Stinger (Sign of Love) Paperback – September 24, 2013

I enjoyed this book, but it didn't wow me, thus the 3 to 3.5 stars. Where to start? Well, first, I did like the characters Carson and Grace. I did enjoy the first 40% of the book, even if it seemed kind of familiar in story line to another book I had just read. However, this book was written better and I enjoyed it more, even if I found myself thinking it would take a LOT for me to spend a weekend with a porn star, even one only a few movies into his career. All I could think was ewwww.Now, after the 40% mark, Carson and Grace initially part ways, and it seemed like we started a new book. I like how both Carson and Grace have impacted one another in such a short time that they both decide to make a few changes. I think some people can truly impact each other in this manner, so I found all of this to be quite endearing. We see a few key happenings in Carson and Grace's lives until we see them almost 5-years later when they are reunited unexpectedly, and both are now living in Vegas.I enjoyed the story behind their reunion, how all of that unfolds, and we see that Carson has become the person he wanted to be, rather than the person he thought he was destined to be. Grace is also happy, and it turns out their jobs are responsible for bringing them together again.This was a sweet story, overall, and as I already mentioned, I enjoyed it, but just wasn't blown away by it. I really liked the Leo books, and will most definitely be picking up Archer eventually. Entertaining and very well written for the most part when compared to other indie books. I think one reason I wasn't wowed by this was because I did feel a few of the pivotal props in the book were familiar, as well as part of the story line in the first part of the book. I think if an elevator, sunrises, and a charm bracelet would have been avoided, I would have found it to be a bit more original. I think the author did a good job of taking these props and trying to make them her own within the story, but I think these things are so familiar to fans of FSoG, that it is impossible to use them within a story and not have a reader think of the very popular book they read that used these same props and left an endelible mark in our mind's eyes. Just my opinion.[Spoilers]It hit me a couple of days after I originally posted this review why this story didn't quite wow me. I think it was a lofty goal to take someone who starts out as a porn star, who has little regard for himself, and turn him into this very noble person who risks life an limb to squelch the sex trafficking in the US, specifically Vegas. For the most part, I think the author was successful, because we saw there really was a caring soul under Carson's mask when we originally met him. And quite honestly, I truly do not believe porn stars are horrible people. Where I think it went off the rails a bit for me was that it became a bit too deep and preachy compared to the rest of the book? I am not sure I can really explain what I mean precisely. I think the scene with Grace in the hotel room on the 45th floor toward the end was what pushed it into that preachy territory for me. I could have done without that entire scene, honestly. I think it is great to bring topics that are newsworthy into books, and I have enjoyed stories where characters battle mental illness or other such subject, it really can go a bit overboard or not sound believable. Plus, it can sometimes seem a bit heavy of a subject compared to the tone of the rest of the book. That is something else, I mean, I would say the part of the book where Carson and Grace first meet is flirty and light hearted, whereas the rest of the book turns a bit more serious, and I am not sure I was enjoying the darker subject amongst the light hearted nature of Carson and Grace's relationship. Because, their lightness, banter and playfulness didn't darken or get more serious, really, even if the plot did. Hope this makes sense to those of you who have read it.

5 Stars - (Original read on 12/18/2013)5 Stars - (Reread 10/29/2016)Overall Opinion: I really enjoyed re-reading this! But as some of the things came back to me, I realized that knowing what was going to happen took away some of the emotion for me. Don't get me wrong! I still loved it. I don't have anything that stands out as an issue for me, so this will stay at my original 5 stars and on my favorites shelf -- but it just lost that emotional connection that you get when you read a book for the first time (hopefully that makes sense). I think the whole porn star aspect will make lots of readers shy away from this story, but I truly feel like that's a shame -- because the H was sooo much more than just a porn star. Ms. Sheridan is one of my favorite authors because she often takes couples that have some type of odds against them and has them find their HEA regardless. I love it! I think it's definitely one of my absolute favorite second-chance romances out there :)**See Goodreads.com/NMmomof4 for my full review with spoilers**Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Grace and Carson's story. They meet one weekend in Las Vegas when Grace is at a convention for law students and Carson is at a convention for porn stars. Their first few encounters are not that pleasant, but when they find themselves stuck in an elevator together they find that there is more to the other than their first impressions would suggest. They spend a hot weekend together, and develop some strong feelings pretty quickly. But the reality about their circumstances is too much to come up with a solution on how they can stay together, and they part ways. 5 years later, they reunite unexpectedly and their worlds are turned upside down. There are some personal and career issues, some sexy and sweet times, and also some suspenseful moments...but they do get a HEA ending.POV: This alternated between Grace and Carson's POV.Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.Instalove: Kind of. They develop some strong feelings in a weekend. It wasn't the kind that was annoying to me, as I felt that it was believable.H rating: 5 stars. Carson. I loved him. He was damaged from his past, and really lost when he first met Grace. I LOVE how he wanted to become a better man for her before pursuing her again -- and he did it!!h rating: 4 stars. Grace. I liked her. She had a crummy childhood where she had to act as a parent to her sisters, so she became someone that needed to have everything planned out. I loved how she allowed herself to let go of that persona when she was with Carson.Sadness level: Low/moderate. I didn't cry when I read it this time, but I do remember crying the first go-round.Heat level: Moderate. They have some hot chemistry and scenes, but not so much it takes away from the story.Descriptive sex: Yes.OW/OM drama: A littleSex scene with OW or OM: Not reallyCheating: YesSeparation: YesClosure: This had great closure with a jump ahead epilogue and a HEA.How I got it: I paid $0.99 on Amazon for it back in 2013 (but it's on KU right now!)

