ARC Review: Follow Me Back by A.L. Jackson

Follow Me Back is the second book in the Fight For Me series by AL Jackson, with each book being a standalone story. While these books are connected, you do not need to read them in order. I do recommend reading them in order if you can though, as I have loved each of them and AL Jackson is an author that never disappoints! 

Kale Bryant is a cocky doctor that is married to his job. He learned a long time ago not to get entangled with anyone for more than a night, devoting all of his spare time and love to his friends and keeping his time with women short and casual. But when he meets Hope, he can't help but find himself drawn to her and unable to forget her. Hope is struggling with her own issues though, and has no time to devote to a relationship. But she also finds herself unable to say no to Kale and soon the two of them find themselves unable to stop what is developing between them. What happens when Hope finds herself in for the fight of her life? Will Kale be able to stand by her side or will his past keep him from moving forward with the life he could have with Hope? 

I loved these two. I know Kale came off as cocky at times, but honestly I loved him right away. Even though he was casual with his love life, he was so involved with his friends and their kids. I absolutely adored the way he loved his godchildren, and the way he was so connected to his patients. He showed just how big his heart was, and I knew that eventually he would come around to opening it up for more. Hope had been through so much, and yet she was such a fighter. Her love for her son was something that had be captivated from the very start. She would do absolutely anything for him and I loved the special relationship they had. Kale being drawn into that relationship though was what had me swooning the entire way through. Not only was there an amazing amount of chemistry between Hope and Kale, but the relationship between him and Evan was something that I couldn't get enough of. 

Overall, this story was great. It was emotional and heartfelt, while also being sweet and sexy. It just had everything that I look for in a great book. AL Jackson has become a favorite author of mine over the years, and there hasn't been a single book of hers that I've read and not enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and anything else from her, if you haven't read anything from her you are missing out. I can't wait for more from her!

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson

I absolutely love A.L. Jackson's writing style! She blows me away with each book of hers I read, and I can't even begin to describe how beautifully she weaves her stories. Show Me the Way is the first book in her new Fight For Me series, and it was so good! It was everything I have come to love about her books and more. Such a great start to this series that I can't wait to read more of! 

Rynna Dayne ran from her home in Gingham Lakes at a young age after having her heart broken and being betrayed in a horrible way. She left her beloved grandmother behind as well as her dreams. When her grandmother passes away and leaves her business and home to Rynna, she knows it is finally time to return. When she meets her new neighbor Rex, he is surly and bitter but she can't help but want to get to know him better. Especially since his daughter is adorable and she finds herself falling for her right away. But while Rex is attracted to Rynna, he wife burned him leaving him to raise their daughter alone and he is no stranger to heartbreak either. Can Rynna convince him that some chances are worth taking and show him that she is around for good? 

I really loved these characters. I felt like they belonged together and I loved watching Rynna and Rex get to know one another. Rex had been through a lot, and I loved that he saw what was important. His love for his daughter was so touching and I couldn't get enough of them together. I was so glad that Rynna was able to get under his skin though, because she was perfect for him and Frankie Leigh. She was exactly what they needed and she had so much love to give both of them. She really felt like their missing piece and I was so glad that she didn't give up when Rex tried to push her away. They had great chemistry and a clear connection, and Frankie Leigh added into that was perfection. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and I felt emotionally connected. Once I started I didn't want to stop reading. Frankie Leigh really stole the show here, but honestly I loved everyone together. Rex's friends and the girls that Rynna met early on just fit and the camaraderie between them was so much fun. I am looking forward to more in this world and getting to see how things go from here. I will say that I did see the twist coming, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this story. You can't go wrong with anything by A.L. Jackson, but Show Me the Way is definitely one of my favorites from her yet! I highly recommend this one.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Glamour: Contemporary Fairytale Retellings Anthology

I have a love/hate relationship with anthologies, but when I saw the list of authors attached to Glamour: Contemporary Fairytale Retellings, I knew I had to read it. I am so glad that I took a chance on this one as it was one of the best anthologies I have ever read. Each story was one I enjoyed, without a single disappointment in the bunch. 

Glamour includes novellas based on classic fairytales, including the following stories: 

Knot by Lili St. Germain (Rapunzel) 

Red Hot Pursuite by A.L. Jackson (Little Red Riding Hood) 

Ripples by Aleatha Romig (Prince and the Pauper) 

In A Stranger's Bed by Sophie Jordan (Goldilocks) 

Bedtime Story by Skye Warren (Sleeping Beauty) 

Royal Mattress by Nicola Rendell (Princess and the Pea) 

Music Box Girl by Sierra Simone (Twelve Dancing Princesses) 

Broken Harp by Nora Flite (Jack and the Beanstalk) 

Each one of this was quick and sexy, and just what I was looking for. These are the perfect quick bits steam for those that don't have time to sit down and read a full novel. I loved that they were modern retellings, taking what we have grown up loving about classic fairytales and putting their own modern twists on them. While I enjoyed all of these and would recommend this to readers, my absolute favorite here was Music Box Girl by Sierra Simone. I loved each story, and I think fans of Erotica as well as fans of fairytales will definitely want to check this one out.

