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3.28 AVERAGE
3.28 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
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
In den letzten Monaten konnten mich die Bücher aus dem Kyss-Verlag eigentlich immer begeistern, da sie meist eher ruhige Geschichten sind, in denen die Emotionen im Vordergrund stehen und sich das Drama in Grenzen hält. Duty & Desire wurde damit beworben, dass es mal etwas Anderes sei, besonders da es mal nicht am College sondern an einer Polizeiakademie spielt. Dementsprechend hatte ich mir irgendwie auch mehr Szenen erhofft, die mit der Polizei zusammenhängen. Abgesehen davon, dass der Protagonist sehr ehrgeizig ist und unbedingt seine Familie stolz machen will, was ungefähr auf jeder zweiten Seite erwähnt wurde, gibt es aber kaum wirklichen Bezug zu der Ausbildung bei der Polizei. Da hätte der Typ halt auch zum College gehen können und es würde keinen Unterschied machen.
Leider hatte ich mir nach Lektüre des Klappentextes auch etwas Anderes vorgestellt. Freunde mit Gewissen Vorzügen sagt für mich aus, dass die beiden eben auch Freunde sind und mal miteinander reden. Ihre einzigen Konversationen belaufen sich aber leider auf Dirty Talk beim Sex, den ich so dermaßen unangenehm fand, dass ich die Seiten meistens nur schnell überflogen habe.
Ever fand ich Großteils recht sympathisch. Sie hat sich selbst ein Catering-Unternehmen aufgebaut, arbeitet viel, legt aber etwas zu viel Wert auf die Meinung ihrer Mutter, die in ihrer Kindheit scheinbar nie wirklich für sie da war. Das einzige was ihr immer gepredigt wurde, war dass sie bloß keine Beziehung zu einem Mann eingehen sollte und nur Affären führen sollte, wie es schon ihre Großmutter gemacht hat. Als ihre Mutter aber plötzlich ihre Meinung ändert, sieht Ever die Chance gekommen sie endlich stolz zu machen. Dieses Mutter-Tochter-Verhältnis fand ich recht absurd und ansonsten war Evers Charakter eigentlich auch nicht sehr tiefgehend beschrieben.
Leider habe ich selten einen so ätzenden männlichen Protagonisten wie Charlie erlebt. Er ist zwar ehrgeizig und möchte Leutnant bei der Polizei werden, ist aber einfach nur prollig, schwanzgesteuert und besitzergreifend. Mehr als die Hälfte des Buches möchte er Ever zurückgewinnen um die Sexbeziehung weiterzuführen. Ihre Gefühle sind ihm dabei herzlich egal und seine eigenen drehen sich nur um das eine. Um sein Ziel zu erreichen sabotiert er jegliche Versuche von Ever einen anderen Mann kennenzulernen, weil sie „ihm gehört“ und das akzeptieren soll. Solche Protagonisten sind mir leider wirklich unsympathisch, zudem hat mir die Ausdrucksweise der beiden gar nicht zugesagt, Charaktere, die sich gegenseitig als „Großer“ und „mein Einhorn“ betiteln finde ich sehr schwierig.
Emotionen sind dabei leider gar nicht rübergekommen und auch das schmalzige Ende, wo Charlie natürlich eine 180°-Wende einlegt und sich auf eine Weise verhält, die charakterlich für ihn einfach unglaublich unpassend war konnte mich nicht überzeugen.
Abgesehen von meinen zahlreichen negativen Punkten gab es natürlich aber auch positives an diesem Buch. Der Schreibstil war flüssig, sodass man das Buch in kurzer Zeit verschlingen konnte und es gab insbesondere bei Charlies Versuchen Evers Dates zu sabotieren einige Stellen, die mich wirklich zum Schmunzeln bringen konnten. Abgesehen davon fand ich die Nebencharaktere recht sympathisch, da sie mehr Tiefgang zu besitzen scheinen als die beiden Protagonisten in diesem Buch, sodass ich möglicherweise trotz meiner Enttäuschung noch die Fortsetzungen lesen werde.
