WeekendReader

@jennamark ITA - Beyond Measure 
          	
          	Beyond Boring -- that's what this Chp should have been re-titled. A chapter of absolute nothingness -- with a little peppering of David's offensive narcissism and Theo ruining the shower by writing a depressing Ode to Divorce that was either selfish or obtuse (both?) for a 13yo City Kid. I wonder if it wasn't down right passive aggressive -- which is probably more likely for a 13yo. You know who ALSO was offensively passive aggressive? Little surprise -- David. But, that huge floral display he sends to the party (shower) was nothing more than a guy trying to get everyone to see it and talk about HIM, if you ask me. That was (1) rudely inserting himself into a place where he was not invited, (2) to steal attention from Emily, and (3) likely to get a little sympathy from the room -- blame Emily for being mean, right David? The hallmark of a narcissist -- performance. I hate David more.
          	          Personal story that may have influenced my read. My brother is a narcissist (or just a super duper selfish a-hole). The distinction is one for a psychiatrist to decide. But, when my Mom got sick -- he dumped her. My Dad would ask when my near-local brother would come by: Do you want to see her? My brother's answer every time: "nah." Because seeing sick people having trouble speaking is not fun, Nancy. And, my brother does nothing unless it's fun OR there's something is in it for him. So, my Mom dies, and - at the funeral - there are TONS of flowers with cards. And, probably HALF of them were from my brother's co-workers (all the way up the corporate ladder) -- writing pretty much the same thing: "You were such a good son; I'm so sorry for your loss." They were all signed from the company -- so  I must presume he told everyone to garner sympathy and admiration from his work colleagues and bosses. Of course, he hadn't spoken to her or seen her in at least 2 years while my Dad and I were there daily. 
          	              David reminds me of my brother.

WeekendReader

@jennamark ITA - Beyond Measure 
          
          Beyond Boring -- that's what this Chp should have been re-titled. A chapter of absolute nothingness -- with a little peppering of David's offensive narcissism and Theo ruining the shower by writing a depressing Ode to Divorce that was either selfish or obtuse (both?) for a 13yo City Kid. I wonder if it wasn't down right passive aggressive -- which is probably more likely for a 13yo. You know who ALSO was offensively passive aggressive? Little surprise -- David. But, that huge floral display he sends to the party (shower) was nothing more than a guy trying to get everyone to see it and talk about HIM, if you ask me. That was (1) rudely inserting himself into a place where he was not invited, (2) to steal attention from Emily, and (3) likely to get a little sympathy from the room -- blame Emily for being mean, right David? The hallmark of a narcissist -- performance. I hate David more.
                    Personal story that may have influenced my read. My brother is a narcissist (or just a super duper selfish a-hole). The distinction is one for a psychiatrist to decide. But, when my Mom got sick -- he dumped her. My Dad would ask when my near-local brother would come by: Do you want to see her? My brother's answer every time: "nah." Because seeing sick people having trouble speaking is not fun, Nancy. And, my brother does nothing unless it's fun OR there's something is in it for him. So, my Mom dies, and - at the funeral - there are TONS of flowers with cards. And, probably HALF of them were from my brother's co-workers (all the way up the corporate ladder) -- writing pretty much the same thing: "You were such a good son; I'm so sorry for your loss." They were all signed from the company -- so  I must presume he told everyone to garner sympathy and admiration from his work colleagues and bosses. Of course, he hadn't spoken to her or seen her in at least 2 years while my Dad and I were there daily. 
                        David reminds me of my brother.

WeekendReader

@JennaMark Sin & Ruin (Kindle Release)
          
          So S&R released on Kindle this morning -- and I only saw Book 1 in my library. (I pre-ordered both.) Because I'm the kind of person that ruins surprises for myself --  I jumped straight to the last chapter to see where it ends in the saga. Well...It ends RIGHT AFTER Selene catches Alaric cheating w/ her ex-friend (and father's mistress). So -- that means that we probably read most of the story of Book 2, already, too -- minus Selene deciding to come back to Alaric. It's only a duet -- and nothing has happened in Book 1, basically. So -- we've read probably 75% of Book 2, my guess. BUT -- I write to you this morning to pass on 2 things in particular:
                 1) I now see that Book 2 won't even release until 8/28. So -- it's going to be a slow release - dragged out, unfortunately.
                 2)  As for Book 1 -- You're going to be annoyed, Nancy - because there was (clearly) ZERO proof reading. ZERO. Just my skim of the very last Chp of Book 1 had a fragment -- missing the substance of the sentence -- that would have been impossible to miss if anyone proofed it. So, too, does it use wrong verbs -- the one I caught wrote that Selene "loves to the door" instead of "moves."  And, for clarity, these were caught by me in a SUPER-FAST skim read -- where 9x out of 10 I won't catch typos (because our brains provide correction subconsciously). Our brains can't fix what doesn't make sense, though, and these typos were so bad that I had to pause and re-read up and down to orient to what was missing HAD the sentence been finished -- or meant (if I corrected verbs). NOBODY would miss these types of typos if they just bothered to proof -- bearing in mind it is (also) the LAST chapter of the book!  So, God knows what the middle of this book is going to look like. 
                      Anyway - I thought of you immediately -- and thought, "Oh, Nancy is  going to just hate this." 
                     So -- head's up.

JennaMark

@WeekendReader SIN & RUIN & A LAUGH
            
            Oh, I laughed so hard. Because I just downloaded S&R an hour ago and *immediately* went to the end to see where this book ends!! We are the same!! So your message completely cracked me up! 
            
            So, I only skimmed the last chapter or so, and I did see some typos. I saw stuff that seemed different, in a worse way. I saw some stuff I cringed at (described prior violence… which I can just skim through).
            
            So, the typos throughout sound awful and so unnecessary!! Get a proofreader. Get an ARC team! 
            
            I can’t believe some of the quirks and characteristics that made Alaric so interesting have been changed. What a HUGE disappointment!
            
            Speaking of disappointment, part 2 not available until the end of August?! What the heck?? And if this book only covered to the cheating… there is A LOT to cover in book 2. Did you check that list of triggers for book 2? That seems like a lot. So, book 1 was barely a teaser and everything happens in book 2.
            
            I’m just speechless. After the wait, I thought we were getting A book, not a two-parter. And why are there so many typos in material that was already published? Plus, we’ve been told she’s a published author… why the poor quality? I’m just overall so disappointed. I’ll be interested in seeing what the reviews on Amazon and GoodReads say.
            
            I’ll probably still read it but I’m not sure whether I’ll start this weekend. Nudge me if you want me to read faster.
• Reply

WeekendReader

@jennamark - More on Sin & Ruin
            
            So - I skimmed the whole thing since I've read the book. Typos are throughout -- half finished sentences - sentences without verbs - no periods at the end of sentences, and - (twice) I found complete sections that shifted from 1st person to third person neutral narrator, etc. This was 100% not proofread. 
                    Anyway - there's no violence in this book. That's saved for the next one. But - they changed Alaric - he's no longer (from what I can see) written as being on the spectrum - I can't find the conversation w/ Cassian that described characteristics showing him struggle with emotion - they (I think) removed the first lunch of Selene's at Alaric's family where his brother and Derrick stop mid-bite realizing Alaric is falling for Selene. They also removed 1 massive chapter of Alaric's internal POV on the cheating - what he thinks is love - which he describes - and why he doesn't think he loves Selene (even though we see what he describes is what he is actually doing). Their first meeting at the restaurant feels, now, far more transactional - him just a sketchy Alpha mafia guy - immediately telling her how gorgeous she is before she even sits - while the old version was slow, restrained, with a long silence,and him saying he's surprised, w/ Selene showing insecurity, and then him saying she's beautiful. Now, he just sounds like every guy you meet in a bar. He is much more pronounced about "wife-expectation" - even in the first meeting - which was not in the first book. He is described as possessive with everything - so when the book speaks to him always holding her, it no longer comes across as anything but Alaric being possessive because it's who HE is as opposed to because of who SHE is to HIM. 
                        The book has lost its soul - and was published in a hurry, for certain. Considering how much territory has to be covered in Book 2 - unless it's DOUBLE the length of Book 1 - it's going to read like Cliff Notes. Just my $.02.
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader No Comment
          
          I’m reading a Jona story, and the betrayed wife has been dragging out the divorce for two years. He already agreed to giving her half his billion-dollar fortune and six properties. She’s a socialite with no children, married 8 years. He lost his entire family by age 19.
          
          So in the latest chapter, the scorned wife is claiming he sell something his mother left him, because she wants him to suffer.
          
          “I need you to lose something you can’t replace. … You can call it punishment. Perhaps it is. But what I want is for you to know what it feels like to not get the one thing you want. Because you never have. Not once in your life.”
          
          There’s several more paragraphs of her talking about how he needs to understand how he’s hurt her and he must pay.
          
          So I dared to comment “Unpopular opinion but she lost my sympathy in this chapter.” I called her malicious.
          
          My comments were that he already knew what it was like to not have what he wanted… he lost his entire family and was alone before age 20. And her deliberately going after the one thing she KNEW his mother left him was a textbook example of being malicious. It’s literally the definition of the word to be deliberately harmful or spiteful.
          
          Of course he’s wrong for falling in love with someone else and filing for divorce. (He stayed in their apt for months and months because the wife threatened to kill herself if he moved out. So she’s been manipulative for the 2+ years of this battle.)
          
          Needless to say, responses to my comments have gone from you’re totally wrong to call her malicious (I am not) to I am a terrible person for my take.
          
          I should know better than to comment. Clearly I was having an insane moment.
          
          Words having meaning, and I generally try to be very deliberate in my word choices. People get so caught up in sympathy, they stop reading intent. In this case, her stated intent was for him to feel pain. I didn’t read between the lines — those were her lines! 
          
          No more commenting for me!

WeekendReader

@JennaMark It's time for me to return to Jona. I'll add Chronicles of Obsession to my rotation. I find I'm hating a lot of the female protagonists lately -- to the point I'm beginning to "get" why those bullies on the WP version of S&R thought I was a sexist MALE reader. Damn - maybe I am?! lol.
                       But, I even posted negatively toward Raleigh in Abandoned the other day. I deleted 1 comment (where I was wrong on re-read) -- but I left in my original comment that questioned how come she's such a taker and not a giver -- and assumed that this is "anger" because it's, otherwise, the behavior of an unkind and selfish person who takes advantage of her position of power (with groveling Ledger). I didn't phrase it so harshly -- as I don't want to insult -- but I said it. I haven't had anyone really push back negatively (probably because GroveltoHEA has nicer readers) -- but I don't like the wronged woman taking advantage of her position just because she can. So - I'm SURE I'm going to hate the Chronicles female, too, if you do. I'm happy to hate right along with you - hahahaha.
                         Talk to you soon.
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader No Comment / The Pain of Keeping Quiet
            
            I wish you were reading this Jona story with me (it’s called Chronicles of Obsession) because I wish you could hate one of the female main characters with me, or tell me how I’m reading it all wrong.
            
            Commenters LOVE her and I think she’s a cold, manipulative, smug, self-absorbed witch. I really, really hate her. 
            
            One of the women is murdered and I am rooting so hard it’s her. I’ll jump in and do it myself, if necessary.
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader  Sorry, I mentally saved all my messages until I could type on the laptop. Didn't mean to inundate you. Respond when it's convenient and no rush or pressure!! Have a good week! 
          
          I injured my foot so it's back to the doctor this week. Now I've got an injury on my right leg and an injury on my left foot. So frustrating! Why did I not invest in Johnson & Johnson gauze years ago?! I'd be making an absolute killing right now. I could be shopping where David does!!! ;)

WeekendReader

@JennaMark  OMG - You Poor Thing!
            
            I will respond to your comments later -- but Monday is starting busy. But - I had to reach out to say that I'm sorry about your foot! AND - I didn't realize you had a leg injury, too. Right leg -- that must make driving a disaster. And, now your left foot, too, ohhhh - Nancy - I'm just sending a big hug through the internet to you, my friend. I hope you are bouncing back (literally) soon.
                     Separate short comment - Reed/Pixie -  what you reported is correct. Pixie things the ex-GF is dead -- she's not. AND, worse, G2HEA commented a couple times and indicated that Stark (1) will be a complete dick -- her characterization was that he is not "sweet at all", and (2) that it will devastate Pixie when she's dumped. So - I think we're going to hate Stark. The only thing that makes me waffle on Pixie being dumped is that the author ALSO indicated (by hint/implicatino) that Pixie will leave via one of the other guys flying her out. And, that doesn't make sense if Stark has dumped her - there's no need for her to sneak out...UNLESS Stark tells Pixie she'll be his homestead partner while he flies to Anchorage to have a relationship w/ his ex-GF. (But, that would be too stupid and cruel.) But - BOTTOM LINE - G2HEA was very clear that (1) Stark will be unkind to Pixie, and (2) the break up will be devastating to her. :-( 
                       As for Reed -- I'm bummed to hear Clementine is pregnant. He dumped her -- royally -- and listen to how he speaks when she dares to call him? Blocking her! The only reason he'll come back to her is b/c Raleigh is with Ledger. I don't like the 2 of them -- Clementine (like all women) deserve someone who respects them more than this.
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader G2H Abandoned, Stark & Pixie, Reed & ...
          
