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The Lateral
Just what is normal, anyway?
For twenty-two-year-old Ember Easley, “normal” has been a lot of hard, unfortunate crud—but now, things are different! She has moved on from all the craziness that she dealt with before, like her overload of family members and their poor decisions (about everything). She’s starting afresh up north in Michigan with her niece Meadow, and they’re going to be great together.
But “normal” still somehow seems to escape her. For example, Ember’s job isn’t something that her niece enjoys. Also, it’s very weird that she would become involved with a professional football player from the team that everyone (besides her) seems to worship. Jake Koval pounds into her life and then he becomes a fixture in it…and then, without realizing it, she starts to depend on him.
And that might be a problem. People can let you down, even if it’s by mistake, and she doesn’t want that for her niece or for herself. Not again.
Jake isn’t everything he seems, either. Yes, he’s very cute, very strong, very large, very successful and all that, but there’s another side to him that might need Ember’s help. It turns out that “normal” isn’t working for him, either...
So together, and with Meadow, a miniature horse, some goats and sheep, chickens, and a goose, they’ll go in a new direction. It's a surprising move that wasn’t in the playbook, but it may turn “normal” into amazing!
For twenty-two-year-old Ember Easley, “normal” has been a lot of hard, unfortunate crud—but now, things are different! She has moved on from all the craziness that she dealt with before, like her overload of family members and their poor decisions (about everything). She’s starting afresh up north in Michigan with her niece Meadow, and they’re going to be great together.
But “normal” still somehow seems to escape her. For example, Ember’s job isn’t something that her niece enjoys. Also, it’s very weird that she would become involved with a professional football player from the team that everyone (besides her) seems to worship. Jake Koval pounds into her life and then he becomes a fixture in it…and then, without realizing it, she starts to depend on him.
And that might be a problem. People can let you down, even if it’s by mistake, and she doesn’t want that for her niece or for herself. Not again.
Jake isn’t everything he seems, either. Yes, he’s very cute, very strong, very large, very successful and all that, but there’s another side to him that might need Ember’s help. It turns out that “normal” isn’t working for him, either...
So together, and with Meadow, a miniature horse, some goats and sheep, chickens, and a goose, they’ll go in a new direction. It's a surprising move that wasn’t in the playbook, but it may turn “normal” into amazing!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2025
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50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 30, 2025
A few random thoughts:
I just adored Ember. She’s probably my all time favorite of Mrs Bennett’s books with Kylie from the Bust.
I think I love the stories of mmcs with hard pasts but such a beautiful intake and view of life in general.
As with Kylie’s book, this was light but with a sad lingering feeling and it was the best.
I didn’t think I could get over that not so cute meet. He sounded barbarian and I honestly thought he was the worst.
Apparently, Jake, is one of those people who don’t use many words, but facts speak louder than words. I didn’t love him, love him, but the last 5% made it up for the rest.
Meadow was horrible but when she went against Araceli, she won me over.
It probably doesn’t make any sense to anyone and it is indeed a poor review. But I had to write it somewhere.
Aaaaand I loved the book ♥️
I just adored Ember. She’s probably my all time favorite of Mrs Bennett’s books with Kylie from the Bust.
I think I love the stories of mmcs with hard pasts but such a beautiful intake and view of life in general.
As with Kylie’s book, this was light but with a sad lingering feeling and it was the best.
I didn’t think I could get over that not so cute meet. He sounded barbarian and I honestly thought he was the worst.
Apparently, Jake, is one of those people who don’t use many words, but facts speak louder than words. I didn’t love him, love him, but the last 5% made it up for the rest.
Meadow was horrible but when she went against Araceli, she won me over.
It probably doesn’t make any sense to anyone and it is indeed a poor review. But I had to write it somewhere.
Aaaaand I loved the book ♥️
June 8, 2025
I finished this a week ago and have been thinking what to write as a review and quite honestly I still don't know. Here goes...
Ember's family dynamics aren't normal although she thinks otherwise. We get thrown right into her drama and it isn't pretty. It's tragic.
Ember made me feel uncomfortable but at the same time I was just so proud of her. Whatever the cost she did it. Meadow was just awful and Ember just took it all. Her love was unconditional.
Jake is a menace to begin with but he had every reason to be. He is the strong and silent type and I loved it.He was all in for Ember and Meadow.
He is a fantastic Hero but he is shy. He has a mini menagerie. The miniature pony Chip was the best.
This is slow burn romance and exactly what I was looking for. It has fun and shows a vulnerable side to both characters. I will check out other books by this author.
Ember's family dynamics aren't normal although she thinks otherwise. We get thrown right into her drama and it isn't pretty. It's tragic.
Ember made me feel uncomfortable but at the same time I was just so proud of her. Whatever the cost she did it. Meadow was just awful and Ember just took it all. Her love was unconditional.
Jake is a menace to begin with but he had every reason to be. He is the strong and silent type and I loved it.He was all in for Ember and Meadow.
He is a fantastic Hero but he is shy. He has a mini menagerie. The miniature pony Chip was the best.
This is slow burn romance and exactly what I was looking for. It has fun and shows a vulnerable side to both characters. I will check out other books by this author.
February 11, 2025
I liked this one.
January 24, 2025
shred your heart a little
feeling emotional but can't cry? this book will be a cathartic release.
I haven't cried so much since the last book from Jamie Bennett.
She has a way of taking characters and drawing out all their hidden anguish hope and strengths.
Never thought I could read a book about a fmc who has such a hellish and unhappy sordid torrid dark backstory, and be whole heartedly loving her character so much.
by preference, I don't read sad stories about damaged characters, but damned if this author doesn't con me everytime.
it was amazing. emotive. and so, so sweet.
the fmc has custody of her young relative, and is doing her best to provide a safe loving and stable environment. the whole hearted love for a troubled child broke my heart, but by the end the happy family had healed so much.
idk. read it. tell me I'm wrong. I loved this book.
ps. is srsly not a spicy or steamy book but it does deal with mature themes due to the fmcs job as an exotic dance, shall we say, and a family history of SA.
feeling emotional but can't cry? this book will be a cathartic release.
I haven't cried so much since the last book from Jamie Bennett.
She has a way of taking characters and drawing out all their hidden anguish hope and strengths.
Never thought I could read a book about a fmc who has such a hellish and unhappy sordid torrid dark backstory, and be whole heartedly loving her character so much.
by preference, I don't read sad stories about damaged characters, but damned if this author doesn't con me everytime.
it was amazing. emotive. and so, so sweet.
the fmc has custody of her young relative, and is doing her best to provide a safe loving and stable environment. the whole hearted love for a troubled child broke my heart, but by the end the happy family had healed so much.
idk. read it. tell me I'm wrong. I loved this book.
ps. is srsly not a spicy or steamy book but it does deal with mature themes due to the fmcs job as an exotic dance, shall we say, and a family history of SA.
October 31, 2025
3.5-3.75 ⭐️
A return to the world of the Woodsmen but besides a few cameos it does standalone very well. I enjoyed the single mom aspect (heroine is guardian for her troubled grand-niece) and as usual enjoyed the sweet and slow background romance. The quiet but ever-present and supportive hero is one of my favorite kinds of heroes, and the almost Cinderella trope was nice considering everything the heroine had been through in her life.
A return to the world of the Woodsmen but besides a few cameos it does standalone very well. I enjoyed the single mom aspect (heroine is guardian for her troubled grand-niece) and as usual enjoyed the sweet and slow background romance. The quiet but ever-present and supportive hero is one of my favorite kinds of heroes, and the almost Cinderella trope was nice considering everything the heroine had been through in her life.
January 15, 2025
”[…] a lateral is a throw that goes backwards or to the side, and anyone can catch it. I could, and I could score a touchdown. It's a trick play, sometimes, or out of desperation."
I thought I got it. "You're saying that's what our marriage would be. It would be a trick, because we're both desperate?"
"I'm saying that it wouldn't be what either of us expected to happen," he answered. "It would be a surprise, but it could work. We could make it work."
ah, jamie bennett’s works are always so special to me. i know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and some of them could be a bit formulaic, but they hit it for me every single time. i loved ember, and as always with jamie’s heroines, i felt for her so badly. she’s been through so much that you just want her to be happy, you know?
i also liked some of amber’s quirks which weren’t overly explained, but you just immediately understood what they were all about. for instance, ember who dropped out of high school had the tendency of asking the people around her how they got their job, and what kind of schooling they had. this tidbit was portrayed as a throwaway of sort, something cute, but as a reader you know that this came from a place of curiosity—because she never made it there due to her tragic circumstances.
i liked ember’s relationship with jonah. it’s not a traditional romance i would say, but it just worked for them! overall, i really enjoyed this book.
April 7, 2025
’Esperaba, quizás algún día, encontrar a alguien que fuera amable conmigo. Lo eres, pero eres más que eso.’
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Lateral de Jamie Bennett
Argumento:
¿Qué es la normalidad, en definitiva?
Para Ember Easley, de veintidós años, la "normalidad" ha sido un montón de líos duros y desafortunados, ¡pero ahora las cosas son diferentes! Ha superado todas las locuras con las que lidió, como la sobrecarga de familiares y sus malas decisiones (sobre todo). Está empezando de cero en el norte de Michigan con su sobrina Meadow, y van a estar genial juntas.
Pero la "normalidad" parece escapársele de alguna manera. Por ejemplo, el trabajo de Ember no es algo que su sobrina disfrute. Además, es muy extraño que se haya involucrado con un jugador de fútbol americano profesional del equipo al que todos (menos ella) parecen adorar. Jake Koval irrumpe en su vida y luego se convierte en un elemento fijo... y luego, sin darse cuenta, empieza a depender de él.
Y eso podría ser un problema. La gente puede decepcionarte, aunque sea por error, y ella no quiere eso ni para su sobrina ni para ella misma. No otra vez.
Jake tampoco es todo lo que aparenta. Sí, es muy mono, muy fuerte, muy grande, muy exitoso y todo eso, pero hay otra faceta suya que podría necesitar la ayuda de Ember. Resulta que lo "normal" tampoco le funciona...
Así que juntos, con Meadow, un caballo miniatura, algunas cabras y ovejas, gallinas y un ganso, emprenderán un nuevo camino. Es una decisión sorprendente que no estaba en el libro de jugadas, ¡pero podría convertir lo "normal" en algo asombroso!
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance deportivo, futbol americano, polos opuestos, familia encontrada, matrimonio por conveniencia.
Si bien hay un romance y deporte en el libro, la historia no se centra en ello sino en la difícil tarea que tiene la protagonista cuando obtiene la custodia temporal de su sobrina Meadow.
Ember era una mujer independiente, que trabajó duro desde joven, genuinamente buena de corazón. Ella viene de una familia disfuncional. Su madre la echó a la calle a los catorce y desde entonces se valió por sí misma lo mejor que pudo y pasando por malas experiencias. Me dio pena por todo lo que tuvo que pasar para llegar a tener algo de normalidad en su vida. Sobre todo quería que Meadow, su sobrina nieta, tenga una vida mejor que la que ella tuvo. Ama a Meadow y lo hace todo por ella. Meadow, de 13, estaba enojada con el mundo. Ama a su madre pero a ella le importaban mas sus novios y las drogas que el bienestar de su hija. Esto hace que tenga arranques de ira y mala conducta. Cuando se enojaba, insultaba y decía cosas hirientes a Ember, me enojaba tanto su actitud! Para Ember ella era su prioridad, nunca perdía la paciencia, hacia lo que podía por ella y Meadow no entiende esto sino hasta el final del libro.
Jake era un jugador de futbol, un tipo de los buenos, tímido y reservado, rescata animales maltratados y se preocupaba por Ember y Meadow. Creí que en algún momento se molestaría por el trabajo de Ember, ella era bailarina en un club nudista, pero nunca lo hizo, tenia claro que eso no la definía como persona.
En cuanto al romance fue algo progresivo tampoco fue protagonista. Ember y Jake se conocen porque Meadow le vandalizó el auto a Jake, él se enoja y no quiere saber nada con ellas luego de que le paga por los arreglos del coche. Él la vuelve a encontrar y se va dando cuenta de su situación precaria, que ella es una buena persona y se vuelven amigos. Se notaba que él se preocupaba por Ember y Meadow. Son personas diferentes pero ambos anhelan tener la familia que nunca tuvieron. Convinieron casarse por Meadow pero no mostraban que se estaban enamorando. No es hasta los últimos capítulos que pasan a las confesiones sobre sus sentimientos profundos, besos y escenas picantes.
La historia no es fácil de leer porque Ember tiene una familia disfuncional y hay temas serios como el abandono, las drogas, escenas de violencia física a la heroína. A pesar de eso, tiene su lado lindo y sentido con un final bien merecido.
February 18, 2025
That book is not your typical romance and it's both heartbreaking and exhilarating.
Ember really had a tough childhood. She has been through traumatising things in her life; yet she is determined to give a better life to her ward Meadow and to look at the positive side of everything that happens to her.
I love how Jamie depicts how Ember struggles with the idea of normal, how she becomes involved with Jake, a professional football player when she knows nothing about the team and the way people worship the Woodsmen. Jake is never judgemental with her and he supports her without being overbearing.
So, not a rosy romance - if you are looking for that - but a great story with great characters.
I highly recommend this book and Jamie's Woodsmen series as well.
Ember really had a tough childhood. She has been through traumatising things in her life; yet she is determined to give a better life to her ward Meadow and to look at the positive side of everything that happens to her.
I love how Jamie depicts how Ember struggles with the idea of normal, how she becomes involved with Jake, a professional football player when she knows nothing about the team and the way people worship the Woodsmen. Jake is never judgemental with her and he supports her without being overbearing.
So, not a rosy romance - if you are looking for that - but a great story with great characters.
I highly recommend this book and Jamie's Woodsmen series as well.
February 21, 2025
This did come over a little as a YA.
Ember comes across as very naive. She is totally ignorant of the fact that Jake might be interested in her. She seems to think he's hanging around because he cares about her niece Meadow.
Then there's how she's always thinking she might win some competition. It just seemed very Pollyanna-ish.
It was totally weird when she blurts out her history as a sex worker to Jake's ex.
That aside, it's a sweet story.
There are some very heavy themes throughout the book, drug addiction just being one.
I liked how Ember got that Meadow acted up for her because she felt safe.
She's there doing her best for her niece despite everything they have both been through, which was added to the nice-ness of the story.
Ember comes across as very naive. She is totally ignorant of the fact that Jake might be interested in her. She seems to think he's hanging around because he cares about her niece Meadow.
Then there's how she's always thinking she might win some competition. It just seemed very Pollyanna-ish.
It was totally weird when she blurts out her history as a sex worker to Jake's ex.
That aside, it's a sweet story.
There are some very heavy themes throughout the book, drug addiction just being one.
I liked how Ember got that Meadow acted up for her because she felt safe.
She's there doing her best for her niece despite everything they have both been through, which was added to the nice-ness of the story.
January 15, 2025
Jamie Bennett can do no wrong. I’m so glad to come back to the Woodesmen at the start of 2025. I absolutely loved Ember - she was just the embodiment of sacrifice and love. She has become one of my favorite JB characters. Her relationship with Jake was one I wasn’t expecting, but became obsessed with. He was so sweet, especially with Meadow, and his relationship with Ember and Meadow separately and together made my whole month. If you haven’t read Jamie Bennett before, this is your year to do it!!!
July 7, 2025
Even for a Jamie Bennett book this one was insane because of how slow a burn it was. It’s ironic that the FMC is named Ember because there wasn’t even a single one before the last 2% of the book. Her normal formula of “idiot with a terrible life/silent man who reveals nothing, ever” is operating on overdrive here and it did not make for a satisfying read. Before they kissed they agreed to marry, and exchanged a lengthy list of “things about themselves” in lieu of actually getting to know each other??
Also the stupid names in this book are wild, it was like they were chosen from a pouch of Bananagrams. Jake’s ex is named “Araceli” and Ember couldn’t remember it? Girl I do not blame you.
Also the stupid names in this book are wild, it was like they were chosen from a pouch of Bananagrams. Jake’s ex is named “Araceli” and Ember couldn’t remember it? Girl I do not blame you.
January 14, 2025
Just another perfect book by my most consistent favourite author (I have more than one favourite).
Every time Jamie releases a book I drop everything and read it. Her books always make me cry and then always make me smile at the end. My fave of all her guys is definitely Jory Morin, but I do think Jake came close in this one.
Ember was almost flawless even though she was obviously flawed and Meadow, well she grew on me!
Can’t wait for whatever comes next.
