laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
MacNamara's Woman
3 Stars
Unfortunately, this second book isn't as engaging as the first in the series.
CJ and Tamara's romance is totally uninspired mainly due to the fact that they are unconvincing as a couple. CJ is actually quite beta, which is strange considering he is a former marine, and his hero-in-pursuit is overdone. Tamara is overly angsty (not surprising considering her extreme PTSD), but she is also quite cold and unemotional. They have very little chemistry and their connection feels forced.
The suspense plot is mundane and predictable. The identity of the culprit is painfully obvious as there are literally no other suspects to choose from.
It is also disappointing that there are no updates on the characters from the previous book and only a minor cameo by CJ's brother. Hopefully, Brandon's book will be better.
3 Stars
Unfortunately, this second book isn't as engaging as the first in the series.
CJ and Tamara's romance is totally uninspired mainly due to the fact that they are unconvincing as a couple. CJ is actually quite beta, which is strange considering he is a former marine, and his hero-in-pursuit is overdone. Tamara is overly angsty (not surprising considering her extreme PTSD), but she is also quite cold and unemotional. They have very little chemistry and their connection feels forced.
The suspense plot is mundane and predictable. The identity of the culprit is painfully obvious as there are literally no other suspects to choose from.
It is also disappointing that there are no updates on the characters from the previous book and only a minor cameo by CJ's brother. Hopefully, Brandon's book will be better.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
Maggie's Man
4.5 Stars
This is one of Lisa Gardner's earlier romantic suspense works before she began writing more mystery/thriller type books. The trademarks of Gardiner's gripping plots and skilled characterization, nevertheless, shine through.
The suspense plot is reminiscent of Judith McNaught's [b:Perfect|129617|Perfect (Second Opportunities, #2)|Judith McNaught|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403442859l/129617._SY75_.jpg|1391556] revolving around an escaped convict, Cain Cannon, and his hostage, Maggie Ferringer. Determined to clear his name, Cain's actions are morally questionable at times, yet he has his own ingrained code of honor. Maggie is a sweet heroine whose naivete is endearing even if she has one or two TSTL moments.
Maggie and Cain have intense chemistry and their romance is believable despite their short acquaintance and the Stockholm Syndrome potential of their circumstances.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed and entertaining read. I look forward to reading C.J.'s book next.
4.5 Stars
This is one of Lisa Gardner's earlier romantic suspense works before she began writing more mystery/thriller type books. The trademarks of Gardiner's gripping plots and skilled characterization, nevertheless, shine through.
The suspense plot is reminiscent of Judith McNaught's [b:Perfect|129617|Perfect (Second Opportunities, #2)|Judith McNaught|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403442859l/129617._SY75_.jpg|1391556] revolving around an escaped convict, Cain Cannon, and his hostage, Maggie Ferringer. Determined to clear his name, Cain's actions are morally questionable at times, yet he has his own ingrained code of honor. Maggie is a sweet heroine whose naivete is endearing even if she has one or two TSTL moments.
Maggie and Cain have intense chemistry and their romance is believable despite their short acquaintance and the Stockholm Syndrome potential of their circumstances.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed and entertaining read. I look forward to reading C.J.'s book next.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Listened for Review (Brilliance)
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: I liked Maggie's Man more than I thought would and now need the rest of the series!
Story Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Lisa Gardner but not always a fan of escaped convicts do good type of stories. To say that I was torn on whether to give this one a whirl was an understatement. However, Lisa (or Alicia) did this story right. Yes there was a little bit of insta-love that had me rolling my eyes a bit but overall this was a true cat/mouse/cat game of who done it/how to prove it/how not to get caught. I thought the action was really well paced and the storyline moved along nicely. The ends were tied up but you were left wondering about Maggie's brothers and their books are coming. This was a strong beginning to a series.
Character Thoughts: I loved Maggie! She was such a unusual leading lady: frumpy, unassuming, and a bit of wallflower. She had spunk but it had to be pulled out. Though when her temper flared was when she was at her best. Overall, she is going to go down as one of my favorite leading ladies because she could be 1/2 dozen women that I actually know. I also really liked Cain. He wanted to do the right thing but knew there were some things he was going to have to do in order to accomplish his goal. He was a thinking man, strategic man, and his emotions were not over the top. I really liked this different alpha hero because there are not too many like him out there. They were a great couple. Maggie's brothers were fantastic too and I can't wait for their books!
Audio Thoughts:
Kate Rudd does an excellent job with Cain and Maggie's voice. Her pacing, emotion, and cadence were pretty spot on as well. I wasn't a huge fan of CJ's voice (one of Maggie's brothers) so I am not sure I will listen to the next one on audio as that is his book. I could get used to it but he wasn't in this enough for me to tell.
Final Thoughts: Maggie's Man was an unexpected delight for me and I love those!
Overall Rating 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
Audio Rating: 3.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: I liked Maggie's Man more than I thought would and now need the rest of the series!
