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Flowering #1.5
Lily of the Valley
PLEASE NOTE: Although this is a companion novel to Forget Me Not, you can read these in any order. They are both standalone stories from different perspectives.
You met them in Forget Me Not. Now, hear Jack’s story.
Plagued by a dark past, Jack sees college as a way out. Desperate to escape the area where he grew up, the people who know his secrets, and his own family, he deals with his problems through alcohol and sex.
When he first sees Lily, she’s the epitome of everything he hates. Yet something about her makes Jack rethink everything he knows and assumes about other people. Now, with the help of his best friend and lover, Jack has to decide if he wants to pursue something that he knows will only end badly.
Can Lily be one of the few people who can see Jack for who he really is – or will his darkness be too much for her to handle?
You met them in Forget Me Not. Now, hear Jack’s story.
Plagued by a dark past, Jack sees college as a way out. Desperate to escape the area where he grew up, the people who know his secrets, and his own family, he deals with his problems through alcohol and sex.
When he first sees Lily, she’s the epitome of everything he hates. Yet something about her makes Jack rethink everything he knows and assumes about other people. Now, with the help of his best friend and lover, Jack has to decide if he wants to pursue something that he knows will only end badly.
Can Lily be one of the few people who can see Jack for who he really is – or will his darkness be too much for her to handle?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2013
31 people are currently reading
1294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 128 reviews
June 14, 2015
I haven't read the first book in the series yet, but this one made it sure that i will. Not because i fell in love with the story or the characters, no, not even close but just to try and find the parts that were missing from this one.
I'm in a very awkward position right now. Although the plot is very good and the writing is also fine, the tampered "realism" made me gag. I wanted to lose my self in Jack's story and that would have worked if it wasn't so disjointed and forced.
I'm all for realism and pain, but it's just not real when an author tries to pass as "raw and genuine" the insta-love and the profession of it after only a sex rampage that lasted almost 4 days. I just hate it when characters in books or movies make those mistakes. In-lust, in-love and love are not the same, that's the truth. Love is earned day by day, no one can diminish it as he or she sees fit.
If i have to be honest i didn't like the book that much but it has some rather good traits too. Like the realistic description of depression, Jack's good back story and the volatile relationship he carries for years with Alana and its meaning.
Otherwise the book reads as an underdeveloped good thought that needs much work to become something interesting. The extreme usage of sex that is not particularly good or hot, the rushed conclusion that in fact leaves the whole story out, the love that is not earned and the characters that have no consistency on their actions and words left me entirely unsatisfied. In retrospect not that dark or deep, yes the theme almost makes you obligated to perceive it as such but it just doesn't make the cut.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- We really have no idea who Lily is. A total mystery and not in a good way.
- Where is the chemistry? I felt none.
- Alana is very needy, on the edge of pathetic for the first part. Then she becomes the voice of reason, strong and likeable.
- Not even Jack is very fleshed out, and this is all from his POV.
- NO CONDOM EVER? What the hell? No one uses a condom in this book, now that's really disturbing.
- The built-up was nowhere to be seen.
- The trio made me feel rather uneasy.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
I'm in a very awkward position right now. Although the plot is very good and the writing is also fine, the tampered "realism" made me gag. I wanted to lose my self in Jack's story and that would have worked if it wasn't so disjointed and forced.
I'm all for realism and pain, but it's just not real when an author tries to pass as "raw and genuine" the insta-love and the profession of it after only a sex rampage that lasted almost 4 days. I just hate it when characters in books or movies make those mistakes. In-lust, in-love and love are not the same, that's the truth. Love is earned day by day, no one can diminish it as he or she sees fit.
If i have to be honest i didn't like the book that much but it has some rather good traits too. Like the realistic description of depression, Jack's good back story and the volatile relationship he carries for years with Alana and its meaning.
Otherwise the book reads as an underdeveloped good thought that needs much work to become something interesting. The extreme usage of sex that is not particularly good or hot, the rushed conclusion that in fact leaves the whole story out, the love that is not earned and the characters that have no consistency on their actions and words left me entirely unsatisfied. In retrospect not that dark or deep, yes the theme almost makes you obligated to perceive it as such but it just doesn't make the cut.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- We really have no idea who Lily is. A total mystery and not in a good way.
- Where is the chemistry? I felt none.
- Alana is very needy, on the edge of pathetic for the first part. Then she becomes the voice of reason, strong and likeable.
- Not even Jack is very fleshed out, and this is all from his POV.
- NO CONDOM EVER? What the hell? No one uses a condom in this book, now that's really disturbing.
- The built-up was nowhere to be seen.
- The trio made me feel rather uneasy.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
October 23, 2014
I loved Jack in the first one this book made me love him even more in this one. To see how his relationship was with Alana was something else and I can totally see her and Dave having a book. When Jake talked about the snowmen he made and the flashback he had when the teachers talked about it brought me to tears. I saw that it was going to be a book 2 but it had the same synopsis as this one did so I'm a little confused. I'm also hoping that book 2 is still Jake/Lily because their story is not finished far from it. I mean they have the whole met the parents and the situation with his dad that's really a big part of the story. I'm ready for Jake/Lily to get married and babies seeing how he never saw that for himself. Jake is so one of my favorite bad boy bbf.
October 16, 2013
FIVE STAR REVIEW: RAW, EROTIC AND AMAZING!
Raw, erotic and amazing!!
I used to think that the erotic life was the province of the rich, or at least the fairly well off. How can you think about being beautiful, sensual and naughty when you're scrounging for your next meal? But Sarah Daltry, Author has dispelled that notion for me as her protagonist Jack is so sexy and yet very much from the wrong side of the tracks. For him, sex is a form of exorcism of the pain bubbling in his soul. And the sex is way way hot.
So Lily of the Valley, which is book two of The Flowering series, is an unusual novel. It delivers on two very different fronts, combining Jack's raw and gritty emotional journey to survive a truly awful past, with an erotic coming of age story as hot as any I've read in a while. I was squirming big time after reading some of the scorching hot sex in this book. I wanted Jack to jump off the page and do me the way he did Lily (sorry if that's a spoiler!). This is a Romeo and Juliet story in which Romeo is emotionally wounded to the core by something that his father has done, such that Jack fears that he is cursed for life. Enter Lily, who appears to be from the other side of the tracks, though it's unclear whether she's really got the silver spoon in her mouth, or if that's just her persona. No matter, she's gorgeous and Jack falls for her hard. Then there is Alana, Jack's best friend with benefits with whom Jack cannot have a "normal" relationship. The three of them form one hot triangle, and in one of my favorite scenes, because I like hot, dirty sex, all get it on.
The magic of this book is that even as I squirmed and reached for my toy drawer while reading it, I was caught up in Jack's painful emotional journey and his attempt at redemption through his relationship with Lily. Read it. It's great. And hot. I can't wait to read more from Sarah Daltry!
Raw, erotic and amazing!!
I used to think that the erotic life was the province of the rich, or at least the fairly well off. How can you think about being beautiful, sensual and naughty when you're scrounging for your next meal? But Sarah Daltry, Author has dispelled that notion for me as her protagonist Jack is so sexy and yet very much from the wrong side of the tracks. For him, sex is a form of exorcism of the pain bubbling in his soul. And the sex is way way hot.
So Lily of the Valley, which is book two of The Flowering series, is an unusual novel. It delivers on two very different fronts, combining Jack's raw and gritty emotional journey to survive a truly awful past, with an erotic coming of age story as hot as any I've read in a while. I was squirming big time after reading some of the scorching hot sex in this book. I wanted Jack to jump off the page and do me the way he did Lily (sorry if that's a spoiler!). This is a Romeo and Juliet story in which Romeo is emotionally wounded to the core by something that his father has done, such that Jack fears that he is cursed for life. Enter Lily, who appears to be from the other side of the tracks, though it's unclear whether she's really got the silver spoon in her mouth, or if that's just her persona. No matter, she's gorgeous and Jack falls for her hard. Then there is Alana, Jack's best friend with benefits with whom Jack cannot have a "normal" relationship. The three of them form one hot triangle, and in one of my favorite scenes, because I like hot, dirty sex, all get it on.
The magic of this book is that even as I squirmed and reached for my toy drawer while reading it, I was caught up in Jack's painful emotional journey and his attempt at redemption through his relationship with Lily. Read it. It's great. And hot. I can't wait to read more from Sarah Daltry!
September 13, 2013
If you've read Forget Me Not, then you have already fell in love with Jack, I didn't think it was possible to love him even more, but YES IT IS! Oh Jack!!!
Jack may be the ultimate bad boy, with his tattoos, piercings and sex god moves but he is also damaged. Jack's had a hard life, and on the inside of his hard confident exterior is a vulnerable, heart broken boy. Sarah has done a brilliant job of capturing Jack's feelings, making your heart break for him as you read him struggle to deal with the feelings he has for Lily and the troubles from his past. For the first time sex means something more to Jack than just an escape and that makes Jack feel both elated and terrified. Lily of the Valley will take you on a emotional ride, from heart breaking to toe curling; the sex is HOT and I mean HOT!
I really liked Forget Me Not but I LOVED Lilly of the Valley, this is more than just a college romance, this is a story about how two lost people can feel whole together.
This is a must read! Sarah's a brilliant author and I look forward to reading more of her work! GO FALL IN LOVE WITH JACK!!!
Jack may be the ultimate bad boy, with his tattoos, piercings and sex god moves but he is also damaged. Jack's had a hard life, and on the inside of his hard confident exterior is a vulnerable, heart broken boy. Sarah has done a brilliant job of capturing Jack's feelings, making your heart break for him as you read him struggle to deal with the feelings he has for Lily and the troubles from his past. For the first time sex means something more to Jack than just an escape and that makes Jack feel both elated and terrified. Lily of the Valley will take you on a emotional ride, from heart breaking to toe curling; the sex is HOT and I mean HOT!
I really liked Forget Me Not but I LOVED Lilly of the Valley, this is more than just a college romance, this is a story about how two lost people can feel whole together.
This is a must read! Sarah's a brilliant author and I look forward to reading more of her work! GO FALL IN LOVE WITH JACK!!!
August 13, 2016
I love how this book shows the honest side of the reality of depression and suicidal thoughts. So many books gloss over life's ultimate pain. Jack is a beyond sexy, tattooed bad boy, but his lack of self worth and feeling cursed by his past is really depressing and it made it hard to make it through this book.
Lily's life story isn't told in detail in this book and I would have loved to learn more about her.
The sexual chemistry between Lily and Jack was off the charts and the sex was even hotter.
After reading so many reviews that mention how great the first book was, I am going to go back and read it. I will definitely also be checking out the other books in the flowering series.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review...thanks!!!)
October 17, 2013
If you want to read a book about sex, and I mean a lot of it, then Lily of the Valley is the book for you! And, if you want a book that outside of the sex that is quite emotional, then Lily of the Valley is the book for you! Jack’s story is quite sad and heartbreaking. Throughout the pages of the book, we see that he is actually more than just a sex-crazed young man and there is truly something deep stirring in his soul. Sections of the book are dirty and sleazy, but it is worth a read!
MY RATING: 3.5
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Lily of the Valley in exchange for an honest review.
MY RATING: 3.5
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Lily of the Valley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2013
Maybe if I had read the 1st book I would have enjoyed this one more, but I'm going to go with it's just not my style - but maybe it's yours. Lots of sex! Now that's not always a bad thing but sometimes you need more of a storyline & the rest was depressing. Not that life isn't sometimes just sh*t...I personally just need a little more happy.
September 15, 2013
I can say this. I love jack. He's a broken man and he finds lily. I love his POV. Some parts broke my heart. I love the way this was written. Love all the characters. I can't wait to see what Sarah has next. :-) highly recommend
April 4, 2014
Lily of the Valley is one of those books that just didn't deliver for me. There is a lot of sex, which can be okay, but the sex was only almost good to read. It was the kind of thing I enjoy and if it would have just been a little better, a little longer, not so rushed I would have written this down as an all sex book and not minded it. Instead it was lacking for me, even though it is the kind of thing I do enjoy reading. As I said it was a little rushed so I felt like it wasn't as good as it could have been.
The other issue with the book? The story that was fit in around the sex. That was also too rushed for me and way too easy. Jack has issues. He is depressed and has had suicidal thoughts, doesn't think he is good enough for anyone, thinks he will end up like his dad, doesn't trust people, etc. He has issues. He uses sex as a way to try and run from them or deal with anything that happens to him. At the beginning he uses his best friend Alana, and she uses him as well. She has her own dark issues as well so they kind of use each other to try and deal with their issues. Alana thinks she is in love with Jack, but knows he doesn't want to be tied down to someone.
Then Jack runs into Lily and from that first moment he can't stop thinking about her. She has a boyfriend though and he thinks nothing will ever happen with her. Then they do get together, then things happen and he thinks she is gone forever as he thinks she chose someone else, and on the day he was going to share his feelings with her, so he shuts downs. Up until this point it has been obvious he has dark demons to face, but he hasn't wanted to. I know Lily could offer a brief respite from that, but this was a set back (though he doesn't get really out of control because he wants to be able to say he didn't if she ever comes back). So I was thinking this is great. Now he can try and work through some of his issues and make himself a better person. Then if she does come back he is in a better place to be with her and care for her like he wants to. Does this happen? No. Things magically work out and then everything is just sunshine and roses. He shares everything with her and what do you know everything is wonderful. It was just a bit...it was too easy. Too easy to just change his darkness and be fine with her. Too easy for him to care so much for her and accept it. It just didn't seem realistic to me. I do love my guys who have dark pasts, but this one was just too simplistic for me or something. It just didn't work for me.
So since the sex was almost good, but not enough for me, and the story wasn't really great this book just fell flat for me. I also didn't see why Jack and Lily loved each other. I didn't understand that at all. It just seemed like they liked having sex and somehow that equaled love. Not the best in my opinion. Plus they knew like nothing about each other. Once they get together for reals it is a bit and then Jack comments on how he just learned what Lily's major was. I thought wait a minute. You both are in college going to classes and you don't know what each other is studying? This has never come up? You don't talk about classes at all? What do you talk about? Maybe they just have sex or sit silently all the time. It was just strange to me as how does that not come up in conversation ever. Like oh I have a bio test today we can meet up after or something. Whatever. Obviously this was not the book for me. Too easy, to simple, and I didn't understand the main characters at all.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
The other issue with the book? The story that was fit in around the sex. That was also too rushed for me and way too easy. Jack has issues. He is depressed and has had suicidal thoughts, doesn't think he is good enough for anyone, thinks he will end up like his dad, doesn't trust people, etc. He has issues. He uses sex as a way to try and run from them or deal with anything that happens to him. At the beginning he uses his best friend Alana, and she uses him as well. She has her own dark issues as well so they kind of use each other to try and deal with their issues. Alana thinks she is in love with Jack, but knows he doesn't want to be tied down to someone.
Then Jack runs into Lily and from that first moment he can't stop thinking about her. She has a boyfriend though and he thinks nothing will ever happen with her. Then they do get together, then things happen and he thinks she is gone forever as he thinks she chose someone else, and on the day he was going to share his feelings with her, so he shuts downs. Up until this point it has been obvious he has dark demons to face, but he hasn't wanted to. I know Lily could offer a brief respite from that, but this was a set back (though he doesn't get really out of control because he wants to be able to say he didn't if she ever comes back). So I was thinking this is great. Now he can try and work through some of his issues and make himself a better person. Then if she does come back he is in a better place to be with her and care for her like he wants to. Does this happen? No. Things magically work out and then everything is just sunshine and roses. He shares everything with her and what do you know everything is wonderful. It was just a bit...it was too easy. Too easy to just change his darkness and be fine with her. Too easy for him to care so much for her and accept it. It just didn't seem realistic to me. I do love my guys who have dark pasts, but this one was just too simplistic for me or something. It just didn't work for me.
So since the sex was almost good, but not enough for me, and the story wasn't really great this book just fell flat for me. I also didn't see why Jack and Lily loved each other. I didn't understand that at all. It just seemed like they liked having sex and somehow that equaled love. Not the best in my opinion. Plus they knew like nothing about each other. Once they get together for reals it is a bit and then Jack comments on how he just learned what Lily's major was. I thought wait a minute. You both are in college going to classes and you don't know what each other is studying? This has never come up? You don't talk about classes at all? What do you talk about? Maybe they just have sex or sit silently all the time. It was just strange to me as how does that not come up in conversation ever. Like oh I have a bio test today we can meet up after or something. Whatever. Obviously this was not the book for me. Too easy, to simple, and I didn't understand the main characters at all.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
October 1, 2016
I'm really torn how to rate this book. The subject matter makes you want to really like it. Jack is a college student who is terribly depressed. He witnessed his father kill his mother. His father is now in prison but Jack hates him and is resisting his grandmother's attempts for some kind of reconciliation. Jack has only a few friends, including Alana who is his confidant, sometime sexual partner. He hates his life, has very dark thoughts and even once tried to kill himself.
Enter Lily. Another college student who Jack meets by accident at his dorm while she is waiting for her boyfriend. He is immediately attracted to her, but she isn't to him. Jack is very sexual, using sex as a means to overcome his demons. Eventually he and Lily develop a good sexual relationship but Jack still can't overcome his dark feelings. But he falls hard for Lily but doesn't feel worthy of her or that fate will ever let him be happy.
Lily does eventually help Jack build confidence in himself and look forward to a brighter future and stop focusing on his horrible past.
At times this is an extremely depressing book. I think the problem I had was that the Lily times should have been the wonderful parts. But I just couldn't seem to feel that Lily was as wonderful as she was supposed to be and her love and acceptance of Jack just seemed a little forced.
This was a deep read, I really liked Jack and his introspection about himself but I just didn't really care about Lily as much as I should have.
Enter Lily. Another college student who Jack meets by accident at his dorm while she is waiting for her boyfriend. He is immediately attracted to her, but she isn't to him. Jack is very sexual, using sex as a means to overcome his demons. Eventually he and Lily develop a good sexual relationship but Jack still can't overcome his dark feelings. But he falls hard for Lily but doesn't feel worthy of her or that fate will ever let him be happy.
Lily does eventually help Jack build confidence in himself and look forward to a brighter future and stop focusing on his horrible past.
At times this is an extremely depressing book. I think the problem I had was that the Lily times should have been the wonderful parts. But I just couldn't seem to feel that Lily was as wonderful as she was supposed to be and her love and acceptance of Jack just seemed a little forced.
This was a deep read, I really liked Jack and his introspection about himself but I just didn't really care about Lily as much as I should have.
September 26, 2013
Let me begin by saying that I read and reviewed Book 1 of this series, Forget Me Not, not long ago. After reading all of the reviews on it, I was so excited to read it. But something was missing for me. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book. I liked it, but I wanted to love it. I gave it 3.5 stars out of 5. When I got the chance to read this book, Lily of the Valley, I couldn't wait. Something about Book 1 nagged at me, telling me that I should have given it more of a chance. Well, here was my chance.
Technically, this is book 1.5 of the series. It is once again the story of Jack and Lily, only this time it is from Jack's point of view. It follows Jack, a severely troubled 20 year old college student, through his crazy reality. He meets Lily, a girl so unlike himself, who is willing to see past the bad and blindly trust and love him. I cannot even explain how much I loved this book. It was insane to me how changing the point of view of the story made all the difference to me. I loved everything about Jack, about Lily, about their budding relationship and their stories. There was an emotion that I could feel here. It was raw. It was real. I was rooting for the best outcome for both of them. The writing is amazing. I could see and feel every minute of this book. And the spicy sex scenes - wow!
I'm so glad that I read this story. It gave me the appreciation for the series that I was lacking. I can't wait for more!
Technically, this is book 1.5 of the series. It is once again the story of Jack and Lily, only this time it is from Jack's point of view. It follows Jack, a severely troubled 20 year old college student, through his crazy reality. He meets Lily, a girl so unlike himself, who is willing to see past the bad and blindly trust and love him. I cannot even explain how much I loved this book. It was insane to me how changing the point of view of the story made all the difference to me. I loved everything about Jack, about Lily, about their budding relationship and their stories. There was an emotion that I could feel here. It was raw. It was real. I was rooting for the best outcome for both of them. The writing is amazing. I could see and feel every minute of this book. And the spicy sex scenes - wow!
I'm so glad that I read this story. It gave me the appreciation for the series that I was lacking. I can't wait for more!
October 31, 2013
Not an easy read but I loved it just the same - there was a lot of sex but it's been known as a coping mechanism so no surprise there - I haven't read Forget me not and might do so in the future to know Lily's story but I don't feel it's necessary. I think he saw in her the light and I'm glad he's not seeing her as his cure to depression, he's smart enough to know there is no cure -
I didn't like the grandmother and the pressure she put on him to visit/support his father that really pissed me off- if anyone killed my daughter junky or not I would never ever want anything good for that person - We don't get the whole story but what we get is enough for me to wish his dad a lifetime in jail and no visits from anyone and I'm being modest here - this was the part of the book that wasn't real to me since he was a teenager when it happened and there is no way lawyers/child services would support him rebuilding a relationship with his dad so that bit didn't work for me hence 4 stars instead of 5 -
I will read the xmas novella as I want to know how they move forward.
I didn't like the grandmother and the pressure she put on him to visit/support his father that really pissed me off- if anyone killed my daughter junky or not I would never ever want anything good for that person - We don't get the whole story but what we get is enough for me to wish his dad a lifetime in jail and no visits from anyone and I'm being modest here - this was the part of the book that wasn't real to me since he was a teenager when it happened and there is no way lawyers/child services would support him rebuilding a relationship with his dad so that bit didn't work for me hence 4 stars instead of 5 -
I will read the xmas novella as I want to know how they move forward.
October 15, 2013
This book was gifted to me by the author through amazon for an honest review as a part of a blog tour….
Lily of the Valley is the same story as Forget me now, only it is in the perspective if Jack instead of Lily. I loved getting to go on a wander through Jack’s mind!! Learning about Jack’s family and how much of a bad boy he is and why? He comes from a dysfunctional family, dad incarcerated, watched his mom die, and all of this leading up to his deep dark past. Meeting Lily puts light into his life andeven though Lily and Jack’s relationship didn’t start off great…. It comes together after a bit. The sex scenes in this book were very well written and there was more finess in the way Sarah wrote them than there was in the first book. I was very happy watching Sarah Daltry’s writing developing as I read through Lily of the Valley after reading Forget Me Not. I feel Sarah has done a very good job and look forward to reading more of her work in the future!!
I give this book 5 out of 5 shields!!
Lily of the Valley is the same story as Forget me now, only it is in the perspective if Jack instead of Lily. I loved getting to go on a wander through Jack’s mind!! Learning about Jack’s family and how much of a bad boy he is and why? He comes from a dysfunctional family, dad incarcerated, watched his mom die, and all of this leading up to his deep dark past. Meeting Lily puts light into his life andeven though Lily and Jack’s relationship didn’t start off great…. It comes together after a bit. The sex scenes in this book were very well written and there was more finess in the way Sarah wrote them than there was in the first book. I was very happy watching Sarah Daltry’s writing developing as I read through Lily of the Valley after reading Forget Me Not. I feel Sarah has done a very good job and look forward to reading more of her work in the future!!
I give this book 5 out of 5 shields!!
December 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book a lot. Once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down so I could sleep. Everything about Jack just drew me into the story more. He was so full of pain and I just love it how he wasn't afraid to cry and break down. Everything about him seemed so real and I'm sure there are a lot of others that carry his same pain and it makes it heartbreaking. Not only was this book heartbreaking at points, but it was hot. I was very surprised by a few scenes in this book, but that's what makes it different and good. I give this book 5 stars and I would definitely recommend that others read Jack's story. You'll fall in love with him and want to see him change his way of thinking. Sarah did an amazing job writing up Jack and his thoughts. I look forward to reading more from Sarah.
October 18, 2013
WOW HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay enough of the crazies but holy cow mother lover I absolutely loved Jack's POV. He is such a tortured soul with a heart. How can he have come from what he did and experienced what he did with his tragic past and still have a heart? Man when he sees Lily she does something to him and he is not sure what it is and why but she makes him want to be someone other than who he is.
This is Jack's POV and man what a treat we get when we delve into his mind and his heart. He wants Lily but is he good enough for her? Can he overcome his tragic past and move on to a new future?
If you loved reading about them in Forget Me Not then you will LOVE LOVE LOVE Jack's POV!
Okay enough of the crazies but holy cow mother lover I absolutely loved Jack's POV. He is such a tortured soul with a heart. How can he have come from what he did and experienced what he did with his tragic past and still have a heart? Man when he sees Lily she does something to him and he is not sure what it is and why but she makes him want to be someone other than who he is.
This is Jack's POV and man what a treat we get when we delve into his mind and his heart. He wants Lily but is he good enough for her? Can he overcome his tragic past and move on to a new future?
If you loved reading about them in Forget Me Not then you will LOVE LOVE LOVE Jack's POV!
September 16, 2013
Just loved reading Jacks pov! It was a wonderful story! I did not think it was possible to feel in love with Jack more but I did! Jack story shows that you can't let your past define who you are. It shows that even if you feel unloveable you are. Lily seen the good in Jack not matter what he told her. It was a heartwarming story. See the internal struggle that Jack faced everyday was sad, but seeing him get through was great! Thanks Sarah for a wonderful story! Looking for more books! <3
own-tbr
August 21, 2015Reading Order Note: Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, and Blue Rose can be read in any order. There is some crossover in scenes, but each stands alone as one character's story. Star of Bethlehem is a direct continuation from Forget Me Not and Lily of the Valley. Orange Blossom and Ambrosia will assume readers have read the other four titles and read as sequels. In essence, the first three are #1, Star of Bethlehem is #1.5, Orange Blossom is #2, and Ambrosia is #3.
September 16, 2013
WOW!!!!Absolutely loved Jacks POV!!! What a heart wrenching read! He's such a tortured soul, you just can't help falling in love with him!!
September 23, 2013
I LOVED this book so much, I couldn't put it down. A definite must read. You'll just LOVE Jack ;)
August 1, 2015
Review will be live over on my blog in August
October 13, 2013
Lily of the Valley totally .....
I read Lily's POV in Forget Me Not which I completely ADORED but what Sarah did with Jack's POV was amazing! You certainly don't have to read Forget Me Not first you can read Lily of the Valley beforehand but I recommend that you read Forget Me Not so when you get to Jack's POV you will fully grasp the differences he refers to between him & Lily. Jack is in college & he plays in a band so you know me....
yes I was totally doing that BUT this book is SO far removed from being a "rock star" thing for me! Jack has had the most horrific childhood one that right away had me.....
Jack is deeply depressed given the traumatic event that occurred when he was young. You can literally feel everything he is going through while reading his account! He really doesn't have too many friends expect for his close friend Alina. They "get" each other given both their childhoods are filled with deeply traumatic events that they will never forget. Jack is down right sexy, a turn your head brooding hot guy that had me wanting to ....
but on the flip side he is closed off. He doesn't feel he deserves anything "good" in his life and he has secrets ~ a lot of them. Some everyone knows some only he himself keeps inside. I can tell you Jack & Lily certainly kicked off their whirlwind of a relationship by jumping straight into....
and let me tell you it's downright HOT! What transpired between the two of them had me ....
and his little surprise for Lily had me ......
and I have to say I was definitely....
Jack uses sex & alcohol to escape the past. Although he knows that it's only a temporary escape. He's very bright young man attending college on a scholarship. College is his way of ......
from where he's from and his past. Jack's demons haunt him so thoroughly that your heart will break for him. After a very short time Lily becomes his everything ~ his ALL and he recognizes how he feels for her even though he hadn't disclosed those feelings to her. Well something happens that left Jack ......
and left me .....
What he went through after this occurred had me totally......
although at the same time I was so......
him on for recognizing he needed to deal with things differently in the past. A past that had me so freaking.....
As the book moved on I had times where I was ......
and I was ....
over and over and over! I literally was ....
towards the end of the book but that was nothing compared to the closer to the end of the book when he opens up and I just started...
and ......
and overall I was just ....
Lily of the Valley completely blew me away!!! The author did one helluva job conveying Jack's thoughts I wasn't prepared to be gutted! An emotionally complex read that delves into the an event so horrific as well as depression so deep that Jack doesn't feel he is worthy and hardly can see the good in himself that will leave you reeling. I loved that the author didn't take the easy road with this book. Don't think for a minute that he "magically" healed by the end of the book. I love when an author stays true to a character and Sarah did just that!
I bought this one the minute it came out! I had to get my hands on it ~ A 5 HEARTBREAKING STARS read that has me wanting MORE ~ I want Jack & Lily's story to continue! I want to see where they go from there. For all Jack has been through when you read the way he felt about Lily and what he does for her you will want a Jack of your own! That boy definitely took a piece of my heat with him when I finished reading it!
This is a must grab ASAP and read series!!! Start out with Forget Me Not so you know Lily's background and how she viewed everything and then go on to Jack's story! Grab tissues, vodka, chocolate heck whatever is your comfort vice cause you will need it before you are through with this phenomenal read!
I read Lily's POV in Forget Me Not which I completely ADORED but what Sarah did with Jack's POV was amazing! You certainly don't have to read Forget Me Not first you can read Lily of the Valley beforehand but I recommend that you read Forget Me Not so when you get to Jack's POV you will fully grasp the differences he refers to between him & Lily. Jack is in college & he plays in a band so you know me....
yes I was totally doing that BUT this book is SO far removed from being a "rock star" thing for me! Jack has had the most horrific childhood one that right away had me.....
Jack is deeply depressed given the traumatic event that occurred when he was young. You can literally feel everything he is going through while reading his account! He really doesn't have too many friends expect for his close friend Alina. They "get" each other given both their childhoods are filled with deeply traumatic events that they will never forget. Jack is down right sexy, a turn your head brooding hot guy that had me wanting to ....
but on the flip side he is closed off. He doesn't feel he deserves anything "good" in his life and he has secrets ~ a lot of them. Some everyone knows some only he himself keeps inside. I can tell you Jack & Lily certainly kicked off their whirlwind of a relationship by jumping straight into....
and let me tell you it's downright HOT! What transpired between the two of them had me ....
and his little surprise for Lily had me ......
and I have to say I was definitely....
Jack uses sex & alcohol to escape the past. Although he knows that it's only a temporary escape. He's very bright young man attending college on a scholarship. College is his way of ......
from where he's from and his past. Jack's demons haunt him so thoroughly that your heart will break for him. After a very short time Lily becomes his everything ~ his ALL and he recognizes how he feels for her even though he hadn't disclosed those feelings to her. Well something happens that left Jack ......
and left me .....
What he went through after this occurred had me totally......
although at the same time I was so......
him on for recognizing he needed to deal with things differently in the past. A past that had me so freaking.....
As the book moved on I had times where I was ......
and I was ....
over and over and over! I literally was ....
towards the end of the book but that was nothing compared to the closer to the end of the book when he opens up and I just started...
and ......
and overall I was just ....
Lily of the Valley completely blew me away!!! The author did one helluva job conveying Jack's thoughts I wasn't prepared to be gutted! An emotionally complex read that delves into the an event so horrific as well as depression so deep that Jack doesn't feel he is worthy and hardly can see the good in himself that will leave you reeling. I loved that the author didn't take the easy road with this book. Don't think for a minute that he "magically" healed by the end of the book. I love when an author stays true to a character and Sarah did just that!
I bought this one the minute it came out! I had to get my hands on it ~ A 5 HEARTBREAKING STARS read that has me wanting MORE ~ I want Jack & Lily's story to continue! I want to see where they go from there. For all Jack has been through when you read the way he felt about Lily and what he does for her you will want a Jack of your own! That boy definitely took a piece of my heat with him when I finished reading it!
This is a must grab ASAP and read series!!! Start out with Forget Me Not so you know Lily's background and how she viewed everything and then go on to Jack's story! Grab tissues, vodka, chocolate heck whatever is your comfort vice cause you will need it before you are through with this phenomenal read!
January 13, 2017
Ya know that book hangover feeling you have when you finish a really good book? It's when you finish a book and you know the characters really well and you're afraid to read another book because it won't grab you like the one you just read. Well, I had that.
I really related to both of the main characters in this book. Lily is me in college. I was that blond who had it easy growing up and my education was pretty much handed to me. But, I also really related to Jack because I suffer from depression. I felt that the description of those dark moments was eerily accurate.
I love that the serious moments were balanced by really steamy stuff. I love a good steamy romance. (Do NOT read this if you have a problem with sex scenes.) No cheese here...very hot.
I have not read any other books by Sarah Daltry, but you can bet I will.
I really related to both of the main characters in this book. Lily is me in college. I was that blond who had it easy growing up and my education was pretty much handed to me. But, I also really related to Jack because I suffer from depression. I felt that the description of those dark moments was eerily accurate.
I love that the serious moments were balanced by really steamy stuff. I love a good steamy romance. (Do NOT read this if you have a problem with sex scenes.) No cheese here...very hot.
I have not read any other books by Sarah Daltry, but you can bet I will.
September 22, 2013
Lily of the Valley. Sarah Daltry
Arc supplied by author.
I read the first book and just loved Jack, so was really pleased to read the story from his point of view. This book starts with Jack in his dorm room, unloading his stuff, then he goes to the café where he works, and we meet some of the staff who are such an important support for him, and who we see at intervals throughout the book. Jack's a year older than Lily, and already has the basic college routine set out. When he meets her she epitomises everything about people he thinks look down on him, but there's also an underlying appeal that he can't work out. and he gives her his room number partly in jest and partly hoping...They seem like total opposites and yet somehow as the weeks go by they keep bumping in to each other and the attraction grows on both sides.
I loved hearing more about Jacks life, he's a very closed person and the details seem to slip out in snippets. They show though just why he presents the face to the world that he does, he thinks he's broken and he acts in a way to protect himself from hurt. If he doesn't feel. then he cant be upset, but life isn't like that and like it or not what he feels for Lily grows. When they get together its a real fireworks situation with explosive. incredible sex that leaves them both panting and shocked. Jacks still holding back though, Lily still needs to find her feet at uni, and decide about Derek and all comes to a head when Derek comes back to see her.....
Its heartbreak all round, Derek is shattered, Lily has to face what she's been putting out of her head too long, and Jack – just as he's decided to trust someone is once again discarded. Well that’s the way it feels to him. Learning about his background ( the snowman story, what a choker that was!) I can understand why he feels that way, and though we only see part of him in Lily's book we find so much more to love about him here.
Once again the story goes into the sex - hot, erotic, graphic sex, but we see that's just one way Jack has of coping, and with Lily's help he finds there are other ways to be with people. Alana comes up trumps and we learn more about her too, how she met Jack, and about Dave, another “broken” person from their shared past. They are a trio that need to be together for support, as they really understand each others problems. Alana helps Lily to see where Jack is coming from too – she really does act as a good friend should. Hopefully she'll get her reward with Dave.
I love the way all the characters learn to face their pasts, and move forward, to deal with problems instead of ignoring them, and the way they grew and matured. Home to uni/college is a huge step, and people change so much at a time when emotions and hormones are running high. It makes for some great stories, and Sarah has captured that change in people really well with these books.
As with the first book it's a great mix, smokingly sensual sex, hot and messy and very, very real, with characters with genuine problems and emotions and it makes for a great story. Sarah has written these as stand-alones – that's great – I’m tired of waiting for follow ups that are sometimes years off, and in some cases never seem to get written. I applaud these stand alone novels – please lets have more of them, or if the story needs two or three books at least have them written/ready to write so readers aren't left in limbo.
I've only one problem with these books – with all that sex, with so many different characters its clear from the graphic descriptions that they are not using condoms, and in this day that's not a message to be passing out. Its essential – even in story land- for people to use condoms for protection from STD's – its not romantic but it can save lives and heartbreak. Priced at £1.39 for a massive 410 pages/633kb (hurrah – I love long books!!) it's amazing value.
Stars: as with the first it's a great read, four and a half.
Arc supplied by author.
I read the first book and just loved Jack, so was really pleased to read the story from his point of view. This book starts with Jack in his dorm room, unloading his stuff, then he goes to the café where he works, and we meet some of the staff who are such an important support for him, and who we see at intervals throughout the book. Jack's a year older than Lily, and already has the basic college routine set out. When he meets her she epitomises everything about people he thinks look down on him, but there's also an underlying appeal that he can't work out. and he gives her his room number partly in jest and partly hoping...They seem like total opposites and yet somehow as the weeks go by they keep bumping in to each other and the attraction grows on both sides.
I loved hearing more about Jacks life, he's a very closed person and the details seem to slip out in snippets. They show though just why he presents the face to the world that he does, he thinks he's broken and he acts in a way to protect himself from hurt. If he doesn't feel. then he cant be upset, but life isn't like that and like it or not what he feels for Lily grows. When they get together its a real fireworks situation with explosive. incredible sex that leaves them both panting and shocked. Jacks still holding back though, Lily still needs to find her feet at uni, and decide about Derek and all comes to a head when Derek comes back to see her.....
Its heartbreak all round, Derek is shattered, Lily has to face what she's been putting out of her head too long, and Jack – just as he's decided to trust someone is once again discarded. Well that’s the way it feels to him. Learning about his background ( the snowman story, what a choker that was!) I can understand why he feels that way, and though we only see part of him in Lily's book we find so much more to love about him here.
Once again the story goes into the sex - hot, erotic, graphic sex, but we see that's just one way Jack has of coping, and with Lily's help he finds there are other ways to be with people. Alana comes up trumps and we learn more about her too, how she met Jack, and about Dave, another “broken” person from their shared past. They are a trio that need to be together for support, as they really understand each others problems. Alana helps Lily to see where Jack is coming from too – she really does act as a good friend should. Hopefully she'll get her reward with Dave.
I love the way all the characters learn to face their pasts, and move forward, to deal with problems instead of ignoring them, and the way they grew and matured. Home to uni/college is a huge step, and people change so much at a time when emotions and hormones are running high. It makes for some great stories, and Sarah has captured that change in people really well with these books.
As with the first book it's a great mix, smokingly sensual sex, hot and messy and very, very real, with characters with genuine problems and emotions and it makes for a great story. Sarah has written these as stand-alones – that's great – I’m tired of waiting for follow ups that are sometimes years off, and in some cases never seem to get written. I applaud these stand alone novels – please lets have more of them, or if the story needs two or three books at least have them written/ready to write so readers aren't left in limbo.
I've only one problem with these books – with all that sex, with so many different characters its clear from the graphic descriptions that they are not using condoms, and in this day that's not a message to be passing out. Its essential – even in story land- for people to use condoms for protection from STD's – its not romantic but it can save lives and heartbreak. Priced at £1.39 for a massive 410 pages/633kb (hurrah – I love long books!!) it's amazing value.
Stars: as with the first it's a great read, four and a half.
December 2, 2013
Love Love LOVE this book.
5 stars!!!
'Lily of the Valley' really surprised me with just how much I loved it! I often find books which are a re-telling of the first book in the other character's POV to be quite repetitive as it can feel like you are reading the same exact book at times. This was NOT the case with 'Lily of the Valley'... not at all! It almost felt like I was reading a whole different story. In the first book, 'Forget Me Not', I was aching to know what was going on inside Jack's head. I never realized just how complex of a character he actually was, nor did I realize the depth of the relationship between him and Alana throughout the years. This book went completely above and beyond my expectations!
I really loved learning all about Jack. This book gave you an in-depth look inside his head, and just how horrible the demons he had to face were. With Jack, it was not just a here and there battle with these demons, it was a day to day, minute to minute battle which at any point could have dragged him into the darkness forever. It was utterly heartbreaking to read about just how sad and alone he felt all the time, but when Lily came into his life, he was finally able to grasp onto this little ray of light. It was this light which ended up allowing him something he had not had since he was a little boy... Hope, and a glimpse of a future. He did not look at Lily as a cure to the darkness, he looked to her as the light which was helping to guide him away from it. Only he can cure himself of it.
I will admit that in the first book, 'Forget Me Not' I had found Lily to be a little on the irritating side. There were just little things that had irked me here and there, but after reading Lily of the Valley' I absolutely ADORE her. I may have to go back and re-read 'Forget Me Not' now, because I do not understand how I could have felt that way before! She didn't look at Jack as someone who was broken and needed fixing... she saw someone who needed help looking forward instead of backwards. And she became the one person who was able to help him do this.
"Sometimes the things we hold onto are the things that hold us back."
The sex? OH MY GOD! It was extremely hot and steamy and left me needing to douse myself in ice water to cool off! These two have a completely insatiable sex drive that completely blows my mind. But what I really loved (aside from the kick-ass sex scenes... which were plenty!!!!) was the actual story line and how the characters seemed like such real people. Jack wasn't this perfect guy who could do no wrong. He had his issues... insecurities... problems... but most importantly he made mistakes. They both did.
"Normal is a state of mind. No one's as picture perfect as they look. Some just cover the cracks better."
One thing I was really happy about with 'Lily of the Valley' was how Jack and Alana's whole relationship was explained. I was really curious about that after 'Forget Me Not' and was thrilled to be given a much better understanding of the dynamic between the two of them and how they ended up where they were with each other. Alana's character really intrigued me and I would absolutely LOVE to hear more about her and her past, and understand a little better how her mind works, and how she felt wen Jack met Lily.
"Well, then, pretend I'm your princess. Fuck me, Jack. Make me forget that I can't be her."
I am so happy that I don't have to wait to get more Lily and Jack! Off to start Star of Bethlehem! Thank you Sarah, for making a fan out of me! I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Lily and Jack!
for more reviews, book info, cover reveals, author spotlights and more, check out our blog:
www.mommyslatenightbookup.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/mommyslatenightbookup
5 stars!!!
'Lily of the Valley' really surprised me with just how much I loved it! I often find books which are a re-telling of the first book in the other character's POV to be quite repetitive as it can feel like you are reading the same exact book at times. This was NOT the case with 'Lily of the Valley'... not at all! It almost felt like I was reading a whole different story. In the first book, 'Forget Me Not', I was aching to know what was going on inside Jack's head. I never realized just how complex of a character he actually was, nor did I realize the depth of the relationship between him and Alana throughout the years. This book went completely above and beyond my expectations!
I really loved learning all about Jack. This book gave you an in-depth look inside his head, and just how horrible the demons he had to face were. With Jack, it was not just a here and there battle with these demons, it was a day to day, minute to minute battle which at any point could have dragged him into the darkness forever. It was utterly heartbreaking to read about just how sad and alone he felt all the time, but when Lily came into his life, he was finally able to grasp onto this little ray of light. It was this light which ended up allowing him something he had not had since he was a little boy... Hope, and a glimpse of a future. He did not look at Lily as a cure to the darkness, he looked to her as the light which was helping to guide him away from it. Only he can cure himself of it.
