“It’d be heaven gettin’ you for one minute while on my way to Hell.” - A.L. Jackson, Give Me A Reason
This book, y’all. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be able to read it. I’ve fallen in love for forever with Trent and Eden. The book carried so much passion, angst, love, drama, good feelings, broken feelings, frustrated feelings, and all the feelings in between! Let’s just say I was really in my feels during this whole freaking book!
Trent and Eden are incredibly well written characters. They felt like real friends’ lives you were watching unfold.
One thing I loved most about the book is after Eden decides for herself what she wants, she fully and completely goes after it. She doesn’t have a shred of concern for anyone else’s questions or potential judgment. She is fierce and strong and it was a slow burn for me on how much I fell for her as the heroine but once she committed (even just in her mind), I fell leaps and bounds for her. She’s the type of woman you look at and feel envious of because she’s obviously beautiful but also just so…sure. She’s sure of her feelings, of her wants, her desires, and no one is going to stand in her way. I freaking loved her. Until I wanted to shake her. Until she questioned it. But I understood. How could she not? Grief does things to a person. Then I realized in a great big way how much of a bad a** she was and I still loved her for all the reasons I listed before!
And then there’s Trent. Lawd, y’all. ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ The man stole my heart, the way only a great fictional hero can. He’s overcome so much, been through so much, done so much, somehow lacks confidence but isn’t insecure. He just needs someone to show him he’s worthy, he’s good, he’s worth the risk. He’s a man so of course there’s times throughout the book I roll my eyes and wonder how dumb he can be, but then… he pulls on those freaking heart strings again and your heart breaks for him and falls in love with him again all over. Oh my goodness and watching him with Gage?! ๐ญ❤️
And that twist?!? Oh. My. Gosh. I didn’t see it coming. I usually pride myself on my ability to “see it coming” but this one… got me all twisted up inside! So many mixed feelings. So many reactions! Just so…much!
It was so good. So freaking good. I cannot wait for Jud (especially) and Logan’s stories.
A Single-Dad, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance from A.L. Jackson
Coming August 30th
“Ah, I see how it is, Kitten.
You like to play with fire.”
Cover: RBA Designs
Photo: Michelle Lancaster
DETAILS:
TITLE: GIVE ME A REASON
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 30TH, 2021
Synopsis
From NYT and USA Today bestselling author A.L. Jackson comes a single-dad, enemies-to-lovers stand-alone romance about a jaded club owner and his son’s teacher…
Eden Murphy came into my club looking to make some extra cash.
A girl like her didn't belong in a place like this.
She'd get ripped to shreds.
Most likely by me.
There's nothing but sweetness dripping from her sexy little body, and I'm the monster who's salivating to get a taste.
Trent Lawson is the last man I should want.
Dark.
Dangerous.
So wickedly gorgeous he makes my knees weak.
He's also an arrogant jerk who happens to be my new boss.
When I discover his adorable son is also in my kindergarten class, I know I have to keep my distance.
But neither of us can ignore the attraction that flames.
One glance, and our hearts race.
One touch, and we’re aching for what we can’t have.
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Quantities are limited and we sold out super fast last time, so reserve yours now!
Want a Signed Paperback or Give Me Release Box? PRE-ORDER HERE
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, and FALLING STARS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, GIVE ME A REASON, releasing August 30th!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson - Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.
They could’ve been perfect.In another time. Another world.Where his wasn’t falling apart.And hers wasn’t already in pieces.-High school senior Holden Eastwood only has one fear in life: growing up.He spends his days unmotivated, moving from one game to the next, searching for his next challenge.He never expected that challenge to come in the form of a girl…A girl with zero fashion sense, a filthy mouth, and a bullsh*t attitude.Unlike Holden, Jameson Taylor had no choice but to grow up.Neglected, isolated, and forced to raise herself, Jameson only has one goal in life: graduate and move on.The last thing she needs is some guy she can’t stand suddenly declaring her as his new hobby.Their lives couldn’t be more opposite.Their pasts a complete paradox.But in each other, they find the unexpected…They find solace.Fragments of forever…A forever that might tear them to pieces.
REVIEW
This book had me feeling all the feels. There was so much angst and so much hope for how things would work out. I was constantly wondering, constantly questioning, waiting to learn more about both Holden and Jamie's stories. Both of their stories can break your heart in their own way. They are so incredibly different but similar in some ways too (the stubborn game is strong). There are characters that you'll loathe with a passion in this story. There are others that will make your heart want to burst with love and just give a big warm hug. There are times I wanted to smash my phone into pieces (reading on my phone) because WTF and WHY are they acting that way?! ๐คฆ๐ผ♀️ I love when a book can draw such strong emotions out of me and this book definitely does that. All these characters are so fractured in their own ways, with their own levels of trauma, it just..hurts. You so desperately want them to figure their sh*t out but then you get why it’s so hard at the same time. Oh, and the end of this book?! Omg. I am desperately awaiting book two in this series now!!