Story Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Lisa Gardner but not always a fan of escaped convicts do good type of stories. To say that I was torn on whether to give this one a whirl was an understatement. However, Lisa (or Alicia) did this story right. Yes there was a little bit of insta-love that had me rolling my eyes a bit but overall this was a true cat/mouse/cat game of who done it/how to prove it/how not to get caught. I thought the action was really well paced and the storyline moved along nicely. The ends were tied up but you were left wondering about Maggie's brothers and their books are coming. This was a strong beginning to a series.
Character Thoughts: I loved Maggie! She was such a unusual leading lady: frumpy, unassuming, and a bit of wallflower. She had spunk but it had to be pulled out. Though when her temper flared was when she was at her best. Overall, she is going to go down as one of my favorite leading ladies because she could be 1/2 dozen women that I actually know. I also really liked Cain. He wanted to do the right thing but knew there were some things he was going to have to do in order to accomplish his goal. He was a thinking man, strategic man, and his emotions were not over the top. I really liked this different alpha hero because there are not too many like him out there. They were a great couple. Maggie's brothers were fantastic too and I can't wait for their books!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Kate Rudd /Length 8 hrs and 21 mins
Kate Rudd does an excellent job with Cain and Maggie's voice. Her pacing, emotion, and cadence were pretty spot on as well. I wasn't a huge fan of CJ's voice (one of Maggie's brothers) so I am not sure I will listen to the next one on audio as that is his book. I could get used to it but he wasn't in this enough for me to tell.
Final Thoughts: Maggie's Man was an unexpected delight for me and I love those!
jasmyn9's review against another edition
3.0
Unfortunately I didn't connect well with Maggie - she was far, far too "good". Constantly lecturing Cain (the escaped murderer) about morals and how he should treat people, there were times I wished she would do something mean or wrong just to make her more human. Cain on the other hand, was the perfect tortured hero, falsely accused and wanting to make things right, knowing that it might mean hurting people to get it done.
Cain's part of the story was great. I loved his character as well as his backstory. They both combined to lead him down the path he is on, taking Maggie along with him for the ride. I was surprised at how quickly they fell for each other, and sometimes it seemed like they both forgot Maggie was a hostage. I think a little more realistic heroine would have made this book fantastic.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-maggies-man-by-alicia-scott.html#sthash.c6XwqrLf.dpuf
Cain's part of the story was great. I loved his character as well as his backstory. They both combined to lead him down the path he is on, taking Maggie along with him for the ride. I was surprised at how quickly they fell for each other, and sometimes it seemed like they both forgot Maggie was a hostage. I think a little more realistic heroine would have made this book fantastic.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-maggies-man-by-alicia-scott.html#sthash.c6XwqrLf.dpuf
kingfan30's review against another edition
2.0
I admit I picked up this book for the author, even though written under a different name, as I've previously enjoyed some of her other books. This just didn't work for me though, there were plot holes (how can you drive whilst handcuffed to someone?) and it was all just a bit sickly sweet for my liking. On the plus side it was a short story that didn't take long to read. I think I'll be sticking to Lisa Gardner as Lisa Gardner in future.
nogenreleftbehind's review against another edition
3.0
Unfortunately I didn't connect well with Maggie - she was far, far too "good". Constantly lecturing Cain (the escaped murderer) about morals and how he should treat people, there were times I wished she would do something mean or wrong just to make her more human. Cain on the other hand, was the perfect tortured hero, falsely accused and wanting to make things right, knowing that it might mean hurting people to get it done.
Cain's part of the story was great. I loved his character as well as his backstory. They both combined to lead him down the path he is on, taking Maggie along with him for the ride. I was surprised at how quickly they fell for each other, and sometimes it seemed like they both forgot Maggie was a hostage. I think a little more realistic heroine would have made this book fantastic.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-maggies-man-by-alicia-scott.html#sthash.c6XwqrLf.dpuf
Cain's part of the story was great. I loved his character as well as his backstory. They both combined to lead him down the path he is on, taking Maggie along with him for the ride. I was surprised at how quickly they fell for each other, and sometimes it seemed like they both forgot Maggie was a hostage. I think a little more realistic heroine would have made this book fantastic.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-maggies-man-by-alicia-scott.html#sthash.c6XwqrLf.dpuf
jennifaye's review against another edition
5.0
I love the way the author wrote this book. There was drama, action, humor, as well as some romance. It was the perfect book to read on vacation!
whatfionareads's review against another edition
2.0
I was extremely disappointed in this book, being a massive fan of Lisa Gardner (when she writes under her own name, and not the pseudonym). It was just all very twee and obvious. I really had to struggle through until the end.
If you like Lisa Gardner, prepare yourself for this being nothing like her “normal” style of writing.
If you like Lisa Gardner, prepare yourself for this being nothing like her “normal” style of writing.