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tvaddictedbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
See my full review here https://readinaflash.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/the-cornerstone-by-kate-canterbary/
ashmargar's review against another edition
emotional
medium-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? Yes
4.5
laksita's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This book was so triggering.
1.)I am not sure what the purpose of making Shannon a child rape victim at the hands of HER OWN FATHER if it was just going to get glossed over. Like excuse me?? What THE FUCK WAS THAT?? What do you mean NONE OF HER SIBLINGS KNEW AND YOU ENDED THE BOOK WITTH THEM STILL NEVER FINDING OUT??? WHAT?? Like I’m sorry but I thought telling her siblings would have been her character development—as a way of her finally leaning on her siblings instead of the other way around—but noooo it didn’t happen??? At this point I’m just HOPING that this gets properly resolved in Erin’s book, because maybe one of the reasons she and Shannon had a falling out had something to do with Shannon being their own father’s rape victim and somehow Erin unknowingly triggered Shannon’s trauma. AND THAT IS JUST ME BEING OPTIMISTIC. The fuck…
2.) Will saying he was not misogynistic only to proceed saying a lot of misogynistic shit throughout the book.Also I’m sorry but he was a fucking creep?? Breaking and entering into Shannon’s apartment??? He had red flags by the BOATLOAD but I guess a lot of women find this romantic. Couldn’t be me. Can’t relate.
3.) The military propaganda was so strong with this one. I wanted to throw up every time. But I HAD to endure this book just so I could finish the whole series.
My thing is if the book hadn’t had all the triggering elements I’ve mentioned above, the romance aspect was not that bad.I mean, the way Will tried to make Shannon understand that her male siblings were GROWN ASS MEN and therefore didn’t need her taking care of them anymore; the way Will took care of her by cooking for her, cleaning her apartment, picking her up, etc because no one ever took care of her. It was okay. It’s just that everything else made this book so unbearable and triggering to read.
1.)
2.) Will saying he was not misogynistic only to proceed saying a lot of misogynistic shit throughout the book.
3.) The military propaganda was so strong with this one. I wanted to throw up every time. But I HAD to endure this book just so I could finish the whole series.
My thing is if the book hadn’t had all the triggering elements I’ve mentioned above, the romance aspect was not that bad.
romancelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
We finally get to Shannon's book and I've been highly anticipating it since The Space Between. Shannon Walsh is a bitch boss, and I love her for it. Will is a Navy SEAL, also Lauren's older brother. Shannon and Will first meet at Matt and Lauren's wedding. Shannon was tasked with intercepting Will, and that's when they first hook up. They keep in touch for the next year and a half and meet up in secret whenever Will has some time off.
I will begin this review with a disclaimer that I usually stay away from military-themed books. It's a personal preference, for many reasons that I refuse to get into. When I do end up reading these types of books, I try to ignore the military politics as much as possible. There are a few things in this book that really pissed me off, like Shannon's jokes about "invading other sovereign nations"
Merged review:
We finally get to Shannon's book and I've been highly anticipating it since The Space Between. Shannon Walsh is a bitch boss, and I love her for it. Will is a Navy SEAL, also Lauren's older brother. Shannon and Will first meet at Matt and Lauren's wedding. Shannon was tasked with intercepting Will, and that's when they first hook up. They keep in touch for the next year and a half and meet up in secret whenever Will has some time off.
I will begin this review with a disclaimer that I usually stay away from military-themed books. It's a personal preference, for many reasons that I refuse to get into. When I do end up reading these types of books, I try to ignore the military politics as much as possible. There are a few things in this book that really pissed me off, like Shannon's jokes about "invading other sovereign nations" 🤡 Ms. Canterbary, I don't know you personally, but this is enough for me to dislike you. Military nonsense aside, the romance itself was really well done. Shannon's book is by far the best one in the series.
I love Will and Shannon's dynamic. It's not often I come across two Alpha characters paired together. Will enjoys getting Shannon all riled up and their banter is the funniest thing ever. I love that he encourages her to spend time away from her demanding family. He also encourages her to stop stressing, to relax, and to enjoy herself. Most importantly, he pushes her to do things for herself instead of continuously mothering her grown brothers. Will's annoyance with Shannon's brothers is one of my favourite thing about this book because it's something that I've felt since Underneath It All. I completely agree with Will that Shannon's brothers undervalue and underappreciate her for everything that she does for them. And I really wish we had a scene with Will and her brothers, where he straightens them out. But alas, that was missing.