There's so many great things about this book and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I don't want to go into too much detail because I want to keep this review spoiler free, but I'll just say, this is not a book you want to pass by. You won't regret reading this one! Thank you to Wildfire Marketing Solutions and the author, Jay McLean, for letting me read it early in exchange of an honest review! <3
Writer. Reader. Mom. Wife. Master of awkward Sarcasm. Jay McLean is a full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
He's a player. I'm a virgin. Yet, I can't seem to stop myself.
The Rulebreaker by Claire Contreras is now live!
Maverick Cruz and I started off as pen pals and became besties when we went to the same sports camp at age twelve.
He rooted for me at my soccer games. I cheered for him at his hockey tournaments.
Through heartbreaks, new relationships, and failed friendships, we knew we could always count on each other.
That's why no one is more surprised--or panicked-- than I am when I start to develop different feelings for him. But Instead of telling him the truth, I agree to help him find a girlfriend.
Someone who is not me.
Someone who is so opposite of me that I have to make a list for the charade. The problem is, he wants to practice his dating skills with me. The corny pickup lines, the hand-holding, the door opening, the staring.
Before this, I thought sharing a house with him was an excellent idea. Who wouldn't want to room with their best friend? Now, the close proximity is killing me. What's worse is that I can't stop looking at him like he's a Greek god, and he can't stop seeing me as his virginal little sister. Still, I push it aside, until one night, when he's lying beside me in bed and I'm the one who forgets the rules and crosses the line between friends and something more.
It's a horrible idea. He's a player. I'm a virgin. Yet, I can't seem to stop myself.
New item on my list: DO NOT FALL FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
I feel like I'm always starting my reviews on Claire's books with comments like, "She did it again," or "What can I say? Another incredible story." But you know what? She did do it again, she did give us another incredible story! This is why Claire Contreras is one of my favorite authors- it doesn't matter if she's writing sports romance (which this one is- hockey and soccer to be specific), or a sexy, intriguing goth romance or a book filled with so much angst that'll make you want to throw your book from time to time, but she always writes an incredible story. This book is no different. The Rulebreaker is a complete stand alone, friends to lovers romance with some college sports mixed in. It follows The Heartbreaker which focuses on Jagger Cruz (one of the delightful Cruz brothers), but The Heartbreaker does not have to be read first. Do I recommend it? Of course, because I also loved it, but again- you don't have to.
Without going into too much detail so I can keep this review spoiler free, The Rulebreaker is just what I needed to read. It's light, filled with familiar characters I love from The Heartbreaker and just had me rooting and cheering for the two main characters, Rocky and Maverick, the whole time. There are plenty of times I want to smack Maverick over the head for dumb comments and there are other times I want to shake Rocky to ask her what she's doing, but overall I just really loved both their characters. I also loved the overall theme of family in this book. These two characters basically grew up together so they are close to the others' parents and vice versa and I just loved the relationships these families had. I love that the Cruz brothers are so close and that they look out for one another. I love that they include those who aren't blood relatives as if they were. I love the sage advice both sets of parents seem to give and that Rocky and Mav both love and respect and listen to their parents. I also love that this is a fun, college romance. Both Rocky and Maverick have goals they are determined to accomplish, but they still enjoy their lives as their story is unfolding and it was just...fun to read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I hope you'll take a chance on it too!
Meet Claire
Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated in seven different languages.
She was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami, and now lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, two adorable boys, and French Bulldog. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book.
Marriages can be fragile, shattered, broken, destroyed...
Holly Gallagher hoped she would find love. That she’d have a happy life, unlike her parents.
Those hopes are dashed when her family arranges for her to marry.
She prays that she won’t end up like her mother. Bitter. Twisted. Evil.
That is until she realizes who she’s marrying. A monster.
Romero Bianchi has given his life to the Famiglia. He doesn’t love and he certainly doesn’t do attachments.
Everything he’s done is for the family. Nothing was going to ever change that.
Until Holly.
She breaks his resolve, piece by piece. She weaves herself deep inside his heart.
He’ll do anything for his wife. Protect her with his dying breath.
But being part of the Mafia isn’t easy. With enemies at every corner it’s hard to know where the threat is coming from.
When Holly’s taken, Romero shows the world what happens when someone takes what’s his.
Now he’s racing against the clock to find her before it’s too late.
♦ ♦ ♦
This book was a great, fast-paced, suspense-filled story of characters I already fell in love with in the first book in this series, Bloody Union. I knew I loved Kenna and Dante in the first book, of course love Melissa and Danny too, but I think Rome and Holly may be my favorite.
As for character development, as usual- Brooke Summers has knocked it out of the park. I hate and love Rome’s story because it made him into who he is. I love that he was a protector from the time he was a child. I love that Holly loves his protectiveness, but can also take care of her damn self. She may look weak and fragile on the outside, but the girl has got some guts, just like all of Summers’ female characters which I LOVE.
I love that Rome is able to show and share some of his vulnerability with Holly. I love that Holly loves her family so much- her blood and the family she married into.
I wanted to STRANGLE Alessio multiple times in this book. Putting that rage aside, I really hope the next book in this series is about him.
Overall, I really enjoyed being back in the land of the Irish/Italian mafia. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I will say though- if there’s one thing I didn’t necessarily love about this book, it has to be the nicknames. They felt a little corny, especially considering who these people were and what they did for a living, but Holly seemed to light up at the term of endearment so I guess we’ll go with it! Anyway, like I said, overall really enjoyed it and hope you will take a chance on this one too!
Brooke is a Londoner born and raised. She lives with her husband and their daughter. She’s a foul mouthed, dirty minded weirdo. An introvert and would rather spend the night in front of the fire reading, rather than going out and partying.
Lies, Deceit, Vengeance, Desire, and Hate…wrapped up in a faรงade of all that sparkles and shines.
A pretty face, a fetching smile, a fabulous gown, a flutter of lashes at just the right moment – Miriam had been taught she must do all these things to land a wealthy husband. Much preferring the company of books to people, the only thing that stopped Miriam from fleeing to the countryside was her younger sister - who was counting on Miriam to make a match that would ensure she could care for her mother and sister properly.
He knew his duty to his title and he would do as was necessary.
Although Hugh Compton, Earl of Ashington, hadn’t wanted his father’s title at the age of nine and twenty, he gained it two years ago when his father died unexpectedly. The only good that had come of that was Hugh had been able to move his father’s wife to the dowager house.
Now it was time to marry.
Many disliked the arrogant Earl of Ashington but none so much as his brother.
After his mother was sent off as if she were trash to be disposed of, Nathaniel swore he’d even the score. With the intent of charming the boring Lydia Ramsbury right out of his brother’s arms, Nathaniel discovered it was a new face that had captured his brother's attention - a one Miss Miriam Bathurst.
Vengeance had never looked so sweet.
♦ ♦ ♦
♦ ♦ ♦
“Stop giggling. You sound ridiculous,” the older of the two girls said.
“You’re just sour Lord Ashington didn’t attend,” the younger girl replied.
“The night is young yet,” the mother added, as if this was, in fact, the issue the eldest daughter was having.
“Even if he does arrive, he will seek out Lydia Ramsbury. Everyone knows he has called on her and taken her for a ride in the park this week. I even heard she went to the opera with him and sat in his box.” The youngest girl seemed to be enjoying herself.
I wanted to roll my eyes, but then I was the one eavesdropping on a conversation that wasn’t mine to listen to. I should be rolling my eyes at myself.
“Nothing is certain,” the mother said with a tone that made me shiver slightly.
“Lydia Ramsbury would make a perfect countess,” the older girl said grudgingly.
“As would you,” the mother said.
It had been obvious that Lord Ashington had been interested in Lydia Ramsbury at the last ball. The next morning, his visit to me had been surprising. His abrupt departure had not been. Not that any of this mattered. I was not interested in the affairs of Lord Ashington. Not in the least. He would make a most difficult husband.
Feeling as if I were a lurker in their conversation, I took one last deep inhale of the lovely fragrance before turning to go back into the ballroom. Just as I stepped inside, I scanned the room for Aunt Harriet, but my gaze locked on Mr. Nicholas Compton. He was here and he was dancing… with Lydia Ramsbury.
Disappointment stung and I truly hated to admit it. When just a few days ago I was sure I didn’t care for him at all. Yet he was here and he wasn’t just dancing with anyone. He was dancing with the girl his brother had spent the most time with this week. I wasn’t naรฏve and I understood completely what was happening. Which was why the sting of disappointment.
Reality was something I had learned to face at a young age and I knew now that the brief attention I had received from him had nothing to do with me at all but with his brother. Mr. Compton was indeed playing a game. A vicious hurtful one meant not only to affect his brother but others along the way. I had thick skin and a blow such as that wouldn’t wound me the way it would others. Sheltered girls who had lived easy lives with security wouldn’t survive such a scandal.
It was in that moment, I decided I truly hated Nicholas Compton. He wasn’t interesting but spiteful and cold. I truly hoped Lydia Ramsbury was smart and didn’t fall for his charming smile and attractive face. There was something I disliked more than arrogance and it was cruelty.
Abbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and International bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Boys South of the Mason Dixon, and The Field Party Series. She is also the author of the Sweet Trilogy and the Black Souls Trilogy. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. Her house was built in 1820 and she’s yet to find a ghost in it but she’s still looking. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she was born in Alabama although she now lives in New England (which makes her feel a little closer to the British). When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is entertaining her preschooler, she is reading (if the preschooler will leave her alone long enough), shopping online (major Amazon Prime addiction), running because she eats too many tacos, and planning her next Disney World vacation.
You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.
