Reviews from

Going Back in Time

Lesson in life and love.

35 total reviews 
Comment from Begin Again
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, my friend, you swept me away this early morning with your awesome and mind blowing story. At times, I felt "YOU" in the role and could actually see it unfolding... especially when your character showed his "colors" of being a stand-up gentleman regardless of when it's handed to him on a silver platter. And the ending... now that's a lesson and a half, isn't it? I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him that life throws curve balls especially when we aren't looking.

It's not a Tucker story, but an awesome side of you. I truly enjoyed it.

Merry Christmas and have fun in Vegas! Don't get arrested.....
Smiles and hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Carol, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. Since I've learned as much from you as anyone ever, I'm always anxious to get your review and feedback. We all make mistakes in life, but some haunt us for a lifetime. Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful time down south! I appreciate YOU!
reply by Begin Again on 22-Dec-2024
    And I YOU! You are always in my thoughts. Take care .... Hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Hugs, and a great big peck on the forehead! Ric
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I believe this is the first post of yours that is non-fiction that I've read (I'd change the "general fiction" to "biographical non-fiction" for the post.

And this is a very intimate "share" you've given us. I can't believe a mother would work with her daughter to set you up like that, and if Ashley knew you were her father, why would she not sit down with you to catch up? No matter how bitter, I would take the opportunity to hear the other side.

We all have regrets, and this is a big one. And we all make mistakes. Hopefully, you've forgiven yourself and moved on and have found peace with this.

A few fixes you might consider:

Read the sentence that begins "Mr. Gs" - I think it needs to be "Mr. Gs was". As it is, Mr. Gs seems to drop into no man's land.

"So, thought about what you're gonna to do?" Unless Tim is also intoxicated as he says this, I'd make it "what you're gonna do" or "what you're going to do".

"All charges WERE dropped" - add were

Thank you for sharing this piece of your life. Now we know a little more about you. That's brave for most of us; I think it's particularly brave for someone who keeps things close to the vest.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Pamela, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. Well, I wouldn't want to list this as non-fiction since it's "all fiction," as I'm concerned. My favorite part of the story is that I shared all this character's events without ever giving him a name. I'll get right over and compare your suggestions and make the needed changes. I have a tendency to leave out as many "was" and "were" verbs as I can, both past tense forms of the verb "to be," since they do little to nothing in changing what is said in most situations. Tim is drunk, but I sure never meant to say "gonna to do." LOL. Great catch! Thanks. And I'll add the WERE dropped. I appreciate YOU always!
Comment from Sanku
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The ending was surprising like an O Henrian twist.To be propositioned by one's own daughter doesnt feel good but since it was planned as a revenge it made a nice story..

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much for your generous review and kind words. I'm glad you thought it was a nice story. My favorite part is that I wrote about this character's events without giving his name. Much appreciated!
Comment from BethShelby
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I loved your story which started out sounding very much like it really happened. I imagine at least some of it really did. How awkward to be propositioned by your own daughter. You made a story that was beginning to sound sordid have a really sensitive ending. I do remember the reality of you finding out you had a real-life daughter you didn't know about.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Beth, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. Yes, fortunately this story, in this setting, is all fiction. But I'm sure my own personal experience certainly helped me with the idea. I just like to smack people in the face with a wet, soapy mop sometimes. LOL. My favorite part of this story is I told of this character's event without ever giving him a name. I appreciate YOU always, whether is reading your stories and getting your reviews!
Comment from jenintorre
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! What a gripping read. The title 'going back in time' signifies to me that this is mostly written from memory.
I love the eroticism of the bar scene
In my experience not many men would have been so caring and restraining. The twist at the end came as a great surprise. I hope there is another installment real soon. Can't wait. Thanks for sharing, my very clever friend. X

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Jen, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. I'm so glad you like this story. Luckily for most of this, I was the outsider looking in. LOL. My favorite part of the story is that I shared this character's events without ever giving him a name. I hadn't planned on stretching this story out and making it longer, but who knows, it's an idea. And I sure wouldn't want to disappoint you, my sweet and kind friend! I appreciate YOU always!
Comment from karenina
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It's always a pleasure to see a notice you have posted!

This is a softer side of you...no speed chances or shoot outs, but fireworks of another kind...

I enjoyed the lead in, as you gave the flavor of the "horse" life and the men who group together to enjoy the night life.

You lured me in with Ashley's award winning "performance."

Like most, I'd guess, I had her pegged as either a lush with questionable morals or possibly a date-drug victim.

Great diversion! I did NOT see the "you are her father" grenade about to explode!

Amanda's been nursing desertion issues for a long time...

By your actions (gentlemanly) with Ashley, it's clear you had no idea you'd left her to raise a child alone...

Digging deeper, I wondered if Ashley had been fed a bill of goods about her never do well absentee father and thus was willing to entrap you...

Sadly, I've known that to be true...
Enough regret and epiphany to go around!

I like where you left the ending, Ric.
I'll mentally pencil in dad and daughter getting to know one another...

(That green-eyed gal deserves to know life throws us curve balls!)

Happy Holidays!

Karenina

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Karenina, my dear, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. I'm so glad you like the story. Luckily this is fiction, far as I'm concerned. My favorite part of the whole story is that I shared the events of this character's life without even giving him a name. Similar situation happen all the time, and sadly, they aren't good for anyone. Happy Holidays to you! I appreciate YOU always!
reply by karenina on 23-Dec-2024
    I noticed he had no name...

    Much like his daughter didn't have his name either, I presumed?

    Clever you!

    Happy Holidays!
Comment from DeboraDyess
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was worried about you there for a minute, Ric! What a jam... Is this true?
Those lessons are tough...
I enjoyed the read although I gotta admit that Ashley's proposition made my jaw drop! Wow... That was something! lol
Blessings and thanks again for the read, Oh! And Merry Christmas!
Deb

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Deb, for your generous review and kind words. NO Ma'am, this is not true, or at least where I'm concerned. It's fiction, made up to smack readers in the face with a wet mop of reality. Yes, my dear, that line was even hard for me to write. Way outside my comfort zone.
Comment from lancellot
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was hesitant to review this one. I read it twice, went away, then came back. It is a fictional story, and I will say, one that seems written for the FanStory demographic, but it has many glaring holes in the story and plot. And I don't know if you want to know how one odd man out sees it.

My review is not personal and is written as if the post was written for a general audience. I know it will be different than most. Feel free to skip it or tell not to review again. I do understand what FanStory is, for many members.

notes

"I'd take my chances for one night with this princess. We could get healed together.["]

-add

And I said, "Are you okay."
-And I said, "Are you okay?"

"Who are you?" She asked.
-"Who are you?" she asked.

"Well, you hadn't before you came up and told me you'd like to sleep with me." Then, almost in a frenzy, she grabbed at the armrest and tried to get away.

-Should be separated-

"Well, you hadn't before you came up and told me you'd like to sleep with me."

Then, almost in a frenzy, she grabbed at the armrest and tried to get away.
- Also, what normal dude would say this? Why? Especially when he has no desire to have sex with her. So why even speak? There should be logical reasons for a character's actions, beyond just so the story can happen.


"Calm down. I won't hurt you. From the way you're acting, it's hard to believe you're the same girl who approached me with your vulgar proposition."
- Before this guy sounded like a boy scout, but now it's unbelievable. I know the FS ladies will like it, but it goes beyond what a man would do or say.

Arms handcuffed behind my back, the sleuths marched me through the bar of tantalizing gawkers, and outside to an awaiting paddy wagon.

-Umm, aren't we missing an actual crime. And how does three 'detectives' do not notice how drunk she is, or did she 'magically sober up in seconds?)

But an hour later--Amanda Warren bailed me out--all charges dropped.

-Wow, that was fast and how? For bail, wouldn't he need to see a judge? What were his charges anyway?

Released, I wasted no time heading straight back to the bar-- searching for observers to corroborate my story--eyewitnesses of what truthfully happened.

-Why? He was released in hours with no charges. A normal person would thank their lucky stars and go home, or as far away from that bar as possible.

"I'm assuming this happened after I was arrested. So, is Ashley okay now?" Amanda kept nodding yes.

-What? No anger. No cursing. No threats to sue and get her and the cops fired? Is this guy not human?

Plus, how did Amanda know he would come back to that bar? How did she know he would even stand around and speak to her daughter, and not leave the drunken woman there? Her plan relied on random circumstances that risks her job and the other cops. What? And why is he so even toned about what he'd been put through. And has no man ever dumped Amanda before?

Do you see the holes?

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thanks for all the time you put in on all your comments and suggestions. I certainly appreciate you pointing out all my stupid, careless blunders like not capitalizing, closing speech lines, and separating that line improves the flow a bunch. But the rest of your suggestions seem to be strictly your opinions on what a character should have done, and how the situations should have shaken out, according to how you would have handled things, or someone else should or would have. This is a fictional story. But the real life situation acted out almost verbatim to what happened, and how the characters handled themselves and what they said. Not everyone handles a situation the same way. And not everyone goes off and gets nasty in all cases. If you'd paid closer attention to the story you would have noticed that the girl was taken to the emergency room, since she was having a reaction to her meds and alcohol mixed together, after having only two drinks. I could answer most of your questions, but I won't. And please, don't think I don't appreciate everything you've shared and brought to my attention. It tells me a lot about you and how you handle things. But I can assure you that not everyone does everything according to how any one person feels they should. It did help speed up the release that the judge was the woman's father-in-law. But I didn't want to make the story longer just to point that out. I mean, it's just a story. Thanks again for all your time! Of course, I'm curious that in all these years this makes about the third time you've read one of my posts; and since you hated the first two, and let me know it then, I'm surprised you would come back to be tortured more. Thanks again, and I hope my reaction was as it should have been.
reply by lancellot on 22-Dec-2024
    Not tortured, not hate. I simply read and reviewed fictional post that came up in the portal. I have nothing against you or anyone one else, nor do I count how many times I review members. I saw strange coincidences, plot holes, and as you pointed out, elements to the story that were omitted (for time and space) but, a reader would not know this. You are correct people react differently, but in story, this should be explained in a character's actions, right? When a character is falsely accused, jailed, and manipulated, wouldn't a reader naturally assume that character would at least display some level of human anger, resentment? If not, wouldn't that be explained? I was only pointed out, from my review, that he does not seem to be balanced in characteristic. I may be wrong, but do you really think he behaves normally?

    In the story presented. There really was no reason for him to return to the club, right? Really, the explanation given, made no sense, if the charges were dropped, right? And how would the mother know he would return, right? And what was even charged with? We were never told, right? Or how was he charged, when the girl never accused him of a crime, right?

    All I meant was to tell a writer of the missing elements is a fictional story.

    No harm meant, but I understand and will not bother you anymore. You have a great Holiday.
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    We all have opinions and ideas, and thankfully they all aren't the same. It would make for a dull world. I truly wish I felt everything you've said was meant to be helpful. But I don't.

    I was very impressed with your writing when I came to Fanstory, and could hardly wait to make your acquaintance and learn from you. A street kid who barely knew a noun from a verb, I started reading all your posts. But it didn't take long before you blew me off, always having something wiseass and derogatory to say. Of course, I took the message and quickly moved on.

    I often cut explanations in stories short. I like to let readers think for themselves. I mean, nothing is ever truly as it seems in real life anyway.

    When trying to keep a story to 1,200 to 1,500 words, so someone might read it, I can't say it all. And still I seldom make the cutoff these days.

    I'm not going to address every suggestion you've made. We can just agree to disagree. But I will say I would have handled any of the situations closer to the way I wrote them, than how you've suggested.

    Why would a man show anger and resentment toward a hurt, scorned, and neglected woman he had deserted 24-years before? And shouldn't she have had reason or even a right to retaliate a little? But he went back to the bar because he wanted to see her, just like she came to his rescue in jail.

    Kind of sounds to me, he is expected to act like our messed up world today. Everything that happens to me, is someone else's fault. I used to be that person, you seem to think I should write about. I didn't like him then, and I won't be him now. I think each of these characters react normally, for good people. I based them on what I remember from the conversations, and what I would have said or done, and how I think they should have acted and responded.

    You were just telling me how you thought it should read. I used to be that character you think the guy should have been. Today, I'm a better person. I no longer retaliate when someone looks at me wrong, or even when someone lashes out at me for wrongs of my past. But as I hope you can tell, I'm still nobody's whipping boy.

    I really do wish I thought you were just trying to be helpful, but I don't, as I've already said.

    I don't want hard feelings with anyone. You're a talented writer who I'm sure could help me improve immensely, or as far as my limitations would allow. But not by telling me how I should think or feel.

    I wish you nothing but the best, and I mean it. I sincerely hope you have a Wonderful Holiday!
reply by lancellot on 22-Dec-2024
    I wasn't wiping you. I was giving you my honest opinion in a review. A review you paid and asked for. For the record, he did not go back to club to see that woman. He didn't know she was there. And she did not rescue him. She put him in that position with the ruse. And, This is listed as general fiction, so, why would the character be or act like you?
    I do try to help in my reviews. But it doesn't matter. My review was simply one of many. I tried, it was rejected, and that's ok. If you don't see any issues with your fictional story, that's fine. If you want only a "certain" type of review, I encourage that it be said somewhere, perhaps the notes, so reviewers will know. I think that's only fair. But, to be safe. I will not review or reply to your works anymore. I understand not everyone sees reviewing the same. Enjoy FanStory.
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I was glad to see you back to writing. This story was very real sounding and full of twists. The only problem I have with it is the length and the cliff hanger. I am hoping that this is just the first part of a series and I am anxious for more to come. Nice work.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Marilyn, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. I'm so glad you like it. I've just finished reading a full page on all the reasons the story is unbelievable and ridiculous. But who cares, I learned a long time ago that I can't make everyone happy; so, I stopped trying years ago. But if you want more of it, I'll certainly give it to you, and hope the distractors keep fuming.
    I appreciate YOU always!
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I know when there's a beautiful woman with green eyes your main character is in big trouble. Somehow this feels like there is more real biographical information than fiction. I like how you always manage to twist the plot and surprise us with the ending.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2024


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2024
    Thank you so much, Helen, for your extra special six-star review and kind words. As with most all my fiction there are some elements of truth. But lucky for me, this time, it wasn't my life building the story. Thank goodness. I've had my moments that still come back to haunt me with regularity after all these years. LOL. My favorite part of this story is I shared the events of this character's life without even giving him a name. I appreciate YOU always!
reply by lyenochka on 22-Dec-2024
    💖