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Time River #1
Love Me Today
A jaded single dad. A woman returning to her small-town roots. Neither was prepared for their paths to collide… I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover. The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick. Good thing I’ll never have to see him again. Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me. Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best. Protecting the little girl is my one focus. Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave. One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion. But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought. Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me…
374 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2023
4333 people are currently reading
17990 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Jackson
95 books14.6k followersA.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, TIME RIVER, and MOONLIT RIDGE novels. Start your binge with the first book in her latest series, From Here to Eternity! A broody single dad, a heroine on the run, and all the steam and suspense!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
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Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
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Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, TIME RIVER, and MOONLIT RIDGE novels. Start your binge with the first book in her latest series, From Here to Eternity! A broody single dad, a heroine on the run, and all the steam and suspense!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
I have book specific playlists on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/user/1255231879
Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,691 reviews
May 30, 2023
One big cringe. 😬
The nicknames were corny (reckless angel, dark angel, little riot).
The overly dramatic, repetitive and excessive internal monologues got incredibly tiring to read.
The lack of chemistry was frustrating.
The useless flashbacks were unnecessary.
I almost didn’t finish but was too stubborn not to. I had to skim through a lot because I was so bored. If you cut out all the repetitive monologues, this book would probably just be 100 pages long.
The nicknames were corny (reckless angel, dark angel, little riot).
The overly dramatic, repetitive and excessive internal monologues got incredibly tiring to read.
The lack of chemistry was frustrating.
The useless flashbacks were unnecessary.
I almost didn’t finish but was too stubborn not to. I had to skim through a lot because I was so bored. If you cut out all the repetitive monologues, this book would probably just be 100 pages long.
Read
May 29, 2023LOVE ME TODAY IS AVAILABLE NOW!
• Single Dad
• Small Town
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Nanny
• Billionaire
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/LMTAmznOP
Audio: https://geni.us/LMTAudioOP
Signed Hardbacks, Paperbacks, and Release Bundles: https://geni.us/LMTSignedCopies
• Single Dad
• Small Town
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Nanny
• Billionaire
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/LMTAmznOP
Audio: https://geni.us/LMTAudioOP
Signed Hardbacks, Paperbacks, and Release Bundles: https://geni.us/LMTSignedCopies
May 21, 2023
4.5 stars
Small town? Single dad? Romantic suspense? Say no more! From the beginning, I loved how stoic and grumpy Caleb was and how he and Paisley definitely didn't get off on the right foot. But Caleb will do anything to give his daughter the best she deserves, and that means hiring Paisley to teach her to ride a horse. The setting of this story was perfect and I loved how Caleb has his huge ranch that Paisley ended moving into when she became Evelyn's nanny. The chemistry between Caleb and Paisley was so intense and I loved how they just couldn't resist each other anymore. And the suspense was SO GOOD. I loved the twist AL Jackson threw in at the end and I could not stop reading. I listened to an early copy of the audio and Joe Arden and Andy Arndt were the perfect narrators for this story! If you love small town and single dad, you have to pick this one up!
Small town? Single dad? Romantic suspense? Say no more! From the beginning, I loved how stoic and grumpy Caleb was and how he and Paisley definitely didn't get off on the right foot. But Caleb will do anything to give his daughter the best she deserves, and that means hiring Paisley to teach her to ride a horse. The setting of this story was perfect and I loved how Caleb has his huge ranch that Paisley ended moving into when she became Evelyn's nanny. The chemistry between Caleb and Paisley was so intense and I loved how they just couldn't resist each other anymore. And the suspense was SO GOOD. I loved the twist AL Jackson threw in at the end and I could not stop reading. I listened to an early copy of the audio and Joe Arden and Andy Arndt were the perfect narrators for this story! If you love small town and single dad, you have to pick this one up!
August 15, 2023
*chef’s kiss* single dad x nanny with a dark & suspenseful twist.
caleb moves to his cousins’ small town as a new single dad who’s escaping tragedy and hiding from his past. and who crashes into his car? the chaotic girl his recommended to give riding lessons to his daughter. he’s ready to fire her before she starts but she has an undeniable connection to his little girl and he’s desperate for the help.
I LOVE A BROODY, GRUMPY, BROKEN MAN. this was so cute. grumpy x sunshine with so many “i should stay away from you” moments and the cutest relationships between all three of them.
caleb moves to his cousins’ small town as a new single dad who’s escaping tragedy and hiding from his past. and who crashes into his car? the chaotic girl his recommended to give riding lessons to his daughter. he’s ready to fire her before she starts but she has an undeniable connection to his little girl and he’s desperate for the help.
I LOVE A BROODY, GRUMPY, BROKEN MAN. this was so cute. grumpy x sunshine with so many “i should stay away from you” moments and the cutest relationships between all three of them.
May 26, 2023
"And I knew, if I had the ability to love today, it would be her."
I swear I've been in love with the way AL Jackson writes since the first chapter of the first book of hers I read. That was a few books ago.
This was the perfect heartwarming, loving, steamy start to a new series, and I’m here for it!
"Fallen angel. That’s what he was. A dark one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant dick."
You know the grumps are my undoing. Even if they're asshole-y like Caleb, because you know any Amy hero will have a heart of gold underneath all that. Caleb does. I wanted to slap him at times, yell at him, and then cuddle up with him on the couch.
And I would do ALL those things. And more.
"She was adorable. Naïve. No idea what I would do to that tight body. How I’d fuck her every way. Ruin her for anyone else."
Paisley is the kind of heroine I’d aspire to be. She’s been knocked around, she’s lost her dream, but she’s fighting to get it back. She has the best friends and the best grandfather. And men are the furthest thing from her mind right now.
"God, there was something about Paisley Dae that lit the darkened places, a fucking light that speared through the shadows. Through the torment and grief."
Back in her hometown, a friend finds Paisley a job. All she has to do is get there. Except… she hits a Range Rover while she’s backing up from the parking lot. And the guy’s a total asshole to her. But her day can’t be ruined, right? Because she’s gonna get that job, and it’s all gonna go well.
Until she sees who her new boss actually is.
"Me: It’s only reckless if you regret it in the end.
Caleb: You’ll regret it. I can assure you that.
Me: And what if I don’t?"
They are PERFECT from the start! Caleb’s grumpiness and barricades against Paisley’s warm heart. His carefulness against her recklessness. His past against her own. His high walls against her smile. And a little girl. The one who makes everything better, who warms their hearts, and gives them both a purpose.
"Are you trying to drive me to madness, Ms. Dae?"
"Would you meet me there, Mr. Greyson?"
The chemistry between them is intoxicating. From the moment they see each other, it’s on. He enjoys being an ass and keeping her away, but she’s not putting up with his antics, and she gives as good as she gets.
"Just to be clear, if you touch my cock, Paisley Dae, you’re going to end up on your knees with it in your mouth."
And then there’s one night… and it changes everything. When they’re finally sort of honest about wanting each other. But letting go once won’t be enough—not when the attraction and the sense of rightness are this strong. And damn, these two are HOT!
"But that’s what you open yourself up to when you care about someone. Their pain. Sharing it with them."
Like I said, there are secrets around Caleb and his past. Things that seem to be coming back to haunt them, gunning for him at every turn, and add a suspense element to the story that intensifies their connection. He doesn’t care, though. All he cares about is protecting the little girl who is his whole world.
Well, her and the horse trainer who’s become her nanny and who’s weaved her way into his heart.
"Reckless Angel. Told you to stay away from me."
"The problem is, I don’t think you meant it."
The way they fall for each other was beautiful to witness. It’s not an easy road, and it’s equal parts steamy and heartfelt. I love the tension, the looks, the subtle touches, the want. Their hearts opening to the possibility, even if loving could mean heartache and loss.
All of this absolutely makes the book for me.
The side characters were amazing, and I can’t wait to see their own HEAs soon!
"Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."
I suppose it never felt like the right time for love for Caleb. But there’s no right time. All you have is now, so you should start by loving someone today. The best you can. And maybe today can turn into forever.
I swear I've been in love with the way AL Jackson writes since the first chapter of the first book of hers I read. That was a few books ago.
This was the perfect heartwarming, loving, steamy start to a new series, and I’m here for it!
"Fallen angel. That’s what he was. A dark one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant dick."
You know the grumps are my undoing. Even if they're asshole-y like Caleb, because you know any Amy hero will have a heart of gold underneath all that. Caleb does. I wanted to slap him at times, yell at him, and then cuddle up with him on the couch.
And I would do ALL those things. And more.
"She was adorable. Naïve. No idea what I would do to that tight body. How I’d fuck her every way. Ruin her for anyone else."
Paisley is the kind of heroine I’d aspire to be. She’s been knocked around, she’s lost her dream, but she’s fighting to get it back. She has the best friends and the best grandfather. And men are the furthest thing from her mind right now.
"God, there was something about Paisley Dae that lit the darkened places, a fucking light that speared through the shadows. Through the torment and grief."
Back in her hometown, a friend finds Paisley a job. All she has to do is get there. Except… she hits a Range Rover while she’s backing up from the parking lot. And the guy’s a total asshole to her. But her day can’t be ruined, right? Because she’s gonna get that job, and it’s all gonna go well.
Until she sees who her new boss actually is.
"Me: It’s only reckless if you regret it in the end.
Caleb: You’ll regret it. I can assure you that.
Me: And what if I don’t?"
They are PERFECT from the start! Caleb’s grumpiness and barricades against Paisley’s warm heart. His carefulness against her recklessness. His past against her own. His high walls against her smile. And a little girl. The one who makes everything better, who warms their hearts, and gives them both a purpose.
"Are you trying to drive me to madness, Ms. Dae?"
"Would you meet me there, Mr. Greyson?"
The chemistry between them is intoxicating. From the moment they see each other, it’s on. He enjoys being an ass and keeping her away, but she’s not putting up with his antics, and she gives as good as she gets.
"Just to be clear, if you touch my cock, Paisley Dae, you’re going to end up on your knees with it in your mouth."
And then there’s one night… and it changes everything. When they’re finally sort of honest about wanting each other. But letting go once won’t be enough—not when the attraction and the sense of rightness are this strong. And damn, these two are HOT!
"But that’s what you open yourself up to when you care about someone. Their pain. Sharing it with them."
Like I said, there are secrets around Caleb and his past. Things that seem to be coming back to haunt them, gunning for him at every turn, and add a suspense element to the story that intensifies their connection. He doesn’t care, though. All he cares about is protecting the little girl who is his whole world.
Well, her and the horse trainer who’s become her nanny and who’s weaved her way into his heart.
"Reckless Angel. Told you to stay away from me."
"The problem is, I don’t think you meant it."
The way they fall for each other was beautiful to witness. It’s not an easy road, and it’s equal parts steamy and heartfelt. I love the tension, the looks, the subtle touches, the want. Their hearts opening to the possibility, even if loving could mean heartache and loss.
All of this absolutely makes the book for me.
The side characters were amazing, and I can’t wait to see their own HEAs soon!
"Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."
I suppose it never felt like the right time for love for Caleb. But there’s no right time. All you have is now, so you should start by loving someone today. The best you can. And maybe today can turn into forever.
June 6, 2023
WOAHHH this is the perfect mix of Catherine Cowles & Elsie Silver. Country romantic suspense and I ATE IT UP
I really enjoyed this entire book. I loved Mr. Moody Caleb and Paisley is a vibe!! 👏👏
Single Dad
Billionaire
Nanny
Forced Proximity
Suspense
Grumpy Sunshine
I really enjoyed this entire book. I loved Mr. Moody Caleb and Paisley is a vibe!! 👏👏
Single Dad
Billionaire
Nanny
Forced Proximity
Suspense
Grumpy Sunshine
May 20, 2025
DNF @ 30%
I quit. I can't do it. How bad was this? I removed all A.L. Jackson books from my TBR. The writing is atrocious. The dramatic tone is ridiculous. The heroine Paisley Day is supposed to be this spunky wild reckless firecracker but she came off too flighty, self-absorbed and childish. What drew me to this book was the found family trope, a hero raising a traumatized little girl on a sprawling ranch and the heroine is hired as her horse trainer. The heroine supposedly has bonded with the timid little girl Evelyn in a matter of 1 day and feels protective of her knowing she "needs" someone but we don't see that bonding, it happens in the background while the hero broods and watches from his upstairs office window like an idiot. I obviously didn't read the whole book but it felt like a lot more telling than showing and dragging out scenes. When the hero and heroine butt heads she quits on the spot the very first week and these two circle each other like scorned lovers after that and it made no sense. You are spitting mad and hurt at your boss because he was an asshole but you supposedly need this job so bad and you supposedly love the little girl but don't even bother telling her goodbye and quit just after a few days?..... It just wasn't doing it for me. When there's a kid involved in the story then you need to show that relationship. Everything was so instanuous but trying to play it off like it wasn't.
The writing tries so hard to come off deep when it does the exact opposite. The word "monster" is used 17 times, the word "demon" is used 18 times and the word "dark" is used 87 times in this book. This is a Contemporary Romance and unless the hero has some magical paranormal power there is no earthly reason why your hero should be talking about inner monster and demons so frequently and to this extent.
Because 99.9% of the time, it turns out said "inner demons" are nothing but smoke and mirrors. Give your hero a complex that fucking translates to something or else he comes off looking like a corny jackass. I love me some brooding dark heroes but if the hero Caleb Greyson brooded any harder he would break something. I'm not saying his history isn't worth the mental angst but the way the author writes him it just makes it unbearable to empathize. Shoving a bunch of dramatic words into every sentence to try get your point across isn't necessary. The awkward clunky prose is so heavy handed that you can't pay attention to anything else. The stuff the hero would say/think was so ridiculously dramatic that it felt like he was yanked out of a Paranormal or Fantasy book and plopped into here:
It was giving these kind of vibes....
Clanged! Billowed! Oozed! Sloshed! Slashed! Gutted! Seeped! 🙄
And this was just the first 100 pages. 😬 Also, the hero's best friend supposedly lost his wife in a horrific accident 1 year ago but he's laughing, joking around, drinking beers and shooting the breeze in this? Didn't really make sense to me. If the writing wasn't so over the top, I might have hung in there but this is a 436 page book and I have no patience to sit through the sludge. Big fat no for me.
I quit. I can't do it. How bad was this? I removed all A.L. Jackson books from my TBR. The writing is atrocious. The dramatic tone is ridiculous. The heroine Paisley Day is supposed to be this spunky wild reckless firecracker but she came off too flighty, self-absorbed and childish. What drew me to this book was the found family trope, a hero raising a traumatized little girl on a sprawling ranch and the heroine is hired as her horse trainer. The heroine supposedly has bonded with the timid little girl Evelyn in a matter of 1 day and feels protective of her knowing she "needs" someone but we don't see that bonding, it happens in the background while the hero broods and watches from his upstairs office window like an idiot. I obviously didn't read the whole book but it felt like a lot more telling than showing and dragging out scenes. When the hero and heroine butt heads she quits on the spot the very first week and these two circle each other like scorned lovers after that and it made no sense. You are spitting mad and hurt at your boss because he was an asshole but you supposedly need this job so bad and you supposedly love the little girl but don't even bother telling her goodbye and quit just after a few days?..... It just wasn't doing it for me. When there's a kid involved in the story then you need to show that relationship. Everything was so instanuous but trying to play it off like it wasn't.
