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Blue Collar Boyfriend #1
Reckless
First published under the title Hurt You as part of the Under Construction series. Sometimes it takes a miracle to find forgiveness
Divorced construction worker Derek has anger management issues. Acting rashly on the freeway, he causes an accident. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Visions of the wreck haunt his dreams, but they’re always followed by the sweet caresses and soothing words of a beautiful woman who calls to everything male in him.
Cami assumes she is dead. With no memory of her past, all she knows is endless fog and the occasional visit to a darkened bedroom where she comforts a man battling nightmares. When she wakes in a hospital bed and regains her memory, she assumes the ruggedly-handsome Derek was no more than a figment of her concussed mind.
As Cami recovers, she learns that Derek is not only real but also the driver charged with causing her accident. She should be furious with him, but their inexplicable nights together showed her a tender side beneath his rough exterior. Will she let one reckless mistake drive them apart, or will forgiveness have the right of way?
Divorced construction worker Derek has anger management issues. Acting rashly on the freeway, he causes an accident. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Visions of the wreck haunt his dreams, but they’re always followed by the sweet caresses and soothing words of a beautiful woman who calls to everything male in him.
Cami assumes she is dead. With no memory of her past, all she knows is endless fog and the occasional visit to a darkened bedroom where she comforts a man battling nightmares. When she wakes in a hospital bed and regains her memory, she assumes the ruggedly-handsome Derek was no more than a figment of her concussed mind.
As Cami recovers, she learns that Derek is not only real but also the driver charged with causing her accident. She should be furious with him, but their inexplicable nights together showed her a tender side beneath his rough exterior. Will she let one reckless mistake drive them apart, or will forgiveness have the right of way?
299 pages, ebook
First published May 25, 2013
48 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Jessi Gage
41 books172 followersJessi lives with her husband and children in the Seattle area. She’s a passionate reader of all genres of romance, especially anything involving the paranormal. Ghosts, demons, vampires, weres, faeries...you name it, she’ll read it. As for writing, she's sticking to Highlanders and contemporaries with a paranormal twist (for now).
For updates, visit Jessi's website at www.jessigage.com. Using the contacts page to sign up for her newsletter will ensure you never miss a new release.
For updates, visit Jessi's website at www.jessigage.com. Using the contacts page to sign up for her newsletter will ensure you never miss a new release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 31, 2013
This was really unexpected! Why? Because the premise for the story (hero causes an accident that severely injures the heroine) is both the source of conflict and the source of healing. Excellent! Because the paranormal part I've never seen before...not really a ghost, but sort of a ghost? Because the hero and heroine pop off the page. They are fully formed with real emotional issues. I especially love how Gage made the hero a real, flawed, and yet likable character. He does a despicable act, but the reader still roots for him. That's a toughie for an author to accomplish. Slow beginning, but picks up the pace and has a storyline with a lot of suspense--you are dying to find out how this whole thing will resolve! Wonderful happy ending, too. Well done.
Grade: B
Release date: June 3rd, Lyrical Press
Grade: B
Release date: June 3rd, Lyrical Press
August 1, 2014
What an unexpected and seriously touching love story!! I have never read a book quite like this one and I can say with all honesty that Reckless left me in tears!
Reckless is a dual POV story (which we all know I adore) where the hero is the cause of the accident that sent the heroine to him in the first place! I love a good paranormal romance and haven't had the chance to read one in a while...part of me feels like this qualifies as paranormal and part of me still sees it as contemporary. Cami isn't a ghost...but her ability to be in Derek's house makes it a bit on the paranormal side :)
So you have the basics of the story line...let's talk romance and angst and yearning!
Derek is a divorced dad that refuses to date and has quite a bit of anger issues. Cami is an overly sweet, forgiving girl (yeah, yeah a little predictable but what can I say...it fits!) that is still punishing herself for mistakes made years in the past. When they come together it is an epic love story! Both Cami and Derek are broken in some way...well in my opinion they are bent, not broken. The tenderness and care and acceptance that they show one another is mind blowing and left me laughing, screaming and crying! The fact that the entire romance takes place while she can only be seen if touching his bed (Hehe someone had it in for them huh?) adds an interesting twist to the situation.
When Cami comes out of her coma and the truth of the situation is revealed...JUST DAMN! I can't imagine the feelings both Derek and Cami were dealing with right then. Not to mention Cami having several other rather intense situations pop up to add to her stress level.
Every single character in this book is deep, three-dimensional, believable, well developed and relatable. Jessi Gage managed to pull off multi-faceted characters that showed vulnerability, anger, angst, yearning, acceptance, fear, and most of all love. For some reason in my mind as I read I kept seeing Cami's brother and Derek's ex-wife hooking up hahaha not sure why...my mind works in strange ways some times!
Reckless was simply enthralling and I could not put it down. Once I sat down with my Kindle I just couldn't make myself stop! While there were a few iffy moments in the book that didn't seem exactly accurate or well safe (ummm think the last sex scene), overall it was definitely a book worth reading! If you are on the lookout for a contemporary romance with a touch of the magical paranormal...Reckless is absolutely the book for you!
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
Reckless is a dual POV story (which we all know I adore) where the hero is the cause of the accident that sent the heroine to him in the first place! I love a good paranormal romance and haven't had the chance to read one in a while...part of me feels like this qualifies as paranormal and part of me still sees it as contemporary. Cami isn't a ghost...but her ability to be in Derek's house makes it a bit on the paranormal side :)
So you have the basics of the story line...let's talk romance and angst and yearning!
Derek is a divorced dad that refuses to date and has quite a bit of anger issues. Cami is an overly sweet, forgiving girl (yeah, yeah a little predictable but what can I say...it fits!) that is still punishing herself for mistakes made years in the past. When they come together it is an epic love story! Both Cami and Derek are broken in some way...well in my opinion they are bent, not broken. The tenderness and care and acceptance that they show one another is mind blowing and left me laughing, screaming and crying! The fact that the entire romance takes place while she can only be seen if touching his bed (Hehe someone had it in for them huh?) adds an interesting twist to the situation.
When Cami comes out of her coma and the truth of the situation is revealed...JUST DAMN! I can't imagine the feelings both Derek and Cami were dealing with right then. Not to mention Cami having several other rather intense situations pop up to add to her stress level.
Every single character in this book is deep, three-dimensional, believable, well developed and relatable. Jessi Gage managed to pull off multi-faceted characters that showed vulnerability, anger, angst, yearning, acceptance, fear, and most of all love. For some reason in my mind as I read I kept seeing Cami's brother and Derek's ex-wife hooking up hahaha not sure why...my mind works in strange ways some times!
Reckless was simply enthralling and I could not put it down. Once I sat down with my Kindle I just couldn't make myself stop! While there were a few iffy moments in the book that didn't seem exactly accurate or well safe (ummm think the last sex scene), overall it was definitely a book worth reading! If you are on the lookout for a contemporary romance with a touch of the magical paranormal...Reckless is absolutely the book for you!
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
March 20, 2019
When you pick up a novel based on the synopsis, the most you hope for is that it’s a good and entertaining read. However, discovering surprises along the way, learning there’s more to the story than you originally thought; changing your views from just liking it to absolutely loving it - always a huge plus with me as that is what we wish or hope to be left with once we’ve finished it. “Road Rage” delivers just that – it was so much more than I anticipated. Yes, it’s of the romance genre, but it also includes elements of paranormal – all of which Jesse Gage neatly combines that makes this story work and flow beautifully leaving the reader with an engaging and intriguing first-rate novel worthy of reading. The author succeeds at captivating and bringing forth emotions from its readers as you follow the angst and turmoil of the protagonists of the story, Derek and Cami; as well as the supporting characters. I absolutely loved both Derek and Cami. Derek is an intriguing and complex individual. You can feel Derek’s heartache, his despair, and the turbulent life he’s created around him. You want to shake him and tell yourself he’s this awful person who doesn’t deserve anything but grief; and/or you’ll end up loving him as he redeems himself by owning up to his mistakes, accepting responsibility regardless of the punishment. It doesn’t hurt that he comes across as very sexy. As to the relationship between Derek and Cami, you can’t help but end up rooting for them as there’s so much heat and passion between the two. The author does a brilliant job making the story and the characters feel as realistic as possible which works well with the paranormal twist. In the end, “Road Rage” is an intense and thought-provoking story about love and forgiveness of others and one-self; that one shouldn’t be quick to judge another until given the full story. A first-rate and well-executed novel with surprising revelations that I ended up truly enjoying. This is a definite must read.
November 2, 2013
I'll like to start and say I really enjoyed this book. I thought it had a weirdly inventive and well done plot (and by weird I mean awesome). I first read Jessi Gage's other book "Wish for a Highlander" and really liked the premise of that one and thought hmm this one sounded interesting as well.
Cami has a fear of freeways, but to do right by a patient she forgoes her fear and decides to take the freeway to reach the patient's home in time. She hesitates making a turn and unfortunately gets cut off by a car and is in a terrible accident. Derek has anger issues, he rages and has a hard time curbing his anger. He's running late to his daughter's game and while on the freeway decides in a split second to cut off the hesitant driver. He pulls over and watches the cars crash and tumble over. Rather than wait and see if anyone is ok, he makes the quick decision to leave.
The accident troubles him and he can't stop thinking about that split bad decision he made. He's haunted by terrible nightmares, but there's something there to comfort him. He believes he's dreaming, he's hallucinating from stress, but there's this dream girl.
Dream girl thinks she's in limbo, she has to do one last good deed to get into heaven so she decides to comfort Derek while he's thrashing around in his sleep. Dream girl is Cami and she's unknowingly comforting and falling in love with the man that caused her horrific accident.
This book just hit me in all the right spots. It's serious, but not overly serious and depressing. It has slight humor without being ridiculous. The how and the why's of Cami only visiting Derek at night isn't really explained, but I thought that was ok. I think too much of an explanation might have bogged down the story.
I liked the characters as well. We see Cami as this frightful hesitant driver then as DG who becomes this confident creature willing to take advantage of the time she has left. We have Derek who realizes he has deep anger issues and needs to resolve them in order to have a good relationship with his daughter and ex-wife. DG and Derek play out for a little more than half of the book and then Cami and Derek for the rest. I thought they were well fleshed out characters who spoke to one another. There could of been misunderstandings, but there weren't and I'm grateful for that.
I loved the tension between the two characters and how they fought with reality and possible a ghost haunting. And I liked the way the conflict was handled when they found out their dreams were real. Both characters fall very quickly for one another, but I think considering the circumstances it just happened to be the right time with the right people. And when Cami comes out of her coma, she's a mess - she has awful injuries that are well described. It's not a miracle, hey she healed up and can move around and start dancing. She was in a really bad accident and it shows.
But I think what stopped it being a total 5 star for me was the ending. It's a HEA, but I wasn't too crazy about. We learn Cami has deeper issues than we thought and the way it played out wasn't to my likely. It was unnecessary and could of played out another way. But regardless I ate up this book and loved it!
P.S. Had I not read Gage's previous book and just seen the cover of this one I would of not read it. It's bad, but I judge a book by its cover and this one is awful!
Cami has a fear of freeways, but to do right by a patient she forgoes her fear and decides to take the freeway to reach the patient's home in time. She hesitates making a turn and unfortunately gets cut off by a car and is in a terrible accident. Derek has anger issues, he rages and has a hard time curbing his anger. He's running late to his daughter's game and while on the freeway decides in a split second to cut off the hesitant driver. He pulls over and watches the cars crash and tumble over. Rather than wait and see if anyone is ok, he makes the quick decision to leave.
The accident troubles him and he can't stop thinking about that split bad decision he made. He's haunted by terrible nightmares, but there's something there to comfort him. He believes he's dreaming, he's hallucinating from stress, but there's this dream girl.
Dream girl thinks she's in limbo, she has to do one last good deed to get into heaven so she decides to comfort Derek while he's thrashing around in his sleep. Dream girl is Cami and she's unknowingly comforting and falling in love with the man that caused her horrific accident.
This book just hit me in all the right spots. It's serious, but not overly serious and depressing. It has slight humor without being ridiculous. The how and the why's of Cami only visiting Derek at night isn't really explained, but I thought that was ok. I think too much of an explanation might have bogged down the story.
I liked the characters as well. We see Cami as this frightful hesitant driver then as DG who becomes this confident creature willing to take advantage of the time she has left. We have Derek who realizes he has deep anger issues and needs to resolve them in order to have a good relationship with his daughter and ex-wife. DG and Derek play out for a little more than half of the book and then Cami and Derek for the rest. I thought they were well fleshed out characters who spoke to one another. There could of been misunderstandings, but there weren't and I'm grateful for that.
I loved the tension between the two characters and how they fought with reality and possible a ghost haunting. And I liked the way the conflict was handled when they found out their dreams were real. Both characters fall very quickly for one another, but I think considering the circumstances it just happened to be the right time with the right people. And when Cami comes out of her coma, she's a mess - she has awful injuries that are well described. It's not a miracle, hey she healed up and can move around and start dancing. She was in a really bad accident and it shows.
But I think what stopped it being a total 5 star for me was the ending. It's a HEA, but I wasn't too crazy about. We learn Cami has deeper issues than we thought and the way it played out wasn't to my likely. It was unnecessary and could of played out another way. But regardless I ate up this book and loved it!
P.S. Had I not read Gage's previous book and just seen the cover of this one I would of not read it. It's bad, but I judge a book by its cover and this one is awful!
August 20, 2015
This was a little hard for me to take. Just not really into the paranormal and it was such a tragic story.
November 21, 2014
Loved! Review soon.
August 21, 2019
At first, I was reminded of a Reese Witherspoon's movie 'Just Like Heaven' but unfortunately without the humour. Perhaps my expectations prevented me from enjoying the story more.
Cheers
Cheers
May 21, 2014
4.5 stars
I really love Jessi Gage. Her Wishing For A Highlander upped the ante for best blurb and with this, a very different sort of romance, she proves that she's a much needed voice in the genre.
Reckless is really refreshing, if a story about a man with anger issues and a woman in a coma for several days can be called refreshing. Derek and Cami both really come alive, which is no small feat considering Cami doesn't have a memory for a good chunk of the novel. Yet the essence of her personality comes through in her desire to help the strange man whose bedroom she appears in every night. The magical rules of this strange situation are somewhat convenient -- Cami appears at sunset but can only be seen, heard or interact with anything while she's on Derek's bed. Whichever supernatural entity responsible for this situation sure has a sense of humor.
Still, these two broken people both display such care and tenderness for each other. Cami doesn't know who she is or why she's there, but the fact that she can comfort Derek's nightmares each night is enough purpose for her and she's able to see the good man through all the anger. By the time comas are woken from and memories regained and the truth comes out, what might seem far-fetched is perfectly understandable.
Every character is multi-faceted: the bitchy ex-wife, the questionable brother - we're treated to three-dimensional characters just as layered and flawed as the hero and heroine. It's really welcome in a sea of cardboard romance heroes that don't function like actual humans.
Except for some oddness at the end -- I really, really enjoyed this one.
I really love Jessi Gage. Her Wishing For A Highlander upped the ante for best blurb and with this, a very different sort of romance, she proves that she's a much needed voice in the genre.
Reckless is really refreshing, if a story about a man with anger issues and a woman in a coma for several days can be called refreshing. Derek and Cami both really come alive, which is no small feat considering Cami doesn't have a memory for a good chunk of the novel. Yet the essence of her personality comes through in her desire to help the strange man whose bedroom she appears in every night. The magical rules of this strange situation are somewhat convenient -- Cami appears at sunset but can only be seen, heard or interact with anything while she's on Derek's bed. Whichever supernatural entity responsible for this situation sure has a sense of humor.
Still, these two broken people both display such care and tenderness for each other. Cami doesn't know who she is or why she's there, but the fact that she can comfort Derek's nightmares each night is enough purpose for her and she's able to see the good man through all the anger. By the time comas are woken from and memories regained and the truth comes out, what might seem far-fetched is perfectly understandable.
Every character is multi-faceted: the bitchy ex-wife, the questionable brother - we're treated to three-dimensional characters just as layered and flawed as the hero and heroine. It's really welcome in a sea of cardboard romance heroes that don't function like actual humans.
Except for some oddness at the end -- I really, really enjoyed this one.
November 10, 2015
Loved it! Sweet romance with a paranormal twist!
I've read one of Jessi Gage's books before and loved it so I didn't hesitate to dive right into this one. I adored this story and couldn't put it down! The characters were beautiful and flawed and so deeply written. They felt so real and reading what they experienced made me feel like I was right there with them. Gate's writing will do that to you. It's so well done and she has become one of my favorite authors.
Derek had his issues but he was trying hard to be the man he needed to be. Guilt and anger ruled him for a long time and it's understandable considering his situation. At the same time, you just want to wrap your arms around him and take away all his guilt and fears. He is rough around the edges but so incredibly sweet, especially with his daughter. He's a real man with real flaws but that doesn't make him any less appealing. I loved him!
Cami may not think of herself as strong, but she truly is and based on what she has been through in her life, she has a heart so big and full of compassion. She's beautiful and just the right kind of person to change Derek's life. She was thrown into a painful situation but she handles it like a real person would I think.
The way these two came together was beautiful and intriguing. It was a unique twist to this kind of love story and I really enjoyed it. Couldn't wait to find out what happened next. They didn't hesitate to be with each other until the outside world forced them to, but even then they each knew their feelings and didn't deny them.
There were moments I felt my heart racing with frustration because I just wanted them to discover the truth, but the anticipation is worth it. What a beautiful story!
If you love a sweet romance with two flawed characters that are perfect together, and if you love a little step into the paranormal or even divine miracles, this book is for you.
5 stars!!
I can't wait to continue the series.
I've read one of Jessi Gage's books before and loved it so I didn't hesitate to dive right into this one. I adored this story and couldn't put it down! The characters were beautiful and flawed and so deeply written. They felt so real and reading what they experienced made me feel like I was right there with them. Gate's writing will do that to you. It's so well done and she has become one of my favorite authors.
Derek had his issues but he was trying hard to be the man he needed to be. Guilt and anger ruled him for a long time and it's understandable considering his situation. At the same time, you just want to wrap your arms around him and take away all his guilt and fears. He is rough around the edges but so incredibly sweet, especially with his daughter. He's a real man with real flaws but that doesn't make him any less appealing. I loved him!
Cami may not think of herself as strong, but she truly is and based on what she has been through in her life, she has a heart so big and full of compassion. She's beautiful and just the right kind of person to change Derek's life. She was thrown into a painful situation but she handles it like a real person would I think.
The way these two came together was beautiful and intriguing. It was a unique twist to this kind of love story and I really enjoyed it. Couldn't wait to find out what happened next. They didn't hesitate to be with each other until the outside world forced them to, but even then they each knew their feelings and didn't deny them.
There were moments I felt my heart racing with frustration because I just wanted them to discover the truth, but the anticipation is worth it. What a beautiful story!
If you love a sweet romance with two flawed characters that are perfect together, and if you love a little step into the paranormal or even divine miracles, this book is for you.
5 stars!!
I can't wait to continue the series.
April 16, 2013
After reading the blurb and excerpt for Road Rage, I couldn’t wait to delve into this book. The author did supply an ARR copy for an honest review, and I’m thrilled I got an early copy.
This book is my favorite read this year, and right up there alongside Ms. Gage’s historical/time travel. I was hooked from the first page by both the storyline and the author’s fantastic writer’s voice.
Derek has anger issues, and Cami has amnesia, but when two people such as these are destined to meet, the impossible happens and magic begins. Talk about amazing chemistry, and all with an imaginary dream girl who isn’t really imaginary.
I loved how believable the characters were. Cami has a fear of highways from an accident in her earlier years. Derek is just an everyday construction worker, and when racing to pick up his daughter, lashes out in anger, and causes an accident on the freeway. He flees the scene and his conscience plagues him. He suffers nightmares, but comfort comes with nightly visits from a mysterious woman who builds a bond with him. Cami becomes his Dream Girl, and as the story unfolds, it’s discovered she’s the woman he cut off on the freeway, and she’s now fighting for her life.
I was completely engaged from the beginning to the end, and the happily ever after ending totally fulfills. This is an amazing contemporary romance for the adult, with a magical twist where two destinies are linked.
Here are two of my favourite lines:
On the one hand, being dead sucked. On the other hand, if she got to drool over buns like that as part of her afterlife, she supposed she could make peace with it.
His eyelids went to half-mast. "Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've had one of these dreams?"
I can't wait to see what Ms. Gage delivers next. A fabulous five stars for Road Rage.
This book is my favorite read this year, and right up there alongside Ms. Gage’s historical/time travel. I was hooked from the first page by both the storyline and the author’s fantastic writer’s voice.
Derek has anger issues, and Cami has amnesia, but when two people such as these are destined to meet, the impossible happens and magic begins. Talk about amazing chemistry, and all with an imaginary dream girl who isn’t really imaginary.
I loved how believable the characters were. Cami has a fear of highways from an accident in her earlier years. Derek is just an everyday construction worker, and when racing to pick up his daughter, lashes out in anger, and causes an accident on the freeway. He flees the scene and his conscience plagues him. He suffers nightmares, but comfort comes with nightly visits from a mysterious woman who builds a bond with him. Cami becomes his Dream Girl, and as the story unfolds, it’s discovered she’s the woman he cut off on the freeway, and she’s now fighting for her life.
I was completely engaged from the beginning to the end, and the happily ever after ending totally fulfills. This is an amazing contemporary romance for the adult, with a magical twist where two destinies are linked.
