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bookishlychar's review against another edition
3.0
Wow, this was a sad book. Jared and Aly had some past trauma, that Jared especially, hadn't dealt with. Though Jared held a lot of anger, and blame, he was so gentle and loving with Aly and it was beautiful. This could have been a wonderful, beautiful romance, but there was so much pain and hurt that I found myself shaking my head a lot of the time.
A.L. Jackson writes characters that have depth and you can feel their emotions along with them. It however does become repetitive at times, which made scenes and chapters longer than they had to be.
Read if you like: second chance love, it's always been you, friends to lovers, brothers best friend
This was a good book. A.L. Jackson wrote a compelling, sad read, that had a lot of trauma in the story. I don't know if Jared fully dealt with his trauma though (and see there is another book) and I don't know how their relationship (Aly and Jared's) will progress in a healthy way.
A.L. Jackson writes characters that have depth and you can feel their emotions along with them. It however does become repetitive at times, which made scenes and chapters longer than they had to be.
Read if you like: second chance love, it's always been you, friends to lovers, brothers best friend
This was a good book. A.L. Jackson wrote a compelling, sad read, that had a lot of trauma in the story. I don't know if Jared fully dealt with his trauma though (and see there is another book) and I don't know how their relationship (Aly and Jared's) will progress in a healthy way.
mrsgalvan23's review against another edition
4.0
Another beautifully written story by A.L. Jackson! I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!! 4 stars!!
gracethruchaos's review against another edition
2.0
I am all for a tortured H but this woe is me for pages and pages was too much…I wanted to like this book, but again the high rating and other strong reviews tricked again…when will I learn?
adavila97's review against another edition
4.0
Friends, love, and second chances.
“I see beauty and pain. Joy and sorrow. I see the good and I see the bad . . . and I love it all.”
Aleena, or Aly for short, is living a pretty good life but has a secret she has kept from her family for 6 years. She is in love with Jared Holt. The boy with the most beautiful smile that went on a downward spiral after his life crashed around him. Jared believes he doesn't deserve happiness, let alone love. So when he stumbles back into Aly's life they are both struck by old feelings they had for each other. But how can you love someone when you can't even love yourself?
Aly is our female protagonist who has loved Jared since she can remember. He always stood up for her and protected her. So when he comes back she's determined to show him how much she loves him and that he can come to terms with what happened. But that's easier said than done when Jared seems broken beyond repair.
“Don’t, Aly.” He ran his thumb over my cheek. “You think I can’t feel this? How badly you want the things I can’t give you? That’s why it makes me sick that I’m doing this, because I already warned you… you can’t fix me, and you can’t say or do something that will change my mind or fill up the void in my soul”
However, Jared can't deny the attraction that he has for Aly. As he slowly opens up to her we see why he is so haunted by his memories and why he blames himself.
“I don’t get to have this. I already told you… you deserve someone who can love you, someone who will be good for you, and you know that’s not me.”
This story is compelling. The author slowly reveals Jared's past piece by piece and it was perfect how she told the reader. The only problem I had with this book is that, in my opinion, it got a little bit dry in some parts and was dragged out. Other than that I loved this story and I can't wait to read the sequel. Yes, I said the sequel. We get a continuation of Aly and Jared's story. Note: This book is told in dual POV's (Jared's and Aly's) and flips from the present to the past. 4.5/5 stars.
“I see beauty and pain. Joy and sorrow. I see the good and I see the bad . . . and I love it all.”
Aleena, or Aly for short, is living a pretty good life but has a secret she has kept from her family for 6 years. She is in love with Jared Holt. The boy with the most beautiful smile that went on a downward spiral after his life crashed around him. Jared believes he doesn't deserve happiness, let alone love. So when he stumbles back into Aly's life they are both struck by old feelings they had for each other. But how can you love someone when you can't even love yourself?
Aly is our female protagonist who has loved Jared since she can remember. He always stood up for her and protected her. So when he comes back she's determined to show him how much she loves him and that he can come to terms with what happened. But that's easier said than done when Jared seems broken beyond repair.
“Don’t, Aly.” He ran his thumb over my cheek. “You think I can’t feel this? How badly you want the things I can’t give you? That’s why it makes me sick that I’m doing this, because I already warned you… you can’t fix me, and you can’t say or do something that will change my mind or fill up the void in my soul”
However, Jared can't deny the attraction that he has for Aly. As he slowly opens up to her we see why he is so haunted by his memories and why he blames himself.
“I don’t get to have this. I already told you… you deserve someone who can love you, someone who will be good for you, and you know that’s not me.”
This story is compelling. The author slowly reveals Jared's past piece by piece and it was perfect how she told the reader. The only problem I had with this book is that, in my opinion, it got a little bit dry in some parts and was dragged out. Other than that I loved this story and I can't wait to read the sequel. Yes, I said the sequel. We get a continuation of Aly and Jared's story. Note: This book is told in dual POV's (Jared's and Aly's) and flips from the present to the past. 4.5/5 stars.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
This was my first AL Jackson book. Despite having her Take This Regret series on my Kindle just waiting to be read, this was the first one. I have to say she blew me away with some truly fabulous characters and a storyline that had me tearing up much more than I thought I would.
Jared will positively break your heart. Plan and simple. He's a broken man trying to out run the tragedy that ripped his family apart. He doesn't believe he deserves happiness and as we follow what he's been doing, it's like he's ready for everything to be over. Even though he connects with his childhood friends, Christopher and Aly, he keeps himself closed off. He's afraid he'll poison them and he doesn't want them to be destroyed when he leaves...because he's determined he will. But you can see the pieces of Jared that crave someone loving him. Despite what he might say or do to push Aly away, he needs her. His little notes, left for her after he's sneaked out of his room, give of a glimpse of just how much he wishes he was something different so he could be the man Aly needed. And it takes Jared, almost to the very last page of the book, to realize Aly only ever wanted him...just as he is.
Aly has loved Jared forever, so when he reappears she let him in knowing she will probably get hurt. She treats Jared like a scared animal, softly coaxing him out of his angry snarl. It takes an emotional toll on Aly, especially since she had not let herself become emotional engaged with anyone since Jared had left. But she never gives up, even when it seems like Jared has. She stands firm in her knowledge that she loves him and that he'll realize that's all he needs. Aly's emotions when it comes to Jared will take their toll on the reader because they pull you right in there with her. Her sadness and hurt are almost tangible.
There is more to Aly and Jared's story in COME TO ME SOFTLY, slated for release in July 2014. I eagerly await it's release because I know the next ledge of their journey is going to be just as emotionally challenging as this one. I'm hoping when they're done, they will get the happily ever after they deserve.
This is a book that I highly recommend and has put AL Jackson on my must buy list.
This was my first AL Jackson book. Despite having her Take This Regret series on my Kindle just waiting to be read, this was the first one. I have to say she blew me away with some truly fabulous characters and a storyline that had me tearing up much more than I thought I would.
Jared will positively break your heart. Plan and simple. He's a broken man trying to out run the tragedy that ripped his family apart. He doesn't believe he deserves happiness and as we follow what he's been doing, it's like he's ready for everything to be over. Even though he connects with his childhood friends, Christopher and Aly, he keeps himself closed off. He's afraid he'll poison them and he doesn't want them to be destroyed when he leaves...because he's determined he will. But you can see the pieces of Jared that crave someone loving him. Despite what he might say or do to push Aly away, he needs her. His little notes, left for her after he's sneaked out of his room, give of a glimpse of just how much he wishes he was something different so he could be the man Aly needed. And it takes Jared, almost to the very last page of the book, to realize Aly only ever wanted him...just as he is.
Aly has loved Jared forever, so when he reappears she let him in knowing she will probably get hurt. She treats Jared like a scared animal, softly coaxing him out of his angry snarl. It takes an emotional toll on Aly, especially since she had not let herself become emotional engaged with anyone since Jared had left. But she never gives up, even when it seems like Jared has. She stands firm in her knowledge that she loves him and that he'll realize that's all he needs. Aly's emotions when it comes to Jared will take their toll on the reader because they pull you right in there with her. Her sadness and hurt are almost tangible.
There is more to Aly and Jared's story in COME TO ME SOFTLY, slated for release in July 2014. I eagerly await it's release because I know the next ledge of their journey is going to be just as emotionally challenging as this one. I'm hoping when they're done, they will get the happily ever after they deserve.
This is a book that I highly recommend and has put AL Jackson on my must buy list.
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
5.0
Breathtaking. Heartbreaking. Emotional. Soul Searching.
These are just a few things that come to mind when describing this wonderful book by A.L. Jackson. If you are a fan of A.L. Jackson you don't want to miss this book!!
"I don't get to have this. I already told you...you deserve someone who can love you, someone who will be good for you, and you know that's not me."
Talk about GUT WRENCHING!!! My heart broke for Jared as he struggled with his grief with drugs, isolation and alcohol.I found myself several times while reading wanting to hug and tell Jared it wasn't his fault.
"You make me want to be better."
I loved how no matter what Aleena never stopped loving him throughout it all. This story is the definition of true love and never giving up. I can't wait for the next book to see how their journey continues.
I have been a big fan of A.L. Jackson and this book did not disappoint. This story touched me very deeply and stayed with me for days after I finished reading. This story is about love,hope and second chances.The connection between Jared and Aleena was undeniable and I felt every emotion as I read. Jackson has a way of sucking you in with her writing and making you feel everything the characters are experiencing. I honestly felt like I was in the book the whole time I was reading.This book showed me no matter how hard things get don't give up on the ones you love. I highly recommend this book by A.L. Jackson as her writing keeps getting better and better!!
This review will be posted on Shelly's Book Corner
These are just a few things that come to mind when describing this wonderful book by A.L. Jackson. If you are a fan of A.L. Jackson you don't want to miss this book!!
"I don't get to have this. I already told you...you deserve someone who can love you, someone who will be good for you, and you know that's not me."
Talk about GUT WRENCHING!!! My heart broke for Jared as he struggled with his grief with drugs, isolation and alcohol.I found myself several times while reading wanting to hug and tell Jared it wasn't his fault.
"You make me want to be better."
I loved how no matter what Aleena never stopped loving him throughout it all. This story is the definition of true love and never giving up. I can't wait for the next book to see how their journey continues.
I have been a big fan of A.L. Jackson and this book did not disappoint. This story touched me very deeply and stayed with me for days after I finished reading. This story is about love,hope and second chances.The connection between Jared and Aleena was undeniable and I felt every emotion as I read. Jackson has a way of sucking you in with her writing and making you feel everything the characters are experiencing. I honestly felt like I was in the book the whole time I was reading.This book showed me no matter how hard things get don't give up on the ones you love. I highly recommend this book by A.L. Jackson as her writing keeps getting better and better!!
This review will be posted on Shelly's Book Corner
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Come to Me Quietly was a good story, but in some ways, I just got a little sick of all of Jared's doubts... It's hard to understand that he hadn't had any kind of counseling since he was 16 and 'disappeared'. I loved Aly and Christopher, though, and I felt like the three childhoodfriends all needed each other to fully start being adults.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series - even if I'm pretty sure there's going to be more drama than I usually enjoy.
COYER Summer 2019 Treasure Hunt - Read a complete trilogy 5 POINTS.
Come to Me Quietly was a good story, but in some ways, I just got a little sick of all of Jared's doubts... It's hard to understand that he hadn't had any kind of counseling since he was 16 and 'disappeared'. I loved Aly and Christopher, though, and I felt like the three childhoodfriends all needed each other to fully start being adults.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series - even if I'm pretty sure there's going to be more drama than I usually enjoy.
COYER Summer 2019 Treasure Hunt - Read a complete trilogy 5 POINTS.
loribelle3's review against another edition
4.0
Characters: I liked Aly, determined, still discovering herself, in a way. Jared is dark, has a self loathing that leads him to self-destruct.
Plot: We don't know at first what causes the self-loathing. Much of the book we are kept in the dark. I wasn't sure where this book was heading; there were several directions I thought it could take, and I was a bit on edge waiting to see what happened. It was a little dark, although I suppose I think that because of the drug use that is mentioned, and the tattoos that apparently are Jared's reminders that he is not worthy of loving.
Overall: It is a well written story, a bit on the dramatic side, but my ending impression was a good one. I look forward to the sequel.
Plot: We don't know at first what causes the self-loathing. Much of the book we are kept in the dark. I wasn't sure where this book was heading; there were several directions I thought it could take, and I was a bit on edge waiting to see what happened. It was a little dark, although I suppose I think that because of the drug use that is mentioned, and the tattoos that apparently are Jared's reminders that he is not worthy of loving.
Overall: It is a well written story, a bit on the dramatic side, but my ending impression was a good one. I look forward to the sequel.