Insgesamt fand ich die Geschichte eher platt und wenig emotional, durch die humorvollen Stellen, die mir immerhin mal ein Lachen entlocken konnten gebe ich dem Buch aber 3 Sterne.
Leider hatte ich mir nach Lektüre des Klappentextes auch etwas Anderes vorgestellt. Freunde mit Gewissen Vorzügen sagt für mich aus, dass die beiden eben auch Freunde sind und mal miteinander reden. Ihre einzigen Konversationen belaufen sich aber leider auf Dirty Talk beim Sex, den ich so dermaßen unangenehm fand, dass ich die Seiten meistens nur schnell überflogen habe.
Ever fand ich Großteils recht sympathisch. Sie hat sich selbst ein Catering-Unternehmen aufgebaut, arbeitet viel, legt aber etwas zu viel Wert auf die Meinung ihrer Mutter, die in ihrer Kindheit scheinbar nie wirklich für sie da war. Das einzige was ihr immer gepredigt wurde, war dass sie bloß keine Beziehung zu einem Mann eingehen sollte und nur Affären führen sollte, wie es schon ihre Großmutter gemacht hat. Als ihre Mutter aber plötzlich ihre Meinung ändert, sieht Ever die Chance gekommen sie endlich stolz zu machen. Dieses Mutter-Tochter-Verhältnis fand ich recht absurd und ansonsten war Evers Charakter eigentlich auch nicht sehr tiefgehend beschrieben.
Leider habe ich selten einen so ätzenden männlichen Protagonisten wie Charlie erlebt. Er ist zwar ehrgeizig und möchte Leutnant bei der Polizei werden, ist aber einfach nur prollig, schwanzgesteuert und besitzergreifend. Mehr als die Hälfte des Buches möchte er Ever zurückgewinnen um die Sexbeziehung weiterzuführen. Ihre Gefühle sind ihm dabei herzlich egal und seine eigenen drehen sich nur um das eine. Um sein Ziel zu erreichen sabotiert er jegliche Versuche von Ever einen anderen Mann kennenzulernen, weil sie „ihm gehört“ und das akzeptieren soll. Solche Protagonisten sind mir leider wirklich unsympathisch, zudem hat mir die Ausdrucksweise der beiden gar nicht zugesagt, Charaktere, die sich gegenseitig als „Großer“ und „mein Einhorn“ betiteln finde ich sehr schwierig.
Emotionen sind dabei leider gar nicht rübergekommen und auch das schmalzige Ende, wo Charlie natürlich eine 180°-Wende einlegt und sich auf eine Weise verhält, die charakterlich für ihn einfach unglaublich unpassend war konnte mich nicht überzeugen.
Abgesehen von meinen zahlreichen negativen Punkten gab es natürlich aber auch positives an diesem Buch. Der Schreibstil war flüssig, sodass man das Buch in kurzer Zeit verschlingen konnte und es gab insbesondere bei Charlies Versuchen Evers Dates zu sabotieren einige Stellen, die mich wirklich zum Schmunzeln bringen konnten. Abgesehen davon fand ich die Nebencharaktere recht sympathisch, da sie mehr Tiefgang zu besitzen scheinen als die beiden Protagonisten in diesem Buch, sodass ich möglicherweise trotz meiner Enttäuschung noch die Fortsetzungen lesen werde.
Insgesamt fand ich die Geschichte eher platt und wenig emotional, durch die humorvollen Stellen, die mir immerhin mal ein Lachen entlocken konnten gebe ich dem Buch aber 3 Sterne.
So, real talk? Tessa Bailey is my favorite author. I've loved all of her books, and yet I'm continually surprised by how amazing each one is. Why am I still surprised?! I don't know. All I know is that if you want sexy, but still sweet, alpha male heroes, with dirty talking skills like whoa, and heroines who are smart, independent, and fun, you REALLY need to read Tessa's books. This book was no exception, and Charlie and Ever were complete magic together.