Even though it is torturous, I love that Will and Shannon spend time away from each other and that part of their relationship develops via texting. Frankly, the other couples in this series are a bit too codependent. Will and Shannon having no choice but to spend time away from each other actually strengthened their relationship. Shannon herself says: "It gave me time to think, and though the distance from Will was hard, it was healthy." And I agree completely with that statement. I also love that Will and Shannon spend time away from the Walshes and they get to live in their own bubble, temporary as it may be. It was important for Shannon to prioritize herself and spend time away from her brothers.
What I love the most though is that we get to see Will and Shannon being domestic. That's so rare in romance novels that don't revolve around a marriage of convenience. It's so cute that Will lives with Shannon, cooks and cleans for her, goes with her to spin class, etc. I love that their story takes place during the span of a year and a half. This timeline gives us the opportunity to see many different sides of their relationship, including the domestic side. Will and Shannon may insult each other and throw limes at each other as a form of foreplay, but they are arguably the most mature couple in this series. I love the way they lean on each other. The way they understand each other. The way they care for each other. The way I swooned when he took care of her while she was PMSing.
The dreaded third act was well-executed for the most part. But again, we really needed at least one scene with Will and her brothers. I can't believe I was deprived of Matt's reaction! Come on!! The oddest thing about the third act was Erin subtly offering an olive branch to Shannon. It feels like it came out of nowhere, with no build up whatsoever. But I guess we will find out more in Erin's book. Will I be continuing this series? I don't think so...at least not now. Shannon was the only character I was truly interested in and now that she has her HEA, I'm good to go LOL.
I will begin this review with a disclaimer that I usually stay away from military-themed books. It's a personal preference, for many reasons that I refuse to get into. When I do end up reading these types of books, I try to ignore the military politics as much as possible. There are a few things in this book that really pissed me off, like Shannon's jokes about "invading other sovereign nations"
Merged review:
We finally get to Shannon's book and I've been highly anticipating it since The Space Between. Shannon Walsh is a bitch boss, and I love her for it. Will is a Navy SEAL, also Lauren's older brother. Shannon and Will first meet at Matt and Lauren's wedding. Shannon was tasked with intercepting Will, and that's when they first hook up. They keep in touch for the next year and a half and meet up in secret whenever Will has some time off.
I will begin this review with a disclaimer that I usually stay away from military-themed books. It's a personal preference, for many reasons that I refuse to get into. When I do end up reading these types of books, I try to ignore the military politics as much as possible. There are a few things in this book that really pissed me off, like Shannon's jokes about "invading other sovereign nations" 🤡 Ms. Canterbary, I don't know you personally, but this is enough for me to dislike you. Military nonsense aside, the romance itself was really well done. Shannon's book is by far the best one in the series.
I love Will and Shannon's dynamic. It's not often I come across two Alpha characters paired together. Will enjoys getting Shannon all riled up and their banter is the funniest thing ever. I love that he encourages her to spend time away from her demanding family. He also encourages her to stop stressing, to relax, and to enjoy herself. Most importantly, he pushes her to do things for herself instead of continuously mothering her grown brothers. Will's annoyance with Shannon's brothers is one of my favourite thing about this book because it's something that I've felt since Underneath It All. I completely agree with Will that Shannon's brothers undervalue and underappreciate her for everything that she does for them. And I really wish we had a scene with Will and her brothers, where he straightens them out. But alas, that was missing.
Even though it is torturous, I love that Will and Shannon spend time away from each other and that part of their relationship develops via texting. Frankly, the other couples in this series are a bit too codependent. Will and Shannon having no choice but to spend time away from each other actually strengthened their relationship. Shannon herself says: "It gave me time to think, and though the distance from Will was hard, it was healthy." And I agree completely with that statement. I also love that Will and Shannon spend time away from the Walshes and they get to live in their own bubble, temporary as it may be. It was important for Shannon to prioritize herself and spend time away from her brothers.
What I love the most though is that we get to see Will and Shannon being domestic. That's so rare in romance novels that don't revolve around a marriage of convenience. It's so cute that Will lives with Shannon, cooks and cleans for her, goes with her to spin class, etc. I love that their story takes place during the span of a year and a half. This timeline gives us the opportunity to see many different sides of their relationship, including the domestic side. Will and Shannon may insult each other and throw limes at each other as a form of foreplay, but they are arguably the most mature couple in this series. I love the way they lean on each other. The way they understand each other. The way they care for each other. The way I swooned when he took care of her while she was PMSing.
