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Rise & Fall #1
Ricochet
Fear.
It's the last thing I remembered.
I was afraid.
Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.
Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.
But even in the dark, I still felt it.
I always felt it.
Roger was supposed to be the one. He was romantic and charming. And for the first little while, I thought I could be happy with him. But I was just the fish nibbling at that delicious bait, and he was holding the rod, ready to rip me away from everything I had ever known.
They said I was lucky to get away. Luck has nothing to do with it. If I was lucky, I would have never met the man who almost killed me. I would have never lost my grasp on the woman I used to be.
I'm trying to get her back, but time just doesn't seem to be enough.
My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.
My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.
I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.
Except… I didn't see Jack.
And Jack changed everything.
For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual content.
This book deals with aspects of domestic abuse and violence. Some content may be triggering to certain individuals.
It's the last thing I remembered.
I was afraid.
Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.
Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.
But even in the dark, I still felt it.
I always felt it.
Roger was supposed to be the one. He was romantic and charming. And for the first little while, I thought I could be happy with him. But I was just the fish nibbling at that delicious bait, and he was holding the rod, ready to rip me away from everything I had ever known.
They said I was lucky to get away. Luck has nothing to do with it. If I was lucky, I would have never met the man who almost killed me. I would have never lost my grasp on the woman I used to be.
I'm trying to get her back, but time just doesn't seem to be enough.
My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.
My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.
I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.
Except… I didn't see Jack.
And Jack changed everything.
For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual content.
This book deals with aspects of domestic abuse and violence. Some content may be triggering to certain individuals.
Paperback
First published February 5, 2015
12 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Wilde
14 books410 followersI live in Morgan, Utah with my husband, beautiful daughter, and a couple of spoiled pups. If I'm not deeply involved in writing my next book, then I'm probably reading in the safety and quiet of my closet. I love yoga – which I now practice regularly – playing hide and seek with my daughter (only to have my hiding spots revealed by one of the pups), and I love Fruit by the Foot, Twizzlers and Peace Tea. These are great ways to bribe me into revealing secrets about what's to come.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Supernatural, The Walking Dead, and The Big Bang Theory. I also enjoy talking about them, so if you like them, too, come find me.
Writing has become an enormous part of my life and every book I write holds a special place in my heart. If you read one of my books, I hope you have the same experience.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Supernatural, The Walking Dead, and The Big Bang Theory. I also enjoy talking about them, so if you like them, too, come find me.
Writing has become an enormous part of my life and every book I write holds a special place in my heart. If you read one of my books, I hope you have the same experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 25, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
What defines us is how well we rise after falling .. 5 Stars
Arianna & Jack ♥ ♥
My third ARC generously provided from the talented Jessica Wilde .. I am so unbelievably thankful (always a surreal experience). I've read a series by the author prior to this one and absolutely LOVED it. So going into this I was like nope The Brannock Siblings will ALWAYS be my first and favorite (BOY WAS IWRONG). Even though this is the first in the series I see potential and have a feeling this will be yet ANOTHER series I'll fall in love with! I JUST FINISHED it and knew the first thing I had to do was write my review. It was well written and I loved reading in Arianna's perspective and it was a special treat to read in Jack's. The plot was well constructed with that being said I can honestly say it's not remotely close to one I've read before. Speaking of plot .. WOW! Domestic Violence is a sore subject and should have more attention brought to as well as awareness: Jessica Wilde did a phenomenal job with incorporating it appropriately. Arianna is stronger than she believes she is. I admired her strength and determination. Jack .. why HELLO book boyfriend (ENOUGH SAID)! These characters were created marvelously and I wouldn't change a thing about them.
I do recommend if you've read Jessica Wilde work before because it constantly exceeds expectations. If this is a first then it's a great new author read (then check out THE BRANNOCK SIBLINGS). I'm hoping there's a novella with regards to these two characters because I NEED MORE.If not as long as they are in the next one .. speaking of I CANNOT fathom the idea of not having Jake's story sooner..
Generally after reading a book I'll glance at the playlist if it's included. From time to time I may listen to the odd song or two if I really enjoyed the novel and want that least piece to fully connect with it and have a better understanding. As soon as I saw this playlist .. I knew I had to listen! The three songs that I've heard before and LOVED were the ones I had to listen to and reminisce. They were so fitting to the novel and the title itself is mentioned as a lyric from one of the three songs listed below..
