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Record #2
On the Record
For political reporter Liz Dougherty, election day—a day of looking toward the future and saying goodbye to the past—seems like a fitting time to start a new relationship. But feelings for her former flame still linger...
The sexy second book in bestselling author K.A. Linde’s Record series decides whether it’s better to pick up the pieces and move on...or to pick up right where you left off.
The sexy second book in bestselling author K.A. Linde’s Record series decides whether it’s better to pick up the pieces and move on...or to pick up right where you left off.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
About the author
K.A. Linde
90 books9,665 followersK.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 820 reviews
June 22, 2016
After finishing 'Off the Record', I immediately started 'On the Record'. I had to know how things between Brady and Liz would turn out and I refused to believe that they would remain apart for long. Surprisingly, this book didn't play out the way I expected. It was great, but not what I expected.
If I had to describe my feelings about this book in one word, it would be "conflicted". On one hand, I was glad to see Liz grow a spine and demand more for herself than to be somebody's dirty little secret. Yet, I also felt the pain of their separation.
Even though Liz was the one to walk away from Brady, I couldn't help but hold him responsible. All of the anger and resentment I felt toward him in the first book came to a head in this one. When he started dating a daytime TV reporter, I wanted to reach into the book and throat-punch him!
To top it all off, he had the nerve to act all self-righteous about the fact that Liz left him. I really struggled with Brady's character this time around. I just didn't get where he got off with his behavior. Time after time, he showed a complete disregard for Liz's feelings.
Whereas Brady treated Liz like trash, Hayden treated her like a queen. (At least, he did right up until the end when he had a personality transformation.) It was nice to see Liz have a public relationship with a guy who wasn't content to keep her hidden in the shadows.
Unfortunately, the heart wants what it wants. No matter how nice Hayden is, he will never be Brady. Liz cannot move past the charismatic politician that kept her as his secret bed warmer. The two find themselves crossing paths and tempting fate throughout this book.
Eventually, things get turned upside down again. The ending had me all twisted up again. I had to start the third book immediately.
Overall, this has been a great series. As much as Brady infuriates me, I get the appeal. The angst and tension between Liz and Brady was palpable. This book definitely made me feel.
If I had to describe my feelings about this book in one word, it would be "conflicted". On one hand, I was glad to see Liz grow a spine and demand more for herself than to be somebody's dirty little secret. Yet, I also felt the pain of their separation.
Even though Liz was the one to walk away from Brady, I couldn't help but hold him responsible. All of the anger and resentment I felt toward him in the first book came to a head in this one. When he started dating a daytime TV reporter, I wanted to reach into the book and throat-punch him!
To top it all off, he had the nerve to act all self-righteous about the fact that Liz left him. I really struggled with Brady's character this time around. I just didn't get where he got off with his behavior. Time after time, he showed a complete disregard for Liz's feelings.
Whereas Brady treated Liz like trash, Hayden treated her like a queen. (At least, he did right up until the end when he had a personality transformation.) It was nice to see Liz have a public relationship with a guy who wasn't content to keep her hidden in the shadows.
Unfortunately, the heart wants what it wants. No matter how nice Hayden is, he will never be Brady. Liz cannot move past the charismatic politician that kept her as his secret bed warmer. The two find themselves crossing paths and tempting fate throughout this book.
Eventually, things get turned upside down again. The ending had me all twisted up again. I had to start the third book immediately.
Overall, this has been a great series. As much as Brady infuriates me, I get the appeal. The angst and tension between Liz and Brady was palpable. This book definitely made me feel.
August 15, 2017
★★★★! On The Record, book 2 of 3. Can Brady & Liz find their way back?
“I’m lost. I forget everything I should do, and I just know what I want to do.”
Books in The Record Series should be read in order:
Book 1: Off The Record
Book 2: On The Record
Book 3: For The Record
In Off The Record (book 1) Morehead scholar, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Journalism student and school paper reporter Liz Dougherty , embarks on a clandestine affair with State Senator Brady Maxwell III whom she meet on the campaign trail while he was running for US Congress.
It’s an impossible romance with no hope of a future. Brady is on a set course to Washington that doesn’t include a too young student. Besides with his family background he is likely to marry for strategic reason not love…. For Liz having an affair with a politician whose campaign she is supposed to cover impartially could jeopardize her career.
On the record (book 2) was heart-breathtakingly painful to read. It was a page turner for sure, as I am frantically trying to get to the point when they would find their way back together. This is part of the story you have to read to get to book 3.
And even worse as reader you are aware that everything they do, every person they come in contact with that every comment, every action is a possible future liability in this high stakes game of Washington politics. Everyone would want a piece of this story, of them; of a potential scandal…
“And she would never be perfect. She was just a woman still holding on to a man she had to give up, to a life she had to let go of, to a feeling that never seemed to leave her.”
I loved every glimpse I got of Brady Maxwell III, especially the last chapter in his POV! READ THIS BOOK FOR THAT IF NOTHING ELSE. But I am worried that his willingness to overlook and forgive means he has skeletons that will surface in book 3.
Eight words to describe Brady: Captivating, frank, elusive, secretive, charming, focused, persistent and collected .
Liz Dougherty frustrated me with her immaturity and poor choices bordering on selfishness. BUT we have to keep in mind she is 20 years old carrying a secret of epic proportions, a heartache she cannot share with anyone. Not even Brady. She is trying to put her life back together the best she can. Therefore I will hold off final judgment and write this off to her immaturity and life lessons to be learned…
I am looking forward to book 3, For The Record for the conclusion of their saga!
Larger-than-life Brady Maxwell III carried the story! Still all the ingredients for epic trilogy!
“I’ll always be your airplane, and you’ll always be mine.”
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 3- stars
Sexual tension rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3- stars
Plot rating: 3 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
April 20, 2015
5 stars!!!
When I read Off the Record I fell in love with Brady Maxwell, the sexy Senator. I loved the forbidden romance aspect, I loved the angst, and Kyla’s writing is top notch as always. On the Record was different than the first. There was even more angst, conflict and drama, but I loved every second. I still stand by the fact that Brady Maxwell is my favorite of her men, and this is my favorite series.
We left Liz and Brady after Brady won his big race. The question we’ve all been dying to know… what happened between these two? Well I’ll give you a little hint here…
We have Liz-
And we have Brady-
There was Liz and Hayden. Brady and Erin. Add in Clay Maxwell and the angst was off the charts. There were moments I wanted to throttle Liz, but overall I still love her. She didn’t make the best choices. Lets just leave it at that. And Brady broke my heart a time or two, but he’s had every right to feel what he felt, and lets be honest… he’s still pretty damn perfect.
Brady Maxwell, my Brady. My biggest (and maybe only) complaint was that I wanted more Brady. I would read and read and then I was like… ummm… where is my boy at? Thankfully, as the story progressed, we got more Brady.
There is so much I want to say about the feelings I experienced while reading, all the of the things that happened, but that would be a disservice to anyone reading this. I would recommend reading with a friend or chatting with someone who’s read it. I was lucky to have two friends I could rant to :D I loved that I was surprised and shocked at the twists and turns I experienced. I had no idea where the story was going for a while and that made me nervous- but by the end I felt relief.
I can’t even explain how ecstatic I am for the third book in this series. I just know it’s going to be the best one yet. I can’t wait to see the direction the author takes with these characters and their story. I can’t image the last book will be an easy ride, thats not this authors style, but I’m sure by the end- it will all be worth it!
If you’re looking for a series thats high on angst, but also high on emotion, has a lot of heart and some amazing writing- pick these book ups. Iv’e fallen in love with the story and the characters… or should I say character? Forbidden love, politics, loss, longing, mistakes and redemption. KA Linde nails it in all aspects of this story. Even though this book put me through the ringer, I finished it and was one happy reader. This is one of my favorites and one I highly recommend!
When I read Off the Record I fell in love with Brady Maxwell, the sexy Senator. I loved the forbidden romance aspect, I loved the angst, and Kyla’s writing is top notch as always. On the Record was different than the first. There was even more angst, conflict and drama, but I loved every second. I still stand by the fact that Brady Maxwell is my favorite of her men, and this is my favorite series.
We left Liz and Brady after Brady won his big race. The question we’ve all been dying to know… what happened between these two? Well I’ll give you a little hint here…
We have Liz-
And we have Brady-
There was Liz and Hayden. Brady and Erin. Add in Clay Maxwell and the angst was off the charts. There were moments I wanted to throttle Liz, but overall I still love her. She didn’t make the best choices. Lets just leave it at that. And Brady broke my heart a time or two, but he’s had every right to feel what he felt, and lets be honest… he’s still pretty damn perfect.
Brady Maxwell, my Brady. My biggest (and maybe only) complaint was that I wanted more Brady. I would read and read and then I was like… ummm… where is my boy at? Thankfully, as the story progressed, we got more Brady.
There is so much I want to say about the feelings I experienced while reading, all the of the things that happened, but that would be a disservice to anyone reading this. I would recommend reading with a friend or chatting with someone who’s read it. I was lucky to have two friends I could rant to :D I loved that I was surprised and shocked at the twists and turns I experienced. I had no idea where the story was going for a while and that made me nervous- but by the end I felt relief.
“You know baby, I’be been angry at you for so long that I just don’t think I have it in me anymore. It takes too much effort.”
I can’t even explain how ecstatic I am for the third book in this series. I just know it’s going to be the best one yet. I can’t wait to see the direction the author takes with these characters and their story. I can’t image the last book will be an easy ride, thats not this authors style, but I’m sure by the end- it will all be worth it!
“I’m going to erase every memory you ever had tonight, baby.”
“Not the ones of you. I always keep those safe.”
If you’re looking for a series thats high on angst, but also high on emotion, has a lot of heart and some amazing writing- pick these book ups. Iv’e fallen in love with the story and the characters… or should I say character? Forbidden love, politics, loss, longing, mistakes and redemption. KA Linde nails it in all aspects of this story. Even though this book put me through the ringer, I finished it and was one happy reader. This is one of my favorites and one I highly recommend!
She just wanted this man so badly that all else was lost to her. And he was lost to everything but her.
August 21, 2014
"What happened to us?"
K.A. Linde certainly lived up to her queen of angst title. This book should come with a defibrillator or at the least a toll free hot line to vent to something like 1-800-OH-NO-SHE-DIDN'T. The story was well written and paced in such a way that I was salivating every time Brady Maxwell graced the pages. He sure is sex in a suit! He's got my vote for any office he chooses.
This story picks up a few months after Liz walked out on Brady in that crushing end scene. A reader will have high hopes that he will go after her or that she will reconsider but alas they both move on with other people. How crushing is that to take! Liz is brilliant at academics but boy does she make some terrible moves that had me reconsidering her Morehead scholarship and asking the board to revoke. Be warned, you will probably have to take breathers through Liz's love life decisions.
"Damn, he was a good kisser. He wasn't Brady, but he would do... for now."
My main issue with the story besides a few of Liz's decisions was that I needed and craved more Brady scenes.
"You know, baby," he whispered. "'I've been angry at you for so long that I just don't think I have it in me anymore. It takes too much effort."
I absolutely loved the ending and this cliff didn't hurt at all but will give you what you'll need to feel secure enough to face book 3 which I'm predicting will be be a great conclusion.
"So how about you go on the record and confirm. Liz: Are you Sandy Carmichael."
*Arc generously provided by K.A. Linde for an honest review *
September 16, 2014
1.5-star
Dislike:
Liz:
Liz is the worst heroine in NA books I have read by far. I don’t need any character in book to be likable or perfect. The heroines like Georgina in Succubus series, Maise in Unteachable… these characters are flawed, and they make mistakes throughout the story. But there is something authentic and endearing about their personality and traits that get me on their teams. Liz is described by every character in the book as being intelligent, lovable, beautiful and funny. I see none of them. I only have one word to say about her: Fraud.
Love triangle:
The first 75% is the repetition of Liz getting into a serious relationship with Hayden while being obsessive with/drooling over Brady.
How to destroy a love triangle?
Lets just switch Hayden’s personality in 180 degree?!??
This is a cheap ploy that doesn’t work for me. I felt sorry for Hayden and by making Hayden a fcking prick would not lessen my disgust toward Liz.
Liz’s operation of how-to-forget Brady:
By attempting to have sex with his brother Clay???! Cuuuz according to Liz’s thought, the brothers look alike? Wtf?!
I absolutely HATED the heroine:( :{{
Dislike:
Liz:
Liz is the worst heroine in NA books I have read by far. I don’t need any character in book to be likable or perfect. The heroines like Georgina in Succubus series, Maise in Unteachable… these characters are flawed, and they make mistakes throughout the story. But there is something authentic and endearing about their personality and traits that get me on their teams. Liz is described by every character in the book as being intelligent, lovable, beautiful and funny. I see none of them. I only have one word to say about her: Fraud.
Love triangle:
The first 75% is the repetition of Liz getting into a serious relationship with Hayden while being obsessive with/drooling over Brady.
How to destroy a love triangle?
Lets just switch Hayden’s personality in 180 degree?!??
This is a cheap ploy that doesn’t work for me. I felt sorry for Hayden and by making Hayden a fcking prick would not lessen my disgust toward Liz.
Liz’s operation of how-to-forget Brady:
By attempting to have sex with his brother Clay???! Cuuuz according to Liz’s thought, the brothers look alike? Wtf?!
I absolutely HATED the heroine:( :{{
May 23, 2015
5 Vote for Brady Stars
On the Record begins two months later in November, and the election results are being delivered. Liz and Brady are no longer together, and she hasn’t heard from him since she walked out of the Primary. Liz is heartbroken and having a hard time moving on, but Hayden is persistent. Eventually he wears her down and they begin a relationship.
Liz knows she has to move on with her life. She knows that she will always be a liability for Brady, and she loves him too much to stand in the way of his dreams.
Brady has won the election and is now in Washington. Liz sees Brady on television with his new girlfriend Erin, and realizes he has moved on too.
So while both Brady and Liz move forward we watch as the next year and half unfolds with Brady and Erin, Liz and Hayden, and the other Maxwell’s - because you can never have too many Maxwell’s.
This story tore me apart. It had me sending an endless string of texts to my friends who have read it, and staying up until 3 am to finish it. KA Linde’s writing is amazing, she writes characters with drama and angst, but we don’t have the annoying part of miscommunications and overreactions. The issues are legitimate and the reactions are natural.
I cannot brag on this series enough, I absolute love it! This series is one of my top 10 reads of the year for sure and I cannot wait to read For the Record.
On the Record begins two months later in November, and the election results are being delivered. Liz and Brady are no longer together, and she hasn’t heard from him since she walked out of the Primary. Liz is heartbroken and having a hard time moving on, but Hayden is persistent. Eventually he wears her down and they begin a relationship.
Liz knows she has to move on with her life. She knows that she will always be a liability for Brady, and she loves him too much to stand in the way of his dreams.
Brady has won the election and is now in Washington. Liz sees Brady on television with his new girlfriend Erin, and realizes he has moved on too.
So while both Brady and Liz move forward we watch as the next year and half unfolds with Brady and Erin, Liz and Hayden, and the other Maxwell’s - because you can never have too many Maxwell’s.
This story tore me apart. It had me sending an endless string of texts to my friends who have read it, and staying up until 3 am to finish it. KA Linde’s writing is amazing, she writes characters with drama and angst, but we don’t have the annoying part of miscommunications and overreactions. The issues are legitimate and the reactions are natural.
I cannot brag on this series enough, I absolute love it! This series is one of my top 10 reads of the year for sure and I cannot wait to read For the Record.
March 30, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Gotta say I really enjoyed book 2. It was realistic and painful to read at times and that ending was tough but I loved it! Now on to book 3:)
Gotta say I really enjoyed book 2. It was realistic and painful to read at times and that ending was tough but I loved it! Now on to book 3:)
March 4, 2017
5 you're my airplane Stars!
Liz wanted Brady to choose her, but wanting it was only what she was willing to allow herself. Walking away from him was the only way she could not force him to pick between her and the campaign. She couldn’t allow him to risk losing the election, not knowing how much he wanted it. So she left. She tried to move on. But her heart, that heart, well it remained in place, not quite ready to let go.
As Liz returns to school she is faced with the pressure of the paper, her classes, Hayden’s pursuit of her heart and trying to forget Brady Maxwell. Her heart might not be ready, but Liz has made up her mind. Hayden is the man that she can be with in public, a man that stands to risk nothing by loving her. The only problem, Liz’s heart isn’t ready to take that leap.
The election has come and gone by the time Brady reappears in Liz’s life. For every step forward she took – seeing him again, sets her back ten. But she isn’t the only one that attempted to bury her heartache by moving on. No matter how much they try to fight their connection, they can’t seem to let go.
The Queen of Angst has made her presence known. K.A. Linde returns with force in the sequel to Off The Record. Just 4% into this story I was ready to take back every kind word ever said about her. By 26% I was begging for Brady and at 54% I was fist pumping the air and nearly jumping on my bed. But when things are good you know that this author is going to smack the happy right off your face without any warning.
I was flying high, smiles for days and then Bam. It all was torn out of my hands. A little over halfway through and I was reduced to a blubbering mess of could-have-beens and then she delivered the blow that nearly killed by 70%. I was left silently chanting to myself; nononononononononononononononononono as I read.
K.A. Linde has this pure evil gift for making you want something so badly, giving it to you and the ripping it away so you can appreciate it all the more when she is ready to hand it back. On The Record was a rollercoaster of emotions that dangled your deepest desire, strongest want... just out of your reach until you were nearly ready to abandon all hope.
Brady Maxwell is easily one of my favorite characters, this was a perfect follow up to Off The Record and sets up For The Record perfectly. If you love your romance to have high levels of angst, you cannot miss this author. I laughed, cried and I swooned like there was no tomorrow. Writing was spot on, the characters (even those who I loathe) were constructed perfectly. It was hostile at times, humor was injected masterfully to break up the tension and when it was time to turn up the heat; these two sizzled.
Liz wanted Brady to choose her, but wanting it was only what she was willing to allow herself. Walking away from him was the only way she could not force him to pick between her and the campaign. She couldn’t allow him to risk losing the election, not knowing how much he wanted it. So she left. She tried to move on. But her heart, that heart, well it remained in place, not quite ready to let go.
As Liz returns to school she is faced with the pressure of the paper, her classes, Hayden’s pursuit of her heart and trying to forget Brady Maxwell. Her heart might not be ready, but Liz has made up her mind. Hayden is the man that she can be with in public, a man that stands to risk nothing by loving her. The only problem, Liz’s heart isn’t ready to take that leap.
The election has come and gone by the time Brady reappears in Liz’s life. For every step forward she took – seeing him again, sets her back ten. But she isn’t the only one that attempted to bury her heartache by moving on. No matter how much they try to fight their connection, they can’t seem to let go.
The Queen of Angst has made her presence known. K.A. Linde returns with force in the sequel to Off The Record. Just 4% into this story I was ready to take back every kind word ever said about her. By 26% I was begging for Brady and at 54% I was fist pumping the air and nearly jumping on my bed. But when things are good you know that this author is going to smack the happy right off your face without any warning.
I was flying high, smiles for days and then Bam. It all was torn out of my hands. A little over halfway through and I was reduced to a blubbering mess of could-have-beens and then she delivered the blow that nearly killed by 70%. I was left silently chanting to myself; nononononononononononononononononono as I read.
K.A. Linde has this pure evil gift for making you want something so badly, giving it to you and the ripping it away so you can appreciate it all the more when she is ready to hand it back. On The Record was a rollercoaster of emotions that dangled your deepest desire, strongest want... just out of your reach until you were nearly ready to abandon all hope.
Brady Maxwell is easily one of my favorite characters, this was a perfect follow up to Off The Record and sets up For The Record perfectly. If you love your romance to have high levels of angst, you cannot miss this author. I laughed, cried and I swooned like there was no tomorrow. Writing was spot on, the characters (even those who I loathe) were constructed perfectly. It was hostile at times, humor was injected masterfully to break up the tension and when it was time to turn up the heat; these two sizzled.
September 5, 2014
This book picks up after Liz left Brady two and a half months ago...two and a half "agonizing" months. Both Liz and Brady try to move on with their lives...far away from each other.
Wow...You know sometimes, just sometimes, you have to remind yourself of the type of books authors write. I mean I've read ~ and loved ~ KAL's Avoiding series but I just wasn't prepared for her to go there with this series. The first book just had a different feel and threw me but when I started reading this one...I just knew!
Liz is really grieving. The hard part is that she can't talk to anyone about it not even her best friend since her and Brady's relationship was secret. It doesn't help that Brady is plastered all over the TV and newspapers but she does a good job of blocking him out and trying to move on with her life...and with Hayden. WTF?? I know, I KNOW!!
Brady...well, I'll get to him in a minute.
Hayden aka Mr. All Around Nice Guy...I hated every minute of it and I had a sneaking feeling that I was really going to hate him. I just would not have predicted the reasons why. (And don't even get me started on Calleigh!!)
Okay, back to Brady. He was a-mazing of course. But KAL made us wait for him and that killed me! And all the emotional drama...it was sooo good. I wasn't sure how things would go with Brady but he came through with flying colors. (He could teach Jack a thing or two!) Thankfully, since it's written in a third person POV, we get to know where they both are coming from.
I did really enjoy seeing Liz in her job and with her friends. Her relationship with Victoria is wonderful and hilarious and...just what she needed. And her growing friendship with Savannah was sweet. I can't wait to see where things will go with them from here.
I wasn't disappointed in the steaminess...okay, I'm lying...I definitely was. That is, until the lake house. 'Nuff said.
The only problem was the first part. Waiting until Liz runs into Brady...I just couldn't read fast enough.
When the proverbial hits the fan, it was sooo captivating. I loved all that and the ending was sooo good. It really leaves you dying for the next book. Thank goodness we only have to wait till November!
Favorite quotes
♥ “I’m probably crazy and way off base, but I didn’t really like the way our politician was looking at my girlfriend.”
♥ “You seem to remember history very differently than I do.”
♥ “Whoa!” Liz said, holding her hand up. “You don’t have to give away Victoria’s secret.”
“Oh, ha ha! You’re so fucking original.”
♥ “I’m going to erase every memory you ever had tonight, baby.”
“Not the ones of you,” she managed to get out. “I always keep those safe.”
♥ "I had the most amazing dream last night."
♥ “There are a lot of unknowns going forward, Liz. But I’ll always be your airplane, and you’ll always be mine.”
Wow...You know sometimes, just sometimes, you have to remind yourself of the type of books authors write. I mean I've read ~ and loved ~ KAL's Avoiding series but I just wasn't prepared for her to go there with this series. The first book just had a different feel and threw me but when I started reading this one...I just knew!
Liz is really grieving. The hard part is that she can't talk to anyone about it not even her best friend since her and Brady's relationship was secret. It doesn't help that Brady is plastered all over the TV and newspapers but she does a good job of blocking him out and trying to move on with her life...and with Hayden. WTF?? I know, I KNOW!!
Brady...well, I'll get to him in a minute.
Hayden aka Mr. All Around Nice Guy...I hated every minute of it and I had a sneaking feeling that I was really going to hate him. I just would not have predicted the reasons why. (And don't even get me started on Calleigh!!)
Okay, back to Brady. He was a-mazing of course. But KAL made us wait for him and that killed me! And all the emotional drama...it was sooo good. I wasn't sure how things would go with Brady but he came through with flying colors. (He could teach Jack a thing or two!) Thankfully, since it's written in a third person POV, we get to know where they both are coming from.
I did really enjoy seeing Liz in her job and with her friends. Her relationship with Victoria is wonderful and hilarious and...just what she needed. And her growing friendship with Savannah was sweet. I can't wait to see where things will go with them from here.
I wasn't disappointed in the steaminess...okay, I'm lying...I definitely was. That is, until the lake house. 'Nuff said.
The only problem was the first part. Waiting until Liz runs into Brady...I just couldn't read fast enough.
When the proverbial hits the fan, it was sooo captivating. I loved all that and the ending was sooo good. It really leaves you dying for the next book. Thank goodness we only have to wait till November!
Favorite quotes
♥ “I’m probably crazy and way off base, but I didn’t really like the way our politician was looking at my girlfriend.”
♥ “You seem to remember history very differently than I do.”
♥ “Whoa!” Liz said, holding her hand up. “You don’t have to give away Victoria’s secret.”
“Oh, ha ha! You’re so fucking original.”
♥ “I’m going to erase every memory you ever had tonight, baby.”
“Not the ones of you,” she managed to get out. “I always keep those safe.”
♥ "I had the most amazing dream last night."
♥ “There are a lot of unknowns going forward, Liz. But I’ll always be your airplane, and you’ll always be mine.”
August 27, 2014
We pick up a few months where Off The Record ended. Liz has left Brady and moved onto Hayden Lane, her long-time editor and all-American good guy.
KA Linde is a great writer and I want I want so badly to enjoy her books, but I rarely do. This series has been the most frustrating of her’s so far and I think I’m finally giving up.
The first 75% is straight filler; nothing of significance happens and it is a directionless mess. Pages and pages of Liz New Mooning-over a man who said he didn’t want her. Months go by with nothing happening to move the plot forward, pointless characters introduced, and enough novel details to fill up an entire book.
Every chapter is the same: Liz can’t stop obsessing over Brady; she pulls away from her ever-understanding boyfriend; Liz promises herself to make a genuine effort in her new relationship with Hayden. Repeat.
Her Taylor Swift record is so stuck that it’s got grooves the size of canyons.
“She hadn't wanted him to have to choose between her and the campaign. He couldn't give up his career for her, and she couldn't let him be the one to choose his career instead.”
This reasoning is brought up nearly once each chapter, and the more it is said, the less sense it makes.
Liz’s hypocrisy and self-righteousness made my optic nerve muscles cramp up, I was rolling my eyes so hard.
Like the first book, Liz:
Demands honesty and objectivity in journalism - except when she writes.
Demands transparency in her political figures - except when it applies to her or her dude.
Couldn’t be with Brady because of his position of power – but totally okay to date your editor?
Demands Hayden tell her details of his previous relationships – but won’t tell him about her’s.
Brady could not be public with Liz because she was a reporter and it is a conflict of interest. Okay… then why is Brady’s next girlfriend a news anchor? Why bring the political reporter to Brady’s family dinner with two elected officials sitting at the table?
I almost regretted praying to the literary gods for something – ANYTHING! – to happen in this book when at the 75% mark, everything goes completely off the chain. I understand in order to redeem Liz Linde had to villainize Hayden, but it was unbelievable and ridiculous. All he needed was a hairless cat to ominously stroke. It didn’t work for me as I honestly felt bad for Hayden the entire book.
I won’t spoil the end but it was so over-the-top, unrealistic, and laughable. It was like an outtake from an episode of COPS.
Linde is really trying to stretch this story out when it probably could’ve just been two books. And that is why I’m giving up on this author, because she’s just stealing my money at this point.
"I guess this was pointless," Calleigh Hollingsworth mused toward the end of the book.
Indeed, Calleigh. Indeed.
KA Linde is a great writer and I want I want so badly to enjoy her books, but I rarely do. This series has been the most frustrating of her’s so far and I think I’m finally giving up.
The first 75% is straight filler; nothing of significance happens and it is a directionless mess. Pages and pages of Liz New Mooning-over a man who said he didn’t want her. Months go by with nothing happening to move the plot forward, pointless characters introduced, and enough novel details to fill up an entire book.
Every chapter is the same: Liz can’t stop obsessing over Brady; she pulls away from her ever-understanding boyfriend; Liz promises herself to make a genuine effort in her new relationship with Hayden. Repeat.
Her Taylor Swift record is so stuck that it’s got grooves the size of canyons.
“She hadn't wanted him to have to choose between her and the campaign. He couldn't give up his career for her, and she couldn't let him be the one to choose his career instead.”
This reasoning is brought up nearly once each chapter, and the more it is said, the less sense it makes.
Liz’s hypocrisy and self-righteousness made my optic nerve muscles cramp up, I was rolling my eyes so hard.
Like the first book, Liz:
Demands honesty and objectivity in journalism - except when she writes.
Demands transparency in her political figures - except when it applies to her or her dude.
Couldn’t be with Brady because of his position of power – but totally okay to date your editor?
Demands Hayden tell her details of his previous relationships – but won’t tell him about her’s.
Brady could not be public with Liz because she was a reporter and it is a conflict of interest. Okay… then why is Brady’s next girlfriend a news anchor? Why bring the political reporter to Brady’s family dinner with two elected officials sitting at the table?
I almost regretted praying to the literary gods for something – ANYTHING! – to happen in this book when at the 75% mark, everything goes completely off the chain. I understand in order to redeem Liz Linde had to villainize Hayden, but it was unbelievable and ridiculous. All he needed was a hairless cat to ominously stroke. It didn’t work for me as I honestly felt bad for Hayden the entire book.
I won’t spoil the end but it was so over-the-top, unrealistic, and laughable. It was like an outtake from an episode of COPS.
Linde is really trying to stretch this story out when it probably could’ve just been two books. And that is why I’m giving up on this author, because she’s just stealing my money at this point.
"I guess this was pointless," Calleigh Hollingsworth mused toward the end of the book.
Indeed, Calleigh. Indeed.
August 28, 2014
Rating Clarification: 3.5 stars
In the book Brady asks, "What happened to us?"
What I want to know is, What happened between the first book and this one? What happened to the old Liz?
I was so disappointed with this book. I was so excited to read it and it just wasn't what I thought it would be. One of the problems I had with this book was Liz. Yes, Liz, the main character. She makes so many stupid mistakes in this book which is crazy because she was a Morehead Scholar. I mean I know she's human and we all make mistakes but the way she acted was ridiculous. The back and forth of her feelings were honestly going to give me a whiplash, like it was so frustrating. One of the scenes that left me confused was when .Then the were was that whole situation with Clay (Brady's BROTHER) at the end, I honestly could not believe how stupid she was there.
So I know that my review makes it seem like I didn't enjoy it but I did, what I enjoyed were the parts where Brady was included. He just made the story and I loved the way it ended so that's the reason why I rounded it up to 4 stars not 3. Now, I want to read book 3. Hopefully Liz redeems herself and doesn't make so many bad decisions.
In the book Brady asks, "What happened to us?"
What I want to know is, What happened between the first book and this one? What happened to the old Liz?
I was so disappointed with this book. I was so excited to read it and it just wasn't what I thought it would be. One of the problems I had with this book was Liz. Yes, Liz, the main character. She makes so many stupid mistakes in this book which is crazy because she was a Morehead Scholar. I mean I know she's human and we all make mistakes but the way she acted was ridiculous. The back and forth of her feelings were honestly going to give me a whiplash, like it was so frustrating. One of the scenes that left me confused was when .Then the were was that whole situation with Clay (Brady's BROTHER) at the end, I honestly could not believe how stupid she was there.
So I know that my review makes it seem like I didn't enjoy it but I did, what I enjoyed were the parts where Brady was included. He just made the story and I loved the way it ended so that's the reason why I rounded it up to 4 stars not 3. Now, I want to read book 3. Hopefully Liz redeems herself and doesn't make so many bad decisions.
September 21, 2014
No one is more surprised than I am at how much I'm loving this angst-ridden trilogy. Love triangles are kind of ma thang, which is what initially drew me to the first book. Cheating, however, is NOT ma thang. Liz has a tough decision between Brady and Hayden, but let's face it...we all know what the outcome will be, right?!?!?! Right?!?!?!
One hell of a shocker toward the end of this book had me both fuming and my eyeballs practically spazzing, I was trying to read so fast. I read this in one day, which for me lately, is not the norm. But I found the time to finish, by golly! And it was worth it. Once again, I think I may have to cave in and read K.A. Linde's Avoiding series despite my adamant "no" on it before. I really dig this author.
One hell of a shocker toward the end of this book had me both fuming and my eyeballs practically spazzing, I was trying to read so fast. I read this in one day, which for me lately, is not the norm. But I found the time to finish, by golly! And it was worth it. Once again, I think I may have to cave in and read K.A. Linde's Avoiding series despite my adamant "no" on it before. I really dig this author.
August 26, 2014
3.5~stars
Sometimes I confuse myself….and it's confusing!
Sometimes. I. Just. Don't. Know.
But here is what I do know.
I really enjoyed Off the Record (Record, #1). It gave me a taste of something I didn't even know I craved. It was original. It was well written. It was love discovered on the foundation of lust. It was growth. It was evolution. It was sacrifice. It was….Brady.
It just was.
On the Record was good. It was tantalizingly frustrating. It left me in anticipation for the next installment, but it also left me confused. Confused because I didn't quite enjoy it as much as I did book one. Something was a bit off. Something that didn't altogether leave me feeling the same high I felt with Off the Record.
I'll start by saying that I loved the beginning. It built anticipation. I loved the internal struggles over Hayden, and I loved how I never once felt like there was a love triangle. Not one bit. I know what you're saying, "That's four balls, two penises, a pair of breasts and one really indecisive vagina. I'm pretty sure that makes up the exact ingredients for a love triangle." But it just didn't feel like that. It felt more like two relationships running parallel to each other, but never quite being aloud to cross. Liz compartmentalized them into two opposite sides of her heart. I never felt her vacillating as much as she was trying to move on. It didn't have the annoyance of a love triangle. It was sort of perfect like that.
In the beginning, the pace was perfect, but something about the progression of Brady's character into the story felt off, the flow and development awkward. Brady's whole attitude and feelings seemed to change so abruptly from one interaction to the next. Yet if you really consider the vast amount of time this installment actually covers, it really isn't that abrupt. But it was something I, as a reader, really didn't get to experience. Brady had his own struggles and issues to work through, but it being from Liz's POV we don't get to see much of that progression. His progression.
I also didn't like the whole situation with Clay, especially Liz's abrupt mid-coitus turnaround. First she was. Then she wasn't. Then I was. Then he was. Then the phone was. True, it added for some good angsty drama later and provided elements to move along the plot, but like I mentioned earlier, it just threw things kind of…off.
I'm also still totally confused about what happened with Hayden and Liz in the bedroom. I've read that scene from front to back about thirty times, and I'm totally at a loss. A loss about what's discussed between Liz and Brady later. What she allows Brady to think. How she feels about it in that moment. Does she think that Hayden….? I kept thinking I had somehow misread the scene, or definitely missed something. But I am so confused. It left me wondering if the bedroom scene had been tamed down or edited down, and that would explain…well, it would just explain.
Maybe I'm dense.
Either way. Despite my confusion, in true K.A. Linde fashion, I found myself completely submerged under the weight of my unsureness, angst, and anticipation for hours after I had done reading it. Maybe I didn't like it as much as the first one, but I enjoyed the journey and am excitingly anticipating the next book in the trilogy.
READ ON!
My review of Off the Record (Book #1): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More reviews at: http://www.toughcriticbookreviews.blo...
Sometimes I confuse myself….and it's confusing!
Sometimes. I. Just. Don't. Know.
But here is what I do know.
I really enjoyed Off the Record (Record, #1). It gave me a taste of something I didn't even know I craved. It was original. It was well written. It was love discovered on the foundation of lust. It was growth. It was evolution. It was sacrifice. It was….Brady.
It just was.
On the Record was good. It was tantalizingly frustrating. It left me in anticipation for the next installment, but it also left me confused. Confused because I didn't quite enjoy it as much as I did book one. Something was a bit off. Something that didn't altogether leave me feeling the same high I felt with Off the Record.
I'll start by saying that I loved the beginning. It built anticipation. I loved the internal struggles over Hayden, and I loved how I never once felt like there was a love triangle. Not one bit. I know what you're saying, "That's four balls, two penises, a pair of breasts and one really indecisive vagina. I'm pretty sure that makes up the exact ingredients for a love triangle." But it just didn't feel like that. It felt more like two relationships running parallel to each other, but never quite being aloud to cross. Liz compartmentalized them into two opposite sides of her heart. I never felt her vacillating as much as she was trying to move on. It didn't have the annoyance of a love triangle. It was sort of perfect like that.
In the beginning, the pace was perfect, but something about the progression of Brady's character into the story felt off, the flow and development awkward. Brady's whole attitude and feelings seemed to change so abruptly from one interaction to the next. Yet if you really consider the vast amount of time this installment actually covers, it really isn't that abrupt. But it was something I, as a reader, really didn't get to experience. Brady had his own struggles and issues to work through, but it being from Liz's POV we don't get to see much of that progression. His progression.
I also didn't like the whole situation with Clay, especially Liz's abrupt mid-coitus turnaround. First she was. Then she wasn't. Then I was. Then he was. Then the phone was. True, it added for some good angsty drama later and provided elements to move along the plot, but like I mentioned earlier, it just threw things kind of…off.
I'm also still totally confused about what happened with Hayden and Liz in the bedroom. I've read that scene from front to back about thirty times, and I'm totally at a loss. A loss about what's discussed between Liz and Brady later. What she allows Brady to think. How she feels about it in that moment. Does she think that Hayden….? I kept thinking I had somehow misread the scene, or definitely missed something. But I am so confused. It left me wondering if the bedroom scene had been tamed down or edited down, and that would explain…well, it would just explain.
Maybe I'm dense.
Either way. Despite my confusion, in true K.A. Linde fashion, I found myself completely submerged under the weight of my unsureness, angst, and anticipation for hours after I had done reading it. Maybe I didn't like it as much as the first one, but I enjoyed the journey and am excitingly anticipating the next book in the trilogy.
READ ON!
My review of Off the Record (Book #1): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
More reviews at: http://www.toughcriticbookreviews.blo...
January 28, 2022
(this is a reread) The 2nd book in a trilogy is generally "make or break" for me. And I have to say that this one wasn't the worst I've ever read, but it definitely had problems.
There's quite a bit of fluff, still. The H is MIA through the vast majority of the book. 😐 We spend a ridiculous amount of time focusing on a doomed relationship between the h and her editor (fill-in) boyfriend. We get load of sex scenes with them. Again... this guy ISNT the H, so I don't know why we needed all the technicolor detail. I mean, good on her for having good sex while separated from the love of her life, I guess, but I'm not sure I needed to have a front row seat for it. 😬
The H has moved on with some beauty queen. No reason given for why it was ok to date that gal but not the h. 👀 And he doesn't lift a finger to go after the h. He tells that woman that he loves her. 😐😐 The only reason they are ever together at all is because the h calls him when she fights with her boyfriend. 🙄 He doesn't even tell her when he breaks up with the beauty queen. He seems content to just move on without her. 😐 Totally fine with her boning someone else. 👍🏻
Neither MC is particularly likable at this point. Th H is passive and an asshole, pushing the h away for no discernable reason. And the h has a very shaky relationship with the truth.
There is one situation in this book that REALLY rubs me the wrong way. So, the h comes clean with her boyfriend, who has been sweet and attentive and loving and patient, until they have a fight and she goes running to the H. She admits to this very nice guy, who she claims to love, that she kissed the H the night they fought. Again, she misrepresents what actually happened... it wasn't just a kiss... but anyway... the boyfriend is understandably upset. BUT he forgives her.... then he initiates sex. And he's more aggressive than usual... and the h, while a little uncomfortable due to their fight, admits in her head that she kinda likes him like this... a bit more assertive and claimy... It's good sex. She climaxes... never says no... never gives really ANY indication she wasn't fully with him in the moment.... But when she talks about it later, she basically calls it rape. The boyfriend ends up betraying her to the papers, and when she runs to the H heartbroken, she tells him that what happened was rape. I'm pretty grossed out by this. She does this throughout the series, misrepresents sexual encounters to gain sympathy or make herself sound better. It makes her very unlikable. If that scene with the boyfriend was supposed to be a rape, the author did a very poor job writing it. And the h now seems like a manipulative self-serving asshole.
Oh, and she almost sleeps with the H's brother, right before she chases after the H and lies to him about the "rape.... she also lies to him about what happened between her and his brother. She was all but humping the brother in his car. Fully intending to have sex with him. She was the aggressor. The ONLY reason she stops is because the brother tells her that the H broke up with the beauty queen. But she lets the H think the brother was the aggressor and they just kissed. Liar-liar-pants-on-fire. 🤬
I'm kinda over this couple at this point. 🤷🏼♀️
Bottom Line? The author has lost me, but I'm curious about some loose ends, so I'm gonna read the last book. I'm giving her an extra star for really going there with the drama. I like drama. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- cheating - depends on your definition, but the H and h both sleep with OP while separated for a year and a half - and they kiss each other during that time, with the clear intention of doing more, while they are in relationships with OP - so they definitely cheat on their partners
- no sharing
- OW/OM drama
- they get back together and immediately have sex. The h has had sex with her boyfriend as recently as a few days prior (no mention of them ever using condoms) and the H just broke things off with his girlfriend... but they go bare, without hesitation or questions. I feel like a conversation needed to take place here. Or at least protection used until they could have the conversation. Neither of them really knows what the other has been up to besides their major relationships (or within those relationships). It just seemed like a blatant miss.
There's quite a bit of fluff, still. The H is MIA through the vast majority of the book. 😐 We spend a ridiculous amount of time focusing on a doomed relationship between the h and her editor (fill-in) boyfriend. We get load of sex scenes with them. Again... this guy ISNT the H, so I don't know why we needed all the technicolor detail. I mean, good on her for having good sex while separated from the love of her life, I guess, but I'm not sure I needed to have a front row seat for it. 😬
The H has moved on with some beauty queen. No reason given for why it was ok to date that gal but not the h. 👀 And he doesn't lift a finger to go after the h. He tells that woman that he loves her. 😐😐 The only reason they are ever together at all is because the h calls him when she fights with her boyfriend. 🙄 He doesn't even tell her when he breaks up with the beauty queen. He seems content to just move on without her. 😐 Totally fine with her boning someone else. 👍🏻
Neither MC is particularly likable at this point. Th H is passive and an asshole, pushing the h away for no discernable reason. And the h has a very shaky relationship with the truth.
There is one situation in this book that REALLY rubs me the wrong way. So, the h comes clean with her boyfriend, who has been sweet and attentive and loving and patient, until they have a fight and she goes running to the H. She admits to this very nice guy, who she claims to love, that she kissed the H the night they fought. Again, she misrepresents what actually happened... it wasn't just a kiss... but anyway... the boyfriend is understandably upset. BUT he forgives her.... then he initiates sex. And he's more aggressive than usual... and the h, while a little uncomfortable due to their fight, admits in her head that she kinda likes him like this... a bit more assertive and claimy... It's good sex. She climaxes... never says no... never gives really ANY indication she wasn't fully with him in the moment.... But when she talks about it later, she basically calls it rape. The boyfriend ends up betraying her to the papers, and when she runs to the H heartbroken, she tells him that what happened was rape. I'm pretty grossed out by this. She does this throughout the series, misrepresents sexual encounters to gain sympathy or make herself sound better. It makes her very unlikable. If that scene with the boyfriend was supposed to be a rape, the author did a very poor job writing it. And the h now seems like a manipulative self-serving asshole.
Oh, and she almost sleeps with the H's brother, right before she chases after the H and lies to him about the "rape.... she also lies to him about what happened between her and his brother. She was all but humping the brother in his car. Fully intending to have sex with him. She was the aggressor. The ONLY reason she stops is because the brother tells her that the H broke up with the beauty queen. But she lets the H think the brother was the aggressor and they just kissed. Liar-liar-pants-on-fire. 🤬
I'm kinda over this couple at this point. 🤷🏼♀️
Bottom Line? The author has lost me, but I'm curious about some loose ends, so I'm gonna read the last book. I'm giving her an extra star for really going there with the drama. I like drama. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- cheating - depends on your definition, but the H and h both sleep with OP while separated for a year and a half - and they kiss each other during that time, with the clear intention of doing more, while they are in relationships with OP - so they definitely cheat on their partners
- no sharing
- OW/OM drama
- they get back together and immediately have sex. The h has had sex with her boyfriend as recently as a few days prior (no mention of them ever using condoms) and the H just broke things off with his girlfriend... but they go bare, without hesitation or questions. I feel like a conversation needed to take place here. Or at least protection used until they could have the conversation. Neither of them really knows what the other has been up to besides their major relationships (or within those relationships). It just seemed like a blatant miss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
You are gonna need wine to get through this one. KA Linde upped her angst factor to "astronomical" with this one. I read it 2 weeks ago and my eye is still twitching. #Youhavebeenwarned
On the Record. This book! Okay my review is going to be short and sweet simply because OtR was a great, angsty, emotional read and I don’t want to give away too much of the story because I want every single reader to go through everything I did and to experience it without any preconceptions…
***Spoiler Alert. If you have not read Off the Record do not proceed***
Completely deflated. That is how we all felt at the end of Off the Record. We had gone through this intense, emotional love affair with Brady and Liz to just watch her walk away at the very end. Oh. My. God. My heart! Just as Brady was coming to terms with the fact that Liz was so much more than a fling and that he was indeed in love with her … she simply walks out of the door and out of his life. How could she????
It was simple. She loved him enough not to make him choose. She knew that the campaign would win. His ambition. His purpose in life. She didn’t stand a chance… and she loved him enough not to force him to be the bad guy. He had never lied to her. He had never made her any promises. It was her own stupid heart that couldn’t play by the rules. So she did what she thought was best for them both. She had faith in Brady the Politian. She wanted to see him succeed and she did her part for the man she loved and the candidate she believed in. Now she had to live with the consequences. The pain.
That’s what On the Record is… a book about dealing with the pain of losing THE LOVE. Picking up the pieces and moving forward. Liz has no other choice. So she moves on at school, works hard at the paper, goes out with her friends, and keeps putting one foot in front of the other. She does a really good job. She knows in her heart of hearts she did the right thing… but she MISSES him. The absence of Brady Maxwell is almost a character in this story. You feel it with Liz deep down in your bones. It walks with you. It speaks to you. It is agony. AGONY!!!
Yes this story will have you ranting. Yes this story will have you sobbing. Yes this story will have you confused as to what you want Liz to do… but in the end you knew all along what she needed. What you needed. K.A. Linde is an evil little genius when it comes to making you want what you thought you didn’t and convincing you it’s the right thing only to trick you back to where you started and making you mad at your damn self for ever changing your mind in the first place. Gah I was a wreck!!! So you will be too. You just have to be brave enough to take the book back out of the freezer and power through to the end. I highly recommend this book. It has surpassed Avoiding Commitment as my favorite KA Linde book.
PS: Clay Maxwell --- charming, handsome, devious villain. *swoon*
On the Record. This book! Okay my review is going to be short and sweet simply because OtR was a great, angsty, emotional read and I don’t want to give away too much of the story because I want every single reader to go through everything I did and to experience it without any preconceptions…
***Spoiler Alert. If you have not read Off the Record do not proceed***
Completely deflated. That is how we all felt at the end of Off the Record. We had gone through this intense, emotional love affair with Brady and Liz to just watch her walk away at the very end. Oh. My. God. My heart! Just as Brady was coming to terms with the fact that Liz was so much more than a fling and that he was indeed in love with her … she simply walks out of the door and out of his life. How could she????
It was simple. She loved him enough not to make him choose. She knew that the campaign would win. His ambition. His purpose in life. She didn’t stand a chance… and she loved him enough not to force him to be the bad guy. He had never lied to her. He had never made her any promises. It was her own stupid heart that couldn’t play by the rules. So she did what she thought was best for them both. She had faith in Brady the Politian. She wanted to see him succeed and she did her part for the man she loved and the candidate she believed in. Now she had to live with the consequences. The pain.
That’s what On the Record is… a book about dealing with the pain of losing THE LOVE. Picking up the pieces and moving forward. Liz has no other choice. So she moves on at school, works hard at the paper, goes out with her friends, and keeps putting one foot in front of the other. She does a really good job. She knows in her heart of hearts she did the right thing… but she MISSES him. The absence of Brady Maxwell is almost a character in this story. You feel it with Liz deep down in your bones. It walks with you. It speaks to you. It is agony. AGONY!!!
Yes this story will have you ranting. Yes this story will have you sobbing. Yes this story will have you confused as to what you want Liz to do… but in the end you knew all along what she needed. What you needed. K.A. Linde is an evil little genius when it comes to making you want what you thought you didn’t and convincing you it’s the right thing only to trick you back to where you started and making you mad at your damn self for ever changing your mind in the first place. Gah I was a wreck!!! So you will be too. You just have to be brave enough to take the book back out of the freezer and power through to the end. I highly recommend this book. It has surpassed Avoiding Commitment as my favorite KA Linde book.
PS: Clay Maxwell --- charming, handsome, devious villain. *swoon*
February 23, 2015
4 "your my airplane" STARS
I'm loving this series and am a HUGE Brady junkie. So this was a bit of a let down because Brady was not in much of the first half. Ms. Linde sure knows how to tease a gal as it left me all anxious and angst-ridden but also glued to my book. With every page turn, I prayed there'd be a Brady sighting...
and all the fuckin' obstacles would get out of the way (Asshole Hayden and Ms. Uppity). Needless to say, this was a great read and the perfect evolution for this couple.
While the encounters between Brady and Liz were few and far between in the beginning, each and every one was scorchin' hot even with their clothes on!
I hope this book covered off the angst, okay, who am I kidding, I know the next book could possibly cover some serious stress and shit that they'll have to deal with...I'm so ready for the HEA of Liz and Brady.
I'm loving this series and am a HUGE Brady junkie. So this was a bit of a let down because Brady was not in much of the first half. Ms. Linde sure knows how to tease a gal as it left me all anxious and angst-ridden but also glued to my book. With every page turn, I prayed there'd be a Brady sighting...
and all the fuckin' obstacles would get out of the way (Asshole Hayden and Ms. Uppity). Needless to say, this was a great read and the perfect evolution for this couple.
While the encounters between Brady and Liz were few and far between in the beginning, each and every one was scorchin' hot even with their clothes on!
I hope this book covered off the angst, okay, who am I kidding, I know the next book could possibly cover some serious stress and shit that they'll have to deal with...I'm so ready for the HEA of Liz and Brady.
November 15, 2014
Brady !! That's what I'm talking about. Binge reading this series ❤️❤️
February 17, 2016
4 stars!! As you can see, what started as reading an old book off my kindle turned into reading a whole trilogy in one and half days!! Why had I not read this series earlier? 1click fingers get trigger happy and many great books are lost in a list until one day you just flick the pages and click on them.
Brady Maxwell has kept me entertained for so many hours and has caused me to lose practically two nights sleep, reading until the kindle hit me in the face twice...but I reached the end at 3am on night two. I love political drama's and add to that a forbidden type love story and you cannot help but get emotionally involved with these characters.
KA Linde nailed the politics, nailed the chemistry, nailed the angst and while at times this trilogy did not go the way I wanted I always held out hope that true love would prevail, even if it was one heck of a journey to get there.
I will fully review this as a trilogy but I highly recommend this series (Off the Record, On the Record and For the Record)
Brady Maxwell has kept me entertained for so many hours and has caused me to lose practically two nights sleep, reading until the kindle hit me in the face twice...but I reached the end at 3am on night two. I love political drama's and add to that a forbidden type love story and you cannot help but get emotionally involved with these characters.
KA Linde nailed the politics, nailed the chemistry, nailed the angst and while at times this trilogy did not go the way I wanted I always held out hope that true love would prevail, even if it was one heck of a journey to get there.
I will fully review this as a trilogy but I highly recommend this series (Off the Record, On the Record and For the Record)
May 4, 2021
re-read 2019. Still painful. Still amazing.
This is a brilliant follow up to Off the Record.
This is much angstier than Off the Record and much of this story centres around Liz and the aftermath of her decision to walk away from him for the sake of his career - there isn't as much Brady time in this, but think quality not quantity. They both move on with other people (ouch, that hurts) but thanks to Liz's connections with his sister, Savannah and his devious brother, Clay, they run into one another several times and their chemistry is as hot as ever.
I couldn't put this down, it was a fantastic read. I adored Off the Record but this was an even more captivating read.
It ends on a cliffhanger, final part due out in the autumn.
Highly recommended series.
This is a brilliant follow up to Off the Record.
This is much angstier than Off the Record and much of this story centres around Liz and the aftermath of her decision to walk away from him for the sake of his career - there isn't as much Brady time in this, but think quality not quantity. They both move on with other people (ouch, that hurts) but thanks to Liz's connections with his sister, Savannah and his devious brother, Clay, they run into one another several times and their chemistry is as hot as ever.
I couldn't put this down, it was a fantastic read. I adored Off the Record but this was an even more captivating read.
It ends on a cliffhanger, final part due out in the autumn.
Highly recommended series.
August 26, 2014
Argh, what a waste of my time. I don't meant to be so rude, but why writing so much about Hayden and Liz? That was just... boring. I waited so much to read about BRADY AND LIZ, not Hayden and Liz. I should have just read the last chapters and not waste my time reading almost all the book. Thanks God that the third book is almost out and that Brady is back on track :D I loved Brady in those last chapters, he is so fucking perfect.
December 1, 2014
4 I put myself through torture stars
When I think of K.A. Linde books, I think of the following:
Intense story line
Cheating
Love triangles
ANGST
CRAZY CRAZY tension
I usually need someone to hold my hand to prevent myself from pulling all of my hair out. Just FYI, I did have a support group to help me with this read. It.was.just.that.intense.
Recap
Liz left Brady because she wanted Brady to pursue his political career. Crazy huh? On the Record picks up where Off the Record left off.
Liz
So Liz is crazy emotional and trying to get over Brady. Let me just rephrase that. A good portion of the book is Liz trying to get over Brady. The one thing I did like is that Linde didn’t make Liz crazy annoying or crazy obsessive. I felt for Liz, she’s trying to be the better person and move on and let Brady do his thing. She moves on by dating Hayden.
Hayden
Hayden is your boy-next-door, meet-the-parents kind of boyfriend. He’s PERFECT and you will love him, I will admit, I was very swooned by him. He doesn’t asks questions and gives Liz space when she needs it and believe me, Liz takes her sweet time in the relationship, which frustrated me a tad bit.
Brady
Where does Brady fall in this equation? Good question because I can say he doesn’t show up until the 25% mark. If you are looking for a book that has Brady and Liz going back and forth with crazy angst, it’s not really there. It’s hard to explain, but most of the issues are upon Liz herself. But fear not, Brady does have a nice presence in the book, I just wish it was slightly bigger.
Overall
As Liz and Hayden work on their relationship, Liz’s affection for Brady plays a huge role. Even though I was kind of ticked that Brady isn’t in the book too much, the parts that he is, makes up for it. The beginning is a bit slow as it mostly talks about Liz trying to get over Brady.
The second half picks up a notch and then there’s drama, passion and plenty of crazy. I was on the edge of my seat, screaming at the tablet many times, questioning, wondering and screaming, but in the end…
It was all worth it
If you are a fan of the series, if you are a fan of Linde’s reads, then you will NOT be disappointed, but be prepared for a bumping ride and have your girlfriends ready to hold your hand.
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
When I think of K.A. Linde books, I think of the following:
Intense story line
Cheating
Love triangles
ANGST
CRAZY CRAZY tension
I usually need someone to hold my hand to prevent myself from pulling all of my hair out. Just FYI, I did have a support group to help me with this read. It.was.just.that.intense.
Recap
Liz left Brady because she wanted Brady to pursue his political career. Crazy huh? On the Record picks up where Off the Record left off.
Liz
So Liz is crazy emotional and trying to get over Brady. Let me just rephrase that. A good portion of the book is Liz trying to get over Brady. The one thing I did like is that Linde didn’t make Liz crazy annoying or crazy obsessive. I felt for Liz, she’s trying to be the better person and move on and let Brady do his thing. She moves on by dating Hayden.
Hayden
Hayden is your boy-next-door, meet-the-parents kind of boyfriend. He’s PERFECT and you will love him, I will admit, I was very swooned by him. He doesn’t asks questions and gives Liz space when she needs it and believe me, Liz takes her sweet time in the relationship, which frustrated me a tad bit.
Brady
Where does Brady fall in this equation? Good question because I can say he doesn’t show up until the 25% mark. If you are looking for a book that has Brady and Liz going back and forth with crazy angst, it’s not really there. It’s hard to explain, but most of the issues are upon Liz herself. But fear not, Brady does have a nice presence in the book, I just wish it was slightly bigger.
Overall
As Liz and Hayden work on their relationship, Liz’s affection for Brady plays a huge role. Even though I was kind of ticked that Brady isn’t in the book too much, the parts that he is, makes up for it. The beginning is a bit slow as it mostly talks about Liz trying to get over Brady.
The second half picks up a notch and then there’s drama, passion and plenty of crazy. I was on the edge of my seat, screaming at the tablet many times, questioning, wondering and screaming, but in the end…
It was all worth it
If you are a fan of the series, if you are a fan of Linde’s reads, then you will NOT be disappointed, but be prepared for a bumping ride and have your girlfriends ready to hold your hand.
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
April 29, 2016
It's no secret how much I adore this series. I think Brady Maxwell is one of the most real and sexy characters written today. And who wouldn't want to be Liz? She's got confidence, she's gorgeous and has a hot politician in love with her. But that just covers a tiny part of this book. This is the second book in this series and has an overload of angst, very little Brady in it, yet you felt his presence with Liz every step of the way. In this one, a little time has gone by since (spoiler alert: do not read if you haven't read Off the Record) Liz walked out on Brady, trying to make the decision on whether he chooses his career or her easier on him by walking out on him. Now Liz is dating Hayden- yes it's absolutely no secret how much I can't stand him. She tries with him, oh how she tries, but Brady is always in the back of her mind refusing to leave.
It wasn't like she didn't like Hayden... hadn't always liked Hayden. But still, she stepped away from him instead of into him when he moved toward her.
I did tear up at a particularly heartbreaking moment when Liz sees Brady on tv one night and all her feelings come at her full force. It was hard to read but showed how she couldn't shake this man no matter how hard she tried.
She shut the door and locked it before sinking helplessly to the floor. Tears sprang to her eyes so fast and hot. A sob racked her chest and she slapped her hand over her mouth.
Then there are the moments where Liz just can't help herself and contacts Brady. I didn't blame her one bit. They made me smile big even though those scenes were particularly angsty, but just showed how much these two were never going to be able to get each other put of their systems.
"You don't call me crying in the middle of the night after not speaking with me for months, and then tell me I can't see you. I can't handle it, Liz."
"No tears for me, baby. Soon enough you'll forget I ever existed... just like you wanted."
I could literally go on all day about this book but I won't. I'll let you find out what happens next and how it ends. All I want to say is, where is November? I am dying for the conclusion to this series.
It wasn't like she didn't like Hayden... hadn't always liked Hayden. But still, she stepped away from him instead of into him when he moved toward her.
I did tear up at a particularly heartbreaking moment when Liz sees Brady on tv one night and all her feelings come at her full force. It was hard to read but showed how she couldn't shake this man no matter how hard she tried.
She shut the door and locked it before sinking helplessly to the floor. Tears sprang to her eyes so fast and hot. A sob racked her chest and she slapped her hand over her mouth.
Then there are the moments where Liz just can't help herself and contacts Brady. I didn't blame her one bit. They made me smile big even though those scenes were particularly angsty, but just showed how much these two were never going to be able to get each other put of their systems.
"You don't call me crying in the middle of the night after not speaking with me for months, and then tell me I can't see you. I can't handle it, Liz."
"No tears for me, baby. Soon enough you'll forget I ever existed... just like you wanted."
I could literally go on all day about this book but I won't. I'll let you find out what happens next and how it ends. All I want to say is, where is November? I am dying for the conclusion to this series.
December 30, 2015
So, this actually happened. I finally decided to read this, and what do you know, I really loved it!!! I mean, after the first book, I was pretty adamant about not continuing with the series because of the angst. But no, I honestly didn't mind/notice the angst! I didn't even care that Liz was so... not very decisive.
Maybe it was because I haven't read anything in quite some time so I wasn't being particularly picky. But what I do know for sure is that I can't wait to have more of Brady Maxwell!
Maybe it was because I haven't read anything in quite some time so I wasn't being particularly picky. But what I do know for sure is that I can't wait to have more of Brady Maxwell!
August 28, 2014
3.5 I love Brady stars!! enjoyed this book however I didn't like Brady was absent a lot of the book except in lizzie every dam thought! but the last 40 percent was great as most of k.a. linde's books at the ending full of drama! looking forward to the next book!
June 10, 2016
Update 9/10/14 I read these books too fast and too close together to write a review. I think I'll save a review for the last one.
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Okay, seriously now. Need to get my grad work done, will review both these books after that :)
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Okay, seriously now. Need to get my grad work done, will review both these books after that :)
October 19, 2014
~~3.5 HEARTS~~
This book irritated me a bit. Liz’s waffling back and forth with the way she felt for Brady & Hayden just rubbed me the wrong way. She’s now in a relationship with Hayden and he’s everything a girl could want. She had someone right in front of her that was proud to be with her but she just couldn’t get over Brady. She kept on putting off telling Hayden the truth about her relationship with Brady. She kept on comparing Brady & Hayden which I didn’t like. She was living in the past and it affected the way she let her relationship with Hayden progressed. And then when she gets in the first argument with Hayden what does she do? She runs to Brady. I didn’t like it that she started to doubt Hayden when she was the one keeping secrets. I felt it was unfair for Hayden since Liz didn’t give her full self to him because she was still in love with Brady. Liz sounded like a broken record at times. There wasn’t enough of Brady in this book either. I can’t wait for the next book because I want to find out if there’s a future for Brady & Liz.
March 16, 2018
OMG i love it!!!
Mucho mucho angst en este libro, los protagonistas esta separados la mayor parte del libro y aun así no pude soltarlo, no pude parar de leer. Lo que no me gusto para nada y fue muy over the top fue la manera como la autora resolvió el conflicto para que volvieran a estar juntos, me pareció que la esencia de la personalidad de Liz cambio un poco, sin contar con lo injusto que me parece lo que hicieron con el personaje de Hayden.
Mucho mucho angst en este libro, los protagonistas esta separados la mayor parte del libro y aun así no pude soltarlo, no pude parar de leer. Lo que no me gusto para nada y fue muy over the top fue la manera como la autora resolvió el conflicto para que volvieran a estar juntos, me pareció que la esencia de la personalidad de Liz cambio un poco, sin contar con lo injusto que me parece lo que hicieron con el personaje de Hayden.
August 28, 2014
Gasp......yes!
The first 26% of the book to be completely honest was a snooze fest. Hayden and Liz relationship could sedate a hyper active child into a comma. That's how boring their relationship was to me. Then finally Brady makes an appearance and this gets rocking. It's angsty to the 9th degree. But wouldn't have any other way. Looking forward to the final chapter of Brady and Liz life.
The first 26% of the book to be completely honest was a snooze fest. Hayden and Liz relationship could sedate a hyper active child into a comma. That's how boring their relationship was to me. Then finally Brady makes an appearance and this gets rocking. It's angsty to the 9th degree. But wouldn't have any other way. Looking forward to the final chapter of Brady and Liz life.
August 12, 2014
Completely on the record, this second book in this series BLEW. ME. AWAY! It was just so... so... everything. Now I'll admit, the first book, Off the Record, left me a little bit unsatisfied. I felt like it was missing something, I wasn't as emotionally invested in the story line initially as I wanted to be. Well, this book, On the Record, was a game changer.
I really loved Brady Maxwell in the first book. He was, honestly, what kept me engaged in a book that otherwise left me disconnected. So color me surprised when this sequel, a story where Brady is virtually absent in much of it, completely consumed me from the very first page. I don't know what happened, I can't pinpoint what exactly changed, but this book was just glue. I could not pull myself away.
I feel compelled to note that the writing of K.A. Linde grows with each book she publishes. This story, in my opinion, reflects her strongest writing yet. I'm not typically a fan of third person narrative. In fact, I avoid it at all costs usually. But this author does it right, does it in such a way that I don't notice or care that it's not written in first person. I never felt like I was left wanting for anything, I felt it all, heard it all, saw it all. I was completely in it. The writing felt really clean, perfectly polished. I savored ever single word.
The pacing and the timing in this book was spot on. The development of the relationship between Liz and Hayden was exactly what I needed it to be to believe in it. And I did! I was scared. This relationship between the two built on such a foundation of goodness, of honesty, of everything that was right, precisely what Liz needed after her heartbreaking departure from Brady. So of course I was afraid of how my own attachment to Hayden would play out in the grand scheme of things. I could not have been more surprised by everything that unfolds in this relationship. I want to scream and laugh and cry over how perfectly imperfect the course of events unfolded... but I can't. Read it, so we can rant together!!!
The reemergence of Brady... the perfectly angst-ridden scenes where the author thrusts Liz and Brady back into each other's lives, if only for a moment. I wanted to jump for joy and curl up in a ball and cry. Every word... every miniscule touch, ever heated glance... it. was. just. delicious. Deliciously hot, deliciously devastating... all the things K.A. Linde delivers, but in such a new, refreshing way. The things they say to each other... they say EVERYTHING I always hoped I'd hear, the good and the bad. I could just eat this book up.
The plot turns in this book NEVER STOP. But the timing, it's all just so perfect. It's never drama for the sake of drama, angst for the sake of angst. It's all completely crucial to the story line, paced perfectly, never over the top, never too subtle. My use of "perfect" is redundant, but I don't care. Everything about this story, every single word is exactly where it should be to form this unforgettable, unputdownable, sexy, angsty romance.
I felt everything I hoped I'd feel reading this book and so much more. The details and the nuances of this story... I could talk about it all for days. I probably will. But to avoid spoilers, I'm just going to say this... get on board and enjoy this ride. Don't wait for the next installment before you take the plunge. The queen of angst outdid herself with On the Record. I want to run around carrying her on my shoulders because she totally freaking nailed it!
I really loved Brady Maxwell in the first book. He was, honestly, what kept me engaged in a book that otherwise left me disconnected. So color me surprised when this sequel, a story where Brady is virtually absent in much of it, completely consumed me from the very first page. I don't know what happened, I can't pinpoint what exactly changed, but this book was just glue. I could not pull myself away.
I feel compelled to note that the writing of K.A. Linde grows with each book she publishes. This story, in my opinion, reflects her strongest writing yet. I'm not typically a fan of third person narrative. In fact, I avoid it at all costs usually. But this author does it right, does it in such a way that I don't notice or care that it's not written in first person. I never felt like I was left wanting for anything, I felt it all, heard it all, saw it all. I was completely in it. The writing felt really clean, perfectly polished. I savored ever single word.
The pacing and the timing in this book was spot on. The development of the relationship between Liz and Hayden was exactly what I needed it to be to believe in it. And I did! I was scared. This relationship between the two built on such a foundation of goodness, of honesty, of everything that was right, precisely what Liz needed after her heartbreaking departure from Brady. So of course I was afraid of how my own attachment to Hayden would play out in the grand scheme of things. I could not have been more surprised by everything that unfolds in this relationship. I want to scream and laugh and cry over how perfectly imperfect the course of events unfolded... but I can't. Read it, so we can rant together!!!
The reemergence of Brady... the perfectly angst-ridden scenes where the author thrusts Liz and Brady back into each other's lives, if only for a moment. I wanted to jump for joy and curl up in a ball and cry. Every word... every miniscule touch, ever heated glance... it. was. just. delicious. Deliciously hot, deliciously devastating... all the things K.A. Linde delivers, but in such a new, refreshing way. The things they say to each other... they say EVERYTHING I always hoped I'd hear, the good and the bad. I could just eat this book up.
The plot turns in this book NEVER STOP. But the timing, it's all just so perfect. It's never drama for the sake of drama, angst for the sake of angst. It's all completely crucial to the story line, paced perfectly, never over the top, never too subtle. My use of "perfect" is redundant, but I don't care. Everything about this story, every single word is exactly where it should be to form this unforgettable, unputdownable, sexy, angsty romance.
I felt everything I hoped I'd feel reading this book and so much more. The details and the nuances of this story... I could talk about it all for days. I probably will. But to avoid spoilers, I'm just going to say this... get on board and enjoy this ride. Don't wait for the next installment before you take the plunge. The queen of angst outdid herself with On the Record. I want to run around carrying her on my shoulders because she totally freaking nailed it!
December 11, 2016
Brady on the Brain
Thank you to Teresa for recommending this political romance series!
A whole lotta angst in this one. Liz is a journalism student at UNC who fell hard for state senator Brady in Off the Record. (I swooned for the Republican hottie as well.) They had to keep their relationship secret, which increased the hotness factor. At the cusp of Brady's election to the US Congress, Liz fled, doing what she thought was best for his interests.
But she misses him.
She thinks about him, even when starting a new relationship with fellow UNC student, Hayden.
Hayden is handsome and says the sweetest things. But he's not Brady. I feel kind of badly for him that he will always be compared to Liz's first love. I certainly never gave him a chance.
When Liz has a fight with Hayden and calls Brady crying one night, he comes to pick her up in an instant despite his anger at her leaving him. But she doesn't come easily:
She quickly righted herself and climbed into the front just as Brady eased into his seat.
"I can't believe you!" she yelled, reaching for the door. Pulling the handle several times in frustration, she discovered it too was locked. She moved to grab the lock and pull it up, but Brady's hand caught her wrist and put it back at her side. "Seriously?"
Brady smirked. "You should have gotten in the car from the beginning."
"You're kidnapping me," she growled, glaring at him.
"Listen here," he said. She tried to pull away from him, but he held her hard and fast. "I want you to remember that you called me crying in the middle of the night. You were the one who used that line. You were the one who used that name. You were the one fell back into old methods. So don't you fucking pull this shit on me. Did you or did you not call as Sandy Carmichael?"
He waited.
"Yes," she grumbled through gritted teeth.
"Did you or did you not typically call that line for me to fuck you?"
DAMN! That scene and their following were smokin'.
I have some minor quibbles about the writing style but this book is a great setup for the third installment, which I devoured right after I finished this one.
Thank you to Teresa for recommending this political romance series!
A whole lotta angst in this one. Liz is a journalism student at UNC who fell hard for state senator Brady in Off the Record. (I swooned for the Republican hottie as well.) They had to keep their relationship secret, which increased the hotness factor. At the cusp of Brady's election to the US Congress, Liz fled, doing what she thought was best for his interests.
But she misses him.
She thinks about him, even when starting a new relationship with fellow UNC student, Hayden.
Hayden is handsome and says the sweetest things. But he's not Brady. I feel kind of badly for him that he will always be compared to Liz's first love. I certainly never gave him a chance.
When Liz has a fight with Hayden and calls Brady crying one night, he comes to pick her up in an instant despite his anger at her leaving him. But she doesn't come easily:
She quickly righted herself and climbed into the front just as Brady eased into his seat.
"I can't believe you!" she yelled, reaching for the door. Pulling the handle several times in frustration, she discovered it too was locked. She moved to grab the lock and pull it up, but Brady's hand caught her wrist and put it back at her side. "Seriously?"
Brady smirked. "You should have gotten in the car from the beginning."
"You're kidnapping me," she growled, glaring at him.
"Listen here," he said. She tried to pull away from him, but he held her hard and fast. "I want you to remember that you called me crying in the middle of the night. You were the one who used that line. You were the one who used that name. You were the one fell back into old methods. So don't you fucking pull this shit on me. Did you or did you not call as Sandy Carmichael?"
He waited.
"Yes," she grumbled through gritted teeth.
"Did you or did you not typically call that line for me to fuck you?"
DAMN! That scene and their following were smokin'.
I have some minor quibbles about the writing style but this book is a great setup for the third installment, which I devoured right after I finished this one.
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