          Lately, GroveltoHEA is the only one not completely letting me down.
          
          I could not adore Pixie more! I do not know for sure, but the speculation is that Stark was involved/engaged? with another woman, and that relationship is over. Pixie took his comments to mean he LOST her like she passed away, but he did NOT mean that! So, the comments seem to indicate that the OW will come back and Stark may choose her. Him hurting Pixie when she's been so awesome is really painful. I think that story is probably going to be the worst.
          
          It seems like we're not THAT far away from Ledger and Raleigh getting back together... so I'm not sure we've got a ton of chapters left. That story does intersect also with Lupo and Skadi from Oz & Freya. So, I'm not sure if we resolve that inside Abandoned or not.
          
          Reed -- so the consensus seemed to be he becomes the H in his own book with Clementine. Sounds like he thought they were FWB and Clementine is now secretly pregnant and overheard him tell Raleigh how much he wanted to kiss her, called R Sweetheart, would wait for her, etc. etc. SO, if all that is true, Reed is going to have a serious grovel ahead of him.
          
          I just hope G2H comes through all the way on these stories. I'm very tired of writers letting the ball drop at the end. It's widespread lately between WP and KU and it's very disappointing.
          
          Maya.Alden has two new books this month, and while I was a huge / auto-buy fan, a few of her recent books have been a letdown. She is notorious lately for not having enough grovel, and I agree. No matter how deplorable, the women eventually put up with it. She's only been published for three years this year, and the books about halfway in seemed like the best. I could re-read them all the time. Lately, the books have leaned too pretentious or implausible in some way. I really hate to lose another auto-buy because I have so few left.

JennaMark

@WeekendReader @Tan_trumps  VIPER aka Viper's Regret
          
          Did you see that she published Viper on KU as Viper's Regret? Supposedly new scenes, 'stronger' characters, better setup for the next story...
          
          I downloaded it, but I just wasn't in the mood to start it. I DID search about Todd and she got rid of the attacking a plant stand scene!!! She changed it so it happened off-page with an MC member, not the main characters. I was shocked! That scene had not seemed like one of the problematic ones -- and it had reinforced the "inept Todd" persona more.
          
          Sometimes there are creative decisions that I just don't understand...
          
          Anyway, in case you check it out, I'd love to hear your feedback.

JennaMark

@WeekendReader @Tan_trumps Re S&R Kindle
            
            Thank you for your good wishes! Yes, my driving leg… it’s been awful. I appreciate the internet hug!! Anyway, I would love to read S&R together. I will close my eyes on some parts (LOL) but I really want their story! I’m very sad picturing Pixie being flown out by one of the other guys, that story is going to be brutal on the emotions!  Good luck with work!! :)
• Reply

WeekendReader

@JennaMark @Tan_Trumps Sin & Ruin Kindle Release
            
            Nancy - I have much to say about your comments on the NPLH Author -- but I only have a few minutes and will start here. I'm glad to hear S&R is being released. I'll buy it, for sure. You want to read it together? (It is violent, though.) If so -- do we want to read in bursts -- like 10 chps a pop (and then discuss) -- or the whole 2 books (and then discuss)?
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader @Tan_trumps  Sin & Ruin
            
            Almost forgot, it looks like Sin & Ruin is getting closer to release on KU! I love this for two reasons... we not only get the story, we get it All At ONCE!
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader Is it Just Me?
          
          Hey, a bunch I want to write about but sneaking in a quick note for now...
          
          Not sure if you're reading True Blue by the NPLH author, but the couple is barely into the 'had a fight/broke up/allegedly still love each other" part and the story had the FMC kiss a stranger in a bar with thoughts of recreational sex in her mind. The estranged MMC of course witnesses it.
          