I will admit that in the first book, 'Forget Me Not' I had found Lily to be a little on the irritating side. There were just little things that had irked me here and there, but after reading Lily of the Valley' I absolutely ADORE her. I may have to go back and re-read 'Forget Me Not' now, because I do not understand how I could have felt that way before! She didn't look at Jack as someone who was broken and needed fixing... she saw someone who needed help looking forward instead of backwards. And she became the one person who was able to help him do this.
"Sometimes the things we hold onto are the things that hold us back."
The sex? OH MY GOD! It was extremely hot and steamy and left me needing to douse myself in ice water to cool off! These two have a completely insatiable sex drive that completely blows my mind. But what I really loved (aside from the kick-ass sex scenes... which were plenty!!!!) was the actual story line and how the characters seemed like such real people. Jack wasn't this perfect guy who could do no wrong. He had his issues... insecurities... problems... but most importantly he made mistakes. They both did.
"Normal is a state of mind. No one's as picture perfect as they look. Some just cover the cracks better."
One thing I was really happy about with 'Lily of the Valley' was how Jack and Alana's whole relationship was explained. I was really curious about that after 'Forget Me Not' and was thrilled to be given a much better understanding of the dynamic between the two of them and how they ended up where they were with each other. Alana's character really intrigued me and I would absolutely LOVE to hear more about her and her past, and understand a little better how her mind works, and how she felt wen Jack met Lily.
"Well, then, pretend I'm your princess. Fuck me, Jack. Make me forget that I can't be her."
I am so happy that I don't have to wait to get more Lily and Jack! Off to start Star of Bethlehem! Thank you Sarah, for making a fan out of me! I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Lily and Jack!
for more reviews, book info, cover reveals, author spotlights and more, check out our blog:
www.mommyslatenightbookup.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/mommyslatenightbookup
May 31, 2014
This is a emotional investing amazingly written story of Jack that will have you wanting to hold him until he feels loved and wanted. A wonderful read. I will warn as I always do when there is a considerable amount of sexual content that this book contains sexual content and in the case of Jack it helps us understand where he is at. He feels this is where he is most desired. I don't think that is true he has so many other wonderful qualities that he hides behind his pain but to him that is what defines his goodness. We see later on that he changes his views and that he isn't using sex to mask his pain or numb himself anymore but as a way to connect. He comes a long way in this book and that evolution is beautiful to see. Again not a fan of Lily but Jack, Alana and Neil love them. Neil has pain as well but he hides behind his singing.
Alana hides behind sex and optimism. She loves Jack fiercely as he does her but theirs is a different love. At first it seems destructive but as you read on and they both change they are protective and loyal and begin to fix the fractures of who they are and what they are to each other. Alana is afraid Jack will leave her whether via Lily or the way he tried in high school doesn't matter because the thought crushes her. Sometimes to the point where she is self destructive. Her and Jack have been through alot and it is good to see them come out better at the end of this book. It is also good to see their friend Dave is back and helping them as well.
For Jack though, it was Lily. She brought the light into his world of darkness and made him want to be a better person. She helped him see that it is okay to be broken but not to succumb to it and to not let the past run your life because what others did or think doesn't define you or shouldn't help to either.
this is a book about Jack, his life growing up, his fears and demons, his blackness and how he begins to fight for his life and see out of the blackness that consumes him. A amazing and wonderful book. I fell in love with Jack so much in this book and I hope he continues this beautiful transformation and journey out of his past and into his future.
Alana hides behind sex and optimism. She loves Jack fiercely as he does her but theirs is a different love. At first it seems destructive but as you read on and they both change they are protective and loyal and begin to fix the fractures of who they are and what they are to each other. Alana is afraid Jack will leave her whether via Lily or the way he tried in high school doesn't matter because the thought crushes her. Sometimes to the point where she is self destructive. Her and Jack have been through alot and it is good to see them come out better at the end of this book. It is also good to see their friend Dave is back and helping them as well.
For Jack though, it was Lily. She brought the light into his world of darkness and made him want to be a better person. She helped him see that it is okay to be broken but not to succumb to it and to not let the past run your life because what others did or think doesn't define you or shouldn't help to either.
this is a book about Jack, his life growing up, his fears and demons, his blackness and how he begins to fight for his life and see out of the blackness that consumes him. A amazing and wonderful book. I fell in love with Jack so much in this book and I hope he continues this beautiful transformation and journey out of his past and into his future.
April 18, 2014
This book is emotionally complex, tragic, and compelling - a satisfying read for the right reader.
I don't usually read non-suspense contemporaries or NA novels, but a friend brought this author to my attention and I'm glad I decided to give Lily of the Valley a try. This novel and several other novels by Sarah Daltry are only 99 cents on Amazon at the time of this review, and I felt Lily of the Valley was well worth the price.
Other Comments:
I was impressed with this book because it contains a character who deals with some emotional issues that many authors can't write about or don't. The portrayal of Jack's depression felt realistic to me and I found myself invested in his character. He is someone I'd describe as a better person than he thinks he is and I thought the author did a good job of showing that.
Also, I became interested in Alana's story (Alana is Jack's best friend/sometimes sex partner) while reading this book. She has a terribly painful past which is briefly mentioned in this book and I very much found myself wanting to see her find love. We get her POV in Blue Rose and I will be reading that novel because I need to find out what happens to her. I actually found myself more interested in her motivations for why she does the things she does in this book than Lily's, although your mileage may vary on that.
Sexual Content:
There is a story here, but there is also a good deal of sex - both kinky and non - so if that's not your thing, keep that in mind. The language used during the sex scenes is explicit and I'd categorize this as an erotic romance.
Who I'd Recommend This Book For:
I'd recommend Lily of the Valley to those who don't mind reading about college-age characters who have been through or are going through some heavy emotional issues. The main character has a painful past he has trouble letting go of and the author doesn't shy away from describing the effects of that.
I don't usually read non-suspense contemporaries or NA novels, but a friend brought this author to my attention and I'm glad I decided to give Lily of the Valley a try. This novel and several other novels by Sarah Daltry are only 99 cents on Amazon at the time of this review, and I felt Lily of the Valley was well worth the price.
Other Comments:
I was impressed with this book because it contains a character who deals with some emotional issues that many authors can't write about or don't. The portrayal of Jack's depression felt realistic to me and I found myself invested in his character. He is someone I'd describe as a better person than he thinks he is and I thought the author did a good job of showing that.
Also, I became interested in Alana's story (Alana is Jack's best friend/sometimes sex partner) while reading this book. She has a terribly painful past which is briefly mentioned in this book and I very much found myself wanting to see her find love. We get her POV in Blue Rose and I will be reading that novel because I need to find out what happens to her. I actually found myself more interested in her motivations for why she does the things she does in this book than Lily's, although your mileage may vary on that.
Sexual Content:
There is a story here, but there is also a good deal of sex - both kinky and non - so if that's not your thing, keep that in mind. The language used during the sex scenes is explicit and I'd categorize this as an erotic romance.
Who I'd Recommend This Book For:
I'd recommend Lily of the Valley to those who don't mind reading about college-age characters who have been through or are going through some heavy emotional issues. The main character has a painful past he has trouble letting go of and the author doesn't shy away from describing the effects of that.
June 11, 2014
Jack's perspective makes for a darker, grittier read, there's more angst and there's a lot of pain. I loved seeing everything through his eyes, the book gave more depth to all characters, Lily, Jack, and Alana. It is a journey through the soul of a man who watched his father kill his drug addict mother in front of him at a very early age, and then had to deal with the cruelty of the world as they picked on him and bullied him for being the son of his parents, as well as poor.
Jack grew up by going through day after day of being told he was a loser, he'd end up like his father, and that he was worthless. He grew up with a maternal grandmother that indulged addictions in her attempt to provide some sort of happiness to her loved ones. He grew up with her pressure to forgive his father for killing his mother, as well as his hate for what his father had done, a deep love for a woman who loved drugs a lot more than her son, and a building rage against the world that did nothing but add to the pain Jack was already in.
Ostracized and bullied, Jack grew up with only two friends, Dave and Alana, and even with them, his relationships are a bit dysfunctional. With a suicide attempt, the murder of his mother by his father, and the constant struggle with a world hell bent on putting him down, Jack finds love with Lily. The problem is he does not really know how to love, how to be in a relationship, how to make it work. He is however smart enough to realize just what he has found and fight for it with everything he's got.
This book brought me to tears quite a few times and I did want to kick the asses of everyone in Jack's school, along with everyone who'd every hurt him. This is not an easy read, it will have your heart and gut in a twist and your emotions will be all over the place. Yet I wouldn't dream of tell you anything else but get your copy and start reading this series!
Jack grew up by going through day after day of being told he was a loser, he'd end up like his father, and that he was worthless. He grew up with a maternal grandmother that indulged addictions in her attempt to provide some sort of happiness to her loved ones. He grew up with her pressure to forgive his father for killing his mother, as well as his hate for what his father had done, a deep love for a woman who loved drugs a lot more than her son, and a building rage against the world that did nothing but add to the pain Jack was already in.
Ostracized and bullied, Jack grew up with only two friends, Dave and Alana, and even with them, his relationships are a bit dysfunctional. With a suicide attempt, the murder of his mother by his father, and the constant struggle with a world hell bent on putting him down, Jack finds love with Lily. The problem is he does not really know how to love, how to be in a relationship, how to make it work. He is however smart enough to realize just what he has found and fight for it with everything he's got.
This book brought me to tears quite a few times and I did want to kick the asses of everyone in Jack's school, along with everyone who'd every hurt him. This is not an easy read, it will have your heart and gut in a twist and your emotions will be all over the place. Yet I wouldn't dream of tell you anything else but get your copy and start reading this series!
September 27, 2013
I read the first book in this series Forget Me Not and I was totally hooked. I completely fell for Jack. I just love his story. I love bad boys and it's even better when it's a bad boy that wants so much to be good.
When I read Forget Me Not I was so upset with the quick, cliffhanger ending. I was so happy to find out there was another installment coming up rather quickly and when it was released early I was in heaven!
Lily of the Valley is told from Jack's perspective. I have never read a story and then read the same story in a sense written from a different perspective. I can't imagine how difficult this would be as a writer. I applaud you Sarah for doing it so well. I loved reading this in Jack's perspective. This made the whole story just come together for me. I kept reflecting back to the original story and remembering how it was reading it from Lily's view and then Jack's view. I was able to pick up on so many things that I missed originally.
I will tell you just a bit about the story because you know I do not like to give much away.
Jack and Lily are so different from each other but when they are together it feels so right. Jack doesn't feel like he is deserving of any one's love. When he catches the eye of Lily and begins to spend more time with her he begins to see what it feels like to be in a relationship. He starts to think that maybe he could be boyfriend material after all but only for the right person and that person is Lily. They have a whirlwind hot and heavy romance that will make anyone blush. Will they be together or are their lives so different that they will not be able to survive? You must pick up this book and find out. I promise you will be hooked as I was. So what are you waiting for grab a glass of wine and get the book and settle in for a very erotic romance.
When I read Forget Me Not I was so upset with the quick, cliffhanger ending. I was so happy to find out there was another installment coming up rather quickly and when it was released early I was in heaven!
Lily of the Valley is told from Jack's perspective. I have never read a story and then read the same story in a sense written from a different perspective. I can't imagine how difficult this would be as a writer. I applaud you Sarah for doing it so well. I loved reading this in Jack's perspective. This made the whole story just come together for me. I kept reflecting back to the original story and remembering how it was reading it from Lily's view and then Jack's view. I was able to pick up on so many things that I missed originally.
I will tell you just a bit about the story because you know I do not like to give much away.
Jack and Lily are so different from each other but when they are together it feels so right. Jack doesn't feel like he is deserving of any one's love. When he catches the eye of Lily and begins to spend more time with her he begins to see what it feels like to be in a relationship. He starts to think that maybe he could be boyfriend material after all but only for the right person and that person is Lily. They have a whirlwind hot and heavy romance that will make anyone blush. Will they be together or are their lives so different that they will not be able to survive? You must pick up this book and find out. I promise you will be hooked as I was. So what are you waiting for grab a glass of wine and get the book and settle in for a very erotic romance.
January 5, 2014
Lily of the Valley is an alternate POV of the book Forget Me Not by Sarah Daltry. I have read several of Sarah’s books and have always loved them. This book was another I will forever be in love with. The story opens with Jack, he is the typical bad boy/loner everyone tends to avoid but girls always want to fix (and… cough cough jump in bed with). He has had some bad times in life that made him feel alone in the world. When in truth he has a best friend that would do anything for him, even if she is going through so many things on her own, and a grandmother that just wants him to have a great relationship with his father. Jack made me want to wrap him up in a hug and tell him I love him more than words. Well that is when I wasn’t wishing I had a boyfriend in college that was just as hot in bed as Jack… for being so young he has some serious moves that even the most experienced men should learn. (Which reminds me I should have my husband read it.. wink wink)
Lily is the typical college girl who is loved by all. She does not want anything to do with Jack even though he is more than willing to show her a great time. Lily reminds me of myself when I was younger, not much freaks her out but when it does it’s a big deal. When she loves she gives it everything she has which makes her perfect for beautiful Jack. Lily really brings this story to life and shows how wonderful Jack really is without her changing herself to do it.
Over all this book was a wonderful read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great book that will take you deeper into the story then most books these days will. I am going to give this book 5 stars because it is not very often I am unable to put the book down and reply back to a text to someone. This book not only took me away from reality it also had me thinking of it days later. Hope you all enjoy this book as much as I have! <3
~Tina
Lily is the typical college girl who is loved by all. She does not want anything to do with Jack even though he is more than willing to show her a great time. Lily reminds me of myself when I was younger, not much freaks her out but when it does it’s a big deal. When she loves she gives it everything she has which makes her perfect for beautiful Jack. Lily really brings this story to life and shows how wonderful Jack really is without her changing herself to do it.
Over all this book was a wonderful read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great book that will take you deeper into the story then most books these days will. I am going to give this book 5 stars because it is not very often I am unable to put the book down and reply back to a text to someone. This book not only took me away from reality it also had me thinking of it days later. Hope you all enjoy this book as much as I have! <3
~Tina
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