I didn’t love them.
4.5 stars! Audio book
I’m a total rebel. I’m reading this series out of order. Shhh.
Here’s what I’ve discovered about Kristen Ashley books based on the limited number I’ve read. Kristen writes long-ass books. She takes her time weaving intricate stories, establishing the complexities of unique characters, and delving into ever evolving relationships. That can make for some stellar reading, but a 500 page book requires a lot of dedication. In the case of Law Man, the payoff is worth it.
I’m not one of those people who swoons over alpha a-holes, and I know Kristen Ashley can gravitate towards them. You know the type. They’re super hot, but they’re domineering, arrogant, rude, and sometimes downright mean—at least in the beginning. Mitch is tenacious and demanding, but there’s an innate kindness about him. Mara’s life is a hot mess, and whether she’s willing to admit it or not, she needs someone with a firm yet loving hand to take charge.
Mara’s extreme shyness and her stubbornness can be irritating at times. There are definitely moments she tested my patience. However, her insecurities are so ingrained, justified, and understandable that I found her to be endearing overall.
The plot plays out in a lengthy fashion, but I was never bored. I’m allergic to insta-love, so I think the simmering nature of the romance is all the more enjoyable for its sense of realism.
The variety of colorful characters is absolute perfection. Billy and Billie? Forget about it! I was over the moon for those kids. Mitch and Mara’s friends are wonderful and bring lots of additional humor to this sweet story. If you’re looking for heartwarming moments, you’ll hit the jackpot with the epilogue.
I chose to go with the audio book version, and I think that was a smart choice. Narration is an art form and when it’s well done, it feels like aural theatre. Kate Russell is a phenomenal voice actor. Her narration conveys the heart of each character, making them come alive in very distinct ways.
Well done, all the way around!
I’m a total rebel. I’m reading this series out of order. Shhh.
Here’s what I’ve discovered about Kristen Ashley books based on the limited number I’ve read. Kristen writes long-ass books. She takes her time weaving intricate stories, establishing the complexities of unique characters, and delving into ever evolving relationships. That can make for some stellar reading, but a 500 page book requires a lot of dedication. In the case of Law Man, the payoff is worth it.
I’m not one of those people who swoons over alpha a-holes, and I know Kristen Ashley can gravitate towards them. You know the type. They’re super hot, but they’re domineering, arrogant, rude, and sometimes downright mean—at least in the beginning. Mitch is tenacious and demanding, but there’s an innate kindness about him. Mara’s life is a hot mess, and whether she’s willing to admit it or not, she needs someone with a firm yet loving hand to take charge.
Mara’s extreme shyness and her stubbornness can be irritating at times. There are definitely moments she tested my patience. However, her insecurities are so ingrained, justified, and understandable that I found her to be endearing overall.
The plot plays out in a lengthy fashion, but I was never bored. I’m allergic to insta-love, so I think the simmering nature of the romance is all the more enjoyable for its sense of realism.
The variety of colorful characters is absolute perfection. Billy and Billie? Forget about it! I was over the moon for those kids. Mitch and Mara’s friends are wonderful and bring lots of additional humor to this sweet story. If you’re looking for heartwarming moments, you’ll hit the jackpot with the epilogue.
I chose to go with the audio book version, and I think that was a smart choice. Narration is an art form and when it’s well done, it feels like aural theatre. Kate Russell is a phenomenal voice actor. Her narration conveys the heart of each character, making them come alive in very distinct ways.
Well done, all the way around!