The dreaded third act was well-executed for the most part. But again, we really needed at least one scene with Will and her brothers. I can't believe I was deprived of Matt's reaction! Come on!! The oddest thing about the third act was Erin subtly offering an olive branch to Shannon. It feels like it came out of nowhere, with no build up whatsoever. But I guess we will find out more in Erin's book. Will I be continuing this series? I don't think so...at least not now. Shannon was the only character I was truly interested in and now that she has her HEA, I'm good to go LOL.
lisa_michelle3's review against another edition
3.0
This has been my favorite book in the series and I honestly didn't expect that. I mostly saw Shannon as a HBIC cliche and wasn't especially looking forward to her book, yet this is the first in the series where I liked both MCs throughout. Shannon and Will felt real. The barriers in their relationship were real; Will being away and the threat of harm are authentic struggles, and Shannon caring for everyone but herself was so relatable. They didn't fight their feelings for each other at every turn or try to deny them. Shannon had lines that Will couldn't cross, but she was otherwise receptive and open to him, allowing mutual trust and affection to build. Even when she did try to end things, it wasn't because she was running from Will, but because something major happened within her family and she defaulted to being the caretaker. Their roadblocks just felt the least contrived of all the books thus far.
Now, the reason why my rating isn't higher: I didn't see a content warning for the history of assault, and I did not see it coming. I'm not sure why that needed to be included; Shannon already had so much trauma to overcome without it. I'm just glad it was mentioned sparingly or I would've had to DNF.
Now, the reason why my rating isn't higher: I didn't see a content warning for the history of assault, and I did not see it coming. I'm not sure why that needed to be included; Shannon already had so much trauma to overcome without it. I'm just glad it was mentioned sparingly or I would've had to DNF.
pontiki's review against another edition
3.0
Shannon is one strong woman. She runs everything but the designing of the buildings at her brother’s firm. She takes care of everyone else, but never lets someone take care of her.
Will, Lauren’s brother, meets Shannon at his sister’s wedding. The air sizzles, the attraction primal. They can’t and don’t resist, but where he wants more, Shannon runs.
She over functions, especially where her brother Sam is concerned, and her guilt when he’s falling apart is too much. But, eventually, she hears Will’s wisdom and sees her brothers are all capable adults, so she can let them go, and let Will in.
I like Shannon’s strength, Will’s ability to fight through her battlements, and their relationship at the end. However, this book is a bit colder than the others. The sex is there, the romance less so. It’s a good book, but Matt’s is the best so far.
KU
Will, Lauren’s brother, meets Shannon at his sister’s wedding. The air sizzles, the attraction primal. They can’t and don’t resist, but where he wants more, Shannon runs.
She over functions, especially where her brother Sam is concerned, and her guilt when he’s falling apart is too much. But, eventually, she hears Will’s wisdom and sees her brothers are all capable adults, so she can let them go, and let Will in.
I like Shannon’s strength, Will’s ability to fight through her battlements, and their relationship at the end. However, this book is a bit colder than the others. The sex is there, the romance less so. It’s a good book, but Matt’s is the best so far.
KU
bettsgin's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my, this book was a fucking ride and I think it's my favorite in the series?? It's complicated because all the previous books are great.
The Cornerstone is Shannon's book and I was really looking forward to it because she is one of my favorite characters. In general, it was beautiful, super emotional, heartbreaking in some parts, but very sweet in others and really fucking hot. It was a roller coaster of emotions to be in Shannon's shoes.
And when Will calls her Peanut, perfection.
The Cornerstone is Shannon's book and I was really looking forward to it because she is one of my favorite characters. In general, it was beautiful, super emotional, heartbreaking in some parts, but very sweet in others and really fucking hot. It was a roller coaster of emotions to be in Shannon's shoes.
And when Will calls her Peanut, perfection.
Spoiler
However, I'm conflicted with the epilogue, I thought that after raising 5 siblings since she was 9 years old, the motherhood aspect was going to turn out in another way. I meant, I know that every situation is different and maybe this is because some aspects of Shannon's life hit too close to home but, anyway I'm happy she's happy.heartpages's review against another edition
4.0
I love the characters in this series. I especially liked this one because these were both people we got to know a little bit through the first three books. The story was just what a romance should be: heartwarming, like a hug. These two are dedicated, strong, and open.