Every time Jamie releases a book I drop everything and read it. Her books always make me cry and then always make me smile at the end. My fave of all her guys is definitely Jory Morin, but I do think Jake came close in this one.
Ember was almost flawless even though she was obviously flawed and Meadow, well she grew on me!
Can’t wait for whatever comes next.
February 15, 2025
Jamie Bennett is back! I love me some Jamie Bennett because she writes in single POV and usually they’re slow burn.
The FMC seems ridiculously delusional for the first bit (and she is), but you learn that it stems from her continuous hope for better things after a lifetime of terribly traumatic things happening to her.
This wasn’t my favorite Bennett book, but it was solidly enjoyable.
The FMC seems ridiculously delusional for the first bit (and she is), but you learn that it stems from her continuous hope for better things after a lifetime of terribly traumatic things happening to her.
This wasn’t my favorite Bennett book, but it was solidly enjoyable.
June 14, 2025
Flew through this. Surprised so many were not Jake fan. I was the inverse. Had his quirks but rooted for him from the start.
Ember on the other hand got a bit on my nerves. I get where the author was trying to go. But it’s hard to craft an optimistic, slightly naïve heroine who’s seen it all growing up on the “wrong side” of the tracks. I had to suspend my believe in a few places.
Ember on the other hand got a bit on my nerves. I get where the author was trying to go. But it’s hard to craft an optimistic, slightly naïve heroine who’s seen it all growing up on the “wrong side” of the tracks. I had to suspend my believe in a few places.
January 15, 2025
amazing!
Such a great read! Loved the return to the familiar and beloved Woodsmen! The author always writes great nuanced female characters and Ember is no exception. She was so amazing but she found her match with Jake.
Such a great read! Loved the return to the familiar and beloved Woodsmen! The author always writes great nuanced female characters and Ember is no exception. She was so amazing but she found her match with Jake.
January 18, 2025
Very sweet, feel good.
The book was sweet and a little sad, a feel good book. Like in many of her books, the story has traumatic content, but Jamie develops the story well. I like her books very much and look forward to her next one.
The book was sweet and a little sad, a feel good book. Like in many of her books, the story has traumatic content, but Jamie develops the story well. I like her books very much and look forward to her next one.
March 21, 2025
I enjoyed The Lateral. I was happy that Ember found someone that treated her well and that she developed a relationship with Jake. I liked how considerate and kind Ember was even with everything that she’s been through. I also liked her empathy with Meadow.
November 11, 2025
3.75⭐
I loved almost everything about this. I don't normally mind the lack of steam, but I felt like this one really needed it - as it is now, you don't really get the idea that he really loves/wants her since it's from her point of view.
I loved almost everything about this. I don't normally mind the lack of steam, but I felt like this one really needed it - as it is now, you don't really get the idea that he really loves/wants her since it's from her point of view.
January 18, 2025
I love this author; the story is good despite the characters whom I didn't love.
March 12, 2025
really enjoyed
This book was great! I really enjoyed it! I just wish it was longer! What a wonderful FMC, she was so real and positive without being annoying. Loved!
This book was great! I really enjoyed it! I just wish it was longer! What a wonderful FMC, she was so real and positive without being annoying. Loved!
April 26, 2025
🏈🧑👧🙇♀️❄️🐕🐈⬛🐎🐄🐓🐤🎄🎁
February 25, 2025
4.5
Jamie Bennet has some kind of Midas touch. it’s like she weaves gold dust into everything she writes, you want to squirrel her stories away and take them back out again when you need to feel something. she definitely has a formula and boy does it work for me. Ember, like many of Bennet’s heroines, had been through so much and was such an incredibly strong, emotive character. the romance was sweet and emotionally intimate and I so believed in Ember and Jake’s connection. and of course Jake made such a loveable hero, with his menagerie of adopted animals and gigantic heart.
Jamie Bennet has some kind of Midas touch. it’s like she weaves gold dust into everything she writes, you want to squirrel her stories away and take them back out again when you need to feel something. she definitely has a formula and boy does it work for me. Ember, like many of Bennet’s heroines, had been through so much and was such an incredibly strong, emotive character. the romance was sweet and emotionally intimate and I so believed in Ember and Jake’s connection. and of course Jake made such a loveable hero, with his menagerie of adopted animals and gigantic heart.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews