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From Boys to Men Trilogy #1
The Boy Who Knew Me When
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00J0OOUOE.
AUTHOR UPDATE 3/29 Book has been updated with newly improved formatting. Contact Amazon to update your copy.
Jemma Hayes has been waiting for the day that she could say goodbye to Taylor, TX the town where her past holds her back and weighs on her heart more and more with each waking hour. A past that has cost her the ability to trust, love and live her life like a normal teenage girl should. A past that violently stole from her everyone that she loved when she was only 8 years old right before her eyes. The small town and the people who dwell beyond it's boundaries constantly remind her of the horrific events that led up to the moment that her world changed forever and she cannot take another second of the horrible memories tearing her apart.
After graduating from high-school and ending the relationship with the man who held her together for the last 4 years she finally has her chance to free herself from the past that torments her dreams and prevents her from moving forward.
Moving to Austin with her best friend Brea the two begin their lives in college, partying and living it up like they have never done before. But just as things begin to look up Jemma is confronted by her past dead on.
How will she cope when the return of a long lost friend turns her world upside down, bringing all of her demons out to play while igniting in her emotions she never thought possible? Will her past doom her to the same fate of the ones she loved and lost or will it be the very thing that saves her?
'The Boy Who Knew Me When' deals with subject matter of a sensitive nature including graphic scenes of violence as well as adults in extreme sexual situations. This book is for mature readers 18+ and up
The boy who knew me when is book one in Boys to Men trilogy and can be read as a stand alone novel.
AUTHOR UPDATE 3/29 Book has been updated with newly improved formatting. Contact Amazon to update your copy.
Jemma Hayes has been waiting for the day that she could say goodbye to Taylor, TX the town where her past holds her back and weighs on her heart more and more with each waking hour. A past that has cost her the ability to trust, love and live her life like a normal teenage girl should. A past that violently stole from her everyone that she loved when she was only 8 years old right before her eyes. The small town and the people who dwell beyond it's boundaries constantly remind her of the horrific events that led up to the moment that her world changed forever and she cannot take another second of the horrible memories tearing her apart.
After graduating from high-school and ending the relationship with the man who held her together for the last 4 years she finally has her chance to free herself from the past that torments her dreams and prevents her from moving forward.
Moving to Austin with her best friend Brea the two begin their lives in college, partying and living it up like they have never done before. But just as things begin to look up Jemma is confronted by her past dead on.
How will she cope when the return of a long lost friend turns her world upside down, bringing all of her demons out to play while igniting in her emotions she never thought possible? Will her past doom her to the same fate of the ones she loved and lost or will it be the very thing that saves her?
'The Boy Who Knew Me When' deals with subject matter of a sensitive nature including graphic scenes of violence as well as adults in extreme sexual situations. This book is for mature readers 18+ and up
The boy who knew me when is book one in Boys to Men trilogy and can be read as a stand alone novel.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2014
2 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bostick
3 books9 followers37 year old native Texan J.L. Bostick began writing poetry and lyrics at the age of 18 years old. She published her first poem at 18 and has since published many more in various anthologies and publications. She has also had the pleasure of contributing articles for various agencies including Jane Magazine, Austin Music Live and a wide variety of E-publications under the pen name Jenna Lynn Monroe.
When she is not writing she dedicates her time to her husband and five children as well as her photography business Jude River photography. Her specialty in the field of Concert and Musicians has earned her many accolades throughout the Austin area as well as online with a following of 20,000 on Google+. She and her work has been featured in Seven By Five Magazine, I Live Here: Austin, Sam Pace and the Gilded Grit’s The Feelin’ (Music Album) and many more. You can see her writing and poetry side by side in the benefit book “Leaf Portraits” by Beth Ackerman and friends.
You can view many of her photographs which include such bands/musicians as Counting Crows, Sam Pace, Daniel Park, Runaway Dorothy, Star Ana, Suite 709, Filligar and many many more on her photography website www.juderiver.com. You can find her art and poetry on the website as well.
The Boy Who Knew Me When is her first full length stand alone novel.
When she is not writing she dedicates her time to her husband and five children as well as her photography business Jude River photography. Her specialty in the field of Concert and Musicians has earned her many accolades throughout the Austin area as well as online with a following of 20,000 on Google+. She and her work has been featured in Seven By Five Magazine, I Live Here: Austin, Sam Pace and the Gilded Grit’s The Feelin’ (Music Album) and many more. You can see her writing and poetry side by side in the benefit book “Leaf Portraits” by Beth Ackerman and friends.
You can view many of her photographs which include such bands/musicians as Counting Crows, Sam Pace, Daniel Park, Runaway Dorothy, Star Ana, Suite 709, Filligar and many many more on her photography website www.juderiver.com. You can find her art and poetry on the website as well.
The Boy Who Knew Me When is her first full length stand alone novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 3, 2014
I am unsure where to start. This book was better and more heartfelt than I expected. It is also one of the most sappiest(in a good way) and honest romances I have read in a while.
I was concerned that the characters ages would make the content seem unbelievable, but I realize age has nothing to do with the heartache, friendship, pain, love, etc.. that is conveyed in this story. Experiences is what matters and Jemma and Julian has had to deal with a lot in their young lives.
I loved the fact that the men in this book were not afraid to be honest about their emotions. Right from the start, when they felt something you knew. They didn't try to cover it up, they let it be known what they felt and what the thought. It was very refreshing.
There is not much that I didn't like, but there were a few things that I don't know how to express without telling parts of the story. I will say that this book would have been better had there been more editing.
Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing where this series will lead with Brea's story coming next.
I was concerned that the characters ages would make the content seem unbelievable, but I realize age has nothing to do with the heartache, friendship, pain, love, etc.. that is conveyed in this story. Experiences is what matters and Jemma and Julian has had to deal with a lot in their young lives.
I loved the fact that the men in this book were not afraid to be honest about their emotions. Right from the start, when they felt something you knew. They didn't try to cover it up, they let it be known what they felt and what the thought. It was very refreshing.
There is not much that I didn't like, but there were a few things that I don't know how to express without telling parts of the story. I will say that this book would have been better had there been more editing.
Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing where this series will lead with Brea's story coming next.
March 20, 2014
This was an absolutely beautiful book. Jemma is such a beautiful character whose reactions to the hand that life dealt her was so real and authentic. Even though she was a very damaged character she was insanely strong. The side characters were equally as amazing. Brea was the perfect best friend for a girl like Jemma, I found her character refreshing, giving a little bit of fun to a sad story line. Brandon, Jemma's high school boyfriend was perfect. I dare say that I would give anything to have a Brandon in my life. Johnathan, Brea's boyfriend was a small character but in the small amount of time we spend with him he becomes very lovable. Then there is Julian, the main male character. His love for Jemma is down right beautiful, to be in love with someone for so long and to finally find them again is just magical.
I don't want to give away too much, because this book is so fast paced with a lot of information it is easy to do. But I loved it and would definitely read it again.
I don't want to give away too much, because this book is so fast paced with a lot of information it is easy to do. But I loved it and would definitely read it again.
March 28, 2014
Fantastic, Wonderful & Beautiful
Fantastic, Wonderful & Beautiful
WOW, just WOW. At first I thought this was going to be the typical boy loves girl, girl is damaged and lets boy go. Well, was I ever wrong. When the bipolar disorder was mentioned I really sat up and paid attention. ( I have a friend who went thru this with her son )
This story is so beautifully written and it tugs at your heart. Jemma was so confused for such a long time that it was just so beautiful to read and understand when she realized just how much she loved Julian and needed her father in her life.
I am looking forward to reading Brea's story which I hope has more of Brandon. Things are completely messed up for him and I hope he has a happily ever after in the future.
Thank you, J.L. Bostick, for sharing your experience with us at the end of the book and for sharing your characters with us.
Fantastic, Wonderful & Beautiful
WOW, just WOW. At first I thought this was going to be the typical boy loves girl, girl is damaged and lets boy go. Well, was I ever wrong. When the bipolar disorder was mentioned I really sat up and paid attention. ( I have a friend who went thru this with her son )
This story is so beautifully written and it tugs at your heart. Jemma was so confused for such a long time that it was just so beautiful to read and understand when she realized just how much she loved Julian and needed her father in her life.
I am looking forward to reading Brea's story which I hope has more of Brandon. Things are completely messed up for him and I hope he has a happily ever after in the future.
Thank you, J.L. Bostick, for sharing your experience with us at the end of the book and for sharing your characters with us.
March 31, 2014
Wonderful unique and heartwarming read. It was nice opening up a novel and not seeing the same back/forth romance. Thanks!
Update: I just read some of the reviews and I have to say I found no grammatical errors in this book. In fact according to Amazon it was professionally edited. I found the young 18 & 19 year old characters to speak exactly how young people their age speak nowadays. They curse a bit and the sex scenes are pretty descriptive. This is to be expected from an erotic romance which was the section of Amazon I purchased it from.
I was also able to upload the ENTIRE novel with no issues other than it not showing up well on my black background. However, after contacting Amazon I was told there was a fix and was sent the updated copy. Maybe try that?
Update: I just read some of the reviews and I have to say I found no grammatical errors in this book. In fact according to Amazon it was professionally edited. I found the young 18 & 19 year old characters to speak exactly how young people their age speak nowadays. They curse a bit and the sex scenes are pretty descriptive. This is to be expected from an erotic romance which was the section of Amazon I purchased it from.
I was also able to upload the ENTIRE novel with no issues other than it not showing up well on my black background. However, after contacting Amazon I was told there was a fix and was sent the updated copy. Maybe try that?
March 14, 2014
Good book.
March 17, 2014
I love this book it was amazing I couldnt put it down I stayed up everynight just to get a little further in it.... I soo can't wait to see if there is going to be another one
March 31, 2014
Interesting look at mental disorder and how the mind protects itself. The twist was unexpected and I thought the plot and characters were well put together.
March 14, 2014
I have the privilege of being one of the first people to read this book which is a romance novel. I am a 30+ year old male, never read this type of book before and surprisingly I loved it. The characters were likable, the story was intense and the sex scenes were pretty sexy. I will read it again once it is officially published. I am actually looking forward to book two even though this was a stand alone novel.
March 24, 2014
a pretty good book with a lot of twists and turns. you can tell it is a first novel but I enjoyed it. It wouldn't let me give 1/2 stars. I wouldn't say it was a 5 star book but I would give it 4 1/2. a good start to a series. I read it while on vacation with my son, I forgot my kindle, it was on the wife's.
August 6, 2016
A sweet, sassy, sexy tale. I tried putting it down, but the characters kept haunting me, and I had to get up at 3am to finally find out what happened next. Can't wait for the next installment!
April 6, 2014
Great story!
This was a great read from the beginning to the very end. I thought the characters were well written and I was completely caught up in their lives.
This was a great read from the beginning to the very end. I thought the characters were well written and I was completely caught up in their lives.
April 7, 2014
This book is not really my cup of tea but upon recommendation of a friend I decided to read it. It was a little too graphic for my taste, I am a little bit of a prude when it comes to romance but getting past that it I really enjoyed it. there was enough of a story without it to keep me reading. i will keep a look out for more books by this author.
EDIT: The book had been weighing on me for a few days so I went back and read it again without any reservations, knowing I liked it. It is now officially on my favorites list.
Bare in mind that this novel is very sexually descriptive. rated 18+
EDIT: The book had been weighing on me for a few days so I went back and read it again without any reservations, knowing I liked it. It is now officially on my favorites list.
Bare in mind that this novel is very sexually descriptive. rated 18+
April 19, 2014
A Beautiful Story!!
WOW!!! What an amazingly beautiful story! Julian and Jemma have gone through the unimaginable in their young lives. There are few people in the world who make it through what they have seen and lived. But, this story of them coming together, in a love that began when they were too young to understand what love is, made my heart sing! WOW! Just WOW!!!
A definitely read!!!
Can't wait to read Brea's story!
WOW!!! What an amazingly beautiful story! Julian and Jemma have gone through the unimaginable in their young lives. There are few people in the world who make it through what they have seen and lived. But, this story of them coming together, in a love that began when they were too young to understand what love is, made my heart sing! WOW! Just WOW!!!
A definitely read!!!
Can't wait to read Brea's story!
May 10, 2014
Loved, loved, LOVED IT! A wonderful love story about two people who have suffered the unthinkable reuniting and finding a love thought forever lost. It is sexy, erotic, emotional and surprising. I really like how the story slightly focuses on mental illness. Not a lot of romances are willing to dive in and truly show how damaged the characters are by their past. I see so many stories about damaged people who are obviously suffering but all the writers do is miraculously cure them in the end. People who are damaged by horrific events of childhood don't just "bounce back" when love walks in. It is a life long process that can get "better" with love and that is what happens in this story. Two people who help rebuild each others lives, reality!
May 14, 2014
I got it from a book bub freebie and found it not to be quite as estrogen driven as I was scared it would be, it started off that way but changed gears a few chapters in. There were quite a few twist and turns with enough action to keep a guy like me interested. It was well written and fast paced. I read at bedtime and knocked it out in about 3 days or about 6 hours, my wife is now reading it and she is enjoying it as well.
Read
April 7, 2014DNF at 22%. Just plain BAD!
April 1, 2014
This has to be the most dramatic book that I've read.
Name all the drama that can happen to a young adult/teen and it happened in this book.
The author needed a better beta so they could have told her all about how she has the timelines completely screwed up. Nothing matched up with the weeks or the age differences or anything really. You had to gloss over those parts because you will be frustrated like I was.
It just was a complete mess to me. The storyline could have been much better if the author took her time and paid attention to what was happening in the story.
Name all the drama that can happen to a young adult/teen and it happened in this book.
The author needed a better beta so they could have told her all about how she has the timelines completely screwed up. Nothing matched up with the weeks or the age differences or anything really. You had to gloss over those parts because you will be frustrated like I was.
It just was a complete mess to me. The storyline could have been much better if the author took her time and paid attention to what was happening in the story.
May 27, 2014
Such a beautiful and lovely story about love that happens under interesting circumstances and with a lot of drama surrounding two people who carry a lot of baggage. It was nice to read a story without a cliffhanger or a sad ending for a change. It ended well and was very happy in the end. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in this. A few of them I liked even more than the main characters and hope to read about them in the future.
March 30, 2014
I am unsure what to say about this book. I guess we can just sum it up as being too YA for me. There were too many grammatical errors and they took away from the story for me. Jemma and Brea's characters were too juvenile and crude for me to even remotely like them. Overall would have been a good story based upon the premise, but it missed the mark for me.
April 7, 2014
I just don't know how I feel. I guess really pissed off that Brandon was just wiped out of the entire picture. Good grief...
Maybe there will be more about that in later books but I just don't know. Poor Brandon.
As for Jem and Brea... *cough* whores *cough*
I think the plot of the story was great, it just didn't fall into place for me.
Maybe there will be more about that in later books but I just don't know. Poor Brandon.
As for Jem and Brea... *cough* whores *cough*
I think the plot of the story was great, it just didn't fall into place for me.
April 3, 2014
review to come...
January 29, 2015
Great story with a lot of passion and love. The book stresses about a lot of emotion and difficulty of a disease that can be confined with the understanding of therapy and medication
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews