Book Review: Countdown: The Men of the Sisterhood #2 by Fern Michaels

Countdown: The Men of the Sisterhood #2 (Men of the Sisterhood #2)

by Fern Michaels (Goodreads Author)

ebook, 152 pages

Published August 26th 2014 by Kensington books

Goodreads synopsis: In the second episode of a spectacular new series from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, the men in the Sisterhood's lives join forces to protect the underdog and see justice served. . . 

It takes a special kind of man to love and be loved by one of the Sisterhood. The women's escapades have brought them worldwide fame and created a bond among their menfolk too. But now, Jack, Ted, Harry, Joe, Bert and Abner have formed a secret group of their own and they've got a project in mind--taking down some of Washington D.C.'s most ruthless slum landlords. 

First step: making reparations to the tenants who've suffered. Second step: making sure the bad guys pay. Ted, Jack, and company must find a way to hit the villains where it hurts most. Good thing these modern-day Robin Hoods have learned from the best, and that the Sisterhood can always be counted on to help fight for what's right.

This story starts off almost where the last book left off. And if you haven't read that book (Upside Down) in a few weeks, you might find yourself lost like I did. I think a little recap of what all had transpired in the previous book would have been good considering many people don't read series back to back. You definitely can't read this as a standalone

The beginning up until about 56% in (I read this on my kindle so I only have percentages and not page numbers) a lot of the story seemed amateurish with abrupt and unbelievable dialogue. It all sounded forced and as if the author was just trying to get the story done to meet a deadline and not craft the text like is her normal fare. I totally loved Forget Me Not. It was an outstanding novel and I know she has this greatness in her, but it was not apparent on this beginning half. After 56% things started making sense. I have not read any of the "Sisterhood" series so this fact alone may make my experience with the "Men of the Sisterhood" a bit different than someone who was up on every book. I think they are like to book 23 or something amazing like that. Kudos to the author for her  stick-to-a-tiveness.

After the 56% point, where newspaper editor, Maggie and co-hort, Ted get together, the story started to roll and it was an amazing finish. This section was easy to read, follow and understand and the dialogue was much more realistic.

I feel like I am being a bit harsh on a tried and true author like Michaels but I guess I just expect more from someone with such a plethora of experience. I will read the next book in the series to finish up the trilogy.

3 Stars

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the publisher, author and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.