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With You #1

Right There with You

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Please Due to mature content this book is recommended to readers aged 18+ Jamie-Lea Carter has been living under the thumb of her older brothers for eighteen years. Having finally moved out to start her new life as a university student, she tries to faithfully follow the strictly ordered life they've lain out for her. These rules haven't been an issue for her before because she knows she owes them everything. More than any sibling can ever owe. She dutifully follows these rules until she meets Jason Reed and the biggest one becomes a problem. No boyfriends. Torn between her loyalty to her brothers and the sizzling attraction to the intriguing ladies' man, Jamie-Lea finds herself on dangerous standings with her overbearing and somewhat aggressive brothers. Jason Reed isn't intimidated by the Carters. He knows what he wants the moment he sees it and nothing is going to come between him and the girl he never expected to fall for. With the odds stacked against them, where will this forbidden romance take them?

Audible Audio

First published July 2, 2013

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About the author

R.J. Sable

8 books159 followers
RJ Sable is an author from the UK. She is a lover of language of all kinds and has a degree in linguistics and phonetics. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts she is only fluent in English and Swedish after having lived in Sweden for three years.

When she’s not writing, RJ can be found with an impossibly large cup of tea, a crochet hook, and a mess of tangled yarn. Alternatively, she might be on her beloved racing bike “Mary” or mountain bike “Bumble”, annoying car drivers everywhere.

RJ Loves to cycle, run, and swim, and her current non-writing aspiration is to complete a Tough Mudder and an Ironman 70.3 at some point during 2014.

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5 stars
250 (36%)
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218 (31%)
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144 (21%)
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49 (7%)
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23 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD.
649 reviews40 followers
August 10, 2013
review posted here (http://wp.me/s3NHjQ-428)


Omg, this book got me all riled up, I wanted to kick some ass, 7 assess to be exact.


tumblr m9uusrfc901rzz3r3o1 500


Jamie-Lea is so broken and scared I feel for her... Jason is effing hot, I love him!

2
23





I love the story, I got hooked from start to finish... This is a trilogy book, it is not a cliffhanger but there are a lot of things going that is left out on this book, so might come out on the coming books. Only thing I would have wanted was, that Jamie's brothers asses should have been kicked! No one has the right to raise a hand to their sister, there is no excuse for that. You would think they are protecting her, they are the ones that she needs protecting from. Ugh! It riles me up big time!

4
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,615 reviews10.9k followers
October 11, 2013
5 Jason hotter than hot stars from me!!

Ok be prepared just like me to hate these brothers with a vengeance in the beginning of the book, few times I actually had to walk away and calm myself down, towards the end you kind of get an understanding why they treated her the way they did, though I don't condone it, I have more of an understanding of them..

I loved how at the beginning Jamie-Lea had no confidence, pretty much would jump at her own shadow, then as the story progressed we saw a change in her, and with the right guy beside her she started to blossom..

What more can I say, HATED the over bearing brothers, LOVED Jason and felt SORRY for Jamie Lea..That pretty much sums it up!!

Thank god I have FINALLY read a 5 star book this week!!
Profile Image for ✿ℎazℯℓ - thℯ ℛock Cℎick ℱairy✿.
1,259 reviews188 followers
July 17, 2013
This book could've been really really good.. however, to me, overprotectiveness has its own limit.

I was bothered by how the brothers treat Jelly. I was also bothered with how Jelly is okay with it and how she tries to rationalize every event wherein the guys would go overboard. Plus the fact that they even hit, drag or do something else to her when she does somehing that they don't approve of. It was just all too much.

Don't get me wrong, I like how things were with Jason. They were slow. They were friends. I like that.

There were just scenes and circumstances that are weird. For example, why are Jelly's closest friends male when his brothers obviously don't approve of the male population? Then there's also the Jake's bestfriend thingy. Was he blind or just plain stupid? How could he not know what was going on with that psycho guy? lol. Such an ass, that brother. I also think that Ian could use some anger management classes. hmpf.

I thought that I would love all those brothers. Well, as it turns out, I just like Craig.

Anyway, I was sorta disappointed in this story. It's very long and it has its moments, but to me, the weird scenes outweigh the good ones. Maybe this book is just not for me.
Profile Image for Mikky.
970 reviews274 followers
March 7, 2015
Originally posted at:
Nocturnal Predators Reviews

I picked this book up for one reason: abused heroine. Generally in stories that feature an abused heroine, they become strong and fight for what's right and usually there's a love interest that protects and helps her through it all. If this was the case I never got far enough in the story to see that happen. I read the first ten chapters (basically 20% of the book). I can usually tell if I like the story by chapter five, but I thought "What the heck, I'll continue anyway". I was so wrong.

So many little things got me so riled up over the unfairness of it all. This girl (Jaime-Lae AKA Jelly) was so "grateful" of her brothers, who were all a-holes, for taking care of her after both her mom and dad died. When I say "taking care" I mean picking her up from school, buying her food and clothes and generally caring if she's alive or dead. In my opinion, the brothers did what they were obligated to do by law, may I add. Every abusive act (1. they hit her after she did something they didn't approve of -going dancing, having a guy kiss her-; 2. they constantly told her what to do and threatened her if she didn't agree to it; 3. they acted like they owned her) suffered by Jelly was because they "loved her" (Jelly's words not mine). According to Jelly they "protected" her, when in reality they just abused, laughed and degraded her. I hate it so much when I hear someone has been abused. I can't stand someone who just stands there and takes it. Ask for help, get the police involved. Just do something, don't just take it like you deserve it because you don't. NO ONE does.

I can not even begin to describe her brothers. I don't remember one single name because of how pissed off I became because of their actions. I think there were 6 and they were 24- 30 year old men, who apparently get off on abusing their little sister. They stole her food if one of them wanted more, they obligated her to stay skinny or they would "take her over their lap". I can't even imagine why a big brother would do this to his flesh and blood. They told her various times in the book, "You know we only want the best for you, Jellybean". The best for WHO I ask? Not even a dog deserves that kind of life style.

Then Jason appears. He seems like an all round nice guy. He genuinely cares about her and her well being. He's nice and thoughtful. He's really the perfect guy. I never got to see what he does to help her through all the abuse, but I guarantee you that he did something. What made him even more likable was that he didn't start a relationship with her the first day they met. They became friends, joined the same clubs on campus, they had mutual friends and actually GOT TO KNOW each other before anything started to happen, unlike most books I read it wasn't love-at-first-sight. He's the only thing that I truly liked in this book.


P.S. How this book has an average of 4 stars on Goodreads and Amazon is beyond me.

Favorite Quotes:

*They weren't possible for this book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
109 reviews
July 9, 2013
Such a good read!!!
During the book, i found that "Jelly" was so mistreated from her brothers, it hurt me to see someone like that, to be so powerless and all because she did something that wasn't to their liking, at first it shocked me, then it angered me, and then finally it made me so sad that i just broke down crying, just from the sheer power of this book.

At some parts of the book i just wanted to scream at the brothers to "wake the F!@# up" and to let "jelly" be able to make her own decisions etc. and i wanted to be able to shake them and say "cut this crap with the overprotectiveness!!!! i get it, you love you sister but come on, give her a life!"

As i found my self falling for the "jason" and his cute and loving way, i just couldn't have wanted a better person for "jelly"

All in all i found this book to be a really interesting one and i can not wait for the next book from the "with you" series.

xoxo,
Je
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rose 📚🌹.
535 reviews132 followers
September 25, 2013
Short review :
like the synopsis, pissed at the story.

Full review :
To be honest, I am half pissed and half-relieved on this story. At some point. I just want to kick all Jamie's brothers' asses, without exception. I was so excited reading the synopsis firstly, but when I read the whole story, I'm quite disappointed. I was expecting something else, something more sweet and lovely but it's far from my expectation.

Raised by her brothers, Jamie-Lea isn't a talkative person. She does everything based on what her brothers ordered her to do. Not following the orders mean she's ready to fell the pain. Jamie-Lea is a very kind girl who loves and respect her brothers the most so she'd rather feel pain than have to disappoint them.

me as reader : she's so dumb!
me after put myself on Jamie's shoes : I don't know what exactly I would do if I were her. Run away maybe? or just speak out my mind to the oldest, Ian. Easier said than done, of course. But I wish Jamie could be more confident and have a faith on herself.

Jamie Lea is basically run away from her brothers by moving out from their house. Living with six brothers without ever feeling the affection from her mother since baby makes her become so vulnerable. Her brothers love her, want the best for her but never ask for what she likes or what she doesn't like. They basically just decide anything based on what they think is the best for her. In other words, she got no vote for herself and even though she's eighteen, she is a baby on her brothers' eyes.

In my opinion, all her brothers are way too overprotective and I really don't get it. Her brothers like to order her around as though she is their maid, or treat her like she is an invalid. Jamie called his brother with "sir" as if they were in military or something, and I was like what the hell? I am surprise they even let her go to uni and left home.

Jamie Lea is abused and bullied by her brother(s)? and her brother's friend. Reading her story makes me mad and upset. The feeling is real and I really want to do something for her. I'm thankful for the day Jamie met Jason and fell in love. Jason has cherished and supported her every time she feels down and he is the right man for her.

Some Q & A :
Brother that I want to KICK the most is Jake.
Brother that I want to HURT is Matt.
Brothers that I like even just a bit are the twins
Brother that give me good impression is Craig.
Brother who doesn't leave a good memory is Karl.
A person that is not better than animal is Duff
A person that I want to hug is Adam.
A person that I want to thank for everything is Jason.

PS : not recommended for readers under 21.
Profile Image for Athena Freya.
667 reviews156 followers
October 11, 2013
Given by the author for an honest review for her Blog Tour

Right there with you began as a verysweet and delighful story..As the story progressed however,the depth and the emotional tornados were quite evident..

This books was about 2 different people meeting and falling in love with each other..Each of them has their own scars and their own wounds..But,the time they met marked the time for change.

>>Jamie is such a sweet and kind person..She doesn't have anything bad to say about anyone..She always sees the good in people..And she makes other people be better,try to be better..I think she is one of those people who just brings the goodness out of people...She is so drowned into her own guilt that she doesn't realise that she is really abused by her brothers..Yes they love her and want her to be safe and has given up many things for her in a young age..But by all means,no person deserves such bad behaviour..As I read more about her brothers,the more I disliked them and I was actually disgusted by them..But,every coin has 2 sides..They just don't realise they're hurting her,no matter how morronic that sounds..They treat her as a man in many issues,when they shouldn't have, and when they should treat her as an equal,they don't..It was very frustrating to read,actually..I mean,I like protectiveness,but they were ridiculously outrageous in their demands..And there was no way a sister should call her brother sir..No freaking way..Jamie could appear weak but she really isn't..She simply doesn't defend herself because she doesn't think she deserves anything else..She blames herself for everything,so she accepts her punishments..She has no reservations to defend Jason,as we see,because he doesn't deserve it..

The whole situation was quite tragic..So many men in the house and no one knew how to speak to her,really talk to her..They have no clue what's going on in her head..And the most ridiculous of all is that they don't realise they hurt her..I mean,she gets pushed over on the wall hard..Won't she get bruises??...Simple logic to me...

>>Jason is our hero in a shining armor..He gets Jamie out of her shell..He makes her literally come out and shine!..He protects her,he defends her,he has his adorable jealous streaks,he talks to her..He really seems to get her..He understands her without even having her talking to him..He is really amazing..And he is one of my favourite characters I've ever read about..He doesn't need any more words to describe Jason...

After I finished the book,I realised that it was the first book in a series and I couldn't be happier!So,I rushed and got my copy of the second book,as well...Yepp I read both books in few hours..THAT hooked on it..

I realised that many things were left unsaid..Jason had much more to say..Jamie had much more to discover about herself..The second book,which is really awesome by the way,really answered many questions..Not just about facts,but about the characters,too..I finally understood where her brothers came from..I have to admit,when I was between books,I wanted to kick and stangle each and every one of them..It took some time for me to lower my murderous tendencies,but it was worth it..

One of the Best Stories Ever Written..I consider it a Classic in its genre..It's excellent..
In fact,the series is as good as The Breathing series by Rebecca Donovan..Yes,THAT DAMN GOOD!
Profile Image for Emily.
135 reviews
August 2, 2013
When I started reading this book, I have to say I was a little annoyed with Jamie. She constantly explained herself whenever she had a text message or a call. She had to always call her brothers to check in, which I found odd considering she was a grown woman and should be able to make her own choices. Then I was slapped in the face with the reality of Jamie's life.

“For fuck's sake, Jamie. Can you ever just do as you’re told?” Ian yelled at me. He'd only gotten back from training a few days ago and he'd been even scarier since then. It felt like he was angry all the time.

I knew the moment she called her brother 'Sir' that there was something wrong. She was constantly having to explain her actions to her brothers, I mean having one brother to answer to is enough, but she had freaking six to answer to. The things they do to her in this book are unbelievable, my heart broke for her. I couldn't believe the girl wasn't assigning herself to a nunnery to avoid anything male. So, it's no surprise when Jason enters the picture that it throws her whole world upside down.

“Sweet dreams, little squirrel,” he answered quietly as he held the door open for me. Completely confused by his mood shift, I looked up at him as I walked through the open door. He smiled, closed the door, and walked away.

I really felt bad for Jamie not because of things she had gone through in her past, but because she was always doubting herself. When her and Jason first become friends, she knows there can't be anything else. The repercussions of acting on her desire for Jason would only cause Jason pain and misery from her brothers. Knowing that pain and misery all too well herself, she sticks to the 'just friends' rule. The problem is, Jason doesn't want to just stay friends he wants more. Even if that means letting her brothers torture him mercilessly.

“Jamie, even if that were true, I'd more than happily take a beating for you if that's what it took for them to believe how much you mean to me. You're more than worth it,” he said as he moved some loose hair behind my ear, his thumb brushing my cheek.

I sincerely loved Jason, he was an amazing character. Although there were times I wanted to sock him in his throat, he redeemed himself more then once. He was fierce with his protection towards Jamie and he was determined to show her brothers he wasn't messing around.

There is a scene in this book, probably one of the most heart-breaking scenes, where Jason shows Jamie just how important she is. She was at her lowest moment, she felt filthy and alone. Jason just made the whole moment that occurred seem so mild to what he showed her. He showed her how much he loved her and that no matter what she would never be filthy or unworthy to him.

I could probably go on all day about this book. This story is going to make you question your sanity, trust me. It's going to make you hate her brothers and love them the next. It's going to make you hate Jason and love him the next. This book will also show you a very broken, insecure girl become a woman. I loved every minute of it. This book earned its 5 Stars that's by a landslide.
Profile Image for Beth.
771 reviews123 followers
July 13, 2013
4 Hiding My Eyes Stars



This is not a scary book. There are no monsters jumping out. No aliens, people with chains saws or zombies. But I had to hide my eyes several times. The anxiety. So much anxiety. But to sooth your anxiety, your upset stomach, to gently pry your hands from your face are some Alpha Males. Oh lordy yes. Jason. The Brothers. Hello!

Jamie or Jelly as her brothers call her is the youngest sister of 7 older brothers. All the brothers are pure male and have raised her on their own for most of her life. They have apparently fallen into a time warp where they don't realize 1. She is a GIRL 2. She is not 7 years old any more. Jamie is going away for your first year of college (Uni since this is set in England). You would think the fact that she is now in college would clue them in that she not a kid anymore.

At Uni (I love saying that) she meets Jason. Sexy Jason. Protective Jason. Alpha Jason. Swoonworthy Jason. Jason is a fan of and former MMA figher. With...BONUS...tattooes. Just let that image soak in. Jason and Jamie start a relationship. He is very sweet with her and realizes she is young and inexperienced. Again with the swooning.

So where is the anxiety you ask? The brothers and their friends. They hit Jamie. Yes. Like with their fists. They kick her. They make her run and do exercises like a crazy person. They think...well I don't know what in the hell they are thinking. I was cringing the whole time she was with her brothers. Jason sees the evidence of this quality family time and in his Alpha Male way trys to stop it. But Jamie won't let him. She is a victim of abuse and shows all the signs.

Jason tries to love Jamie into standing up for herself. He gives her confidence and a safe loving place to be. But can he protect her from the family dynamics? Will her brothers allow one of their friends to hurt her in the worst way? Will Jason get tired of her defending them and walk away?

The steamy scenes are 5 Star Steamy. Jason is Uber Sexy Alpha and the brothers promise to bring more of the same to the next books. Right There With You is the first in the series. But fear not...no cliffhanger here. Nice wrap up with the promise of more Jason, Jamie and the brothers. Anxeity and Alpha Lovers Rejoice.
Profile Image for Katie.
455 reviews
September 3, 2016
Am I the only one that had a problem with the behavior, cruelty and abuse that Jamie-Lea suffered because of her brothers and could find nothing redeeming about them or this story? I mean really, give me a break.

I picked this up a couple weeks ago on Amazon for free and figured I'd go ahead and read it. I had not been to Goodreads. I had only read the description of the book on Amazon. I thought it sounded pretty interesting. Oh, was I wrong. The abused heroine is no heroine at all. She's a pushover who's scared of her own shadow and has no redeeming qualities that made me want to stand up and cheer for her.

I read to about 14% and skipped straight to the end of the book. And where I landed was in this fucked up mess of the brothers putting Jason through some kind of sick training and then shortly after, beating the crap out of him. Beat him so bad he had to be hospitalized and have surgery. But oh, that's not the best part. Apparently he doesn't mind getting his ass beat. He won't be pressing charges. And lets not forget that Jamie was almost raped by someone who treated her just as badly as her brothers growing up, but obviously she must be lying. Because one of their best friends would never rape Jamie. And they thought that this guy, who is a grown man, was just picking at her like you would someone in elementary school that you have a crush on but aren't sure how to tell them. Say what??!? SERIOUSLY!!! What drugs are you smoking to come up with the crap?

I can't even like Jason. Because if he actually cared about Jamie, he would have put a stop to her brother's bullshit immediately, regardless of whether they are family. You don't allow someone who's judgement is clouded by abuse and mistreatment to tell you that nothing is wrong when you know the opposite. If he had stepped up and intervened sooner, I guarantee I would have given this a better rating. I would have been cheering for them both. I mean, how did the girl make it through school without the authorities being contacted. With the way everyone manhandled her, she would have been covered in bruises on a daily basis.

Obviously I'm the minority in my thinking when it comes to this book because it seems that overall, everyone really enjoyed this. But there's no excuse for the hot mess this book is. I suppose since I really only read about 30% of the book, I don't know the whole story. But if the parts I did read are any indication of what I didn't read, I'm glad I skipped over it.
Profile Image for Fiona Wilson.
Author 2 books57 followers
December 31, 2015
I was asked by the author to review this book and I was provided with a copy for an honest review.

Jamie-Lea has been brought up by her 6 brothers. She had a very regimented upbringing, living by rules set out by them, and facing punishment should she break the rules. At 18 she has been allowed to leave home and start university, but she still has to live by their rules, or else!

Jason Reed meets Jamie and is instantly drawn to her, but she doesn't see anything happening due to the rules, which include no boyfriends. But he is determined to break down the barriers she has put up, even if it means going up against her brothers.

And going up against them he does, but you need to read the book to believe quite how much he has to go through.

The story is a good, if not slightly familiar, one. I have read a lot of YA/NA books with the same general theme, but I still enjoyed the book.
Until I reached the end I didn't realise that this is the first book in a trilogy, and I have just one-clicked the second book on Amazon!

There are a few instances where I didn't like Jamie's brothers very much, and these should become apparent to you as you read it, I won't spoil it for you. The author uses flashback chapters to go into certain areas of the family life, these give a better insight into why the brothers treat Jamie the way they do, but it doesn't excuse the extremes they go to in my mind.

The story is well written, although there are a number of grammar and spelling issues with it, but these don't detract from the story itself. You won't be left with a cliffhanger, unlike other books within a series, and that is quite a refreshing change.

All in all a good story but a bit hard to read at times due to the content.
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
December 30, 2013
It seems lately I have been reading a lot of books that are about girls that are pretty sheltered and are finally being able to move out on their own to start college. This one was no different.

Jamie-Lea, aka Jelly (as her brothers call her), has been living with her six, seven if you count Matt, brothers her entire life. She was raised by them and they are extremely protective, and may not have the best disciplining skills, but she never questioned it. She knew she had made their lives extremely hard and whenever she messed up, she knew she deserved to be punished. Jamie is able to move into a flat on campus with several other students and instantly clicks with them. When her flat mates ask her to go out for a freshman party, she agrees, and this is where she meets Jason. Jason is the epitomy of what you would think a bad boy would be. He clicks with Jamie right away. After he learns of her relationship with her brothers and how they treat her, he can't seem to let go of the anger he has towards them. He doesn't see how her brothers don't see how wrong it is for them to treat her the way they do. Their love overcomes it all though.

This is a very intense book. You are automatically drawn into the characters and the chemistry they share between each other. Jamie's relationship with her brothers, her relationships with her friends, and the relationship with Jason...they all captivate you. You feel what they feel. Understand where each person is coming from. You can't help but turn the page to know what is going to happen next. Definitely a MUST READ!
Profile Image for Savannah.
179 reviews
April 1, 2020
Loved the brothers.
Loved the plot.
Loved the badass player turned badass boyfriend material.
Loved the drama.
Loved the relationship dynamics.
Hmmm...
Loved the steamy scenes.
Loved the brothers. ;)
I was so excited to read this book and have to admit I got a little nervous a few chapters in when things didn't seem to be going so smooth, but I stuck with it. And man am I glad I did because it blew me away! The relationship between the brothers and their sister is what had me concerned to begin with but as I got to know each character a little better and read each story/flashback I fell in love with the characters even more. The drama had me crying, in fits of serious anger, and smiling by the time it was all wrapped up. I laughed and cried right along with the characters because I was able to get so into it. I think my favorite part was how Jamie's character grew form a scared little girl who was lost without the constant overbearing presence of safety her brothers provided to the confident, hit-back kinda girl she was by the end. That really made m happy to see the difference without her changing too much.
Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2013
When I read the reviews for this book, many of them were a bit on the negative side so I wasn't sure how this book would actually be. I rarely take reviews 100% to heart because everyone has their own personal opinion and mine may differ from yours. That being said I absolutely LOVED this book. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, especially the dynamic between Jamie-Lea and her brothers. The way that she slowly opened up and became vulnerable to Jason warmed my heart. I also loved how Jason although at times was intimidated by her brothers, never backed down from his love for Jamie. It showed in everything that he did. He would do anything for her and he did time and time again, no matter what her brothers threw his way. I could not put this book down, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning one night because I just had to finish it. Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Rumpled Sheets Blog.
925 reviews70 followers
May 9, 2014
I think that there isn´t a single thing I didn´t love about the book.

The drama. The plot. The story. Crazy brothers. Hot steamy scenes.

I loved and hated Jason.

Jamie was insecure, broken until Jason. When he walked into her life, he gave her what she wanted. What she needed. Confidence. Love.

The book will bring out all kind of emotions from you.

Emotional roller coaster I really loved.



≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
Profile Image for Megan Fall.
Author 13 books366 followers
October 4, 2013
Loved this book and especially loved Jason. This book was sweet and emotional. I really loved all the brothers. Craig was my favourite and it would be nice to see him get his own book. Adam was also a great character that I would like to see more of. This is now one of my favourite books, can't wait to read the next one!!
Profile Image for N. Kuhn.
Author 65 books411 followers
January 18, 2015
This book was a waste of time. The UK slang was hard to understand. Her "over-protective" brothers abused her, were controlling and awful. They beat up her man several times and he just took it? They allowed their friend to almost rape her, then blamed her. Then a happy ever after ending? Ugh, this book was just juvenile and uninteresting. I'm mad I actually read the whole thing.
Profile Image for Petra.
838 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2013
Great read loved it can relate a bit to this had four brothers of my own not as protective but a little x loved Jamie lee and liked thru way Jason took no shit from her brothers great read and can't wait to read the next xx
Profile Image for Jeana.
401 reviews
October 27, 2013
I couldn't put this book down. I felt bad for Jamie for all the abuse she took from her brothers. Thankful that she met Jason, who helped her and loved her, something I felt she was missing from her life.
Profile Image for Amanda.
260 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2014
The only thing i didnt like in this book was the fact that Jamie let herself get abused and didnt stick up for herself until the end when Jason helped her. She was a bit weak :s
Overall it was a good book! Cant wait to read book 2 and hope Duff is caught
Profile Image for IllustriousBookNerd.
92 reviews2 followers
Read
June 12, 2022
Okay so a whole bunch of trigger warnings with this one. There’s sexual assault, abuse, death and violence.

This girl has a VERY toxic and problematic dynamic with her family but the part that really gets to you is the fact that she doesn’t realize that it’s problematic. So while you are reading her point of view (everything is in her point of view), you see how in her head she always manages to somehow shift the blame onto her or is gaslit so hard into doing so by her brothers. I am not trying to blame her because she is the victim here. I can also understand that it’s not totally black and white, her brothers are not totally unredeemable and there are parts in which they genuinely decent. However it can get painful to read.

For example, at one point, she goes out with friends to an underground fight, knowing that her brothers would be against it because they would think it’s too dangerous. I can understand why her brothers would not be happy about this but the way the way they handled it made me feel sick inside. When they found out, they idea of a punishment was to completely berate her then PUNCH HER! These 300 pound special arm forces agents against this 100 pound tiny slip of a girl. When she tried to run away to avoid getting hit (Understandably so), they PINNED HER DOWN, drew her arms behind her back and held her up so her ARMED FORCES OLDER BROTHER could punch her in the stomach. She ended the day with bruises on her shins, ribs and back. Then the brothers are apparently redeemed because they give her some painkillers and sit with her.

If that wasn’t painful enough, her boyfriend absolutely explodes when he sees the bruises and they get into a huge fight with her defending her brothers actions. Even when they make up, she goes on to say that it’s her family business, that this is just how her family does things, she deserved it and that she really hates that he thinks so little of her brothers. I actually had to take a break here because it was just that painful for me to read her totally excusing their actions.

The other part that made me want to pull my hair out was this one arc in which this creep dude (not going to tell you who) takes a video of the H and h making out at a club. They get pretty hot and heavy but no where near full on sex since they are still in public. Anyways this dude uses this video to blackmail the h and you know what? SHE GOES ALONG WITH IT! why you may ask? Because she genuinely believes that if her brothers see that video, they will KILL her boyfriend! And she does not understand what's wrong with that, she just accepts it as fact! The worst part is that that is an actual possibility.

Now listen, my understanding is that eventually they are going to become a healthy family and she is going to become a healthier well rounded person (the author is not trying to say this behavior is okay, the exact opposite in fact) but some/a lot of scenes are going to be painful to read before we get there.

Just a warning
Profile Image for Suzy M.
2 reviews
September 9, 2021
What kind of brotherly love is that? I would say its more of abusive and controlling. And there is no reason why they did that. Jamie was characterised as a cowardly girl which was not very impressive. Storyline was some sort of repetitive as the topic of the brothers keep coming up. In the end there is no news or outcome on Duff and Jake not talking to her was just plain stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hot Stuff Book Reviews.
245 reviews31 followers
October 10, 2013
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When I found out that this book was free on amazon for a few days, I decided to download it and give it a try. I saw several mixed reviews, some raving, some not and I was quite eager to read it. In the end, I have a hard time rating it. I’m still not sure if 3 stars is appropriate.

The writing itself is good, perfect for this genre. It flows quite well, is descriptive enough when needed and yet not too much to not slow down the dialogues. That can be quite tricky and yet, the author did good.

But, because there’s always a but, I can’t rate it more than 3 stars. It’s not a bad book, it’s quite well written even if there are a few typos, but the story itself and the main character don’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, I will read the other books in the series because I’m curious and I want to know where it’s going, but there’re too many things bothering me to rate it four or five stars.

For one, I couldn’t relate much with the main character, Jamie-Lea. I think that at some point, even if I am aware how complicated it is for her to acknowledge her abuse, I don’t understand her and the way she acted throughout the book with her brothers. I guess it was too much for me without enough consequences on her and her psyche. It could have been edgier and I think it would have been for the best.

I also miss something in the Carter family dynamic. It feels too unbelievable at times. I’m pretty sure that it could have been more developped and then I would have been head over heels with this story. Maybe it’s not developped fully because it’s a first installment of a three book series, but still, I couldn’t understand the whole thing. Not to this extent, at least. Is it because I want the Carter brothers more characterized to really “see” how and why they are the way they are? I will probably be able to answer that once I read the sequel.

Jason is a great male lead character, he brings the swoon-worthy and very hot side to this story that would have been, otherwise, a miss. The author did great for us to love him right away. I pitied him several times, though. The Carter brothers made him suffer!

It’s a good book, but since I couldn’t relate to the main character and wasn’t fully engrossed in the book, I was a little disappointed. I already have the sequel on my kindle app, so I will read it soon. Fingers crossed that it redeemed it to me.

One thing is sure, I will read more from this author.

Who read this one? Who added to their tbr? Let me know What you think about Jason! Hot Stuff or not?
Profile Image for Amanda .
156 reviews46 followers
October 7, 2013
This book isn't in American English, so some of the phrases and words were a bit confusing to me, but I was still able to get through the book okay. This story is different. Not just because of the writing language, but over all. You have an abused heroine which tugged at my heart. I felt so bad for Jamie-Lea

Then Jason comes along and tries to make her see that she is worth so much more than she thinks. I really wanted to love this book, but only liked it instead. If you have a problem with over protectiveness, (if you want to call it that) then don't read this. I was beyond pissed at how her brothers treated her! I mean, I get protecting your sister, but they crossed a line. Taking her food, physically abusing her, turning a blind eye to one of the brother's "best friends" and his hands on her?? Uncalled for!

The main thing that got me through this book, was I kept hoping that Jamie-Lea, with the help of Jason, would finally stand up for herself. I also liked the fact that they were friends, and he took it super slow with her. It wasn't rushed, pushed or instant love at first sight, etc.

It was also confusing at times, as it jumped from scene to scene without an in-between of how they got there. It jest seemed to skip a bunch of stuff, which made me go back and re-read it but it didn't help, just left me feeling like, what? weren't they just there, doing this, and now poof, they're here, doing that?

There were a few misuses of words/grammar, but far better than some I've read, given that some of the phrases/words weren't familiar to me.

Overall, a good book, not too slow, not too fast, I didn't read it as quick as I do some books, but didn't feel like it dragged on either.

3.5 stars.
257 reviews38 followers
September 23, 2013
ARC for Honest Review

There are many different types of abuse. Physical, mental, emotional... just to name a few, and Jamie had them all. Whereas the overprotective brothers were endearing at times, during all the others they were just outright mean. When you look further into the family dynamics, their abusiveness is a product of a lack of parenting. Being left to raise 7 kids as a 18 year old is an overwhelming challenge, not to mention raising one girl surrounded by brothers, not many would be able to do it. When Jamie finally gets out from under her brothers and goes to college, doors open and freedom looks great. When she meets Jason, who by the way is just adorable at times, he seems like her knight in shining armor. Too bad he has to literally go through 6 men to be with her. I really liked the story, my lower rating was due to the length, which reading a character's day to day is hard and can make it dull. For me it just took too long to get to the finale. There are many instances of abuse but also romance. This is one of those books that is not for everyone, especially if you cannot separate your feelings and see it for what it is... a fiction story.
Profile Image for April Brookshire.
Author 11 books789 followers
November 20, 2014
This was probably 3.5 stars for me

Interesting plot that revolves around the heroine and her psychotic brothers

The hero was pretty basic for the genre and besides being promiscuous and a former MMA fighter I didn't think he was that much of a bad boy

The heroine was a major doormat to the point where I didn't have respect for her

I just didn't like her

The thing that kept me interested in the book while at the same time was repulsive were her 6 brothers and 1 honorary brother

Freaking abusive assholes

Like . . . BAD

When I was reading the parts where they'd abuse her, I kept thinking of that old Sublime video for the song "Wrong Way" and while the heroine didn't have it quite that bad, there are definitely comparisons to be made

I'll probably read the next book to see if the situation gets better or if her brothers end up murdering her for daring to be a normal college freshman.
675 reviews
April 15, 2014
i downloaded this purely because the reviews said it was good!!! totally the opposite.
it was a long story with a load of physical and mental abuse and attempted rape.
the story is about a girl named jamie (jelly) who leaves for college ,she has 5 brothers and a add on (6) they all treat her like shit to be honest as if she's their personal punch bag ,she has to get permission to do anything,she's not allowed to date or anything but after meeting jason at college and he goes through a physical assault a numerous times the brothers finally accept him as jamies boyfriend ,in the mean time one of jamies brothers friend tries to rape her by blackmailing her with a video of jamie and her boyfriend getting down and dirty on the dance floor ,which she would rather get raped than tell her brothers what happened (so naive at times),anyway the truth comes out and then its all happy familys ,thats the moral of the story ,the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Selena Lang.
664 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2013
I am not really sure I liked this book. I kept reading, but there were many times I just wanted to toss it in the trash. I really did not like the heroine in this one. She had no backbone whatsoever and I kept waiting for her not to be so stupid. The Hero was great though.

The abuse of the heroine by her brothers was something I really, really hated. Not sure how anyone can think they are hero's and can't wait for their books - anyone who would abuse a child or a woman is no hero in my book. I understand why the heroine was wimpy, but at the same time I really wish she had learned how WRONG it was for her brothers to treat her that way and stand up for herself.

Anyway the book WAS well written, its the storyline itself I wasn't crazy about. But the author does know how to write and I would like to read more from her in the future.
Profile Image for Abby.
108 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2013
This book was slightly hard for me to latch onto in the beginning, but I'm the kind of person that hates leaving a book with pages left to read and I'm happy to say I kept reading. Jamie-Lea is a very weak character, but you definitely feel for her, and she gets smarter and stronger in the end so the turn around is very heartwarming. Her counter mate, Jason is a solid character with not too much anguish, you really fall for him even though he is not your typical bad boy. Overall, I would recommend this read to someone and I have put the following books in my queue.
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