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Chicago #1
Binding Arbitration
Through the corridors of the Windy City’s criminal courts, single mother Libby Tucker knows exactly how far she’ll go to save her cancer-stricken son’s life. The undefeated defense attorney is prepared to take her fight all the way to the majors.
Circumstances force Libby to plead her case at the cleats of celebrity baseball player Banford Aidan Palowski, the man who discarded her at their college graduation. Libby has worked her backside bare for everything she’s attained, while Aidan has been indulged since he slid through the birth canal and landed in a pile of Gold Coast money. But helping Libby and living up to his biological duty could jeopardize the only thing the jock worships: his baseball career.
If baseball imitates life, Aidan admits his appears to be silver-plated peanuts, until an unexpected confrontation with the most spectacular prize that’s ever poured from a caramel corn box blindsides him. When he learns about his son’s desperate need, it pricks open the wound he’s carried since he abandoned Libby and the child.
All Libby wants is a little anonymous DNA, but Aidan has a magical umpire in his head who knows Libby’s a fateball right to the heart. When a six-year-old sage and a hippy priestess step onto the field, there’s more to settle between Libby and Aidan than heartache, redemption, and forgiveness.
Circumstances force Libby to plead her case at the cleats of celebrity baseball player Banford Aidan Palowski, the man who discarded her at their college graduation. Libby has worked her backside bare for everything she’s attained, while Aidan has been indulged since he slid through the birth canal and landed in a pile of Gold Coast money. But helping Libby and living up to his biological duty could jeopardize the only thing the jock worships: his baseball career.
If baseball imitates life, Aidan admits his appears to be silver-plated peanuts, until an unexpected confrontation with the most spectacular prize that’s ever poured from a caramel corn box blindsides him. When he learns about his son’s desperate need, it pricks open the wound he’s carried since he abandoned Libby and the child.
All Libby wants is a little anonymous DNA, but Aidan has a magical umpire in his head who knows Libby’s a fateball right to the heart. When a six-year-old sage and a hippy priestess step onto the field, there’s more to settle between Libby and Aidan than heartache, redemption, and forgiveness.
484 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2011
103 people are currently reading
4,003 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Marx
19books499followersWindy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.
Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.
Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
November 20, 2014
"God works in mysterious ways, He does."
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
This book definitely joins my top 10 all time favourites, and 5 stars is not enough to do it justice. I loved this book, I adored it, I savoured it. I laughed some and I cried some, and then I laughed some more and cried some more. It was a book about love, forgiveness, redemption, second chances, acceptance and healing.
It had a lot of moments when I was laughing out loud but it also had moments when I cried out loud. Once I've reached certain point in the book, I couldn't stop myself. Seriously, it was - snot inducing, I have to make a break cause I can't breathe, I can't see the letters - kind of cry. I was bawling like a baby. But it was so wonderful, though sad, truly awesome, I can't even find proper words to describe how good this book was.
The characters were phenomenal, the writing exquisite and the story heart-wrenching. And here's the thing, I won't tell you what the story is about. I believe you have to go blind in this case, if you want to truly enjoy it.
Libby, she was strong, stubborn and intimidating on the one hand, and tender, loving and caring, on the other. As a mama bear myself, I sincerely appreciated her devotion to Cass - her son.
After reading the short prequel , which btw is free on amazon (), I remember thinking that Aidan will have to grovel so much to redeem himself. He sure did not disappoint. I didn't expect to fall for him the way I did. And it weren't the words he used, he never actually begged for forgiveness, it were all the things he did. He really outdid himself, it was classical example of "actions speak louder than words." The way he was always there for Libby and Cass, the way he took care of them, the way he fought for them, the way he showed them love....I was simply in awe. And in the end, when I didn't even need the words from him anymore, his declarations of love made my heart flutter.
"The first thing I think of in the morning is you and Cass, and you're my last thought at night. I dream of you, and I have since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I know exactly what you smell like, how your skin feels, the texture of your hair, and what you taste like. I care about your happiness before mine. I want you, and more importantly, I need you, and I've never needed anyone before."I could tell you to read this book becuase it was beautiful. I could tell you to read this book because it was unique. I could tell you to read this book because it made me laugh and it made me cry. I could tell you to read this book because though it left me wrecked, it also made me enormously happy reader. .... But I won't. I will tell you this: if you ever decide to read it, after having done so, you will see for yourself that it was one of the best decisions regarding books ever made. Go ahead, I promise, you will not regret a single page!
"I circle your hands, I circle your heart. I mark with my brand, while we're apart. I sparkle in both your joy and laughter, because I'm part of you ever after. "
Buddy Read with my awesome girl Nikki! Thank you luv! <3
January 4, 2015
4,5 Binding Stars.
Libby and Aidan were in love once, but wrong choices and mistakes put them apart for the last years.
Now Libby is reaching Aidan again, their son has cancer and needs a suitable donor. Abandoning Libby in the past (while pregnant) was the worst mistake of Aidan’s life. Now he’s a famous baseball player but he intends to make up for all the lost time, as the same time he fights for his son life. But the past can’t always be forgotten, and while forgiveness is a four letter world, love may be exactly what Libby isn’t willing to risk again.
If you want to read this book, get ready for an amazing story. A great love journey full of redemption, forgiveness, second chances and hope. But also prepare yourself for ugly tears and heartbreak. This book will break your heart and then mend it. Only to break it once more and mend it again. As long as emotional can go, this will definitely be one of those unforgettable readings, that will take me a long time to recover from.
Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the ride.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Aidan was a little hard for me to like in the beginning (for obvious reasons), but as the book went I eventually ended up liking. And I loved how he behaved through the end. Libby was a strong and fierce heroine. Yeah, she was stubborn as hell, but she had reasons for it and she was a great mother. I liked her. Cass was an amazing kid, so freaking sweet!! A great set of supporting characters, which I end up loving as well.
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Libby and Aidan were in love once, but wrong choices and mistakes put them apart for the last years.
Now Libby is reaching Aidan again, their son has cancer and needs a suitable donor. Abandoning Libby in the past (while pregnant) was the worst mistake of Aidan’s life. Now he’s a famous baseball player but he intends to make up for all the lost time, as the same time he fights for his son life. But the past can’t always be forgotten, and while forgiveness is a four letter world, love may be exactly what Libby isn’t willing to risk again.
If you want to read this book, get ready for an amazing story. A great love journey full of redemption, forgiveness, second chances and hope. But also prepare yourself for ugly tears and heartbreak. This book will break your heart and then mend it. Only to break it once more and mend it again. As long as emotional can go, this will definitely be one of those unforgettable readings, that will take me a long time to recover from.
Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the ride.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: Aidan was a little hard for me to like in the beginning (for obvious reasons), but as the book went I eventually ended up liking. And I loved how he behaved through the end. Libby was a strong and fierce heroine. Yeah, she was stubborn as hell, but she had reasons for it and she was a great mother. I liked her. Cass was an amazing kid, so freaking sweet!! A great set of supporting characters, which I end up loving as well.
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
October 9, 2014
Do you believe in love, ghosts, glitter love hand cuffs, and forgiveness?
This is one profoundly powerful, touching, tear-jerker of a story.
A box of tissues should be kept within reach!
*Please read the short prequel Cutters & Jocks before starting this novel.
Where to begin? Elizabeth ‘Libby� Tucker is a high profile Chicago attorney who is forced to contact her old college boyfriend, Banford Aidan Palowski, who is now a professional baseball player. He is to be tested as a possible bone marrow match for her six year old son.
Aiden and Libby met in college where they were from the opposite sides of the tracks. Libby being a “cutter� and Aiden being a “jock�. They both had dreams pulling them to make hard choices when Libby finds out she is pregnant. Most of their choices were triggered by fear which they later regretted.
"You're the only thing I've been afraid of in my life." I ran my hands through my hair my mind worked quickly, putting words together in neat little lines. "I've been scared of having you and going on without you. I've failed you when you needed me the most, and I was frightened that if I found you, you'd reject me. But more than all that, I've been afraid that if I can't learn to love you, I'll never love anyone."
There is an umpire's voice that speaks to Aiden throughout the book. This umpire makes calls on Aiden’s plays not on the ball field but on his plays to win Libby & Cass.
He always let’s Aiden know the score.
There are some great characters in this story and it's a definite page turner.
Aiden and Libby have it all for a short time but have to say goodbye to the one who bonds them both.
When grief is unbearable God’s plan is laid out.
"I circle your hands, I circle your heart. I mark with my brand, while we're apart. I sparkle in both your joy and laughter, because I'm part of you ever after."
This is a story of forgiveness, love, redemption and God's plan.
This book will stay will you long after you have read the last page!