          I'm such a judgmental witch because I generally do not like the FMC to mess around even during a break, IF (a) they weren't cheated on, and (b) they claim to still madly love the MMC. If you love the MMC that much, just stay faithful to that. Like I said, I'm too much of a purist. At some point, I stop rooting for the reuniting couple. I don't think you need to smex around to claim it's about personal growth.  If you need that, go for it, but you're probably not really in love. 
          
          Now part 2 of my mixed-up mind today. I just read the Epilogue for a Patreon story and the married couple broke up by about chapter 2. So, they had a LONG haul back together. The MMC groveled, changed, self-reflected, did ALL the work to get back together. I was rooting for them all the way. Well, two chapters before the end the married couple FINALLY go on a date again. Kiss at date's end. Final chapter, they say I love you and say they're reunited. Epilogues 1 and 2 years out... happy family scenes. I love you. OKAY -- Where's the smexy stuff? I want a reunited couple to show some physical reconnection. It doesn't necessarily have to be graphic, but I want to know they aren't just platonic roommates now. I absolutely HATE when we don't see the HAPPY part after 40 chapters of disconnect. Does that make sense? I feel 100% disappointed and it ruins the ride. Why do romance authors not understand this? It seems like it should be a rule written in concrete. The greater the angst throughout, the higher the need for a visible, lovely, romantic HEA.
          
          Sorry, rant over!! Hope you're having a good day!

WeekendReader

@JennaMark  True Blue & Stuff
            
            I'm still catching up -- and will get back to you soon on your comments.
            
            In the meantime, I saw our True Blue author just posted another chapter - so over people's comments. I'm behind -- and will catch up (likely?) tomorrow. But, I'm going to comment about the relationship being too imbalanced (and Teddy being a simp). I won't be mean -- but I will speak up. I suspect I'll be unpopular. (Again.)
                        Separately - I bought Sin & Ruin Books 1 and 2. It was $376 the other day - lol. I posted to WP to the author letting her know. She didn't respond -- but it dropped to $3.99 -- so I bought. If you're getting, too, as I think you said you would - we should figure out how much to read/when-- or whether we just crash and read both before we discuss.  
                        As for Abandoned -- I hope we see Raleigh/Ledger be physical and have a steamy reunion -- and the purity of Sam & Tallulah isn't repeated. Honestly, Raleigh didn't even ask Ledger about who he killed or what he did after this last trip -- so....she's fine w/ what he does. I, on the other hand, would have bombarded him with 21 questions about who, why, how (to a multiple of 10). Anyway - since she's seemingly fine w/ him being an assassin - I'm hoping she just comes one night and crawls into his bed and screws his brains out. But, if this assassin acts like a monk, I'm going to be bummed at the end of this book.
                        In addition to wanting to see a lot of smexy fun w/ Ledger and Raleigh -- do you wonder about their background? I do. She was an orphan, apparently. I thought Ledger was, too, but Raleigh had no reaction when Ledger mentioned his dad -- so she obviously knows about him (and probably knows him). 
                           It's funny that I've gotten so into these off-grid characters in AK -- and that I've bought into the romance of it all when, in reality, I'd probably pay very good money NOT to go camping or anywhere without a flushable toilet. lol
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader True Blue
            
            Author posted a message she’s taking a break due to mean comments. It’s on WP.
• Reply

JennaMark

@WeekendReader No pressure here, I understand deadlines! I saw one person comment they felt Indie went too far, and of course the rebuttals were how he deserved it, etc. Honestly, it’s as if all the readers have forgotten all the chapters when he was catering to her (literally and figuratively) and that massive surprise party, etc. Anyway, wait till you’re ready to be pounced on to state your opinion! :) :) :) Good luck with work!
• Reply

WeekendReader

@JennaMark - ITA Chp 31 - Popcorn and Power Showers
          
          I have little to say -- other than this book is just bad. Emily is pathetic -- wondering if it's a "grudge" not to invite David to a shower -- and inviting Jonah's girlfriend who excused David's cheating to Kathryn? Can this character be ANY weaker? (I think not.) I commented -- saying I was surprised Emily wasn't inviting Ava to the shower at this point.  (Insert eye roll.) And -- I find the Author's effort at cute-dialogue pretentious, grossly inauthentic, and annoying. Like, I REALLY find the dialogue close to insufferable. The "romance" with Julian? Well, it's pretty much a 1/10 on the heat meter -- and none of it is working story-wise. I have no idea why he likes her -- why he's dating this hugely pregnant woman -- or why she likes him. Do you? And, their "date" -- they're in an empty hotel with a guy  Julian hired staring at them w/ an antique popcorn machine as they watch Before Sunset? Like...just...what? (And - I thought of you and your catch of details -- but who puts artwork on the walls in a hotel that's not finished?) The only thing worth reading at this point is the comments, which are excruciatingly honest about how terrible this story has become. It's pretty overwhelming -- there is very little praise in the comments. I find myself hate-reading now, tbh -- and I think I am far from alone.

