Pulse - Part Four By Deborah Bladon

I continue to have a love/hate relationship with Deborah Bladon's novels. I felt like we were on a continuous loop to no where and while I like the transition at the end it still left me feeling incomplete because nothing has really been solved. We are sorting through the blow back of Drew and Nathan's bet and for the first time, Nathan doesn't have a plausible excuse. He's just plain wrong.

If you are promised and ending, it would be nice to actually get an ending. This is a cliffhanger and nothing about it is conclusive but I was left interested in the continuation and the preview of her upcoming novel.

A few lame and unimaginative plot twist were revealed which left Rebecca looking like a bigger douche and the unnecessary pawn that is Bryce finally finding his place in all this crazy. I still don't know his purpose o.O

I don't trust any of the characters, except for maybe Bryce and I believe all of them need a personality overhaul. Every one has their issues but the connections are so blatantly obvious and basic that it says a lot about Cassie because she's the only one unable to make said connections. Maybe it's the kids, they do take up a chunk of time.

I still don't know much about Jessica and Nathan but maybe with the next novel we might get some insight. I did learn a few things though and at this stage, while I shouldn't be, I was shocked by some admissions and aspirations but overall this story was slow and plain. We accomplished nothing of relevance.

Jessica's reluctance was a nice change and even her desire to sate her sexual needs could be excused because why mess with it if it isn't broken? Good sex is hard to find!

Nathan and Drew's complete 360 is what puzzles me though, especially Drew's. When did it happen and why? Nathan is still a tool occasionally but at least you saw him adjusting to make space for Jess. Last time I saw Drew, he was being the menace he is and then couple chapters later he's quoting Revelation? Maybe it's just me but I don't like to move through stories blind and I felt like I wore tinted shades for most of this installment.

The sex was talkative but I find that I didn't mind because they had some of their best conversations then and it wasn't overpowering nor did it distract from the sex itself. It remains basic sex but it seems to be the only time they can truly work out their mess.

In the end, we didn't accomplish much from this installment. It held good banter between Jessica and Nathan; showed a changed Drew and gave us answers to a lot of our lingering questions but we were still left with even more questions and no solid conclusions. I will always read Deborah Bladon's novels but I won't ever be able to fully understand them because they are never resolved. It's an endless loop, almost like your going to be living the day to day lives of the characters without an end in sight.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22397761-pulse---part-four

Pulse - Part Three By Deborah Bladon

If you have read Pulse 1 and 2 then you have read 3. I was not surprised by anything in this novella and I already guessed the end from the beginning. I find myself annoyed and unimpressed with Deborah's leading men and Nathan is no different. He is a douche and Drew is bitter. Jessica is so full of bad luck that she happens to find two of the worse men in Manhattan to mess around with. Also, what happened to Jake?

This novella, naturally, is a short one but I was actually interested in the story and it's direction until I got to the end that emulates all the ones before and that's with Nathan putting his feet in his mouth once again. How many times can your trust be broken before there is none left? That should probably be the blurb for this entire series and 99¢ or not, no one really wants to stop just when things hit the fan again, except for me of course because I am just over these two and want theirs to end so Deborah can start on her next novella series.

The thing with this story is not that I hate it; I actually like the fact that Jessica occasionally stands up for herself and that she takes what she wants without succumbing to Nathan's charms with a not so solid explanation. I have always felt that the women in 'Pulse' and 'Obsessed' deserved better men. Jax redeemed himself in 'More Obsessed' but Nathan just get's on my nerves especially with his weak explanations!

We continue to skim the personal elements in exchange for the deceit and sex. The sex isn't that marvelous but the sex talk and sometimes the conversation leading up to the sex are funny. Yes, funny. I think they have an easy banter and relationship that makes for a good fuck buddy but when it comes to tossing around the 'L' word, I don't believe it.

Rebecca is an odd character and I don't know what her issues are this go, while Bryce confuses me because I really don't see his need in this series and I am able to pick apart all these small things because while it is fast paced, chuck full of sex and confrontations, that's all it is. There is no personal element for me to connect with any of the characters and then it ends just as the next screw up arrives.

I think this is another basic Deborah Bladon story line that gets you interested and drops you in the end so I already expect most of what happens because there is a trend in all her novellas that don't get me excited any more. I will read them, because they are good but my excitement level isn't high because I already know the progression and ending and this isn't me being a cynical romance reader.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22397757-pulse---part-three

Still Obsessed By Deborah Bladon

The gangs all back and guess what? ... They haven't changed a bit. Mark is still breaking the law, which unfortunately catches up to him this time; Liz is still shunning Brighton and getting in trouble with Mark; Jax is still a douche and Ivy is constantly floating between the Ivy of book 1 and 3. At least Nathan seemed to have moved on but that's not really confirmed.

I'm the first to say that I don't really hate this series but I hate how it progresses and the endings are usually crap. Each installment always feel unfinished and usually are. This time however, we get an epilogue that did NOTHING for us as readers and a following page to notify us that there will be more, in the format of a special holiday release but here comes to the catch ... you have to subscribe to Deborah Bladon's mailing list.! I would have subscribed anyways, because there is a few novellas that pique my interest but don't force me with a promise of more, from a story that I am interested in.

The issues of this novel are tantamount but they are fleeting as we spend the time with Jax and Ivy having sex to answer every problem that arise. The one time they didn't, I actually liked it because Jax was drunk and saying things that can get him stabbed and Ivy finally put him in his place in the morning, after vomiting out her weak guts in the night.

A lot of major plot changes were thrown in so give thanks that we weren't on a merry go round but not enough depth was given due to the length. I once again believe that at least a 200 page novel is needed to fully tell Jax and Ivy's story and help them through a 1/4 of their issues.

I like that Jax was still a snake and often times resentful because it made this story real. I therefore hate that when we got down to the major changes in their lives we weren't given the opportunity to celebrate and share with them. We didn't even get to meet Jackson :(

I'm glad we spent some time with Mrs. Adams and I am sorry that we never got to have a talk with Mark. Irrespective of this novella being just as brief and fleeting as the others before, there were a lot of changes and issues that covered each chapter as we went. I found myself liking Jax more and coming to grips with them as a couple. Some things fell in place while so much more was left unsaid and unresolved. In the end, I could still do with a good lengthy novel on these two but as is this was a good update installation and I subscribed for the holidays edition because I mostly wanna meet Jackson and see what trouble Jax is currently getting into.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22400055-still-obsessed

Pulse - Part Two By Deborah Bladon

Here we go again! If it's one thing I can count on with a novel by Deborah Bladon is to have a disconnected alpha male hero and a cliffhanger that has you wanting the next book without being 100% invested in the last story.

I don't know where we are going or the point to this all, if it's to show that it's a bad idea to start serious relationships with people we meet in clubs, or that those same people can be conniving liars. Nathan forever looks like a philandering douche and I am also starting to wonder if Jessica is as strong minded as I originally thought. When the blurb said their past would be interrupting their future I never expected their couple weeks ago past. I was actually looking for something along the lines of before they met. They have yet to even sort out their present and put a stamp on what it is or will be going.

If Ms. Bladon is planning to create a relationship with Nathan and Jessica then I suggest she starts painting a better picture with volume 3 because right now it isn't looking so good on him.

Even though I expected it, I am still over the short story, cliffhanger endings. Other than an unexpected visitor with quite the wrench, I got nothing than I didn't already know, which once again begs the question of where is this story going?

Unfortunately, I am now even more cemented in my previous thought that Jess can do better! This is too much work for the beginning of any relationship and what's up with the M.I.A when in Boston? Do you not own a phone? Does Boston not own a cell tower? I wouldn't be surprised if this man was married with the 2.0 picket fence and a mini van. I just don't trust him and the readers and Jess don't know him either.

Maybe it's on purpose but Deborah has the worse male heroes. They are always sly, untrustworthy, neck deep in secrets and so intense that you can finish the series without knowing them personally. I know Nathan because he is the lead male, anything else is loss to me. We are now through two volumes and I still only know the same amount of information from book 1.

