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Lovett, Texas #1
Daisy's Back in Town
Daisy Lee Monroe thought she'd brushed the dust of Lovett, Texas, off her high-heeled shoes years ago, but she's come back home only to find that little has changed. Her sister is still crazy, and her mom still has pink plastic flamingos in her front yard. And Jackson Lamott Parrish, the bad boy she'd left behind, is still so sexy it hurts. She'd like nothing better than to avoid this particular man, but she can't. Daisy has something to say to Jackson, and she's not going anywhere until he listens.Jackson learned his lesson about Daisy the hard way, and now the only word he's interested in hearing from Daisy's red lips is good-bye. But she's popping up everywhere, and he doesn't believe in coincidence. It seems the only way to keep her quiet is with his mouth, but kissing Daisy had once been his downfall. Is he strong enough to resist her now? Strong enough to watch her walk out of his life again? Is he strong enough to make her stay?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
134 people are currently reading
2820 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Gibson
70 books5,356 followersRachel Gibson is a New York times and USAToday bestselling author of 22 books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
April 1, 2008
If you like the secret baby theme that is sometimes common in romance novels, then this book was written for you.
I personally hated DAISY'S BACK IN TOWN with a passion and would give it less than one star if it were possible. It was poorly written, the characters were not very well developed and the secondary characters grated on my nerves. There were too many holes in the story and the love scenes were weird to say the least. The back cover promised a fun read with hints of pink plastic flamingos, crazy relatives and muscle cars. Some poor publisher was obviously stretching the truth in hopes of selling a book that shouldn't have made it to the presses in the first place.
Daisy had several opportunities to tell Jack about their son. Instead, she was a coward for fifteen years and couldn't bring herself to say anything to him. When she finally went home to visit Lovett, Texas she flirted with Jack and she managed to seduce him, but up until the day she was leaving town she didn't say a single thing about their child. By the time I hit PAGE 193 in the book, I was irritated and ready to slam it against the wall. THE KID is the one who finally reveals himself to Jack. Keep in mind this is not a baby either. Nathan (said kid) is a snot-nosed, punk hair wearing teenager with an attitude.
Did I mention the worst part? Daisy's husband was Jack's best friend. They married when she was pregnant with Jack's baby and took off to start a new life together in Seattle.
There is no valid excuse for Daisy's withholding of the child - Jack is not a bad guy. In fact, Daisy is still very much in love with Jack.
This book wreaks of immorality and promotes stereo-types that women have been trying to break down for centuries. Maybe I am annoyed because I have worked in family law and have dealt with a few cases like this. Yes, it makes sense to hide the identity of a child if biological daddy is a child molestor or is dangerous or was abusive. But the hero is this book was a Very Nice Guy who treated Daisy with respect. He was a gentleman. The minute he was made aware he had a child, he instantly tried to bond with his son. He went out of his way to spend every available moment he could with that kid. Jack's internal thoughts about missing out on his son's toddler years were heart-wrenching. It made me wish Daisy would get run over by one of those muscle cars or stabbed by a pink flamingo.
Hated this book! Don't waste your money on it.
I personally hated DAISY'S BACK IN TOWN with a passion and would give it less than one star if it were possible. It was poorly written, the characters were not very well developed and the secondary characters grated on my nerves. There were too many holes in the story and the love scenes were weird to say the least. The back cover promised a fun read with hints of pink plastic flamingos, crazy relatives and muscle cars. Some poor publisher was obviously stretching the truth in hopes of selling a book that shouldn't have made it to the presses in the first place.
Daisy had several opportunities to tell Jack about their son. Instead, she was a coward for fifteen years and couldn't bring herself to say anything to him. When she finally went home to visit Lovett, Texas she flirted with Jack and she managed to seduce him, but up until the day she was leaving town she didn't say a single thing about their child. By the time I hit PAGE 193 in the book, I was irritated and ready to slam it against the wall. THE KID is the one who finally reveals himself to Jack. Keep in mind this is not a baby either. Nathan (said kid) is a snot-nosed, punk hair wearing teenager with an attitude.
Did I mention the worst part? Daisy's husband was Jack's best friend. They married when she was pregnant with Jack's baby and took off to start a new life together in Seattle.
There is no valid excuse for Daisy's withholding of the child - Jack is not a bad guy. In fact, Daisy is still very much in love with Jack.
This book wreaks of immorality and promotes stereo-types that women have been trying to break down for centuries. Maybe I am annoyed because I have worked in family law and have dealt with a few cases like this. Yes, it makes sense to hide the identity of a child if biological daddy is a child molestor or is dangerous or was abusive. But the hero is this book was a Very Nice Guy who treated Daisy with respect. He was a gentleman. The minute he was made aware he had a child, he instantly tried to bond with his son. He went out of his way to spend every available moment he could with that kid. Jack's internal thoughts about missing out on his son's toddler years were heart-wrenching. It made me wish Daisy would get run over by one of those muscle cars or stabbed by a pink flamingo.
Hated this book! Don't waste your money on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2012
Hey I just came back, and this is crazy, but 15 years ago, I had your baby.
And I ran off with your best friend…the week your parents died. I love him but not the way I love you. But since you were sad, I didn’t want to make you even sadder so I married him instead. Then we lived happily in Seattle for 15 years and raised your son to call him daddy. Now the other guy is dead and well, you’re still really hot, so here I am! Back in town! And for 200 pages I’m not going to tell you about your son even though I have had ample opportunities to. I’ll have sex with you first because that’s a good way to soften the blow of the most selfish thing someone could ever do to you. Oh you’re mad? That’s unfair! Why should you be mad?! What did I do wrong?!
Ugh. Terrible. The plot is just absolutely absurd and the main character isn’t likeable at all. She’s an idiot. The only thing that got me through this is Gibson’s crass humor and even then it’s iffy.
And I ran off with your best friend…the week your parents died. I love him but not the way I love you. But since you were sad, I didn’t want to make you even sadder so I married him instead. Then we lived happily in Seattle for 15 years and raised your son to call him daddy. Now the other guy is dead and well, you’re still really hot, so here I am! Back in town! And for 200 pages I’m not going to tell you about your son even though I have had ample opportunities to. I’ll have sex with you first because that’s a good way to soften the blow of the most selfish thing someone could ever do to you. Oh you’re mad? That’s unfair! Why should you be mad?! What did I do wrong?!
Ugh. Terrible. The plot is just absolutely absurd and the main character isn’t likeable at all. She’s an idiot. The only thing that got me through this is Gibson’s crass humor and even then it’s iffy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2011
Oh my god, the heroine in this book has to be one of the most selfish creatures I've ever seen. She comes back after fifteen years, with a BIG surprise for the hero, and he's just supposed to forgive and forget?! Wow. I think Rachel missed the mark on this one.
March 14, 2017
No puedo deciros lo mucho que odie este libro sin hacer spoiler. Y como necesito desahogarme voy a destripar el libro ¿vale?
Bien tenemos a Daisy (en el instituto) que es una psicopata. Y lo digo porque si te pones como una loca cada vez que tu novio pone un pie fuera de casa sin que tú estés con él, ESO ES DE PSICOPATAS, ACOSADORAS OBSESIONADAS. Vamos, nada sano.
Y tenemos a Jack, un chico malo por excelencia pero lo de malo no por nada importante, simplemente era un gamberro. Es amigo de Daisy y de Steven, el otro chico de este trío (y ya veréis que nunca mejor dicho).
Bueno la historia empieza en que estos tres se hacen amigos pero como en todo libro, al final siempre les acaba gustando la chica. Pero a Daisy le gustan malos, así que se "queda" y lo digo entre comillas sí, con Jack. Y digo eso porque se lo tira a escondidas (vete tú a saber que puta razón tiene, si luego se pone loca cuando lo ve actuar como si nada ¡no habérselo pedido loca de mierda!) y no quiere que Steven se entere. Bueno como comprenderéis, no tienen cabeza ninguna y Daisy se encuentra con un kínder sorpresa, efectivamente, se queda embarazada de Jack. Y a ver pongámonos en situación de los hechos hasta ahora: Daisy, loca psicopata acosadora, que no hace más que gritarle a Jack por cosas imaginarias, películas que se monta ella en su cabeza, está enamorada de él pero no quiere que nadie la vea con el ( todo muy correcto).