**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**

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ARC Review: Stand by A.L. Jackson

A.L. Jackson has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I have ever read. She is a truly gifted author, weaving words in a way that no one else does. I always look forward to reading something new from her, and if you haven't read anything by her you definitely need to. Stand was a book I had both been looking forward to and yet I was also kind of sad since this is the last Bleeding Stars book. This is a standalone story, but I definitely recommend the entire series. A.L. Jackson hit it out of the park again with this book, and I loved it! 

This is Zee Kennedy's story, a character I have been anxious to get to know better. When Zee's brother died, Zee stepped up to take his brother's place in his band. Besides that though, Zee remained mostly a mystery, never letting anyone in. No one knew his secrets or what kept him so focused. But when Alexis Kensington entered his life, everything changed. While she needed someone to save her, she ended up saving Zee too. But can he let go of his past in order to truly move forward? 

I loved these two. They really did need each other, and saved each other in every way. My heart broke for Zee at times, seeing all that he had kept a secret and been hiding from everyone around him. He had so much pain and hurt that he had shouldered alone, and he truly deserved so much more. Alexis brought him back to life in a way that he hadn't been for a long time. He had been surviving before her, but she helped him to actually live again. Zee and Alexis had such a strong connection and chemistry, and it felt as though they were always meant for one another.

Overall, this story was such a beautiful one. A.L. Jackson brought all the emotions here, and I loved it. This series has been fantastic from the start and I am really sad that this is the end. I thought that this one was such a great ending to the series though and I know I will read these books again. I have loved everything I have read from Jackson, but there is just something special about the Bleeding Stars series and Stand is one I think readers are going to love.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Stay by A.L. Jackson

I am fairly late to the game when it comes to the Bleeding Stars series by A.L. Jackson. I recently became a fan of hers and since then I had only read Wait from this series. I really enjoyed it though, so I jumped at the chance to read Stay. I have to say though that after reading Stay, I am absolutely loving this series and I cannot wait to go back and read the previous books! A.L. Jackson has such a way with words, and I cannot recommend her books enough! 

Ash has always embraced the rockstar lifestyle, especially now that his bandmates have started settling down. But when that lifestyle finally caught up to him, he never expected to have someone like Willow come to his rescue. He knows he needs to show her his gratitude, but he finds himself drawn to her and soon things become so much more. But with Willow being as broken as he is deep down, will these two heal each other or destroy everything that they have started to build together?

I couldn't wait to get to know Ash better after Wait, and I loved him even more than I thought I would! I loved getting to see his layers as his facade was stripped away! There was so much more beneath the surface than he showed. Willow was so good for him. Each of these two had so much depth to them, and I felt so emotionally invested in their story. Willow had been through so much in her life, that I really loved seeing her with Ash. Their chemistry was so strong and they were sexy together, yet it was so much more than that. I knew that these two absolutely belonged together, and I knew that their journey wouldn't be easy but that in the end it would be worth it. 

A.L. Jackson definitely delivered here, and I couldn't put Stay down. I loved it and it was such an emotional read. If you are new to Jackson's books, they are beautifully written and will draw you in right away. Stay was everything I have come to love and expect from her stories, and I recommend it if you are looking for something sexy, emotional, and truly heartfelt. This book is one of my favorites from Jackson so far, and I can't wait to read more from her.

**ARC Provided by Author**

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ARC Review: Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson

I really loved Come To Me Quietly. It was a great story and I couldn't put it down. While this isn't my first book from AL Jackson, I am always impressed with her beautiful writing. If you haven't read anything by her yet, this is definitely one worth taking a chance on. 

After everything that he has been through, Jared doesn't believe that he deserves to find love since he destroys everything he touches. But when he returns to town and runs into an old friend, he finds himself staying with Christopher and his sister Aleena. Chris and Aly had once been his best friends, but neither of them are the same people they once were, especially Aly. Though Jared is drawn to Aly, he is determined to stay away from her since he knows that he would only destroy her. But it becomes harder and harder to fight what is between them, and Aly is just as determined to show him that what they have together is worth taking a chance on. 

I absolutely loved both Aly and Jared. They had so much history and I was instantly captivated with their story. I had to know more about them and what all had happened to make Jared leave everything behind. My heart broke for him as he was so hard on himself. I just knew there was so much to this sweet guy that you didn't know and I couldn't wait to find out what it was. Aly was perfect for him, and I was so glad that she didn't give up on him. She gave him exactly what he needed and I couldn't have imagined anyone better for him. Their chemistry was strong, but it was their undeniable connection that made them such a special couple.

I will say that there were times that Jared frustrated me with how down on himself he got. He kept pushing Aly away because he didn't believe he was good enough for her, and after awhile it got a bit old. I still really loved the story and the characters, but that was what kept this one from being a five star read for me. I am excited that AL Jackson has continued their story in another book. While there is a good stopping point here, there is room for more and I am excited to see what happens next for them. I highly recommend this one to NA fans and readers who love emotional romance stories.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Wait by A.L. Jackson

Wait is the fourth book in the Bleeding Stars series by A.L. Jackson. This is the first book that I have read in the series, and it can be read as a standalone. I do think that this book might have been better experienced when read in order, but it isn't necessary to enjoy it. 

Edie and Austin had a connection that was unbreakable, until everything changed. Austin broke Edie's heart and her trust, and when she ran he thought that he would never see her again. Years later, neither of them expects to spot each other from across the room while Austin is on stage and Edie is standing in the crowd. Even though Edie knows she should run, she finds herself drawn to Austin once again. Austin knows that he destroyed everything, but he is determined to get her back even if that means waiting for her to learn how to trust him again. 

Austin and Edie both had pasts that had huge impacts on who they were and I really felt for both of them. Their connection was so strong, and no matter what had happened or how much time had passed it remained unbroken. Each of them had so much depth, and I thought that A.L. Jackson did a great job of creating these complex characters that had so many layers to them, revealed over the course of this book. Getting each of their POVs here really added to the story, and I felt as though I was experiencing everything right along with them. I will say that this one was an emotional journey, and I felt it all right from the start. 

The one thing I will say is that at times things were a bit slow here and I struggled a bit at the beginning to get into this book. A.L. Jackson has a tendency to be a bit vague and tease the reader a bit before revealing much of anything, and there were times that I was a bit confused and frustrated. Luckily I felt invested in the story and characters and had to find out all the details of both the past and where things were going in the present, and I stuck with it. Things picked up and then I didn't want to put it down! A.L. Jackson has a way with words, and her stories are beautiful. This one definitely brought out all the emotions, and I think that readers will really enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more from A.L. Jackson, and I can't wait to read more in this series!

**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**

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Feature and Giveaway: Wait by A.L. Jackson

She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.

Edie Evans is gorgeous.

Sexy.

Kind.

She’s also the definition of off-limits.

But that didn’t stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.

But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.

The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.

Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.

Austin Stone is dangerous.

Alluring.

Tempting.

He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.

It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.

Our desire is overpowering.

Our need unrelenting.

She is my hope.

He is my weakness.

We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.

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Feature and Giveaway: Where Lightning Strikes by A.L. Jackson

Do you know what it feels like right before lightning strikes? How you can feel the current running through your veins? The trembles of warning that ripple through the air? It was a thrill Tamar King chased all her life until it became the very thing she had to escape.

For the last four years, Tamar King has hidden herself in an isolated world she created. She was safe. No one could touch her. Until Lyrik West walked through her door.

He’s the lead guitarist for Sunder and everything she can never have. The dark and beautiful rock star becomes everything she craves.

Lyrik’s life has been devoted to his band and that success has cost him. Bitter, hard, and filled with regret, he refuses to lose himself again, but from the moment he sees her, he wants one night with Tamar King.

The gorgeous bartender is more than he bargained for. Their attraction is consuming. Their desire overpowering. With one touch, they ignite.

But is it worth the cost of getting burned?

She’s a gorgeous nightmare and he’s a wicked dream…

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ARC Review: When We Met Anthology by A.L. Jackson, Molly McAdams, Tiffany King and Christina Lee

I was so excited to read the When We Met Anthology. It has such great authors contributing to it, and I knew it would be a good one! This anthology centers around four roommates with each author telling one of the girls' story.

 Behind Her Eyes by A.L. Jackson

Behind Her Eyes is Misha's story. She is just returning to school after her former boyfriend hurt her. Misha has a lot of trust issues and is scared that everyone will look at her differently after what Hunter put her through. When she finds out that the boys next door kicked Hunter out and got a new roommate, she is intrigued by him. Misha is instantly attracted to the new neighbor Darryn. But she is also afraid to let anything happen after her trust was destroyed before. But Darryn is determined to show her that things between them can be different and that he is worth taking a chance on. I really liked Darryn and Misha. They were really sweet together and you could feel the attraction between them. Darryn was kind and patient, and he really cared about Misha. He made a few bad choices, but you could tell that he was still a great guy. Misha had been through so much, and I felt really bad for her. But she was also strong and determined, and I thought that she was really brave to go back to school and face the past. Darryn and Misha were great for one another, and I felt like their connection was real and didn't feel rushed at all. I did feel as though this story was a bit slow though and that was the reason that I didn't rate this one higher. This one had a lot of depth for the short length though, and I liked how some tough issues were dealt with.

 Saving Me by Molly McAdams

This novella was amazing! Molly McAdams once again proved that she is an amazing writer and is able to tackle the tough topics. This one had me feeling so many emotions, and I really felt like these characters were special. Indy had been abandoned in horrible ways. Her brother was killed, her parents kicked her out, and she returned to school only to find her boyfriend of two years sleeping with someone else. Indy ended up drinking to escape and didn't discriminate when it came to hooking up with random guys. But she also knew that she could always go to the one place she felt safe and rely on the guy who helped her out, even if she never remembered him when she was sober. Kier had wanted Indy for awhile, and after seeing what her ex did to her he knew he finally had a chance. But he also knew that she needed time to get over everything and that he wanted her to figure things out on her own without him informing her himself. When Indy finally figures out how much Kier has been a part of her life, she wants nothing more than to get to know him better. But Kier is also suffering and has secrets of his own. I loved Kier and Indy. They were so easy to like and relate to. While I have never experienced anything like they had, I really understood where they were each coming from. They were both vulnerable and looking for a way to move past the guilt and pain they were feeling. They were great for one another, and I loved seeing them help each other heal. Kier was so sweet and protective, he just wanted to take care of Indy in any way he could. Indy was so much stronger than she knew, and had been through more than anyone should have to go through. These two had amazing chemistry and shared a strong emotional connection as well. They could not have been more perfect for one another, and I could have easily read a full length novel featuring these two!

 Fouling Out by Tiffany King

Fouling Out by Tiffany King is Courtney's story. I was really looking forward to this one because of the history between the characters and because I love me some sports romance stories! Courtney works at a local sports bar as a waitress and refuses to date athletes. She was once best friends with Dalton, the star of her school basketball team. They were inseparable until he suddenly became too cool to hang out with her and started spending all of his time playing basketball and hanging out with the cool kids. When Dalton shows up in her bar one night though, he tries to get her to talk to him only Courtney wants nothing to do with him. Dalton has no idea what has happened to make Courtney so cold, but he is determined to get back their friendship and see if there is something more between them. Dalton was really sweet, and I loved that he was determined. He wasn't afraid to do whatever it took to win Courtney over, and I loved his public declarations for her. I thought that Courtney was great and I loved that she made Dalton work for it. She was funny and I loved the witty banter between these two. I do think that Courtney was a little harsh with Dalton at times, but I was glad that she got over it and was able to give Dalton a second chance. These two were cute together and had a lot of chemistry. I really felt the connection between them, and I think a lot of that was because of the history between them. This one was really cute and I enjoyed it a lot.

 Beneath Your Layers by Christina Lee

I really enjoyed this novella, and I loved that it was an enemies to lovers story. Christina Lee did a great job with this one and I loved getting Chloe's story. Chloe's goal is to work hard and head to New York after graduation to work in the fashion industry. She is always put together and prefers to wear dresses and heels rather than jeans and sneakers. When her boss offers her the chance to turn her school project into a possible job for the future, Chloe agrees reluctantly because it means working with her boss's nephew Blake. Blake has nothing in common with Chloe and views her as nothing more than an uptight girl with a stick up her butt. But as the two begin working together they quickly realize that they have more in common than they thought and that they have made assumptions about one another. But what will happen when the project is over and they no longer have to spend so much time together? Chloe did come off as uptight at first, but it was clear that she was much more than that after getting to know her better. She was smart and sassy, and I loved that she was comfortable with who she was. She was put together and enjoyed dressing up, and fashion was something that she was really passionate about. But I felt bad for her because of her mother. Blake was really good for her, and I thought that he was exactly what she needed to get her out of her comfort zone a bit. He got her to loosen up and that was good to see. Blake was a good guy and he was dedicated to his family. He sacrificed so much for others, and I liked seeing him have such a good attitude about everything. The chemistry between these two was amazing, and I loved how the tension continued to build. Christina Lee was able to take these two characters through so much in such a short amount of time, and it felt so natural. I really enjoyed Chloe and Blake's story.

 Overall 

 Overall, this was a really great anthology. The stories all felt real and believable to me, and they didn't have any feelings of insta-love or feel rushed. That is usually one of my complaints about anthologies, but this one was so much better than I ever expected! I am a huge fan of all these authors, and I think that NA and contemporary fans will find this anthology to be a must read!

**ARC Provided by Penguin Group Berkley/Signet**

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