This is one profoundly powerful, touching, tear-jerker of a story.
A box of tissues should be kept within reach!
*Please read the short prequel Cutters & Jocks before starting this novel.
Where to begin? Elizabeth ‘Libby� Tucker is a high profile Chicago attorney who is forced to contact her old college boyfriend, Banford Aidan Palowski, who is now a professional baseball player. He is to be tested as a possible bone marrow match for her six year old son.
Aiden and Libby met in college where they were from the opposite sides of the tracks. Libby being a “cutter� and Aiden being a “jock�. They both had dreams pulling them to make hard choices when Libby finds out she is pregnant. Most of their choices were triggered by fear which they later regretted.
"You're the only thing I've been afraid of in my life." I ran my hands through my hair my mind worked quickly, putting words together in neat little lines. "I've been scared of having you and going on without you. I've failed you when you needed me the most, and I was frightened that if I found you, you'd reject me. But more than all that, I've been afraid that if I can't learn to love you, I'll never love anyone."
There is an umpire's voice that speaks to Aiden throughout the book. This umpire makes calls on Aiden’s plays not on the ball field but on his plays to win Libby & Cass.
He always let’s Aiden know the score.
There are some great characters in this story and it's a definite page turner.
Aiden and Libby have it all for a short time but have to say goodbye to the one who bonds them both.
When grief is unbearable God’s plan is laid out.
"I circle your hands, I circle your heart. I mark with my brand, while we're apart. I sparkle in both your joy and laughter, because I'm part of you ever after."
This is a story of forgiveness, love, redemption and God's plan.
This book will stay will you long after you have read the last page!
November 27, 2012
"So that's what we learned -loss with its unlimited power to destroy - could be overcome with love. And love was the thing that bound us together. It wasn't arbitrary; it was contingent upon the soul's discretion and once found it wasn't easily abandoned."
WOW! First time reading this author - bit of a rollercoaster but well worth it. Great characters, love the strong heroine. I laughed, I cried. I read a lot of books, some good, some bad, some indifferent. And a lot of the books I read are not emotional. But this one was ... As one reviewer mentioned a follow-up would be good - catch up with Tony and Evita and of course find out how Libby and Aidan are doing.
WOW! First time reading this author - bit of a rollercoaster but well worth it. Great characters, love the strong heroine. I laughed, I cried. I read a lot of books, some good, some bad, some indifferent. And a lot of the books I read are not emotional. But this one was ... As one reviewer mentioned a follow-up would be good - catch up with Tony and Evita and of course find out how Libby and Aidan are doing.
August 7, 2013
I AM SMILING, HAPPY, CRYING AND HEARTBROKEN PRESENTLY
"I never threatened physical violence"
"It was sexual retribution"
"Cass figured out I'm your boyfriend. Although, as your boyfriend, he would like me to take pup all kissing duties"
"You used me, Ms Tucker"
"Remember, I'm a seasoned negotiator"
"And I might drag the contract out for so long it goes into binding arbitration"
I read the prequel first...Cutters vs Jocks and immediately started this one. My heart was reeling from first prequel, this book was simply mind-blowing!
The story is so good I couldn't put it down. I found the characters easy to relate to and they completely tugged at my heart strings. Be prepared to get angry and frustrated with them, and then love them to pieces. But my biggest warning here is make sure you have tissues handy cause there are some real heart wrenching parts too. I absolutely loved this story and I am sure you will too!
And Cass will really break your heart! My poor baby boy :(
I LOVE THE ENDING SO MUCH
January 4, 2015
GOD ALL THOSE FEELINGS...
I have no words.
Do you hear it? That's my heart breaking.
I have no words.
Do you hear it? That's my heart breaking.
May 16, 2015
★★★★4.5 Stars★★★★
Forgiveness, love and redemption all brought about by a little boy called Cass.
Libby and Aiden met at college, which you can read about in the free prequel , they were friends but it was complicated, she was from the wrong part of town and he was an athlete with big plans.
Libby is raising her six year old son by herself, she is a criminal defence attorney and struggling to come to terms with the fact that she needs to ask help from the one person she never thought she'd see again.
Aiden is a professional Baseball player, on the field and off, and when he gets a call from Libby after 7 years, he is angry at her for rejecting him all those years ago.
This book sucked me in, and even though Libby was quick to forgive I still loved her for being strong but yet tender. Aiden I LOVED, he was very alpha male and he owned up to his mistakes, which let me tell you were huge, and his relationship with Cass was the most beautiful thing.
Children in books have to be very endearing for me to be interested in them, I have a young daughter and reading is my escape from the mundane parts of being a parent. This author created a fabulous little character and he reminded me how observant children really are and that all they really want to do is please their mum and dad. He pulled at my heartstrings, I loved him like my own by the end of the book.
Please let me warn you though that you will need tissues, this book will make you laugh with the great banter between Libby and Aiden but it is also heartbreaking and sad.
I highlighted so many quotes in this book. The writing was fantastic, although at times I got confused with some of the phrases, which is why I knocked off half a star.
All in all it was a great read, excellent rec from Mysza Xx
Forgiveness, love and redemption all brought about by a little boy called Cass.
Libby and Aiden met at college, which you can read about in the free prequel , they were friends but it was complicated, she was from the wrong part of town and he was an athlete with big plans.
Libby is raising her six year old son by herself, she is a criminal defence attorney and struggling to come to terms with the fact that she needs to ask help from the one person she never thought she'd see again.
Aiden is a professional Baseball player, on the field and off, and when he gets a call from Libby after 7 years, he is angry at her for rejecting him all those years ago.
This book sucked me in, and even though Libby was quick to forgive I still loved her for being strong but yet tender. Aiden I LOVED, he was very alpha male and he owned up to his mistakes, which let me tell you were huge, and his relationship with Cass was the most beautiful thing.
Children in books have to be very endearing for me to be interested in them, I have a young daughter and reading is my escape from the mundane parts of being a parent. This author created a fabulous little character and he reminded me how observant children really are and that all they really want to do is please their mum and dad. He pulled at my heartstrings, I loved him like my own by the end of the book.
Please let me warn you though that you will need tissues, this book will make you laugh with the great banter between Libby and Aiden but it is also heartbreaking and sad.
I highlighted so many quotes in this book. The writing was fantastic, although at times I got confused with some of the phrases, which is why I knocked off half a star.
All in all it was a great read, excellent rec from Mysza Xx
November 2, 2014
Before you read Binding Arbitration, you should read the novella:
It really helps to understand the history of these two characters. The magnitude of the love they feel for each other and the devastation they both feel being ripped apart.
“Every decision has costs, every action consequences, but inaction often leads to remorse.�
Years have passed since Libby and Aidan were in college. Libby has a sweet little dimpled boy that reminds her of Aidan. She has gone on to become a successful lawyer. Aidan has moved on to be a famous baseball player. Surprisingly enough they both reside in the windy city of Chicago. Aidan knows that Libby had his child. What he didn't know is that Libby kept their son and raised him alone.
Libby has made her mission in life to protect herself and her sweet boy Cass from Aidan. But then the unthinkable happens. Libby is forced to sit down with Aidan and face her fears. Cass is sick and Aidan my have the cure.
The initial meet and greet does not go well. Libby has spent years strengthening the ice that surrounds her heart.
“You only wanted me to be a cutter. You used me and threw me away like the trash you thought I was. I know you saw me waiting under that oak tree for you after graduation. I had every intention of telling you I was keeping my baby."-Libby
Aidan tries to remain cocky and cool but deep down he feels the sharp pain of remembrance and regret. He loved Libby. He lost Libby. He has a son and he is sick! He has a lot to deal with.
“I should’ve found them, made sure Libby was okay and that the baby was in a good home, but I was just a little boy with a bat and a ball and a game to play.�-Aidan
Aidan has a decision. He can continue to run from what he knows is his or he can give it everything to make amends. It isn't hard to figure out what Aidan does next.
"After all this time, after all of the other women, I was stalking the one girl I forbid myself to think about. I tried in earnest to recall one other beautiful face, but all I could see was Libby’s soft features and swollen lips. The scent of her, in the confined space, throttled my sanity."-Aidan
Aidan works hard to woo Libby and he immediately falls in love with Cass his son. The relationship is instant between father and son and Libby's heart melts.
I was on the verge of a love affair with my own child. And like any sweet object of affection, he could make my heart sing with anticipation. I was giddy with the excitement of seeing him, of playing with him, of getting to know him a little bit better than the day before."-Aidan
"The identical expressions, and the same dimple dancing in their right cheeks floored me. They were so beautiful together they took my breath away."-Libby
Things take time to develop between Libby, Aidan, and Cass. Libby is one intelligent heroine and despite the love she has for Aidan she just isn't ready to give herself back to him so quickly.
“Alpha males are so hard to reach sometimes that you have to knock them over their heads with a sledgehammer.�-Libby
Aidan does not give up. I absolutely adored the way that Aidan worked to make things right with Libby and Cass. Grace and forgiveness is a beautiful thing!
“I want you for you. Not because of Cass, not because of the past. I want you because you’re stubborn, and quirky, and sweet, and sexy. I want you because you’re on my mind and in my heart and filling my soul. I want you because with you beside me I feel whole, and no one else has ever made me feel that way. I want you because of you. Cass makes us all the better, but the love I feel for him couldn’t inspire the kind of love I’ve always felt for you.�-Aidan
I cannot lie to you. There was a point in the book where I felt my heart break. That means one thing...quality writing! When you can invest so deeply into a story that you feel the raw emotions, you have found a story worth reading!
I just cannot say enough about the fantastic writing in this book. The relationship between Libby and Aidan is put through trial after trial. The pacing was spot on. There were quite a few secondary characters. (At times, I did get a little confused about who was who.) But the focus remained on love and loss, joy and pain, and just simply living life! Be prepared to face every tender moment, every heartbreak, every piece of passion, and pieces of joy that these two experience. I highly recommend this book. Bravo Elizabeth Marx!
It really helps to understand the history of these two characters. The magnitude of the love they feel for each other and the devastation they both feel being ripped apart.
“Every decision has costs, every action consequences, but inaction often leads to remorse.�
Years have passed since Libby and Aidan were in college. Libby has a sweet little dimpled boy that reminds her of Aidan. She has gone on to become a successful lawyer. Aidan has moved on to be a famous baseball player. Surprisingly enough they both reside in the windy city of Chicago. Aidan knows that Libby had his child. What he didn't know is that Libby kept their son and raised him alone.
Libby has made her mission in life to protect herself and her sweet boy Cass from Aidan. But then the unthinkable happens. Libby is forced to sit down with Aidan and face her fears. Cass is sick and Aidan my have the cure.
The initial meet and greet does not go well. Libby has spent years strengthening the ice that surrounds her heart.
“You only wanted me to be a cutter. You used me and threw me away like the trash you thought I was. I know you saw me waiting under that oak tree for you after graduation. I had every intention of telling you I was keeping my baby."-Libby
Aidan tries to remain cocky and cool but deep down he feels the sharp pain of remembrance and regret. He loved Libby. He lost Libby. He has a son and he is sick! He has a lot to deal with.
“I should’ve found them, made sure Libby was okay and that the baby was in a good home, but I was just a little boy with a bat and a ball and a game to play.�-Aidan
Aidan has a decision. He can continue to run from what he knows is his or he can give it everything to make amends. It isn't hard to figure out what Aidan does next.
"After all this time, after all of the other women, I was stalking the one girl I forbid myself to think about. I tried in earnest to recall one other beautiful face, but all I could see was Libby’s soft features and swollen lips. The scent of her, in the confined space, throttled my sanity."-Aidan
Aidan works hard to woo Libby and he immediately falls in love with Cass his son. The relationship is instant between father and son and Libby's heart melts.
I was on the verge of a love affair with my own child. And like any sweet object of affection, he could make my heart sing with anticipation. I was giddy with the excitement of seeing him, of playing with him, of getting to know him a little bit better than the day before."-Aidan
"The identical expressions, and the same dimple dancing in their right cheeks floored me. They were so beautiful together they took my breath away."-Libby
Things take time to develop between Libby, Aidan, and Cass. Libby is one intelligent heroine and despite the love she has for Aidan she just isn't ready to give herself back to him so quickly.
“Alpha males are so hard to reach sometimes that you have to knock them over their heads with a sledgehammer.�-Libby
Aidan does not give up. I absolutely adored the way that Aidan worked to make things right with Libby and Cass. Grace and forgiveness is a beautiful thing!
“I want you for you. Not because of Cass, not because of the past. I want you because you’re stubborn, and quirky, and sweet, and sexy. I want you because you’re on my mind and in my heart and filling my soul. I want you because with you beside me I feel whole, and no one else has ever made me feel that way. I want you because of you. Cass makes us all the better, but the love I feel for him couldn’t inspire the kind of love I’ve always felt for you.�-Aidan
I cannot lie to you. There was a point in the book where I felt my heart break. That means one thing...quality writing! When you can invest so deeply into a story that you feel the raw emotions, you have found a story worth reading!
I just cannot say enough about the fantastic writing in this book. The relationship between Libby and Aidan is put through trial after trial. The pacing was spot on. There were quite a few secondary characters. (At times, I did get a little confused about who was who.) But the focus remained on love and loss, joy and pain, and just simply living life! Be prepared to face every tender moment, every heartbreak, every piece of passion, and pieces of joy that these two experience. I highly recommend this book. Bravo Elizabeth Marx!
November 19, 2014
FOUR AND A HALF STARS!
It's been almost two weeks since I finished this book and quite frankly, I'm still struggling to put into words the effect this book had on me. The last 25% wrecked me. I cannot even tell you how much I cried in the end, and I was so grateful that it was a Sunday afternoon when I finished it so that I could just lay on my bed surrounded by feels.
Binding Arbitration is a second chance romance for celebrity baseball player Banford Aidan Palowski and top defense attorney Elizabeth Tucker. After six years of silence, Libby seeks out Aidan for some anonymous DNA, assuring him that she would be out of his hair again if he would do her this big favour. But as startling truths are revealed, Aidan realises that he doesn't want to lose out on this second chance with Libby and decides to go all out on the most important pitch of his life.
In the interest of keeping this review spoiler free, I won't delve too much into the storyline. I think its important that you go into this blind so as to allow for the feels to develop naturally. I think that's why this had such a great impact on me because I didn't know what was going to happen. I will say though that I absolutely loved both mcs. Its rare for me to find books where both mcs just tick all my boxes, so I was over the moon with how amazing these two were to me.
So, why not five stars? To be honest, I was hella confused with the first chapter. It literally came across as that of a mentally unstable character, which really surprised me. To be fair, this could probably have been placed in the proper context had I read the prequel novella , but I didn't feel like I was really missing out as everything was explained fairly well as I continued with the story.
There were also a few minor questions that I wished would have been answered, but ultimately were minor and didn't diminish from the overall story.
Overall, a recommended read. And if you find that you are quite unsatisfied with my vague review, have yourself a review from Mysza who recommended the book to me.
It's been almost two weeks since I finished this book and quite frankly, I'm still struggling to put into words the effect this book had on me. The last 25% wrecked me. I cannot even tell you how much I cried in the end, and I was so grateful that it was a Sunday afternoon when I finished it so that I could just lay on my bed surrounded by feels.
Binding Arbitration is a second chance romance for celebrity baseball player Banford Aidan Palowski and top defense attorney Elizabeth Tucker. After six years of silence, Libby seeks out Aidan for some anonymous DNA, assuring him that she would be out of his hair again if he would do her this big favour. But as startling truths are revealed, Aidan realises that he doesn't want to lose out on this second chance with Libby and decides to go all out on the most important pitch of his life.
In the interest of keeping this review spoiler free, I won't delve too much into the storyline. I think its important that you go into this blind so as to allow for the feels to develop naturally. I think that's why this had such a great impact on me because I didn't know what was going to happen. I will say though that I absolutely loved both mcs. Its rare for me to find books where both mcs just tick all my boxes, so I was over the moon with how amazing these two were to me.
So, why not five stars? To be honest, I was hella confused with the first chapter. It literally came across as that of a mentally unstable character, which really surprised me. To be fair, this could probably have been placed in the proper context had I read the prequel novella , but I didn't feel like I was really missing out as everything was explained fairly well as I continued with the story.
There were also a few minor questions that I wished would have been answered, but ultimately were minor and didn't diminish from the overall story.
Overall, a recommended read. And if you find that you are quite unsatisfied with my vague review, have yourself a review from Mysza who recommended the book to me.
November 25, 2014
4.5 STARS
SPOILERS FOR CUTTERS VS JOCKS!!
I don't even know where to start! How about, this was a beautiful, touching, magical and angsty story about love and loss, hope and forgiveness, truth vs. assumptions and second chances? You need to read the prequel, Cutters vs. Jocks before this and for both expect cry-filled reads.
This was very well written, atmospheric at times and quite engrossing. I loved how everything came together and how the present almost mimicked the past, but in a profoundly beautiful way. Aidan was incredible. His regrets and palpable remorse over his actions was acute and I rallied for him quickly. He tried so hard to right the wrongs of his mistakes and finally fight for the girl who has haunted him from the minute he first laid eyes on her. He was strength personified and honor seeped from him, loved him!
I really liked Libbie. She made something from nothing, built herself up and showed that determination and perseverance delivered results. Raising Cass was not easy, but raising him in the image of his father was horribly difficult. Her pain was there too as with Aidan, but she used her success to bury her fears and grudges. I loved her sarcasm and witt, but in the last half I started becoming annoyed with her denial and inability to forgive despite the world of love from Aidan. She held on to her pain and fear making it difficult for him to prove something he'd done an exemplary job of doing. That was my only beef with her, but that issue made up most of the second half.
The huge group of secondary characters were incredible! Such a strong support for both Aidan and Libbie. I loved how there were secondary stories as well, rounding this out beautifully. I'd love to see a future book with Olivia and Avery. There were threads left open so I'm glad this is the first in a series from what I've seen. So much happens in this book, it's both complicated and simple but the end result was lovely and had me in tears so much. I love balance in a book so the steam was perfect and never once came close to overwhelming the real story. Quite the opposite,. So why not 5 stars? Firstly, my issue with Libbie being annoyingly stubborn and secondly, at times the writing was flowery, almost too sugary. I loved the style but that was something that took away from the believability of the story. That's all I can really say without ruining anything but if you're looking for a beautifully written and told romance with a hearty dose of angst and tears then this is for you--great book.
SPOILERS FOR CUTTERS VS JOCKS!!
I don't even know where to start! How about, this was a beautiful, touching, magical and angsty story about love and loss, hope and forgiveness, truth vs. assumptions and second chances? You need to read the prequel, Cutters vs. Jocks before this and for both expect cry-filled reads.
This was very well written, atmospheric at times and quite engrossing. I loved how everything came together and how the present almost mimicked the past, but in a profoundly beautiful way. Aidan was incredible. His regrets and palpable remorse over his actions was acute and I rallied for him quickly. He tried so hard to right the wrongs of his mistakes and finally fight for the girl who has haunted him from the minute he first laid eyes on her. He was strength personified and honor seeped from him, loved him!
I really liked Libbie. She made something from nothing, built herself up and showed that determination and perseverance delivered results. Raising Cass was not easy, but raising him in the image of his father was horribly difficult. Her pain was there too as with Aidan, but she used her success to bury her fears and grudges. I loved her sarcasm and witt, but in the last half I started becoming annoyed with her denial and inability to forgive despite the world of love from Aidan. She held on to her pain and fear making it difficult for him to prove something he'd done an exemplary job of doing. That was my only beef with her, but that issue made up most of the second half.
The huge group of secondary characters were incredible! Such a strong support for both Aidan and Libbie. I loved how there were secondary stories as well, rounding this out beautifully. I'd love to see a future book with Olivia and Avery. There were threads left open so I'm glad this is the first in a series from what I've seen. So much happens in this book, it's both complicated and simple but the end result was lovely and had me in tears so much. I love balance in a book so the steam was perfect and never once came close to overwhelming the real story. Quite the opposite,. So why not 5 stars? Firstly, my issue with Libbie being annoyingly stubborn and secondly, at times the writing was flowery, almost too sugary. I loved the style but that was something that took away from the believability of the story. That's all I can really say without ruining anything but if you're looking for a beautifully written and told romance with a hearty dose of angst and tears then this is for you--great book.
April 30, 2015
"..LOVING AND FORGIVING
is one in the same.."
OH BOY...this book! SO MANY FEELS....
I'm a little afraid to write this review because so many of my dear GR friends loved it so much. Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.
Please don't hate me...I guess sometimes it's just not meant to be :(
March 17, 2015
5 ‘All of it� STARS
Wow! I’m wrecked and revived after this fantastic read.
A deeply moving story about love, loss, growing up and most of all, second chances and forgiveness. Ms. Marx is a great writer. I loved her witty retorts, double entendres, deeply beautiful prose and amazingly deep, rich characters.
This was a whirlwind read with a lot going on but it moved at the perfect pace and not once did I want to step away.
Aidan Palowski was most girls' dream. He’s certainly flawed and made his share of mistakes, but seeing him admit the error of his ways, man-up and make good was priceless. His love for Libby was something to behold. I could not deny him my love and support. He was just amazing!
"You're the only thing I've been afraid of in my life. I've been scared of having you and going on without you. I've failed you when you needed me the most, and I was frightened that if I found you, you'd reject me."
I just loved Libby Tucker. She was strong, resilient, smart and never let anything get in her way. She too certainly made some bad choices and was acutely stubborn...to the detriment of herself and those around her. I totally understand why she had a fortress around her heart and soul and the time and patience it took to dismantle it by Aidan, one brick at a time, was believable, beautiful and torturous at times.
“I was torn between wanting his love, which I had always dreamt of having and pushing it just beyond the grasp of my fingertips.�
And Cass Tucker just stole my heart. He was such a beautiful boy with an old soul that would say the most insightful and profound things. In fact, all of the secondary characters were just as compelling. I hope Ms. Marx has plans for Ollie and Avery or Tony and Evita. It would also give me a chance to catch up with Aidan and Libby...I miss them already!
Wow! I’m wrecked and revived after this fantastic read.
A deeply moving story about love, loss, growing up and most of all, second chances and forgiveness. Ms. Marx is a great writer. I loved her witty retorts, double entendres, deeply beautiful prose and amazingly deep, rich characters.
This was a whirlwind read with a lot going on but it moved at the perfect pace and not once did I want to step away.
Aidan Palowski was most girls' dream. He’s certainly flawed and made his share of mistakes, but seeing him admit the error of his ways, man-up and make good was priceless. His love for Libby was something to behold. I could not deny him my love and support. He was just amazing!
"You're the only thing I've been afraid of in my life. I've been scared of having you and going on without you. I've failed you when you needed me the most, and I was frightened that if I found you, you'd reject me."
I just loved Libby Tucker. She was strong, resilient, smart and never let anything get in her way. She too certainly made some bad choices and was acutely stubborn...to the detriment of herself and those around her. I totally understand why she had a fortress around her heart and soul and the time and patience it took to dismantle it by Aidan, one brick at a time, was believable, beautiful and torturous at times.
“I was torn between wanting his love, which I had always dreamt of having and pushing it just beyond the grasp of my fingertips.�
And Cass Tucker just stole my heart. He was such a beautiful boy with an old soul that would say the most insightful and profound things. In fact, all of the secondary characters were just as compelling. I hope Ms. Marx has plans for Ollie and Avery or Tony and Evita. It would also give me a chance to catch up with Aidan and Libby...I miss them already!
August 4, 2013
Screw you book and your making me cry like a baby.
5 *THIS.BOOK.SHOULD.COME.WITH.A.WARNING* STARS
So i have had a few days to process this book. Believe me I needed it. I was a complete and utter mess. I was so fucked up in the head. Lesbehonest i am still pretty fucked up in the brain.
I loved Cutters and Jocks. I was so happy i was told to read it. One of the best prequels ever. It left me sad, but i was happy knowing the second book was ready for me.
But I wasn't ready for it. It started off amazing. I was incased in it. I knew it was going to be hard to read because of Cass. But I knew it would be worth it.
BUT DAMN YOU ELIZABETH MARX.
way to rip apart a moms heart. i think thats what made it so hard. I am a mom and never want to have to be put in this position.
This book was well written and i loved everything about it and i hated it. It left me broken, but whole. I dont even know what to say. but i can show you how i am feeling
5 *THIS.BOOK.SHOULD.COME.WITH.A.WARNING* STARS
So i have had a few days to process this book. Believe me I needed it. I was a complete and utter mess. I was so fucked up in the head. Lesbehonest i am still pretty fucked up in the brain.
I loved Cutters and Jocks. I was so happy i was told to read it. One of the best prequels ever. It left me sad, but i was happy knowing the second book was ready for me.
But I wasn't ready for it. It started off amazing. I was incased in it. I knew it was going to be hard to read because of Cass. But I knew it would be worth it.
BUT DAMN YOU ELIZABETH MARX.
way to rip apart a moms heart. i think thats what made it so hard. I am a mom and never want to have to be put in this position.
This book was well written and i loved everything about it and i hated it. It left me broken, but whole. I dont even know what to say. but i can show you how i am feeling
September 13, 2016
So that’s what we learned—loss with its unlimited power to destroy—could be overcome with love. And love was the thing that bound us together. It wasn’t arbitrary; it was contingent upon the soul’s discretion and once found it wasn’t easily abandoned.
I loved this book.
Wow.
I loved this book.
Wow.
December 16, 2012
Amazing! This is not your normal romance. Every emotion is exposed and there is no way your eyes won't fill with tears. This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. I'm so thankful that a ŷ friend brought my attention to the prequel "Cutters vs. Jocks" because I was hooked and couldn't wait to download the rest of Libby and Aiden's story. "Binding Arbitration" picks up 7 years after Aiden and Libby leave college and go their separate ways.
I had some doubts and issues on whether or not this was the book for me because I'm not much into "voices in my head" or "visits from beyond" storylines. However, Elizabeth Marx has written such a well-done story that I never lost interest or became frustrated. Those "voices" and "visits" only added to the good and powerful messages within the pages. Oh! I can't forget to mention that there is some very well-written and sizzling chemistry that all romance readers will enjoy, along with characters, both lead and secondary, that will touch your heart and soul.
There is no way I can do justice to this book in my review. It simply kept me spellbound from beginning to the ending. And I'll definitely be looking forward to more books by this author.
I had some doubts and issues on whether or not this was the book for me because I'm not much into "voices in my head" or "visits from beyond" storylines. However, Elizabeth Marx has written such a well-done story that I never lost interest or became frustrated. Those "voices" and "visits" only added to the good and powerful messages within the pages. Oh! I can't forget to mention that there is some very well-written and sizzling chemistry that all romance readers will enjoy, along with characters, both lead and secondary, that will touch your heart and soul.
There is no way I can do justice to this book in my review. It simply kept me spellbound from beginning to the ending. And I'll definitely be looking forward to more books by this author.
January 24, 2014
5 ++++
How is it possible to review a book that left you feeling speechless. In a good way, of course. After reading the prequel to this one, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew I would love it, but I had no idea how much. I was left so emotionally connected to Libby and Aiden� and Cass. I have never in my life cried, and FELT, with so much emotion over a book. As a mother, I think I felt even more� if that's possible, for them.
This is so much more than a simple romance book you can read, and finish thinking 'oh what a wonderful book'. No way, no way. Every now and then you find a book that touches you so deeply you will NEVER forget. This is one of those books.
Even though I wanted to throttle Libby at times for her stubborn, strong, and yes, scared timidness I still connected to her. I felt what she felt. I get where she is coming from, and somewhat understand why she is so afraid to give herself to Aiden again. Now, her journey is one of growth, forgiveness, and freedom. Freedom to let go and live and love. It's truly beautiful.
Aiden, by God he is perfectly flawed. I am hands down in awe over his growth and healing. And STRENGTH! He was a rock for everyone...while trying to heal his own pain. Now, his is a journey of pure wonder. His love for Libby was so strong, I felt as if I could reach out and literally touch it. When that boy loved, he did it with everything he had.
Not your typical romance, but more beautiful because of it.
How is it possible to review a book that left you feeling speechless. In a good way, of course. After reading the prequel to this one, I really didn't know what to expect. I knew I would love it, but I had no idea how much. I was left so emotionally connected to Libby and Aiden� and Cass. I have never in my life cried, and FELT, with so much emotion over a book. As a mother, I think I felt even more� if that's possible, for them.
This is so much more than a simple romance book you can read, and finish thinking 'oh what a wonderful book'. No way, no way. Every now and then you find a book that touches you so deeply you will NEVER forget. This is one of those books.
Even though I wanted to throttle Libby at times for her stubborn, strong, and yes, scared timidness I still connected to her. I felt what she felt. I get where she is coming from, and somewhat understand why she is so afraid to give herself to Aiden again. Now, her journey is one of growth, forgiveness, and freedom. Freedom to let go and live and love. It's truly beautiful.
Aiden, by God he is perfectly flawed. I am hands down in awe over his growth and healing. And STRENGTH! He was a rock for everyone...while trying to heal his own pain. Now, his is a journey of pure wonder. His love for Libby was so strong, I felt as if I could reach out and literally touch it. When that boy loved, he did it with everything he had.
Not your typical romance, but more beautiful because of it.
January 31, 2016
'The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains�
Love books which generate such a strong emotion from the reader.. Beautiful book
By the end of reading the book, I was sobbing but there were no tears, I was all dried up!
I mean.... WHY?
Something felt very incomplete in this book, what happens to the rest? Tony's story???? Avery's story????
BUT...
at the same time I LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH!!!!
Will we be getting more of this series? Because I really want it.
September 10, 2019
1.5 stars
A LOT happens in this book and I'm sure it is/was to introduce more books in the series but
I did love the guardian angels that would appear from time to time, I found them endearing and I think they added a little magic to the story.
I don't like panning a book because I know someone worked really hard on that book, but this was just too much for me to take especially after reading the wonderful prequel novella which I absolutely loved. Furthermore, after the shitty thing Aidan did to Libby, he should have spent at least 150 pages begging for forgiveness.
Just sayin'
I guess my biggest problem was that I didn't understand what this author was trying to accomplish. Yes, introducing new characters for subsequent books in the series but for a few chapters we have sarcastic banter between Aidan and Libby and then she is sobbing about the past. We then go to Aidain's internal dialogue but he rarely apologizes to her face, just in his head. Tons of sexual innuendo and not too much make up sex, but that is me being nit picky. Then enter all of the spoilers I listed and a jam packed time line, it was just too much for me.
A LOT happens in this book and I'm sure it is/was to introduce more books in the series but
I did love the guardian angels that would appear from time to time, I found them endearing and I think they added a little magic to the story.
I don't like panning a book because I know someone worked really hard on that book, but this was just too much for me to take especially after reading the wonderful prequel novella which I absolutely loved. Furthermore, after the shitty thing Aidan did to Libby, he should have spent at least 150 pages begging for forgiveness.
Just sayin'
I guess my biggest problem was that I didn't understand what this author was trying to accomplish. Yes, introducing new characters for subsequent books in the series but for a few chapters we have sarcastic banter between Aidan and Libby and then she is sobbing about the past. We then go to Aidain's internal dialogue but he rarely apologizes to her face, just in his head. Tons of sexual innuendo and not too much make up sex, but that is me being nit picky. Then enter all of the spoilers I listed and a jam packed time line, it was just too much for me.
June 23, 2024
Hero abandoned his pregnant ex and their child to pursue a baseball career and then blames her for making him feel guilty about it when six years later, she asks him to help when her kid gets seriously sick. Nowhere did I see any dent to his supreme sense of entitlement, privilege and arrogance. The author rewards his behavior by giving him EVERYTHING: He got to have his cake and eat it too. Not Cool!!!!!
Read it for a heroine with backbone, who can string words together, and uses her skills to smack down the biggest arrogant selfish asshat on earth until he melts into a puddle of goo, quite deservedly.
Read it for a heroine with backbone, who can string words together, and uses her skills to smack down the biggest arrogant selfish asshat on earth until he melts into a puddle of goo, quite deservedly.
June 22, 2019
Loved it!
A beautiful, believable love story.
A college romance gone wrong between a proud ‘cutter� girl and a selfish immature jock…years later evolves into a romance which makes you smile and ache in equal measures.
The story is also about life, hurts, winning, losing, despair, rallying and healing. And all that holds us together, through it all, is the capacity to love and be loved.
A beautiful, believable love story.
A college romance gone wrong between a proud ‘cutter� girl and a selfish immature jock…years later evolves into a romance which makes you smile and ache in equal measures.
The story is also about life, hurts, winning, losing, despair, rallying and healing. And all that holds us together, through it all, is the capacity to love and be loved.
October 17, 2012
4.5 Stars
I was not expecting this book to be so sad....it was terribly sad. I was in tears--and I hardly ever cry in books but this one just broke my heart. Don't get me wrong--it was a GREAT book and I loved the story. I just wasn't expecting what happened to happen. I loved Libby and Aiden....Libby was strong, stubborn and sarcastic. Almost a little too stubborn at one point in the book. :) And Aiden was....well, Aiden *sigh*...he was so incredibly sweet and loved Libby and Cass so much. I found myself laughing out loud several times. This book had it all....love, loss, heartache, laughter! Great read! Looking forward to reading more from the author and finding out more about some of the other characters in the book.
I was not expecting this book to be so sad....it was terribly sad. I was in tears--and I hardly ever cry in books but this one just broke my heart. Don't get me wrong--it was a GREAT book and I loved the story. I just wasn't expecting what happened to happen. I loved Libby and Aiden....Libby was strong, stubborn and sarcastic. Almost a little too stubborn at one point in the book. :) And Aiden was....well, Aiden *sigh*...he was so incredibly sweet and loved Libby and Cass so much. I found myself laughing out loud several times. This book had it all....love, loss, heartache, laughter! Great read! Looking forward to reading more from the author and finding out more about some of the other characters in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2014
4.5 stars!
September 5, 2018
DiDi's 's review posted on
FIVE YEARS LATER - 9/5/18
4.5 stars
Sooooo.....I recently read Mess Me Up by Lani Lynn Vale and while I hate what happens in it it I loved the book, which made me think about Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx. It made me realize that Binding Arbitration has stuck with me for five years and that I needed to re-read it because if I was still thinking about it five years later and I ended up loving Mess Me Up that maybe, just maybe I was too emotional and too harsh when I wrote the review for Binding Arbitration. After re-reading and re-reading my review....well I was too harsh, maybe I shouldn't have written the review, maybe I should've waited to write it. I will never know what would've been right at the time, I do know that now I need to re-vamp my review, which is what I've done below. Ms. Marx, if you read this, you tore my heart out, but you also wrote characters that have stayed with me and I suspect will stay with me forever. Thank you for opening my eyes and showing that even after a loss so devastating people can still get a happily ever after.
Updated Review
I am so torn about this book, how do you rate a book that you couldn't put down, fell in love with the characters but hated, hated, hated what happened. Something so horrible that you are devastated and can't get it off your mind, so horrible, that while the HEA was bittersweet you wanted it to end differently????
I really enjoyed, CUTTERS VS. JOCKS, the pre-quel to BINDING ARBITRATION. I went through a roller coaster of emotions in BINDING ARBITRATION. Yes Aidan was somewhat of a jerk throughout the book, but Libby held her own with him. I enjoyed her sarcasm and wit. The secondary cast of characters were engaging for the most part, there were a couple I wish wouldn’t have been in the book. There was a sub plot with Evita that could have been left out, if left out the story would have flowed just fine, it would have been a romance about first loves, redemption, forgiveness and the power of everlasting love. There is a lot in this book � first love, secret baby, millionaire athlete, major Alphahole, suspense, illness, murder, devastation and a little paranormal. I did have some issues with the flow of the book, several times I had to go back and read some parts more than once to keep characters straight.
I wasn't sure Ms. Marx was going to be able to pull off a HEA for Libby and Aidan but she does.
Ms. Marx’s created characters I fell in love with, maybe too much in love with and therein lies the problem. I was so into the story/characters that I cried and cried like they were people I actually know in real life. The morning after reading this book and for years later I was pissed off about what happens.
Binding Arbitration is a good read, it touched my heart and at the same time tore my soul out. So good that FIVE years later I felt I needed to re-read it and edit my original review.
6/20/14 - UPDATE
Almost a year later, I find myself still thinking about this book, that is how much it impacted me. That being said, I came back and re-read my review, NO I could never re-read the book, it still has me crying, I feel like in the midst of the heavy emotions I was feeling and anger about what happens in the book. I have realized is that for a book to impact me this much, I needed to adjust my rating. I am changing my rating from Three Stars to Four Stars. I am not changing anything I said in my review because my feelings are still the same I am just changing the star rating.
I am so torn about this book, how do you rate a book that you couldn't put down, fell in love with the characters but hated, hated, hated what happened. Something so horrible that you are devastated and can't get it off your mind, so horrible, that while the HEA was bittersweet you wanted it to end differently????
MAJOR SPOILER REVIEW
I really enjoyed, CUTTERS VS. JOCKS, the pre-quel to BINDING ARBITRATION. I was totally into the roller coaster of emotions in BINDING ARBITRATION, until the author wrote what she did involving Cass. Yes Aidan was somewhat of a jerk throughout the book, but Libby held her own with him. I enjoyed her sarcasm and wit. The secondary cast of characters were engaging for the most part, there were a couple I wish wouldn’t have been in the book. There was a sub plot with Evita that could have been left out, if left out the story would have flowed just fine, it would have been a romance about first loves, redemption, forgiveness and the power of everlasting love, and most likely would have gotten 5 stars. For me it seemed like Ms. Marx was trying to throw too much in one book � first love, secret baby, millionaire athlete, major Alphahole, suspense, illness, murder, devastation and a little paranormal. I did have some issues with the flow of the book, several times I had to go back and read some parts more than once to keep characters straight.
Would I read Ms. Marx again? Most likely, she does have a lot of talent, but this book just wasn’t for me and I know I am in the minority, there are a ton of awesome reviews for BINDING ARBITRATION on ŷ. While a good read, it touched my heart and at the same time it tore my soul out and has me still crying while writing this review. This book will stick with me for a while it has ripped a piece out of my heart and soul.
FIVE YEARS LATER - 9/5/18
4.5 stars
Sooooo.....I recently read Mess Me Up by Lani Lynn Vale and while I hate what happens in it it I loved the book, which made me think about Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx. It made me realize that Binding Arbitration has stuck with me for five years and that I needed to re-read it because if I was still thinking about it five years later and I ended up loving Mess Me Up that maybe, just maybe I was too emotional and too harsh when I wrote the review for Binding Arbitration. After re-reading and re-reading my review....well I was too harsh, maybe I shouldn't have written the review, maybe I should've waited to write it. I will never know what would've been right at the time, I do know that now I need to re-vamp my review, which is what I've done below. Ms. Marx, if you read this, you tore my heart out, but you also wrote characters that have stayed with me and I suspect will stay with me forever. Thank you for opening my eyes and showing that even after a loss so devastating people can still get a happily ever after.
Updated Review
I am so torn about this book, how do you rate a book that you couldn't put down, fell in love with the characters but hated, hated, hated what happened. Something so horrible that you are devastated and can't get it off your mind, so horrible, that while the HEA was bittersweet you wanted it to end differently????
I really enjoyed, CUTTERS VS. JOCKS, the pre-quel to BINDING ARBITRATION. I went through a roller coaster of emotions in BINDING ARBITRATION. Yes Aidan was somewhat of a jerk throughout the book, but Libby held her own with him. I enjoyed her sarcasm and wit. The secondary cast of characters were engaging for the most part, there were a couple I wish wouldn’t have been in the book. There was a sub plot with Evita that could have been left out, if left out the story would have flowed just fine, it would have been a romance about first loves, redemption, forgiveness and the power of everlasting love. There is a lot in this book � first love, secret baby, millionaire athlete, major Alphahole, suspense, illness, murder, devastation and a little paranormal. I did have some issues with the flow of the book, several times I had to go back and read some parts more than once to keep characters straight.
I wasn't sure Ms. Marx was going to be able to pull off a HEA for Libby and Aidan but she does.
Ms. Marx’s created characters I fell in love with, maybe too much in love with and therein lies the problem. I was so into the story/characters that I cried and cried like they were people I actually know in real life. The morning after reading this book and for years later I was pissed off about what happens.
Binding Arbitration is a good read, it touched my heart and at the same time tore my soul out. So good that FIVE years later I felt I needed to re-read it and edit my original review.
6/20/14 - UPDATE
Almost a year later, I find myself still thinking about this book, that is how much it impacted me. That being said, I came back and re-read my review, NO I could never re-read the book, it still has me crying, I feel like in the midst of the heavy emotions I was feeling and anger about what happens in the book. I have realized is that for a book to impact me this much, I needed to adjust my rating. I am changing my rating from Three Stars to Four Stars. I am not changing anything I said in my review because my feelings are still the same I am just changing the star rating.
I am so torn about this book, how do you rate a book that you couldn't put down, fell in love with the characters but hated, hated, hated what happened. Something so horrible that you are devastated and can't get it off your mind, so horrible, that while the HEA was bittersweet you wanted it to end differently????
MAJOR SPOILER REVIEW
I really enjoyed, CUTTERS VS. JOCKS, the pre-quel to BINDING ARBITRATION. I was totally into the roller coaster of emotions in BINDING ARBITRATION, until the author wrote what she did involving Cass. Yes Aidan was somewhat of a jerk throughout the book, but Libby held her own with him. I enjoyed her sarcasm and wit. The secondary cast of characters were engaging for the most part, there were a couple I wish wouldn’t have been in the book. There was a sub plot with Evita that could have been left out, if left out the story would have flowed just fine, it would have been a romance about first loves, redemption, forgiveness and the power of everlasting love, and most likely would have gotten 5 stars. For me it seemed like Ms. Marx was trying to throw too much in one book � first love, secret baby, millionaire athlete, major Alphahole, suspense, illness, murder, devastation and a little paranormal. I did have some issues with the flow of the book, several times I had to go back and read some parts more than once to keep characters straight.
Would I read Ms. Marx again? Most likely, she does have a lot of talent, but this book just wasn’t for me and I know I am in the minority, there are a ton of awesome reviews for BINDING ARBITRATION on ŷ. While a good read, it touched my heart and at the same time it tore my soul out and has me still crying while writing this review. This book will stick with me for a while it has ripped a piece out of my heart and soul.
May 14, 2015
4.5 Heartbreaking second chance stars
It's not often you come across a book that by reading it, it's almost as if your being emotionally torn apart. Ive read books before that have made me cry, I've read books that have made me sob uncontrollably, but this, THIS book did a complete number on me. My head is pounding from how hard I cried, my eyes are bloodshot and I'm emotionally drained.
We meet Elizabeth and Aidan in Cutters vs Jocks and get their background story and to be honest I went into this book disliking Aidan massively. I was determined he couldn't win me over and in the first part of the book this remained the case. Don't ask me where it was that he completely sidelined me but by the end I totally loved him.
Elizabeth and Aidan are reunited after she contacts him to find out if he's a match to donate bone marrow to the son he left behind. Aidan has never quite recovered for the events that happened in collage and is set to get the answers he feels he needs. But when these two meet up again the flames they thought had died are no where near extinguished.
I really don't want to say to much about this, as I feel it would effect a readers experience. I went into this knowing nothing but the blurb and the element of surprise was perfect.
This is fantastically written and the emotion just drips off the page. The side characters were brilliant but I had a massive soft spot for Cass, Libby and Aidan's son he knew just how to bring out the best in everybody.
The only reason this is marked down is the odd few bits that went a little over my head, but this is defiantly an author I'll be picking up in the future.
A special Thank you to Twinnie for holding my hand though this. As always AB your a great support line :)
It's not often you come across a book that by reading it, it's almost as if your being emotionally torn apart. Ive read books before that have made me cry, I've read books that have made me sob uncontrollably, but this, THIS book did a complete number on me. My head is pounding from how hard I cried, my eyes are bloodshot and I'm emotionally drained.
We meet Elizabeth and Aidan in Cutters vs Jocks and get their background story and to be honest I went into this book disliking Aidan massively. I was determined he couldn't win me over and in the first part of the book this remained the case. Don't ask me where it was that he completely sidelined me but by the end I totally loved him.
Elizabeth and Aidan are reunited after she contacts him to find out if he's a match to donate bone marrow to the son he left behind. Aidan has never quite recovered for the events that happened in collage and is set to get the answers he feels he needs. But when these two meet up again the flames they thought had died are no where near extinguished.
I really don't want to say to much about this, as I feel it would effect a readers experience. I went into this knowing nothing but the blurb and the element of surprise was perfect.
This is fantastically written and the emotion just drips off the page. The side characters were brilliant but I had a massive soft spot for Cass, Libby and Aidan's son he knew just how to bring out the best in everybody.
The only reason this is marked down is the odd few bits that went a little over my head, but this is defiantly an author I'll be picking up in the future.
A special Thank you to Twinnie for holding my hand though this. As always AB your a great support line :)
April 9, 2022
3.5 Stars
07/16/17 ~ I reread this today for the third time and have gone through more than a thousand books since I first began reading as this was one of the first books I took on. I found I cared even less for Aidan than I did the first and second time through and it has changed my opinion of this book. There were times I didn't care much for Libby, too, but she definitely got the short end of the stick with how Aidan abandoned her and their unborn child.
Libby Tucker is a criminal lawyer and is raising her young son alone. She will go to any lengths to save her son who has been diagnosed with Leukemia. If that includes contacting the boy's father who abandoned her and their unborn child, broke her young heart, and signed away all legal rights to his son, so be it. Anything for her son, the love of her life.
Aidan Palowski is a professional baseball player and the man who abandoned a pregnant Libby after their college graduation. He is a major man-whore deluxe ~ golden boy who has more money than he knows what to do with. It is a sweet love story but I don't think I could have taken him back after his initial abandonment and then all the women he went through. For crying out loud...there were websites devoted to the women he had been intimate with including pictures and what position was his favorite with each particular woman. Just click on the woman's picture and she would tell you the favored position. I thought that was somewhat gag-gy.
Poor Libby had to endure the humiliation of running into his old sex buddies when they went out and watch as pictures surfaced in the rag mags of up close photos of him doing his ex-fiance. He was unaware that he had been photographed and filmed without his permission. It made me a bit nauseous with the huge number of women he went through.
This is an intense, emotional read so have your tissues at the ready.
The only downside is that I felt the author didn't require enough groveling from Aidan. He didn't pay enough for his actions and their consequences.
07/16/17 ~ I reread this today for the third time and have gone through more than a thousand books since I first began reading as this was one of the first books I took on. I found I cared even less for Aidan than I did the first and second time through and it has changed my opinion of this book. There were times I didn't care much for Libby, too, but she definitely got the short end of the stick with how Aidan abandoned her and their unborn child.
Libby Tucker is a criminal lawyer and is raising her young son alone. She will go to any lengths to save her son who has been diagnosed with Leukemia. If that includes contacting the boy's father who abandoned her and their unborn child, broke her young heart, and signed away all legal rights to his son, so be it. Anything for her son, the love of her life.
Aidan Palowski is a professional baseball player and the man who abandoned a pregnant Libby after their college graduation. He is a major man-whore deluxe ~ golden boy who has more money than he knows what to do with. It is a sweet love story but I don't think I could have taken him back after his initial abandonment and then all the women he went through. For crying out loud...there were websites devoted to the women he had been intimate with including pictures and what position was his favorite with each particular woman. Just click on the woman's picture and she would tell you the favored position. I thought that was somewhat gag-gy.
Poor Libby had to endure the humiliation of running into his old sex buddies when they went out and watch as pictures surfaced in the rag mags of up close photos of him doing his ex-fiance. He was unaware that he had been photographed and filmed without his permission. It made me a bit nauseous with the huge number of women he went through.
This is an intense, emotional read so have your tissues at the ready.
The only downside is that I felt the author didn't require enough groveling from Aidan. He didn't pay enough for his actions and their consequences.
January 14, 2015
DNF´ing at 37%
I tried to like it, I really did...but then I started skimming and hoping it would get better, it didn't. I was so annoyed and It went on and on.
Aidan:
"He left you because he was selfish--he loved himself more than you. I left you because I loved you more than everything else put together, and that scared the hell out of me."
Uh-huh...he loved her so much he asked her to so it could be convenient for him and years later he didn't bother finding out what happened to her, or their child.
As I said.... NOT IMPRESSED.
I'm guessing what happens at the end with you-know-who but even THAT doesn't keep me interested. I rather go to greener pastures.
November 16, 2012
Grade: D+
(NOTE: Before you call me a mean girl, please note that I gave the prequel novella a )
OK. So. A book should (a) make me happy; (b) piss me off; or (c) bore me senseless. Please note these choices do NOT include (d) all of the above.
Binding Arbitration left me CONFLICTED. I do NOT LIKE feeling conflicted about a book.
The set-up:
The novel picks up seven years after the novella, with Aidan secure in his big-league career as a Cubs pitcher (heh) and Libby representing pedophiles and Mafia bosses as a big-time criminal defense attorney (hence the title).
Libby is also a single mother to a six-year-old son named Cass. Yes, you did the math correctly: Secret Baby. Aidan did know Libby got pregnant from their one night of intimacy � but, under the assumption that Libby was giving the baby up for adoption, he signed away his parental rights at the same time he signed his major league contract.
Unfortunately, Cass has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant, and Aidan is the little boy’s best hope for a donor. And that means Libby is forced to confront Aidan with the revelation that she kept the baby � and the fact that they’ve been living across town from him for several years.
The hits:
The first third of the novel is a seamless continuation of the novella, with Libby and Aidan both struggling with Cass’s illness and their own unresolved issues as they renegotiate and rebuild their relationship.
Libby is understandably pricklier than ever, and she’s terrified that Aidan will swoop in to become Cass’s hero and then abandon them again:
But Aidan has matured enough to know that he was � and still can be � a selfish ass, and he’s determined to prove his worth to mother and son.
Libby and Aidan’s wicked arguments over the past � with their passion still flaring beneath � carry their voices and motivations through from the novella to the novel, and I was still in my Book Trance.
But it didn’t last. And days later, I’m still bitter about it.
The misses:
From the moment Aidan and Libby begin to reconcile, this book completely loses cohesion and focus.
For some ungodly, unknown reason, the author begins to introduce an endless parade of Stock Characters and Soap Opera Sub-Plots that eventually push the story really close to the border of the Land of WTFery.
I’d give you a list, but you wouldn’t believe me, so I’ll just sneak in this quick teaser:
Let’s back up a bit to catch some of the Declarations of Cosmic Truth from Cass Tucker, the Oracle of Plot Moppet Precociousness:
The child is supposed to be SIX. The vocabulary of a real six-year-old boy consists primarily of burping the alphabet and inventing new fart jokes.
Aidan’s Inner Umpire of Doom might scare off some readers, but I actually liked him. He was pretty smarmy in a philosophical sort of way.
OH! Almost forgot! Libby’s bipolar mother regularly appears costumed as her adorable alter ego of� wait for it..
Yeah. I know. I don’t want to go there right now.
I almost didn’t finish the novel, because the letdown from was soooo disappointing. Did I mention that I’m STILL BITTER?
Marx’s story-telling skills and characters are amazing � but she needs a good editor to help her understand how to keep all that talent reined in.
(NOTE: Before you call me a mean girl, please note that I gave the prequel novella a )
“You curse at me, walk away from me, or do anything to irritate me, and I’ll do this again,� I whispered. “You’d better believe I’m going to take it a little further every time.�
My angry tirade had turned into a seduction.
OK. So. A book should (a) make me happy; (b) piss me off; or (c) bore me senseless. Please note these choices do NOT include (d) all of the above.
Binding Arbitration left me CONFLICTED. I do NOT LIKE feeling conflicted about a book.
The set-up:
The novel picks up seven years after the novella, with Aidan secure in his big-league career as a Cubs pitcher (heh) and Libby representing pedophiles and Mafia bosses as a big-time criminal defense attorney (hence the title).
Libby is also a single mother to a six-year-old son named Cass. Yes, you did the math correctly: Secret Baby. Aidan did know Libby got pregnant from their one night of intimacy � but, under the assumption that Libby was giving the baby up for adoption, he signed away his parental rights at the same time he signed his major league contract.
Unfortunately, Cass has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant, and Aidan is the little boy’s best hope for a donor. And that means Libby is forced to confront Aidan with the revelation that she kept the baby � and the fact that they’ve been living across town from him for several years.
The hits:
The first third of the novel is a seamless continuation of the novella, with Libby and Aidan both struggling with Cass’s illness and their own unresolved issues as they renegotiate and rebuild their relationship.
Libby is understandably pricklier than ever, and she’s terrified that Aidan will swoop in to become Cass’s hero and then abandon them again:
In that fragile moment, I witnessed the miracle of the man Aidan Palowski had become. All the smug conceit vanished, the athletic ego evaporated. He could express tender emotions and gentle ministrations, where nothing predatory lurked in any part of his touch. I closed my eyes with relief for Cass � but terror for my own withered heart.
But Aidan has matured enough to know that he was � and still can be � a selfish ass, and he’s determined to prove his worth to mother and son.
“You’re the only thing I’ve been afraid of in my life.� I ran my hands through my hair my mind worked quickly, putting words together in neat little lines. “I’ve been scared of having you and going on without you. I’ve failed you when you needed me the most, and I was frightened that if I found you, you’d reject me. But more than all that, I’ve been afraid that if I can’t learn to love you, I’ll never love anyone.�
Libby and Aidan’s wicked arguments over the past � with their passion still flaring beneath � carry their voices and motivations through from the novella to the novel, and I was still in my Book Trance.
But it didn’t last. And days later, I’m still bitter about it.
The misses:
From the moment Aidan and Libby begin to reconcile, this book completely loses cohesion and focus.
For some ungodly, unknown reason, the author begins to introduce an endless parade of Stock Characters and Soap Opera Sub-Plots that eventually push the story really close to the border of the Land of WTFery.
I’d give you a list, but you wouldn’t believe me, so I’ll just sneak in this quick teaser:
Let’s back up a bit to catch some of the Declarations of Cosmic Truth from Cass Tucker, the Oracle of Plot Moppet Precociousness:
...”Those females are kissing maniacs.�
...”She’s always kissing me. If you could get her to kiss you some of the time, that would keep her lips off me.�
...”I’ve been working on this deal for six years. It’s what I’m supposed to do.�
...”Mister Pole-ow-ski, if you could love her, I think that would be nice, just in case if I’m not here no more.�
...”Once that kind of mark seeps in, it never fades away.�
...”Sometimes life throws you curveballs.�
...”Judgment comes from experience, and sound judgment comes from bad experience.�
The child is supposed to be SIX. The vocabulary of a real six-year-old boy consists primarily of burping the alphabet and inventing new fart jokes.
Aidan’s Inner Umpire of Doom might scare off some readers, but I actually liked him. He was pretty smarmy in a philosophical sort of way.
OH! Almost forgot! Libby’s bipolar mother regularly appears costumed as her adorable alter ego of� wait for it..
“I don’t know your grandma, but I’m Hildy, the Hillbilly Clown.�
Yeah. I know. I don’t want to go there right now.
I almost didn’t finish the novel, because the letdown from was soooo disappointing. Did I mention that I’m STILL BITTER?
Marx’s story-telling skills and characters are amazing � but she needs a good editor to help her understand how to keep all that talent reined in.
November 11, 2014
"I did what I had to do. You did what you wanted. Nothing can change that."
"I had gained all and lost myself, while you lost everything,but gained yourself."
"Let's go sit down and have a man-to-man."
"You mean a man-to-boy," he giggled.
"We're like an earthquake when we're together."
This book was one hell of a ride; when I thought the book had ended--nope the author threw curveballs one after the other.
It was a bad idea to be eating while reading the last 20% of the book; I ended up sobbing with a mouth full of food and ultimately eating my tears too.
The characters were so nicely put together. They were far from perfect, but as time passed and experiences gone through, forgiveness and love was formed. Second chances were given and new lives were created. I have never fallen for a character like I have for Cass; he's the angel I've never met.
I honestly need MORE!!! This book may be the conclusion to Libby and Aiden's story, but what about Evita?!?!!?!?!? And.. and... AVERY?!!?
May 9, 2023
DNF @ 10%
I typically don’t rate books I DNF, but I had to pay for this one� so I feel like it deserves it. My issue was 100% the writing style. In the books defense :) � I don’t do well with quirky/cutesy, so this is very much a Jac thing.
The H Aidan has an obnoxious “inner voice� that is illustrated as a pretend umpire. It’s very similar to Anastasia’s inner goddess. I HATED it. He also has these internal “sayings� for lack of a better word that also got on my nerves. I think they were supposed to be funny� maybe�
Here’re some examples
I typically don’t rate books I DNF, but I had to pay for this one� so I feel like it deserves it. My issue was 100% the writing style. In the books defense :) � I don’t do well with quirky/cutesy, so this is very much a Jac thing.
The H Aidan has an obnoxious “inner voice� that is illustrated as a pretend umpire. It’s very similar to Anastasia’s inner goddess. I HATED it. He also has these internal “sayings� for lack of a better word that also got on my nerves. I think they were supposed to be funny� maybe�
Here’re some examples
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 6, 2013
02/01/2013 --
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars [$3 Amazon & B&N]
Definition: Arbitration is a proceeding in which a dispute is resolved by an impartial adjudicator whose decision the parties to the dispute have agreed, or legislation has decreed, will be final and binding.
This story starts with a horrible misunderstanding between a man, bent on advancing his dream of a pitching career, and a young woman he has come to care for. The question is, did he care enough?
I'll say this, when you are young, it is so easy to discount strong emotion. You are young, so you think the things you feel right now can be found with another so easily. You found it once. Right? You can find it again, then. Right? You learn as you get older to listen to your heart, but when you are young ...
This is one of those situations. The author did a pretty good job. We jump ahead a few years and a horrific situation makes one seek out the other. The man had his pitching career, but, what did he miss?
I enjoyed this book. At about 70% or so, it lost some of its mojo. I think it was a bit too long [can't believe I'm saying this -- love long books], and the author got caught up in the mundane. A good attempt with a great back story.
Overall, a pretty good read.
Happy Reading.
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 4 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 3 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars [$3 Amazon & B&N]
Definition: Arbitration is a proceeding in which a dispute is resolved by an impartial adjudicator whose decision the parties to the dispute have agreed, or legislation has decreed, will be final and binding.
This story starts with a horrible misunderstanding between a man, bent on advancing his dream of a pitching career, and a young woman he has come to care for. The question is, did he care enough?
I'll say this, when you are young, it is so easy to discount strong emotion. You are young, so you think the things you feel right now can be found with another so easily. You found it once. Right? You can find it again, then. Right? You learn as you get older to listen to your heart, but when you are young ...
This is one of those situations. The author did a pretty good job. We jump ahead a few years and a horrific situation makes one seek out the other. The man had his pitching career, but, what did he miss?
I enjoyed this book. At about 70% or so, it lost some of its mojo. I think it was a bit too long [can't believe I'm saying this -- love long books], and the author got caught up in the mundane. A good attempt with a great back story.
Overall, a pretty good read.
Happy Reading.
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