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Heritage Bay #2
Mackenzie
For every action, there’s a reaction.
Or in my case, a consequence.
One night.
One party.
One girl.
One time.
One unforeseen tragedy.
Two shattered hearts.
Two lives changed forever.
*Mackenzie is book 2 in the Heritage Bay Series. It can be read as a standalone but does contain spoilers for Jaybird since it is written within the same timeline.
**Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to language and sexual situations.
Or in my case, a consequence.
One night.
One party.
One girl.
One time.
One unforeseen tragedy.
Two shattered hearts.
Two lives changed forever.
*Mackenzie is book 2 in the Heritage Bay Series. It can be read as a standalone but does contain spoilers for Jaybird since it is written within the same timeline.
**Not recommended for readers under the age of 18 due to language and sexual situations.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2018
98 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Foster
23 books861 followersM.A Foster resides in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband, kids, and her crazy dog, Lola.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s either catching up with friends and family or chatting with her readers and fellow author friends on Facebook.
When she’s not reading or writing, she’s either catching up with friends and family or chatting with her readers and fellow author friends on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 12, 2018
Mackenzie by M. A. Foster is absolute perfection! I seriously did not want to put this book down. Foster has a way of bringing characters to life and giving you a glimpse into the depths of their souls.
Cole Mackenzie has it all. A great family, a future in football, and friends who are loyal. However, his world is about to be flipped upside down.
Harper on the other hand has faced loss no one should have to face at any age. She is a warrior with a vulnerable heart, and finds herself learning what true friendship and family mean.
I love the way Foster lets this story unfold. She gives you pieces of characters you grew to love in Jaybird, while still allowing this book to stand on its own.
“Just love her with every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, and protect her with every bone in your body. Be her everything.”
5 Huge Stars!!!
Cole Mackenzie has it all. A great family, a future in football, and friends who are loyal. However, his world is about to be flipped upside down.
Harper on the other hand has faced loss no one should have to face at any age. She is a warrior with a vulnerable heart, and finds herself learning what true friendship and family mean.
I love the way Foster lets this story unfold. She gives you pieces of characters you grew to love in Jaybird, while still allowing this book to stand on its own.
“Just love her with every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, and protect her with every bone in your body. Be her everything.”
5 Huge Stars!!!
April 28, 2018
I couldn't resist that cover -- and then the football element sucked me in. A new-to-me author, too. The story started off with a real bang (no pun intended). But then it was quickly overtaken by so many extra characters that added nothing to an otherwise solid storyline. There was so much craziness and high school dramatics going on that I lost interest and skimmed (which I hardly ever do). The main characters got lost in the mix. I really wanted more focus on them without so much interference by others whose names and parts they played made absolutely no sense and will never be remembered.
This was definitely a case of coulda, shoulda, woulda. Once again, that old adage of "less is more" comes to the surface. I didn't hate it nor love it -- there were parts I simply adored but they were far and few between.
This was definitely a case of coulda, shoulda, woulda. Once again, that old adage of "less is more" comes to the surface. I didn't hate it nor love it -- there were parts I simply adored but they were far and few between.
April 14, 2018
For every action there's a reaction. Or you could say it was fate. But no matter how you word it I would also call it love.
Let me first say I really loved Harper and Cole's story.
Lets see if i can explain. My favorite thing is that this is a story about a teen age boy who is barely 15. He goes to a frat party and meets a pretty young lady. He lies about his age so he can do the deed. Only to have a reality slap 7 months later
Jade Murphy is a nurse who works at the medical center that Cole has been going to for years. They don't recognize each other AT FIRST. Jade realizes who he is after he leaves.
I wont say any more but let's just say Cole is a lot more then the rumors that are being said at Heritage Bay acadamey
Let me first say I really loved Harper and Cole's story.
Lets see if i can explain. My favorite thing is that this is a story about a teen age boy who is barely 15. He goes to a frat party and meets a pretty young lady. He lies about his age so he can do the deed. Only to have a reality slap 7 months later
Jade Murphy is a nurse who works at the medical center that Cole has been going to for years. They don't recognize each other AT FIRST. Jade realizes who he is after he leaves.
I wont say any more but let's just say Cole is a lot more then the rumors that are being said at Heritage Bay acadamey
October 16, 2022
I really liked this book but at the same time I had some major issues 😤
1. The first 41% of this we only got the H's life and he had not even met the h yet..
2. As I was reading along, like I mentioned above, so much was about the H and trust me... he was a douchbag. I really thought he was a dick!
3. There was also a lot of mention about his family which to be fair was nice as they are a close nit family but I found the main focus on the majority of this book on his cousin (Jayla) from the first book and not the H & h, this just seemed like alternative view for the 1st book.
4. I will admit I did tear up a few times through this 😥
5. I found the h too forgiving and wanted the H to learn his lesson more.
6. Willow was the most adorable little girl 🥰
I probably mention more annoying bits than good so don't let this put you off, it was an interesting ready and went in a direction I was expecting like the norm. There was definitely some sad, heart moving moments and some swoon. Just remember this is based on high schoolers so there emotions are all over the place.
1. The first 41% of this we only got the H's life and he had not even met the h yet..
2. As I was reading along, like I mentioned above, so much was about the H and trust me... he was a douchbag. I really thought he was a dick!
3. There was also a lot of mention about his family which to be fair was nice as they are a close nit family but I found the main focus on the majority of this book on his cousin (Jayla) from the first book and not the H & h, this just seemed like alternative view for the 1st book.
4. I will admit I did tear up a few times through this 😥
5. I found the h too forgiving and wanted the H to learn his lesson more.
6. Willow was the most adorable little girl 🥰
I probably mention more annoying bits than good so don't let this put you off, it was an interesting ready and went in a direction I was expecting like the norm. There was definitely some sad, heart moving moments and some swoon. Just remember this is based on high schoolers so there emotions are all over the place.