Growth is slow in this series and it's the same back and forth with a little of Jessica's past in the mix. I see where there is currently plans for 4 books and while I have no problem with novellas I still need something more as I go.

On the bright side, I like the scene transitions. It might get a little confusing and throw you off at times but I actually liked the pace and that we didn't have time to pick over every single detail. We don't know where we would land with the next chapter and I liked that unknown. The down side is that the content seemed like those missing snippets from volume 1 :(

It's such a quick read that you aren't even able to bask in the accomplishments of the characters, namely Jessica. She had one break down in this novel that I am sure is necessary but for me it was cheesy because I really don't know these people that well -_-

This content was good enough for volume 1 but now I need some depth so I can cry along and understand their struggles. The frequent sex scenes have become robotic and chore like in their delivery. It was never crazily lustful but now it's even more of a space filler.

I won' say I didn't enjoy my time spent with Nathan, Jessica and even Rebecca but I see this book falling into a pattern and I hope the wait to June 17th won't be in vain. I barely know or connected with these characters personally and I would love the opportunity without all the drama.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22361699-pulse---part-two

Pulse By Deborah Bladon

Confidence and control? Sexy! Maybe it's me but I love those traits in a woman. Even when our world is crumbling we keep it in and cry in the privacy of our bedroom then move on to the next available guy. This description covers Jessica. She is in control of her life and even when she stumbles she does her best to not fall.

Half way through this novel I figured out the conflict. It's another cliche but I like it, because even though I had my suspicions, I wasn't sure until it was confirmed. I am now on pin and needles wanting to read book two before I even pen this review. I don't know how I am gonna survive the wait to book 3 and it's safe to say what I will be reading next because I NEED to know what happens next. I am all jittery like I just drank a dozen cups of black coffee.

As per usual Ms. Bladon only writes novellas but I love the start of this series. It's more playful than I suspected and even though we don't get enough time, conversation or personal scenes to transition through the different levels of both main characters, as a couple and individually, I was still entranced and entertained for however brief and believe me, it is brief. I read this entire novella in probably an hour tops and this is with breaks.

You don't get much on the characters background due to the length and ties but what you do get is substantial. I already like Nathan but that last stint has me believing that Jess deserves better. I like the airy, innocent quality about her character and the gridiron control she has on herself even when she is hung up on a guy that she knows nothing about.

Nathan, as mysterious as he is, was a great complement to Jess's character until I realize his link at the end and boy are they in the most precarious of positions! The sex was not very passionate or hot but it was wild and filled with the urgency, angst and energy of two random strangers having casual sex. I could see them growing as a couple but at this point they are very impersonal in their interactions with each other.

Nathan is the definition of alpha male, territorial and untrustworthy. He is a devious man and I see no excuse especially with his predilections to Jess dating other men. The man needs a reality check ASAP.

I suspect this novel is an introduction so it barely skims the necessary but I am engaged, interested and invested to see the end. Unfortunately, that means the other two novels need to be exceptional as Ms. Bladon has a habit of starting us off with trilogies. There is many a way this breeze could blow and I don't want a quick patch.

Light and skimming the surface this was a good, quick read with a solid cast of characters and the right level of fun and entertainment. Nathan barely redeems himself from chapter 1 but Jess is steady all the way and with Rebecca, Bryce and Cassandra in the picture I hope it only gets better!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22119128-pulse

Obsessed - Part Three By Deborah Bladon

Would you look at that?! I swear I keep getting the wrong copies that are missing pages. I refuse to believe, the structure and main characters in this novel, isn't an accident. Ivy is annoying and feels sorry for herself way to much! When she isn't feeling sorry for herself, she's bitter and trudging her way through a tug-o-war with her ex-fiance and the new "love" of her life. He claims he "loves" her too, but I think he loves his company more. Mark is such a rascal but I love him nonetheless. At times, he reminds me of Nolen Adams from 'Black Butterfly' by Sienna Mynx

It's the same old games and drama from books 1 and 2, then a beautifully worded letter, followed by the acknowledgement o.O
Now do you see my problem? I can't understand how this can be called the conclusion to the series, when only Ivy has gotten her answers. Then again, even she should need some loose ends tightened.

Other than Mark and his mischievous self, the remaining characters of this novel were completely ignored, even when they were needed to confirm and tie a bow on this bad boy! There are too many holes and what ifs, which brought to light for me, that Book 3 didn't really progress. It answered a few questions, brought up a hell of a lot more and then ended. Hence, the reason I don't believe that this is over, as their are too many loose ends and a big "what the hell happened?!" at the end.

On the bright side, I felt twinges of connection with Jax this go. I am no where near loving him status, but he shows potential. I would have loved to be included in the build up that led to his complete 360 on the literal last page of the novel, maybe even that one scene could have made a difference.

Let's not even talk about what was really in that video on the flash drive. It could have been more creative. In trying to find Jax, I ended up losing Ivy's character. I give up on trying to understand and navigate this novel and remain on her side. She fluctuates between the Ivy from the first chapters of book 1, to the naive, lonely, desperate Ivy of books 2 and 3. I just wanted the bag of wit that had me engaged when I began reading this series.

All the above and more was bearable because this is a short novel. With time, you can read this novel in a hour and a half tops. I don't mind novella material but being that it is suppose to be the "last" book in the series, we could have gotten some more pages because we really did need it.

I am starting to wonder if it is the length of these novels that diminish the attributes of Jax that compels Ivy. My dislike for him lessened by 5% with this installment but I still am unable to connect with him and vote for him in the land of book boyfriends.

The sex was fast and to the point, so thank God for that and Jax being a douche. Mark is a little criminal with a whole lot of mouthy. I expected more and not just as a reader, but as an observer. A ton of questions were left unanswered. Like where is Mark now and why the sudden change in Jax?

It doesn't feel like an end to me and the eye rolling was back with a vengeance in the beginning chapters. I am unable to completely write off this series, because I believe that it is filled with potential but in need of more pages and for the characters to share the small moments that are more important than they think. 200 more pages and we could have had a star!

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21460976-obsessed---part-three

Obsessed - Part Two By Deborah Bladon

Someone please change the name of this novel and give us back the Ivy of book 1. This Ivy was naive, annoying and searching for love in all the wrong places. It's like she reverted to a teenage version of herself. At this point, I can see her by herself, but I doubt she would. If I was a psychiatrist, I'd even go as far as to recommend it. Some people needed a breather, she is one of them. I am waiting to see what it is she sees in Jax.

I still haven't connected with Jax, but I can say with certainty that he is a controlling douche. Maybe there are points to his personality that I am missing, but those two are the ones that stand out for me. He has yet to win my vote. A vase of Daisy and a cheesy little necklace doesn't do it for me either. I hope this is the aim of Ms. Bladon, for the character, because based off principles alone, I dislike the personality of most of the main characters in this novel.

I think I have figured out what the obsession in this novel is, but it's not what I expected or wanted when I first picked up this series. Reading this story hasn't gotten me interested either, as I believe that deception runs more rampant than obsession.

I liked Mark in this installment, especially when he stood up to Ivy in the last half of this novel. I assume he is suppose to be the bad guy, but when he's not sleeping with half of Manhattan, he wins me over. We know that he cares for Ivy obviously, but his self-preservation tactics in the face of Ivy's naivety, is the closest to reality we came in this novel.

There were a few scenes, that needed more weight than they pulled, like the ones with Ivy and her dad. Fret not though, because most of the reveals of this novel like book 1, was drama filled but complimented the issues and current situations well. This story is moving full speed ahead. In some areas and in the name of development, that speed is welcomed, as it's a novella. Still, it sometimes need to get a hold of things that thread the unrealistic line.

