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Rotten
Growing up on the outskirts of Las Vegas as the daughter of notorious strip club owner, Stephen Knox, and a mother who abandoned her at birth, life was less than kind to a young Antoinette.
After a failed teenage suicide attempt, Toni hit the road in search of a life free of undeserved cruelty and any resemblance to her past.
Years later, Toni is lost in a dead end marriage and makes a painful confession that sends her back to the one place she always wanted to escape. But can she really right the wrongs that haunt her? Toni soon finds that the only place where things stay the same is in your mind.
When her path crosses with David Stark, childhood playmate turned one night stand, she cannot deny the spike in temperature she feels every time he's near or the scorching dreams that flood her at night.
Digging through the years of heartache, Toni soon finds herself torn between the man she is committed to and the one who has always held her heart. As each layer unfolds before her, she discovers the root cause of her pain. Always believing the source was external, nothing could prepare her for the truth.
*This book contains sexual content and adult language. Intended for readers 17+.
After a failed teenage suicide attempt, Toni hit the road in search of a life free of undeserved cruelty and any resemblance to her past.
Years later, Toni is lost in a dead end marriage and makes a painful confession that sends her back to the one place she always wanted to escape. But can she really right the wrongs that haunt her? Toni soon finds that the only place where things stay the same is in your mind.
When her path crosses with David Stark, childhood playmate turned one night stand, she cannot deny the spike in temperature she feels every time he's near or the scorching dreams that flood her at night.
Digging through the years of heartache, Toni soon finds herself torn between the man she is committed to and the one who has always held her heart. As each layer unfolds before her, she discovers the root cause of her pain. Always believing the source was external, nothing could prepare her for the truth.
*This book contains sexual content and adult language. Intended for readers 17+.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Brooks
19 books200 followersJL Brooks is a former columnist turned novelist. What started as a bet changed her entire course in life. With a passion for adventure, she believes everyone has a story to tell. Chances are she will try to convince you to tell yours.
Favorite Quote:
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it."
-Winston Churchill
Favorite Quote:
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it."
-Winston Churchill
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 14, 2013
3 stars
12 years ago, this is the life Toni wished for herself, but reality is her husband hasn’t touched her over four years, their marriage, if you can even call it that, was more for convenience than anything else. Toni always though that once she left the town that made her childhood a living hell that she would be happy, being teased and taunted all because your daddy was a rough neck strip club owner did nothing for her self-confidence, but what really drew the line was the one man who she loved and would have followed anywhere took her gift and threw it away. Leaving as fast as she could, she never looked back, only talking and spending time with her dad when necessary, but she never went back to her hometown, until now.
This homecoming is unlike anything she could have imagined, her father worked himself to the ground and now is in a coma and the one man who she never wanted to see again is the only man who could shed some light over everything she has selfishly missed over the years. David, knows he can’t flat out and tell her everything, Toni needs to come to terms about everything on her own, it’s a bitter pill to swallow but they have to know if she is strong enough to accept the world she was born in or if she would run again. Even years apart, there is no denying the bond Toni and David have, their sense of comfort they find in each other, their playful banter and the morality line that is slowly disappearing the more time they spend together.
I honestly am torn with this one; I liked it but didn’t really love it. Toni would be this sassy chick on minute and then the next she would be balling her eyes out running away which after awhile annoyed me, but as I got to the end I realized that was the whole point she was a runner and she needed to want to stay. I was getting whip lash from her emotional roller coaster, having a hard time sympathizing with her. David was just there, every step of the way guiding her, consoling her and keeping himself no matter how much she tempted him. This did though have me laughing at times, some because it was funny and others because I couldn't believe what I read. It had a little bit of everything but it was just okay for me.
"Your world is falling apart, but next to him, nothing moves you."
12 years ago, this is the life Toni wished for herself, but reality is her husband hasn’t touched her over four years, their marriage, if you can even call it that, was more for convenience than anything else. Toni always though that once she left the town that made her childhood a living hell that she would be happy, being teased and taunted all because your daddy was a rough neck strip club owner did nothing for her self-confidence, but what really drew the line was the one man who she loved and would have followed anywhere took her gift and threw it away. Leaving as fast as she could, she never looked back, only talking and spending time with her dad when necessary, but she never went back to her hometown, until now.
Daddy; I had no idea. He didn’t mean to hurt me. I’m sorry I did that to you. I know I can’t change it, but if I could, I would take it back. I would take so much back. I have been so rotten. Please wake up so you know I am sorry.”
This homecoming is unlike anything she could have imagined, her father worked himself to the ground and now is in a coma and the one man who she never wanted to see again is the only man who could shed some light over everything she has selfishly missed over the years. David, knows he can’t flat out and tell her everything, Toni needs to come to terms about everything on her own, it’s a bitter pill to swallow but they have to know if she is strong enough to accept the world she was born in or if she would run again. Even years apart, there is no denying the bond Toni and David have, their sense of comfort they find in each other, their playful banter and the morality line that is slowly disappearing the more time they spend together.
“I’d rather you keep the bike since you don’t get to keep me.”
He tugged on his arm and pulled my hand to his mouth . With the softest kiss and eyes full of resolve, he spoke with certainty. “That hasn’t been decided, yet, either.”
I honestly am torn with this one; I liked it but didn’t really love it. Toni would be this sassy chick on minute and then the next she would be balling her eyes out running away which after awhile annoyed me, but as I got to the end I realized that was the whole point she was a runner and she needed to want to stay. I was getting whip lash from her emotional roller coaster, having a hard time sympathizing with her. David was just there, every step of the way guiding her, consoling her and keeping himself no matter how much she tempted him. This did though have me laughing at times, some because it was funny and others because I couldn't believe what I read. It had a little bit of everything but it was just okay for me.
December 12, 2013
DNF 42%
Complete disaster. I struggled from the beginning, till the moment I finally got some lady balls to DNF it. I hated almost everything. Constant religious references were throwing me off, cheating was a complete deal breaker and shallow, dull characters were the last nail to the coffin.
Complete disaster. I struggled from the beginning, till the moment I finally got some lady balls to DNF it. I hated almost everything. Constant religious references were throwing me off, cheating was a complete deal breaker and shallow, dull characters were the last nail to the coffin.
October 11, 2013
Cover: 8/10
Writing style: 8/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
Jealousy: 5/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 7/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: Stand-alone. HEA
Overall: Enjoyable but frustrating.
I hate to give this it's first 3 star rating when the few reviews (mostly from ARC readers) that are there are all 4 and 5. But I want to be honest and put my opinion across, even if there's no-one that agrees with me.
BLURB: 17 year old Toni is bullied at school because her father is the owner of a strip club, she is an outcast. After giving her virginity to her best friend David, he asks her not to tell anyone. Tipping her depression over the edge, she takes an overdose. After recovering she and her dad agree that she be home-schooled until graduation and that she may go to the College of her choosing. She decides to move far away where no-one knows her.
Years later, Toni, now a psychologist and a Catholic, finds herself in a dead end marriage, her husband doesn't seem to love her, he hasn't made love to her for over four years; his libido is shot due to the diabetes medication he takes. At confession, she speaks of her lusty desires and troubles, the priest advises her to go and see her father and make amends with him as she's only visited once in the last 10 years. And later, she gets a phone call telling her that he's suffered a stroke and is severely ill.
Returning home, she is reunited with David. David was like a son to her father, he took him in, his parents didn't look after him very well, and in turn he became her best friend and first love. David became a successful hockey player in her absence, but returned home two years ago when he got in too much trouble. Now he looks after the strip club with her father.
This all happens quickly at the beginning, and the story continues with the progression of Toni and David's relationship, dealing with her fathers illness as well as his house and strip club, stressing over her marriage and her religion.
My problems with this book were mainly with Toni. She seemed to be three different people, and there was no transaction from one to the other. First we see her as a troubled, lonely teen with bullying issues. To a Catholic, frustrated wife that wears twin sets. Then to a bossy, flirty, brawling, pole-dancing, bar tending, cami and shorts wearer. We didn't see her transform gracefully, she just 'was'. She cried too many times for my liking, she also was very touchy feely with David far too quickly. Also she would often put David down for 'his many conquests'.
We feel sorry for her husband for 76% of the book as she suddenly and early on tells David she loves him, and lies to her husband when he asks if she's been cheating on him. She tells him they kissed, but they've done much more than that. Which brings me on to her religion... It seems she only ever turned to it when she was in need of comfort or some guidance, it doesn't cross her mind when she's all but having sex with David, drinking heavily, brawling and running a strip club. Her dad might have been a strip club owner, but he was a very stereotypical version of a boss-biker-daddy. And where did this come from --> ?
