If you don’t understand the instinct to merely survive, you will never understand me.I’ve done my penance and paid a heavy price for my choices.It was never for selfish reasons that I became the person I am today.No, I can be called many things but selfish will never be one of them.It was always for them. My children.No regrets and no do-overs.The grim reaper is knocking on my door. It’s my … time.I was fine with it. I knew this day would eventually come and I was ready.I was tired of living a life of battles in order to survive. Then I was forced to see how overwhelmingly beautiful life is and how tragically short my days could be.With limited time, I have to find a way to finish my job and get my sons ready for what is in store for them.They want me to fight and I will but in return, they too must fight.Am I ready for the battle of my life?Will they be ready?
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Why oh why can I not give this book more then 5 stars! Like seriously this book, no this whole series is hands down one my my favorites. I really think everyone needs to read it!!
Art of Survival Part 2 is exactly that Part 2 of the first half of an amazing book. It picks up where Part 1 leaves and we finally get to see the stubborn, strong woman Catherine Stern not so strong when she’s fighting for her life in a battle of breast cancer. We see her and her family deal with this is different ways as we did in part 1. But here we get to see more of Gabriel and how he handles being the “boss” now.
What I love about this series is how from book one Art of Seduction to the last one Art of Survival Part 2 is that they are all connected. In every one we get a hint or more of the previous characters and we see them all developing into the strong family that Mrs. Catherine as trained them all to be.
Make sure you read part 1 before diving into part 2. And I highly recommend this book and series to everyone!!! Monique is amazing with her words and they just hook you in on the most amazing roller coaster ride of emotions.
Catherine the matriarch of the family is a queen like no other. She has been beaten down and she rise like the Phoenix that she is, her family is her strength, her world and she will burn the whole world down to protect them. Author Monique Orgeron keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I read one of her books, this book deserves more than 5 stars
Wow! What can I say that nobody else has already?…
This is the best book written! It was so worth the wait and helps knowing the background from the first five books. Man Monique, your books are intense and just gets better and better. I can’t count how many times I had to stop because I was crying and just couldn’t see the words anymore. This book had me so emotional, but the ending couldn’t be any better. I’m curious if this is the ending of the series or maybe we will hear Teddy story or maybe Cherry’s or even Margaret’s? I’m curious with Teddy’s though since they kept hinting at him needing to get married. Again, Monique like every other review I wrote I’ll said it again! GREAT JOB! You did not disappoint.
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An amazing conclusion to a surprisingly enjoyable series.
Just…WOW!!
Art of Survival Book 2 Will Catherine survive her greatest battle? Will she have time to prepare her sons for what lays ahead? Will those loyal to her deceive her? Will she finally accept the love of a man who has stood the test of time? Theo the man who accepts her as his boss and also cherishes her as his Katie. This is an incredible final book in my absolutely favorite series!
What a fantastic conclusion to an Epic series.
I’ve loved every book but this one was such an emotional rollercoaster for me.
I’ll admit I sobbed during parts of this story. I think the Author handled the subject matter with dignity and in such a respectful way, so hats off to her for that.
Catherine Stern is such a strong woman the type to make grown men cry., She’s more than a match for any Man. Powerful, driven, determined and brave.
She’s always on top of every thing the strength behind the Stern Family.
So seeing her vulnerable side kinda broke me if I’m honest. But it goes to show even the strongest of people have a breaking point.
I have massive love for Catherine and Theo to see them together made me so happy.
Theo really came through in this book, he’s always loved both sides of Catherine the hard faced side that shows no fear and the softer side that only he sees. The man is the real deal and I absolutely loved him for showing her how much he loves her.
The Stern Family really pulled together during this book. They showed just how strong they are. Catherine’s hard work really paid off because this family is a force to be reckoned with and will continue to grow in strength with each generation.
It hasn’t been easy for any of them but they came through for each other when it mattered.
Loved the series and can’t wait for more from the Author.
If I could give this more thane 5 stars, I would. As you get further into the story, you just don’t want to put the book down. This story ending this series will simply amaze you. It’s an emotional roller coaster. Catherine making sure that Gabriel is ready to take over. Trying not to give up control of her title of Mafia Boss when she gives temporary control of the State to her son Gabriel due to a personal crisis. This is such a strong emotional story. Stock up on tissues, because there is so much true to life issues in this story that you’ll need them. Thank you Monique for such a wonderful book. I seriously had a hard time putting this one down. Live every day as if it were your last, because there are no guarantees in life!
When we left at part one, Catherine decided she wanted to fight the cancer but not tell anyone at the same time. Catherine is a strong and prideful woman who struggles with the through of no longer having her place (the head boss, the big hunch, The HBIC) in her society.
I wasn’t to pleased with book 1 and I think I figure out why with books 2. Through the Stern Family Sage she has been strong, the glue to the operation and here family despite the life that chose her. Seeing her past made her character change for me. Book two has some redeeming qualities but didn’t rise to the level I once again thought it could.
The story in a nutshell without giving it away is still Catherine struggling to focus on her health as opposed to the operation in her business life.
A lot of the characters roles shifted which makes sense given the premise. I did enjoy watching that shift evolve. And I may be the odd one out but I adored Gabriel attitude throughout. And was so pleased to see someone finally say “That’s enough”.
What I wasn’t to keen on was that it seemed like a lot of filler story. And while I enjoyed the steamy scenes they felt forced into the storyline so a connection wouldn’t be lost between out couples.
The book was also busy. Very busy. There’s a lot faces in this one, and I really couldn’t name them all which seems a bit odd to me.
Is this the end of the Stern Saga? I don’t know. Some plot twist didn’t have a conclusion. Did Catherine survive or will the next book feature her funeral? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Seriously the series as a whole is a great series just be prepared because somewhere along the line it goes from contemporary romance to crime thriller.
5+ Stars!! Monique Oregon – you just keep getting better. This book took me on such an emotional roller coaster ride. I loved how there were so many POV’s. You pulled all the characters into this book and I loved it.
I loved watching Catherine and Theo’s relationship grow. I don’t think I could love Theo any more than I do! He’s not only caring, sensitive, and loyal but also all the alpha sexiness just oozes out of him.
The whole process of the Breast Cancer that Catherine went through was so real and emotionally draining. I learned so much about the treatment, timeframes and the feelings involved during each stage of progress after the surgery. My heart just went out to her! Cancer patients are strong! They are fighters!!
There were so many touching and suspenseful places in this book that has your heart racing, eyes tearful or panties melting. Monique – you about killed me with the ‘hallway memorie’ scene. I still get choked up this morning every time I think about it. Also, the drama around Catherine and Teddy was so good. I love Catherine. In my eyes she will always be a Mom first before the job. A Mom will always put her child first and will be willing to sacrifice her life to save her child.
What a book! I loved loved loved it!! One of the best for 2018!
People – you want a book with all the feels? Grab this book!!!
This is the second part of the book and I was so excited that I was finally going to see how things ended. That being said part of me is completely devastated that this series is coming to an end!
Catherine is one of the most incredible women I have ever read about. She is powerful and has overcome so much but she is also human and has a side that she only shows to Theo Trahan. I loved that Catherine made a decision about fighting but I was worried throughout everything on how she would do and then having to place the power with Gabriel.
I loved how the author really empowers women and has done so through the series and showed how they can be smart and use certain things to their advantage. I loved all of the girls so much and I loved how Fallon did what she had to do even though she ended up going against Gabriel. It was tough seeing what those two were going through as I wanted Gabriel to smarten up!!
There were so many incredible moments in this book. Some took my by complete surprise and other things I was expecting but didn’t know how everything would go down.
I loved when Gabriel truly understood everything that Catherine had been through and developed a new level of respect for her and it brought them closer together again.
The end was incredible and I absolutely loved this series and I really don’t want it to be over!!
An emotional and truly beautiful closure to Catherine’s Story
This is the sixth book in this series and part two of Catherine’s story. This is NOT a standalone you need to read the previous book.
I was prepared for the book hangover the morning after I closed the pages on Catherine, after reading part one I knew the second part would put me through the emotional ringer and it did not disappoint. Each member of the family brought something to the story – whether it was a moment of joy, a plea for forgiveness or the raw sadness of loss I truly felt a completeness (though I would like a few spin-off series *hint *hint)
In all honesty, I am not ready to part ways just yet with the Stern family. This series is well written from the first book to the last. The storyline is strong and delivered flawlessly. The characters are vivid with a complexity to them that easily draws the reader in holding them captive throughout. A definite must read series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the second book in this series and it was fabulous. It was a lot of twist and turns and kept me on my toes. It was a book of love, sacrifice and survival. Amazing!
Just closed the kindle on this very emotional book. Keep in mind, this is book 6 in the series. You must read all 5 prior books before diving into this one.
Catherine Stern has totally prepared herself for the fight. Her family has stood behind her like the soldiers they’ve been trained to be from birth. Going through the battle is only ½ of the war. The after battle is where the emotions and finding out who your true loyal members are.
Although Gabriel has been primed to take over for quite some time, it’s the hardest changing of the guards that Catherine has to accept. Has she done a good enough job training him to take over? Is the handing over the reins telling all the other men that she is done? That the cancer has caused her to become weak… So many thoughts running through her mind at a time that she needs to be taking care of herself.
There is trouble in the Stern household. The truth coming out has caused destruction that only time can tell if the family can overcome and rebuild. The wives are stronger than ever and are a force of their own!
One thing that brings Catherine happiness is watching her house fill with so many grandbabies. The love and joy filling the house that was once like a prison brings tears to her eyes. Finally, after all these years the kids voices are like angels singing!
What a journey we have be through with the Stern Family! I totally enjoyed reading this entire series. Catherine’s story being my favorite. Great job to the author for bringing us this entire series.
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Catherine’s story is beautiful! What an amazing conclusion for her and Theo. I love how connected you feel to each character. There may be times you want to hate Catherine but once you have her full story you can not help but love her! This saga has such a well thought out story that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.
What an amazing story the Stern Family Saga has been. I’m a family person and to see the loyalty and love of the Sterns and the people they allowed into their family was inspiring. I had to really take a look at Catherine. Would I have made some of the same choices as she did? Could I have been half as strong willed as she? Catherine was a person to be feared, but to truly admire too. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read the books consecutively! Well worth my time!
Catherines second part of her story is even more emotional than the first the struggle she was put through and how her husband used to treat her makes you think this is why she is strong and at times shuts of and is Catherine not Katie. We find out more about the boys and their wives and what they need to do to move forward as a family and stay strong for each other but some are struggling when truths come out especially Gabriel. This is an amazingly beautifully written story of strong woman who need to be for their strong sexy men and family values. This is a must read series I would highly recommend to others. I loved each book the more i read them.
I love this book so much it shows the struggle Catherine goes through trying to give up control of what seems like everything! I felt like I was going through everything the book was describing, the heartbreak of watching their mother going down for surgery to the relief when she came back. And seeing how “the wife’s” are using the skills that Catherine has taught them to help make the family stronger.
I really like how we had a all the major players in this booking having chapters so they could show their own views.
If I could only recommend on book series it would definitely be this one!
Perfect! What a crazy, emotional, fantastic end to this series!! This book just put the exclamation point on the whole darn thing! Amazing!
This is a must read. It is written in an amazing style that captivates the reader and keeps you on the edge because you just want to know what happens next.
Likeable strong characters who are well described and develops nicely through the story.
A story filled with suspence and one that you just have finish in one setting.