Jack, un chico perdidamente enamorado de Daisy, que quiere hacerla suya ante todo el mundo, pero que cede en no decírselo a nadie por ella. De repente, sufre una desgracia, pierde a sus padres y su mundo se viene abajo. Tiene que cargar con un taller y un hermano. ¿Alguien no estaría abrumado por la responsabilidad? Así que el pobre Jack viendo que no podía con esto y con la locura de Daisy, le pide un tiempo. Normal, yo también necesitaría respirar.
Bueno entonces ahora comienza La pedazo de película que se ha montado Daisy en su cabeza: como no puede entender que alguien esté jodidamente hundido por la muerte de sus padres, por que claro eso debe ser tan raro como ver un unicornio, cuando se entera de que está embarazada, da por supuesto que Jack no lo va a soportar tampoco y se casa con Steven. TODO MUY OK!!!!! Por qué no eres una pedazo de zorra ni nada y encima vas y te casas con su otro amigo y te presentas en su casa para contarle que os habéis casado pero no que estas embarazada... ¿¡PERO TU ERES BIEN DE LA PUTA CABEZA!? Ya nos queda claro que no. Pero esperad esperad... NO HE ACABADO.
El caso no llegó a su punto álgido en el casamiento y el embarazo oculto, no... llegó en que Steven y Daisy se largaron del pueblo a vivir a Seattle y NUNCA y subrayo NUNCA JAMÁS le dijeron a Jack que Daisy estaba embarazada. ¿Soy la única cagándose en todos sus antepasados? Así que viven los tres, la familia feliz durante 15 años hasta que Steven se muere de un tumor. Y a Daisy de repente no se, debe venirle la inspiración divina y se le ocurre contarle a Jack que tiene un hijo (QUINCE PUTOS AÑOS DESPUÉS SABES!!!!!???????) y claro no se igual esperaba llegar al pueblo y que Jack la recibiera con los brazos abiertos, porque no eres una pedazo de perra que te casaste con su mejor amigo, te largaste y lo dejaste tirado cuando más hundido estaba verdad? No que va querida, no fuiste tú, fue tu prima la coja. Bueno ya cuando se entera evidentemente Jack odia tanto a Daisy como a Steven (NOOOORMAL) pero la autora ha decidido hacer al mundo terriblemente comprensivo (e irreal porque nadie se lo cree) y Jack se supone que tiene que dejar el pasado atrás y vivir el presente. POR SUPUEEEEESTO COMO NO! Me he perdido 15 años de la vida de un hijo QUE NO SABÍA QUE TENÍA pero venga no pasa nada vivamos felices y comamos perdices. PUES NO JODER NO ODIAAAAAA!!!! Es lo que tenía que hacer, yo nunca nunca se lo perdonaría, fueron 15 años sin tu hijo, 15 años que ese niño creyó que su padre era otro y no porque el verdadero no lo quisiera o lo abandonase. Este libro ha sido lo peor que he visto porque creo que este tema se ha tratado a la ligera. Jackson y Daisy no deberían acabar juntos, ella debería acabar sola y muerta de asco por ser tan mala persona. Me quedo con las palabras de Lilly, la hermana de Daisy:
«Lo lamento no son más que dos palabras, Daisy - le dijo su hermana -. Y no significan absolutamente nada si no las sientes de verdad. Ronnie me decía que lo lamentaba cada vez que lo pillaba en una mentira, pero lo que realmente lamentaba era que lo hubiese pillado de nuevo. A veces decir lo lamento no es suficiente.»
Bien tenemos a Daisy (en el instituto) que es una psicopata. Y lo digo porque si te pones como una loca cada vez que tu novio pone un pie fuera de casa sin que tú estés con él, ESO ES DE PSICOPATAS, ACOSADORAS OBSESIONADAS. Vamos, nada sano.
Y tenemos a Jack, un chico malo por excelencia pero lo de malo no por nada importante, simplemente era un gamberro. Es amigo de Daisy y de Steven, el otro chico de este trío (y ya veréis que nunca mejor dicho).
Bueno la historia empieza en que estos tres se hacen amigos pero como en todo libro, al final siempre les acaba gustando la chica. Pero a Daisy le gustan malos, así que se "queda" y lo digo entre comillas sí, con Jack. Y digo eso porque se lo tira a escondidas (vete tú a saber que puta razón tiene, si luego se pone loca cuando lo ve actuar como si nada ¡no habérselo pedido loca de mierda!) y no quiere que Steven se entere. Bueno como comprenderéis, no tienen cabeza ninguna y Daisy se encuentra con un kínder sorpresa, efectivamente, se queda embarazada de Jack. Y a ver pongámonos en situación de los hechos hasta ahora: Daisy, loca psicopata acosadora, que no hace más que gritarle a Jack por cosas imaginarias, películas que se monta ella en su cabeza, está enamorada de él pero no quiere que nadie la vea con el ( todo muy correcto).
Jack, un chico perdidamente enamorado de Daisy, que quiere hacerla suya ante todo el mundo, pero que cede en no decírselo a nadie por ella. De repente, sufre una desgracia, pierde a sus padres y su mundo se viene abajo. Tiene que cargar con un taller y un hermano. ¿Alguien no estaría abrumado por la responsabilidad? Así que el pobre Jack viendo que no podía con esto y con la locura de Daisy, le pide un tiempo. Normal, yo también necesitaría respirar.
Bueno entonces ahora comienza La pedazo de película que se ha montado Daisy en su cabeza: como no puede entender que alguien esté jodidamente hundido por la muerte de sus padres, por que claro eso debe ser tan raro como ver un unicornio, cuando se entera de que está embarazada, da por supuesto que Jack no lo va a soportar tampoco y se casa con Steven. TODO MUY OK!!!!! Por qué no eres una pedazo de zorra ni nada y encima vas y te casas con su otro amigo y te presentas en su casa para contarle que os habéis casado pero no que estas embarazada... ¿¡PERO TU ERES BIEN DE LA PUTA CABEZA!? Ya nos queda claro que no. Pero esperad esperad... NO HE ACABADO.
El caso no llegó a su punto álgido en el casamiento y el embarazo oculto, no... llegó en que Steven y Daisy se largaron del pueblo a vivir a Seattle y NUNCA y subrayo NUNCA JAMÁS le dijeron a Jack que Daisy estaba embarazada. ¿Soy la única cagándose en todos sus antepasados? Así que viven los tres, la familia feliz durante 15 años hasta que Steven se muere de un tumor. Y a Daisy de repente no se, debe venirle la inspiración divina y se le ocurre contarle a Jack que tiene un hijo (QUINCE PUTOS AÑOS DESPUÉS SABES!!!!!???????) y claro no se igual esperaba llegar al pueblo y que Jack la recibiera con los brazos abiertos, porque no eres una pedazo de perra que te casaste con su mejor amigo, te largaste y lo dejaste tirado cuando más hundido estaba verdad? No que va querida, no fuiste tú, fue tu prima la coja. Bueno ya cuando se entera evidentemente Jack odia tanto a Daisy como a Steven (NOOOORMAL) pero la autora ha decidido hacer al mundo terriblemente comprensivo (e irreal porque nadie se lo cree) y Jack se supone que tiene que dejar el pasado atrás y vivir el presente. POR SUPUEEEEESTO COMO NO! Me he perdido 15 años de la vida de un hijo QUE NO SABÍA QUE TENÍA pero venga no pasa nada vivamos felices y comamos perdices. PUES NO JODER NO ODIAAAAAA!!!! Es lo que tenía que hacer, yo nunca nunca se lo perdonaría, fueron 15 años sin tu hijo, 15 años que ese niño creyó que su padre era otro y no porque el verdadero no lo quisiera o lo abandonase. Este libro ha sido lo peor que he visto porque creo que este tema se ha tratado a la ligera. Jackson y Daisy no deberían acabar juntos, ella debería acabar sola y muerta de asco por ser tan mala persona. Me quedo con las palabras de Lilly, la hermana de Daisy:
«Lo lamento no son más que dos palabras, Daisy - le dijo su hermana -. Y no significan absolutamente nada si no las sientes de verdad. Ronnie me decía que lo lamentaba cada vez que lo pillaba en una mentira, pero lo que realmente lamentaba era que lo hubiese pillado de nuevo. A veces decir lo lamento no es suficiente.»
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2015
Usually I can tell pretty quickly if I am going to like a character or not.. and I dived into the story thinking Jackson is the one that was in the wrong.. gosh was I wrong...
There were three best friends growing up.. Jackson, Daisy Lee, and Steven.. let's forward a few years and Daisy Lee and Jackson are an item, in love like every young couple with its ups and downs...
Then Jackson's parents are killed in a drink driving accident, at the same time Daisy finds out she is pregnant.. So this stupid unbelievably ignorant heffer doesn't tell her best friend and boyfriend she runs to her other bff Steven.
Now Steven was a piece of work, he always loved Daisy more than he should, and basically proposes to her, tells her to keep the baby a secret from Jackson (AGAIN, their mutual best friend, and Daisy's boyfriend) And guess what?
This stupid bitch actually does it! She breaks Jackson's heart by leaving him and marrying Steven and moving away!
Fast forward 15 years, she is back because Steven died.. Now I should feel bad and not talk about the ill and all but this is fiction and karma is a bitch!
So she is back to tell Jackson he has a 15 year old son.
Which has me thinking, had your precious Steven not died you would have never told Jackson about his kid, you selfish, horrible piece of shit excuse of a mother!
So instead of telling him, she is spreading her legs for him... Now Nathan the 15 year old knows Steven wasn't his biological dad but he never questioned who his real dad is? Never seeked him out? He doesn't hate his mother for never telling his real father about him?
Those are real emotions are 15 year old would have when finding this out, but oh no not Nathan he is calm, keeps throwing "dad" in Jackson's face when talking about Steven.. I mean the poor man is bleeding from the inside.
I'm disgusted! Utterly disgusted. It's one thing keeping a baby because you're boyfriend is abusive and in the mafia. Another to run off play family with his best friend and pretend HIS baby is someone else's you stupid cow!
September 11, 2020
I started this book because I was looking for books read by Kathleen Early. She is great narrator and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. That’s about it for enjoyment.
I just find it infuriating to read about a spineless woman who is confident enough to ask for sex with someone and participate fully in it, but she doesn’t have the guts to tell that same someone they are pregnant? Then to go years, perpetuating a lie. The whole premise at the beginning of the book is that Daisy wants to finally tell Jack that he fathered her baby yet she over and over and over just whines ‘we need to talk’ but never gets to the talking part. I was irritated with the character for being so weak and irritated with the author for using this putting off technique to drag the book out. It sucked so I packed it in at about 40%. What a waste of time .
I just find it infuriating to read about a spineless woman who is confident enough to ask for sex with someone and participate fully in it, but she doesn’t have the guts to tell that same someone they are pregnant? Then to go years, perpetuating a lie. The whole premise at the beginning of the book is that Daisy wants to finally tell Jack that he fathered her baby yet she over and over and over just whines ‘we need to talk’ but never gets to the talking part. I was irritated with the character for being so weak and irritated with the author for using this putting off technique to drag the book out. It sucked so I packed it in at about 40%. What a waste of time .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2012
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
Rachel Gibson is one of my favorite go-to, sure thing authors for when I need a fun, steamy contemporary romance with quirky characters, sexy, masculine, alpha heroes, and the perfect balance of lighthearted, fluffy feel-good entertainment, humor, and emotional angst.
This is one of her mid-career works, and although not my favorite RG romance, it’s still an entertaining tale with a piquant Texas twang. And I’m looking forward to returning to Lovett, Texas with Crazy On You and Rescue Me. 4 stars!
Rachel Gibson is one of my favorite go-to, sure thing authors for when I need a fun, steamy contemporary romance with quirky characters, sexy, masculine, alpha heroes, and the perfect balance of lighthearted, fluffy feel-good entertainment, humor, and emotional angst.
This is one of her mid-career works, and although not my favorite RG romance, it’s still an entertaining tale with a piquant Texas twang. And I’m looking forward to returning to Lovett, Texas with Crazy On You and Rescue Me. 4 stars!
February 22, 2020
I just hate it when I get an audio book to do housework, errands and exercise with and then I can't turn it off! I love Rachel Gibson. Her romance is just how I like it.
At 18 Daisy had the biggest decision she ever had to face to make. For 15 years it was a good decision. Now, Daisy is back in Lovett, Texas and has to face the consequences of that decision. Nothing will ever replace the 15 years, but if everything works out, she can have her own Happily Ever After.
At 18 Jack lost his parents in an auto accident. Having to take on running the family business and raise his younger brother was a lot of responsibility for a young man. When Daisy left town, he felt her loss and knew that he would feel it for a long time. With Daisy back in town, he has to face what he lost and what he could well lose again.
At 18 Daisy had the biggest decision she ever had to face to make. For 15 years it was a good decision. Now, Daisy is back in Lovett, Texas and has to face the consequences of that decision. Nothing will ever replace the 15 years, but if everything works out, she can have her own Happily Ever After.
At 18 Jack lost his parents in an auto accident. Having to take on running the family business and raise his younger brother was a lot of responsibility for a young man. When Daisy left town, he felt her loss and knew that he would feel it for a long time. With Daisy back in town, he has to face what he lost and what he could well lose again.
July 24, 2019
This is a hard novel to read at times. The secret baby plot is a lot harder to swallow here, because the baby in question isn't really a baby - he's 15. For me, it's easy to forgive and forget when the heroine doesn't tell the hero right away about a baby, but only if it's cleared up early on. It's a lot harder to justify after 15 years of silence.
I remember having an argument with a friend about Daisy's actions several years ago. She couldn't accept that Daisy had kept her son a secret for so long. I, on the other hand, understood Daisy's reasons for not telling him in the beginning. I also understood how the longer she went without telling, the easier it was not to. I can't say I agree with it or condone it, but I understand.
On the night of Jack's parent's funeral, Daisy and Steven confronted him to tell him they'd gotten married - leaving out the part about the baby.
15 years go by. Steven dies and Daisy realizes she must tell Jack the truth about their son. She goes back to Lovett, TX (her hometown, where Jack still lives) to tell Jack the news, leaving Nathan (her son) behind in Seattle. All along Daisy always thought she did the right thing by not telling Jack, something Steven always fed into. But once she's back she realizes she made a mistake - that she robbed both Jack and Nathan of a relationship.
I think one of the reasons this works for me is that Daisy realizes she made a mistake and tries her best to make it right. She doesn't let Jack run all over her, but she understands his anger.
Jack is one of those over-the-top alphas who oozes sexual menace. While that can be off-putting in a lot of ways, it really worked here. I can't exactly say why it worked, but it did. His anger at Daisy is completely and totally justified, as is his anger at Steven. When he realizes the enormity of their betrayal..well, my heart broke for him. Not only did he lose the woman he loved and his son, but he lost his best friends as well.
Watching Daisy and Jack move forward with their lives and come back together was really hard at times. I wanted them to work things out, but I wasn't sure how Jack could let go of his anger. I worried that the resolution would come too easily, or that the true conflict would be brushed aside. But that wasn't the case. Gibson did a credible job of showing us how that anger can eat at a person.
Although parts of this novel are tough to get through, it's well worth reading. The characters individual struggles and hardships just make them that much more rounded and believable.
I remember having an argument with a friend about Daisy's actions several years ago. She couldn't accept that Daisy had kept her son a secret for so long. I, on the other hand, understood Daisy's reasons for not telling him in the beginning. I also understood how the longer she went without telling, the easier it was not to. I can't say I agree with it or condone it, but I understand.
On the night of Jack's parent's funeral, Daisy and Steven confronted him to tell him they'd gotten married - leaving out the part about the baby.
15 years go by. Steven dies and Daisy realizes she must tell Jack the truth about their son. She goes back to Lovett, TX (her hometown, where Jack still lives) to tell Jack the news, leaving Nathan (her son) behind in Seattle. All along Daisy always thought she did the right thing by not telling Jack, something Steven always fed into. But once she's back she realizes she made a mistake - that she robbed both Jack and Nathan of a relationship.
I think one of the reasons this works for me is that Daisy realizes she made a mistake and tries her best to make it right. She doesn't let Jack run all over her, but she understands his anger.
Jack is one of those over-the-top alphas who oozes sexual menace. While that can be off-putting in a lot of ways, it really worked here. I can't exactly say why it worked, but it did. His anger at Daisy is completely and totally justified, as is his anger at Steven. When he realizes the enormity of their betrayal..well, my heart broke for him. Not only did he lose the woman he loved and his son, but he lost his best friends as well.
Watching Daisy and Jack move forward with their lives and come back together was really hard at times. I wanted them to work things out, but I wasn't sure how Jack could let go of his anger. I worried that the resolution would come too easily, or that the true conflict would be brushed aside. But that wasn't the case. Gibson did a credible job of showing us how that anger can eat at a person.
Although parts of this novel are tough to get through, it's well worth reading. The characters individual struggles and hardships just make them that much more rounded and believable.
November 3, 2016
Occasionally when reading other peoples reviews and the reviewer has a bee in their bonnet, I think to myself 'lighten up, it's only a book'.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned bee is now in my bonnet!
I really disliked the heroine's behaviour. Her reasoning just wasn't acceptable to me.
This is interesting because a similar situation occurs in Simply Irresistible, which is one of my favourites, but it didn't diminish the heroine's likeability at all. In fact I completely fell in love with her and understood her decisions.
Perhaps I can excuse it because the child in that book was the product of a one night stand and the couple weren't invested in a real relationship. Or maybe because the child was still reasonably young when the father found out. But I don't understand how you could possibly forgive your girlfriend for running off with someone else, your best friend no less, and keeping your child a secret.
Ok, rant over.
Unfortunately, the aforementioned bee is now in my bonnet!
I really disliked the heroine's behaviour. Her reasoning just wasn't acceptable to me.
This is interesting because a similar situation occurs in Simply Irresistible, which is one of my favourites, but it didn't diminish the heroine's likeability at all. In fact I completely fell in love with her and understood her decisions.
Perhaps I can excuse it because the child in that book was the product of a one night stand and the couple weren't invested in a real relationship. Or maybe because the child was still reasonably young when the father found out. But I don't understand how you could possibly forgive your girlfriend for running off with someone else, your best friend no less, and keeping your child a secret.
Ok, rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
no-way-jose
October 13, 2024Note to self: I was going to pick this for my Secret Baby bingo square, but…. as teens, the heroine finds out she’s pregnant, leaves town with her boyfriends bff AND doesn’t tell her boyfriend that she’s pregnant. Fifteen years later, she returns to to town to let him know, by the way….
April 17, 2018
A little bit frustrating in the middle but overall a fantastic book.
August 20, 2015
When Daisy left Lovett Texas 14 years ago it was with a broken heart after being dumped by her first love, Jackson. Now she is back in town, older and wiser and desperate to talk to Jackson. Jackson for his part wants nothing to do with the woman who married his best friend but Daisy is showing up everywhere and it's getting harder and harder to avoid her.
Daisy's Back in Town is a very cute by the numbers contemporary romance. Predictable but I loved it all the same.
Daisy's Back in Town is a very cute by the numbers contemporary romance. Predictable but I loved it all the same.
July 5, 2019
3'5
#RitaGibson #RetoRita3
No es el libro del año pero me ha gustado, me lo he pasado bien y Jack es askjkajskjdaksjdkajfds
#RitaGibson #RetoRita3
No es el libro del año pero me ha gustado, me lo he pasado bien y Jack es askjkajskjdaksjdkajfds
February 2, 2011
I have real issues with the whole "never telling the father that he has a child" storyline. Its so completely unforgivable, that I have hard time getting past it to enjoy the story.
I think Rachel Gibson did a decent job of working the romance around it, but nothing in the world could ever make Steven's actions okay, at least not as he explained them in his letter. It doesn't matter that he died, and it bothers me still that Daisy never felt any anger toward him.
I like Gibson's writing, but this is just too awful a plot to truly enjoy.
I think Rachel Gibson did a decent job of working the romance around it, but nothing in the world could ever make Steven's actions okay, at least not as he explained them in his letter. It doesn't matter that he died, and it bothers me still that Daisy never felt any anger toward him.
I like Gibson's writing, but this is just too awful a plot to truly enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2013
He loves her.
Jackson Lamott Parrish thought he'd seen the back of Daisy when she ran off with his best friend years ago. He vowed then he'd never let another woman get close to him again, and he's been breaking hearts ever since.
He loves her not...
But Daisy has a secret, one she can confess only to Jackson. So why is he the one person staying well out of her way?
He loves her?
An absolute roller-coaster of a romance, this is an addictive novel about what happens when you fall in love... with the boy next door.
I knew I would enjoy this book purely because it's Rachel Gibson. Although this book didn't have much going for it in terms of the plot and characters it turned out to be another entertaining read from Rachel Gibson. She has a way of doing that. This book had a huge Texan flavour to it and Daisy is the stereotypical Texan gal - shiny hair, short dresses and cowgirl boots. She's definitely not one of those heroines many can relate to and you can't help but hate her sometimes.
I was really annoyed with the fact that Daisy was essentially in love with two men. That didn't really work for me. Although she ends up working things out with Jackson, I couldn't help but think that it only ended up happening because of Steven's death. If she really loved Jackson then how did she live fifteen years without him? I thought that was unrealistic. My heart really broke for Jackson and I thought that Daisy could've handled things a lot better even in her circumstances.
This was a fun read with a dose of Texan spice and Rachel Gibson wit. I would recommend it to romance readers who are looking for a sexy twist on a childhood romance.
Rate: 3.5-4 stars
Jackson Lamott Parrish thought he'd seen the back of Daisy when she ran off with his best friend years ago. He vowed then he'd never let another woman get close to him again, and he's been breaking hearts ever since.
He loves her not...
But Daisy has a secret, one she can confess only to Jackson. So why is he the one person staying well out of her way?
He loves her?
An absolute roller-coaster of a romance, this is an addictive novel about what happens when you fall in love... with the boy next door.
I knew I would enjoy this book purely because it's Rachel Gibson. Although this book didn't have much going for it in terms of the plot and characters it turned out to be another entertaining read from Rachel Gibson. She has a way of doing that. This book had a huge Texan flavour to it and Daisy is the stereotypical Texan gal - shiny hair, short dresses and cowgirl boots. She's definitely not one of those heroines many can relate to and you can't help but hate her sometimes.
I was really annoyed with the fact that Daisy was essentially in love with two men. That didn't really work for me. Although she ends up working things out with Jackson, I couldn't help but think that it only ended up happening because of Steven's death. If she really loved Jackson then how did she live fifteen years without him? I thought that was unrealistic. My heart really broke for Jackson and I thought that Daisy could've handled things a lot better even in her circumstances.
This was a fun read with a dose of Texan spice and Rachel Gibson wit. I would recommend it to romance readers who are looking for a sexy twist on a childhood romance.
Rate: 3.5-4 stars
August 31, 2012
Cover & Title - 4/5
Favorite lines - “Mom," Nathan called to her. Daisy pulled her gaze from the tent and the fleeting glimpse of Jack's bare back, the smooth planes and indent of his spine, the sliver of the white elastic just above the blue waistband of his jeans..."Hmm?" "What's a faaar ant?" he asked just above a whisper. "Fire." She chuckled and shook her head. "Fire ant. They have a nasty bite that burns." Nathan smiled. "Well, why didn't he just say fire?" "He thinks he did.”
Favorite Character - Lily
My favorite things about this book
1. Lily, she really made me laugh. I felt bad for her too but mostly her behavior & dialog made me giggle.
2. Nathan questioning Jack about sex, I have children & i must say i am not looking forward to this discussion. The questions Nathan asked, oh jeeze that my son's never ask me them.
3. The sex scene were hot. The chemistry & sexual tension between Jack & Daisy was fantastic.
I did enjoy this story & it made me laugh quite a few times. The thing was because i recently read a book with a similar story-line i didn't enjoy it as much as i think i would of if i had read the other book. I found this story really easy going & a joy to read. I like the way the author writes & her characters seemed well developed.
I would recommend this book & I plan on reading more by this author.
For more review by me check out my blog - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/
Favorite lines - “Mom," Nathan called to her. Daisy pulled her gaze from the tent and the fleeting glimpse of Jack's bare back, the smooth planes and indent of his spine, the sliver of the white elastic just above the blue waistband of his jeans..."Hmm?" "What's a faaar ant?" he asked just above a whisper. "Fire." She chuckled and shook her head. "Fire ant. They have a nasty bite that burns." Nathan smiled. "Well, why didn't he just say fire?" "He thinks he did.”
Favorite Character - Lily
My favorite things about this book
1. Lily, she really made me laugh. I felt bad for her too but mostly her behavior & dialog made me giggle.
2. Nathan questioning Jack about sex, I have children & i must say i am not looking forward to this discussion. The questions Nathan asked, oh jeeze that my son's never ask me them.
3. The sex scene were hot. The chemistry & sexual tension between Jack & Daisy was fantastic.
I did enjoy this story & it made me laugh quite a few times. The thing was because i recently read a book with a similar story-line i didn't enjoy it as much as i think i would of if i had read the other book. I found this story really easy going & a joy to read. I like the way the author writes & her characters seemed well developed.
I would recommend this book & I plan on reading more by this author.
For more review by me check out my blog - http://bookprotagonist.blogspot.co.uk/
February 17, 2016
Secret baby plot is just not my thing. Ms Gibson saved it from being disastrous but I still can't say I liked it. She did the emotions very well though.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
June 13, 2015
This is the only Rachel Gibson book that I hadn't re-read and after listening to a few of her books over the last few weeks, I kept thinking about this book and wondering why I hadn't re-read it. Then I did and remembered exactly why. You guys know how much I hate kids and books and this has a kid in the story. So please keep in mind, that while this bothered me, it might not bother most normal readers that aren't bothered by kids in books at all. I don't regret re-reading this book and at the end of the story I didn't hate it, although it did annoy me plenty of times. But Gibson's usual writing charm won me over and I enjoyed this, even though it isn't my favorite book of hers.
After losing her husband, Daisy is back in town to help out her sister as she is going through a nasty split-up with that rat bastard Ronnie (he's referenced as that in several books that take place in this town). She was expecting it to be a short trip and although she knew she might run into her high school boyfriend a few times, she didn't expect for all that passion and sexual tension and anger to still be there. Daisy and Jack didn't end their relationship in the best of terms. After Jack broke up with her after high school, Daisy married his best friend and left Lovett Texas for good. But, now 15 years later, she lost her husband to an illness and all those reasons and secrets that she thought she had left behind in Lovett are threatening to come back and bite her in the ass.
Another reason Daisy had for coming back to town was to confess a few things to Jack. [spoiler] After Jack broke up years ago, she found out she was pregnant. She was scared and Jack's best friend agreed to marry her and help her raise her baby. They had other reasons for what they did, but their plan was always to tell him the truth about his son. Eventually. But a year turn into two and eventually 15 years went by and they never got around to it. I just can't wrap my mind around the reasoning on why Daisy felt it was okay to keep his son away from him for 15 years. It all works out in the end, but it was a tough road to get there and I was annoyed and angry with Daisy several times throughout the book. [/spoiler] Despite all the bad blood between Jack and Daisy, the attraction and old feelings are back and stronger than ever. I really did enjoy all the flirting and the tension between them and would have loved if the book focused on this more instead of the main issue. As always, I do enjoy Gibson's characters (other than Daisy, cause she annoyed me a few times) and the small town setting that she creates so well. I have to say, that despite my issues, I did enjoy this, just not as much as her other books.
Audiobook Comments: I've heard a few books narrated by Kathleen Early at this point. While I think she did a really great job as Daisy, I have the same complaint as always. I really wish they would have had a male narrator for the male pov's. A female narrator for male POV chapters is always one of my pet peeves. I'm really glad that she didn't sound old, which is another pet peeve of mine with adult books. Other than that, this was another great performance by Kathleen and I will be listening to more books narrated by her in the future. Especially if they are Rachel Gibson books.
3 out of 5 stars
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
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After losing her husband, Daisy is back in town to help out her sister as she is going through a nasty split-up with that rat bastard Ronnie (he's referenced as that in several books that take place in this town). She was expecting it to be a short trip and although she knew she might run into her high school boyfriend a few times, she didn't expect for all that passion and sexual tension and anger to still be there. Daisy and Jack didn't end their relationship in the best of terms. After Jack broke up with her after high school, Daisy married his best friend and left Lovett Texas for good. But, now 15 years later, she lost her husband to an illness and all those reasons and secrets that she thought she had left behind in Lovett are threatening to come back and bite her in the ass.
Another reason Daisy had for coming back to town was to confess a few things to Jack. [spoiler] After Jack broke up years ago, she found out she was pregnant. She was scared and Jack's best friend agreed to marry her and help her raise her baby. They had other reasons for what they did, but their plan was always to tell him the truth about his son. Eventually. But a year turn into two and eventually 15 years went by and they never got around to it. I just can't wrap my mind around the reasoning on why Daisy felt it was okay to keep his son away from him for 15 years. It all works out in the end, but it was a tough road to get there and I was annoyed and angry with Daisy several times throughout the book. [/spoiler] Despite all the bad blood between Jack and Daisy, the attraction and old feelings are back and stronger than ever. I really did enjoy all the flirting and the tension between them and would have loved if the book focused on this more instead of the main issue. As always, I do enjoy Gibson's characters (other than Daisy, cause she annoyed me a few times) and the small town setting that she creates so well. I have to say, that despite my issues, I did enjoy this, just not as much as her other books.
Audiobook Comments: I've heard a few books narrated by Kathleen Early at this point. While I think she did a really great job as Daisy, I have the same complaint as always. I really wish they would have had a male narrator for the male pov's. A female narrator for male POV chapters is always one of my pet peeves. I'm really glad that she didn't sound old, which is another pet peeve of mine with adult books. Other than that, this was another great performance by Kathleen and I will be listening to more books narrated by her in the future. Especially if they are Rachel Gibson books.
3 out of 5 stars
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Follow me at:
Bloglovin │ Twitter │ Tumblr │ Pinterest │ Polyvore
January 4, 2013
Nicely done; but I have one major problem with the fact that the heroine, in love with the hero marries his best friend, and obviously did not find it difficult to adapt to the change in male. I honestly understood why the hero took so long to get it over with, because I do not believe I would have been able of that in his shoes.
February 16, 2022
It was a fun read. I have not read of of Rachel Gibson for a while and it was really nice to read her book again. Daisy went away 15 years ago but she come back. She has an important fact to tell to someone. That someone is not just anybody. Is her first everything and more she get closed more it seemed they are discovering the feelings again.
December 25, 2018
Giving this 3.5 stars. I really really enjoy this author. Fun stories and good characters. But this book’s story line had something which bothers me in so many stories. That is a plot line where a character decides not to tell the the father he has a child. I really hate that. So for that reason I had a a hard time with this story. I also didn’t love the heroine. Thought she was pretty selfish. Then she tells her love interest that he has to forgive her for what she did - which was pretty awful. But I really do love this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
Daisy's Back in Town
4 Stars
Following the death of her husband, Daisy Monroe returns to Lovett, Texas to reveal a long-held secret. The only problem is that the man she needs to speak to, her former best friend and lover, Jack Parrish, will barely even speak to her. Will Daisy be able to get past his anger to tell him the truth? And once she does, will he ever be able to forgive her?
The second chances romance between Daisy and Jack is excellent and they have an amazing connection both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, the secret-keeping isn't too drawn out although it could have been revealed earlier and with less drama.
The town of Lovett with its quirky residents is delightful, and I look forward to returning with the next book.
4 Stars
Following the death of her husband, Daisy Monroe returns to Lovett, Texas to reveal a long-held secret. The only problem is that the man she needs to speak to, her former best friend and lover, Jack Parrish, will barely even speak to her. Will Daisy be able to get past his anger to tell him the truth? And once she does, will he ever be able to forgive her?
The second chances romance between Daisy and Jack is excellent and they have an amazing connection both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, the secret-keeping isn't too drawn out although it could have been revealed earlier and with less drama.
The town of Lovett with its quirky residents is delightful, and I look forward to returning with the next book.
July 13, 2019
I gave you this ring when we were in the sixth grade. If you'd have me, Daisy, I'll buy you a real one.
October 9, 2021
4.5 stars- Ahhh… this is mostly for all the memories this book brings me
I can’t believe I read this book over 15 years ago. I didn’t remember all of the details- just one smexy scene and the secret baby trope- but that was vivid enough for me to still continue to think of this book all these years later.
Daisy’s back in town, and Jack notices her. She goes to his house because she needs to talk to him, she needs to tell him something very important, and she needs to give him a letter from her deceased husband- who happened to have been Jack’s best friend when they were younger. Jack, Steven, and Daisy were all inseparable when they were teenagers. All until one day Steven and Daisy came to Jack’s house and they told him they were married. They got married because Daisy got pregnant by Jack, but because Jack‘s parents had just died, he suddenly had to become the guardian of his little brother. Daisy realized that it would be too much for him and he wouldn’t be able to handle being a father, losing his parents like he did, and being the guardian of his little brother. Steven was getting ready to go to college and told her that he would take care of her and the baby, so the best thing that they needed to do was to get married.
Since all of this happened, Jack has been bitter ever since. He keeps avoiding Daisy, keeps shutting her down, and doesn’t let her tell him whatever it is she needs to tell him. As Daisy’s trying to do all of this, she’s realizing how much she missed being back home. She’s been gone all this time, settling in her life in Seattle, away from Texas. Other things happen while she’s home, like her sister going crazy after her soon-to-be-ex-husband, her mom gossiping left and right, and the other lives around her that she’s forgotten about.
The sexual tension between Daisy and Jack is nuclear from the getgo. Yes, when she goes to his house, another woman is there, but after that, they really only see each other. Gahhh… the first time they finally kiss after all this time was the scene I could never forget- that’s how I found this book! That’s how memorable it was to me over 15 years later… because it’s so damn 🔥🥵. I kept rereading that scene over and over again- and they don’t even have smex (well, not right then and there- eventually they do the next day lol). Although there are only two full on sexy scenes, all the tension and chemistry was raw, passionate, and intense💦🔥😅🥵. Obviously, no one else has ever compared to the level of passion and visceral intensity as when they were together, and 15 years later, it’s the same for them👏🏻🤤😅🥵🔥.
I loooooved all the flashback scenes- it really shows us how connected they were when they were younger- from the random things they did as kids- like when they got in trouble, to Jack being all swoony and rescuing Daisy when she was dumped before a dance, to when she lost her v to him, to sneaking around behind Steven’s and everyone else’s backs when they were lovers, to finding out how scary life can be when you’re pregnant or when you lose your parents- all of it was beautiful and heartbreaking to watch.
When Daisy was recounting Steven’s death… I cried 😩🥺❤️. Where she left her wedding ring got me so choked up I couldn’t even breathe. It just KILLED me!!! Even remembering it right now as I write this review is bringing on the tears. #cancersucks
Why not a full 5 stars- the reasons why they never told Jack the truth all those years was not strong enough. Come on! How can you not tell the father of your child that he has a kid for THAT long 🙈. I understood the reason why she fled when she found out she was pregnant at first, but as soon as life settled and Jack improved/became responsible, they should have told him the truth. I sided with Jack here- the amount of hurt and the betrayal he felt was horrible! I felt sucker punched myself!
Overall, I’m so glad I found this book after so many years. It’s a great lesson on loss, learning to move on, living life, FORGIVENESS, and, most importantly, setting things right even if it’s many years later. Jack and Daisy were always meant to be together- it just took a while to get there.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating
-owd- kind of? the H is with ow when the h goes to his house. At this point, they hadn’t seen each other in 15 years so it’s not a big deal really. He’s with ow at a bar and he sees the h- he gravitates towards her and kisses her- forgetting ow; the next day, H and h have sex and he tells the h that he almost went home with ow but he couldn’t stop thinking of the h
-omd- there are om that like the h. She actually goes on a few dates with om and kisses him, but she realizes she only wants the H
-death of a loved one (cancer)
I can’t believe I read this book over 15 years ago. I didn’t remember all of the details- just one smexy scene and the secret baby trope- but that was vivid enough for me to still continue to think of this book all these years later.
Daisy’s back in town, and Jack notices her. She goes to his house because she needs to talk to him, she needs to tell him something very important, and she needs to give him a letter from her deceased husband- who happened to have been Jack’s best friend when they were younger. Jack, Steven, and Daisy were all inseparable when they were teenagers. All until one day Steven and Daisy came to Jack’s house and they told him they were married. They got married because Daisy got pregnant by Jack, but because Jack‘s parents had just died, he suddenly had to become the guardian of his little brother. Daisy realized that it would be too much for him and he wouldn’t be able to handle being a father, losing his parents like he did, and being the guardian of his little brother. Steven was getting ready to go to college and told her that he would take care of her and the baby, so the best thing that they needed to do was to get married.
Since all of this happened, Jack has been bitter ever since. He keeps avoiding Daisy, keeps shutting her down, and doesn’t let her tell him whatever it is she needs to tell him. As Daisy’s trying to do all of this, she’s realizing how much she missed being back home. She’s been gone all this time, settling in her life in Seattle, away from Texas. Other things happen while she’s home, like her sister going crazy after her soon-to-be-ex-husband, her mom gossiping left and right, and the other lives around her that she’s forgotten about.
The sexual tension between Daisy and Jack is nuclear from the getgo. Yes, when she goes to his house, another woman is there, but after that, they really only see each other. Gahhh… the first time they finally kiss after all this time was the scene I could never forget- that’s how I found this book! That’s how memorable it was to me over 15 years later… because it’s so damn 🔥🥵. I kept rereading that scene over and over again- and they don’t even have smex (well, not right then and there- eventually they do the next day lol). Although there are only two full on sexy scenes, all the tension and chemistry was raw, passionate, and intense💦🔥😅🥵. Obviously, no one else has ever compared to the level of passion and visceral intensity as when they were together, and 15 years later, it’s the same for them👏🏻🤤😅🥵🔥.
I loooooved all the flashback scenes- it really shows us how connected they were when they were younger- from the random things they did as kids- like when they got in trouble, to Jack being all swoony and rescuing Daisy when she was dumped before a dance, to when she lost her v to him, to sneaking around behind Steven’s and everyone else’s backs when they were lovers, to finding out how scary life can be when you’re pregnant or when you lose your parents- all of it was beautiful and heartbreaking to watch.
When Daisy was recounting Steven’s death… I cried 😩🥺❤️. Where she left her wedding ring got me so choked up I couldn’t even breathe. It just KILLED me!!! Even remembering it right now as I write this review is bringing on the tears. #cancersucks
Why not a full 5 stars- the reasons why they never told Jack the truth all those years was not strong enough. Come on! How can you not tell the father of your child that he has a kid for THAT long 🙈. I understood the reason why she fled when she found out she was pregnant at first, but as soon as life settled and Jack improved/became responsible, they should have told him the truth. I sided with Jack here- the amount of hurt and the betrayal he felt was horrible! I felt sucker punched myself!
Overall, I’m so glad I found this book after so many years. It’s a great lesson on loss, learning to move on, living life, FORGIVENESS, and, most importantly, setting things right even if it’s many years later. Jack and Daisy were always meant to be together- it just took a while to get there.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating
-owd- kind of? the H is with ow when the h goes to his house. At this point, they hadn’t seen each other in 15 years so it’s not a big deal really. He’s with ow at a bar and he sees the h- he gravitates towards her and kisses her- forgetting ow; the next day, H and h have sex and he tells the h that he almost went home with ow but he couldn’t stop thinking of the h
-omd- there are om that like the h. She actually goes on a few dates with om and kisses him, but she realizes she only wants the H
-death of a loved one (cancer)
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January 4, 2015
12/30/2014 -- Re-read
If I adjusted ratings on re-reads, I think I'd bump this up a bit to maybe 4.5 Stars. I really liked the story and the relationship between the sisters. Saying this, I thought Daisy an asshole for keeping her secret as long as she did and again, the ending a bit rushed.
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 3 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [Re-read .. invaluable]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
390 pages
First sentence: Heat waves drifted across the concrete as the '63 Thunderbird slid from the shadow of the garage.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
05/01/2012 --
4 Stars
Have I said before .. Rachel Gibson can write a tale? I know, so much it makes you nauseous, but it is true.
This is my first of her Lovett Texas series and I loved it. I can relate to Texas more than I can the northwest; Washington State is another of her venues. This book had the classic car loving Jack. He was a gear head from birth. He and Steven had a third best friend, Daisy. These three were like “three peas in a pod” throughout their childhood. Both Jack and Steven were in love with Daisy but Jack was winning… Then, tragedy strikes on several fronts. Jack’s world was upside down. Daisy gets clingy and he needs some distance from her. Daisy needed Jack in the worst way and when he pushed her away, she didn’t know what to do and turned to Steven, their best friend. Steven was leaving to attend college in Washington State. He and Daisy ran away to get married and left Jack.
Skip ahead 15 years. Steven has died – long bout of illness with terminal brain cancer. Daisy comes back to Lovett to make peace with Jack and the rest folks, is stuff of Texas legend. How do these two end up together? Well, it sure wasn’t easy. Just ask Daisy.
**Spoiler Alert START**
I do have an issue with waiting 15 years to tell a man he has a child when everyone else in the whole blamed world knows it. Even the child [teen-age] knows it and has from the time he was little. He was caught completely unaware. He was madder than a dog stung by a bee, but he had every reason to be. I don’t see how they could have gotten past this whopper. I wondered, if Steven hadn’t died, would she have told Jack anything. She said the timing was never right. Would it have ever been right?
If I wanted to get hung up on the story, and I very easily could have, I would lower my rating to 2 stars or less, just to make a point. The way Daisy and Steven handled the baby was wrong no matter how you looked at it. No way to convince yourself it was “the right thing to do” to keep the knowledge of this child from Jack. It would have been Jack’s choice, what he did with the information. It was just so much easier this way. Very screwed up.
**Spoiler Alert STOP**
I’m through with my rant and will leave my 4 star rating alone.
Another really good Rachel Gibson read. I’m on to read the next in the Writer’s series. Starts with the “walk of shame”, and ladies, who out there can say they haven’t had this experience?
Happy Reading!!
If I adjusted ratings on re-reads, I think I'd bump this up a bit to maybe 4.5 Stars. I really liked the story and the relationship between the sisters. Saying this, I thought Daisy an asshole for keeping her secret as long as she did and again, the ending a bit rushed.
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 4 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 3 = 4 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 4 / 4 = 4 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4 Stars
Ending = 3 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [Re-read .. invaluable]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
390 pages
First sentence: Heat waves drifted across the concrete as the '63 Thunderbird slid from the shadow of the garage.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
05/01/2012 --
4 Stars
Have I said before .. Rachel Gibson can write a tale? I know, so much it makes you nauseous, but it is true.
This is my first of her Lovett Texas series and I loved it. I can relate to Texas more than I can the northwest; Washington State is another of her venues. This book had the classic car loving Jack. He was a gear head from birth. He and Steven had a third best friend, Daisy. These three were like “three peas in a pod” throughout their childhood. Both Jack and Steven were in love with Daisy but Jack was winning… Then, tragedy strikes on several fronts. Jack’s world was upside down. Daisy gets clingy and he needs some distance from her. Daisy needed Jack in the worst way and when he pushed her away, she didn’t know what to do and turned to Steven, their best friend. Steven was leaving to attend college in Washington State. He and Daisy ran away to get married and left Jack.
Skip ahead 15 years. Steven has died – long bout of illness with terminal brain cancer. Daisy comes back to Lovett to make peace with Jack and the rest folks, is stuff of Texas legend. How do these two end up together? Well, it sure wasn’t easy. Just ask Daisy.
**Spoiler Alert START**
I do have an issue with waiting 15 years to tell a man he has a child when everyone else in the whole blamed world knows it. Even the child [teen-age] knows it and has from the time he was little. He was caught completely unaware. He was madder than a dog stung by a bee, but he had every reason to be. I don’t see how they could have gotten past this whopper. I wondered, if Steven hadn’t died, would she have told Jack anything. She said the timing was never right. Would it have ever been right?
If I wanted to get hung up on the story, and I very easily could have, I would lower my rating to 2 stars or less, just to make a point. The way Daisy and Steven handled the baby was wrong no matter how you looked at it. No way to convince yourself it was “the right thing to do” to keep the knowledge of this child from Jack. It would have been Jack’s choice, what he did with the information. It was just so much easier this way. Very screwed up.
**Spoiler Alert STOP**
I’m through with my rant and will leave my 4 star rating alone.
Another really good Rachel Gibson read. I’m on to read the next in the Writer’s series. Starts with the “walk of shame”, and ladies, who out there can say they haven’t had this experience?
Happy Reading!!
February 15, 2017
Papatya Falı - Rachel Gibson || Kitap Yorumu
Rachel Gibson klasiğidir bana göre, geçmişte yaşadığı yeri terk edip ileride geri dönüş olması. Bu kitapta da vardı. Daisy'nin gidişi de dönüşü kadar olaylı olmuştu. Jack, unutamadığı aşkının kasabaya döndüğünü duyduğu zaman -ki karşısına çıkan hemen hemen herkes Daisy'nin geldiğini söylüyorsu- içinde, en derine gömdüğü öfkesiyle bir kez daha yüzleşmek zorunda. Daisy -inadına yapar gibi- gittiği her yerde karşısına çıkıyor ve ısrarla konuşmaları gereken önemli bir konunun olduğunu söyleyip dururken, Jack, Daisy'e karşı sadece öfkeli olmadığını fark eder. Israrla dile getirdiği gibi sadece Daisy'i hala arzuladığına inandırır kendini. (Yersen)
Daisy, yıllar önce Jack'i geride bırakma pahasına giderken beraberinde büyük bir sırla ortadan kaybolmuştur. Üstelik Jack'in yakın arkadaşı Steven ile beraber ayrıldığı kasabaya geri dönüşünde hiçbir şeyin kolay olmayacağının da bilincindedir. Üstelik Jack'e, hayatlarını değiştirecek önemli bir gerçekten, Nathan'dan, söz ettiğinde hiçbir şey eskisi gibi olmayacaktır. Tabi hesaba katmasığı şeyler vardır; bittiğini sandığı duyguların yeniden daha güçlü şekilde alev alması...
Karakterlerin her ne yaşamış olursa olsun, birbirlerine ne şekilde kelek atmış olurlarsa olsunlar çok çabuk şekilde affedip kaldıkları yerden devam etmelerine Rachel'in kitaplarında aşina olduğumuz bir durum ama Jack beni bile şaşırttı. Çok fazla detaya girip kitap hakkında önemli denecek yerleri size anlatmak istemem ama okuyunca ne demek istediğimi anlarsınız.
Hikâyeyi sevdim. Zaten Rachel Gibson yazar da sevilmez mı? Kasaba kurguları en sevdiklerimdendir ve karakterler arasında o kaçma kovalamaca kitabın ritmi hiç düşmedi. Daha canlı ve merak ettirerek okuttu okuyana. Birkaç yazım yanlışı gözüme çarpmış olsa da nazar boncuğu diyerek kendimi rahatlatmayı seçiyorum. Kitap güzeldi, birkaç günde bitirebileceğiniz bir kitap ve, okumaktan keyif alacağınız bir kurgu.
Okumanızı isterim, sonuçta Rachel Gibson ❤❤ benim hatun :-)
Rachel Gibson klasiğidir bana göre, geçmişte yaşadığı yeri terk edip ileride geri dönüş olması. Bu kitapta da vardı. Daisy'nin gidişi de dönüşü kadar olaylı olmuştu. Jack, unutamadığı aşkının kasabaya döndüğünü duyduğu zaman -ki karşısına çıkan hemen hemen herkes Daisy'nin geldiğini söylüyorsu- içinde, en derine gömdüğü öfkesiyle bir kez daha yüzleşmek zorunda. Daisy -inadına yapar gibi- gittiği her yerde karşısına çıkıyor ve ısrarla konuşmaları gereken önemli bir konunun olduğunu söyleyip dururken, Jack, Daisy'e karşı sadece öfkeli olmadığını fark eder. Israrla dile getirdiği gibi sadece Daisy'i hala arzuladığına inandırır kendini. (Yersen)
Daisy, yıllar önce Jack'i geride bırakma pahasına giderken beraberinde büyük bir sırla ortadan kaybolmuştur. Üstelik Jack'in yakın arkadaşı Steven ile beraber ayrıldığı kasabaya geri dönüşünde hiçbir şeyin kolay olmayacağının da bilincindedir. Üstelik Jack'e, hayatlarını değiştirecek önemli bir gerçekten, Nathan'dan, söz ettiğinde hiçbir şey eskisi gibi olmayacaktır. Tabi hesaba katmasığı şeyler vardır; bittiğini sandığı duyguların yeniden daha güçlü şekilde alev alması...
Karakterlerin her ne yaşamış olursa olsun, birbirlerine ne şekilde kelek atmış olurlarsa olsunlar çok çabuk şekilde affedip kaldıkları yerden devam etmelerine Rachel'in kitaplarında aşina olduğumuz bir durum ama Jack beni bile şaşırttı. Çok fazla detaya girip kitap hakkında önemli denecek yerleri size anlatmak istemem ama okuyunca ne demek istediğimi anlarsınız.
Hikâyeyi sevdim. Zaten Rachel Gibson yazar da sevilmez mı? Kasaba kurguları en sevdiklerimdendir ve karakterler arasında o kaçma kovalamaca kitabın ritmi hiç düşmedi. Daha canlı ve merak ettirerek okuttu okuyana. Birkaç yazım yanlışı gözüme çarpmış olsa da nazar boncuğu diyerek kendimi rahatlatmayı seçiyorum. Kitap güzeldi, birkaç günde bitirebileceğiniz bir kitap ve, okumaktan keyif alacağınız bir kurgu.
Okumanızı isterim, sonuçta Rachel Gibson ❤❤ benim hatun :-)
February 19, 2018
Negative stars! This is not romance. I read this book years ago when it first came out. I suppose I liked it or I wouldn't have kept it? So I decided to read it again. This reading made me wonder how I could've enjoyed this. The book begins when Daisy comes back to town after 15 plus years to tell her former teenage boyfriend/love of her life that he was the father of her only son. You see, Daisy and Jackson were in love. Jackson lost both parents in a car wreck and instead of being supportive Daisy got clingy when he was grieving (because it’s all about her?) so she is upset with Jackson...then she found out she was pregnant with Jackson’s baby. Does she tell him? Nope! She tells his best friend who tells her not to tell him and the two decide to marry. What? So instead of telling her boyfriend who has done nothing but be good to her, she gives him the silent treatment so all Jackson knows is that his girlfriend and best friend runaway and get married after both his parents are killed in an accident.
So, she raised the child with another guy, her boyfriends bestie who gets sick and dies. But this is like 15 years later. That’s right. Neither tell Jackson in all those years. He doesn’t even know the child exists. I was so horrified by her constant selfish actions. She and her dead husband were so awful and I felt so terrible for Jackson. Honestly, I couldn't like her and she didn't deserve Jackson.
How does Jackson find out. Well you would think with the fact she comes to town to tell him, she would. Nope. Has sex with him, stalks him...literally crashes a family birthday party...yeah, nothing about her is even likable. But her son, a punk with an attitude comes to Jackson’s business to meet him.
The forced HEA...Jackson only gets his son if he forgives that witch and marries her. Can we kill her now? Let’s face it, she never has an epiphany over what she and Steven did. She whines about Jackson not understanding, not forgiving her. So of course we know that had Steven not died Jackson would’ve never seen his son unless his son told him. His son isn’t much better because even though he was told early Steven wasn’t his dad, he tells Jackson that only Steven is his dad....even though he is old enough to know what a shitty thing his parents did. He doesn’t even seem interested in his dad but in his car. Yeah, he’s a prince of a kid. So Jackson had to give up his anger/betrayal in a couple of days to get a HEA. Really? He couldn’t possibly even like Daisy after this much less love her. Also, it it hard to believe Jackson, never found another girl. He wouldn’t pine over a high school chick. Sweet baby Jesus! Couldn't Gibson have found him a nice normal girl and kids? The worst and most unrealistic part was Jackson could only love this lying conniving witch? Completely unreal. No one waits 15 years for a teenage romance and surely seeing all the betrayal he would not want her...Ugh. I really wanted to bitch slap a bunch of people in this book!
So, she raised the child with another guy, her boyfriends bestie who gets sick and dies. But this is like 15 years later. That’s right. Neither tell Jackson in all those years. He doesn’t even know the child exists. I was so horrified by her constant selfish actions. She and her dead husband were so awful and I felt so terrible for Jackson. Honestly, I couldn't like her and she didn't deserve Jackson.
How does Jackson find out. Well you would think with the fact she comes to town to tell him, she would. Nope. Has sex with him, stalks him...literally crashes a family birthday party...yeah, nothing about her is even likable. But her son, a punk with an attitude comes to Jackson’s business to meet him.
The forced HEA...Jackson only gets his son if he forgives that witch and marries her. Can we kill her now? Let’s face it, she never has an epiphany over what she and Steven did. She whines about Jackson not understanding, not forgiving her. So of course we know that had Steven not died Jackson would’ve never seen his son unless his son told him. His son isn’t much better because even though he was told early Steven wasn’t his dad, he tells Jackson that only Steven is his dad....even though he is old enough to know what a shitty thing his parents did. He doesn’t even seem interested in his dad but in his car. Yeah, he’s a prince of a kid. So Jackson had to give up his anger/betrayal in a couple of days to get a HEA. Really? He couldn’t possibly even like Daisy after this much less love her. Also, it it hard to believe Jackson, never found another girl. He wouldn’t pine over a high school chick. Sweet baby Jesus! Couldn't Gibson have found him a nice normal girl and kids? The worst and most unrealistic part was Jackson could only love this lying conniving witch? Completely unreal. No one waits 15 years for a teenage romance and surely seeing all the betrayal he would not want her...Ugh. I really wanted to bitch slap a bunch of people in this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2013
I advise you not to read this unless you have read the book, sorry there isn't any punctuation I am just too angry!
Rachel Gibson is a great author she can make you fall in love with a character and make you hate a character so much that you want their blood all over your hands and that includes Daisy. Daisy has got to be the most selfish character I have ever had the painful pleasure to meet she may think that she Nathan's best interest at heart but she is wrong she deprived him from his REAL fathers love Jack would have been a great father and she can't tell me that she did not know that yes I understand that she was a scared 18 year old driven by her change in hormones but what about the next 15 years? There was no reason not to tell Jack it was not like he was abusive he was a good human being even when he was younger. What she did for lack of a better word was barbaric Jack had just lost both of his parents and in the same week he was betrayed by the love of his life and his best friend, Jack deserved no deserves better than that and it wasn't like Daisy changed that much she practically forced Jack to forgive her after she took 15 years of his life away saying that love was not enough for them to have a future together what she was really saying is that he was not enough just like before but the truth is that she is not enough not even close if she cannot see how good Jacks heart really is. God knows how Jack forgave her after everything she did but I will never forgive her Billy is right she is and forever will be an 'evil b***h'.
I'm going to have to give this book a 3 although RG is a great writer and kept a smile on my face and I love Jack but I cannot get over how someone like Daisy could even exist!
Rachel Gibson is a great author she can make you fall in love with a character and make you hate a character so much that you want their blood all over your hands and that includes Daisy. Daisy has got to be the most selfish character I have ever had the painful pleasure to meet she may think that she Nathan's best interest at heart but she is wrong she deprived him from his REAL fathers love Jack would have been a great father and she can't tell me that she did not know that yes I understand that she was a scared 18 year old driven by her change in hormones but what about the next 15 years? There was no reason not to tell Jack it was not like he was abusive he was a good human being even when he was younger. What she did for lack of a better word was barbaric Jack had just lost both of his parents and in the same week he was betrayed by the love of his life and his best friend, Jack deserved no deserves better than that and it wasn't like Daisy changed that much she practically forced Jack to forgive her after she took 15 years of his life away saying that love was not enough for them to have a future together what she was really saying is that he was not enough just like before but the truth is that she is not enough not even close if she cannot see how good Jacks heart really is. God knows how Jack forgave her after everything she did but I will never forgive her Billy is right she is and forever will be an 'evil b***h'.
I'm going to have to give this book a 3 although RG is a great writer and kept a smile on my face and I love Jack but I cannot get over how someone like Daisy could even exist!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2010
I picked this book specifically for Valentine's Day reading because I wanted a cute, maybe silly, easy read. Many of Rachel Gibson's books are just that for me; I love her contemporaries. But Daisy is not silly or easy tp read about. She is, however, extremely cute. Jack, her high school beau, acknowledges that she's still cheerleader-cute but he has spent the past 15 years hating her for getting married to his best friend, Stephen (nevermind that the day before he'd told her "he needed some space", and every girl knows what THAT really means!) and moving away to Seattle. But now Daisy's whole life has turned upside down after Stephen lost his 2 year fight with cancer. She's come back home to Lovett, Texas to tell Jack that he is the father of her 15 year old son, Nathan.
By page 208 I was crying as Jack read a letter from Stephen; by page 281 I wanted to sit Jack down and FORCE him to listen to Daisy. By the end of this story, my eyes were red and puffy from tears but I learned about what unforgiveness can do to your insides and hold you back from going on with your life. This sweet book was not silly or easy to read; I must admit, however, that overall it was cute and just what I needed to read over Valentine's Day.
By page 208 I was crying as Jack read a letter from Stephen; by page 281 I wanted to sit Jack down and FORCE him to listen to Daisy. By the end of this story, my eyes were red and puffy from tears but I learned about what unforgiveness can do to your insides and hold you back from going on with your life. This sweet book was not silly or easy to read; I must admit, however, that overall it was cute and just what I needed to read over Valentine's Day.
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