WeekendReader

@JennaMark Pixie/Stark (Chp 3) & Raleigh/Ledger
            
            Just a quick check in - I liked a few of your comments - so I saw you read both updates from GroveltoHEA.
            
            Raleigh/Ledger: Do you wonder as I why she hasn't sat him down and said: "I don't know if I can be with you romantically - ever again - and we can start as friends, but it's going to take a long time of you backing off"?  I worry we're rolling into a long period of celibacy and NO COMMUNICATION until Raleigh says something a la Sam/Tally. The hair brushing was sweet - but it might as well been an episode of the Waltons. Low-heat.
            
            Pixie/Stark - I just loved Chp 3. I loved finding out Stark (as I suspected) was attracted to her immediately - which is why he was particularly gruff in that airport. I love that he loves how she gave him hell right away - and I love that he's been keeping his attraction to himself. (Well...you can't tell me he didn't hope to be admired by shedding that shirt - but how adorable is that?) And - I loved how Pixie was a modern woman, and - like - "I SO want you right now" - lol. I really like them. BUT, it's hard to read because you know Stark is going to break her heart. So, my questions to you:
                1) Stark is attracted to Pixie and views her as the perfect off-grid partner -- so win/win. And, in all fairness to Stark - it's not wrong of him to view Pixie like a friend with benefits. She is. My question to you - do you think Stark will fall in love w/ time and just not realize it? Like, does this mean Stark will always view Pixie in this box (as a Partner who he is friends with and attracted to physically - but nothing more) until it's too late? (2) If so, does that mean the return of the Ex-GF in Feb. will be WHY Stark dumps Pixie so readily since he doesn't realize his feelings for Pixie? 
                   I picture him telling Pixie "I never said I love you" - and being heartless in their fight/break-up - w/ him maybe flying back to Anchorage (to meet his ex) - and returning to Pixie gone.
• Reply

WeekendReader

@JennaMark 7DIM & Airports
            
            Here's the thing we can learn from V. Rabel and David -- if your man buys you (an adult woman) something in an airport gift shop -- trouble is brewing. Airport gift shops are for gifts for children (or the random person who collects magnet or shot glasses w/ names of cities on it). Otherwise...it speaks of trouble. lol
• Reply

WeekendReader

this message may be offensive 
@JennaMark  ITA - Caught up through 32 -- and I'm as Annoyed as Ever
            
            David just sucks. Let's start there.
            1) As you pointed out - his birthday dream is of Emily telling him it's OK that he's sleeping with Ava. And, the fact of the matter is that it reveals that his birthday dream is STILL of Ava. Give me a break.
            2) To your added point - why can't David drive to pick up his kids -- and why does he need his Mommy when he's in his 40's and worth millions (so, if he's just a shit father & too lazy to drive - he can send a car)?
            3) Ava dropping off a gift -- just...why? I guess to show David's not taking the bait? But, I blame David for moving into HER neighborhood (ish). You can confirm how close -- but it's a hell of a lot closer than Emily.
            4) That brings me to the most passive aggressive, manipulative conversation ever - David walking in and ambushing Emily in her home. WTF was that? Finally, Emily sorta spoke up. But, how dare he -- on all of it! All I see is a man who is LONELY -- and jealous. I see NOTHING that really relates to Emily.
                The fact he had the BALLS to basically say "hey, I thought not fighting you in the divorce, and moving an hour away, and not groveling (ever) would tell you I may WANT to be re-married some day" -- infuriated me. Are you kidding?
                 And, why in the world would he expect to be invited to the shower -- the cheating husband who also got his mistress pregnant (first, no less)?  
                 Me, me, me. None of this speaks of a man in love -- none of it speaks of a man who wants his relationship WITH Emily back -- none of it speaks to wanting HER back. No -- it speaks of a lonely, depressed guy -- who is jealous his ex-wife moved on.
                     And, for that reason, NONE of this seems autobiographical. ALL of this comes across as performative, poorly structured, and unbelievable (for a reconciled couple). This author can write the voice of the Mistress beautifully -- but not of the wife whose husband loved her and earned his way back.
• Reply

WeekendReader

@jennamark - 3 Versions of ITA -- and Pixie
          
          Did you see the 2 uploads of ITA today that were still just Chp 30? People in the comments said there had been different versions than the 1st one posted awhile back -- and they were saying one had a version with a letter where David says he missed Ava -- and that she'd moved to London while still working for his firm (and, no- I don't think it was sarcasm) -- and another Reader said one version was in the future -- with the baby already born (with David wondering if the baby was sleeping on Emily's chest). Did you catch any of that? I don't know what's true.
               Separately - I am now reading Stark and Pixie and ADORE Pixie. But, it sounds like from the comments in Abandoned that she is going to fall for that a-hole Stark (he was just atrocious at first introduction - I don't care if they're not sleeping together - he was awful) -- but, apparently, he's going to dump Pixie in spades for his ex-GF who returns, and it will break Pixie's heart. I worry that Stark will only miss Pixie because she's a rough/tumble girl who cooks well off grid-- NOT because he loves her. So, that redemption will have to leap over my cold, cynical heart, I suspect, Nancy. 
                     As a bit of a spoiler - well, not really -- G2H gave a clue - noting all 4 of Stark's buddies all have their own runways by their neighboring cabins. So - readers think 1 of them will fly back Stark's ex-GF because they know Stark will take her back -- and it might be done so that 1 of THEM can take Pixie! If that's the case -- I'm rooting for the guy who comes up w/ that romantic gesture to get Pixie over the burly man who can't even provide the courtesy of carrying a woman's luggage. (You suck, Stark.) 
                   Thoughts?

WeekendReader

@JennaMark  ABANDONED ...and PIXIE/STARK ...Theories
            
            1st - I LOVED your comments on ITA. I laughed when you pointed out that David's favorite memory of Emily is her asleep -hahahahah - OMG -you're so right! 
                   Thank God for GTH - who is kicking ass w/ Abandoned and Stark/Pixie. 1st - I didn't know about Lupo or the secret society. Thx! 2nd - GTH said in a comment that Ledger is 100% being redeemed - and that he expected to be gone for a shorter period of time AND "will be" suffering big time looking for Raleigh. As for Stark/Pixie - she said Stark brutally breaks Pixie's heart AND that one of the guys flies her out of Stark's home. So - here are my theories!
                     Abandoned: I think Ledger legit fell in love w/ Raleigh. But, he knew HEA and assassins don't go hand-in-hand - which is why he was away (and started "training" her) almost right after the engagement - he was planning a break. I ALSO think Raleigh's boss is part of Ledger's group. (Hospice care to hide murdered bodies?) I do NOT think it was a coincidence that Raleigh was assigned right next door to Ledger - I think she wanted Raleigh to break up. And, that night, Ledger says they are going to AK next week. I think Ledger planned to take them off-grid to escape. I think he's been looking for her since.
                        Stark/Pixie - WILD THEORY - I think Pixie was NOT what Stark wanted (in a good way). He only got her photo right before the airport. I think she was NOT what he wanted - a sturdy woman who cuts wood who he hopes to have a partnership with - BECAUSE (romantic note) he was immediately attracted to her. :-) The grumpy part was him frustrated that she's adorable and pretty - and the kind of woman that can screw w/ his emotions. (I think.) Pixie will think he's a liar when the Ex-GF shows up - maybe Stark tells Pixie "you were not what I expected" (not realizing it's like Sam calling Tally pretty - a compliment) - and neither will admit how they feel. Pixie will leave for Anchorage b/c of it.
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JennaMark

@WeekendReader Re: 3 Versions of ITA
            
            What??!! No, I did not see an alternate version of ITA and I'm shocked by some of the comments about what it said.
            
            I'm not surprised in the least that David would be saying he missed Ava. That's a given! He is still not over her, at all. He may not have been "in love with her" but he sure had passionate feelings for her. He's been a boring, pretentious slug since he walked away from her.
            