June 12, 2018
Beautiful cover, beautiful story ❤
“We all make mistakes, Cole. Sometimes even our biggest mistakes turn out to be the most beautiful blessings.” Marcus King
Mackenzie tells us Cole and Harper story, we meet them in Jaybird, Jay and Zach's story. This book starts off with a mind blowing revelation. The gorgeous cover give us a hint but trust me you won't see it coming.
Aside from the developing of Cole and Harper's relationship, we get to fall in love again with all the amazing characters that form this series. we get a bunch of crazy teenage drama and a pack of crazy, funny and loving adults. We experience heartbreak all over with Jay and also Harper and Cole.
They have to go thru so much first apart and then together in order to reach their happily ever after, but rest assured they get it and it's beautiful. I love Willow and the way Cole chose to put on his big pants and move on and be responsible and loving. Just because of that he has a special place in my heart.
I can't wait to read more from this awesome group of people.
“We all make mistakes, Cole. Sometimes even our biggest mistakes turn out to be the most beautiful blessings.” Marcus King
Mackenzie tells us Cole and Harper story, we meet them in Jaybird, Jay and Zach's story. This book starts off with a mind blowing revelation. The gorgeous cover give us a hint but trust me you won't see it coming.
Aside from the developing of Cole and Harper's relationship, we get to fall in love again with all the amazing characters that form this series. we get a bunch of crazy teenage drama and a pack of crazy, funny and loving adults. We experience heartbreak all over with Jay and also Harper and Cole.
They have to go thru so much first apart and then together in order to reach their happily ever after, but rest assured they get it and it's beautiful. I love Willow and the way Cole chose to put on his big pants and move on and be responsible and loving. Just because of that he has a special place in my heart.
I can't wait to read more from this awesome group of people.
March 26, 2018
Oh so good! Start with a nice big surprise! I really enjoyed Jaybird so I was excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I think the only thing I would have liked was them to connect earlier. It was more then 50% into the book before they started really talking. But I did love all the extra time before that When you really got to know both characters. Definitely a few surprises thrown in. It was a really touching and emotional story. Loved that all the characters from the previous book were included. Willow was the freaking cutest little thing too. Loved her. This was just really good. Absolutely loved the epilogue though!
March 25, 2018
Mackenzie is an absolute must read book! M.A. Foster is an amazing author! This book grabbed me from page one, and kept me glued until the end. I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and their chemistry, loyalty, tenacity, fierceness, and strength. I went through a whirlwind of emotions reading Mackenzie. I hope M.A. Foster keeps writing, because I will definitely keep reading her phenomenal books!
December 1, 2019
💙💙💙💙💙
I loved this book! I loved how Cole stepped up, and took care of his daughter. I loved that Harper got to connect with her family, and made one with Cole. This series captured my heart!
I loved this book! I loved how Cole stepped up, and took care of his daughter. I loved that Harper got to connect with her family, and made one with Cole. This series captured my heart!
April 9, 2018
I did not finish it ... the blurb and the cover are incredible, I was eager to read this book.
Chapter one, two or three were great 👍🏽 but then all the madness began, there were so many names! 😣😣 So many characters, the uncle who was the husband of the sister of the father, the friend of the friend's mother who was no longer speaking, and the co-wocker of the child's mother who was also the roommate 😵🤕... I was so confused that I could not continue, so I only went to the epilogue and that was it 😭😭
Chapter one, two or three were great 👍🏽 but then all the madness began, there were so many names! 😣😣 So many characters, the uncle who was the husband of the sister of the father, the friend of the friend's mother who was no longer speaking, and the co-wocker of the child's mother who was also the roommate 😵🤕... I was so confused that I could not continue, so I only went to the epilogue and that was it 😭😭
March 15, 2021
I'm not crying . . . You are!
Send tissues ASAP! Because this emotional rollercoaster will drop you to your knees faster then a throat punch by Jayla King. If you have read Jaybird, a lot of these scenes will be super familiar as Cole and Harper's story blooms at the same time. I guess that's why the reading went so much quicker and I felt like I knew everyone already. But what I really wanted to know was all the missing scenes between Cole and Harper! And this makes everything so clear and perfectly imperfect in the world of love.
I didn't really like Cole (flirty man-skank) and Harper was just there . . . Just another drama filled couple learning about life and love. But this story made me fall hard and so far it is my absolute favorite Heritage Bay Series book. I am in love with Cole MacKenzie! Yep I totally admitted that, in a publicly posted review . . . Freaking book boys and these magical word welding authors! Ugh, I just can't stop! This series is like MSG in Chinese food and Cole is the crispy chicken that hits all the taste buds! Yummy! And Willow (yes another girl in this particular trio-read the book to find out) is like the sweet pineapple that pops in every now and then that brings the smile to your mouth. And of course Harper . . . Well you can't have chicken without rice, right? You think it's bland but you realize there's more to the rice . . . Like it been through the fry process and there's peas and eggs and a bit salty. How's the food analogy going? Are you hungry yet? Let's get back on track here, this trio makes this story tug at all the heart strings you never thought you had and you want to keep reading because the emotions are just too strong. . . And then bam the realization comes that you are in love with a book character! And its all good! P.S. MA Foster has a website and you can order a paperback of MacKenzie to have and to hold from this day forward . . . No judgement, ever!
Anyways, if you havent yet started this series, and are a bit backlogged with TBR . . . Push them all aside and hop on the Heritage Bay series steam-roller, because it is fast, hot and ready to take you for a ride. I can't wait to read what else the next season of Heritage Bay has in store for me!
Send tissues ASAP! Because this emotional rollercoaster will drop you to your knees faster then a throat punch by Jayla King. If you have read Jaybird, a lot of these scenes will be super familiar as Cole and Harper's story blooms at the same time. I guess that's why the reading went so much quicker and I felt like I knew everyone already. But what I really wanted to know was all the missing scenes between Cole and Harper! And this makes everything so clear and perfectly imperfect in the world of love.
I didn't really like Cole (flirty man-skank) and Harper was just there . . . Just another drama filled couple learning about life and love. But this story made me fall hard and so far it is my absolute favorite Heritage Bay Series book. I am in love with Cole MacKenzie! Yep I totally admitted that, in a publicly posted review . . . Freaking book boys and these magical word welding authors! Ugh, I just can't stop! This series is like MSG in Chinese food and Cole is the crispy chicken that hits all the taste buds! Yummy! And Willow (yes another girl in this particular trio-read the book to find out) is like the sweet pineapple that pops in every now and then that brings the smile to your mouth. And of course Harper . . . Well you can't have chicken without rice, right? You think it's bland but you realize there's more to the rice . . . Like it been through the fry process and there's peas and eggs and a bit salty. How's the food analogy going? Are you hungry yet? Let's get back on track here, this trio makes this story tug at all the heart strings you never thought you had and you want to keep reading because the emotions are just too strong. . . And then bam the realization comes that you are in love with a book character! And its all good! P.S. MA Foster has a website and you can order a paperback of MacKenzie to have and to hold from this day forward . . . No judgement, ever!
Anyways, if you havent yet started this series, and are a bit backlogged with TBR . . . Push them all aside and hop on the Heritage Bay series steam-roller, because it is fast, hot and ready to take you for a ride. I can't wait to read what else the next season of Heritage Bay has in store for me!
June 13, 2018
Mackenzie was an outstanding book that is told in dual POV between Cole Mackenzie and Harper Murphy. This is the second book I have read from MA Foster and she is becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. This storyline will make you feel so many emotions! I felt crazy going from laughing, to crying, to falling in love with all the characters.
What would you do if you felt like you lost all the people who you loved? I felt bad for Harper that she felt she had to keep to herself for so long without any help. Cole was attracted to Harper as soon as he saw her at Mac's but she had no interest in him because she was afraid to get close for reasons I can’t disclose because it would give away so much! Cole is the type of guy that doesn't date but when he sees Harper... Game Over!
This is the second book of the Heritage Bay Series, it can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading Jaybird first. I will definitely be recommending Mackenzie to everyone!
What would you do if you felt like you lost all the people who you loved? I felt bad for Harper that she felt she had to keep to herself for so long without any help. Cole was attracted to Harper as soon as he saw her at Mac's but she had no interest in him because she was afraid to get close for reasons I can’t disclose because it would give away so much! Cole is the type of guy that doesn't date but when he sees Harper... Game Over!
This is the second book of the Heritage Bay Series, it can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading Jaybird first. I will definitely be recommending Mackenzie to everyone!
March 28, 2018
M.A. Foster has a way with words and keeps the storyline fresh. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. I stayed up way too late reading this wonderful story.
This book had it all; including all the normal teenage drama along with some twists, I didn’t see coming! Cole wasn’t the easiest character to love; I wanted to throat punch him a few times but he also made me want to swoon. Harper’s story made my heart hurt for her. I really loved her character. The chemistry they had was off the charts.
As for that cover, it is just the sweetest book cover ever! I LOVE it so much! The cover gave me all the feels and made me want to jump into Cole’s story. This is book 2 in the Heritage Bay Series but can be read as a complete standalone, even though I suggest reading Jaybird first.
This book had it all; including all the normal teenage drama along with some twists, I didn’t see coming! Cole wasn’t the easiest character to love; I wanted to throat punch him a few times but he also made me want to swoon. Harper’s story made my heart hurt for her. I really loved her character. The chemistry they had was off the charts.
As for that cover, it is just the sweetest book cover ever! I LOVE it so much! The cover gave me all the feels and made me want to jump into Cole’s story. This is book 2 in the Heritage Bay Series but can be read as a complete standalone, even though I suggest reading Jaybird first.
April 6, 2018
This is book 2 from this amazing Author.
This is told from Mackenzies POV.
I laughed and cried a true page TURNER and I could not put this book down.
Well done M. A. Foster for another amazing book.
This is a MUST read. I need the next book now
This is told from Mackenzies POV.
I laughed and cried a true page TURNER and I could not put this book down.
Well done M. A. Foster for another amazing book.
This is a MUST read. I need the next book now
January 8, 2020
Of course I couldn't wait to jump into this book. So this book is the reason I read Jaybird. I mean that cover just drew me in and then I read the synopsis. But that cover I was hooked. Let me first say that yes this is a standalone/companion novel HOWEVER I highly recommend that if you read this first I feel it would be very difficult to read Jaybird second. There are so many reveals in this book that it would ruin Jaybird for you. If you have time I suggest you read Jaybird first. You really get to know the characters and there are so very many. I loved how much the secondaries are really an intricate part of the story. OK here is why I didn't give this book the 5 stars I gave Jaybird. I loved this book, I was hooked right off the bat and I loved Cole BUT this is kind of a rehashing of Jaybird just in Cole's & Harper's POV. The beginning of the book gives you a lot of information about both Cole & Harper separate from Jaybird and I loved it. But then at some point the book seemed to center around all the same events in Jaybird. Yes there were a handful of new scenes which is what I loved, but a good chunk was just duplicates of Jaybird. Yes we got to be in Cole's or Harper's inner thoughts on those scenes, but the dialog was almost cut and paste from Jaybird and I didn't much care for that. I'm not putting this book down. I am in love with the series and I may have found a new author that I will be stalking. I can't wait for more Heritage Bay books considering I've already seen whose book will be out next and I'm very excited. I can also see myself re-reading these books over numerous times. I really enjoyed them and I especially LOVE their epilogues. Both in Jaybird & Mackenzie the fact that they go out about 5 years or so is phenomenal. You get to really see where they landed. I'm hooked on this series and this author and I'm so very happy the cover caught my eye. These were fantastic reads and oh I can't wait for more. I really hope you enjoy this series and much as I am and I hope you enjoy the Mackenzie's I know I have been.
April 17, 2018
Mackenzie was a long, and emotional journey that had all of my feels out on my sleeve. M.A. Foster was brilliant at drawing me in while taking me for a ride that still has me all kinds of jacked up long after I finished. It all starts with Cole making a mistake that became the best thing in his life. But it was something that hurt Harper a great deal, as it intertwined their lives in a big way. And I won't give more than that. I'm not a big fan of Cole to be honest, as I think that he was a douche with his questionable decisions, even after I finished it. And yeah, I know he was a teenager, but I feel like he was very selfish, so I still want to throat punch him for those decisions. I loved Harper, even when she made some bad decisions of her own, because hers were made from knee jerk reactions from losing her family as a teenager, so she didn't really have anyone to help as much. The decisions that made me want to shake her were forgiving Cole too easily to be honest. It's these things that had the angst levels sky high, to where my eyes leaked more than once. However, the cast of secondaries brought me some comedic relief from said angst with the besties like Jay, and a sassy tiny human. Not to mention Cole's family had big love & took Harper in which was heartwarming. Add in a few twists to drop the f-bombs, and it was the perfectly engaging & emotional story! I hope there is more in this awesome series, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
March 28, 2018
Mackenzie by M. A. Foster is absolute perfection! I seriously did not want to put this book down. Foster has a way of bringing characters to life and giving you a glimpse into the depths of their souls.
Cole Mackenzie has it all. A great family, a future in football, and friends who are loyal. However, his world is about to be flipped upside down.
Harper on the other hand has faced loss no one should have to face at any age. She is a warrior with a vulnerable heart, and finds herself learning what true friendship and family mean.
I love the way Foster lets this story unfold. She gives you pieces of characters you grew to love in Jaybird, while still allowing this book to stand on its own.
“Just love her with every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, and protect her with every bone in your body. Be her everything.”
5 Huge Stars!!!
Cole Mackenzie has it all. A great family, a future in football, and friends who are loyal. However, his world is about to be flipped upside down.
Harper on the other hand has faced loss no one should have to face at any age. She is a warrior with a vulnerable heart, and finds herself learning what true friendship and family mean.
I love the way Foster lets this story unfold. She gives you pieces of characters you grew to love in Jaybird, while still allowing this book to stand on its own.
“Just love her with every beat of your heart, every breath in your lungs, and protect her with every bone in your body. Be her everything.”
5 Huge Stars!!!
April 21, 2018
Loved this story! Mackenzie was a pleasant surprise for me. I was hooked from the very beginning, and was almost in tears a couple chapters in. This was a well written story with both relatable and likeable characters. I really liked Cole, he was a typical teen, but also very mature, insightful, and thoughtful. I also liked the dynamic between the characters, you felt their bond, and believed it was real. I loved Willow, and smiled every time she spoke, adorable! I could go on forever (but don't want to give spoilers), all in all, it was a wonderful story that deserves a lot of praise :-) Note: This book is a standalone, but have many of the same characters in it as the author's first book, "Jaybird". And though I was able to follow along just fine, it would have been helpful to have read Book 1 first, to know more of their history. Great book, I highly recommend!
May 11, 2018
I usually don't leave reviews but I don't know how this book is getting all 4-5 Stars. The story could have been great but there was to many characters that it made me ask who is the story really about. Even tho each chapter had the main character names. For the Heroine Harper you hurt for her and the Struggles she goes thru that I got annoyed/Mad at the guy Cole because he didn't reach out to her. And who knows when they discovered who Harper was to the little girl in the picture. I stopped half way thru that book and skipped to the end to see how it ended... The ending was great Im just sad i couldn't go thru the whole book. I also see this author is still new so hopefully her next book is better like I said it was good in the beginning it just got to overwhelming.
September 23, 2018
Although this story follows along the same time line as Jaybird and to some degree the events are also the same that it might on the surface be repetitive, in actual fact you are getting more details and understanding of Cole and Harper. The details we don't get in the first book, the events that cover the two of them and their stories and secrets. This is emotional and just as heartbreaking at times as Jaybird is, I really felt for both these characters as everything became clear. It also shows just how much damage can be done from deep family secrets. I didn't want to put this down though life forced me to. Gripping ride full of ups, downs and twists along the way.
January 31, 2019
I LOOOOOOOOVE everything about this book!! I loved Cole in Jaybird so I especially loved getting his whole story! I fell in love with Jaybird and have been anxiously awaiting for Mackenzie and it did not disappoint in the least! I was thrown for a loop right from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down from that point on! I always enjoy getting to go back to the beginning of the story and getting a big back story on a character that was a bit in the background in previous books and Mackenzie did just that!! There will definitely be a re-read of this book for me in the near future!!
April 6, 2018
Once again MA Foster did NOT disappoint!!
This is the story of Cole and Harper who we met in Jaybird, MA’s first book.
At the beginning Cole finds out he has a child who he’ll be raising on his own, with the help of his family. Willow is the most adorable child I’ve ever read in a book and she totally added to the story.
Harper is orphaned after losing the only family she had. Her and Cole become friends and later more, but a major secret threatens to pull them apart.
This is unlike any book I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to see what this author has for us next.
Well don’t MA Foster!
This is the story of Cole and Harper who we met in Jaybird, MA’s first book.
At the beginning Cole finds out he has a child who he’ll be raising on his own, with the help of his family. Willow is the most adorable child I’ve ever read in a book and she totally added to the story.
Harper is orphaned after losing the only family she had. Her and Cole become friends and later more, but a major secret threatens to pull them apart.
This is unlike any book I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to see what this author has for us next.
Well don’t MA Foster!
April 1, 2018
***Arc received for review***
3.75 Stars
Before I start this review, I have to give kudos to the person that designed this cover. OMG, this cover alone made me want to read this novel. I didn't even read the blurb before I requested an arc. This cover is so damn sweet!
Mackenzie is a novel about one single teen father's journey into juggling his personal life and his parental life. Cole Mackenzie never imagined the night he lost his virginity in the back of a car at a college party would result in him gaining something much greater. A daughter.
Harper Murphy is on the edge of self-destruction. After having her family tragically ripped away from her, she'll do whatever it takes to be involved and connected to her last living family member. When Harper accidentally uncovers secrets kept from her passed on relatives, she discovers her life is about to change forever.
There is so much to say about this novel, both positive and negative.
I loved Cole and the situation he was going through. In romance novels it's a typical thing for the single teen parent to be the mother. I can say, I never read a novel with a single teen parent who is a man not to mention a single teen parent who is a man and so incredibly young. This little fact brought a new vibe to the novel, a vibe that I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Cole step up and care for his daughter. I loved how even though he was scared he stepped up to the plate and did what needed to be done. The moments between Cole and Willow are so sweet. I loved how feisty this little one is! I couldn't control the goofy smile on my face. Its moments like this that keeps me reading and hoping for more sweet and sentimental moments. I just wish there were more moments between Willow and Cole. I felt that this novel centered more around Cole and his friendship and relationship drama and less around him actually fathering a child, after all that is what this novel is basically about.
One thing I appreciate in novels are strong family values. The Mackenzie family is a family that thrives on their values. When given a subject as strong as this trope it's easy for a strong family to crumble under the pressure. The Mackenzie's didn't crumble if anything their bonds became stronger. Well those that were in the loop of what was actually going on.
The friendship aspect in this novel was just as strong as the family vibes. However, I feel Cole and Harper's story was put on the back burner in some instances. This book is supposed to be based around them and their issues, sometimes I felt that Jay and Zach's issues where being spotlighted more than Cole and Harper's.
I'm not going to get into Harper's story because I feel this is where all the spoilers are held. Let's just say, my heart seriously broke for this girl over and over again. I felt her pain in certain circumstances.
Now onto the negatives.
I enjoyed this novel but certain aspects really annoyed me. First of all, why in the hell did it take Harper and Cole so damn long to get together. I've heard of a slow buildup but this build up was extremely slow....It was almost too slow to the point where if it wasn't for those little moments between Willow and Cole, I would have seriously set this book to the side. But on a positive note, when Cole and Harper started to cross one another's paths I found this novel seriously Intriguing to the point where I was flying through this novel and couldn't put it down.
Overall, as you can see by the review I'm on the fence on loving this novel and liking this novel. I loved the premise and the strong relationships but I disliked the buildup and the fact that I wanted more from Willow and Cole. The drama was an extreme like for me. It wasn't a love due to the fact that it was easily predicted at the beginning of the novel. Really in the end, this novel was exactly what I was looking for. It was an easy novel that had cute moments and funny back and forth banter. It had some parts that made for some heartbreaking drama filled moments.
However, I am intrigued by Jay and Zach. When I have time I plan on diving into that novel as soon as possible!!
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3.75 Stars
Before I start this review, I have to give kudos to the person that designed this cover. OMG, this cover alone made me want to read this novel. I didn't even read the blurb before I requested an arc. This cover is so damn sweet!
Mackenzie is a novel about one single teen father's journey into juggling his personal life and his parental life. Cole Mackenzie never imagined the night he lost his virginity in the back of a car at a college party would result in him gaining something much greater. A daughter.
Harper Murphy is on the edge of self-destruction. After having her family tragically ripped away from her, she'll do whatever it takes to be involved and connected to her last living family member. When Harper accidentally uncovers secrets kept from her passed on relatives, she discovers her life is about to change forever.
There is so much to say about this novel, both positive and negative.
I loved Cole and the situation he was going through. In romance novels it's a typical thing for the single teen parent to be the mother. I can say, I never read a novel with a single teen parent who is a man not to mention a single teen parent who is a man and so incredibly young. This little fact brought a new vibe to the novel, a vibe that I really enjoyed. I loved seeing Cole step up and care for his daughter. I loved how even though he was scared he stepped up to the plate and did what needed to be done. The moments between Cole and Willow are so sweet. I loved how feisty this little one is! I couldn't control the goofy smile on my face. Its moments like this that keeps me reading and hoping for more sweet and sentimental moments. I just wish there were more moments between Willow and Cole. I felt that this novel centered more around Cole and his friendship and relationship drama and less around him actually fathering a child, after all that is what this novel is basically about.
One thing I appreciate in novels are strong family values. The Mackenzie family is a family that thrives on their values. When given a subject as strong as this trope it's easy for a strong family to crumble under the pressure. The Mackenzie's didn't crumble if anything their bonds became stronger. Well those that were in the loop of what was actually going on.
The friendship aspect in this novel was just as strong as the family vibes. However, I feel Cole and Harper's story was put on the back burner in some instances. This book is supposed to be based around them and their issues, sometimes I felt that Jay and Zach's issues where being spotlighted more than Cole and Harper's.
I'm not going to get into Harper's story because I feel this is where all the spoilers are held. Let's just say, my heart seriously broke for this girl over and over again. I felt her pain in certain circumstances.
Now onto the negatives.
I enjoyed this novel but certain aspects really annoyed me. First of all, why in the hell did it take Harper and Cole so damn long to get together. I've heard of a slow buildup but this build up was extremely slow....It was almost too slow to the point where if it wasn't for those little moments between Willow and Cole, I would have seriously set this book to the side. But on a positive note, when Cole and Harper started to cross one another's paths I found this novel seriously Intriguing to the point where I was flying through this novel and couldn't put it down.
Overall, as you can see by the review I'm on the fence on loving this novel and liking this novel. I loved the premise and the strong relationships but I disliked the buildup and the fact that I wanted more from Willow and Cole. The drama was an extreme like for me. It wasn't a love due to the fact that it was easily predicted at the beginning of the novel. Really in the end, this novel was exactly what I was looking for. It was an easy novel that had cute moments and funny back and forth banter. It had some parts that made for some heartbreaking drama filled moments.
However, I am intrigued by Jay and Zach. When I have time I plan on diving into that novel as soon as possible!!
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The Staircase Reader
March 31, 2018
Life has a way of throwing a wrench in your plans and nobody knows that more than Cole Mackenzie. Cole is on the path to greatness, popular at his high school, made the Varsity Football team as a Freshman/Junior and the ladies man. But one night throws that all away when his older brother takes him to a college party and 9 months later .... well you know the rest ... However, it all changes in a blink of an eye and Cole is left being a single, teen father to the worlds most perfect baby Willow. Willow's biological aunt Harper lost two people the day her sister died - her sister and her niece leaving her all alone. The backstory of what will turn out to be one of the most beautiful love stories to be written.
I loved the way M.A. Foster did not rush the story between Harper and Cole. At first I will admit, I was annoyed at how long it took for the story to move, but I began to appreciate how nothing felt forced. Foster was laying the footprint in what will turn out to be a beautiful love story between two people who were destined to be together. Foster is a wonderful writer who has the talent to write a story that is so beautiful and heart breakingly sad that you will fall instantly in love with Harper and root for her. I loved Harper's story and how the readers moved through her journey of grief through her eyes and her ability to trust and find love again.
M.A. Foster applied one of my favorite writing techniques by moving from Cole to Harper's perspective. Nothing is better to me then being able to hear from the lead characters perspective first hand and Foster switches from Cole's to Harker's POV. Readers begin to see and understand that Cole is not just some playboy jock that has everything given to him, but a boy who is trying to find his way in life. I loved how Uncle Markus stayed with Cole the entire novel and that his words rang true from beginning to end. You will fall instantly in love with Willow and her beautiful soul.
This is a wonderful story of love, loss and friendship and how two people can learn from their mistakes and learn to love again. M.A. Foster has written a beautiful story with characters who are so real and by the end of the book you feel like you know them intimately. I cannot wait to read more stories from this amazing author. Make sure you add Mackenzie to your To-Be-Read Shelf.
I loved the way M.A. Foster did not rush the story between Harper and Cole. At first I will admit, I was annoyed at how long it took for the story to move, but I began to appreciate how nothing felt forced. Foster was laying the footprint in what will turn out to be a beautiful love story between two people who were destined to be together. Foster is a wonderful writer who has the talent to write a story that is so beautiful and heart breakingly sad that you will fall instantly in love with Harper and root for her. I loved Harper's story and how the readers moved through her journey of grief through her eyes and her ability to trust and find love again.
M.A. Foster applied one of my favorite writing techniques by moving from Cole to Harper's perspective. Nothing is better to me then being able to hear from the lead characters perspective first hand and Foster switches from Cole's to Harker's POV. Readers begin to see and understand that Cole is not just some playboy jock that has everything given to him, but a boy who is trying to find his way in life. I loved how Uncle Markus stayed with Cole the entire novel and that his words rang true from beginning to end. You will fall instantly in love with Willow and her beautiful soul.
This is a wonderful story of love, loss and friendship and how two people can learn from their mistakes and learn to love again. M.A. Foster has written a beautiful story with characters who are so real and by the end of the book you feel like you know them intimately. I cannot wait to read more stories from this amazing author. Make sure you add Mackenzie to your To-Be-Read Shelf.
April 5, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. Especially since I saw that Jaybird has her own story, I need to read it soon.
Mackenzie gripped my heart from the very beginning, being so young and faced with choices and a tragedy that changed his life forever. It was a hard road for him, and to watch him grow and change from his playboy status to someone that can be counted on was an amazing transformation. I love it when characters grow so much in a book, it makes you fall in love with them even more, seeing them change for the better.
Harper broke my heart. She was so young and had to deal with so many things in her life. And the one last thing she held onto was also taken away. She did the best she could given her circumstances and she never waiver from the person she wanted to be. She’s strong and kind (ok, can have a temper when faced with the “mean girls” in school but that just made me love her more!). She always stood up for what was right and she did what she could to get closer to Willow, even if that meant staying in the shadows until the right time. That wasn’t easy for her and just goes to show how amazing this teenager truly is.
Coles family and best friend was great supporting characters, I’m glad we got some of background on them. It was a tad confusing in the beginning remembering who was who, lol, but I grew to love them too. Cole has such a great support system and really helped shape the man he grew up to be.
The story really was amazing, sweet, steamy, angsty and it was interesting enough to keep me reading all night. I wish Cole had been a tad bit older than 15 in the beginning when things happened but that’s life I guess and it was still a really good read!
Mackenzie gripped my heart from the very beginning, being so young and faced with choices and a tragedy that changed his life forever. It was a hard road for him, and to watch him grow and change from his playboy status to someone that can be counted on was an amazing transformation. I love it when characters grow so much in a book, it makes you fall in love with them even more, seeing them change for the better.
Harper broke my heart. She was so young and had to deal with so many things in her life. And the one last thing she held onto was also taken away. She did the best she could given her circumstances and she never waiver from the person she wanted to be. She’s strong and kind (ok, can have a temper when faced with the “mean girls” in school but that just made me love her more!). She always stood up for what was right and she did what she could to get closer to Willow, even if that meant staying in the shadows until the right time. That wasn’t easy for her and just goes to show how amazing this teenager truly is.
Coles family and best friend was great supporting characters, I’m glad we got some of background on them. It was a tad confusing in the beginning remembering who was who, lol, but I grew to love them too. Cole has such a great support system and really helped shape the man he grew up to be.
The story really was amazing, sweet, steamy, angsty and it was interesting enough to keep me reading all night. I wish Cole had been a tad bit older than 15 in the beginning when things happened but that’s life I guess and it was still a really good read!
March 31, 2018
MA Foster managed to give me all the feels with Mackenzie. I have been in LOVE with Cole since I read Jaybird!!! I am so happy that he got a book!!!
I was blown away from the Prologue with this book! And I did not see what took place coming, AT ALL. Nothing could prepare you for it. But man did it not give me all the feels!!!
MA Foster sucked me in and I was not capable of putting this down until the very last page.
" I've got it bad for this girl and I don't know what to do about it" Cole
Cole Mackenzie is an ass hole of epic proportions in Jaybird, and I just love an Alpha Asshole, they are my favorite book boyfriend ever!
Do you feel that, Harper?
Feel what?
That feeling in the pit of your stomach, like someone just unleashed a thousand butterflies.
Harper has a secret, and a pretty intense one, but so does Cole, and his is pretty HUGE. The secret, that is. Shame on ya'll for being perverts!
"It's not what you think" Harper
" Do you're not stalking my brother?"
"No, I'm not. I'll tell you everything if you're willing to listen." Harper
Cole is going to lose his shit!
" He's not. Because we're not going to tell him." Max
Holy shit, this just keeps getting better. Hold on, let me get Jerry Springer on the line." Dylan.
This book was everything. Heartbreaking, hilarious and every emotion in between.
"Don't break my heart, Cole Mackenzie."
" I wouldn't dream of it, Harper Murphy "
A definite 5 star read. I am not into the YA\NA books, I avoid them like the plague. But not the books that MA Foster writes. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
ahem.. Emerson...cough cough...
I was blown away from the Prologue with this book! And I did not see what took place coming, AT ALL. Nothing could prepare you for it. But man did it not give me all the feels!!!
MA Foster sucked me in and I was not capable of putting this down until the very last page.
" I've got it bad for this girl and I don't know what to do about it" Cole
Cole Mackenzie is an ass hole of epic proportions in Jaybird, and I just love an Alpha Asshole, they are my favorite book boyfriend ever!
Do you feel that, Harper?
Feel what?
That feeling in the pit of your stomach, like someone just unleashed a thousand butterflies.
Harper has a secret, and a pretty intense one, but so does Cole, and his is pretty HUGE. The secret, that is. Shame on ya'll for being perverts!
"It's not what you think" Harper
" Do you're not stalking my brother?"
"No, I'm not. I'll tell you everything if you're willing to listen." Harper
Cole is going to lose his shit!
" He's not. Because we're not going to tell him." Max
Holy shit, this just keeps getting better. Hold on, let me get Jerry Springer on the line." Dylan.
This book was everything. Heartbreaking, hilarious and every emotion in between.
"Don't break my heart, Cole Mackenzie."
" I wouldn't dream of it, Harper Murphy "
A definite 5 star read. I am not into the YA\NA books, I avoid them like the plague. But not the books that MA Foster writes. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
ahem.. Emerson...cough cough...
April 5, 2018
So this is the book I've been waiting on. Yes we get a lot of Cole from jaybird but we really didn't know his story until now. Cole is cocky, charming, a bit of an asshole at times but he truly cares about the people he loves. The Mackenzie clan is tight and support their own 1000%. Yes Cole messed up but it bought him the biggest blessing. Most people in his position, would either give up or try to wrangle everything. Cole makes it look easy but there's times you just laugh! 3 teenage boys trying to change a diaper, I laughed a lot during that part! Anyway, I loved Cole and his story. Harper has had a rough life but now things are starting to look up for her. She has a family who loves her and Cole who us madly in love with her. She goes thru a lot in this book but comes out a stronger sassier woman because of it. She's got fire but always a sweet side. You don't necessarily have to read Jaybird before this but I'd encourage you to just for the joy of seeing how her and Zach find their happiness and get acquainted more with the characters. This book makes you feel so many emotions. You laugh, cry,swoon and even want to punch a few bitches out in the process.. maybe that was just me lol. This book is incredible.. no it's truly perfection. I loved every minute of this book! What Cole and Harper have is truly amazing! They complete each other so well. Oh and the cover of this book is so well done and perfect for this story.
April 18, 2018
This is one book that refuses to be ignored - twenty new characters will be introduced if you miss a paragraph! There is so much happening but at the same time nothing is happening it's just that there are so many people, so many secrets, so many connections that it can be difficult to keep up.
Right at the beginning there is a young lady who goes to a party coz she likes a guy. Her name is Jade and the guy is Dylan. Only Dylan goes off with someone else causing Jade to get drunk and have sex in a car with Dylan's much younger brother. She gets pregnant. By the time she works out that her baby daddy is part of a much bigger family and is very young. Statutory rape young, she has an accident and dies while the baby survives. Jades younger sister is her on,y family but because she is underage apparently she can never know where her niece ends up. This is difficult to believe.
Meanwhile some part of the last book I never read infiltrates this book and we have the story of a much loved uncle dying while his family is coping relationships are tested. Two years pass where the younger sister goes to the same school as the baby daddy and watches him waiting for her chance to meet her niece, willow. She applies for a job with the families restaurant but while that's happening meets and moves in with a guy she barely knows. As a reader you know she is the heroine and he simply isn't the hero so you're waiting for the inevitable end to that relationship and boy does it ever end with a drama.
That's what this book is, drama. Young lovers, bullies, secrets, lies, and more lies. Eventually there is a happy ending for one or two of the couples. There is a revelation of a dad or two, families reuniting, friendships begun etc etc.
It's a mix of Tijans High school drama only magnified by the amount of characters and family members. Sports, musicians, famous, celebrity, money you name it it's in this book. So many tropes ... not enough attention span!🙃
Right at the beginning there is a young lady who goes to a party coz she likes a guy. Her name is Jade and the guy is Dylan. Only Dylan goes off with someone else causing Jade to get drunk and have sex in a car with Dylan's much younger brother. She gets pregnant. By the time she works out that her baby daddy is part of a much bigger family and is very young. Statutory rape young, she has an accident and dies while the baby survives. Jades younger sister is her on,y family but because she is underage apparently she can never know where her niece ends up. This is difficult to believe.
Meanwhile some part of the last book I never read infiltrates this book and we have the story of a much loved uncle dying while his family is coping relationships are tested. Two years pass where the younger sister goes to the same school as the baby daddy and watches him waiting for her chance to meet her niece, willow. She applies for a job with the families restaurant but while that's happening meets and moves in with a guy she barely knows. As a reader you know she is the heroine and he simply isn't the hero so you're waiting for the inevitable end to that relationship and boy does it ever end with a drama.
That's what this book is, drama. Young lovers, bullies, secrets, lies, and more lies. Eventually there is a happy ending for one or two of the couples. There is a revelation of a dad or two, families reuniting, friendships begun etc etc.
It's a mix of Tijans High school drama only magnified by the amount of characters and family members. Sports, musicians, famous, celebrity, money you name it it's in this book. So many tropes ... not enough attention span!🙃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
Cole Mackenzie is 16 years old and has just discovered that a girl he had sex with at a party when he was drunk is now pregnant with his child. When tragedy strikes he is left picking up the pieces and trying to decide how to be the best man and father he can be for Willow.
Harper Murphy gradually lost her family and has found herself alone, except for one person who does not know she exists. She attends the same school as Cole but knows nothing about him until she becomes close with his cousin, Jay.
As Cole and Harper navigate high school they each have secrets that they keep but what happens when secrets are revealed? Will they lose everything they have finally found?
This was another great book from this author in the Heritage Bay Series. If you have read Jaybird already then some of what happens is not as much of a surprise but the book is a great read and deals with other topics.
The evolution of Cole was amazing in that he changed his priorities and stopped drinking and partying to focus on Willow. That being said he still made some mistakes in the book with certain relationships but he was turning into a really good guy. He was guarded with certain aspects of his life, like Willow and Jay, but that was understandable.
I felt bad for Harper with losing those she loved and I understood how she got into the relationship with Joshua Casey and why she stayed and never picked up the signs of everything that relationship entailed. Yet she worked hard at school but wanted to find a way to see the last link to her sister, Jaden.
The friendships in this book were so important, especially at the school where Harper battled certain girls. I loved that Harper and Jay were such kindred spirits right away and they were so close. Jay never asked Harper for more than she was willing to share.
There were many difficult situations in the book and the author makes you feel as though you are in the book with the characters. The secondary characters all play important roles and it makes you want more from this series as you are already so invested in the books.
I was scared a few times in the book but the ending made my heart just burst open with a scene between Willow and Harper.
I can't wait for the next book!
Harper Murphy gradually lost her family and has found herself alone, except for one person who does not know she exists. She attends the same school as Cole but knows nothing about him until she becomes close with his cousin, Jay.
As Cole and Harper navigate high school they each have secrets that they keep but what happens when secrets are revealed? Will they lose everything they have finally found?
This was another great book from this author in the Heritage Bay Series. If you have read Jaybird already then some of what happens is not as much of a surprise but the book is a great read and deals with other topics.
The evolution of Cole was amazing in that he changed his priorities and stopped drinking and partying to focus on Willow. That being said he still made some mistakes in the book with certain relationships but he was turning into a really good guy. He was guarded with certain aspects of his life, like Willow and Jay, but that was understandable.
I felt bad for Harper with losing those she loved and I understood how she got into the relationship with Joshua Casey and why she stayed and never picked up the signs of everything that relationship entailed. Yet she worked hard at school but wanted to find a way to see the last link to her sister, Jaden.
The friendships in this book were so important, especially at the school where Harper battled certain girls. I loved that Harper and Jay were such kindred spirits right away and they were so close. Jay never asked Harper for more than she was willing to share.
There were many difficult situations in the book and the author makes you feel as though you are in the book with the characters. The secondary characters all play important roles and it makes you want more from this series as you are already so invested in the books.
I was scared a few times in the book but the ending made my heart just burst open with a scene between Willow and Harper.
I can't wait for the next book!
October 16, 2020
‘Seeing the way he looked at that woman, the same way he looked at me, it broke something in me. Not my heart. But my trust. Because of all the pain and heartbreak I’ve experienced over the years, I’ve learned how to prevent myself from getting hurt.’
Mackenzie by M. A. Foster is a YA high school, single father sports romance and is the second book in the Heritage Series - although can be read as a stand-alone.
This was an sweet enjoyable read filled with drama, romance and a little angst. Yes there is a lot of characters, however I still found myself able to keep up with who’s who.
This was my first read by M. A. Foster and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I would recommend this read to anyone who loves a high school drama filled romance.
Mackenzie by M. A. Foster is a YA high school, single father sports romance and is the second book in the Heritage Series - although can be read as a stand-alone.
This was an sweet enjoyable read filled with drama, romance and a little angst. Yes there is a lot of characters, however I still found myself able to keep up with who’s who.
This was my first read by M. A. Foster and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I would recommend this read to anyone who loves a high school drama filled romance.
April 6, 2018
This is MA Foster 2nd book and its a must read. The story is told in dual POV from both Harper and Cole.
Cole Mackenzie is everyone's dream guy (well he's my dream guy anyway!) Poor Harper has had her struggles and done her best. I'm not doing to give anything anyway but this is a MUST READ for 2019.
And oh my.....Willow is amazing.
You get all the feels especially the love between close family and friends too, they are all such a strong group of people. I'm definitely looking forward to more from MA Foster.
Cole Mackenzie is everyone's dream guy (well he's my dream guy anyway!) Poor Harper has had her struggles and done her best. I'm not doing to give anything anyway but this is a MUST READ for 2019.
And oh my.....Willow is amazing.
You get all the feels especially the love between close family and friends too, they are all such a strong group of people. I'm definitely looking forward to more from MA Foster.
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