Charlie Burns is in the NYPD Police Academy, following in his father's and older brother's, and about 3 other generations of his family's, footsteps. He's determined to be the best, and nothing less. He knows the sacrifices he's making in his life to obtain this goal, including love. His mom skipped out when he was a kid because she couldn't deal, so he has no plans to put all that on another person in his life. He's content to have no strings flings, and never expected to even want anything more. Then in the bar one night, a beautiful, magical unicorn walks in, and she doesn't want anything serious either? Sign him up.
Ever Carmichael comes from a long line of mistresses. Yes, that kind. She's lived by the rules her mom, and grandmother set out for her. Always choose unavailable men. Never stay with a man more than 30 days. Never fall in love. Never depend on a man for anything, just get it yourself. Ever has tweaked these rules some to apply to her own life. She doesn't think it's right to carry on with married men the way her mom does, but she looks for men that are unavailable in other ways, like when they're married to their job. Ever is deep into her own job, as she and her roommate are trying to get their catering company off the ground, so she doesn't have time for anyone in her life anyway. Charlie is the perfect candidate, since they're both pressed for time, and only want each other physically. But, something happens in Ever's life, and she decides she wants to try for more in her life than casual hookups. She knows that's not what Charlie is looking for, so she calls it quits. Charlie doesn't like that at all, and he wants to convince her they have the perfect arrangement.
Charlie and Ever's chemistry is like FIRE. They are so hot together, and the sexy times were top notch. They have a bit of funny banter as well, though for the first part of their "relationship", they don't do much talking. I really enjoyed their awkward interactions after their "non-break-up" when they try to be friends too. Charlie is convinced that if he can secretly thwart Ever's dates, that she'll realize it's a waste of time, and they can go back to their perfect arrangement. But, he comes to realize maybe that old "arrangement" isn't going to work for him anymore either. Charlie screws up very badly, but he gives one of the greatest, most epic grovels, I've ever read, and I loved it so much. It's definitely now on the top of my list of favorite grovels of all time. I love a hero who isn't afraid to do ANYTHING to get his girl back, and Charlie was amazing.
This was an emotional story, and both Charlie and Ever had FAR from a typical childhood, which had great bearing on their lives as adults. They were both trying desperately to please their parents, without realizing the damage it was doing to them. Watching them finally become more self-aware was so worth the journey. There were so many great side characters in the story too. I really loved Charlie's 2 best friends and roommates, Jack and Danika. They're each going to have their own books in the series too! I love this world Tessa has set up, and I'm so curious how the next 2 books are going to play out, based on what I know of Jack, though I know nothing about his heroine. And especially for Danika, with Charlie's older brother, Greer. A lot of greatness is yet to come!
I highly recommend this book, and I'm so looking forward to the rest of the series! Pure magic that still has me smiling every time I think of it!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Charlie Burns is in the NYPD Police Academy, following in his father's and older brother's, and about 3 other generations of his family's, footsteps. He's determined to be the best, and nothing less. He knows the sacrifices he's making in his life to obtain this goal, including love. His mom skipped out when he was a kid because she couldn't deal, so he has no plans to put all that on another person in his life. He's content to have no strings flings, and never expected to even want anything more. Then in the bar one night, a beautiful, magical unicorn walks in, and she doesn't want anything serious either? Sign him up.
Ever Carmichael comes from a long line of mistresses. Yes, that kind. She's lived by the rules her mom, and grandmother set out for her. Always choose unavailable men. Never stay with a man more than 30 days. Never fall in love. Never depend on a man for anything, just get it yourself. Ever has tweaked these rules some to apply to her own life. She doesn't think it's right to carry on with married men the way her mom does, but she looks for men that are unavailable in other ways, like when they're married to their job. Ever is deep into her own job, as she and her roommate are trying to get their catering company off the ground, so she doesn't have time for anyone in her life anyway. Charlie is the perfect candidate, since they're both pressed for time, and only want each other physically. But, something happens in Ever's life, and she decides she wants to try for more in her life than casual hookups. She knows that's not what Charlie is looking for, so she calls it quits. Charlie doesn't like that at all, and he wants to convince her they have the perfect arrangement.
Charlie and Ever's chemistry is like FIRE. They are so hot together, and the sexy times were top notch. They have a bit of funny banter as well, though for the first part of their "relationship", they don't do much talking. I really enjoyed their awkward interactions after their "non-break-up" when they try to be friends too. Charlie is convinced that if he can secretly thwart Ever's dates, that she'll realize it's a waste of time, and they can go back to their perfect arrangement. But, he comes to realize maybe that old "arrangement" isn't going to work for him anymore either. Charlie screws up very badly, but he gives one of the greatest, most epic grovels, I've ever read, and I loved it so much. It's definitely now on the top of my list of favorite grovels of all time. I love a hero who isn't afraid to do ANYTHING to get his girl back, and Charlie was amazing.
This was an emotional story, and both Charlie and Ever had FAR from a typical childhood, which had great bearing on their lives as adults. They were both trying desperately to please their parents, without realizing the damage it was doing to them. Watching them finally become more self-aware was so worth the journey. There were so many great side characters in the story too. I really loved Charlie's 2 best friends and roommates, Jack and Danika. They're each going to have their own books in the series too! I love this world Tessa has set up, and I'm so curious how the next 2 books are going to play out, based on what I know of Jack, though I know nothing about his heroine. And especially for Danika, with Charlie's older brother, Greer. A lot of greatness is yet to come!
I highly recommend this book, and I'm so looking forward to the rest of the series! Pure magic that still has me smiling every time I think of it!
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Pretty much the worst Tessa Bailey so far. Obnoxious hero who sabotages the heroine's life choices because he thinks he knows better. The heroine does get mad at him, but "she knows she loves him" so it's just about how long she's going to make him be apologetic rather than dumping his shitty ass and moving on.
This book felt agonizingly long for a simple plot; how often have I wished for romances to be double the length? Here, I wanted half. The characters have no motivations -- Ever's dive into monogamy is prompted by the stupidest, flimsiest reason
There's more of Bailey's trademark convo where the characters discuss the romance between people with an interest no one has in real life. Our hero believes his "man card" will be rescinded because he shows his emotions at one point. Anyway, it was impossible to understand why the very long lead up to their getting together because there's no chemistry and nothing compelling about either character.
This book felt agonizingly long for a simple plot; how often have I wished for romances to be double the length? Here, I wanted half. The characters have no motivations -- Ever's dive into monogamy is prompted by the stupidest, flimsiest reason
Spoiler
and then having her mother ask her, one week later, have you found The One yet?? I just wanted to scream.There's more of Bailey's trademark convo where the characters discuss the romance between people with an interest no one has in real life. Our hero believes his "man card" will be rescinded because he shows his emotions at one point. Anyway, it was impossible to understand why the very long lead up to their getting together because there's no chemistry and nothing compelling about either character.
I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s
Title: Disorderly Conduct:
Series: The Academy book 1
Genre: Cop Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: August 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss + and am choosing to leave a review.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Character’s Descriptions:
Charlie Burns is a police academy cadet and is in love with Ever Carmichael.
Ever Carmichael wants more than just short-term satisfaction and Charlie I not relationship material. Or is he?
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: Well-paced and well written romance with some twists and turns. A very, very good read.
Title: Disorderly Conduct:
Series: The Academy book 1
Genre: Cop Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: August 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss + and am choosing to leave a review.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
Character’s Descriptions:
Charlie Burns is a police academy cadet and is in love with Ever Carmichael.
Ever Carmichael wants more than just short-term satisfaction and Charlie I not relationship material. Or is he?
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: Well-paced and well written romance with some twists and turns. A very, very good read.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay. Let me be honest, I haven't really read that much by Bailey. If I say not that much, I mean I only read one other book by her.
And while we at it, when I started this, I wasn't really sure I was going to like this.
Because this is rather smutty in the beginning. (I know this is a good things for many of my friends but for me.. eh, not really. ) And very insta-lust.
But just as I thought, okay so maybe it's not going to be for me. Bailey throws in a twist and at 20% it all changed. I suddenly got invested. Suddenly the smut dials down and while Charlie does one stupid thing after the other I can't stop reading. I kept reading, while my insides were twisting, my heart was being wrenched out and shattered into pieces and then I was swooning and .. devastated because it ENDE. But then I was thrown a bone; the first chapter of the next book. But now?I mean.. what am I supposed to do now? Wait until the beginning of next year? (insert utter horror!) considers fake crying Ok, we all know I suck at any show of emotions.. so let's just leave it at Bailey has me wrapped around her little finger and I want more asap.
Charlie and Ever have both exasperated me to no end. I mean, I am miss commitment issues, but hello? they are so beyond that. I mean they have some serious - SERIOUS - commitment problems. It might be a bit much. In fact in the beginning, when they don't really know each other and the reader doesn't know them and all that is between them is a lot of fast hard smut, it feels too much. But then the story goes on, and I got to know them, I get their insecurities. I get where they coming from, but more I got their connection. Their feelings for each other feel real and deep.
The storyline is actually quite brilliant. It's the bootycall to friends to love kinda story. Set in NYC and with a great support cast. There are some funny moments and beautiful moments in there. And while I would never admit it, I loved the last scene. It's so John Cusack. Though, I would have never even liked it if it wasn't for the previous gestures.
It still surprises me how much I like the story and how caught up I got.
The characters are amazing. As I said, I felt like Ever and Charlie are going to be a bit of a cliche. And they started up as a big one. But Bailey added layers and layers of unique quirks to them and somehow now I am in love with both of them.
Charlie being a typical emotion-stunted dude, with a big heart and alpha protective streak while Ever is honest, generous and nurturing. The support cast is intriguing as well. I can't wait for Jack's and Danika's books.
Which brings me to the good news: There will be two more books. Jack's book is next.
And here are the bad news: the release date is scheduled for January, 30th. 2018! yep 6month away!
I guess I will go and read all those books by Bailey I neglected until now.
And while we at it, when I started this, I wasn't really sure I was going to like this.
Because this is rather smutty in the beginning. (I know this is a good things for many of my friends but for me.. eh, not really. ) And very insta-lust.
But just as I thought, okay so maybe it's not going to be for me. Bailey throws in a twist and at 20% it all changed. I suddenly got invested. Suddenly the smut dials down and while Charlie does one stupid thing after the other I can't stop reading. I kept reading, while my insides were twisting, my heart was being wrenched out and shattered into pieces and then I was swooning and .. devastated because it ENDE. But then I was thrown a bone; the first chapter of the next book. But now?I mean.. what am I supposed to do now? Wait until the beginning of next year? (insert utter horror!) considers fake crying Ok, we all know I suck at any show of emotions.. so let's just leave it at Bailey has me wrapped around her little finger and I want more asap.
Charlie and Ever have both exasperated me to no end. I mean, I am miss commitment issues, but hello? they are so beyond that. I mean they have some serious - SERIOUS - commitment problems. It might be a bit much. In fact in the beginning, when they don't really know each other and the reader doesn't know them and all that is between them is a lot of fast hard smut, it feels too much. But then the story goes on, and I got to know them, I get their insecurities. I get where they coming from, but more I got their connection. Their feelings for each other feel real and deep.
The storyline is actually quite brilliant. It's the bootycall to friends to love kinda story. Set in NYC and with a great support cast. There are some funny moments and beautiful moments in there. And while I would never admit it, I loved the last scene. It's so John Cusack. Though, I would have never even liked it if it wasn't for the previous gestures.
It still surprises me how much I like the story and how caught up I got.
The characters are amazing. As I said, I felt like Ever and Charlie are going to be a bit of a cliche. And they started up as a big one. But Bailey added layers and layers of unique quirks to them and somehow now I am in love with both of them.
Charlie being a typical emotion-stunted dude, with a big heart and alpha protective streak while Ever is honest, generous and nurturing. The support cast is intriguing as well. I can't wait for Jack's and Danika's books.
Which brings me to the good news: There will be two more books. Jack's book is next.
And here are the bad news: the release date is scheduled for January, 30th. 2018! yep 6month away!
I guess I will go and read all those books by Bailey I neglected until now.
3.5 - this was cute. I listened to the audio of this, and maybe that’s where the issue lies. I didn’t care for the narrators as much as I would have liked, they weren’t bad, just I felt like there was something lacking.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes