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Sizzling Miami #2
For a Reason
Former Marine and full-time big brother, Bull Connor spends his days helping those in need of a second chance and his nights fighting the inner demons that won’t let go. During a routine tow, he comes face to face with the only person who refuses to need him and the one man he wishes would. As a throwaway, Ian Jones is used to being alternately overlooked or ridiculed but hasn’t given up on the idea that with just one chance he could turn it all around. Rescued by the one person who neither overlooks nor ridicules him, he longs to be seen as more than just a man in need. Ian isn’t pining for the family he’s never known but when they descend, unwanted and uninvited, Bull must prove that he’s the man who will protect Ian’s long-neglected heart by sharing the demons that torment his wounded soul. Trigger While there is mention of past abuse in this novel, there are no depictions of the actual act.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Jessie G.
29 books261 followersLike many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I'd begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: To be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it's a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and counting, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 27, 2017
When I read the blurb for this book a couple of years ago, I knew then and there that I would fall in love with Red and Bull, effortlessly. I felt something in my heart then, which got rekindled when I read this.
Thank you, dear author, for creating such sweet and strong characters, for the amazingly supportive family, and for a beautifully written story.
Ian pulled me in, forcefully pulling my heartstrings and got me so invested that I felt like I was with him in his POVs. Bull made me fall in love with his hidden vulnerability under his fierce strength, and I cheered with my whole heart for these two to have as few troubles as possible. Ian's life before Bull is so hopeless, it made me a sobbing mess. But Bull stood by him, being his defense and source of confidence, and it was there from the moment they meet to the end.
I was drawn in, fully focused, loving the sexy times, swooning over romantic conversations, and enjoying the whole ride through the park. Amazing, amazing couple. My most favorite of the series! ❤️😍🤗😘
Thank you, dear author, for creating such sweet and strong characters, for the amazingly supportive family, and for a beautifully written story.
Ian pulled me in, forcefully pulling my heartstrings and got me so invested that I felt like I was with him in his POVs. Bull made me fall in love with his hidden vulnerability under his fierce strength, and I cheered with my whole heart for these two to have as few troubles as possible. Ian's life before Bull is so hopeless, it made me a sobbing mess. But Bull stood by him, being his defense and source of confidence, and it was there from the moment they meet to the end.
I was drawn in, fully focused, loving the sexy times, swooning over romantic conversations, and enjoying the whole ride through the park. Amazing, amazing couple. My most favorite of the series! ❤️😍🤗😘
January 14, 2015
BR, January 11th with Susan
This story was in pocket, I thought!!
Chosen by my bestie Susan!!
Susan's review
* HOT sexy men * topic “knight-in-shining-armor-saves-hot-boy-who-needs-rescuing-fetish” * HOT SEX * HOT SEX, did I mention that?This book is all this but this is what Susan comes up with:
* HOT sexy men: Bull
This is my Bull:
That IS a hot sexy man!!!
Imagine reading this book with Susan’s Bull in your head!!! Uggghh
My Bull, now we’re talking!!!
* topic “knight-in-shining-armor-saves-hot-boy-who-needs-rescuing-fetish
“Ian, there is no way in hell that I am leaving you in this dump. You can either pack your stuff or we can leave it all behind. Either way you are getting back in that truck.”
So we’ll sit up here until you find that control because I will not sit down there and watch you unravel again. I’ll toss them out and this will all be over.”
* The HOT sex:
“You have nipple piercings.”
“Why?”
“I like the way they feel when a lover takes them in their mouth."
"Excellent.” Excellent torture and yet he wanted to hear more. “Please, sir, may I suck your cock? Say it.
“Such a good student.” Bull took another kiss, backing up the praise with action. “Please, sir, may I rub my cock against your cock?
We’re on the same page here!!
So, you are "WRONG" with your 3 stars rating, honey!!!! It deserves 5 stars because this was just a sweet, loving story!!
Because I said so!!
October 28, 2018
I loved this book. I loved the MCs, the close knit family that Bull created and the relationship between them. I loved Bull for his strength and compassionate nature, Red - for his resilience and fortitude. Two men who were lonely and unnoticed for different reasons were in the right place at the right time, and it felt like they both finally were seen.
There were so many feels and tears! I loved the angst, the intensity the book had. I loved all the secondary characters. There was a wonderful mix of sweet and potency in all of the interactions between all the men. Red was like a key to Bull's lock, he opened the doors for all the feelings to burst through, and finally Bull could breathe.
Red had his own past to share, his own demons to overcome. He is a survivor, yet it took a loving hand to finally be able to let go and move on. I loved everything about this book except it's editing. Well, it improved but still had some issues. I definitely will continue with the series. Very intense, very angsty with elements of danger and kink - what's not to love! I highly recommend it!
There were so many feels and tears! I loved the angst, the intensity the book had. I loved all the secondary characters. There was a wonderful mix of sweet and potency in all of the interactions between all the men. Red was like a key to Bull's lock, he opened the doors for all the feelings to burst through, and finally Bull could breathe.
Red had his own past to share, his own demons to overcome. He is a survivor, yet it took a loving hand to finally be able to let go and move on. I loved everything about this book except it's editing. Well, it improved but still had some issues. I definitely will continue with the series. Very intense, very angsty with elements of danger and kink - what's not to love! I highly recommend it!
August 2, 2020
Ian got on my nerves until he finally decided to stay with Bull but even then, he wasn’t my favorite. Absolutely loved Bull. I’m not sure how many of the others I’ll read though. Might be a little too much bdsm for me.
December 25, 2015
BR with Elsbeth
3.5 stars
Sweet story.
But I did feel as if there was something missing.
I liked Bull, but I hated the fact that he was called Bull, instead of his own name, Jon. I mean, I understand Bull was a big tattooed guy, but when I read Bull, I see this.
Now try to imagine this guy having sex!
And I really did like Ian, but I did find his need to constantly defend himself when there was no threat pretty tiring.
The things I really did like:
- I loved how Bull always wanted to take care of everyone around him.
- Ian was cute.
- The guys at the garage were awesome!
- The sex, it was HOT.
Things I liked less:
- It was really unrealistic that Ian supposedly didn’t know what an orgasm was or had never had one in his entire life. It also didn’t contribute anything to the story. Describing Ian as innocent would have sufficed.
- Bull calling Ian Red and then everyone is calling him Red. And when Ian asks people to call him Red I thought it was a bit strange..
- The whole affair with the father was pretty boring and all I could think was, just get on with it.
(The guy even has horns, how appropriate!)
Thanks to 315 for the rec! I really did enjoy it, even though I had some issues with it.
3.5 stars
Sweet story.
But I did feel as if there was something missing.
I liked Bull, but I hated the fact that he was called Bull, instead of his own name, Jon. I mean, I understand Bull was a big tattooed guy, but when I read Bull, I see this.
Now try to imagine this guy having sex!
And I really did like Ian, but I did find his need to constantly defend himself when there was no threat pretty tiring.
The things I really did like:
- I loved how Bull always wanted to take care of everyone around him.
- Ian was cute.
- The guys at the garage were awesome!
- The sex, it was HOT.
Things I liked less:
- It was really unrealistic that Ian supposedly didn’t know what an orgasm was or had never had one in his entire life. It also didn’t contribute anything to the story. Describing Ian as innocent would have sufficed.
- Bull calling Ian Red and then everyone is calling him Red. And when Ian asks people to call him Red I thought it was a bit strange..
- The whole affair with the father was pretty boring and all I could think was, just get on with it.
(The guy even has horns, how appropriate!)
Thanks to 315 for the rec! I really did enjoy it, even though I had some issues with it.
October 24, 2017
Big editing improvement makes this a great read
3.5*
There's a massive improvement in the editing and proofing of this book so that the great story at the heart of it doesn't get buried.
Bill and Red are a superbly crafted as fated pair of characters, each with their own unique insecurities which makes them the perfect partner for the other.
I also really liked the whole fated theme running through this one with circumstances all conspiring to put Red in Bull's path when he needed him.
Their relationship never felt rushed, even though it happened quickly, and I loved how the wider family of friends accepted Red into their lives.
3.5*
There's a massive improvement in the editing and proofing of this book so that the great story at the heart of it doesn't get buried.
Bill and Red are a superbly crafted as fated pair of characters, each with their own unique insecurities which makes them the perfect partner for the other.
I also really liked the whole fated theme running through this one with circumstances all conspiring to put Red in Bull's path when he needed him.
Their relationship never felt rushed, even though it happened quickly, and I loved how the wider family of friends accepted Red into their lives.
June 22, 2015
Re-read. I just couldnt help myself Bull and Red are just so bloody awesome. Whenever I read this I get disappointed when I'm finished. I could just read about them forever. Why aren't more m/m books this good???
June 18, 2015
I received his book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in a series but can be enjoyably read as a standalone.
Ian Jones is a 25 y/o out gay man who has long known he was a throwaway--because he actually was, twice in his life, tossed into a dumpster and left for dead. He survived hellish foster care, barely, and even completed college. He has no one in the world who knows/cares for him, and he's moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FLA with the grim determination to build a life for himself. Despite a computer science degree, he can't find full-time work, and his clunker of a car breaks down on his trip to Miami on his way to yet another interview.
Bull Connor is a large and in-charge mechanic, who picks up Ian and his car. Bull's a former special forces soldier, but he now serves as a surrogate parent to his three younger siblings and as a mentor and rehabilitator to a group of ex-cons he's trained to work his garage, who also live in his halfway house. Bull likes to help, and he's got a serious hero complex, so refusing to leave Ian in his near-homeless Ft. Lauderdale roach motel is not even a question.
Against Ian's protests, Bull insists on taking him to his own home--offering Ian a clean, safe bedroom, and an office job at the garage. Too good to be true? Ian thinks so, but he's happy to be proven wrong.
After a week or so of both men sharing close quarters, they decide to become more than roommates. It takes time for Ian to really share himself, emotionally and physically, but Bull's patient. For both men, they find a sense of security they have lacked. Bull's used to people needing/using him, and Ian's stalwart stance on independence is very welcome. Ian wants to feel loved, and Bull--with his large family and extended family of employees--becomes the loving community that Ian has always craved.
And, then there were more....Ian is challenged when people from his past turn up, but he's able to get through the emotional turmoil with Bull standing beside him.
I really liked this cast of characters. I didn't read the first book, but didn't feel the lack-all relevant details are seamlessly woven into this story. Both Ian and Bull are such great guys, and their growing affection is wonderful to witness. There is a good amount of sexytimes with a little kink--light dominance, nothing more--and even that melds into really tender experiences for both Bull and Ian. I adored how Bull's "people" for lack of a better word, took Ian as their own, and made him theirs, too. There seem to be many stories in the offing for this cast, and I'd gladly go back for more.
This is the second book in a series but can be enjoyably read as a standalone.
Ian Jones is a 25 y/o out gay man who has long known he was a throwaway--because he actually was, twice in his life, tossed into a dumpster and left for dead. He survived hellish foster care, barely, and even completed college. He has no one in the world who knows/cares for him, and he's moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FLA with the grim determination to build a life for himself. Despite a computer science degree, he can't find full-time work, and his clunker of a car breaks down on his trip to Miami on his way to yet another interview.
Bull Connor is a large and in-charge mechanic, who picks up Ian and his car. Bull's a former special forces soldier, but he now serves as a surrogate parent to his three younger siblings and as a mentor and rehabilitator to a group of ex-cons he's trained to work his garage, who also live in his halfway house. Bull likes to help, and he's got a serious hero complex, so refusing to leave Ian in his near-homeless Ft. Lauderdale roach motel is not even a question.
Against Ian's protests, Bull insists on taking him to his own home--offering Ian a clean, safe bedroom, and an office job at the garage. Too good to be true? Ian thinks so, but he's happy to be proven wrong.
After a week or so of both men sharing close quarters, they decide to become more than roommates. It takes time for Ian to really share himself, emotionally and physically, but Bull's patient. For both men, they find a sense of security they have lacked. Bull's used to people needing/using him, and Ian's stalwart stance on independence is very welcome. Ian wants to feel loved, and Bull--with his large family and extended family of employees--becomes the loving community that Ian has always craved.
And, then there were more....Ian is challenged when people from his past turn up, but he's able to get through the emotional turmoil with Bull standing beside him.
I really liked this cast of characters. I didn't read the first book, but didn't feel the lack-all relevant details are seamlessly woven into this story. Both Ian and Bull are such great guys, and their growing affection is wonderful to witness. There is a good amount of sexytimes with a little kink--light dominance, nothing more--and even that melds into really tender experiences for both Bull and Ian. I adored how Bull's "people" for lack of a better word, took Ian as their own, and made him theirs, too. There seem to be many stories in the offing for this cast, and I'd gladly go back for more.
December 16, 2014
This is the first book that I've read from this author and I really, really liked it!
Ian is a proud, hardworking, individual and he wants to take care of himself and doesn't ask for handouts. Bull is used to taking care of others without question. Sparks fly when they meet, not initially, of course, but, eventually.
Both of the main characters had traits that I love when reading a story. Ian was definitely an underdog. He had a shitty childhood (I mean REALLY shitty), yet he went to college and was trying his best to make something of his life. He was content in hiding in the background and going unnoticed. He never asked for help and wanted to do everything on his own. It was important, to him, to be self sufficient. He might not have had the best clothes, car, or living arrangements, but they were all based on what he could provide, and he wouldn't want it any other way.
Bull had an 'in your face' personality. I absolutely loved it when they first met as Bull was questioning Ian, knowing full well that it was making Ian uncomfortable, but he continued on anyway. But it was great because it was good for Ian (even though he hated every minute of it). They met through Ian's bad luck with his car, and that same day, started living together. You might be thinking WTF. Don't get me wrong...this wasn't insta-love, but rather Bull having a big heart and trying to help Ian get on his feet.
That means you have a quiet, shy, down on his luck guy who hates receiving help living with a brash and honest to a fault bad boy who will help you if he has to push you over to do it. It was an awesome dynamic between the two and it was great to read.
Bull's employees and family were excellent side characters to the story as well.
I read this a little out of order as I read this book first, but I loved it so much that I'm going to read the first book as well. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
Ian is a proud, hardworking, individual and he wants to take care of himself and doesn't ask for handouts. Bull is used to taking care of others without question. Sparks fly when they meet, not initially, of course, but, eventually.
Both of the main characters had traits that I love when reading a story. Ian was definitely an underdog. He had a shitty childhood (I mean REALLY shitty), yet he went to college and was trying his best to make something of his life. He was content in hiding in the background and going unnoticed. He never asked for help and wanted to do everything on his own. It was important, to him, to be self sufficient. He might not have had the best clothes, car, or living arrangements, but they were all based on what he could provide, and he wouldn't want it any other way.
Bull had an 'in your face' personality. I absolutely loved it when they first met as Bull was questioning Ian, knowing full well that it was making Ian uncomfortable, but he continued on anyway. But it was great because it was good for Ian (even though he hated every minute of it). They met through Ian's bad luck with his car, and that same day, started living together. You might be thinking WTF. Don't get me wrong...this wasn't insta-love, but rather Bull having a big heart and trying to help Ian get on his feet.
That means you have a quiet, shy, down on his luck guy who hates receiving help living with a brash and honest to a fault bad boy who will help you if he has to push you over to do it. It was an awesome dynamic between the two and it was great to read.
Bull's employees and family were excellent side characters to the story as well.
I read this a little out of order as I read this book first, but I loved it so much that I'm going to read the first book as well. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
June 18, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ian is just existing in life. He has no friends and no acquaintances. Throughout his whole life he's felt alone and has never really let anyone close. After all, to him, he's a "throw away." A baby who was found in a dumpster after his crack-addicted mother abandoned him to die. He lives in a motel with pimps, prostitutes and drug-dealers and works at McDonald's. In an effort to get a new job, he drives from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, but his car dies on the way. This new setback just convinces him further that he isn't meant for good things.
Enter Bull. He's the driver of the tow truck that Ian can't really afford. He sees immediately that Ian just needs some help and encouragement. So he convinces Ian to move to Miami in exchange for working in the office of his car repair shop. Gradually, Ian and Bull grow closer and a relationship develops. Along the way, we meet the motley crew working at Bull's shop as well as the halfway house that he runs. Each character has a backstory, but nothing that overshadows Ian and Bull's story.
This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I absolutely adored this story, from the gruff but kind Bull to the self-effacing Ian. I even loved the other characters, and can't wait to see each of them get their own happy ending.
Ian is just existing in life. He has no friends and no acquaintances. Throughout his whole life he's felt alone and has never really let anyone close. After all, to him, he's a "throw away." A baby who was found in a dumpster after his crack-addicted mother abandoned him to die. He lives in a motel with pimps, prostitutes and drug-dealers and works at McDonald's. In an effort to get a new job, he drives from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, but his car dies on the way. This new setback just convinces him further that he isn't meant for good things.
Enter Bull. He's the driver of the tow truck that Ian can't really afford. He sees immediately that Ian just needs some help and encouragement. So he convinces Ian to move to Miami in exchange for working in the office of his car repair shop. Gradually, Ian and Bull grow closer and a relationship develops. Along the way, we meet the motley crew working at Bull's shop as well as the halfway house that he runs. Each character has a backstory, but nothing that overshadows Ian and Bull's story.
This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I absolutely adored this story, from the gruff but kind Bull to the self-effacing Ian. I even loved the other characters, and can't wait to see each of them get their own happy ending.
June 18, 2015
I received this book from the author through the m/m romance group's Don't Buy Me Love Program in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Quote: ..."this is the real hell"...."It's living on the fringe, being nobody with nothing and no one."
I knew that this book was going to touch my heart from the second that I read that quote...
Having lived a good share of my life on the fringe (ironically enough in South FL) and having these characters so closely resemble people that I've known in my life, how it could it not?
Ian is such a sweet, wounded soul...
What can I say about Bull? Big, bald, tattooed, loving, generous, damaged, family-man Bull....
I'm rarely speechless. In fact, I generally can ramble on forever. Not this time. Not about this story. I'm struggling to write this review because these characters touched me so deeply.
I read book one of this series and while I liked it, it was only that, in fact I gave it a 3 star rating. This one blew me away and I greatly look forward to reading future books in this series.
Quote: ..."this is the real hell"...."It's living on the fringe, being nobody with nothing and no one."
I knew that this book was going to touch my heart from the second that I read that quote...
Having lived a good share of my life on the fringe (ironically enough in South FL) and having these characters so closely resemble people that I've known in my life, how it could it not?
Ian is such a sweet, wounded soul...
What can I say about Bull? Big, bald, tattooed, loving, generous, damaged, family-man Bull....
I'm rarely speechless. In fact, I generally can ramble on forever. Not this time. Not about this story. I'm struggling to write this review because these characters touched me so deeply.
I read book one of this series and while I liked it, it was only that, in fact I gave it a 3 star rating. This one blew me away and I greatly look forward to reading future books in this series.
July 23, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to be the dissenting opinion here. I'm honestly shocked that there are as many 4 and 5 star reviews as there are, because this book got very tedious to read.
Once again, the blurb tricked me. What should have been exactly my thing -- poor tortured woobie, strong savior -- ended up being boring and awkward. The dialogue all around was stilted and very same-y; I had a very hard time telling the characters apart. It didn't help that the author decided not to use dialogue tags in the majority of cases, so there was no hint as to who was actually speaking.
A lot of the scenes are just dialogue going back and forth, no descriptions as to what anybody is doing, not indication of who the speaker is. When there are only two characters, you can almost forgive it, but this occasionally happened in situations with three or more characters in the scene as well.
This work could really have used an editor in general. I noticed a lot of punctuation errors that really detracted. Comma splices and missing commas all around. Descriptions of actions following dialogue spoken by somebody else. There's one minor scene that is told from a completely different character's POV -- a scene that would have been much better if told from one of the protagonists' POV.
But it wasn't just the editing that got to me. There were so many characters and plot points, and none of them really mattered all that much. There's the job situation, Bull being spread too thin, Bull's sister's pregnancy, Bull's brother's issues, the halfway house, the ex-boyfriend, the PTSD, Ian's self-esteem issues, Ian's long-lost family, some side characters hooking or not hooking up...
Can I just say how unrealistic I found it that basically every single male character in this book was gay? The only one who wasn't was the sister's husband. All the ex-cons were gay, the brother was gay. And they all acted like 15 year olds, not adults with hard pasts. In fact, entire portions of the book were devoted to describing these characters' pasts and love lives, even though they were all so blandly written that it was impossible for me to keep them apart.
Oh, and one of my biggest pet peeves, the "meddling friends/family." Everybody has an opinion on Bull an Ian's relationship. Everybody has to have an opinion on how hot or cute the two of them are together, and of course everybody has to tell Ian not to break Bull's heart.
Ah, and apparently Ian had never even masturbated in all of his 25 years of life. Virgin, sure, I'll buy that. But never jerked off? uhmmmmmmm. No. But apparently this total and complete virgin is okay with D/s in the bedroom, despite having no idea what it even is.
I wish this book had lived up to its potential. I actually enjoyed the first two or three chapters, until it just started going in all directions and never bothered to establish any of the characters properly.
I'm going to be the dissenting opinion here. I'm honestly shocked that there are as many 4 and 5 star reviews as there are, because this book got very tedious to read.
Once again, the blurb tricked me. What should have been exactly my thing -- poor tortured woobie, strong savior -- ended up being boring and awkward. The dialogue all around was stilted and very same-y; I had a very hard time telling the characters apart. It didn't help that the author decided not to use dialogue tags in the majority of cases, so there was no hint as to who was actually speaking.
A lot of the scenes are just dialogue going back and forth, no descriptions as to what anybody is doing, not indication of who the speaker is. When there are only two characters, you can almost forgive it, but this occasionally happened in situations with three or more characters in the scene as well.
This work could really have used an editor in general. I noticed a lot of punctuation errors that really detracted. Comma splices and missing commas all around. Descriptions of actions following dialogue spoken by somebody else. There's one minor scene that is told from a completely different character's POV -- a scene that would have been much better if told from one of the protagonists' POV.
But it wasn't just the editing that got to me. There were so many characters and plot points, and none of them really mattered all that much. There's the job situation, Bull being spread too thin, Bull's sister's pregnancy, Bull's brother's issues, the halfway house, the ex-boyfriend, the PTSD, Ian's self-esteem issues, Ian's long-lost family, some side characters hooking or not hooking up...
Can I just say how unrealistic I found it that basically every single male character in this book was gay? The only one who wasn't was the sister's husband. All the ex-cons were gay, the brother was gay. And they all acted like 15 year olds, not adults with hard pasts. In fact, entire portions of the book were devoted to describing these characters' pasts and love lives, even though they were all so blandly written that it was impossible for me to keep them apart.
Oh, and one of my biggest pet peeves, the "meddling friends/family." Everybody has an opinion on Bull an Ian's relationship. Everybody has to have an opinion on how hot or cute the two of them are together, and of course everybody has to tell Ian not to break Bull's heart.
Ah, and apparently Ian had never even masturbated in all of his 25 years of life. Virgin, sure, I'll buy that. But never jerked off? uhmmmmmmm. No. But apparently this total and complete virgin is okay with D/s in the bedroom, despite having no idea what it even is.
I wish this book had lived up to its potential. I actually enjoyed the first two or three chapters, until it just started going in all directions and never bothered to establish any of the characters properly.
June 18, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5-4 Stars
First, let me start off by saying this book is a standalone read. I did not read the first book and had no problem following the story. Yes, you do meet the characters from the first book, but there was no continuing plot from their story. With that, I really enjoyed this book. It was very different than what I expected. Basically, Ian has had a rough life. Nothing seems to work out for him no matter how hard he fights for it. The book begins with his latest struggle. While driving to a job interview his car breaks down on the highway. He is on the verge of just giving up the fight for a better life when he meets Bull, the tow truck driver.
Bull has lived his life with a focus to help others. When he meets Ian he can see that Ian is drowning in his fight to survive. Without a second though Bull forces his way into Ian's life and provides him an opportunity to find his footing again. Ian though puts up a huge fight. Nobody has ever actually looked at him as a human being before so he doesn't know how to react when somebody thinks he is worth the time to help. Also, he's been on his own his whole life, so accepting help is very hard for him.
Both characters are interesting. When Ian finally warms up to Bull, he is incredibly sweet and funny. Bull is awesome. Though he takes on too much himself, his heart is always in the right place. Bull's family and coworkers are a great added bonus to the story. I was left really wanting to read their books.
My only complaint was Ian's attitude at the end when he meets his family. Now don't get me wrong, I understand why he felt the way he did, but his extreme anger towards his family seemed out of character for him. It was like he was a completely different person. I don't know, it just threw me off and frankly lessen my enjoyment of the story.
Overall though, the book was an entertaining read. I would definitely read more from this author and series.
3.5-4 Stars
First, let me start off by saying this book is a standalone read. I did not read the first book and had no problem following the story. Yes, you do meet the characters from the first book, but there was no continuing plot from their story. With that, I really enjoyed this book. It was very different than what I expected. Basically, Ian has had a rough life. Nothing seems to work out for him no matter how hard he fights for it. The book begins with his latest struggle. While driving to a job interview his car breaks down on the highway. He is on the verge of just giving up the fight for a better life when he meets Bull, the tow truck driver.
Bull has lived his life with a focus to help others. When he meets Ian he can see that Ian is drowning in his fight to survive. Without a second though Bull forces his way into Ian's life and provides him an opportunity to find his footing again. Ian though puts up a huge fight. Nobody has ever actually looked at him as a human being before so he doesn't know how to react when somebody thinks he is worth the time to help. Also, he's been on his own his whole life, so accepting help is very hard for him.
Both characters are interesting. When Ian finally warms up to Bull, he is incredibly sweet and funny. Bull is awesome. Though he takes on too much himself, his heart is always in the right place. Bull's family and coworkers are a great added bonus to the story. I was left really wanting to read their books.
My only complaint was Ian's attitude at the end when he meets his family. Now don't get me wrong, I understand why he felt the way he did, but his extreme anger towards his family seemed out of character for him. It was like he was a completely different person. I don't know, it just threw me off and frankly lessen my enjoyment of the story.
Overall though, the book was an entertaining read. I would definitely read more from this author and series.
January 11, 2015
I jumped into this book after one RAVE 5-star review from a fellow blogger, but without reading the synopsis or realizing it's book 2 in a series. It is definitely a stand-alone, although characters from the other book show up throughout the story.
I found myself drawn into a world with a tough alpha male, Bull, (with a gooey center) and a sweet broken man, Ian, a "throwaway" who feels worthless, living on the peripheral with no friends, no family. So happy I took a chance on this author and this book!
Bull and Ian meet when on his way to a interview, and what he hopes is a new start in life, Ian's car breaks down. Ian feels defeated and alone on the side of the road. He's scared, beaten down, needy but emotionally closed off, distancing himself from others. He does not want to get hurt or feel more rejection. Enter Bull, who owns a garage and towing business. Bull immediately senses they met "for a reason" and begins his campaign to win Ian's heart. Thing is, Bull is broken too and while he acts as protector and savior for others, he too feels unfulfilled until he sees Ian. Now, Bull's heart has a purpose. And Ian, who is almost completely shut down, learns his worth and purpose as well, finding the safety to grow emotionally and love in his relationship with Bull. That does not meet Ian is weak, not even close; he's a survivor, but until Bull, he was just getting by, not actively participating in life.
This is an emotional read and it was so so so well-written. There were no loose ends, no fantastically beyond belief moments (except for a little bit of insta love but it works in this story), just quiet moments of self-reflection, unconditional love, and acceptance. And, some humor and rough sex *wink*. Separately Ian and Bull were strong, together they are invincible. Awesome love story. Can't wait for the secondary characters to get their stories, especially Chris....
I found myself drawn into a world with a tough alpha male, Bull, (with a gooey center) and a sweet broken man, Ian, a "throwaway" who feels worthless, living on the peripheral with no friends, no family. So happy I took a chance on this author and this book!
Bull and Ian meet when on his way to a interview, and what he hopes is a new start in life, Ian's car breaks down. Ian feels defeated and alone on the side of the road. He's scared, beaten down, needy but emotionally closed off, distancing himself from others. He does not want to get hurt or feel more rejection. Enter Bull, who owns a garage and towing business. Bull immediately senses they met "for a reason" and begins his campaign to win Ian's heart. Thing is, Bull is broken too and while he acts as protector and savior for others, he too feels unfulfilled until he sees Ian. Now, Bull's heart has a purpose. And Ian, who is almost completely shut down, learns his worth and purpose as well, finding the safety to grow emotionally and love in his relationship with Bull. That does not meet Ian is weak, not even close; he's a survivor, but until Bull, he was just getting by, not actively participating in life.
This is an emotional read and it was so so so well-written. There were no loose ends, no fantastically beyond belief moments (except for a little bit of insta love but it works in this story), just quiet moments of self-reflection, unconditional love, and acceptance. And, some humor and rough sex *wink*. Separately Ian and Bull were strong, together they are invincible. Awesome love story. Can't wait for the secondary characters to get their stories, especially Chris....
January 10, 2015
Awesome. no other word for it!!
October 30, 2014
I really, really liked this book - fell in love with the characters!!!
October 9, 2014
i'm not sure how i've missed this author or this series but i'm so glad it finally fell in my lap. when i was halfway through this book i went to goodreads to see what else jessie has written. turns out this is book 2 in this series and i bought book one back in june. i seriously don't know if i can read book 1 any
time soon because this book was so good i'm afraid i might be disappointed if book 1 isn't as good. i really didn't want this story to ever end.
let me start my review by saying that my answer to my kids when something happens they don't understand is 'everything happens for a reason, even if we don't see or understand why". i absolutely love that this was a main theme in such a wonderful but heavy story.
so...ian. i'm not sure there are words to describe the pain you feel when reading about his life. it is a physical pain that is almost incomprehensible, especially for a mother. seeing how strong and how wonderful
he is when bull brings him out of his shell is truly amazing considering what he went through. it was hard to remember that this is just fiction - i so wanted to be able to reach out and just hug ian several times in this book.
and that brings us to bull...big, beautiful bull. the way he loved ian was absolutely magical. the way he takes care of everyone in the book makes you a little jealous if you don't have someone like that in your life. he was the perfect match for ian and melts your heart on every page.
the supporting cast is fantastic and i sincerely hope every one of them gets a story - saul, javier, chris, liam, billy, owen, bella, craig...and maybe even a novella of maddie & keiran :) - and now i have to go back and read about ric and davin.
jessie thank you for such a wonderful story. i look forward to more great things from you.
time soon because this book was so good i'm afraid i might be disappointed if book 1 isn't as good. i really didn't want this story to ever end.
let me start my review by saying that my answer to my kids when something happens they don't understand is 'everything happens for a reason, even if we don't see or understand why". i absolutely love that this was a main theme in such a wonderful but heavy story.
so...ian. i'm not sure there are words to describe the pain you feel when reading about his life. it is a physical pain that is almost incomprehensible, especially for a mother. seeing how strong and how wonderful
he is when bull brings him out of his shell is truly amazing considering what he went through. it was hard to remember that this is just fiction - i so wanted to be able to reach out and just hug ian several times in this book.
and that brings us to bull...big, beautiful bull. the way he loved ian was absolutely magical. the way he takes care of everyone in the book makes you a little jealous if you don't have someone like that in your life. he was the perfect match for ian and melts your heart on every page.
the supporting cast is fantastic and i sincerely hope every one of them gets a story - saul, javier, chris, liam, billy, owen, bella, craig...and maybe even a novella of maddie & keiran :) - and now i have to go back and read about ric and davin.
jessie thank you for such a wonderful story. i look forward to more great things from you.
June 21, 2015
This book was given to me free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Wow, what can I say about this book.
I loved it.
Ian, meets Bull after he calls for a tow truck when he breaks down on the way to a job interview.
Ian is reserved with an awful past and Bull , a big brother with a big heart just wants to fix him.
A great story with a cast of secondary characters. A book well worth reading.
Very highly recommended.
Wow, what can I say about this book.
I loved it.
Ian, meets Bull after he calls for a tow truck when he breaks down on the way to a job interview.
Ian is reserved with an awful past and Bull , a big brother with a big heart just wants to fix him.
A great story with a cast of secondary characters. A book well worth reading.
Very highly recommended.
February 28, 2016
The reviews are good, it was promising (a foster guy trying to get a descent life and an ex-military guy who likes helping others) but it didn’t work for me : it felt too cheesy for my taste
December 25, 2017
MERAVIGLIOSO
September 2, 2018
Aww, Red... we are all here "for a reason" and I am so glad that you found yours, as I found mine 39 years ago! Ain't life grand! *grin*
Sidenote: Yes, the grammatical errors were fewer and it was nice to not have to go bad and figure out who was saying what all the time!!! :D
Moving on...
Sidenote: Yes, the grammatical errors were fewer and it was nice to not have to go bad and figure out who was saying what all the time!!! :D
Moving on...
January 26, 2018
Il primo libro di questa serie mi era piaciuto molto, ma questo ancor di più! Red e Bull, ovvero Ian e Jon, ci regalano una storia dolcissima e molto sensuale, una storia che parla anche di tanto dolore e ingiustizie subite, ma anche di coraggio, di rinascita, di amore, comprensione e molto altro. I protagonisti sono supportati da bellissimi personaggi secondari che, lungi dall'essere perfetti, dimostrano come tutti meritino una seconda possibilità per realizzarsi ed essere felici.
É stato piacevole ritrovare Davin e Ric del primo libro e non vedo l'ora che anche le altre coppie qui intraviste abbiano il loro momento nei prossimi volumi.
A me, il libro è piaciuto molto e ve lo consiglio!
Voto:4.5 stelline.
É stato piacevole ritrovare Davin e Ric del primo libro e non vedo l'ora che anche le altre coppie qui intraviste abbiano il loro momento nei prossimi volumi.
A me, il libro è piaciuto molto e ve lo consiglio!
Voto:4.5 stelline.
July 23, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
For a Reason is the second book in Jessie G’s Sizzling Miami series. I actually started this series reading book 3, The Protector, as it links to Tricking Chase, the first book in the author’s new motorcycle club series. Bull and Ian play a pretty big role as side characters in The Protector, along with the guys from the garage. And while I could follow along with The Protector, I definitely felt like at times it was hard to keep up with all the side characters I didn’t really know. So I had been intrigued enough to consider going back to read this one (especially since there are stories planned for many of these other guys). When I saw the author released a novella follow up to this story for Bull and Ian, I decided this was a good time to go back and read their book.
Ian is an interesting combination of internal strength and determination, paired with a lot of suffering and devastation. His past is horrible, always alone with no family or even friends, shuffled from one bad foster situation to another. He is proud and determined to make it, and manages to get by on the strength of his own conviction that he can do it. But at the same time, he has suffered greatly and those scars are still apparently. He doesn’t want to be weak, and he is really hesitant to take Bull’s help. But clearly Ian needs people in his life who support him and love him and he has never had that before. So this story is really heartwarming as Ian finds love with Bull and friendship and family with Bull’s siblings and coworkers. He slowly learns to accept that he is not going to be abandoned, and he begins to thrive on the connections he has been so starved for all his life.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
For a Reason is the second book in Jessie G’s Sizzling Miami series. I actually started this series reading book 3, The Protector, as it links to Tricking Chase, the first book in the author’s new motorcycle club series. Bull and Ian play a pretty big role as side characters in The Protector, along with the guys from the garage. And while I could follow along with The Protector, I definitely felt like at times it was hard to keep up with all the side characters I didn’t really know. So I had been intrigued enough to consider going back to read this one (especially since there are stories planned for many of these other guys). When I saw the author released a novella follow up to this story for Bull and Ian, I decided this was a good time to go back and read their book.
Ian is an interesting combination of internal strength and determination, paired with a lot of suffering and devastation. His past is horrible, always alone with no family or even friends, shuffled from one bad foster situation to another. He is proud and determined to make it, and manages to get by on the strength of his own conviction that he can do it. But at the same time, he has suffered greatly and those scars are still apparently. He doesn’t want to be weak, and he is really hesitant to take Bull’s help. But clearly Ian needs people in his life who support him and love him and he has never had that before. So this story is really heartwarming as Ian finds love with Bull and friendship and family with Bull’s siblings and coworkers. He slowly learns to accept that he is not going to be abandoned, and he begins to thrive on the connections he has been so starved for all his life.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 22, 2014
I really enjoyed book one in the Sizzling Miami series, Past Hurts. A bit of mystery, lots of romance and difficult topics written clearly and honestly. Most of the angst was internal, and Jessie G has the writer’s gift to draw the reader in and tangle all of your feelings in with her characters, She has another winner with For A Reason.
Bull is as his name states, strong, hard-headed, and stable. Always there when needed, taking little time for himself. He’s the big brother in his close-knit family, having taken on many more responsibilities after their parents died. He is also the head of his little band of friends, the men at the garage as well as the men living at the halfway house. Better to do it yourself than wonder if it is being done right.
Oh Ian, what a tender soul. Even with all of the pain, challenges and setbacks he keeps trucking along. On the day he is sure is going to change the rest of his life everything goes wrong. Enter Bull. Life promises to never be the same again.
Love how JG is able to create so many beautiful images of what family can be. The give and take, trust and forgiveness, between friends and siblings. The protection and love know no boundaries, made families are as strong as any made through blood.
Absolutely adore the gossipy old ladies from the garage!
Red and Bull *(Ian and Jon) create a life that works for them, pushing away the jealousies and insecurities, allowing for possible fear of the unknown and embracing their constant need for each other. No labels define them. They are partners, lovers, friends, each others biggest cheerleaders and voice of reason. Everything that makes a beautiful relationship. Amazing love story.
I wonder who is up next??
Bull is as his name states, strong, hard-headed, and stable. Always there when needed, taking little time for himself. He’s the big brother in his close-knit family, having taken on many more responsibilities after their parents died. He is also the head of his little band of friends, the men at the garage as well as the men living at the halfway house. Better to do it yourself than wonder if it is being done right.
Oh Ian, what a tender soul. Even with all of the pain, challenges and setbacks he keeps trucking along. On the day he is sure is going to change the rest of his life everything goes wrong. Enter Bull. Life promises to never be the same again.
Love how JG is able to create so many beautiful images of what family can be. The give and take, trust and forgiveness, between friends and siblings. The protection and love know no boundaries, made families are as strong as any made through blood.
Absolutely adore the gossipy old ladies from the garage!
Red and Bull *(Ian and Jon) create a life that works for them, pushing away the jealousies and insecurities, allowing for possible fear of the unknown and embracing their constant need for each other. No labels define them. They are partners, lovers, friends, each others biggest cheerleaders and voice of reason. Everything that makes a beautiful relationship. Amazing love story.
I wonder who is up next??
June 25, 2017
(This book was received free in return for an honest review via Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.)
So, I'm not going to rehash the story here, there are other reviews for that. The best one is Veronica's posted on 6/18/15.
But here's where I'm going to differ because at first read, I was hooked, thinking 5 stars all the way, but then I let the story linger for awhile. There was just that little niggling feeling, a bothering point, and after reading a couple of other reviews I hit on what it was that was really irking me about this story enough that I needed to knock it down at least one star.
I adored Bull Connor's character. The former Marine, big brother to other ex-cons and military men and his own siblings. The love and compassion is shows for others, in that no nonsence way he has is endearing. When he meets Ian for the first time, he's sweet and really wants to help, even when he knows he's overstepping the line.
It's Bull's counterpart to this whole story, Ian Jones, that threw the monkey wrench in the works. At 24, he's never masturbated, never kissed anybody, and yet he practically throws himself at Bull. He's always guarded himself, yet he immediately opens himself up to a whole team full of ex-cons. His juxtapositions had me shaking my head from time to time, and while I was reading I just let them go, but by the time I hit "the end" I was ready for it. The story had become a little far-fetched and predicatable.
The author did a nice job of setting up the next book or two from the series, there's at least one that I'm seriously interested in. And the reader definately did not have to read book one to enjoy this story (that's a huge plus in my book).
Worth taking the time to read, just do it with a pinch of salt.
So, I'm not going to rehash the story here, there are other reviews for that. The best one is Veronica's posted on 6/18/15.
But here's where I'm going to differ because at first read, I was hooked, thinking 5 stars all the way, but then I let the story linger for awhile. There was just that little niggling feeling, a bothering point, and after reading a couple of other reviews I hit on what it was that was really irking me about this story enough that I needed to knock it down at least one star.
I adored Bull Connor's character. The former Marine, big brother to other ex-cons and military men and his own siblings. The love and compassion is shows for others, in that no nonsence way he has is endearing. When he meets Ian for the first time, he's sweet and really wants to help, even when he knows he's overstepping the line.
It's Bull's counterpart to this whole story, Ian Jones, that threw the monkey wrench in the works. At 24, he's never masturbated, never kissed anybody, and yet he practically throws himself at Bull. He's always guarded himself, yet he immediately opens himself up to a whole team full of ex-cons. His juxtapositions had me shaking my head from time to time, and while I was reading I just let them go, but by the time I hit "the end" I was ready for it. The story had become a little far-fetched and predicatable.
The author did a nice job of setting up the next book or two from the series, there's at least one that I'm seriously interested in. And the reader definately did not have to read book one to enjoy this story (that's a huge plus in my book).
Worth taking the time to read, just do it with a pinch of salt.
August 31, 2017
I really liked this book more than the first one, book one was great but this one was just fantastic to me. It's insta-love but not, I will explain that a little. It was love at first site for Bull, even though he knew that Ian was there for a reason he also knew he had to know more about him. With Ian it was love at first site for his heart but it took his brain longer to catch up. Having such a tough life from the moment he came into the world he was slow to trust and even slower to actually think that anyone could love him. Patience and love was all Bull gave Ian until he realized that he was so much more than the worthless trash he believed himself to be.
The absolute patience and heart that Bull put out to Ian made this book a 5 star read for me, even though Bull struggled with his past and the nightmares that the past brought on he still knew that he found his forever with Ian. This book was so well written and emotional you could feel the love jump off the pages.
The absolute patience and heart that Bull put out to Ian made this book a 5 star read for me, even though Bull struggled with his past and the nightmares that the past brought on he still knew that he found his forever with Ian. This book was so well written and emotional you could feel the love jump off the pages.
October 6, 2014
Damn That Was Good!
Two broken men meet and never look back. Two broken men who never thought love and happiness was possible find the happily ever after only read in fairy tales. Two beautiful men who fit each other like nothing could. They kiss. They love.
Read the rest of the review and enjoy fun and prizes: Blog Tour, eARC Review, #Free eBook + #Giveaway: For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2) by Jessie G.
We would like to thank author Jessie G. for donating an ebook copy of For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2), to one lucky commentator who gets chosen. Make sure to leave a comment in the blog to get a free ebook copy of For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2).
Two broken men meet and never look back. Two broken men who never thought love and happiness was possible find the happily ever after only read in fairy tales. Two beautiful men who fit each other like nothing could. They kiss. They love.
Read the rest of the review and enjoy fun and prizes: Blog Tour, eARC Review, #Free eBook + #Giveaway: For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2) by Jessie G.
We would like to thank author Jessie G. for donating an ebook copy of For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2), to one lucky commentator who gets chosen. Make sure to leave a comment in the blog to get a free ebook copy of For A Reason (The Sizzling Miami #2).
May 9, 2015
The first half of this book was all about Ian and Bull and their building relationship and cool friends and smokin sex. Then the second half came along and the story split off in a hundred directions. Too much going on and it started to drag things down. Unfortunately, it dragged my interest down. I skimmed over the low interest parts and looked forward to the ending. When it finally came I was underwhelmed. Too bad. That being said, I would still like to give the rest of this series a try. Why? As I said earlier, Bull and Ian's friends and family are cool with unique stories of their own. I wouldn't mind delving into that further.
August 14, 2015
Whole lotta angst in this one, but it's fairly bearable. I loved Jessie G's Tricking Chase, but was less than enthusiastic about this series. Glad I finally took a chance to gave this one a try, though, as I really enjoyed it. The writing is solid and layered, the characters are sweet and maddening, and the romance is swoony.
January 4, 2015
this is a new author for me but I loved this book...I thought it was hot..it pushed all my buttons..i did not know it was part of a series when I read it but I did not feel like I missed anything...both MC were lovable ..both had issues but it was a very entertaining read and I can not wait to read more of this newly discovered author.
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