The writing tries so hard to come off deep when it does the exact opposite. The word "monster" is used 17 times, the word "demon" is used 18 times and the word "dark" is used 87 times in this book. This is a Contemporary Romance and unless the hero has some magical paranormal power there is no earthly reason why your hero should be talking about inner monster and demons so frequently and to this extent.
Because 99.9% of the time, it turns out said "inner demons" are nothing but smoke and mirrors. Give your hero a complex that fucking translates to something or else he comes off looking like a corny jackass. I love me some brooding dark heroes but if the hero Caleb Greyson brooded any harder he would break something. I'm not saying his history isn't worth the mental angst but the way the author writes him it just makes it unbearable to empathize. Shoving a bunch of dramatic words into every sentence to try get your point across isn't necessary. The awkward clunky prose is so heavy handed that you can't pay attention to anything else. The stuff the hero would say/think was so ridiculously dramatic that it felt like he was yanked out of a Paranormal or Fantasy book and plopped into here:
Torment gripped me by the throat. A slither of vipers sent to slay.
I began to pace within the confines of that nonexistence, agitation a hurricane battering my insides. It was a wonder I was able to stop myself from barreling over to stop Paisley as she led Evelyn toward Mazzey.
The problem was, I couldn’t be trusted. I was as dangerous as any other monster roaming the streets.
He’d been summoned like the demon he was, called up from the pits where he roamed.
She held up two fingers, her little face squished in question, a face that sent a shock of pain lancinating through me so savagely I had to bite back the agony that wanted to rip free of my chest.
Loving someone today? After what I’d caused? Agony clawed at my throat, pacing like a caged animal searching for a way out.
Impossible when I hungered for revenge. When the thirst for blood soaked me through. The oath that I would track down whoever was responsible, find him, and snuff out his life the way he’d done the others.
Rage and determination billowed through my bloodstream, and I brushed my thumb along the apple of her cheek, my insides quaking at the contact, at her sweet face that reminded me of every mistake I had made.
The sun had just burst over the horizon, and glittering darts of light speared through the window to pierce the night while the darkness inside me throbbed with the early morning call.
Most believed it fun and games, but I knew full well there were plenty of twisted fucks on the hunt. The depraved. The ones consumed with the thrill of spilling blood. With the love of hearing someone scream.
For a beat, her eyes rounded in surprise before a crash of laughter clanged from her, harsh and grating, full of offense and disbelief.
Another sound of dubiety ripped from her pretty lips.
Frustration carved a canyon through my spirit.
This…this…dark angel who oozed controlled wickedness soaked in a vat of arrogance.
“Do you have any clue of the monsters lurking in the shadows of this world, Ms. Dae? The demons out there waiting to hurt the innocent and unaware? You need to be careful.”
It was giving these kind of vibes....
Clanged! Billowed! Oozed! Sloshed! Slashed! Gutted! Seeped! 🙄
And this was just the first 100 pages. 😬 Also, the hero's best friend supposedly lost his wife in a horrific accident 1 year ago but he's laughing, joking around, drinking beers and shooting the breeze in this? Didn't really make sense to me. If the writing wasn't so over the top, I might have hung in there but this is a 436 page book and I have no patience to sit through the sludge. Big fat no for me.
July 25, 2023
2.5 ⭐
This book is okay for me. I had a hard time liking Caleb, mainly because he was an asshole in the beginning. I know he has demons and regrets but it was difficult to empathize with him, because he made those decisions and the repercussions were horrible.
I didn't like the push and pull between them and the fact that this is a slow burn cuz of his hang-ups. Then when I thought they were on the same page, he would pull back once again and insist he was not a good man and she had to stay away from him. Maaaan, istg! I thought my eyes would get stuck at the back of my head for the number of times I rolled it whenever he went cold to Paisley. Another thing that made it difficult to appreciate him is his relationship with Evelyn. Though I know they only knew one another for only a year, but he didn't make any effort to get to know his niece. He was so focused protecting her that he never put an effort to actually build a relationship with the kid. He let his fears, regrets, and anger control him that he ended up putting a wall between him and her. Their relationship is freaking strained and it only got better when Paisley came into the picture.
Paisley didn't make it better to make me like her character. Even after being treated like crap by Caleb, she still accepts him and even falls in love with him (duh, this is their story so obviously 🙄). Idk if she's just a nice person or just plain stupid for letting him treat her like that. She's always willing to take his rudeness because she knows there's something more about him. She wanted to know him even better although he's always difficult to deal with. Maybe I should applaud her for never giving up, and for exuding a neverending patience with Caleb. On the positive side, I do like her relationship with Evelyn, they were so cute and adorable together, and for a 5 year old she was way too mature for her age. I like the kid's personality and how sweet she is despite losing her mom.
The writing style is good but it just didn't click with me. I find it also weird that in flashbacks the POV is in third person, why though?? Plot wise I like it, got me hooked to find out the guy who was behind the murders. But I really struggle to connect with the main characters, they were unlikeable and I don't like that Caleb's issue took a major part of this book and the reason why it took them quite sometime to finally be together.
Also, the third act breakup pissed the crap out of me. I'm still thinking that there are ways for him to protect Paisley and Evelyn without hurting both of them emotionally. But no he had to go and spew some lies to push her away AGAIN! As a reader this kind of thinking gets exhausting along the way. Had Paisley and Evelyn not been kidnapped, Caleb would take Evelyn far away and for good, leaving Paisley heartbroken and alone. Though according to him, he would make sure that if anything happens to him, Paisley will be the sole guardian of Evelyn. So that's basically making them come together again. But in all seriousness, his solution to the problem was so stupid. Not only was it selfish in a way, he didn't even consider the effect of his choice to Evelyn and with all the progress she made in that small town. I know her safety is his number one priority, but still, he could've used his brain and family to help him with his problem, but no, he chose to do it alone.
Overall, I didn't like this story. I almost DNF this because I'm so frustrated with the MCs. I'm not sure if I'm glad that I pushed through and got to finish this. I guess the good thing is, this added a count to my Goodreads challenge.
Safety warnings:
- No cheating / owd
- OMD (her cheating ex made an appearance but Caleb put him in his place)
- Murder
- Death of a loved one
- Coercion and some torture (in flashbacks)
- HFN (they got engaged)
Additional note:
The second book is about Ryder and Dakota. Single mom / brother's best friend. He's a manwhore and she watched him and his revolving doors of women all throughout the years. She's been pining for him and I think she's celibate cuz her focus is on her son. So self note, avoid that book!!!!
This book is okay for me. I had a hard time liking Caleb, mainly because he was an asshole in the beginning. I know he has demons and regrets but it was difficult to empathize with him, because he made those decisions and the repercussions were horrible.
I didn't like the push and pull between them and the fact that this is a slow burn cuz of his hang-ups. Then when I thought they were on the same page, he would pull back once again and insist he was not a good man and she had to stay away from him. Maaaan, istg! I thought my eyes would get stuck at the back of my head for the number of times I rolled it whenever he went cold to Paisley. Another thing that made it difficult to appreciate him is his relationship with Evelyn. Though I know they only knew one another for only a year, but he didn't make any effort to get to know his niece. He was so focused protecting her that he never put an effort to actually build a relationship with the kid. He let his fears, regrets, and anger control him that he ended up putting a wall between him and her. Their relationship is freaking strained and it only got better when Paisley came into the picture.
Paisley didn't make it better to make me like her character. Even after being treated like crap by Caleb, she still accepts him and even falls in love with him (duh, this is their story so obviously 🙄). Idk if she's just a nice person or just plain stupid for letting him treat her like that. She's always willing to take his rudeness because she knows there's something more about him. She wanted to know him even better although he's always difficult to deal with. Maybe I should applaud her for never giving up, and for exuding a neverending patience with Caleb. On the positive side, I do like her relationship with Evelyn, they were so cute and adorable together, and for a 5 year old she was way too mature for her age. I like the kid's personality and how sweet she is despite losing her mom.
The writing style is good but it just didn't click with me. I find it also weird that in flashbacks the POV is in third person, why though?? Plot wise I like it, got me hooked to find out the guy who was behind the murders. But I really struggle to connect with the main characters, they were unlikeable and I don't like that Caleb's issue took a major part of this book and the reason why it took them quite sometime to finally be together.
Also, the third act breakup pissed the crap out of me. I'm still thinking that there are ways for him to protect Paisley and Evelyn without hurting both of them emotionally. But no he had to go and spew some lies to push her away AGAIN! As a reader this kind of thinking gets exhausting along the way. Had Paisley and Evelyn not been kidnapped, Caleb would take Evelyn far away and for good, leaving Paisley heartbroken and alone. Though according to him, he would make sure that if anything happens to him, Paisley will be the sole guardian of Evelyn. So that's basically making them come together again. But in all seriousness, his solution to the problem was so stupid. Not only was it selfish in a way, he didn't even consider the effect of his choice to Evelyn and with all the progress she made in that small town. I know her safety is his number one priority, but still, he could've used his brain and family to help him with his problem, but no, he chose to do it alone.
Overall, I didn't like this story. I almost DNF this because I'm so frustrated with the MCs. I'm not sure if I'm glad that I pushed through and got to finish this. I guess the good thing is, this added a count to my Goodreads challenge.
Safety warnings:
- No cheating / owd
- OMD (her cheating ex made an appearance but Caleb put him in his place)
- Murder
- Death of a loved one
- Coercion and some torture (in flashbacks)
- HFN (they got engaged)
Additional note:
The second book is about Ryder and Dakota. Single mom / brother's best friend. He's a manwhore and she watched him and his revolving doors of women all throughout the years. She's been pining for him and I think she's celibate cuz her focus is on her son. So self note, avoid that book!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
🎧📚AUDIO & EBOOK REVIEW📚🎧
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 4 STARS
Joe Arden & Andi Arndt are a force to be reckoned with when they come together to narrate a story. They are both incredibly talented and did a good job bringing this story to life for me. Although Joe still tends to sound like he’s trying to “beat the buzzer” when he narrates, it didn’t happen throughout his entire performance with this title so that’s progress :)
Thanks to Valentine PR and their team, I had the pleasure of both listening and reading this story with an early copy of both formats. Some of you might be thinking this just means I *read* the story twice, but it is so much more than that.
Listening to a story incorporates narrators who may or may not change your perception of the ”who, what, where” of it all for the better, worse, or none at all. It has happened to me time and time again and ever since the first time I experienced a stark contrast in my ”experience” with a story, I have sought out both formats whenever possible.
Obviously, if you’re reading a story only for the ”mechanic” of it, this wouldn’t pertain to you, but if how a story makes you feel is also part of what you, as a reader, consider part of the full experience of a story, these are my 2 cents on that subject. Do with them what you will :)
As for which format, I would recommend, I’d say which ever one you prefer will do just fine. This is not one of those times where there was a stark difference in my experience.
STORY REVIEW & RATING: SOLID 3.5 STARS with just enough to justify a round up to 4 STARS (because half stars are not a thing)
There are two things that kept floating in my head while listening to this story that just made me twitchy. One was the past circumstance between Caleb and his sister and the other was Caleb’s past and his upbringing as a whole. Caleb used his past circumstances to define who he was today to the point where it actually became a bit repetitive in his inner monologues. The repetitiveness of it all made me want to experience his past in more ways than a couple of flashbacks because it was important in how he defined himself as a person and his actions and reactions to present day circumstances. It was a missed opportunity, in my opinion, to make this story more powerful, which is what I’ve come to love about A.L. Jackson’s style of writing. The second plot-point I felt should have been fleshed out in more in-depth was his relationship, or lack of, with his siter, especially because of Evelyn. We only got bits and pieces about their relationship or lack of, but the mystery surrounding this storyline very much surrounds his sister. I can’t say I have an opinion on how it could have been done because I’m not a writer lol but the reader in me felt that particular plot point too superficial for its impactful consequences. Maybe a full-length prequel? UGH, I don’t know, but something!!
The story did hold the passion I’ve come to expect from an AL Jackson story and the chemistry did not disappoint. But here again, Caleb held out on his attraction and feelings because of the person he perceived himself to be and the baggage he didn’t want to ”touch” anyone else but as a reader I couldn’t connect with his turmoil because I just didn’t know it. Again, one or two flashbacks just weren’t enough for me to believe he was this persona he kept telling us he was. There’s a difference between being told something and being shown and in this case, being shown would have been more impactful, in my opinion. *shrug*
I appreciate being surprised by the who behind the mystery surrounding this story. Yes, the actions (you’ll have to read the story to get details) were somewhat predictable, but I did not see the who coming for nothing! Well done in that respect. The best part of the entire who of it all was ! I mean the absurdity of it all just made me laugh way too hard for such a devastating plot-point!
Sidenote: Sometimes the most benign and innocuous things get me all riled up and here’s one for you LOL This isn’t a single dad romance. #fightme
PERFORMANCE REVIEW & RATING: 4 STARS
Joe Arden & Andi Arndt are a force to be reckoned with when they come together to narrate a story. They are both incredibly talented and did a good job bringing this story to life for me. Although Joe still tends to sound like he’s trying to “beat the buzzer” when he narrates, it didn’t happen throughout his entire performance with this title so that’s progress :)
Thanks to Valentine PR and their team, I had the pleasure of both listening and reading this story with an early copy of both formats. Some of you might be thinking this just means I *read* the story twice, but it is so much more than that.
Listening to a story incorporates narrators who may or may not change your perception of the ”who, what, where” of it all for the better, worse, or none at all. It has happened to me time and time again and ever since the first time I experienced a stark contrast in my ”experience” with a story, I have sought out both formats whenever possible.
Obviously, if you’re reading a story only for the ”mechanic” of it, this wouldn’t pertain to you, but if how a story makes you feel is also part of what you, as a reader, consider part of the full experience of a story, these are my 2 cents on that subject. Do with them what you will :)
As for which format, I would recommend, I’d say which ever one you prefer will do just fine. This is not one of those times where there was a stark difference in my experience.
STORY REVIEW & RATING: SOLID 3.5 STARS with just enough to justify a round up to 4 STARS (because half stars are not a thing)
There are two things that kept floating in my head while listening to this story that just made me twitchy. One was the past circumstance between Caleb and his sister and the other was Caleb’s past and his upbringing as a whole. Caleb used his past circumstances to define who he was today to the point where it actually became a bit repetitive in his inner monologues. The repetitiveness of it all made me want to experience his past in more ways than a couple of flashbacks because it was important in how he defined himself as a person and his actions and reactions to present day circumstances. It was a missed opportunity, in my opinion, to make this story more powerful, which is what I’ve come to love about A.L. Jackson’s style of writing. The second plot-point I felt should have been fleshed out in more in-depth was his relationship, or lack of, with his siter, especially because of Evelyn. We only got bits and pieces about their relationship or lack of, but the mystery surrounding this storyline very much surrounds his sister. I can’t say I have an opinion on how it could have been done because I’m not a writer lol but the reader in me felt that particular plot point too superficial for its impactful consequences. Maybe a full-length prequel? UGH, I don’t know, but something!!
The story did hold the passion I’ve come to expect from an AL Jackson story and the chemistry did not disappoint. But here again, Caleb held out on his attraction and feelings because of the person he perceived himself to be and the baggage he didn’t want to ”touch” anyone else but as a reader I couldn’t connect with his turmoil because I just didn’t know it. Again, one or two flashbacks just weren’t enough for me to believe he was this persona he kept telling us he was. There’s a difference between being told something and being shown and in this case, being shown would have been more impactful, in my opinion. *shrug*
I appreciate being surprised by the who behind the mystery surrounding this story. Yes, the actions (you’ll have to read the story to get details) were somewhat predictable, but I did not see the who coming for nothing! Well done in that respect. The best part of the entire who of it all was ! I mean the absurdity of it all just made me laugh way too hard for such a devastating plot-point!
Sidenote: Sometimes the most benign and innocuous things get me all riled up and here’s one for you LOL This isn’t a single dad romance. #fightme
May 20, 2023
4.5/5
I’m firmly in my small town romance era with no plans to leave anytime soon and the start of @aljacksonsuthor new series fit my mood perfectly! The tropes here are some of my faves, it has grump and sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a single parent and some suspense. Paisley and Caleb had amazing chemistry which lead to some super spicy scenes and there was also an emotional component to it which about broke my heart. I love a cute kid in a romance and Evelyn was about as cute as they come 🥰 Basically this had everything I love and then some, I need book two asap because I cannot wait to be back in Time River
I’m firmly in my small town romance era with no plans to leave anytime soon and the start of @aljacksonsuthor new series fit my mood perfectly! The tropes here are some of my faves, it has grump and sunshine, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, a single parent and some suspense. Paisley and Caleb had amazing chemistry which lead to some super spicy scenes and there was also an emotional component to it which about broke my heart. I love a cute kid in a romance and Evelyn was about as cute as they come 🥰 Basically this had everything I love and then some, I need book two asap because I cannot wait to be back in Time River
March 5, 2024
Single Dad/Nanny
Grumpy/Sunshine
Billionaire
Small Town
Es el segundo libro que leo de A.L. Jackson y me gustó mucho la narrativa de la autora, es ligera, amena y adictiva, muy al estilo de Corinne y Melanie con la diferencia que su protagonista es más oscuro.
Paisley tiene poco que volvió a su ciudad natal y su mejor amigo la recomienda para trabajo, en donde enseñará a una niña de 5 años para que aprenda a montar, de camino a su nuevo empleo choca con un hombre grosero y arrogante y a llegar al trabajo se entera que su nuevo jefe es el tipo grosero y sexy con el que chocó.
Disfruté mucho el libro, si es un poco instalust pero no dan rienda a la pasión desde el inicio, al contrario no se soportan y tratan de mantenerse alejados.
Me gustó el desarrollo de la relación romántica pero sobre todo me gustó la relación de la niña con Paisley, desde el principio hubo una conexión y la niña estuvo presente en todo el libro y fue de las cosas que más me agradó.
El villano no me lo esperaba y sí me tomó por sorpresa.
Muero por leer el siguiente libro que es single mom y el mejor amigo del hermano.
Grumpy/Sunshine
Billionaire
Small Town
Es el segundo libro que leo de A.L. Jackson y me gustó mucho la narrativa de la autora, es ligera, amena y adictiva, muy al estilo de Corinne y Melanie con la diferencia que su protagonista es más oscuro.
Paisley tiene poco que volvió a su ciudad natal y su mejor amigo la recomienda para trabajo, en donde enseñará a una niña de 5 años para que aprenda a montar, de camino a su nuevo empleo choca con un hombre grosero y arrogante y a llegar al trabajo se entera que su nuevo jefe es el tipo grosero y sexy con el que chocó.
Disfruté mucho el libro, si es un poco instalust pero no dan rienda a la pasión desde el inicio, al contrario no se soportan y tratan de mantenerse alejados.
Me gustó el desarrollo de la relación romántica pero sobre todo me gustó la relación de la niña con Paisley, desde el principio hubo una conexión y la niña estuvo presente en todo el libro y fue de las cosas que más me agradó.
El villano no me lo esperaba y sí me tomó por sorpresa.
Muero por leer el siguiente libro que es single mom y el mejor amigo del hermano.
August 10, 2023
4.5 ‘My reckless angel’ Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since my first read from A.L. Jackson a few years ago, it’s been a wild journey! I haven’t missed a single book this woman has released and I was extremely excited to start her new series. I mean, when I saw the words single dad, small town and grumpy/sunshine, I was more than ready to jump in. And of course, Amy did not fail us. She gave a beautiful start to this new series that I am sure many romance lovers will adore!
So, Love Me Today is the first installment in Jackson’s Time River series and it tells the story of Caleb, Evelyn and Paisley Dae. He is a single dad, broken by his past, heir to a huge company and a man focused on protecting his little girl. Enter reckless and sassy trainer/nanny. Paisley is about to distract Caleb from his goal, especially when burning chemistry and a whole lot of unexpected feelings start to make their way. But there are obstacles too. And not easy ones to overcome. Will it be worth it in the end?
“What do you make me feel? Everything I’m not supposed to.”
“Maybe feeling is exactly what you’re supposed to do.”
This author sure knows how to make us feel ALL THE THINGS. What a wonderful start to this series! You guys are not ready to fall in love with this new crew of characters. If you love A.L. Jackson’s writing style and single dad/nanny + grumpy/sunshine romances, you are in for a treat with this one. Caleb and Paisley’s back and forth is so good and the passion between them burns from the very first page. Also, the adorableness of Evelyn just melted my heart. Even there is a bit of darkness/suspense to keep things interesting.
“Are you trying to wreck me, Caleb Greyson?”
“I warned you that I would.”
Therefore, I am rating Love Me Today with 4.5 STARS because it started Jackson’s new series with such a great first installment. It made me fall in love with all these characters, the chemistry between Caleb and Paisley, the cuteness of little Evelyn and just all the interactions with this new crew. I am sure fans of Amy will love this book and be so ready (like me) for whatever is coming next. I am definitely excited to read Dakota and Ryder’s story!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since my first read from A.L. Jackson a few years ago, it’s been a wild journey! I haven’t missed a single book this woman has released and I was extremely excited to start her new series. I mean, when I saw the words single dad, small town and grumpy/sunshine, I was more than ready to jump in. And of course, Amy did not fail us. She gave a beautiful start to this new series that I am sure many romance lovers will adore!
So, Love Me Today is the first installment in Jackson’s Time River series and it tells the story of Caleb, Evelyn and Paisley Dae. He is a single dad, broken by his past, heir to a huge company and a man focused on protecting his little girl. Enter reckless and sassy trainer/nanny. Paisley is about to distract Caleb from his goal, especially when burning chemistry and a whole lot of unexpected feelings start to make their way. But there are obstacles too. And not easy ones to overcome. Will it be worth it in the end?
“What do you make me feel? Everything I’m not supposed to.”
“Maybe feeling is exactly what you’re supposed to do.”
This author sure knows how to make us feel ALL THE THINGS. What a wonderful start to this series! You guys are not ready to fall in love with this new crew of characters. If you love A.L. Jackson’s writing style and single dad/nanny + grumpy/sunshine romances, you are in for a treat with this one. Caleb and Paisley’s back and forth is so good and the passion between them burns from the very first page. Also, the adorableness of Evelyn just melted my heart. Even there is a bit of darkness/suspense to keep things interesting.
“Are you trying to wreck me, Caleb Greyson?”
“I warned you that I would.”
Therefore, I am rating Love Me Today with 4.5 STARS because it started Jackson’s new series with such a great first installment. It made me fall in love with all these characters, the chemistry between Caleb and Paisley, the cuteness of little Evelyn and just all the interactions with this new crew. I am sure fans of Amy will love this book and be so ready (like me) for whatever is coming next. I am definitely excited to read Dakota and Ryder’s story!