Here are two of my favourite lines:
On the one hand, being dead sucked. On the other hand, if she got to drool over buns like that as part of her afterlife, she supposed she could make peace with it.
His eyelids went to half-mast. "Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've had one of these dreams?"
I can't wait to see what Ms. Gage delivers next. A fabulous five stars for Road Rage.
June 2, 2013
If you enjoy compelling characters, you’ll want to wrap yourself up in this book. Derek is a guy struggling to get by, a divorced dad who loves his daughter and feels his ex-wife is too judgmental. His short fuse has gotten him into trouble more than once, but when he succumbs to a moment of road rage on the freeway and causes a serious accident, even he recognizes the hurtfulness of his actions. Guilt and nightmares plague him, but so do dreams with a luscious “dream girl” who eases his pain and fills his nights with love and tenderness.
Cami is an insecure people-pleaser with a deep-rooted fear of highways that dates back to her teenage years. She has a habit of blaming herself for most of the things that go wrong in life, even when she isn’t at fault. Due to a tragedy in her past, she views herself as unlovable by those closest to her -- until Derek, in an odd twist of fate, teaches her otherwise.
This book is full of surprises, including the way these two polar opposites meet and interact. Filled with warmth, steamy romantic scenes, and characters who touch your heart and won’t let go, it’s a smart combination of romance, family drama, and the paranormal. Five stars for another great story from Jessi Gage!
Cami is an insecure people-pleaser with a deep-rooted fear of highways that dates back to her teenage years. She has a habit of blaming herself for most of the things that go wrong in life, even when she isn’t at fault. Due to a tragedy in her past, she views herself as unlovable by those closest to her -- until Derek, in an odd twist of fate, teaches her otherwise.
This book is full of surprises, including the way these two polar opposites meet and interact. Filled with warmth, steamy romantic scenes, and characters who touch your heart and won’t let go, it’s a smart combination of romance, family drama, and the paranormal. Five stars for another great story from Jessi Gage!
June 30, 2013
This is a superb, well-written, and nuanced romance about a man with anger issues who causes injury to someone and realizes he has to do something about his problem. I love how absolutely real and three-dimensional Derek feels as a character. I have known men like this, and I think Derek's story of redemption will resonate with many people.
Cami, the heroine, begins the book timid and lacking the capacity to stand up for herself. By the end, she recognizes that not every bad thing that happens is her fault, and she starts pushing back against people who take advantage of her.
I appreciate that these are ordinary people. Derek isn't a tortured billionaire; he's a divorced construction worker struggling with problems that will be familiar to many: getting along with the ex, balancing work and family, trying to be a good dad to his teenage daughter.
While most of this novel reads like a contemporary, it's also a paranormal: Cami first meets Derek in the form of a semi-corporeal ghost. Ultimately it's the choices Derek and Cami make that put them on the path to finding love and being happier, more fulfilled people.
Cami, the heroine, begins the book timid and lacking the capacity to stand up for herself. By the end, she recognizes that not every bad thing that happens is her fault, and she starts pushing back against people who take advantage of her.
I appreciate that these are ordinary people. Derek isn't a tortured billionaire; he's a divorced construction worker struggling with problems that will be familiar to many: getting along with the ex, balancing work and family, trying to be a good dad to his teenage daughter.
While most of this novel reads like a contemporary, it's also a paranormal: Cami first meets Derek in the form of a semi-corporeal ghost. Ultimately it's the choices Derek and Cami make that put them on the path to finding love and being happier, more fulfilled people.
June 23, 2013
After reading and loving Wishing for a Highlander, I just HAD to grab a copy of Road Rage.
Relatable, everyman hero Derek’s day goes from bad to worse when his temper causes an accident on the freeway and he flees the scene. His guilty conscience plagues him with nightmares, and his only solace comes in the form of a beautiful dream girl – a dream girl who turns out to be very real and the map he needs for his journey to redemption.
Cami, his dream girl, is seriously injured in the accident caused by Derek's road rage. She is also relatable and suffers from her own demons (and a coma!). In spite of those steamy ‘dream’ visits, she has plenty of reasons to hate Derek for what happened to her when they eventually meet. Can compassion and forgiveness overcome a bad decision and its devastating consequences?
This wonderful, angst-ridden romance packs an emotional punch. Forgiveness is powerful, as is love. You'll find plenty of both in Road Rage.
Relatable, everyman hero Derek’s day goes from bad to worse when his temper causes an accident on the freeway and he flees the scene. His guilty conscience plagues him with nightmares, and his only solace comes in the form of a beautiful dream girl – a dream girl who turns out to be very real and the map he needs for his journey to redemption.
Cami, his dream girl, is seriously injured in the accident caused by Derek's road rage. She is also relatable and suffers from her own demons (and a coma!). In spite of those steamy ‘dream’ visits, she has plenty of reasons to hate Derek for what happened to her when they eventually meet. Can compassion and forgiveness overcome a bad decision and its devastating consequences?
This wonderful, angst-ridden romance packs an emotional punch. Forgiveness is powerful, as is love. You'll find plenty of both in Road Rage.
August 11, 2014
I read this book as part of the Passionate Kisses Boxed Set. (10 Contemporary Romances for $0.99). Reckless gives a fresh take on the paranormal romance as there are no vampires, witches, or shape shifters. I don't want to give anything away, but I think readers will be able to relate to the reckless behavior the hero portrays. Luckily we can learn our lesson through this highly sensuous romance. Different and enjoyable.
July 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were awesome and really pulled you into the story. I really liked how the romance between this couple developed with a paranormal like theme. And the love scenes were hot, hot hot! A must read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a little dream action!
August 9, 2016
review posted here: http://yougottaread.com/review-road-r...
December 9, 2014
A different kind of paranormal romance (okay, maybe supernatural, then?) and I enjoyed it very much. Nothing better than reading a book that captures your attention. Unless, you have work to do. Hmmm… Oh well. **shrugs**
August 16, 2015
Beautiful Story
What a great book. I read it in one sitting...... it was just too good to put down. The paranormal twist is actually quite believable as stranger things have happened in real life. Amazing book, everyone should read it.
What a great book. I read it in one sitting...... it was just too good to put down. The paranormal twist is actually quite believable as stranger things have happened in real life. Amazing book, everyone should read it.
March 15, 2017
This was my first book penned by author Jessi Gage and her effort was a bit hard to swallow but nevertheless still enjoyable.
June 8, 2013
The book started out AMAZING, the ending wasn't as strong but I LOVED LOVED LOVED the concept!
May 26, 2020
Real hurt and healing
Well written. A different take on romance. Two flawed people find each other in the midst of a crisis. What happens next is grounded in reality and their own personal struggles but magical at the same time.
Well written. A different take on romance. Two flawed people find each other in the midst of a crisis. What happens next is grounded in reality and their own personal struggles but magical at the same time.
March 24, 2017
If you can suspend belief enough with how Camilla and Derek meet and fall in love, then I think you'll really enjoy this story about change and forgiveness.
May 22, 2018
Okay
Okay read but not one I’ll keep in kindle. Slow to start and it just plodded on. Both leads lacked charisma and substance but then it was a ghost story.
Okay read but not one I’ll keep in kindle. Slow to start and it just plodded on. Both leads lacked charisma and substance but then it was a ghost story.
October 31, 2018
Redemption and cohesiveness
A tale of single parenting, anger management issues and unresolved self hate and guilt for consequences of actions. Well written.
A tale of single parenting, anger management issues and unresolved self hate and guilt for consequences of actions. Well written.
July 5, 2021
⎯» Rating: 3.25 Stars
⎯» Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
⎯» POV: Dual—Third Person Omniscent
❥
❥
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I found myself to be pleasantly surprised. I came across this book while searching KU for romances with a comatose-heroine trope; and whilst I wouldn’t categorize it as award worthy, I would definitely recommend to those interested in reading it to give it a chance.
❥
⎯»Extra Information
❥
⎯» Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
⎯» POV: Dual—Third Person Omniscent
❥
“I think that’s what love is. Trying your best for someone but wishing you could do even better.”
❥
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I found myself to be pleasantly surprised. I came across this book while searching KU for romances with a comatose-heroine trope; and whilst I wouldn’t categorize it as award worthy, I would definitely recommend to those interested in reading it to give it a chance.
❥
⎯»Extra Information
•Series or Standalone:
Standalone
•HEA:
•Cliffhanger:
No
•Relationship:
M-F Romance
•Tropes:
➢ Paranormal Romance
➢ Supernatural Connection
➢ Medical Romance
➢ Heroine-in-Car-Accident
➢ Comatose Heroine
➢ Heroine w/ Amnesia
➢ Heroine w/ PTSD
➢ Out-of-Body-Experience
➢ Hero-Inadvertently-Hurts-Heroine
➢ Hero-Hides-From-Guilt
➢ Hero-is-Divorced-Father
➢ Hero w/ Anger Issues
•Triggers:
•Sexual Content:
Yes
❥
September 15, 2015
I've been a fan of Jessi Gage's historical paranormal romances and she doesn't disappoint with this contemporary! Derek struggles with controlling her anger that infects just about everything in his life: his job, his ex, his daughter and the beautiful woman who magically appears on his bed.
Cami is the complete opposite of Derek. Under her humor and sweetness is a core of strength, even though she's terrified of driving on the freeway. But when she's asked to pick up a senior who needs to make a hospital appointment, she faces her fear and is involved in a hit and run.
Derek doesn't think twice about cutting off the driver of a small compact car to get to his daughter's soccer game. But he's haunted by horrible nightmares and wakes up to the soothing and sexy presence of a woman in his bed.
So begins Derek and Cami's journey to healing, forgiveness and love. When I realized there was a paranormal bent, I was intrigued. Jessi pulls it off and the HEA leaves you wanting more! She doesn't sugarcoat Derek's anger issues, nor does she let Cami be the gentle heroine who lets the hero do the saving. These characters are not always pleasant but they keep you reading because I saw parts of myself in them and I really wanted them to grow.
Thanks Jessi for another great book!
Cami is the complete opposite of Derek. Under her humor and sweetness is a core of strength, even though she's terrified of driving on the freeway. But when she's asked to pick up a senior who needs to make a hospital appointment, she faces her fear and is involved in a hit and run.
Derek doesn't think twice about cutting off the driver of a small compact car to get to his daughter's soccer game. But he's haunted by horrible nightmares and wakes up to the soothing and sexy presence of a woman in his bed.
So begins Derek and Cami's journey to healing, forgiveness and love. When I realized there was a paranormal bent, I was intrigued. Jessi pulls it off and the HEA leaves you wanting more! She doesn't sugarcoat Derek's anger issues, nor does she let Cami be the gentle heroine who lets the hero do the saving. These characters are not always pleasant but they keep you reading because I saw parts of myself in them and I really wanted them to grow.
Thanks Jessi for another great book!
February 11, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Jessi Gage. This story had my attention but visions confused me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2018
Could have been so much better
I thought this concept was fascinating, the writing was good, but one huge problem nearly killed the book for me. The incident was NOT road rage nor should he have been criminally liable. Only if the H had intentionally acted to try to hurt others in his rage would it have been. The person at fault was the h.
Honestly, it wasn't necessary for it to be criminally his fault for the plot to work. Morally he was in the wrong and in that context he was partially to blame. Certainly he could still blame himself and others could, too. There was no need to bring the law into it.
Side note, may want to fix that the car was a Honda in the beginning and a Nissan later.
I thought this concept was fascinating, the writing was good, but one huge problem nearly killed the book for me. The incident was NOT road rage nor should he have been criminally liable. Only if the H had intentionally acted to try to hurt others in his rage would it have been. The person at fault was the h.
Honestly, it wasn't necessary for it to be criminally his fault for the plot to work. Morally he was in the wrong and in that context he was partially to blame. Certainly he could still blame himself and others could, too. There was no need to bring the law into it.
Side note, may want to fix that the car was a Honda in the beginning and a Nissan later.
April 13, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a unique story and unlike any I have read, although it did remind me of a movie (which I won't disclose because it would be a major spolier). The story kept me turning the pages but for some reason it just fell short for me. I wanted a bit more fire in the sex scenes - because a lot of the story was about that connection. There were a few deeper layers that I felt could have been explored more to give even more depth and emotion to the characters and what they had experienced.
I just wanted a little bit more.
This was a unique story and unlike any I have read, although it did remind me of a movie (which I won't disclose because it would be a major spolier). The story kept me turning the pages but for some reason it just fell short for me. I wanted a bit more fire in the sex scenes - because a lot of the story was about that connection. There were a few deeper layers that I felt could have been explored more to give even more depth and emotion to the characters and what they had experienced.
I just wanted a little bit more.
October 1, 2016
2.5 rounded up to 3. This author likes to put a dash of paranormal into an otherwise normal romance novel. Unfortunately, my cynical self has a hard time believing that two people share each other's dreams and can make love while she is in a coma. That being said, there were certain parts of this book that were lovely and romantic.
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