Book Review: The Angels' Share by J.R. Ward

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The Angels' Share
The Bourbon Kings #2
Author: J.R. Ward
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 26, 2016
Review Source: NAL | Netgalley

In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior...or the worst of all the sinners?

This review will have some spoilers that happened in book one, so if you haven't read book one, get on it and read this review after!

The story: I did NOT read book one so I was a little lost for a while in this book. It felt all over the place due to not knowing the characters and what they had been through previously. This book starts with the death of William Baldwine, the head of the family and highly successful bourbon business. The story takes place in Charlemont, Kentucky. William leaves the family business in complete chaos financially when he dies. Lane ends up stepping up to the plate and tries to fix the messes. This story is one mess after the other. When some gruesome evidence is found on the Easterly property, an investigation is launched to find out if William's alleged suicide, was actually a murder. Edward, William's oldest son, is looking pretty suspicious due to his difficult past with his father. Their history alone is like a lifetime movie, add to that the drama from the other family members and friends and you have yourself an epic story-line.

The likes: Oh my gosh!!! This book was full of secrets, drama, and craziness. I love J.R. Ward's ability to paint a scene. She gives such amazing detail to every single location of her books that it's like watching a movie play out in your mind as you're reading. Her writing makes you want to get on a plane and live in the place she describes/creates. Even though I did not read book one, I feel J.R. Ward did a great job with the back stories of the characters, so I wasn't completely lost the entire book. I really love Lane's character because of his strong will to right the wrongs in front of him. He doesn't give up and always tries to come up with ways for the business and family to survive. I also love Lizzie, she compliments Lane perfectly. She is down to earth and is very supportive and loving to Lane. They are the power couple of the book. I also loved Lane's friend Jeff, even though he gets dragged into the mess of the Baldwine family, by force I might add, he remains a loyal, amazing friend. I definitely would love to read more about Edward's character, I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

The dislikes: I felt this book was a little lengthy. I found myself sometimes daydreaming and would have to re-read certain parts until about halfway through. I don't love this series quite as much as I loved the black dagger brother series, but it was still an amazing read by J.R. Ward. If she wrote the phone book, I would read it.

The rating: I am rating this book 4 stars because I truly enjoyed the story and drama that unfolded! I will be purchasing book one because I would like to find out everything that happened in book one that I missed. I recommend starting with book one. J.R. Ward truly never disappoints! Grab some bourbon and popcorn and hold on tight for ride this series will take you on.

Book Review: Bully by Penelope Douglas

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Bully
Fall Away #1
Author: Penelope Douglas
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: January 5th 2015
Review Source: New American Library

My name is Tate. He doesn't call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. No, he'll barely even speak to me.

But he still won't leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I've been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got more sadistic as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.

But I'm done hiding from him now, and there's no way in hell I'll allow him to ruin my senior year. He might not have changed, but I have. It's time to fight back.

I'm not going to let him bully me anymore.

If you're like me and loooove an angsty romance, Bully is going to be something you want to immediately pick up. The tension between Tate and Jared had my stomach in knots and had me questioning my morals. I mean to be quite frank with you Jared was evil. Literally, he was a bully. He made it his life's mission to make Tate’s high school experience miserable. So you would think I wouldn't love it, I hate bullying, but damn you Penelope Douglas you sucked me in and had me throwing all my previous reservation to the wind.

Okay, let me paint you a little picture about Bully. First Tate moves in next to Jared when they’re in grade school, Tate and Jared become best friends, then something happens, and the bullying ensues. For her junior year Tate spends a year abroad in Europe, no Jared, no bullying. But she's back for senior year and she’s got her “ain't takin’ no shit pants’ on and starts to stand up against her bully which ignites that sweet unadulterated angsty tension we all know and crave!

So yeah, this book’s main guy was most definitely an ass. But we know this, he knows this, she is clearly not oblivious to the fact, but there's history, another story to be told. And you just have to read it to find out how it all unfolds. Good luck to you kind romance reader, I needed chapter breaks because their story had my stomach in knots, but those are my favorite kind of books!

Blog Tour: Misconduct by Penelope Douglas | Excerpt | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on MISCONDUCT tour for Penelope Douglas. This tour is hosted by Berkley.

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Misconduct
Author: Penelope Douglas
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: December 1st 2015
Publisher: NAL
 

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Fall Away series who never fails to deliver a “powerfully written contemporary love story…”*

Former tennis player Easton Bradbury is trying to be the best teacher she can be, trying to reach her bored students and trying to forget her past. What brought her to this stage in her life isn’t important. She can’t let it be. But now one parent-teacher meeting may be her undoing…

Meeting Tyler Marek for the first time makes it easy for Easton to see why his son is having trouble in school. The man knows how to manage businesses and wealth, not a teenage boy. Or a young teacher, for that matter, though he tries to. And yet…there is something about him that draws Easton in—a hint of vulnerability, a flash of attraction, a spark that might burn.

Wanting him is taboo. Needing him is undeniable. And his long-awaited touch will weaken Easton’s resolve—and reveal what should stay hidden…

** This is a New Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.**

I am officially OBSESSED with Penelope Douglas now! Douglas is a new to me author as of this year and I have now read all but one book by her. So you can only assume I loved this book just as much as the rest and that assumption is a definite and complete hell yeah. I know now not to have anything planned for the day when I start a Douglas novel because it will soon become my  only priority (sorry pup).

Now that we know that I am obsessed with this woman’s work, let’s discuss Misconduct and our very sassy Easton and our DILF Tyler. Easton and Tyler meet at a swanky New Orleans party, not much happens at the party, or after, but they’re both ingrained with each other’s touch, the memory, the longing with what could’ve been. When the two see each other again, it’s six months later and Easton is Tyler’s son’s teacher, not an ideal situation for our future lovebirds. Something else that was not ideal was how rude Tyler was in the beginning, but what was ideal was the way Easton didn’t take any of his shit. She’s intelligent, witty, competent, independent, and (my favorite) sarcastic.

While Tyler wasn’t the most ideal gentleman in the beginning, his character did evolve into someone I swooned over. While I never like talking too much about the story when it comes to a romance or contemporary novel since you can give away a lot of the plot with just little information, I will tell you that Easton’s character has been one of my favorites from Douglas thus far. We get a lot more information on her, past and present and what shaped her into the woman she is today. I’ll find that a lot of romance stories brush past getting to know the person and focus on the sex and the relationship, but reading Misconduct I felt like I actually got to know Easton outside of her relationship. We got to see party Easton, career Easton, tough Easton, and weak Easton. We see so much of her and I think that’s what drew me into this story so much.

Take my advice, if you like sexy romance novels with kickass women, grab a copy, download a copy, devour your copy. Then come back here and thank me. Then if you enjoy this go and buy all of Penelope Douglas’s books and let’s have a party!

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EXCERPT

Attendees laughed and danced inside, while the two of us, alone in the cold night with only a few other people lounging around the large balcony, carried on with our stolen moment.
“I should really get back, though,” I suggested, pulling away.
My brother was no doubt looking for me.
But he reached out and grabbed my hand, narrowing his eyes. “Not yet,” he urged, looking behind me toward the ballroom.
I stopped, not making a move to take away my hand.
He stood in front of me, his chest nearly touching mine.
“You’re right,” he whispered, his breath falling over me. “I don’t really like a lot of those people, and they don’t really know me.” His voice turned hoarse. “But I like you. I’m not ready to say good night yet.”
I swallowed, hearing the soft trickle of a slow jazz tune drifting out from the ballroom.
“Dance with me,” he commanded.
He didn’t wait for a response.
Sliding a hand around my waist, he guided me in, and I sucked in a sharp breath, my body meeting his for the first time.
Raising my arms, I put my right hand on his shoulder and my left hand in his as I let him lead me in a small circle, remaining in our own small, private space. Chills broke out down my arms, but I didn’t think he noticed.
I let my eyes fall closed for a moment, not understanding what made him feel so good. My hands tingled and my legs felt weak.
There was rarely ever a time when I felt drawn to a man. I’d felt attraction and passion, and I’d enjoyed sex, but I’d never opened myself up to someone long enough to connect.
Now I found myself not wanting this evening to end any way other than in his arms.
That’s where I wanted this to go. I didn’t need his name, what he did for a living, or his family history. I just wanted to be close to someone and feel good, and maybe that would be enough to satisfy me for the next few months until I needed someone again.
Shaking my head slightly, I tried to clear my thoughts.
Enough, Easton. He was good-looking and interesting, but I didn’t see anything in him that I hadn’t seen in any other man.
He wasn’t special.
Looking up, I asked, “You’re not enjoying the party, so what would you rather be doing right now?”
He shot me a small, sexy smile. “I like what I’m doing right now.”
I rolled my eyes, covering up how much I also liked him holding me close. “I mean, if not this?”
He twisted his lips, looking me over like he was thinking. “I’d be working, I guess,” he answered. “I work a lot.”
So he’d rather be doing work than schmoozing and drinking at a Mardi Gras ball? I dipped my head, breaking out in a laugh.
“What?” He pinched his eyebrows together.
I met his eyes, seeing the confusion. “You prefer work,” I stated. “I can relate to that.”
He nodded. “My work challenges me, but it’s also predictable. I like that,” he admitted. “I don’t like surprises.”
I instantly slowed, nearly stopping our dance.
I said the same thing all the time. I never liked surprises.
“Everything else outside of work is unpredictable,” I added for him. “It’s hard to control.”
He cocked his head and brought his hand up to my face, running his thumb along my cheek.
“Yeah,” he mused, leaning in while his hand circled the back of my neck possessively. “But there are times,” he said softly, “when I like to lose control.”
I closed my eyes. Jesus.
 “What’s your last name?” he asked.
I opened my eyes, blinking. My last name? I had kind of liked keeping specifics off the table. I didn’t even know his first name yet.
“Easton?” he pressed.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why do you want to know that?”
He stepped forward, charging me slowly and pushing me backward. I had to keep backing up so as not to fall. “Because I intend on getting to know you,” he said. It sounded like a threat.
“Why?”
“Because I like talking to you,” he shot back, his voice thick with a laugh he was holding in.
I hit the wall behind me and stopped, glancing over at the people sitting at the table across the balcony.
He closed the remaining distance between us and dipped down until his face was a couple of inches from mine.
I locked my hands behind my back, instinctively tapping the wall with my fingers and counting in my head. One, two, three—
“Do you like me?” He cut me off, a playful tilt to his lips.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I turned my head, but I knew he saw it anyway.
“I don’t know,” I answered casually. “You might be too much of a gentleman.”
The corner of his lips curled, looking sinister, and he threaded his hand around the back of my neck and through my hair, gripping my waist with the other and pressing his body to mine.
 “Which means I’m still a man, only with more skill,” he whispered against my lips, making my breath shake. “And there’s only one place I won’t be careful with you.”

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Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author living in Las Vegas with her husband and daughter. Her books include the Fall Away series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame). Please look for her new erotica, Corrupt, releasing Nov. 17th, and her new contemporary romance, Misconduct

   

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Book Review: Moonlight on Nightingale Way by Samantha Young

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Moonlight on Nightingale Way
On Dublin Street #6
Author: Samantha Young
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: June 2nd 2015
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin Berkley

Last in the Series

Logan from Echoes of Scotland Street is back with his own smoldering story, as the New York Times bestselling On Dublin Street series returns…

Logan spent two years paying for the mistakes he made. Now, he’s ready to start over. He has a great apartment, a good job, and plenty of women to distract him from his past. And one woman who is driving him to distraction…

Grace escaped her manipulative family by moving to a new city. Her new life, made to suit her own needs, is almost perfect. All she needs to do is find her Mr. Right—or at least figure out a way to ignore her irresistible yet annoying womanizer of a neighbor.

Grace is determined to have nothing to do with Logan until a life-changing surprise slowly begins turning the wild heartbreaker into exactly the kind of strong, stable man she’s been searching for. Only just when she begins to give into his charms, her own messy past threatens to derail everything they’ve worked to build…

Just like any of her books, Samantha Young will capture your attention to beginning to end. With Moonlight on Nightingale Way, she takes us into a journey in the lives of many of my favorites characters for one last time. It is a bittersweet moment. Reading the last book in the series of characters I’ve grown to love from the very beginning. One last ride… One last time reading about this amazing family and friends.

Moonlight on Nightingale Way is the story of Grace, a freelance book editor that enjoys working at night. As she works her way through one night, she begins to hear bangs from her next door neighbor… Then she hears a woman screaming… of pleasure. Flustered, Grace is determined to face her new neighbor the next morning and is ready to complain. What Grace did not expect is to be living next to a GORGEOUS man. With a stunning body. Grace is inner drooling when she first comes face to face with Logan. But as she remember the night before, she tells her new neighbor off. Unfortunately for Grace, Logan, the hottie standing in front of her, really doesn’t care what she thinks. This only makes Grace more annoyed. With a bad start, Grace and Logan will bump heads but their chemistry will bond them together.

Moonlight on Nightingale can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend that you check out all the previous books of this series. You will learn to love and learn from these characters. As we learned from the previous novel, Echoes of Scotland Street, Logan is introduced as Shannon’s older brother. Logan has recently been released from prison (for a good cause). Now as a free man, Logan is trying to catch up on the lack of “entertainment”... If you know what I mean. Every night he is determined to take a woman to his apartment and well... entertain himself. This only makes things worse between Grace. But his manhood is much important than his whiny neighbor.

As the drama unfolds, these two will become part of each other’s lives - that is caused by an unforeseen situation. Grace out of good heart, helps Logan with this “situation”. She learns the truth of his past, and she wants to lend him a hand. Since no one ever did with her. The more she spend times with Logan, the more she wants him. But she knows she will never be anything else. She is not his type. She’ve seen the many faces of his late night acquaintances. Will she ever be good enough for him? Will she ever truly trust him with her heart?

Logan and Grace will have you laugh here and there. I loved how they detested each other and only to end up madly in love. Grace had a terrible childhood, Logan’s been through tough situations. These two will make each other better and whole. Two halves become one. How perfect is that?

So here it is, the last book of the series. A series you should pick up if you haven’t yet. For those waiting, you will be greatly pleased with the epilogue. Samantha gives us a brief glimpse at each other couples, happy as they ever been. But most of all, she gives you a story of another couple to love and cherish. Read it and love it. Enjoy this one last gift of On Dublin Street series.

Book Review: When We Met by A.L. Jackson, Molly Adams, Tiffany King, and Christina Lee

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When We Met
Author: A.L. Jackson, Molly McAdams, Tiffany King,  Christina Lee
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: November 4, 2014
Review Source: NAL Trade

Today’s premiere New Adult authors combine their talents to tell four original stories from inside one house.

When four girls decide to live off campus together as juniors at a college in Michigan, they expect it to be their best year yet. Little do they know, it’s a year that will change the rest of their lives.

BEHIND HER EYES by A.L. Jackson
Unable to live down her ex-boyfriend’s deception, Misha is determined to avoid betrayal. When, the new guy next door, Darryn starts to get under her skin, her defenses start to crumble. But trusting Darryn seems impossible, especially if he’s not sure he can trust himself.

SAVING ME by Molly McAdams 

On the outside, Indy is always ready for a party—but inside she’s breaking. Kier makes a weekly routine of saving the girl next door from herself on Saturday nights… but when will she be ready to remember him on Sunday morning?

FOULING OUT by Tiffany King 

Working at a sports bar, Courtney has become a pro at sidestepping propositions from arrogant jocks—which makes her a more elusive catch for campus basketball star Dalton than he expected. But when he falls for the saucy waitress, Dalton will have to rethink his game plan to prove he’s not the jerk Courtney expects.

BENEATH YOUR LAYERS by Christina Lee 

In order to ace her fashion internship, Chloe must team up with local college dropout and set builder, Blake—much to her chagrin. But after some "hands-on" experience, Chloe will have to ask herself if Blake factors into her carefully laid plans…

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I've been a Young Adult kick for a few months now, so when I saw this book was coming out, I thought I'd give it a try...and I'm glad I did! From page one I fell in love with all of the characters and genuinely cared about them. There were times where I was reading this book in a public area and blushed during several scenes, but I felt that it was written tastefully.

Misha is the first character we are introduced to and I immediately felt a connection with her. I've been wronged by guys in college before and there where times where I just wanted to pack up and go home. I think her situation was relatable and the relationship she forms with Darryn was believable. I was left wanting more of Misha's story, and that's always a good thing.

At first I thought, "there's no way I will like any of the characters after Misha's story"...but I was wrong! I fell in love with Indy just as fast. She's the party girl who drinks to forget her boy problems, which is something I've seen a lot of college girls do on a weekly basis. She was quirky and funny, but also sad and troubled. I think that she was perfectly matched with Kier, a quiet but also troubled boy. They needed each other to help them move on and grow. Again, I was wanting more at the end of her story!

Courtney was next and I was really curious about her because you don't really see her character in the other stories that much because she's always working. I knew shortly into her story, that we were the most alike. I grew up having the biggest crush on this guy who ended up being the captain of the football team and then we went to college together as well! I wanted to die when I saw him freshman year! I felt those same emotions again while reading Courtney's story and Dalton was the perfect fit for this story. Her part wasn't long enough either!

Chloe reminded my of Sex in the City mixed with The Devil Wears Prada. The other girls in the story were not as girly as Chloe, so it was nice surprise to see her into fashion. Finally I get the bad boy I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, the other boys were all delicious, but I was hoping for someone with a little more edge...and in comes Blake. I loved watching the relationship between Chloe and Blake change and grow.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book and I know that I will be buying other books from these authors. Their writing was on point and they all fit so smoothly together.

Book Review: Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young

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Fall from India Place
On Dublin Street #5
Author: Samantha Young
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: October 7th 2014
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin Berkley

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Down London Road returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future…

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again….

I really love this series. I always recommend it to my family and friends. I know Samantha is a phenomenal storyteller and I can always count on her for a great adventure. I forget about real life, about anything and everything around me. These characters become real to me. The way she describe them, they become more like friends rather than fictionals. So I always jump in at the opportunity to review her books.

In Echoes of Scotland Street is the story of Shannon and our lovely character from previous books, Cole. (YES, FINALLY!!!) I've been patiently waiting for his story and here it is! Far From India Place and Echoes of Scotland Street are by far my favorites of this series. I’ve grown attached to Hannah and Cole. I’ve “watched them grow” to these beautiful characters and I am so happy that they found their happily ever after. Thank you, Shannon!

As I mentioned before, Echoes of Scotland Street is the story of Shannon and Cole. Shannon is such a fun and feisty character. Though her past has harden her, once you get to truly meet her, she will become such an extraordinary character. Thankfully, Cole met this warm and sweet side of her before.

Nothing in life is better than to meet the one that you are meant for. This is how this story begins: when teen Shannon and Cole meet for the first time. Their chemistry is so intense that their first meeting will bond them until they meet again. Now grown, Shannon’s world is shattered and is hiding from people. She wants nothing but to forget her past and start over. Shannon is so broken that she doesn’t let her guard down. She trust noone. On her first day of work, she meets her hero. The hero she met ages ago - the one that will tear her guard down.

Though you can read Echoes of Scotland Street as a standalone, I highly recommend that you start from the beginning. Trust me, his story will have so much meaning if you do. You will be laughing at Shannon’s thoughts toward him when she meets him for the second time. She had no idea of what this beautiful broken character had to put up with. You will feel part of his family and you will want Shannon to prove herself to be worthy of Cole.

Filled with such intense chemistry and heartfelt moments, Samantha’s books are truly enjoyable. She always finds a way to weave into your heart and leave her magic within. Thank you Samantha. Thank you for sharing this incredible story of Cole. Fans of Cole, like myself, will be overjoyed with happiness. As always, I look forward for next book of this series.

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

Book Review: For the Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle

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For the Longest Time
Harvest Cove #1
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: July 1st 2014
Review Source: Signet | Penguin

For Samantha Henry, it took a ten-year absence to appreciate the close-knit New England town with an appeal all its own....

After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years.

Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

This novel is a reminder of why I love romance stories in a small town. Just like The Notebook and the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, this book makes me wish I were part of a small town. A town where everyone knows each other. A town one can leave but never forget. The place where you first felt in love.

With no friends, no job, no place to call home in New York, Sam Henry returns to place she ran away from.  On her first day back to her town, Harvest Cove, she runs to the one person she never wanted to see again, Jake Smith.  As her first love, Jake broke Sam’s heart. He is the reason of her departure. With a broken heart, Sam tries to avoid Jake during her stay but he is determined to make her see that he is not the same young idiot that let her get away.

What I loved most about Kendra’s new debut in contemporary romance is one can easily relate to the characters. Most of all, the story is very believable. When we are in high school, especially guys, we all can be jerks to one another. Jake was one. He wasn’t really nice to Sam. Knowing Sam had the biggest crush on him, he took advantage of her feelings. Now as a grown man, Jake is determined to make Sam believe he is not the same. I love how he was so into her and how he took every chance to proof that he’d changed.

For the Longest Time is a perfect read for the summer. A summer of love. A summer of second chances.

Book Reviews: Come to Me Quietly & Come to Me Softly by A.L. Jackson

Come to Me Quietly
Closer to You #1
Author: A.L. Jackson
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: January 7th 2014
Review Source: Purchased

Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside.

Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain.

Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own.

Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate.

Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night.

I consider myself a fan of AL Jackson. I read a couple of her books and adore her stories. I actually met her last year at Book Bash in Orlando. I also freaked out when I first saw her. I even hugged her while I took a picture with her. I love her writing styles and the characters are well developed. But I was not very fond of this story. I didn’t hate it but didn’t fall for it, like I usually do with her stories.

Jared Holt is a broken man. He lost his family at such age and he blames himself for this. With a shattered history, he doesn’t return home after he is released from juvenile detention. But as always, one can never forget the past and Jared returns home. As he roams around town, he runs into his childhood best friend Christopher. His friend invites him to stay with him at his apartment he shares with his sister, Aleena. Jared has always been fond of Aleena. He has always protected her. Now as attracted as ever, Jared fights with his inner demons and tries to stay away from Aleena. But as always, one can never defeat love.

I love sad stories and broken men, but Jared’s story… I am not sure but I didn’t feel sorry for him. He was also too hardheaded to open up, which bother me a lot. I wanted him to let Aleena in, but ugh, was he determined not to let anyone in. One the bright side but too late, he discover the light! So I cannot wait to find out what he does to win Aly’s trust.

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Come to Me Softly
Closer to You #2
Author: A.L. Jackson
Reading Level: New Adult
Genre: Romance
Released: June 24th 2014
Review Source: New American Library | Penguin

From the New York Times bestselling author of Come to Me Quietly comes a scorching new adult romance in the Closer to You series.

A second chance at life…
A second chance at love…

Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed?

To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.

AHH! For me, this story was such a turn-around from the first book! As the story proceed right where it ends, Jared has come to term that Aly is too important to let his demon’s take over his love for her. He knows he needs to work it out and let her in. And finally, I get to understand his broken heart and he had me falling hard.

If you read the first book, then you know Jared had issues letting go of the past. I don’t blame him. But like I mentioned, since he wouldn’t open up, I really didn’t feel sorry for him. But as he begins opening, the feelings start pouring out and oh boy, he will break your heart. It was absolutely breath taking and heart pounding reading all of it.

Come to Me Softly is worth swooning. The love Aly and Jared share is unconditional. Aly is such a great supporter, I wish I was her. She truly loves Jared and is there for him no matter what. God, Jared deserves her love more than he believes.

Seriously, I felt the sequel was such a great comeback to the first novel. ALL THE FEELS! Come to Me Softly is a wrecking ball; it will shatter your heart into pieces!