Reviews

Frog by Mary Calmes

kippins's review against another edition

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4.0

A really good romance though there were one or two times that I thought Weber was a bit too goodie two shoes. Will definitely read more by this author.

msshelleyh's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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

3.75

covert_knits's review

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funny hopeful fast-paced

4.75

karen_28's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

ravenk28's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I couldn’t stop smiling while reading this. It was one of those lighthearted reads that left you wanting more. 

I’m glad that this book was set up in a way that we only got to see snippets of their love throughout the three years. Because for me it made the book feel more raw and real. 

I also loved how Web was with the children. It was so amazing to see such a beautiful relationship form so quickly. 

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kindlemmromancereader's review

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5.0

I read this book in March of 2022.

I love a good opposites attract love story.

“Frog” by Mary Calmes is a heartwarming romance between rodeo cowboy Weber and neurosurgeon Cyrus. Weber is the sweetest guy. Everyone who comes into contact with him adores him. Cyrus loses his icy exterior when in Weber’s company.

The two meet while Cyrus is on vacation with friends. Weber doesn’t believe he is enough and/or worthy of Cyrus, so they have a physical relationship whenever they are in the same town.

Years later, Weber finds himself in Cyrus’s hometown at the same time that Cyrus’s sister is going through a family crisis. The longer Weber stays with Cyrus and his family, the more he comes to realize how valuable he is - just by being himself. It’s a very sweet romantic tale of two men putting aside their doubts to obtain the relationship they both want and deserve.

leventt's review

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4.0

I wish we heard more of their past adventures together, this story, just like the one in the beginning, could have benefitted greatly from more flashbacks revealing emotional history or pivotal decisions which could further develop the characters.
The cowboy's internal monologue fixates on the same few themes, making him feel repetitive. Similarly, the doc's overly pragmatic stance rarely shifts, which hinders his growth. A few plot points that pushed these characters beyond their comfort zones would have fostered more nuanced development.
This is my second book by Calmes, and unfortunately, I encountered the same rushed relationship development as in "Marshals." In both stories, the characters leap from casual interactions to profound bonds without sufficient buildup. While this book at least acknowledges a pre-existing history, it still left me desiring more insight into how exactly the relationship evolved.

a_reader_obsessed's review

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4.0

Ok I know I'm a little late to this Mary Calmes party and there isn't much I can add to this fan favorite.

I really, really liked this. It totally hit my angst buttons of want, desire, insecurity and doubt. I also admit that though not much happens, I was perfectly ok with that. As I've said about past Calmes books, I appreciate stories depicting couples in their every day lives - it must be my love of epilogues because it was so enjoyable watching these two care for each other despite Weber's stubbornness.

How do two individuals reconcile their very disparate lives? Their relationship over the years was tender and heartbreaking. It killed me how much Weber loved Cyrus but would not allow himself to have him, thinking his blue collar, cowboy roots would never measure up. And I felt for Cyrus, pining away for every scrap Weber would deign to give of himself.

This was hot and full of emotions - I'm seriously basking in the joy of this story!

writtenechoes's review against another edition

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4.0

Me loving a romance between a cowboy and a city boy? SHOCKING

endemictoearth's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

I read this on hoopla and then went straight to buy my own ebook for re-reading, and then just fully re-read it.

This is a simple fairytale-esque novella about Weber, a drifter who is running out of road and ends up exactly where he needs to be. He's a self-effacing 'aw shucks ma'am 't'weren't nothin' type of guy (except in the bedroom with Cyrus) who charms everyone, even the fellow who is vying for Cyrus's attentions at the family gathering.

Because it's so over the top and 'waves crashing on a shore while the soundtrack crescendos with tremolo' swoony, I could overlook anything that seemed unrealistic. Bc that's clearly not what was the aim here. The aim was Big Declarative Statements of LOVE and Fidelity and Home is Person not a Place and it GOT me, okay? I was gotten.

I'll probably cave and buy the audiobook soon, too.