Review: A great mix of innocence and intense heat - A solid 4.5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2013
Beyond Eighteen picks up right outside in the cold where Eighteen at Last left off.  While I was really hoping for Cindy to find her way tumbling quickly down the stairs that sadly didn’t happen.  What does unfold is a coming together of forces to move ahead hopefully leaving behind past mistakes and regrets.  We see Max emerge as an Alpha who is willing to fight for what he wants.  He’s still the compassionate and caring guy we met early in the series but he’s had a taste of perfection and he knows without a doubt that he doesn’t want to live without Wilson.  Wilson too is coming to terms with the consequences of her actions and learning to face her fears, both past and present, with strength.  Joanie was eye opening to me and her actions revealed a lot about their deep friendship and just being there for someone without judgment.  I was happy that Joanie pursued the relationship she did.  I thought it was only fair and moved the story away from any sort of triangle.  I loved seeing things come to a head and be resolved.  My only wish was that as we see Wilson spread her wings and face her future I wish we got more of the details on how Max came to be where we leave him.  I know this was the Wilson Mooney Series so I understand that some things might just have to be accepted but I was really enjoying seeing this different side to Max outside of teaching.  Perhaps in the future we will get to see more of the Goldstein’s moving ahead as a family.  They definitely have more stories to tell and I find them all very intriguing.The bottom line for me on this series was it built, it shattered and then it became as it was always meant to be.  This is a fantastic series about friendship, love, family, choices and coming into your own with a little help along the way.  Gretchen has a way with words and really pulls you into the moments.  I would highly recommend reading this series.  It is tasteful, witty and a great mix of innocence and intense heat. <3