December 3, 2023
A beautifully written and touching romance.
A.L. Jackson is a talented wordsmith and in my opinion her words are meant to be spoken and performed. Which is why I was so pleased to get an Audio Book version of this upcoming release. The performances enhance an already powerful story to even greater heights. Andi Arndt and Joe Arden are to be greatly commended for making this experience extra special.
Caleb needs a horse trainer to teach riding lessons to his little girl but he is so protective that Paisley is starting off on the wrong foot right away. Even when she has great references from his own family and members of the town. Luckily, Paisley takes no crap and while he is wary of the attraction she rises in him, he can't help but respect how she stands her ground. And when his little girl connects with her, he knows he'll have to suck it up and deal with her.
He definitely has some secrets and he's worried they may have followed him here. As he gets closer with Paisley he could be risking her too but he can't help himself. She's everything he needs as a balm to his soul.
Paisley & Caleb were sparking right from the start and what begins rough quickly grows into a fiery passion. Your kindle will be steaming through a good many scenes (some toys even make an appearance) but your heart will be touched too.
It has some great tropes but it doesn't just rely on those to get us through the story and I enjoyed that. As well as a great cast of side characters that I look forward to reading about soon.
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
I listened to an Advanced Audio copy of this book. My review is my own.
A.L. Jackson is a talented wordsmith and in my opinion her words are meant to be spoken and performed. Which is why I was so pleased to get an Audio Book version of this upcoming release. The performances enhance an already powerful story to even greater heights. Andi Arndt and Joe Arden are to be greatly commended for making this experience extra special.
Caleb needs a horse trainer to teach riding lessons to his little girl but he is so protective that Paisley is starting off on the wrong foot right away. Even when she has great references from his own family and members of the town. Luckily, Paisley takes no crap and while he is wary of the attraction she rises in him, he can't help but respect how she stands her ground. And when his little girl connects with her, he knows he'll have to suck it up and deal with her.
He definitely has some secrets and he's worried they may have followed him here. As he gets closer with Paisley he could be risking her too but he can't help himself. She's everything he needs as a balm to his soul.
Paisley & Caleb were sparking right from the start and what begins rough quickly grows into a fiery passion. Your kindle will be steaming through a good many scenes (some toys even make an appearance) but your heart will be touched too.
It has some great tropes but it doesn't just rely on those to get us through the story and I enjoyed that. As well as a great cast of side characters that I look forward to reading about soon.
4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale
I listened to an Advanced Audio copy of this book. My review is my own.
July 7, 2023
DNF. I couldn’t finish it, and I was 300 pages away from finishing on my apple books app. It was so irritating to read the repetitive nicknames and cringey writing. The plot would’ve been okay, but the authors writing… just no. Every five words was “child”, “Evie-love”, “Reckless Angel”, “Little Riot” and “Fallen Angel”. Like we get it!! And the MC, I honestly could not like him. He had a mysterious past but 60% in we still didn’t know what he did or who he wronged. He was hot and cold, hated himself and couldn’t love anyone? eye roll
May 30, 2023
Amazing. A masterpiece. SHOW STOPPING!
Love Me Today was everything and more😭🤍 Paisley, Caleb, and Evelyn have my ENTIRE heart and soul. This romance was so pure and so heart wrenching, I WAS ACTUALLY TEARING UP WHILE READING THIS. A.L. Jackson is incredible. Her writing, characters, worlds, and plot lines will never fail to mesmerize me! The suspense in this book?! The romance?! The found family?! It all had me. Amazing read🥹 so excited for the next one😭🤍
Love Me Today was everything and more😭🤍 Paisley, Caleb, and Evelyn have my ENTIRE heart and soul. This romance was so pure and so heart wrenching, I WAS ACTUALLY TEARING UP WHILE READING THIS. A.L. Jackson is incredible. Her writing, characters, worlds, and plot lines will never fail to mesmerize me! The suspense in this book?! The romance?! The found family?! It all had me. Amazing read🥹 so excited for the next one😭🤍
June 17, 2023
****AUDIOBOOK****
5 Stars
I really loved this one. It was like a mesh of the suspense of a Catherine Cowles novel and the spice of an Elsie Silver novel, but still with that Al Jackson writing style and a COMPLETELY different storyline.
Just go with it. The audiobook was done so well. Loved the narrators. Great start to a new standalone series.
5 Stars
I really loved this one. It was like a mesh of the suspense of a Catherine Cowles novel and the spice of an Elsie Silver novel, but still with that Al Jackson writing style and a COMPLETELY different storyline.
Just go with it. The audiobook was done so well. Loved the narrators. Great start to a new standalone series.
October 2, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎.5
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Love Me Today is the first book in the newest series by A.L. Jackson and I absolutely adored this book. I highly recommend you do this one in audio if you can. It was recommended to do it this way and I am very glad that I took a chance on the audio and plus this narrator team is the BEST to listen to so you know you are in for a fabulous road of listening for sure. This is a more edgier contemporary with some danger elements, more dirty talkin' type of spice so keep that in mind as this is a western small town romance so you won't be expecting that. But I do think that this book is well worth the hype it is receiving for it. It delivered on so much heart and emotion when I least expected it and so bravo to this author.
First Line
Energy crackled through the dimly lit hall.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Caleb
Protective Uncle, Guardian over Evelyn, Alpha Male, Tortured Hero
The Heroine: Pasiley
Horse trainer, Not looking for any distractions, but connected to Caleb
Summary
Caleb is looking for someone to help train his niece with a horse. Caleb has a dark past that he is working on redeeming, but when his sister is murdered, he retains guardianship over his niece as her father is unknown. He will do anything to protect his niece, no matter what. Then he meets Paisley, who runs into his truck for their first meeting, and even though she looks like an angel, she has a temper of the devil and their wits clash instantly. And when they both discover that they will have to work together, will tensions rise between them. But there is a intense connection between them that both are wanting to deny, but the chemistry and bond between them grows, and as the danger deepens, it will take their fierce love and strength for each other that will give them the fortitude to survive the coming storm...
What I Loved
Love Me Today was a superb read and I had so much fun with it. I had heard some raving reviews of this book and was very curious. And this is an author I have never really give a open chance with so I definitely wanted to try her out and was instantly in love with this book. The minute that I started listening, I was immediately swept away by this book. I couldn't contain how much I was hooked into this story and the way I was drawn into the connection between Paisley and Caleb. Their chemistry is off the charts, and more than that, there is a deep emotional and almost spiritual connection between them. Even though they both have suffered in their lives, the way that they embrace their connection and take that leap of faith just encourages the reader even more for these two. And I was with Caleb and Paisley all of the way.
Now lets talk about this little girl ....Evelyn. She was charm in bucket loads. She was witty and cute and has such a zest for life even knowing that she has been deep rooted in so much heartache and loss recently. But we see her grow into herself and embrace the love that surrounds her. She has such a sweet bright spirit that beckons you instantly. And even though I adored the romance, there was something about Evelyn that made me want to know more of this child.
What I Struggled With
The only complaint I have is the clash of high spice with the setting. This is an edgier contemporary but newer readers might be put off by the type of spice that is delivered in this book as it doesn't quite mesh with the setting and vibe of it being a small town romance with western feels. It didn't both me that much but it did affect some of my enjoyment as it felt like they didn't quite fit together.
Narration
Andi and Joe are EPIC together! There is NOT a book I have listened to that they have done bad with. But in this one especially, might be one of the BEST books that they have ever narrated. There is a very lyrical quality to this story that they will expound on in just the right moments.
Overall View
Love Me Today was a fierce, intense and sexy romance that had me in my heart all the way through. Its a story of danger, redemption, healing and learning to love and accept being loved....
Favorite Quote(s)
“What do you make me feel? Everything I’m not supposed to.”
“Maybe feeling is exactly what you’re supposed to do.”
"God, there was something about Paisley Dae that lit the darkened places, a fucking light that speared through the shadows. Through the torment and grief."
"Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."
And I knew, if I had the ability to love today, it would be her."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Brooding Hero, Tortured Hero, Single Parent
Themes: Small Town, Western, Kids, Danger, Heart/Touching, Dirty Talk
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Redemption
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of Both
Song This Book Inspires
Proud by Lea Michele
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
Recommendation For Reading Order
Either will work
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Joe Arden, Andi Arndt
May 30, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: enemies to lovers, nanny
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Caleb came to small town to hide with his daughter. He's a man that's made some bad choices in his past, but is trying to put that all behind while staying under the radar. He never saw the firecracker that is Paisley Dae coming and he definitely doesn't know what to do with her. Way too young. Always gives him shit. She's messy and chaotic and everything he shouldn't be attracted to... but he is. Paisley is getting to live her best life training a little girl to ride. She never bargains on the little girl's dad. Older, super grumpy, and hot... did I mention, hot?
Holy crap what a fantastic read! The perfect blending of enemies to lover and forbidden romance ❤️. The chemistry and tension between the two of them was FIRE. Absolutely beautiful storyline that will completely suck you in from page one. Amy Jackson definitely has mastered her way with words and you can't help but fall in love with these two characters and become invested in their outcomes. Can't wait to read Dakota and Ryder's book!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: enemies to lovers, nanny
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Caleb came to small town to hide with his daughter. He's a man that's made some bad choices in his past, but is trying to put that all behind while staying under the radar. He never saw the firecracker that is Paisley Dae coming and he definitely doesn't know what to do with her. Way too young. Always gives him shit. She's messy and chaotic and everything he shouldn't be attracted to... but he is. Paisley is getting to live her best life training a little girl to ride. She never bargains on the little girl's dad. Older, super grumpy, and hot... did I mention, hot?
Holy crap what a fantastic read! The perfect blending of enemies to lover and forbidden romance ❤️. The chemistry and tension between the two of them was FIRE. Absolutely beautiful storyline that will completely suck you in from page one. Amy Jackson definitely has mastered her way with words and you can't help but fall in love with these two characters and become invested in their outcomes. Can't wait to read Dakota and Ryder's book!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
May 17, 2023
I am on a small town romance kick and this was just perfect. This is the first book to AL Jackson’s new Time River series, Love me Today has all my favorite tropes.
Single Dad
Small Town
Grumpy/Sunshine
Enemies-to-Lovers
Nanny
Caleb is so grumpy, omg I LOVE him. Everything about him is so good🫶🏼
This is a must read and I can’t wait for the next book!
judyreadsromance on Instagram
Single Dad
Small Town
Grumpy/Sunshine
Enemies-to-Lovers
Nanny
Caleb is so grumpy, omg I LOVE him. Everything about him is so good🫶🏼
This is a must read and I can’t wait for the next book!
judyreadsromance on Instagram
dnf
July 26, 2024DNF - 20% (guess I'm being moody)
No but in my defense, the mmc was giving protective papa bear and then quickly leveled up to ass****, controlling vibes, jealous, and possessive. It is supposed to be romantic suspense and I do get the sense he's like probably mafia-related? I am interested in the fmc past (I assume she had an abusive ex but I didn't get that far in to actually know). Also, the little girl and horse are precious.
I just don't have the patience atm I guess. Just the way he talks, even the friend? Ryder? and all the internal dialogue too is just annoying.
No but in my defense, the mmc was giving protective papa bear and then quickly leveled up to ass****, controlling vibes, jealous, and possessive. It is supposed to be romantic suspense and I do get the sense he's like probably mafia-related? I am interested in the fmc past (I assume she had an abusive ex but I didn't get that far in to actually know). Also, the little girl and horse are precious.
I just don't have the patience atm I guess. Just the way he talks, even the friend? Ryder? and all the internal dialogue too is just annoying.
July 2, 2023
4/5⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Boss x Employee
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
This is the first book in the Time River series and I really enjoyed it! Took me a good minute to get into at first but then was so hard to put down. I really recommend the audio! I love Joe Arden and Andi Ardnt! They were amazing! I love A.L. Jackson writing!! I was so excited to start this series and it doesn’t disappoint.
I have been in a small town and single dad era lately so I ate this up! I loved Mr. Moody Caleb. Paisley and Evelyn were everything! The way Paisley did everything for her melts my heart❤️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Boss x Employee
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town Romance
- Enemies To Lovers
This is the first book in the Time River series and I really enjoyed it! Took me a good minute to get into at first but then was so hard to put down. I really recommend the audio! I love Joe Arden and Andi Ardnt! They were amazing! I love A.L. Jackson writing!! I was so excited to start this series and it doesn’t disappoint.
I have been in a small town and single dad era lately so I ate this up! I loved Mr. Moody Caleb. Paisley and Evelyn were everything! The way Paisley did everything for her melts my heart❤️
June 5, 2023
Love Me Today is the first book in a new series, Time River, by AL Jackson. And honestly I went in apprehensively since this was my 3rd try with this author and I was about to think her books just weren’t for me…but omg I’m so glad I tried again, because I loved this book!
This is a small town, single parent, nanny romance with a tortured, broken hero too! The story starts off with Paisley getting into a fender bender, her and the guy argue back and forth about who was at fault or if it was an accident before going separate ways. Paisley rushes off to a new job she got as a horse trainer and realizes her new boss/the owner is the same guy from the fender bender earlier in the day. Caleb hires Paisley to teach his niece Evelyn (who he’s the guardian of) how to care for and ride a horse. But he’s so pulled to Paisley at the same time. Eventually Paisley ends up becoming the nanny as well and things pick up from there!
I loved this book! Caleb is absolutely a tortured, broken hero who doesn’t think he is able to raise a child or capable of love, but he is super protective and caring at the same time! I loved Paisley proving to him he was already capable. I loved Paisley’s relationship with Evelyn, soo sweet and the perfect example of how a child should be in a romance book (like actively a part of the story and not just “there”). Evelyn was so shy and sweet and had been through so much, it was so fun seeing her open up and thrive once Paisley comes into their lives. And the chemistry between Paisley and Caleb is sooo good and I just couldn’t get enough of them! This also has a romantic suspense element to it too, which isn’t usually my jam, but this worked for me and I was so invested! So excited for more in this series now!
This is a small town, single parent, nanny romance with a tortured, broken hero too! The story starts off with Paisley getting into a fender bender, her and the guy argue back and forth about who was at fault or if it was an accident before going separate ways. Paisley rushes off to a new job she got as a horse trainer and realizes her new boss/the owner is the same guy from the fender bender earlier in the day. Caleb hires Paisley to teach his niece Evelyn (who he’s the guardian of) how to care for and ride a horse. But he’s so pulled to Paisley at the same time. Eventually Paisley ends up becoming the nanny as well and things pick up from there!
I loved this book! Caleb is absolutely a tortured, broken hero who doesn’t think he is able to raise a child or capable of love, but he is super protective and caring at the same time! I loved Paisley proving to him he was already capable. I loved Paisley’s relationship with Evelyn, soo sweet and the perfect example of how a child should be in a romance book (like actively a part of the story and not just “there”). Evelyn was so shy and sweet and had been through so much, it was so fun seeing her open up and thrive once Paisley comes into their lives. And the chemistry between Paisley and Caleb is sooo good and I just couldn’t get enough of them! This also has a romantic suspense element to it too, which isn’t usually my jam, but this worked for me and I was so invested! So excited for more in this series now!
January 4, 2024
I am so freaking excited for this series!!!!!! This is book one in the Time River series and it’s already off to a great start!!
This book was amazing & I 10 out of 10 recommend the audio! ITS JOE ARDEN & ANDI ARDNT! An amazing combo…I love Joe 🤤
I reallyyyyyy love small town romance so freaking much! Throw in some suspense and we have the perfect combination!
Caleb was a big ole grump as soon as Paisley met him after a little fender bender. What she wasn’t expecting was for him to be the dad that hired her to help his daughter ride horses. Even though it was a rough start between the two, the more they interacted, the more their walls started to slowly fall down.
Evelyn was the cutest little angel, and I loved that little girl!!! The love that she had for both Caleb & paisley was precious, and she really went through a lot in her short five years of life! She deserved the world.
Okay now to the good stuff…I will literally never forget their FaceTime sesh… like my lord it’s IMPRINTED IN MY BRAIN 💦💦💦
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Single dad x nanny
Found family
Boss x employee
Close proximity
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Enemies to lovers
Small town
Thank you AL Jackson for my ARC😍
This book was amazing & I 10 out of 10 recommend the audio! ITS JOE ARDEN & ANDI ARDNT! An amazing combo…I love Joe 🤤
I reallyyyyyy love small town romance so freaking much! Throw in some suspense and we have the perfect combination!
Caleb was a big ole grump as soon as Paisley met him after a little fender bender. What she wasn’t expecting was for him to be the dad that hired her to help his daughter ride horses. Even though it was a rough start between the two, the more they interacted, the more their walls started to slowly fall down.
Evelyn was the cutest little angel, and I loved that little girl!!! The love that she had for both Caleb & paisley was precious, and she really went through a lot in her short five years of life! She deserved the world.
Okay now to the good stuff…I will literally never forget their FaceTime sesh… like my lord it’s IMPRINTED IN MY BRAIN 💦💦💦
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Single dad x nanny
Found family
Boss x employee
Close proximity
Opposites attract
Grumpy x sunshine
Enemies to lovers
Small town
Thank you AL Jackson for my ARC😍
December 13, 2025
I love when an author promises an enemies to lovers and actually delivers.
To say that Caleb and Paisley don’t like each other it’s an understatement. Caleb has a dark past and has moved to this quirky small town full of great secondary characters to keep his kid safe. In comes Paisley who is a ray of unorganized sunshine and rubs Caleb the wrong way. I loved the interaction between them and how their relationship developed from how they met with a bang (literally) to the last satisfying page.
Added to the mix is the authors beautiful unique way of writing a story that draws me in and doesn’t let me go and we have and amazing reading experience.
I cannot wait for the next books in this series.
To say that Caleb and Paisley don’t like each other it’s an understatement. Caleb has a dark past and has moved to this quirky small town full of great secondary characters to keep his kid safe. In comes Paisley who is a ray of unorganized sunshine and rubs Caleb the wrong way. I loved the interaction between them and how their relationship developed from how they met with a bang (literally) to the last satisfying page.
Added to the mix is the authors beautiful unique way of writing a story that draws me in and doesn’t let me go and we have and amazing reading experience.
I cannot wait for the next books in this series.
March 13, 2024
Я дочитала 😻
Цей суворий буркотун заставив мене майже половину книги думати про те, що я б його точно переїхала вантажівкою😅 такий собі сексі-татусь(виявляється дядьком, несподіваний поворот)
Глянеш лише не так на мою дівчинку і я тебе своїм поглядом зітру. Саме таке враження у мене склалось про Калеба Грейсона.
Звісно, там є серйозні підстави чому він так себе поводить і оберігає єдину дорогу йому людину в цьому світі.
Та чи хватить йому місця на ще когось? Сумніви, страх зароджується в ньому коли стосунки з Пейслі стають не просто робочими.
Пейслі дуже смілива дівчина і її терпінню, можна повчитись лише.
«Я молилася, щоб не помилилася. Що я зможу знайти його посеред бурі, зустрітися з ним там, і що одного дня ми вийдемо з неї разом. »
Цей суворий буркотун заставив мене майже половину книги думати про те, що я б його точно переїхала вантажівкою😅 такий собі сексі-татусь(виявляється дядьком, несподіваний поворот)
Глянеш лише не так на мою дівчинку і я тебе своїм поглядом зітру. Саме таке враження у мене склалось про Калеба Грейсона.
Звісно, там є серйозні підстави чому він так себе поводить і оберігає єдину дорогу йому людину в цьому світі.
Та чи хватить йому місця на ще когось? Сумніви, страх зароджується в ньому коли стосунки з Пейслі стають не просто робочими.
Пейслі дуже смілива дівчина і її терпінню, можна повчитись лише.
«Я молилася, щоб не помилилася. Що я зможу знайти його посеред бурі, зустрітися з ним там, і що одного дня ми вийдемо з неї разом. »
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2023
dnf @ 31% i seriously have a migraine trying to read this. why is there so much cringy writing in this.
October 24, 2024
Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
March 17, 2024
- Назавжди..
У цьому була обіцянка всіх наших днів, і я не могла дочекатися, щоб прожити з ним кожен з них.
У цьому була обіцянка всіх наших днів, і я не могла дочекатися, щоб прожити з ним кожен з них.
April 18, 2024
Exactly what I needed to break me out of my 3 and 4 star slump! rtc!
🤍 strangers to lovers
🫂 nanny
✨ single guardian
🏡 small town
🖤 damaged hero
🔎 romance and suspense
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
🤍 strangers to lovers
🫂 nanny
✨ single guardian
🏡 small town
🖤 damaged hero
🔎 romance and suspense
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)
dual POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
3/5 spice level 🌶️
May 29, 2023
Al Jackson has proved once again why she's one of my favorite authors, summed up in three words....... LOVE ME TODAY!
“Anytime we love, we leave ourselves in a position to be shattered. Every time. You have to decide if taking that chance is worth it or not."
This new series, Time River, is filled with so many of my favorite tropes........enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, single parent, small town, romantic suspense, close proximity, how can you possibly go wrong with this read. Then you add in one dirty talking Caleb Greyson, sassy as hell Paisley Mae, cute as pie Evelyn, family and friends that give that added touch to the story and you have yourself one explosive, consuming, UNPUTDOWNABLE book that will leave you begging for more.
“I forgot what it was like to want something other than revenge until I met you.”
"Caleb Greyson was a storm. And I was the fool who was getting swept away."
If you want a story that will have you laughing, crying and on the edge of your seat with anticipation, then I highly recommend you read Love Me Today and prepare to fall in love with the start of this incredible series!
"This gift I’d never expected. A love I’d never thought I’d possess. And I’d cherish it. Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."
“Anytime we love, we leave ourselves in a position to be shattered. Every time. You have to decide if taking that chance is worth it or not."
This new series, Time River, is filled with so many of my favorite tropes........enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, single parent, small town, romantic suspense, close proximity, how can you possibly go wrong with this read. Then you add in one dirty talking Caleb Greyson, sassy as hell Paisley Mae, cute as pie Evelyn, family and friends that give that added touch to the story and you have yourself one explosive, consuming, UNPUTDOWNABLE book that will leave you begging for more.
“I forgot what it was like to want something other than revenge until I met you.”
"Caleb Greyson was a storm. And I was the fool who was getting swept away."
If you want a story that will have you laughing, crying and on the edge of your seat with anticipation, then I highly recommend you read Love Me Today and prepare to fall in love with the start of this incredible series!
"This gift I’d never expected. A love I’d never thought I’d possess. And I’d cherish it. Today, tomorrow, and forever. Because in them, time beat again."
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