            I found it hysterically funny that the therapist asked what he missed about Emily and he answer was when she fell asleep watching movies.
            
            His favorite memory is when she is NOT EVEN AWAKE!
            
            She's not talking to him or sexing with him, she's snoring on his shoulder and he thinks that's a memorable moment in their relationship??!! Their relationship was literally a SNORE FEST.
            
            And the singing off-key. GAH -- does he have ANY positive memories of her AT ALL????? 
            
            All these scenes of him being such a whining pussy are crazy. Gosh. GroveltoHEA would have had the guy painting and setting up the baby nursery, buying a million boxes of diapers and clothes in every size, carrying the baby scans everywhere, etc., and this has David sitting on his butt getting drunk yet again. As we've said, he's done NOTHING -- NOTHING -- to try and grovel or even HELP. Seriously, who did the nursery stuff? 
            
            And the text with his son... why does the CHILD have to remind the DAD? What a worthless POS father he is.
            
            It kills me that we've been dragged along through this story since NOVEMBER and we are Nowhere. Nowhere! No remorse, no grovel, no action. Nothing but missed plot opportunities. And the people telling L she's great are so full of it, they're NOT helping her or us.
            
            STARK -- Yeah, the not carrying the luggage and speaking to her so rudely... a lot will need to happen in that story for sure. Right now, I'd have Pixie with the others. Maybe ALL of the others!!! LOLOLOL
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WeekendReader

@JennaMark - ITA and Abandoned
          
          I responded to your comment on T's page.  I really don't think David loves Emily -- Chp 30 had him admit that (1) he still doesn't know what he wants, and (2) he doesn't know if he chose his career, Emily, and the Kids -- or it's just what you do. And - as I mentioned on T's page - did you notice what a shitty father he STILL is?
          
          Since we were on T's page, I passed on a note in case she returns to WP. I am going to otherwise post here since I feel T is taking a break -- and I don't know how often posting on her page is the right thing to do? 
          
          Turning back to books --"Abandoned" -- have you started reading this story????

JennaMark

@WeekendReader Re: Abandoned & True Blue
            
            I'm SO sorry -- I just got your messages TODAY! I truly dislike WP at times!!!
            
            So, True Blue -- I'm liking it very much. The author is gung-ho on making Teddy earn his HEA with Indie, and I appreciate that she's always up front and honest in her intentions.
            
            Teddy's meltdown with his family was so Epic -- I loved it. It did not disappoint. It was too late, of course, but at least it finally happened. I'm glad the cousin posted it online, I hope Indie sees it at some point.
            
            I look forward to new chapters... one of the only non-G2H stories I'm truly enjoying. But that's on me.
            
            Meanwhile... Abandoned and the interconnected Stark and Pixie. Love, love, love Pixie and I fear Stark WILL go back to the ex-gf and break his heart. Normally the G2H rule is if the guy's name is on the cover, he's the H. So as much as I wish Pixie would run off with one of the others, it's probably not going to happen. I hope Stark's grovel will then be EPIC.
            
            Abandoned -- what a story. And I love how she keeps things moving! No filler or fluff! Not sure you're aware, but Ledger is also connected to Lupo, a character named in Oz & Freya. Lupo is also part of Ledger's secret org. He does apparently get a happy ending, so it's possible Ledger gets one too??? Not sure!!! His name is NOT on the cover, but I think G2H is leaning towards redeeming him. How on earth that is possible is beyond me. And if he's an assassin... hmmm... And yes, I think the hints have equaled hit man. I don't know why he left her in Alaska, because even though he did some minimal training with her, there's simply no way to account for all that can go wrong out in nature.
            
            Anyway, I love Raleigh and Pixie together, their chapters have been great.
            
            I'm both vested and skeptical of all of them at this point.
            
            (I'm not going to proof this, please excuse typos. Thanks!)
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WeekendReader

@JennaMark - Abandoned & True Blue
            
            I'm caught up on True Blue -- although I skim read some -- and will need to return. I like it -- and I like them. His mother is a very miserable woman.
            
            Abandoned -- ok -- I see you're reading, catching you in the comments. You will have to tell me who you think Ledger is that he'd abandon Raleigh w/out a note IF, in fact, he loves her. (Which - within the context of this author - I assume will end up being the case.) Did he lose his job and become a crazy survivalist -- or is he a hit man? And...WHY not leave a note????
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