Apart from ALL of this... I loved her feisty-ness and her awesome come backs, though it sometimes got a little cheesy and cliché (all lead females that do a strip/pole dance in these books, dance to 'Pour Some Sugar on Me'). I liked the current David a lot (not the past one, he was a player and hurting her by dating the girls she hated at school). The writing was good, though it felt different at the very beginning. I never got bored, it was very drama filled. There were some funny and sweet moments. There wasn't much sex, but it was very hot. So I was half enjoying at and half very frustrated through the book and for every thing I liked there was something I didn't like (eg, liked current David but not old David).
Writing style: 8/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
Jealousy: 5/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 7/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: Stand-alone. HEA
Overall: Enjoyable but frustrating.
I hate to give this it's first 3 star rating when the few reviews (mostly from ARC readers) that are there are all 4 and 5. But I want to be honest and put my opinion across, even if there's no-one that agrees with me.
BLURB: 17 year old Toni is bullied at school because her father is the owner of a strip club, she is an outcast. After giving her virginity to her best friend David, he asks her not to tell anyone. Tipping her depression over the edge, she takes an overdose. After recovering she and her dad agree that she be home-schooled until graduation and that she may go to the College of her choosing. She decides to move far away where no-one knows her.
Years later, Toni, now a psychologist and a Catholic, finds herself in a dead end marriage, her husband doesn't seem to love her, he hasn't made love to her for over four years; his libido is shot due to the diabetes medication he takes. At confession, she speaks of her lusty desires and troubles, the priest advises her to go and see her father and make amends with him as she's only visited once in the last 10 years. And later, she gets a phone call telling her that he's suffered a stroke and is severely ill.
Returning home, she is reunited with David. David was like a son to her father, he took him in, his parents didn't look after him very well, and in turn he became her best friend and first love. David became a successful hockey player in her absence, but returned home two years ago when he got in too much trouble. Now he looks after the strip club with her father.
This all happens quickly at the beginning, and the story continues with the progression of Toni and David's relationship, dealing with her fathers illness as well as his house and strip club, stressing over her marriage and her religion.
My problems with this book were mainly with Toni. She seemed to be three different people, and there was no transaction from one to the other. First we see her as a troubled, lonely teen with bullying issues. To a Catholic, frustrated wife that wears twin sets. Then to a bossy, flirty, brawling, pole-dancing, bar tending, cami and shorts wearer. We didn't see her transform gracefully, she just 'was'. She cried too many times for my liking, she also was very touchy feely with David far too quickly. Also she would often put David down for 'his many conquests'.
We feel sorry for her husband for 76% of the book as she suddenly and early on tells David she loves him, and lies to her husband when he asks if she's been cheating on him. She tells him they kissed, but they've done much more than that. Which brings me on to her religion... It seems she only ever turned to it when she was in need of comfort or some guidance, it doesn't cross her mind when she's all but having sex with David, drinking heavily, brawling and running a strip club. Her dad might have been a strip club owner, but he was a very stereotypical version of a boss-biker-daddy. And where did this come from --> ?
Apart from ALL of this... I loved her feisty-ness and her awesome come backs, though it sometimes got a little cheesy and cliché (all lead females that do a strip/pole dance in these books, dance to 'Pour Some Sugar on Me'). I liked the current David a lot (not the past one, he was a player and hurting her by dating the girls she hated at school). The writing was good, though it felt different at the very beginning. I never got bored, it was very drama filled. There were some funny and sweet moments. There wasn't much sex, but it was very hot. So I was half enjoying at and half very frustrated through the book and for every thing I liked there was something I didn't like (eg, liked current David but not old David).
August 5, 2015
Growing up on the outskirts of Las Vegas as the daughter of notorious strip club owner, Stephen Knox, and a mother who abandoned her at birth, life was less than kind to a young Antoinette.
After a failed teenage suicide attempt, Toni hit the road in search of a life free of undeserved cruelty and any resemblance to her past.
Years later, Toni is lost in a dead end marriage and makes a painful confession that sends her back to the one place she always wanted to escape. But can she really right the wrongs that haunt her? Toni soon finds that the only place where things stay the same is in your mind.
When her path crosses with David Stark, childhood playmate turned one night stand, she cannot deny the spike in temperature she feels every time he's near or the scorching dreams that flood her at night.
Digging through the years of heartache, Toni soon finds herself torn between the man she is committed to and the one who has always held her heart. As each layer unfolds before her, she discovers the root cause of her pain. Always believing the source was external, nothing could prepare her for the truth.
So, my initial reaction was a biker, a Las Vegas legend, an ex hockey star..hell yeah! Well, NO!
Toni was raised by her father, a Las Vegas strip club owner feeling abandoned by her mother since she was an infant. She and David (hero) grew up together, he was her daddy's son (not really, but his parents were horrid)..
So one night, she hands over her V to David, and afterwards he tells her not to tell anyone however what she does is way worse, she goes and tries to kill herself on a bottle of oxy's.
Next thing you know, she leaves for IN for college, leaving her dad and David behind.
Then 12 years later she is married to a prick, who isn't able to get it up..So she hasn't had sex in over 4 years.. What really blew my mind is..the crosses after every chapter on my kindle.. I was like what..
The book had a lot of religious references when you're being an adulterer but praying?
October 11, 2013
I don’t even know where to start with this review honestly. I loved every single minute of this book! From beginning to end I felt a constant connection to Toni… Her character was so unbelievable honest it knocked off your feet.
What I loved most about the book was the raw feelings, a girl bullied in high school because of her father’s chosen profession. An unrequited love that she couldn’t live with. The feeling of never being accepted for who she really was rather than what people choose to believe... I could completely identify with her and that is what sucked me into this story.
Toni escaped her life in search of something more. On the outside she was the catholic saint and perfect wife. But on the inside she was still that seriously screwed up little girl. Running away and never dealing with the past is never the answer and she finds that out the hard way when her father becomes ill and she’s forced to return to the one place where her problems took root and threatened to drown her.
David is a HOT mess… and by HOT I mean sexy beast HOT… WOW! He is also compassionate, and seriously messed up. The years of torment he’s gone through and the blame he placed on himself for what happened with Toni all those years ago weigh heavy on his mind and his heart… At first I wanted to hate him, how could he possibly do something so callous knowing what Toni went through on a daily basis but when the raw honesty and truth are revealed I fell completely in love with him.
There is so much I want to say but it would give too much away… Let’s just say that we take away several things from this book. The first is don’t ever give up hope. It’s the one thing in life that we have to hold onto and even when things look bad there is always someone out there to lean on for help. The second is that things aren’t always what they seems and sometimes giving a person a chance to explain is worth the moment of hurt it could cause but at times can also be a moment of healing. The choices we make in life are exactly that choices and sometimes the ramifications of our choices lead us on a path that we don’t necessarily have to take if we’d just taken a moment to listen no matter how much it may hurt….
I adored JL’s writing style. The constant banter yet seriousness of the book kept you on your toes. I never knew for sure what was coming next and I loved that about this story. There were some truly unexpected moments that had me doing a double take… I give JL 5 stars, this book had just about everything you could ask for, angst, love, passion, heartbreak, faith, hope and redemption…
What I loved most about the book was the raw feelings, a girl bullied in high school because of her father’s chosen profession. An unrequited love that she couldn’t live with. The feeling of never being accepted for who she really was rather than what people choose to believe... I could completely identify with her and that is what sucked me into this story.
Toni escaped her life in search of something more. On the outside she was the catholic saint and perfect wife. But on the inside she was still that seriously screwed up little girl. Running away and never dealing with the past is never the answer and she finds that out the hard way when her father becomes ill and she’s forced to return to the one place where her problems took root and threatened to drown her.
David is a HOT mess… and by HOT I mean sexy beast HOT… WOW! He is also compassionate, and seriously messed up. The years of torment he’s gone through and the blame he placed on himself for what happened with Toni all those years ago weigh heavy on his mind and his heart… At first I wanted to hate him, how could he possibly do something so callous knowing what Toni went through on a daily basis but when the raw honesty and truth are revealed I fell completely in love with him.
There is so much I want to say but it would give too much away… Let’s just say that we take away several things from this book. The first is don’t ever give up hope. It’s the one thing in life that we have to hold onto and even when things look bad there is always someone out there to lean on for help. The second is that things aren’t always what they seems and sometimes giving a person a chance to explain is worth the moment of hurt it could cause but at times can also be a moment of healing. The choices we make in life are exactly that choices and sometimes the ramifications of our choices lead us on a path that we don’t necessarily have to take if we’d just taken a moment to listen no matter how much it may hurt….
I adored JL’s writing style. The constant banter yet seriousness of the book kept you on your toes. I never knew for sure what was coming next and I loved that about this story. There were some truly unexpected moments that had me doing a double take… I give JL 5 stars, this book had just about everything you could ask for, angst, love, passion, heartbreak, faith, hope and redemption…
October 20, 2013
3.5 Stars
Within the first few pages of Rotten I was thinking I was in for an emotional roller coaster of a book. The subject matter is not something one takes lightly and I was instantly intrigued. How horrible could life be for Toni to resort to such drastic actions? How can someone be that despondent and depressed? I wanted to know these answers, I wanted to understand Toni. I wanted in her head. What I wasn't expecting was how this serious beginning could turn into such a funny and witty book.
After suffering a trauma in high school Toni leaves home to start her life over where no one knows of her past. After 12 years on her own with what she thinks is a successful new life; well educated, good job, respected husband, she must return home after her father falls ill. Once home she comes face to face with the one person that she never wanted to see again and she begins to questions everything.
David, her childhood friend, the one she experienced all of her firsts with and also the one who broke her heart is now the one man she ends up leaning on for support. I really liked David, he was that great combination of sensitive and caring but sexy with a great dirty mouth. Battling her growing feelings for David while working with him to help run her fathers strip club she is torn with doubts over her current failing marriage, her faith and the path her life took. And while all of this may sound heavy author JL Brooks added so much witty and sarcastic banter between the two and funny moments that you couldn't help but laugh and smile. This book had some great one liners that I will now forever be referring back to but aside from the laughs and the hotness that was David I had a little difficulty with Toni.
Her personality changes so much throughout the book from one minute to the next. I understand she is confused and trying to work things out but at times it was hard to follow. Her emotions ranged from sad and dejected, retrospective and thoughtful to just down and out wild and uninhibited. It made it difficult for me to connect with her and get a true sense of who Toni really was. But don't let that deter you, I still did enjoy the book and look forward to see what JL has in store for us next :)
Saints are the sinners that keep on going.
Within the first few pages of Rotten I was thinking I was in for an emotional roller coaster of a book. The subject matter is not something one takes lightly and I was instantly intrigued. How horrible could life be for Toni to resort to such drastic actions? How can someone be that despondent and depressed? I wanted to know these answers, I wanted to understand Toni. I wanted in her head. What I wasn't expecting was how this serious beginning could turn into such a funny and witty book.
After suffering a trauma in high school Toni leaves home to start her life over where no one knows of her past. After 12 years on her own with what she thinks is a successful new life; well educated, good job, respected husband, she must return home after her father falls ill. Once home she comes face to face with the one person that she never wanted to see again and she begins to questions everything.
David, her childhood friend, the one she experienced all of her firsts with and also the one who broke her heart is now the one man she ends up leaning on for support. I really liked David, he was that great combination of sensitive and caring but sexy with a great dirty mouth. Battling her growing feelings for David while working with him to help run her fathers strip club she is torn with doubts over her current failing marriage, her faith and the path her life took. And while all of this may sound heavy author JL Brooks added so much witty and sarcastic banter between the two and funny moments that you couldn't help but laugh and smile. This book had some great one liners that I will now forever be referring back to but aside from the laughs and the hotness that was David I had a little difficulty with Toni.
Her personality changes so much throughout the book from one minute to the next. I understand she is confused and trying to work things out but at times it was hard to follow. Her emotions ranged from sad and dejected, retrospective and thoughtful to just down and out wild and uninhibited. It made it difficult for me to connect with her and get a true sense of who Toni really was. But don't let that deter you, I still did enjoy the book and look forward to see what JL has in store for us next :)
Saints are the sinners that keep on going.
November 14, 2013
So, when I bought this book knowing it was about the daughter of a Las Vegas legend and a former bad-boy hockey player I was like, "HELL YEAH! This should be good!" It was SOOOOO not what you except and I struggled to finish it. If you're looking for a steamy book with a hot story, this is NOT that book.
The first thing that threw my off were all of the religious references. I am not an overly religious person so the last thing I want to read about in a "smexy" book is God, confessions, redemption, forgivess, etc. It put me off from the very beginning. Now, I understand that we all pray for things/people, and I think that's normal, but this book takes it to a different level.
Now, the story itself and the complicated relationship between Toni and David starts off pretty darn emotional. Then, what Toni does in response to David asking her to not tell anyone, THAT was heart breaking. Then BOOM fast forward 12 years and she's in a marriage to a man (who turns out to be a real POS) in Indiana. A husband who claims to have a medical condition and hasn't touched Toni sexually in 4 years. Toni gets a call and has to go home when her father suffers a stroke and deal with her past and the boy who broke her heart.
Yummy David puts up with A LOT and has lived with some serious guilt since Toni left town 12 years ago. He shows her over and over again how much he cares for her but she's a complete TEASE and is still married to the POS husband and that's how she justifies her actions! Then her bestfriend Erin comes for a visit and Toni confides in her and her feelings for David. Erin is her glue and has been her bestfriend since college and basically tells her to forget the huband and to think of herself. The twist that happens with Erin made my stomach drop. Didn't see that one coming! Well, with friends like that who needs enemies, right??
This is a HEA book but to get to the end is a challenge. You've been warned.
The first thing that threw my off were all of the religious references. I am not an overly religious person so the last thing I want to read about in a "smexy" book is God, confessions, redemption, forgivess, etc. It put me off from the very beginning. Now, I understand that we all pray for things/people, and I think that's normal, but this book takes it to a different level.
Now, the story itself and the complicated relationship between Toni and David starts off pretty darn emotional. Then, what Toni does in response to David asking her to not tell anyone, THAT was heart breaking. Then BOOM fast forward 12 years and she's in a marriage to a man (who turns out to be a real POS) in Indiana. A husband who claims to have a medical condition and hasn't touched Toni sexually in 4 years. Toni gets a call and has to go home when her father suffers a stroke and deal with her past and the boy who broke her heart.
Yummy David puts up with A LOT and has lived with some serious guilt since Toni left town 12 years ago. He shows her over and over again how much he cares for her but she's a complete TEASE and is still married to the POS husband and that's how she justifies her actions! Then her bestfriend Erin comes for a visit and Toni confides in her and her feelings for David. Erin is her glue and has been her bestfriend since college and basically tells her to forget the huband and to think of herself. The twist that happens with Erin made my stomach drop. Didn't see that one coming! Well, with friends like that who needs enemies, right??
This is a HEA book but to get to the end is a challenge. You've been warned.
December 14, 2013
**JUST BOOKED received an ARC for an honest review**
“…‘Saints are the sinners that keep on going.’ Don’t ever give up.” - ROTTEN
Rotten begins as Antoinette is running away from life due to living in a small town outside Las Vegas named Sloan where her father owns a club and a place where she has been bullied growing up. After graduating high school, Toni flees as far away from Sloan as possible to create a new life where no one knows her past.
Twelve years has now passed since she left Sloan, Toni is now a psychologist and married but is seeking answers with Father Joseph Laurie at her Catholic Church about her life. Father Laurie states a few things to her:
“Stay the course; this is your cross. Ask God for strength, and he will help you carry it. You are on the road to sainthood.”
“Trust that God has a reason for this. Your penance is to stop sinning against your father and to go make things right. Even if you disagree with him, you are still required to respect him. Honor thy father. Sound Familiar?”
Toni receives a devastating call that her father was admitted to the hospital and she needs to go back to her hometown. Once she arrives, she finds many things have changed since she has been gone. She also discovers her father is not doing well on the hospital too. She meets nurse, Julie, at the hospital, which becomes one of two angels Toni meets. Julie’s badge is cover in angel stickers and one rhinestone angel on the top. Julie tries to explain to Toni to keep the faith that her father’s condition will improve.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.”
In addition, his house is unlivable and his club may need to be manage until he can resume his role. If that was not enough for Toni, her marriage is not as stable as it should be.
“You’re not alone, God is always with you. It might look like everything is falling apart right now, but He’s got a plan.”
She has to face her past with David Stark, because she has held a grudge with for the twelve years. David Stark is not only her childhood best friend, but also now a grown HOT, muscular, tattoo, panty dropper ex-pro hockey player. After years of blaming himself for what occurred to Toni, he is determined to tell her why he said the things to her. The only thing David cares about now is taking care of Toni and he does not care what anyone says or thinks about himself, but will protect her with his life for her not suffer like she had in the past.
“Daddy, I need you to wake up, please, I don’t know what to do. Ever since I got here, me and David…God, we’re going round and round. I was wrong, Daddy; I had no idea. He didn’t mean to hurt me. I’m sorry I did that to you. I know I can’t change it, but if I could, I would take it back. I would take so much back. I have been so rotten. Please wake up so you know I am sorry.”
Will David be able to explain the guilt he has been carrying for the past twelve years to Toni or will Toni decide to run again? Will Toni be able to salvage her marriage or will she find soul mate maybe David? Will Toni’s father ever get release from the hospital, so they can try to mend their relationship? Author J.L. Brooks romance novel, Rotten, and has done a WONDERFUL job writing a love story of hope, faith, and trust, that will capture your attention immediately and you find yourself unable to put the book down.
I rate J.L. Brooks’s novel, Rotten - 5 HUNKY STARS!
“…‘Saints are the sinners that keep on going.’ Don’t ever give up.” - ROTTEN
Rotten begins as Antoinette is running away from life due to living in a small town outside Las Vegas named Sloan where her father owns a club and a place where she has been bullied growing up. After graduating high school, Toni flees as far away from Sloan as possible to create a new life where no one knows her past.
Twelve years has now passed since she left Sloan, Toni is now a psychologist and married but is seeking answers with Father Joseph Laurie at her Catholic Church about her life. Father Laurie states a few things to her:
“Stay the course; this is your cross. Ask God for strength, and he will help you carry it. You are on the road to sainthood.”
“Trust that God has a reason for this. Your penance is to stop sinning against your father and to go make things right. Even if you disagree with him, you are still required to respect him. Honor thy father. Sound Familiar?”
Toni receives a devastating call that her father was admitted to the hospital and she needs to go back to her hometown. Once she arrives, she finds many things have changed since she has been gone. She also discovers her father is not doing well on the hospital too. She meets nurse, Julie, at the hospital, which becomes one of two angels Toni meets. Julie’s badge is cover in angel stickers and one rhinestone angel on the top. Julie tries to explain to Toni to keep the faith that her father’s condition will improve.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.”
In addition, his house is unlivable and his club may need to be manage until he can resume his role. If that was not enough for Toni, her marriage is not as stable as it should be.
“You’re not alone, God is always with you. It might look like everything is falling apart right now, but He’s got a plan.”
She has to face her past with David Stark, because she has held a grudge with for the twelve years. David Stark is not only her childhood best friend, but also now a grown HOT, muscular, tattoo, panty dropper ex-pro hockey player. After years of blaming himself for what occurred to Toni, he is determined to tell her why he said the things to her. The only thing David cares about now is taking care of Toni and he does not care what anyone says or thinks about himself, but will protect her with his life for her not suffer like she had in the past.
“Daddy, I need you to wake up, please, I don’t know what to do. Ever since I got here, me and David…God, we’re going round and round. I was wrong, Daddy; I had no idea. He didn’t mean to hurt me. I’m sorry I did that to you. I know I can’t change it, but if I could, I would take it back. I would take so much back. I have been so rotten. Please wake up so you know I am sorry.”
Will David be able to explain the guilt he has been carrying for the past twelve years to Toni or will Toni decide to run again? Will Toni be able to salvage her marriage or will she find soul mate maybe David? Will Toni’s father ever get release from the hospital, so they can try to mend their relationship? Author J.L. Brooks romance novel, Rotten, and has done a WONDERFUL job writing a love story of hope, faith, and trust, that will capture your attention immediately and you find yourself unable to put the book down.
I rate J.L. Brooks’s novel, Rotten - 5 HUNKY STARS!
October 20, 2013
“…without love and care, we wither away, breaking down until these bodies become inhabitable. Yet with love, companionship and diligence, we thrive…”
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. First there was the outstanding characters. Antoinette Knox had so many sides to her you would think that she had split personalities. In Indiana she was this successful, 100% professional, religious and oh-so-serious unsatisfied married woman. It all felt like it was a facade, as if she was playing a role in a play. She was just existing, not really living the life that she really wanted. You could tell she was unhappy with her choices but everything seemed to change…
As soon as she was back home she transformed into a whole different person. She threw her professionalism out the window and finally just let loose. Despite the sadness that enveloped her because of her fathers situation she took everything in stride and dealt with the issues at hand. She was finally home and where she needed to be and it was then that she found her happiness. I loved her for her strength and her sass. Her confidence was non-existent when she was younger but she sure did make up for it when she got older.
David Stark. What is there not to like about this guy? I loved him for his loyalty. He was not related to Stephen Knox but he always treated him like own father. From the very beginning he knew that Toni held a special part in his heart. Growing up he always showed apathy towards Toni but it was just his way to protect her from even more cruelty of bullying. I loved him too for his selflessness and his humility.
Then there’s Stephen Knox. He ran a very successful money-making strip club which sounds pretty sleazy but he wasn’t that man you expect him to be. From birth he raised his loving daughter alone . That enough showed me how much character this guy had. Not only that…because of his business acumen he was practically a gazillionaire. What did he do with all those riches when he was living in a house falling apart at the seams? Read this one to find out. This man was a saint!
I would have to say that there was a lot of religious references which I personally tend to shy from in fiction stories. Tales that are heavy on the church, faith and/or religion just make me oddly uncomfortable. However, the way the author used these references did compliment this story appropriately and it was delivered in such a respectful and reverent manner that I couldn’t help be more impressed with her inventiveness.
After reading a second 5/5 story written by J.L. Brooks, I think it is safe to say that she is a friggin’ master of standalone romance. Just like Distractions, I loved the writing style in this book. I thought it was very detailed and descriptive. I thought the way the author paid attention to the tiniest details was remarkable.
For me this book was un-put-down-able. The writing and flow was smooth, the story had so much insight and depth and the character building was impeccable. I loved everything about it.
liezelsbookblog.net
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. First there was the outstanding characters. Antoinette Knox had so many sides to her you would think that she had split personalities. In Indiana she was this successful, 100% professional, religious and oh-so-serious unsatisfied married woman. It all felt like it was a facade, as if she was playing a role in a play. She was just existing, not really living the life that she really wanted. You could tell she was unhappy with her choices but everything seemed to change…
As soon as she was back home she transformed into a whole different person. She threw her professionalism out the window and finally just let loose. Despite the sadness that enveloped her because of her fathers situation she took everything in stride and dealt with the issues at hand. She was finally home and where she needed to be and it was then that she found her happiness. I loved her for her strength and her sass. Her confidence was non-existent when she was younger but she sure did make up for it when she got older.
David Stark. What is there not to like about this guy? I loved him for his loyalty. He was not related to Stephen Knox but he always treated him like own father. From the very beginning he knew that Toni held a special part in his heart. Growing up he always showed apathy towards Toni but it was just his way to protect her from even more cruelty of bullying. I loved him too for his selflessness and his humility.
Then there’s Stephen Knox. He ran a very successful money-making strip club which sounds pretty sleazy but he wasn’t that man you expect him to be. From birth he raised his loving daughter alone . That enough showed me how much character this guy had. Not only that…because of his business acumen he was practically a gazillionaire. What did he do with all those riches when he was living in a house falling apart at the seams? Read this one to find out. This man was a saint!
I would have to say that there was a lot of religious references which I personally tend to shy from in fiction stories. Tales that are heavy on the church, faith and/or religion just make me oddly uncomfortable. However, the way the author used these references did compliment this story appropriately and it was delivered in such a respectful and reverent manner that I couldn’t help be more impressed with her inventiveness.
After reading a second 5/5 story written by J.L. Brooks, I think it is safe to say that she is a friggin’ master of standalone romance. Just like Distractions, I loved the writing style in this book. I thought it was very detailed and descriptive. I thought the way the author paid attention to the tiniest details was remarkable.
For me this book was un-put-down-able. The writing and flow was smooth, the story had so much insight and depth and the character building was impeccable. I loved everything about it.
liezelsbookblog.net
October 20, 2013
I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this book. I was really intrigued by the synopsis. It turned out to be a really pleasant surprise. At the core of this story is the subject of bullying, the short and long term effects. We follow Toni as she tries to shake off the effects of a childhood of being bullied and recreates herself.
Toni was bullied because of her father owning a strip club. She left town after her failed suicide attempt. She made up her mind to never return. She seemingly reinvents herself into someone respectable and reputable. Someone she thinks is totally different from her past. On the surface everything is perfect down to her wonderful marriage. But looks can be deceiving. She learns this lesson when she is forced to go back to her childhood home after her father suffers a stroke and ends up in a coma. Her father, it seems, isn’t who she always thought. Despite his rough outward appearance, he has a heart of gold.
Once she arrives in town, she is forced back into contact with her childhood friend, crush, and eventual lover, David Stark. To say her world turns upside down would be an understatement. She tries to fight feelings that she thought she had pushed away long ago.
I really like David; he’s great. I feel like, even though this is Toni’s story, he is the rock. He is always there for her, being whom and what she needs at the time. He doesn’t push her to be who he wants, but lets her grow on her own while offering support.
Their love for each other isn’t instantaneous. It has grown since childhood. As such, it is something more understanding, supportive, and true. Running alongside that love, is the blinding passion they have for each other.
Even as David was a rock for Toni, she was also a source of strength and comfort for him. Though it was her father lying in the hospital bed, he was also David’s father figure. I loved watching their friendship become comfortable again, and I loved watching them accept their love for each other. They are great together.
Another theme running through this book is Toni’s Catholic faith. She leans on God, gets angry and yells at Him, and lets Him mold her. Take note that THIS IS NOT Christian fiction. Toni’s faith is a big part of her character and at times, it dictates who she is and her actions. Through a lot of soul searching and heartache, and armed with her faith, she looks back to her roots and finds herself again. She learns that it is okay to not always be perfect, and the point of life is living.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. It comes in all shapes and sizes. There is NEVER an excuse for bullying and should NEVER be tolerated. Too many are lost as a result. Do your part and fight back by standing up and speaking up.
Toni was bullied because of her father owning a strip club. She left town after her failed suicide attempt. She made up her mind to never return. She seemingly reinvents herself into someone respectable and reputable. Someone she thinks is totally different from her past. On the surface everything is perfect down to her wonderful marriage. But looks can be deceiving. She learns this lesson when she is forced to go back to her childhood home after her father suffers a stroke and ends up in a coma. Her father, it seems, isn’t who she always thought. Despite his rough outward appearance, he has a heart of gold.
Once she arrives in town, she is forced back into contact with her childhood friend, crush, and eventual lover, David Stark. To say her world turns upside down would be an understatement. She tries to fight feelings that she thought she had pushed away long ago.
I really like David; he’s great. I feel like, even though this is Toni’s story, he is the rock. He is always there for her, being whom and what she needs at the time. He doesn’t push her to be who he wants, but lets her grow on her own while offering support.
Their love for each other isn’t instantaneous. It has grown since childhood. As such, it is something more understanding, supportive, and true. Running alongside that love, is the blinding passion they have for each other.
Even as David was a rock for Toni, she was also a source of strength and comfort for him. Though it was her father lying in the hospital bed, he was also David’s father figure. I loved watching their friendship become comfortable again, and I loved watching them accept their love for each other. They are great together.
Another theme running through this book is Toni’s Catholic faith. She leans on God, gets angry and yells at Him, and lets Him mold her. Take note that THIS IS NOT Christian fiction. Toni’s faith is a big part of her character and at times, it dictates who she is and her actions. Through a lot of soul searching and heartache, and armed with her faith, she looks back to her roots and finds herself again. She learns that it is okay to not always be perfect, and the point of life is living.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. It comes in all shapes and sizes. There is NEVER an excuse for bullying and should NEVER be tolerated. Too many are lost as a result. Do your part and fight back by standing up and speaking up.
November 4, 2013
I had this book on my TBR list and the my Ladies at Flirty and Dirty posted that this was a MUST READ so I bumped it up my list and read it this weekend. Well ladies you were right.. If this is on you TBR then get it on you Currently Reading shelf.
The opener to this book advises you it contains bullying and the effects it can have. Now I did my usual and didn't read the blurb I just went head first into it.
This story to me just seemed to keep it real in a lot of ways and was honest where some other books I have read may not have been. When things are not going right in our lives we are not always the first to admit it and we most definitely are the first to find and make excuses if we feel that we have been less than adequate. Toni's story is at time heart-breaking and teaches us the age old lesson that running does not make things go away. Toni's life has been hard and as the blurb (I read after so I knew what I could put in this review without spoiling) says she has tried to give up on life once for reasons that are just heart breaking. Then you meet David Stark and I have to say at first meet you just know the man s Swoon Worthy but he knows it and he just screams PLAYER. But the more you read the more you learn about Toni and David's relationship from childhood til now and the more you want to know. This story also has the twist of strong faith and turning to God when you feel all is lost and I found this a really significant part of the story.
I loved Toni's character and I did feel sorry for her a lot, because we have all done things we have thought were right at the time but hindsight proving to be a wonderful thing!! David is just *sigh* David.. I want to say more but I don't want to ruin it!!
READ THIS BOOK! I LOVED IT!
The opener to this book advises you it contains bullying and the effects it can have. Now I did my usual and didn't read the blurb I just went head first into it.
This story to me just seemed to keep it real in a lot of ways and was honest where some other books I have read may not have been. When things are not going right in our lives we are not always the first to admit it and we most definitely are the first to find and make excuses if we feel that we have been less than adequate. Toni's story is at time heart-breaking and teaches us the age old lesson that running does not make things go away. Toni's life has been hard and as the blurb (I read after so I knew what I could put in this review without spoiling) says she has tried to give up on life once for reasons that are just heart breaking. Then you meet David Stark and I have to say at first meet you just know the man s Swoon Worthy but he knows it and he just screams PLAYER. But the more you read the more you learn about Toni and David's relationship from childhood til now and the more you want to know. This story also has the twist of strong faith and turning to God when you feel all is lost and I found this a really significant part of the story.
I loved Toni's character and I did feel sorry for her a lot, because we have all done things we have thought were right at the time but hindsight proving to be a wonderful thing!! David is just *sigh* David.. I want to say more but I don't want to ruin it!!
READ THIS BOOK! I LOVED IT!
October 25, 2013
~~Joni’s Review~~
From the moment I opened this book on my Kindle and read the dedication I was afraid this story was going to rip my heart out. The first part of the book broke my heart, but was something that happens far too often. I was hooked. I had to know what happened to Toni to make her go to such extreme measures.
Fast forward twelve years and Toni has changed her life. She has left everything she knew behind and was now “Annie” married to a man who didn’t deserve her. She visits Vegas once a year to see her father, but has never stepped foot back in her hometown since she left for college.
That is until she gets the call that none of us want to get and she has no other choice but to go home.
When she arrives back in town she sees the one person that broke her so long ago. David Stark. Instantly I knew there was more between these two than had been mentioned and the more I read the more I saw just how much Toni had wrong all those years.
She stayed in her hometown until one night she couldn’t take it anymore and she escaped back to Indiana and to a whole other hell. My heart hurt for her because all she wanted was to be a good person and overcome the past pain she had suffered.
When the world you know begins to fall apart how do you make it right?
I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved the interaction between David & Toni. You could feel there was more there and also their strong friendship from years ago. I also loved that this author put things in there that others do not it made it so much more real and had me laughing my ass off at these two.
This was a book that left a tear in my eye and a smile on my face and it gets 5 HUGE STARS!!!!
From the moment I opened this book on my Kindle and read the dedication I was afraid this story was going to rip my heart out. The first part of the book broke my heart, but was something that happens far too often. I was hooked. I had to know what happened to Toni to make her go to such extreme measures.
Fast forward twelve years and Toni has changed her life. She has left everything she knew behind and was now “Annie” married to a man who didn’t deserve her. She visits Vegas once a year to see her father, but has never stepped foot back in her hometown since she left for college.
That is until she gets the call that none of us want to get and she has no other choice but to go home.
When she arrives back in town she sees the one person that broke her so long ago. David Stark. Instantly I knew there was more between these two than had been mentioned and the more I read the more I saw just how much Toni had wrong all those years.
She stayed in her hometown until one night she couldn’t take it anymore and she escaped back to Indiana and to a whole other hell. My heart hurt for her because all she wanted was to be a good person and overcome the past pain she had suffered.
When the world you know begins to fall apart how do you make it right?
I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved the interaction between David & Toni. You could feel there was more there and also their strong friendship from years ago. I also loved that this author put things in there that others do not it made it so much more real and had me laughing my ass off at these two.
This was a book that left a tear in my eye and a smile on my face and it gets 5 HUGE STARS!!!!
October 11, 2013
Rotten is a story about a girl named Toni, who is brought up in a town outside Las Vegas by only her father. Her father runs a bar and Toni's best friend David and her are raised with a very rough up-brining. Once Toni graduates hight school, she is determined to get as far away from Las Vegas as she can. After begging her father- she sets her sights on a small town in Indiana and fleas all she's ever known.
Flash forward 10 years- Toni, now in a unhappy marriage and just going thru the motions, she is wondering what she is going to do with her life. Now an active member of a Catholic church- she turns alot to her faith. She gets a call her Dad is sick and needs to go back to Las Vegas ASAP. Toni immediately goes, knowing she will have to face her past.. She will have to face her one true love- David.
Once Toni gets to Vegas, she discovers her father's life has changed alot in ten years. Immediately having to face David, see her dying father, and deal with his mess is almost more than she can handle. Alot of spoilers happen in-between, time goes by, and the realization that her unhappy marriage has to be dealt with, Toni has major life choices to make.
Can she save her marriage? Is David her soul mate? Will her father pull thru? All questions that must be answered in this fantastic story..
I give this book a 5 star rating.. I am in love with JL Brooks writing style. I thought the characters were developed well. I loved the story- line. And most of all - I loved the religious aspect of this story. Knowing that even Christians are "sinners" and that's ok was an amazing message!
Flash forward 10 years- Toni, now in a unhappy marriage and just going thru the motions, she is wondering what she is going to do with her life. Now an active member of a Catholic church- she turns alot to her faith. She gets a call her Dad is sick and needs to go back to Las Vegas ASAP. Toni immediately goes, knowing she will have to face her past.. She will have to face her one true love- David.
Once Toni gets to Vegas, she discovers her father's life has changed alot in ten years. Immediately having to face David, see her dying father, and deal with his mess is almost more than she can handle. Alot of spoilers happen in-between, time goes by, and the realization that her unhappy marriage has to be dealt with, Toni has major life choices to make.
Can she save her marriage? Is David her soul mate? Will her father pull thru? All questions that must be answered in this fantastic story..