Finally got to carry on with this book and finish..real life in the way! lol I really enjoyed this book. You had the heroine, Grace, with a plan and would not divert off it at all...that is until she meets Carson Stinger..at the time a porn star! They're first encounter is not the greatest and definitely provides a few laughs! There is then the chemistry between them which is off the charts HOT! Making Grace forget her plan altogether....I really enjoyed the story, it showed how no matter what when two people are meant for each other no amount of distance or time will get in the way. Grace and Carson proved this completely!I don't want to give any spoilers but suffice to say this book is definitely worth the read! It's quite emotional in some parts but has humour too and some pretty HOT steamy parts! The second part of the book covers a pretty tough subject too and focuses on the seriousness of it. It was quite hard to read in some parts especially knowing that even though this is just fiction it really does happen in real life too. I think Mia covered this well.A great book and well worth reading!

Mia Sheridan has done it again! Stinger is yet another great read. The storyline and the characters pull you in from the first page and whisk you along on their journey; a journey that you want to stay on until the end, and then some!We meet Grace as she enters the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. She's there for The International Law Students Association Conference, which is all part of her life plan, and with no distractions she's right on track.Carson Stinger works in the adult film industry. He's at the Bellagio for The Adult Entertainment Expo, to see his fans and sign stuff. He hates it, but it's what he knows, he has no life plan, so what's he to do?When Grace and Carson meet, there are fireworks, Grace is adamant that she hates him, and Carson's convinced she's what he needs!A few hours trapped in a lift together, and Grace has a proposition that she really can't, or rather, really doesn't want to refuse!Mia Sheridan takes us on a journey that spans almost 5 years, and we see how that Vegas weekend has affected and changed the course of Grace and Carson's 'life plan'.Grace is a strong, likeable character who battles with herself quite often as she has had to grow up quicker than her sisters, and take on more family responsibility. Grace is also able to penetrate the mask that Carson wears, and she likes the man underneath. She is very conflicted over her feelings for Carson, but it becomes obvious what, and who, it is that she needs.Carson has had an unsettled childhood and his direction in life has stemmed from that, it's all that he knows. He puts up walls so that people cannot penetrate them and see who he really is, that is until his time spent with Grace, she saw through him completely.The storyline is fantastic. We are taken on a ride covering both characters and their lives over 5 years. What happens to them and how this shapes who they are is amazing; this is especially true for Carson, who is a million miles away from the guy who we meet in Vegas.Stinger by Mia Sheridan is a definite must read, five stars all the way! Carson Stinger has found his place on my Top Ten Book Boyfriend list, definitely!

Holy Wow! I read a lot! I love to read and every so often I read something that I know will stay with me for a long time, this is that read. From the start of this read we met the main characters Carson and Grace, they were so entertaining and so funny but Carson worried me as I could not understand how he could truly love given his then 'occupation' and how could Grace be with him knowing his 'occupation'? My heart hurt during the first part of this read. Life went on and changes were made, we learned more about why Carson did what he did and I waited for the HEA, I was totally gripped by this story in the beginning, in the middle and then in the end!! I can't say more without giving too much away. This is truly up there with my most favourite reads and will stay with me for a long, long time. If you only read one book this year, THIS IS IT XXX

A brilliant book by a super talented author. I had previous read the other two books Leo and Leo's chance and they are absolutely not related to this book in anyway. This is a complete stand-alone, but if you do love the authors writing I highly recommend reading these other books which are fantastic.This book focuses on Grace (a law student) and Carson (a porn star, but only the beginning section of the book) who meet and instantly connect. After a brief time together they question whether or not they could take their relationship further. Circumstances may stand in their way, but when they ultimately reconnect it is as powerful and strong as ever. They must build a relationship on-top of their overwhelming attraction to each other.I completely agree with the other author reviews. Around 33% it drags for a few chapters and you really wonder if you should continue, but I am 100% glad that I did because once you get past the few lengthy chapters the book turns absolutely amazing and you will be completely gripped right until the end.A fantastic read, brilliant characters and such a beautiful happy ending with no cliffhanger!! would recommend

You'd think from the plot summary up there that this was a story about a porn star and a frustrated student, but that only describes about the first third of this book, and (surely) needless to say, there's more to even that bit than that. However, what you need to know is that the rest of the book - most of the book - is about a US Navy SEAL who goes to Afghanistan and witnesses the trafficking of women and girls, and a Las Vegas prosecutor, ie, someone who makes sure criminals end up in jail. It's a long story with a lot of twists and turns and it doesn't much resemble the plot description.I enjoyed the book even though, or possibly because, it was a lot different from the plot summary. Mia Sheridan writes great books about emotional angst, with, thank god, a HEA so there's no need for too many tissues.

