Bound by Memphis

by Jennifer J. Hayes

Loosely inspired by true events, Bound by Memphis, by Jennifer J. Hayes, is the steamy, sultry romantic story of Jasmine Henderson, a successful public relations consultant who has everything she’s wanted in life… Well, just about everything. Fourteen years ago, while planning her wedding to Melvin Brown, better known as MB, she was left at the altar with no explanations. Although she assumed she’d never move on, she ended up meeting and marrying the love of her life, Chauncey M. Henderson, and having a child, years later.

It’s when Jasmine’s latest work venture places her in the city that holds memories to her past, Memphis, MB resurfaces when he learns she’s back in town. Although Jasmine loves her husband, her son, and her life, she can’t deny the passion and chemistry that she once shared with MB.

Briefly away from her family and home in Dallas, Jasmine is left alone to deal with these emotions and unresolved questions of MB. She goes looking for answers to why he walked away. When forced to confront painful memories she awakens something she thought died long ago.

In this novel, Jasmine discovers herself as she explores the depths of her former love versus her current life, and learns “Love doesn't change, people change.” Bound by Memphis takes you on an insightful journey of love, joy, and pain, and gives a deeper meaning to why sometimes "you have to lose happiness to find it again."

Genres: Romance

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2013

About the author

A shameless fan of all things happily ever after, Jennifer J. Hayes has been a lifelong student of romance. She lives how she loves: Over the top! Jen is clearly a woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and isn’t ashamed of it. She has traveled the world, as a Military Brat, and is now residing in Houston, Texas, with the two loves of her life: her husband of 8 years, and their 4 year old son. Jennifer is currently working as a marketing director for SinglesPLUS, a successful matchmaking company. She has been helping her clients find love, for the past 14 years. No one knows the love industry better than she does! Jen enjoys romantic movies, dancing, catching up with friends, over a glass of wine, and her many, many pairs of stilettos. She’s not the kind of person who would enjoy taking the same vacation twice, but she fully admits to being able to eat Greek food, every single day of the week. Somewhere in between running a successful marketing firm, hosting a relationship-based radio show– S.W.A.K. Radio, writing her column- Jei, Knows it All, supporting her foundation- I Know How to Read.org, rallying various charity events (her favorites being Heart Disease and Breast Cancer), and being a wife and mother, she managed to fulfill her latest passion in writing her first debut novel, Bound by Memphis.

If you care about the formalities…

Jennifer J. Hayes has a varied educational background in Communications, Education, a Bachelor’s in History, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She earned both of her degrees from the University of Houston. Her work of published articles can be found in WorldOfLongmire, RelevantMagazine, and Single Lifestyles Magazine.

Reviews

[Alyson Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Memphis is a wonderful Romantic/ Drama filled Book for anyone who has a memories of their first love. It has steamy and intense moments that make the book alive. Making a choice to leave you first and move on is a hard choice for any person to do. Seeing your life flash before your eyes knowing the person you walked away from many years ago and suddenly coming back in your life is intense. Having the power to stand up for values and morals are what this book is all about. Not letting old memories keep you from being with the one you love now. Choosing to do what is right to save a marriage or save a relationship is what these characters had to face and do. A person cant be happy if they never let someone truly love them. Life is all about taking chances and risks, we face them on a day to day basis, falling in love, letting go, and being happy with the one we choose to marry or be in a relationship. This book is tear Jerkier and good read for anyone who likes romance novels. The author of this book is a wonderful and inspiring and powerful woman. People go through the motions of love we all do but it take one special person who could change that and truly love them.

[Jane Geddis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Hayes bounced my emotions all around in this romance mixed with tragedy. Hayes creates an amazing woman in Jasmine Henderson, who has a successful Public Relations business. At the outset she has acquired her biggest client yet, a retired NFL star named Donnie. Donnie has been a friend Jasmine's for a long time. While visiting him in Memphis she re-ignites an old romance. MB as she calls her old love sweeps back into Jasmine's life, making her question her life's situation and changing her life forever.

Jasmine has a great marriage and family with her husband Chauncey. The story takes several tragic turns, and I don't want to give anything way but Jasmine experiences the heights of passion and suffers terrible pain from several events, and must make a choice within one of the worst circumstances imaginable.

[Karen Sevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bound By Memphis" is an excellent read that you hate to see come to an end. This is indeed a page turner that holds your attention to the last word. The author, Jennifer J. Hayes, does not disappoint! If you enjoy a good romance, this is the book to read. There are also some jaw-dropping surprises, especially...........read for yourself. "Bound By Memphis" is definitely my book club book of choice. The character portrayals are written in such a way that you become personally involved in their stories. By the time you get to the end, you're not ready for it to be over, you want more. So, the reader is left having to wait for the next book in this series. I'm thinking that's not a bad thing.

[Nadia Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Memphis was definitely a page turner. I couldn't put it down. I found myself falling in love with Chauncey over and over again. This book took me through tons of different emotions and I felt them all. I didn't want it to end and when it did I found myself wanting more. Ready for the sequel. GREAT BOOK!

[Denise Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was simply amazed by all of the talent Jennifer has shown in this book. If you ever had a love that you simply couldn't forget, this book is for you. This book had me laughing and crying and was defiantly a page turner. I would highly recommended this book for anyone who loves romance novels. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Martin Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I approached this book with some trepidation. Jennifer was a student of mine many moons ago. I always knew she she was destined for greatness but I was not overjoyed to read a romance novel. After countless plugs, posts and pleading, I dedicated last weekend to read Bound by Memphis. What I learned is the genre of the book had nothing to do with it. What makes some literature great? Great literature is inspiring and life-changing, taking us to new places and leading us to think in new ways. When I finished this book it made me step back and look at my relationships and at myself.I remember Jennifer's passion for writing as a young student and I felt her passion in this book. Well done!

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended the London Book Fair and saw this book in the digital romance section so I thought I'd try this book as a part of Kindle's first program. I am so glad I did. I absolutely loved this book and I look forward to more from Jennifer J. Hayes.

What I really loved about this book is that it had a great story-line and the author did a great job with allowing the readers to get to know the characters. The premise of the book is that the main character, Jasmine Henderson, has an emotional tug of war between a lost love and her current life now.
I usually pick up self-help and mystery reads so I was leary of a romance. I loved this book. I was able to read it in one day, unable to put it down.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like looking back at my own life. Many times I have wondered what if I took a different path, what if I had one more chance at reconnecting with a previous love. What are the choices I would have made? This book allows you to see another side of the what if 's and live with the choices. If you have ever been truly in love Bound by Memphis by Jennifer J. Hayes I promise will awaken those feelings. I am recommending this for our Chicago's Finest Book Club, I know they will love it as I did.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome, heart-tugging, page-turning novel. I loved the story but hated the fact that Jasmine jeopardized her marriage for a man,(MB), who was totally unworthy of her. Chauncey, on the other hand, is a loving, caring, loyal, husband and father. MB is an arrogant, selfish, and disrespectful creep! He didn't care who he hurt. He dumped Jasmine 6 months before their wedding without even saying goodbye. Jasmine should have let him stay gone! All in all a great story! I received this book, free, in a Goodread's First Read's Giveaway. Thank you!

[Shawnee E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a native Memphian, I admittedly approached Bound By Memphis w/a grain of salt. Jennifer does a greatly job highlighting the heart of people, especially parents. The main character, Jasmine, goes through the trials of love. I believe she becomes a solid example of the importance of thinking w/our minds & our hearts & being strong enough to stand by our choices. I found myself talking to Jasmine & thinking about what I'd do if it were me. I believe that's one of the marks of a great writer - to start conversations between readers
& characters.

[Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Memphis I always knew Jen had the passion for writing but never imagined I would enjoy the book as much as I did. I finished about a week ago but I find myself going back wanting to read over parts of it. I have to give my girl props she did an amazing job. Looking forward to more of her work.

[Greg Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never ever pick up a romance novel. However my friend was talking about Bound by Memphis at work on how it was a must read. I must say I was very surprised that I finished this one in one day. The story line had me glued to the pages. Great job from Jennifer J. Hayes. Very talented author. Looking forward to her next work.

[Michael Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a fan of sappy romances however, I found myself drawn into the book. I really enjoyed this story! It's realistic and romantic and you can see how the characters grow as the story goes along. The book has a lot of depth and keeps you intrigued.

[Blanchard Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited awhile for this book to be published and I must say that it was worth the wait. My only complaint was it ended way to soon. Now I am left with wanting more. It made me laugh,cry and left me with thoughts of my own fulfillment. A Great book!

[Tonya Faler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impatiently awaiting the sequel(s)!!!!

[Dominic Lumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you a looking for romance and passion this book will take you there. I was a little taken back by the ending but overall enjoyed it. I would love to see this on screen. Waiting for the sequel...

[Rachel Goode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay where to start... This book had me hooked from chapter one. If you love the great love stories you are going to love Jennifer J. Hayes, and if you believe true love stories should be more complicated than "they met, fell in love, and lived happily ever after", then you're going to love Bound By Memphis, even more. I finished it and the sequel Memphis Mae in a day! Outstanding job.

[Sam Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book two days ago and I couldn't put it down. The Author did a great job with connecting her audience to each character in the book. I was sucked in right away wanting more and very sad when it ended. Crossing my fingers there is a sequel.

[Sanelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, quick read!

Great book, quick read. Leaves the door open for a second book. I just might tune in to see what MB has up his sleeve.

[Linda Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Bound by Memphis yesterday and finished it today because I couldn’t put it down – seriously, I only slept 3 hours last night because I had to keep going back to this book.! This book really resonated with me because I had a very similar situation. Awesome summer read, now I want more from this Author. Do you ever do Q/A's I would love to ask you some questions. I am buying more copies to add to gift bags for my girls trip. If you love a quick read and romance buy this book!

[Laura Tibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer and I attended the University of Houston together back in 1997 and we reconnected back in 2008 at an Obama rally when she was 6 months pregnant with her son. This book has been on my wishlist for awhile and I finally got a chance to read it last month. Wow! Such a page-turner. Loved it from beginning to end. I am patiently waiting on the sequel.