Customer Reviews

Circle of Friends: Steve's Story

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really got sucked in by the book's blurb and wanted to find out about the 4 character's tragedys. It was a tragedy that I wasted time and $$ on this. I could not believe how Ms. Dee stretched out this book by saying the same thing over and over. I only got thru one third of the book and decided to immediately delete it from my Kindle. I didn't want it taking up space that I could use for something better. It was very hard for me to muster up sympathy for any of them - even Tyler. Pen is the ultimate whiner, Kate, being a doctor, surprised me by revealing the medical condition to someone even though they were friends. It was the ultimate breach of privacy in my opinion. As for Steve, I really don't know what to say about a man who would marry his best friend's ex-girl just to avoid being lonely, after his best friend's sister drops him like a hot potato, with no explanation only to re-appear after her brother's accident, to wonder why someone she treated like dirt doesn't want her anymore, and on top of that acting as if he were surprised that his new fiance dumps him 6 mos. before their wedding to go back to Tyler, knowing that he (Steve) and Kate didn't really love each other. Whew! I had to ge that out.

and while Steve and Pen's story didn't have the typical perfect ending, I was pleased with how the story was wrapped up. It would be nice for Jess Dee to do a follow-up on all of the characters and show them 5, 10, even 15-20 years later and this time with details of Kate and Tyler's life AND Steve and Pen's life. I was very touched and brought to tears...which has never happened in the past while reading a book classified as "erotica."

After reading Tyler's story, I fell in love with Steve & couldn't wait to finish his story. I'm glad that I purchased it through the digital download instead of paying more money for the print version. I'm only a little over half way through with the book & am so sick of reading the same things over and over (I might go insane if I have to read Pen telling Steve to "Fire it Up" one more time!!). The book could have been half the length and gotten the complete story in with no problem. It seems as if Jess Dee extended the book quite a bit so she could fit all the sex scenes in (which aren't that great, either!).

The only reason I gave it two stars is because the book is unique in the fact that the story is more true to life than most. The problems that the main characters face can't be solved easily and, like life, their story doesn't have the makings of a perfect fairy tale ending, but they make do with the hand they have been dealt (pardon the cliche').

For Steve Sommers, it's been one of those weeks. His fiancée, Kate left him. Penelope (Pen), the woman who broke his heart just happens to be back in town. And Tyler, his best friend is in a coma after a road accident.

Steve, Kate and Pen are at Tyler's bedside. We find out Kate is Tyler's ex girlfriend and Pen is Steve's ex lover. Okay, you're thinking this could be a soap opera and way too melodramatic...well, that's what I thought at first. However, Ms. Dee handles the plot beautifully.

We learn that Pen left Steve not because she didn't love him, but because of some secret she kept from him. The reader does find out what that secret is but I won't spoil it by telling you what it was. After we learn why Pen left Tyler, you cheer for this couple even more. However, you do keep wondering if the revealing of it will draw them closer together or tear them apart forever.

Ms. Dee presents real-to-life characters with conversation you'd overhear every day. It's a touching story and a recommended read.

Originally posted at [...]

Steve Sommers never knew why the woman he loved walked away from him. But now due to an accident involving her brother Tyler, Steve's best friend, she is back and all the feelings that Steve had for her have rushed back too. Pen has always loved Steve, even when she left him. However the secret she's hiding has kept her from ever letting him know how much. She can't bring herself to sentence him to what exactly a life together with her would mean. Sometimes though, love can be enough to handle anything.

I had originally read Tyler's story and fell in love with Steve, wanting his story right then. After making me wait months, Jess Dee more than delivers with Steve's Story. I can't say too much without giving away the story, which simply must be read to appreciate. Heartbreaking while at the same time being heartwarming, Jess Dee shows that while not every happy ending is perfect, sometimes you take the hand life deals you and love with all your heart. I found myself in tears several times. Truly outstanding.


Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed