Member Reviews

I loved Precipice of Doubt. Mardi Alexander and Laurie Eichler have written another fabulous book. Drama, action, adventure, romance and animals all together in one great book. Hopefully an audio version is in the works.

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Most lesbian romance i've read is set in the US so i love any that are set in other countries. This is set in Australia and it is great to be emerced in the Aussie landscape and wildlife. Both sets of relationships were done really well and the way that both writer dealt with the conflict created was done well. The fact it was two writers was not noticeable and their work was fit together really seamlessly. This is the second in the series so i'd really love to see how the first one compares to this!

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I've never read a book written by two authors, so really didn't know what toe expect.
I really liked the 1st half of the book, a great story with both Jodi and Cole likeable characters.
I did think that Jodi's reaction to the Cole incident was a bit OTT and if I was Cole I wouldn't have been so forgiving.

About half way through the book the story seemed to change and found myself wanting to skip a few pages as it didn't keep me hooked.

But saying that if you love to read about nature, the country side and animals then this is the book for you

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Two Stars. I did not really enjoy this book. This book was about two couples, Pip and Charlie and Cole and Jodie. The main focus of the book was on Cole and Jodie's relationship as this is a sequel to the story of Pip and Charlie. Jodie is a Veterinarian at her own clinic in Australia and Cole is her technician. Cole, a seemingly straight woman is working at Jodie's clinic and things evolve from there.

I don't have a lot to stay about this book good or bad, it was just okay. I didn't really enjoy the story that much, and I didn't really feel the relationship of any of the four characters. I didn't feel it really change and grow throughout the book, it was just kind of there. This is not a book I would recommend, I never really got invested in it at all.

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There is no doubt about it, 'Precipice of Doubt" gives the reader a wild emotional roller coaster of a ride. Mardi Alexander and Laurie Eichler have created a beautiful and heart-warming romance.
The story revolves around Veterinarian Jodi Bowman and her assistant Cole Jamesian. Jodi has lost confidence in her skills as a vet due to a few bad outcomes with patients. Cole tries to help her regain her confidence as a skilled vet, and of course, sparks fly as the two become closer.
We also get to see more of the main characters from a previous book by these two authors called 'To Be Determined'. Charlie and Pip are close friends with Jodi and Cole and in this book we learn of their continuing relationship and some of the obstacles they must overcome as they also try to help Jodi and Cole.
This is a lovely workplace romance filled with love, friendship, animals, action, and hurt-comfort. If you love all these elements in your reading material, then this is the book for you. I know I enjoyed it and I can highly recommend 'Precipice of Doubt'.

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Before reading ‘Precipice of Doubt’ I made a point of refreshing myself on the prequel, ‘To Be Determined’. I knew I had enjoyed the story of Charlie’s arrival in Australia and the developing affair with Pip. I hoped this would be more of the same, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Jodi, the over-worked and over-committed vet, and her assistant Cole, develop a relationship and slowly progress from co-workers and friends to lovers and partners. Opposites clearly attract. Of course, there are some major moments of drama and of misunderstandings. ‘Precipice of Doubt’ is a very good romance and is made even better as we also see further developments in Charlie and Pip’s life together.
The bonus elements that lifts both books to the top of the pile, at least for me, are the landscapes and wildlife. That sounds very dry, but I had the definite sense of learning and experiencing something new while watching this story come to life.
Overall, I loved this book and it is strongly recommended. Read both books, ideally in the order they were written - it makes most sense – but both books work as stand-alone stories.

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Mardi Alexander and Laurie Eichler author duo return with a sequel to To Be Determined. Life seems settled, relatively speaking, following the events that brought together American Pip Atkins and Charlie Dickerson as wildlife rescue and rehabilitators. Now, the new couple takes on the glorious skyscraper adventure that is government paperwork. In order for Pip to remain in Australia, she must successfully complete immigration paperwork. The couple’s stress over their uncertain status compounds with the impending bittersweet release of creatures in their care.

Animal lovers will relate with veterinarian Jodi Bowman’s dedication and passion for her job. Ever since establishing her practice in New South Wales, Jodi has done nothing but, eat/sleep/breathe for the furry family members she takes care of in the community. By her side stands former New Zealander and friend/Office manager/Vet Assistant extraordinaire Cole Jameson. When cracks appear in Jodi’s confidence following a heart-wrenching series of events, Cole attempts to intercede. Their friends-to-lovers journey is rocky, complicated by a relationship from Cole’s past and Jodi’s fraying edges.

Perched on the seaside, Alexander and Eichler envelop their cast of close-knit friends within the Australian landscape. No matter how trite it is to say this, Australia is an integral character in the lives of its human counterparts. The amount of time Jodi spends swimming or hiking shows a direct correlation to her emotional state and mental health, for example. Pip and Charlie, too, prefer to live among the kangaroos, koalas, and birds, in their care. The pair’s remote home offers solace as they navigate a future together and help their friends.

While the romances certainly pulled at me, it was the animals who made me reach for tissues. The level of empathy both authors encourage through their sensitive portrayals of lives dedicated to animals is compelling. As the novel reaches its final act, doubts and rifts are forced to a head; the remaining chapters can feel a little contrived, as each chapter resolves a remaining crises. However, if romance, veterinarians, and Australia are your jams, dig in with gusto and don’t forget to check out To Be Determined (which I will do soon!).

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Ok, so I can be at times a bit slow. It wasn't til a third of the way through this book that I realised I had already met Pip and Charlie. I me them in To Be Determined. I would say you could read this as a novel on it's own. But as a dear friend here on Goodreads always says its best to read books in order.

This one is about a veterinarian Jodi who we briefly met before and her assistant Cole. Jodi experiences a crises of confidence and Cole is there to support her. The book will make you laugh and it made me cry. You'll have to read it to understand.

If you love animals and wildlife this book is definitely for you. It's a slow building love story with some adventure mixed in. Yes I would recommend this book. It isn't too heavy. A fairly light read. Enjoy!

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2500977983

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1S4WCLS1SX3SJ/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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When I read Mardi Alexander and Laurie Eichler’s book ‘To Be Determined’ I was so hoping the authors would write another book about living and working in Australia. They did. ‘Precipice of Doubt’ is the book I’ve been waiting for. Pip Atkins and Charlie Dickerson are back, rescuing and treating the various animals to be released into the wild again. But this time they give us a really good look at their friends Veterinarian Jodi Bowman and her assistant Cole Jameson. Cole and Jodi have worked together for a number of years but it’s only lately they start looking at each other as a possible mate. I could go on and on about what a great read this book is but here's the deal I simply don’t know how. Can’t help but hope there might be a third book in this series. Great characters, great plot. Simply a great read. Enjoyed very, very much.
eARC via NetGalley

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Believable, well developed plot. Likeable characters with an exotic locale.
I would like to read more of their lives and friendships.

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too much of animal talk.....I dont know if you're into animal and nature that much then this book is going to be fine for you. I thought the story was so ... I dont know missing something major I just did not know what. i did not feel the chemistry and thought the doc was being over sometimes with not sleeping. I skipped so many chapters, and still got so uninterested in most of what's being said.

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A book set in (the outback?) of Australia. It's a story about trusting and counting on your friends to "survive" so far away from civilization. I admire people like Pip and Charlie who can live so far away from a town or emergency help if ever needed. All to take care of animals in need. Jodi is a vet and works too hard. When Cole tries to help it ends up putting them at odds. I think Jodi reacted too strong.
The books deals with loneliness, friendship, health and life as animal carers in Australia. There is certainly some suspense in it. It reminded me of the old TV show McLeod's Daughters, Only no one is related and everyone is gay.

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This is the continuation of the book To Be Determined, which takes place in the Australian wilderness, just like this one. In that first part, the story centers on Pip and Charlie, who are wildlife carers. In this second part, the story focuses on Cole and Jodi, although Pip and Charlie also have much prominence. But both books can be read separately, without having to read the first to understand this second, although it is highly recommended to have done so.

The two books describe in great detail the landscapes, animal life and vegetation of the Australian territory in which they run. It is a good motivation to want to go and discover these places, the two authors have done a great job in this, in both books.

Focusing on the story between Jodi and Cole, it is quite typical, between boss and employee, being Jody the veterinarian in her own clinic and Cole the animal nurse. It is also quite typical that Cole is straight and Jodi is a lesbian, they have worked together for several years, they have never felt a sexual attraction for each other and suddenly this spark ignites and it seems that they see each other for the first time.

The story has some drama, first by the sudden anxiety of Jodi after several traumatic events concerning animals that she has had to deal with, which makes appear the less pleasant side of Jodi and that makes Cole suffer a lot and a little unfairly. Then there is also some excitement in the adventure that the protagonists have in the wilderness, going in search of the eagle that was saved, cured and released by Charlie.

In short, I think this book, like the previous one, will make you spend a very entertaining and exciting time. Maybe in the previous book the animals had more prominence, especially the little kangaroos, you could not stop falling in love with them. But this book also has its emotional parts and together is a good and recommended reading.

<i>An ARC was sent to me from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley for an honest review </i>

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I didn't know this was the second book in a series either but I had no trouble following along - this book takes place in the same little world as the first book but focuses on a different couple (Jodi and Cole). For those of you who read the first one, there is still quite a bit of focus on Pip and Charlie from the first book and I'm sure you'll be delighted to continue with their beautiful story.

Jodi ad Cole have been working together for five years at Jodi's veterinary clinic where Jodi is the veterinarian and Cole is the Vet nurse. Cole is worried her boss is working herself to the bone, and Jodi herself is beginning to feel the symptoms of her physical and mental exhaustion, leaving her reeling. But is Cole just worried about her boss or is there more to her feelings?

The writing in this book was just gorgeous - the day-to-day life in the clinic and with the wildlife was described so beautifully, I felt like I was truly there in the story. The characters were so darn lovely and the dialogue was brilliant. The ending was a little drama heavy, but it came together in the end.

I'd love to go back and read the first book in the series and I know I'll pick up anything in the future from these two brilliant writers.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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This is an interesting read with an amazingly beautiful setting that is awesomely described and interesting characters you care about. Australia and all its wonder and wildlife was presented in such a way that you could not only visualize but feel the interaction between the characters and their surrounding. The love of the land and respect for wildlife was heartwarming. Charlie and Pip, what a lovely couple. Jodi Bowman, loves what she does and is very good at it but she is a knucklehead to think she can go it alone and not have any physical or mental exhaustion. Cole Jameson, a women that knows what she wants and is not afraid to reach out for happiness. Enjoyable read with some back and forth angst.

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Set in and around Yamba, New South Wales, this story follows on from “To Be Determined” and brings Jodi and Cole to the fore as main characters. Jodi is an accomplished vet and Cole is the practice manager and assistant. As the practice gets busier and busier Jodi finds herself under immense pressure to the extent that she barely has time to sleep. Cole does whatever she can to take some of the stress off Jodi and in the process starts realising that her feelings may not be all that platonic.

There are a number of things I really liked about this novel and the first of which is the setting. All of the characters have some involvement with the local wildlife and Australia must have the monopoly on the weirdest creatures on the planet. Also the most dangerous. I loved learning about the animals in a non-didactic way (in both this book and the first). I enjoyed the continuation of Pip and Charlie’s story and the friendship between them and Jodi and Cole. There’s a wonderful amount tension, suspense and excitement that kept me turning pages and not just the standard relationship angst. The writing flowed really well and I couldn’t tell that this was written by two people.

What did detract from my enjoyment was that I wasn’t always terribly thrilled by Jodi. I preferred Cole and try as I might, I struggled to see Jodi’s point of view in some instances. There were also times that Jodi and Cole could have communicated more on page. That said, these issues didn’t make a big dent in my overall enjoyment.

I would recommend reading “To Be Determined” first and it is worth it. If there is a third in the series, I will definitely be reading it.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

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This book is a sequel to the book To Be Determined and it's wonderful. Jodi and Cole are a wonderful balance to each other. I found this book amazing in it's detail to animal wildlife/ conservation. The romance was honest and I could connect to both characters. The two writers blended an amazing book about the busy life of own your own business and the strain it places on the mind, body, and soul. The caring between the characters is obvious with a beautiful sweet ending.

Also, the danger and adventure aspect of living in the Outback was portrayed very well. I'd highly recommend this read.

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I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

This is the first book by these authors that I have read but it certainly will not be the last. I was engrossed in this book from the very first page. I loved the storyline and you cannot help but feel a connection with both couples (Jodi with Cole & Pip with Charlie). The one liners that they come out with are hilarious. I would highly recommend this book.

I didn’t realise that this was book 2 of a series but it can be read as a standalone. Now I need to go get the first one to read Pip & Charlie’s story then I can re-read this one.

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3.5 Stars. This book is a sequel to the book To Be Determined. While I guess you could technically start here, I would recommend reading To Be Determined first. This book picks up where the first one ended. Like the first book, this is a co-authored book. I’m not sure how Alexander and Eichler divide writing duties but the books are pretty seamless. If you are an animal lover, there is a good chance you would enjoy these books. The wildlife of Australia is like another main character so if animals are not your thing, this might not be for you.

In To Be Determined, the main characters where Pip and Charlie. In this book Pip and Charlie are still the main characters but they share lead time with Jodi and Cole. Jodi is a vet and Cole an assistant vet that we actually met as secondary characters in book 1. This book is about their work, a possible romance, and their friendship with Pip and Charlie.

With the wildlife rescuers of Pip and Charlie and the vets of Jodi and Cole, this book is filled with scenes of animals. I’m an animal lover so I enjoyed this. There are plenty of cute animals that warm your heart. There are some scenes that are a little slow, and repetitive, with the care of the animals. I didn’t mind since I found them interesting but it’s why I think you need to be an animal lover to really enjoy this book.

When it comes to the romance I thought it was about average. A little stop and start for me, but I liked that there was no crazy angst with 10% of the book left that we see in so many romances. I liked Cole and Jodi as a couple and was hoping for a HEA. I also was glad that this book continued the relationship of Pip and Charlie.

One thing I really enjoyed was there was some danger and very exciting scenes. It helped to keep me turning the pages and I could not put the book down because of it. Because this book can be a little slow at times, this excitement really added to it.

The ending of the book is super sweet, a very happy HEA. It was a little roll the eyes, how much more great can you get, but this is a romance so I’m not going to complain much. I think this may be the end of the series, but there is a new character that could form a spin-off so we will see.

If you enjoyed To Be Determined chances are high you will enjoy this. If you are new to the series and are an animal lover, you will probably like this series. As I said before Alexander and Eichler make a good writing duo so I would read more books by them.

An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.

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