Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Contain spoilers, ranting, unfiltered and unapologetic… I struggled to finish the book and find the angst just overdone and the male lead (sorry, I just cannot call him hero) beyond cruel and actions inexcusable. He was just so hateful, his contempt for the heroine just mind-blowing. And unnecessary. How many times will the excuse of “I was a stupid kid” be used? This kind, love-sick girl stuck by him for a decade, ever after him rejecting her in favor of her friend. And he did it in such a mocking, hurtful way, I was just cringing in pity for her. But still she remained a constant in Shane’s life even when he married and lost his wife. Still, Kate stood by him. Ahh, unrequited love. No matter him degrading her, making her feel like his pity screw and stand in for late wife. I know he didn’t truly mean those hurtful words, it was only to deflect from his own pain. But still, I wanted to punch him! I did hope I would change my mind and like Shane more by the end but sadly no. Not impressed, because honestly, his harsh treatment of Kate? Any other woman would have walked away sooner. Giving him the bird while at it. The guy truly was an A-hole as some reviewers has stated. Of epic proportions. Redeemable? Depends on the readers I guess. Me, thumbs down. Many reviewers admired Kate’s character, I did somewhat until I grew tire of her crying and being a doormat. (Sorry authors, I will never find that appealing). I wanted her to grow a backbone and smack Shane whenever he spits nasty words out at her. Like REALLY, REALLY hard. And a good, strong kick to his family jewels wouldn’t hurt too. Kate was just too forgiving. She sacrificed her own personal life to help care for Shane and his children after his wife’s death. To only get verbally attacked and dismissed. For him to continue lashing out at her….treating her with such disdain when all she does is offer her help. I don’t get it. Even knowing how she feels about him and while she’s carrying his child? It’s so damn perplexing, I mean is that how you show gratitude to someone who’ve put their life on hold to help you out? I just cannot stand the emotional distress Kate had to suffer due to his own guilt and denial of his feelings. And really, the disparaging and vile remarks? Literally had me punching the wall. And glaring at my poor puppy. I would have a hard time forgiving someone who treated me like the stains on the bottom of his shoes. ******SPOILER**** The hospital scene was utterly heart-breaking. When Shane missed his own child’s birth, because he wanted to teach Kate a lesson….really how do you make up for that. The poor woman was sobbing and calling out for him while in labor. While he was elsewhere being a miserable angry fool. At least he grew some balls and went after her when he finally got his head out of his ass. It took that pivotal moment after her delivering his child for him see what a truly wonderful and selfless woman she is. And the real soul-mate he’s denied and overlooked for years. Nice that he finally came to his senses. And not just because Bram knocked it into him. But his remorse came a little too late for me. I was fuming, I honestly wanted to rip him a new one for what he put Kate through. When she finally gives it to him good, I clapped my hands. Though I still think she should have held out longer. Like Bram suggested (He rocks, I love him). Afterwards, Shane did try to change his ways and worked to earn back her trust and forgiveness. But by then it was just difficult for me to root for the guy. I’ve past my forgiving meter with him. The way he eviscerated her heart, destroyed her self-worth, any sane woman would have bowed out already. Sorry just MO. Anyways, I’m relived I finished the book, it’s definitely one of those tearjerkers type. Some will like it, others might not. If only Kate was stronger, just not accept everything Shane dishes out. The woman was practically a saint, doesn’t hold a grudge. Would have been nice for her to show some pride and not let the guy treat her like crap. Doesn't matter that's he’s hurting and she’s the perfect target for his misery. Can we please stop excusing these men’s behaviors and say “I hate that he did that, but oh…wait, it’s okay, I understand. He’s had a rough childhood. He lost his wife, etc”. No, it’s not okay. Life IS rough, it can be full of atrocities and hardship, doesn’t give someone the right to treat another so horribly. I strongly believe in karma. So yea, just fair warning for those who dislike extreme jackass and doormat heroines. This book is the epitome of it. But if you’re a fan of the author and enjoy these storylines, I’m sure you’ll love it regardless. Me, I’ve just never been good at glossing over how despicably the heroines are treated. I just don’t forgive and forget that easily. Doesn’t matter how hot the hero and tragic his past. Some things can’t be undone and unsaid. Shane got off easy, he should have groveled sooner, preferably on his bloody knees.