I give this book a 5 star rating.. I am in love with JL Brooks writing style. I thought the characters were developed well. I loved the story- line. And most of all - I loved the religious aspect of this story. Knowing that even Christians are "sinners" and that's ok was an amazing message!
October 10, 2013
*may contain spoilers, promise not to reveal to much*
Rotten is one of those books that you will remember forever, one that will stay in the back of your mind and keep you wanting more.
JL Brooks stepped out of the mold of how books in the same genre have been written and told a story which some of it is based on situations that happened in real life. The story of Toni and David, it wasn't going to be easy. You're given a story that not only shows two people who were fighting to stay away from one another all the while having strong feelings for each other and can't stay away.
Your heart will run the gamut of emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll fall in love.
Toni is a smart, no nonsense woman who left the lifestyle she was raised but in actuality is more herself when she's home. The life she was born to have had been the one that she'd run from. David, he's going to make you swoon. David is actually based on a real-life person (he's also my BBF) I claimed him the first day I met the real guy. Don't worry, he's mentioned in the book and you can find him on facebook and he can't wait to meet ALL of you. But David, had a not so easy life. Things were difficult for him in his life and he could never get over the first love he had for the one that got away. To him he'd never get over Toni, and he never thought they'd see each other again. And when he had his chance, he took it.
I love Toni and David, and you will as well.
Thank You JL, I owe you so many things for this story alone.
Rotten is one of those books that you will remember forever, one that will stay in the back of your mind and keep you wanting more.
JL Brooks stepped out of the mold of how books in the same genre have been written and told a story which some of it is based on situations that happened in real life. The story of Toni and David, it wasn't going to be easy. You're given a story that not only shows two people who were fighting to stay away from one another all the while having strong feelings for each other and can't stay away.
Your heart will run the gamut of emotions. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll fall in love.
Toni is a smart, no nonsense woman who left the lifestyle she was raised but in actuality is more herself when she's home. The life she was born to have had been the one that she'd run from. David, he's going to make you swoon. David is actually based on a real-life person (he's also my BBF) I claimed him the first day I met the real guy. Don't worry, he's mentioned in the book and you can find him on facebook and he can't wait to meet ALL of you. But David, had a not so easy life. Things were difficult for him in his life and he could never get over the first love he had for the one that got away. To him he'd never get over Toni, and he never thought they'd see each other again. And when he had his chance, he took it.
I love Toni and David, and you will as well.
Thank You JL, I owe you so many things for this story alone.
October 28, 2013
This book was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend. After reading the overview I was a little nervous this was gonna be REALLY depressing. It wasn't , the book takes place during present day but in the past the girl went through a really dark time, It touches on a very serious subject matter in today’s world…bullying. When I started it I was just gonna read the free preview amazon has, to check it out and see what this book was about. I couldn't put it down I ended up buying it and finishing it that night. The Book isn't all dark, There are some really funny moments. The banter between them is hilarious. I LOVED it! I gave it 5 Stars!!!
December 8, 2013
Hmmm... At a loss for words. I feel like this could have been really good, but some things were off. It felt rushed, there was a lack of details, and Toni was really hard to get an understanding of or even like. I felt blank reading this. No emotions at all. Schizophrenia has popped into my head many a-time reading this. I am still not sure it that is due to the story, the heroine, or myself about how I feel about this book.
October 30, 2013
Very different story and I was hooked from the beginning. Topics includes a sexless marriage, struggling relationship with God, strip club, ailing father and healing a damaged childhood relationship. See... very different story plus some of the one-liners are hilarious!!
November 25, 2013
This book was ok it was good after it gt into it and i really liked the story of the book n how it went xx liked all the characters apart from her husband who wasnt very nice bt u didnt really hear much from him so it was ok lol xxxx
August 31, 2013
Loved it!! Love toni and even more David!!!! Such a wonderful book!!
October 9, 2013
"Saints are Sinners that keep on going." LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. Can't wait until the blog tour to post my review!
October 11, 2013
DNF at 40%. I just couldn't continue. The story seemed more like a story "outline" that never quite got filled in.
July 24, 2016
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November 2, 2013
Great Read - review coming.
December 24, 2013
The story was solid and the writing was good. Heavy religious undertones, but it definitely worked with this plot. I would recommend it.
July 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. It was a decent story where the prodigal daughter comes home only to find herself. Toni was a frustrating protagonist at times because she was so weepy, but it was still believable. Also, there were times where the dialogue was confusing and I had to re-read something to understand who said it. As an atheist, I was not in love with the Catholic iconography, but it did define the character and her choices. The love scenes were well-written and classy. I could see this story being adapted to the silver screen.
books-boxed-sets
April 22, 2020In boxed set - "Rapture"
February 12, 2014
4.5 Stars
Sometimes you pick up a book and you instantly connect with it and want to tell all your friends about it! That is exactly what happened to me with Rotten. I finished it in one sitting. I had only planned on starting it but it was too hard to put down. The flow was flawless, the story was original, I laughed, I cried and I loved every minute of it. I plan on picking up another J.L. Brooks very soon.
Toni is one of those characters that you can't help but love. In the beginning you get the feeling that she is living a lie. She is running from her past and acting like the person she always thought she wanted to become. She grew up outside of Las Vegas, raised by just her father, strip club owner, after her mother ran off. Although she loved her father she was always treated differently because of what he did for a living. She was an outcast and only had one good friend David Stark. She eventually lost him though. They end up sleeping together and afterwards he asks her not to tell anyone. The one person who was always there for her is too embarrassed to let anyone know; or so she thought. She is so upset by this she gives up and doesn't want to live anymore. She tries to end it all by committing suicide but is unsuccessful. Now it is up to her to change her life and she believes running away to college will allow her to do it.
"I was getting the fresh start I craved for so long. No one had to know I was the daughter of a roughneck club owner who no one liked. I could be whoever I wanted to be, and no one would know better. So that's exactly what I did-I became someone else."-Toni
Toni's life after college is anything but exciting. With her past behind her she is stuck in a loveless marriage and seeks happiness from religion. Usually I don't like religious references in books, not that I'm not religious but sometimes they seem forced. I didn't feel that way at all with Rotten. Maybe it's because I'm Catholic myself but I felt like this part of the book was very moving! I really felt for Toni and the struggles she was facing with her marriage and how the church would react to it.
After a tragic event she is forced to face her past. Back in her hometown her eyes are opened to what happened after she left. She starts to live again. I really love the person Toni becomes. She is so different from the woman you are originally introduced to. She is strong, determined and doesn't take any shit. Even when it comes to her childhood friend David Stark. Toni is no longer the scared girl that ran 12 years ago.
Toni and David grew up together and were always close friends. I love their relationship! Yes there is some resentment there on Toni's part but she can't help her feelings for him. Even after all these years their friendship is still strong. David, I just loved him to pieces! He is hot and funnier than hell! The banter between these two had me rolling. The chemistry these two share is explosive and it only gets strong as Toni tries to find herself and David is there for her along the way. She is able to right her wrongs and become happy with herself. She moves on from the past and enjoys life again!
I can't say enough about this book. It have everything I look for! I laughed, I cried and I had a smile on my face when I finished. If you are one of those people that don't like cheating don't let the synopsis scare you. I think this a must read and was tastefully done. Make sure to add this one to your TBR!
Here are just a few of my favorite lines.
"Why the fuck would you keep an empty coffee tin in a cupboard. It's like a cock tease, but worse."
"If coffee is more important to you than dick, that must be some damn good coffee. "
"Dick is a little overrated; coffee, however, will never lose its status among things that make life worth living. I can function without dick; coffee is a whole other beast."
"Toni, your tits will always be on my radar, along with your ass, your legs, your mouth..."
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.' Sometimes Good knows we need a little proof, though; we're only human."
"Your ability to get a piece of ass is not a power of seduction; it's your skill in nailing a stupid girl. Going to a club in Vegas is like shooting fish in a barrel. There's no talent involved, just alcohol and low self-esteem."
and my favorite....
"A kid coming out won't bother me. I've banged chicks that had kids. It's like throwing a hot dog down a hallway-you get creative."
Sometimes you pick up a book and you instantly connect with it and want to tell all your friends about it! That is exactly what happened to me with Rotten. I finished it in one sitting. I had only planned on starting it but it was too hard to put down. The flow was flawless, the story was original, I laughed, I cried and I loved every minute of it. I plan on picking up another J.L. Brooks very soon.
Toni is one of those characters that you can't help but love. In the beginning you get the feeling that she is living a lie. She is running from her past and acting like the person she always thought she wanted to become. She grew up outside of Las Vegas, raised by just her father, strip club owner, after her mother ran off. Although she loved her father she was always treated differently because of what he did for a living. She was an outcast and only had one good friend David Stark. She eventually lost him though. They end up sleeping together and afterwards he asks her not to tell anyone. The one person who was always there for her is too embarrassed to let anyone know; or so she thought. She is so upset by this she gives up and doesn't want to live anymore. She tries to end it all by committing suicide but is unsuccessful. Now it is up to her to change her life and she believes running away to college will allow her to do it.
"I was getting the fresh start I craved for so long. No one had to know I was the daughter of a roughneck club owner who no one liked. I could be whoever I wanted to be, and no one would know better. So that's exactly what I did-I became someone else."-Toni
Toni's life after college is anything but exciting. With her past behind her she is stuck in a loveless marriage and seeks happiness from religion. Usually I don't like religious references in books, not that I'm not religious but sometimes they seem forced. I didn't feel that way at all with Rotten. Maybe it's because I'm Catholic myself but I felt like this part of the book was very moving! I really felt for Toni and the struggles she was facing with her marriage and how the church would react to it.
After a tragic event she is forced to face her past. Back in her hometown her eyes are opened to what happened after she left. She starts to live again. I really love the person Toni becomes. She is so different from the woman you are originally introduced to. She is strong, determined and doesn't take any shit. Even when it comes to her childhood friend David Stark. Toni is no longer the scared girl that ran 12 years ago.
Toni and David grew up together and were always close friends. I love their relationship! Yes there is some resentment there on Toni's part but she can't help her feelings for him. Even after all these years their friendship is still strong. David, I just loved him to pieces! He is hot and funnier than hell! The banter between these two had me rolling. The chemistry these two share is explosive and it only gets strong as Toni tries to find herself and David is there for her along the way. She is able to right her wrongs and become happy with herself. She moves on from the past and enjoys life again!
I can't say enough about this book. It have everything I look for! I laughed, I cried and I had a smile on my face when I finished. If you are one of those people that don't like cheating don't let the synopsis scare you. I think this a must read and was tastefully done. Make sure to add this one to your TBR!
Here are just a few of my favorite lines.
"Why the fuck would you keep an empty coffee tin in a cupboard. It's like a cock tease, but worse."
"If coffee is more important to you than dick, that must be some damn good coffee. "
"Dick is a little overrated; coffee, however, will never lose its status among things that make life worth living. I can function without dick; coffee is a whole other beast."
"Toni, your tits will always be on my radar, along with your ass, your legs, your mouth..."
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.' Sometimes Good knows we need a little proof, though; we're only human."
"Your ability to get a piece of ass is not a power of seduction; it's your skill in nailing a stupid girl. Going to a club in Vegas is like shooting fish in a barrel. There's no talent involved, just alcohol and low self-esteem."
and my favorite....
"A kid coming out won't bother me. I've banged chicks that had kids. It's like throwing a hot dog down a hallway-you get creative."
October 19, 2013
ARC received in exchange for an honest review for Have Book Will Read.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Sometimes God knows we need a little proof though; we’re only human.”
I will be honest. I was not sure WHAT to expect going into this book. I’ve not read any other books by this author, but the cover alone sold me from the get go! To say I was blown away is a sever understatement! The writing was woven together so beautifully, it appeared to be effortless. The characters ALL had such depth and practically jumped off the pages, whether they were in every scene, or only in the book for a few pages. Surely these lyrical talents were from a seasoned author. I felt as if I was there, experiencing this all with them, a not so innocent bystander. I immediately went to seek out her other works.
I loved this man with all of my being. I couldn’t confess it, but it was engrained in my soul. He was the first man I ever loved, and probably always would love. Before me laid my heart’s desire, caught in a deep slumber in my arms. If only all of life could be this perfect, my broken heart might actually mend.
Rotten is the journey of Toni and David. Having fled home years earlier, escaping a painful childhood, Toni is now in an otherwise loveless marriage, devoid of any intimacy. She is a shell of the person she formerly was. A devout Catholic and psychologist for kids going through the court system, Toni wears her pain like a shield. She is determined to not let her past affect the rest of her life, but when you push things so deep inside they have no chance of crawling out, true growth can never really occur. Even at 29, Toni is very much the insecure girl of 18, who only wanted to be loved for who she was, not just be judged by those around her. Let not these descriptions deter you though, Toni is one strong woman. Many others would have let her struggles drag them down, and they quite literally almost did. Were it not for one person……
“Please kiss me.” My voice was shaky and pleading as if I needed this kiss to keep me among the living. I did.
David Stark. Mmmm….let’s just let that sink in for a minute. Ever the protector, David is the first love, best friend, and confidant that every girl wishes for. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a couple so right for each other. When our story begins, these two haven’t seen nor spoken to each other in over 10 years. Many things may have changed over the course of their lives, but the key elements, who they are to the core, have remained the same. Their love has only festered and manifested itself into something neither can nor want to explain. It just is. We all have that comfy pair of pants that we put on when we are feeling bad, instantly knowing they will bring us comfort. That is David for Toni. I won’t lie and say the man doesn’t have faults; he is human after all. But to me, he is just simply delicious perfection!
Being alone is a strange feeling. Not just separated from the physical presence of another person, but also emotionally and spiritually feeling as if every bond with humanity has been severed. Your mind struggles to wrap itself around it, fabricating excuses as to why. Despair was an emotion that I had feasted on for weeks, and this – this was absolute and utter desolation. My soul was as dry as the desert that surrounded me.
The story started off a tad slow for me, but once I connected with the characters I was completely and utterly immersed into their world. I think this had more to do with how fast I read and how many books I go through rather than the story itself, so don’t judge it solely based upon that. I loved this book from start to finish and everything in between. This is a standalone novel, and while I won’t spoil the ending, I can assure you that every party introduced will be more than satisfied. This was a great introduction to this author and a solid 5 star read for me!
“Saints are the sinners that keep on going. Don’t ever give up.”
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Sometimes God knows we need a little proof though; we’re only human.”
I will be honest. I was not sure WHAT to expect going into this book. I’ve not read any other books by this author, but the cover alone sold me from the get go! To say I was blown away is a sever understatement! The writing was woven together so beautifully, it appeared to be effortless. The characters ALL had such depth and practically jumped off the pages, whether they were in every scene, or only in the book for a few pages. Surely these lyrical talents were from a seasoned author. I felt as if I was there, experiencing this all with them, a not so innocent bystander. I immediately went to seek out her other works.
I loved this man with all of my being. I couldn’t confess it, but it was engrained in my soul. He was the first man I ever loved, and probably always would love. Before me laid my heart’s desire, caught in a deep slumber in my arms. If only all of life could be this perfect, my broken heart might actually mend.
Rotten is the journey of Toni and David. Having fled home years earlier, escaping a painful childhood, Toni is now in an otherwise loveless marriage, devoid of any intimacy. She is a shell of the person she formerly was. A devout Catholic and psychologist for kids going through the court system, Toni wears her pain like a shield. She is determined to not let her past affect the rest of her life, but when you push things so deep inside they have no chance of crawling out, true growth can never really occur. Even at 29, Toni is very much the insecure girl of 18, who only wanted to be loved for who she was, not just be judged by those around her. Let not these descriptions deter you though, Toni is one strong woman. Many others would have let her struggles drag them down, and they quite literally almost did. Were it not for one person……
“Please kiss me.” My voice was shaky and pleading as if I needed this kiss to keep me among the living. I did.
David Stark. Mmmm….let’s just let that sink in for a minute. Ever the protector, David is the first love, best friend, and confidant that every girl wishes for. I don’t know that I’ve ever read a couple so right for each other. When our story begins, these two haven’t seen nor spoken to each other in over 10 years. Many things may have changed over the course of their lives, but the key elements, who they are to the core, have remained the same. Their love has only festered and manifested itself into something neither can nor want to explain. It just is. We all have that comfy pair of pants that we put on when we are feeling bad, instantly knowing they will bring us comfort. That is David for Toni. I won’t lie and say the man doesn’t have faults; he is human after all. But to me, he is just simply delicious perfection!
Being alone is a strange feeling. Not just separated from the physical presence of another person, but also emotionally and spiritually feeling as if every bond with humanity has been severed. Your mind struggles to wrap itself around it, fabricating excuses as to why. Despair was an emotion that I had feasted on for weeks, and this – this was absolute and utter desolation. My soul was as dry as the desert that surrounded me.
The story started off a tad slow for me, but once I connected with the characters I was completely and utterly immersed into their world. I think this had more to do with how fast I read and how many books I go through rather than the story itself, so don’t judge it solely based upon that. I loved this book from start to finish and everything in between. This is a standalone novel, and while I won’t spoil the ending, I can assure you that every party introduced will be more than satisfied. This was a great introduction to this author and a solid 5 star read for me!
“Saints are the sinners that keep on going. Don’t ever give up.”
October 15, 2013
Saints are the sinners that keep on going.
When I finished reading this book I was blown away by what JL Brooks accomplished in this story. These characters that JL created had me laughing as hard as I was falling in love. Knowing that JL had inspiration for this book in certain characters I think made me attach a little too much and I might have had to remind myself about a couple things!
“More than once I had to remind myself, I am a married woman.”
"I didn't mean to say that. I am so sorry. I am going straight to hell in gasoline panties aren't I?"
I will take one ticket straight to hell as long as I can take this book with me. I didn’t mean that!! Yes I did David is worth hell. So let’s talk about him because you know I always want to talk about the hot boy before I talk about the story!! David is the boy who was Toni’s first and by first, I mean her first everything. He is the bad boy that every woman wants to tame but that is only the surface David. The core of David is this sweet, caring, funny, HOT AS SIN man. A man that you can tell has been made for only one woman and that woman is Toni. However that didn’t stop me from having a whole full blown relationship in my head.
“In my fantasizing, every inch of his solid body had been thoroughly licked and explored. He decimated me on average six times an hour. It couldn’t be healthy to think about having sex this many times in a twenty-four hour period. My brain was on dopamine overload from being stimulated so frequently.”
Ok so I need to focus but really be prepared to fall in love with this boy because he truly is a diamond in the rough. Toni, Toni, Toni, you instantly bond with Toni because she is so real, so open and so honest. In the beginning you meet a girl who is trying to escape. We learn she is a woman who spent her life trying to run from misunderstandings and a closet full of ghosts. But you can only hide from the past for so long and Toni’s father falling ill pulls her right back to the place she never wanted to face again. We watch as she comes to terms and we watch as she finds this person she left behind.
“You’re the strongest, most beautiful, foul-mouthed woman I know.”
Toni is truly a character as a woman you can’t help but fall in love with she has this take charge and kick ass attitude. But what sold me was when David and her came together, David had this instant connection to take care of her and watching them together was more comical than anything else. They had this relationship that worked where it wouldn’t with anyone else.
" Why the f*** would you keep an empty coffee tin in a cupboard. It's like a cock tease, but worse."
"If coffee is more important to you than dick, that must be some damn good coffee. "
“Dick is a little overrated; coffee, however, will never lose its status among things that make life worth living. I can function without dick; coffee is a whole other beast.”
In the end this is a story that leaves you with a smile, it leaves you loving that stories come with HEA and it left me wanting to go Vegas and I might have started listening to Steel Panther! I also think I want to work a stripper pole just once!
“Yeah, I said it. Let me up – there’s an empty pole and a morning full of regret with my name on it.”
I am blaming JL and I think I want a David!!!
“God, that man was incredible.”
When I finished reading this book I was blown away by what JL Brooks accomplished in this story. These characters that JL created had me laughing as hard as I was falling in love. Knowing that JL had inspiration for this book in certain characters I think made me attach a little too much and I might have had to remind myself about a couple things!
“More than once I had to remind myself, I am a married woman.”
"I didn't mean to say that. I am so sorry. I am going straight to hell in gasoline panties aren't I?"
I will take one ticket straight to hell as long as I can take this book with me. I didn’t mean that!! Yes I did David is worth hell. So let’s talk about him because you know I always want to talk about the hot boy before I talk about the story!! David is the boy who was Toni’s first and by first, I mean her first everything. He is the bad boy that every woman wants to tame but that is only the surface David. The core of David is this sweet, caring, funny, HOT AS SIN man. A man that you can tell has been made for only one woman and that woman is Toni. However that didn’t stop me from having a whole full blown relationship in my head.
“In my fantasizing, every inch of his solid body had been thoroughly licked and explored. He decimated me on average six times an hour. It couldn’t be healthy to think about having sex this many times in a twenty-four hour period. My brain was on dopamine overload from being stimulated so frequently.”
Ok so I need to focus but really be prepared to fall in love with this boy because he truly is a diamond in the rough. Toni, Toni, Toni, you instantly bond with Toni because she is so real, so open and so honest. In the beginning you meet a girl who is trying to escape. We learn she is a woman who spent her life trying to run from misunderstandings and a closet full of ghosts. But you can only hide from the past for so long and Toni’s father falling ill pulls her right back to the place she never wanted to face again. We watch as she comes to terms and we watch as she finds this person she left behind.
“You’re the strongest, most beautiful, foul-mouthed woman I know.”
Toni is truly a character as a woman you can’t help but fall in love with she has this take charge and kick ass attitude. But what sold me was when David and her came together, David had this instant connection to take care of her and watching them together was more comical than anything else. They had this relationship that worked where it wouldn’t with anyone else.
" Why the f*** would you keep an empty coffee tin in a cupboard. It's like a cock tease, but worse."
"If coffee is more important to you than dick, that must be some damn good coffee. "
“Dick is a little overrated; coffee, however, will never lose its status among things that make life worth living. I can function without dick; coffee is a whole other beast.”
In the end this is a story that leaves you with a smile, it leaves you loving that stories come with HEA and it left me wanting to go Vegas and I might have started listening to Steel Panther! I also think I want to work a stripper pole just once!
“Yeah, I said it. Let me up – there’s an empty pole and a morning full of regret with my name on it.”
I am blaming JL and I think I want a David!!!
“God, that man was incredible.”
November 2, 2013
He was her first… and then he told her not to tell. Wait what? This book just starts with a bang and doesn’t slow down! Buckle up and hold on for one amazing journey.
Toni didn’t have the perfect childhood, her father was a well known owner of a strip club, and her mother abandoned her just after she was born. She always had her dad and David. Until that one night when David took her virginity and then told her not to tell. Why would he do that? It seems so wrong that he wanted to keep their one night so secret. Was he ashamed? It really didn’t matter why he did it; the fact of the matter is that he did. But what happened that night changed everything for Toni. She attempted to end it all, but David wouldn’t let that happen… but why? She just wanted it to be over. She just wanted an out. But she didn’t get it that day. But she was prepared for it. Toni was ready to run as far as she could from her small town and never look back.
Fast forward many years and Toni is now married and has a great career. But is her marriage everything she wants or needs? When she makes a confession in church, she is told to return to that town that seemed to be the root of all of her issues. She was told to return to her hometown and fix things with her dad. She needed to make peace with her past.
What she wasn’t expecting when she returned was for David to be there. Not just that he was there, but he was there and he wanted to take care of her. Toni was going through something tough when she returned home but never did she expect that when she got home she was really able to find out who she really was.
Knowing that her marriage hadn’t been great for at least four years, Toni finds herself torn between two worlds, commitment and true love.
This was a beautifully written story about finding out who you really are. Discovering nothing is really as black and white as it may appear and discovering who you are and where your heart belongs takes a lot of strength and courage. My heart ached for Toni so much through this book. Knowing that she was in one tough spot after another and it really showed the growth she had to make as a person to hold it out together to become the person she was destined to become.
Now before you start thinking this is just a sad little story, it’s not. It has wit and charm to it too and a lot of steam. There is a wicked sense of humor running through the pages and the connection the characters make is something amazing.
I fell in love with David though it took more than a few chapters to see through that cocky exterior. I found him quite endearing, well except when he whipped out Goliath… that was so not necessary, but I found it funny nonetheless.
This is a great book and well balanced between drama and love.
*I received a complimentary copy of Rotten in exchange for an honest review*
Toni didn’t have the perfect childhood, her father was a well known owner of a strip club, and her mother abandoned her just after she was born. She always had her dad and David. Until that one night when David took her virginity and then told her not to tell. Why would he do that? It seems so wrong that he wanted to keep their one night so secret. Was he ashamed? It really didn’t matter why he did it; the fact of the matter is that he did. But what happened that night changed everything for Toni. She attempted to end it all, but David wouldn’t let that happen… but why? She just wanted it to be over. She just wanted an out. But she didn’t get it that day. But she was prepared for it. Toni was ready to run as far as she could from her small town and never look back.
Fast forward many years and Toni is now married and has a great career. But is her marriage everything she wants or needs? When she makes a confession in church, she is told to return to that town that seemed to be the root of all of her issues. She was told to return to her hometown and fix things with her dad. She needed to make peace with her past.
What she wasn’t expecting when she returned was for David to be there. Not just that he was there, but he was there and he wanted to take care of her. Toni was going through something tough when she returned home but never did she expect that when she got home she was really able to find out who she really was.
Knowing that her marriage hadn’t been great for at least four years, Toni finds herself torn between two worlds, commitment and true love.
This was a beautifully written story about finding out who you really are. Discovering nothing is really as black and white as it may appear and discovering who you are and where your heart belongs takes a lot of strength and courage. My heart ached for Toni so much through this book. Knowing that she was in one tough spot after another and it really showed the growth she had to make as a person to hold it out together to become the person she was destined to become.
Now before you start thinking this is just a sad little story, it’s not. It has wit and charm to it too and a lot of steam. There is a wicked sense of humor running through the pages and the connection the characters make is something amazing.
I fell in love with David though it took more than a few chapters to see through that cocky exterior. I found him quite endearing, well except when he whipped out Goliath… that was so not necessary, but I found it funny nonetheless.
This is a great book and well balanced between drama and love.
*I received a complimentary copy of Rotten in exchange for an honest review*
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