As short as this novel is we have met new characters, learnt more about the old ones and spend some time with Ivy's life outside of Manhattan. For all the misconceptions and my lack of attraction to the lead male, I can stick with this story to the end, mostly because it's not that far away.

Swimming in cliches with a questionable cast, 'Obsessed' surely knows how hold my attention at the end and Ms. Adams is still her nosy, lovable self. I might have rolled my eyes repeatedly by the end of this novel, but I am sure I am gonna pick up the next installment, because I did remain interested. As is, I have only one favourite and no expectation. I am not as invested in this story as I thought I would be, but thankfully it progresses, or it would have been a complete failure for me.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21460967-obsessed---part-two

Obsessed By Deborah Bladon

When I hear the word 'obsessed', I get a little excited. Why? Because I sorta kinda love the crazy ones. Like Hudson, Lanie and Clay. They are crazy, we know this, but we love them all the same. Now imagine my disappointment when the word 'obsessed' didn't even fit half the bill of what I am familiar with or expected :(

He was obsessed yes, but certainly not with what or whom I expected. Honestly, I am even questioning if he was obsessed with anything at all. I've read this story line before in 'Miss Taken' by Cleo Scornavacca. This is a younger cast with different anchors, but the concepts are terribly similar, to my eyes at least.

I wasn't blown away, which is unfortunate when it comes to the topic of obsession and how far both characters and author will go, to get us wrapped up in the crazy. The sex scenes were where I lost interest mostly and I completely spaced out a couple times. I didn't hate the story, because until I found out his motive, at the literal cliffhanger ending, I was fairly engaged.

I like Ivy. Not a fan of her name though, which is strange. I keep calling her Liz which I am pretty sure would piss her off in light of the circumstances o.O
She was fiery, witty confident, brazen and reserved. It's all a flaming contradiction, but it works. She carries this story well and kept me interested enough to finish and want the continuation.

I am indifferent to the character that is Jax, even when I see that pretty boy has secrets at the end of this novel. I have no problem with them as a couple, but I don't feel a pull or heat towards their characters. I kept waiting for those crazy moments to separate him from the story and give him his own stamp, but he just currently feels like a space saver. Like, we need a hero, so tag your it!

We started to learn things about him, once again, at the literal end of the novel and from every one else but him. I still don't really know him though. He seems to have a lot of money, is "obsessed" with Ivy and can be quite the douche without even knowing it. That's all I got so far that's of any importance.

I like the curve ball that was thrown at Ivy, even if it was a little horrendous and laced with murder potential. I would have liked her to lash out more and give us some of that sarcastic, fiery Ivy from the first chapter.She was grown and went after what she wanted. Financially though, I just can't seem to understand her. Normally, I don't meddle in the finances of characters, but this book makes you stop and take a look. It's too confusing to sort but she needs to put a handle on that!

This is a short story, novella type actually. It's a little bit more pages than a novella in 'The Arrangement Series' by H.M. Ward. Not surprising, but it gives us more timeline, issues, conflict, plot and story line than an 'Arrangement Series' novel.

I was uber excited to read this book and even had problems choosing between it and another when the time came. I saved this for last, thinking I was using the "save the best for last" philosophy, but I was wrong. While not a complete dull, as it was too short to feel that way, I was definitely not as excited about this series as before I read it.

The elements that keeps you yearning for more and pacing like a crazy person was missing. Not bland, but certainly not brilliant either. I didn't even want more conflict, as much as I wanted more realistic interactions and to feel with and for these characters. I was neither sympathetic or passionate about their present and previous relationships.

It seems crying, hysterics and drama runs in the blood of these characters. Doesn't take much to elicit one or the other from this set. I won't right off this story and while I do want to see what will happen next, I am not as excited as I would want to be based on the topic of the novel. I truly hope the next novel will allow us to interact and gain some emotional traction with the characters, especially Jax.

Liz is a wreck, Mark is annoying, Ivy is witty, Ms. Adams is a star and Jax is Jax. I figure there is much more to all these characters, I just hope I will be able to obsess over them as I thought I'd be doing.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20886447-obsessed