This story follows the lives of Grace and Stringer from when they first meet to a chance meeting later in their lives.Grace has a fling with Stringer while she attending a law conference. They are completely different people. Grace has her life planned out where as Stringer, who appears in porn movies and has no plan, just taking each day at a time. They initially dislike one another but when they are forced to spend time in each other's company first impressions are proved wrong.The weekend they spend together changes their lives forever.This turned out to be a compelling read following Grace and Stinger.It's well written with well developed interesting characters.I'm not going to give the story away.Read it.Mia Sheridan doesn't disappoint.

Wow. This author has put herself firmly in my Author top 5 list. Leo and Leo's Chance had me hooked and this just reeled me in. It's a beautiful love story. I said in a previous review of her work that Ms Sheridan defines the whole concept of soul mates in her writing. She did it again here. I have to say this novel blindsided me a bit and took off on a path I did not see coming. But wowsers.....what a path! Carson and Grace are brilliantly written characters and there is a rich tapestry in the supporting cast of the story. You don't have to know or care about astrology in anyway to love this book, but if you are an astral geek like me then it does add another level . There are no references made to astrology in the story after the intro page ( except headings of eagle/ Dove) but for me the symbolism was a beautiful thread.This is a standalone novel. Would be nice if Josh , Dylan , Noah or Leland got a story though ( please???!!!) .5++++++ stars from me.

Mia sheridan does it again. I'm fast becoming a fan of mia sheridan's work. I thought Leo was a tough act to follow, but stinger manages to deliver on all points as a standalone book.Carson and Grace are both feisty characters and I felt their connection the second the two laid eyes on each other. Is it possible to spend just 48 hours with another soul become life changing? At first this can seem doubtful, but I don't find myself questioning it as the emotions between the two seem so tangible. The story was beautifully told and I loved the fact that these two became the person they wanted to be for themselves and someone who was deserving of each other. Again mia takes on a serious issue regarding human trafficking without taking away the shine from what is a beautiful love story.Exceptional writing.

I've read all 3 of Mia Sheridan' s sign of love books she is a great author, this book can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book it was a great story, covering many subjects from the light hearted porn star to the very serious subject of human trafficking, it made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes.Most importantly I loved the main characters, Carson and Grace and it was a beautiful story about them falling in love with each other.Only reason I have rated as 4 stars was because I felt there was a lull in the middle of the book but stick with it because things really pick up and I absolutely love the epilogue.

Stinger is my first (but won't be my last) Mia Sheridan book and I LOVED it. It starts as a fairly regular chance meeting as in "Woman meets Man" but both are from totally different life styles so the author creates situations where they become attracted to each other and have a brief and hot affair during a Las Vegas conference weekend and both go their separate ways at the end of the weekend. However ...... both their future lives are considerably affected by that chance weekend they spent together. The second part of the story tells of how their lives ran over the next several years without any contact with each other, leading towards the 3rd stage of this story. The third part of the story tells of how they met again, also by chance and how their changed lives now become involved with trying to help save others. This third part also involves human trafficking and the "businesses" involved with that modern slavery.It is a very well written story binding the three parts together in a very satisfactory way with a hot love affair that stands the test of time and becomes even stronger and better over the years.I very much recommend it and will now seek out and buy more Mia Sheridan books.

Wow...., I've never read any of the authors previous books but all I had heard were good things.,this book was nothing as I expected, I thought it was going to be a kind of erotic romance, I mean he's a porn star!, I couldn't have been more wrong, it's a beautiful book about chance meetings, being brave, never giving up, but above all being true to yourself. Loved stinger, just about tore my heart out at times, what a brilliant character, someone you would want in your life. I would love to have more stories about the group, Joshua, Dylan, Leland there's a whole set if books right there. All I'll say is, please read this book you will not be disappointed.

This is the story of two very different people who share an unforgettable weekend together, he's a porn star and she's a law student! That weekend ends but there love for each other never dies. Spoiler; Carson turns his life around and becomes a navy seal and when they meet up years later and realise there love never faded. The story includes human trafficking and hot men who stand up for others rights. Loved it. Thanks x

I have just finished this and, well, just wow. The start of the book makes you really wonder where this is going as it could have got silly but this is a beautiful well written story with some very serious topics. The characters, Carson and Grace, were so polls apart and pre judgemental but evolved so well. I must admit that I'm hoping there will be more books about the other SEALs from Mia. Well worth reading and thoroughly recommended.

This is a great story of love took me longer to get into it all the rest of the books by this author had me hooked from start to finish the characters were ok and the background story not bad it just lacked the atmosphere of the other books four stars.

I loved the way Carson went after Grace he knew he had to get to know her and on a subconscious level she was already his he just had to convince her it didn't take him long the years they were apart helped them grow into better people but they were always meant to be and fate decided that after 4 years apart it was time to reunite them with the love of their lives truly lovely