~ Demons, Imagine Dragons. ♫
~ Titanium, David Guetta ft. Sia. ♫
Mark those calendars for the RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY the 23rd, 2015!
RicochetJessica Wilde
- Sleepless, Readmore.
What defines us is how well we rise after falling .. 5 Stars
Arianna & Jack ♥ ♥
beautiful things happen at the right time,
in the right place
and with the right person.."
My heart had been his for so long.
My whole heart.
But the shattered pieces weren't his.
Those were mine.
My third ARC generously provided from the talented Jessica Wilde .. I am so unbelievably thankful (always a surreal experience). I've read a series by the author prior to this one and absolutely LOVED it. So going into this I was like nope The Brannock Siblings will ALWAYS be my first and favorite (BOY WAS I
"The worldbreakseveryone, and afterward,
many are strong at the broken places."
"What is that from?" I asked.
"What? You don't think I could come up with
something so profound by myself?" He teased.
"I know damm well you could, Jack."
"It's Ernest Hemingway, he said that."
I do recommend if you've read Jessica Wilde work before because it constantly exceeds expectations. If this is a first then it's a great new author read (then check out THE BRANNOCK SIBLINGS). I'm hoping there's a novella with regards to these two characters because I NEED MORE.
"..I can't juststopcaring about you.
You're my Ari.
You're my ... you're my everything.
~ Demons, Imagine Dragons. ♫
~ Titanium, David Guetta ft. Sia. ♫
♪..tell me what you want to hear
something that’ll light those years
sick of all the insincere
i’m gonna give all my secrets away
~ Secrets, One Republic. ♫
Mark those calendars for the RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY the 23rd, 2015!
RicochetJessica Wilde
- Sleepless, Readmore.
February 25, 2015
★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★
A very emotional and disturbing read about a woman escaping domestic abuse.
Arianna West suffered 3 years with a man named Roger who beat and abused her regularly. She has finally managed to escape and is being taken care of by her brother Jake in small town Milestone. Always fearing that Roger will find her and never allow her to be free, Arianna is the shell of the woman she once was.
When Jake's best friend Jack finds Arianna on Jake's doorstep beaten and desperate he and Jake make it their mission to never let anyone hurt her again. Jack and Arianna have a past, she has always loved him from afar and they were a close nit group of three whilst growing up.
Arianna harbours bitterness towards Jack for leaving her and Jake when she turned 18 for reasons that she assumes were selfish ones when in actual fact he has never stopped thinking about her.
Roger is not about to give up on his control over Arianna, and the three live in fear of what he is capable of.
_ _ _ _
The first half of this book was a bit slow on the romance front, it really focuses on the healing process involved in coming out of an abusive relationship. Arianna has two men constantly looking after her but she really wants and needs to take steps towards gaining self confidence and strength in order to move forward with her life.
Whilst told in Arianna's point of view, it is quite obvious that Jack has strong feelings for her and there is never a question that they will start a relationship once she is ready to admit that she deserves a good man like Jack.
Overall, it was a very emotional and well written book.
P.S Jake and Jack are names that are far too similar for my poor brain, and I often got confused between the two, as I did whilst writing this review!
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
A very emotional and disturbing read about a woman escaping domestic abuse.
Arianna West suffered 3 years with a man named Roger who beat and abused her regularly. She has finally managed to escape and is being taken care of by her brother Jake in small town Milestone. Always fearing that Roger will find her and never allow her to be free, Arianna is the shell of the woman she once was.
When Jake's best friend Jack finds Arianna on Jake's doorstep beaten and desperate he and Jake make it their mission to never let anyone hurt her again. Jack and Arianna have a past, she has always loved him from afar and they were a close nit group of three whilst growing up.
Arianna harbours bitterness towards Jack for leaving her and Jake when she turned 18 for reasons that she assumes were selfish ones when in actual fact he has never stopped thinking about her.
Roger is not about to give up on his control over Arianna, and the three live in fear of what he is capable of.
_ _ _ _
The first half of this book was a bit slow on the romance front, it really focuses on the healing process involved in coming out of an abusive relationship. Arianna has two men constantly looking after her but she really wants and needs to take steps towards gaining self confidence and strength in order to move forward with her life.
Whilst told in Arianna's point of view, it is quite obvious that Jack has strong feelings for her and there is never a question that they will start a relationship once she is ready to admit that she deserves a good man like Jack.
Overall, it was a very emotional and well written book.
P.S Jake and Jack are names that are far too similar for my poor brain, and I often got confused between the two, as I did whilst writing this review!
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
February 24, 2015
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Review 5 "Strong at the broken places" Stars:
This was my beautiful. At the right time. In the right place. With the right person.
This book captured me from the first page. I felt the emotions of the heroine, Ari, as if I was living that hell with her. She was a woman who would do anything for those she loved. Someone who had given up parts of herself over the years, but was determined to come out stronger in the end. I really felt for this character. She had a rough life, but no matter how much she might have wanted to give up at times, she kept fighting. She was a strong, independent woman with a big heart. Though at times she forgot her worth, and didn't feel worthy of love, she yearned for the ability to open up her heart to someone who truly cared for her. The same can't be said for all of us. We often close ourselves off and remain incapable of trusting and loving someone else after we have been betrayed.
"Seeing Jack look at you, seeing the way he longs for you, Ari? That's the kind of love that makes the world keep turning. The kind of bulletproof love that nothing and no one can stop, not even the girl who is shattered to the point she thinks she could never heal again. Jack doesn't care how many pieces you are in, my beautiful broken friend. He just wants to make sure he has them all in his hands."
Jack. Oh how I loved Jack. He was a man with a heart of gold. Someone who was willing to give up what he loved in order to protect those around him. To give them a better life. He was a man who took care of what he cherished. He pushed Ari to become stronger for herself, and supported her in any way that he could. Though he was a strong man in every regard, he wasn't afraid to be gentle and tender with Ari. He was loyal to her without fault. Jack is the type of man who you want to have your back, as well as put you on it.
"You know, you don't need to pay for something like that," he shrugged. "I'd be happy to strip for free and dance a bit in the privacy of our home."
I thought Jake, Ari's brother, was great. He is exactly the type of brother that you want. One who looks out for you, and protects you, without stifling you. One who would give his left arm if you were in trouble. He is so caring and compassionate towards his sister and his family. Not just his blood relatives, but the family that he has made along the way. I enjoyed him and I can't wait for his story, as well as the other characters that we have come to know and love.
This is a very thought-provoking book, in my opinion, because it deals with abuse. For many, this can be a trigger, and many don't understand the mindset behind those who stay in an abusive relationship. Though there are numerous reasons for this, and while many take an attitude that a person who stays is weak or stupid, I thought this book did a great job of painting another side. Ari was neither weak nor stupid. This is a hot topic, so understandably, some may not care for the story, but I commend authors who are not afraid to tackle topics that others may avoid. We all make decisions in our lives that affect our future in both good and bad ways. This is a perfect example of how we may find ourselves in a position that we never saw coming, that we never intended, and that we never wanted. I appreciate the author's ability to write about such a tough and touching subject with grace and vulnerability.
Overall, this book was intense, heartbreaking and beautiful. The writing was phenomenal, with well-developed characters, and an interesting story line that was well thought out. I highly recommend it. This is an author with a gift for sharing a story that will make you laugh and cry, while reminding you of the power of love, courage and redemption. It is a must read!
Review 5 "Strong at the broken places" Stars:
This was my beautiful. At the right time. In the right place. With the right person.
This book captured me from the first page. I felt the emotions of the heroine, Ari, as if I was living that hell with her. She was a woman who would do anything for those she loved. Someone who had given up parts of herself over the years, but was determined to come out stronger in the end. I really felt for this character. She had a rough life, but no matter how much she might have wanted to give up at times, she kept fighting. She was a strong, independent woman with a big heart. Though at times she forgot her worth, and didn't feel worthy of love, she yearned for the ability to open up her heart to someone who truly cared for her. The same can't be said for all of us. We often close ourselves off and remain incapable of trusting and loving someone else after we have been betrayed.
"Seeing Jack look at you, seeing the way he longs for you, Ari? That's the kind of love that makes the world keep turning. The kind of bulletproof love that nothing and no one can stop, not even the girl who is shattered to the point she thinks she could never heal again. Jack doesn't care how many pieces you are in, my beautiful broken friend. He just wants to make sure he has them all in his hands."
Jack. Oh how I loved Jack. He was a man with a heart of gold. Someone who was willing to give up what he loved in order to protect those around him. To give them a better life. He was a man who took care of what he cherished. He pushed Ari to become stronger for herself, and supported her in any way that he could. Though he was a strong man in every regard, he wasn't afraid to be gentle and tender with Ari. He was loyal to her without fault. Jack is the type of man who you want to have your back, as well as put you on it.
"You know, you don't need to pay for something like that," he shrugged. "I'd be happy to strip for free and dance a bit in the privacy of our home."
I thought Jake, Ari's brother, was great. He is exactly the type of brother that you want. One who looks out for you, and protects you, without stifling you. One who would give his left arm if you were in trouble. He is so caring and compassionate towards his sister and his family. Not just his blood relatives, but the family that he has made along the way. I enjoyed him and I can't wait for his story, as well as the other characters that we have come to know and love.
This is a very thought-provoking book, in my opinion, because it deals with abuse. For many, this can be a trigger, and many don't understand the mindset behind those who stay in an abusive relationship. Though there are numerous reasons for this, and while many take an attitude that a person who stays is weak or stupid, I thought this book did a great job of painting another side. Ari was neither weak nor stupid. This is a hot topic, so understandably, some may not care for the story, but I commend authors who are not afraid to tackle topics that others may avoid. We all make decisions in our lives that affect our future in both good and bad ways. This is a perfect example of how we may find ourselves in a position that we never saw coming, that we never intended, and that we never wanted. I appreciate the author's ability to write about such a tough and touching subject with grace and vulnerability.
Overall, this book was intense, heartbreaking and beautiful. The writing was phenomenal, with well-developed characters, and an interesting story line that was well thought out. I highly recommend it. This is an author with a gift for sharing a story that will make you laugh and cry, while reminding you of the power of love, courage and redemption. It is a must read!
April 13, 2015
I read... A lot! (I know, not really a huge revelation but I have a point, I swear!) And I've met a lot of heroes, but never have I ever met a hero as perfect as Jack. I mean, whenever there's a broken heroine there's a hero that promises they'll be there, they'll never give up on her, etc... but in almost every story, the hero get's frustrated, or overwhelmed, or tired of being the heroine's punching bag, and they walk away... But Jack... That man stood by Ari, fought for Ari, and not once did he give up on her. Seriously, he takes swoonworthy to a whole new level!
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, let's get to the story, shall we?! Ari has spent the past three years living in fear of her abusive boyfriend and the threats that he holds over her and her family but when she wakes up in the hospital and realizes that he isn't there, she finally gets away. She moves to the town where her brother, Jake, lives, gets a job and her own apartment, and is finally starting to get her life under control... Until the boyfriend, Roger, shows up to take back what's his.
You can tell from the beginning that Ricochet is going to keep you on the edge of your seat and I was not disappointed. In fact, it was so much more than I was expecting, to be completely honest. Watching Ari learn to defend herself, watching her actually stand up to Roger when the time comes, and watching her heal with the help of Jack, Jake, and their friends... It was beautiful, really.
But what really adds to the beauty of it is the love story between Jack and Ari. Yes, I know I already said how perfect Jack is, but when Jack opens up to Ari about his feelings... Sigh! Jack and Ari have loved each other since they were kids but since Jack is so much older than Ari (by about 5 years was my guess, though no actual ages were mentioned) he was waiting until she was 18 to make his move. Unfortunately some stuff went down that forced him and his family to move away on her 18th birthday which resulted in Ari hating Jack for the past 6 years.
Because of everything Ari has been through the romance is slow building but it was totally worth the wait. It was great to see Ari move past the hate that she felt toward Jack for all those years and to be able to watch them fall in love all over again as adults. And, of course, the sexual tension definitely made the sexy times that much hotter.
There were definitely a few times where I found myself getting nervous about how everything would play out and OMG! The courthouse scene... I was full on ugly crying! But luckily, everything worked out in the end and I absolutely cannot wait for Jake's book to see how he's coping with everything.
Seriously, I could go on and on about how great Ricochet is but I think I've rambled long enough. So just read this book so you can experience the awesomeness for yourself!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, let's get to the story, shall we?! Ari has spent the past three years living in fear of her abusive boyfriend and the threats that he holds over her and her family but when she wakes up in the hospital and realizes that he isn't there, she finally gets away. She moves to the town where her brother, Jake, lives, gets a job and her own apartment, and is finally starting to get her life under control... Until the boyfriend, Roger, shows up to take back what's his.
You can tell from the beginning that Ricochet is going to keep you on the edge of your seat and I was not disappointed. In fact, it was so much more than I was expecting, to be completely honest. Watching Ari learn to defend herself, watching her actually stand up to Roger when the time comes, and watching her heal with the help of Jack, Jake, and their friends... It was beautiful, really.
But what really adds to the beauty of it is the love story between Jack and Ari. Yes, I know I already said how perfect Jack is, but when Jack opens up to Ari about his feelings... Sigh! Jack and Ari have loved each other since they were kids but since Jack is so much older than Ari (by about 5 years was my guess, though no actual ages were mentioned) he was waiting until she was 18 to make his move. Unfortunately some stuff went down that forced him and his family to move away on her 18th birthday which resulted in Ari hating Jack for the past 6 years.
Because of everything Ari has been through the romance is slow building but it was totally worth the wait. It was great to see Ari move past the hate that she felt toward Jack for all those years and to be able to watch them fall in love all over again as adults. And, of course, the sexual tension definitely made the sexy times that much hotter.
There were definitely a few times where I found myself getting nervous about how everything would play out and OMG! The courthouse scene... I was full on ugly crying! But luckily, everything worked out in the end and I absolutely cannot wait for Jake's book to see how he's coping with everything.
Seriously, I could go on and on about how great Ricochet is but I think I've rambled long enough. So just read this book so you can experience the awesomeness for yourself!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2015
Wow! What a ride this book took me on. It's the stuff that both dreams and nightmares are made of.
Arianna has barely survived the last three years of her life. Forced to live in a hell she sees no way out of, she knows only fear.
Wishing it would all just end, even if that means giving up on her so called life, she awakes to find that she may just have a chance at starting again.
With the help of her brother (Jake) Ari moves to be near him and the protection he is offering her, even if deep down she doesn't believe that she'll really ever be safe again.
Her body may have healed but the emotional scars continue to bring her down and she's forced to face more than her recent, horrific past, when the one person who betrayed her is back in her life, Jack.
Just when she thinks she may be making progress, her nightmares become her reality once more.
Old feelings of both love and hatred are resurrected but a crushing blow is delivered that may see her future crushed before it's ever really begun.
I thorough enjoyed this book. It's well written and the characters are well thought out, drawing empathy, hope and hatred in equal measures.
The sub-characters are great too and as this is the first book in the Rise & Fall series, I look forward to hearing Jake's story, as well as Reggie's....bet there's one hell of a story there!
If I had to give any criticism of this book (and it's only a tiny little thing) it would be that the two male leads are called Jake and Jack, which were so close that at first I found it tricky to distinguish who was who... However, I soon fell into the rhythm of the book and overcame this little thing.
I highly recommend this tale - 5 stars from me.
Arianna has barely survived the last three years of her life. Forced to live in a hell she sees no way out of, she knows only fear.
Wishing it would all just end, even if that means giving up on her so called life, she awakes to find that she may just have a chance at starting again.
With the help of her brother (Jake) Ari moves to be near him and the protection he is offering her, even if deep down she doesn't believe that she'll really ever be safe again.
Her body may have healed but the emotional scars continue to bring her down and she's forced to face more than her recent, horrific past, when the one person who betrayed her is back in her life, Jack.
Just when she thinks she may be making progress, her nightmares become her reality once more.
Old feelings of both love and hatred are resurrected but a crushing blow is delivered that may see her future crushed before it's ever really begun.
I thorough enjoyed this book. It's well written and the characters are well thought out, drawing empathy, hope and hatred in equal measures.
The sub-characters are great too and as this is the first book in the Rise & Fall series, I look forward to hearing Jake's story, as well as Reggie's....bet there's one hell of a story there!
If I had to give any criticism of this book (and it's only a tiny little thing) it would be that the two male leads are called Jake and Jack, which were so close that at first I found it tricky to distinguish who was who... However, I soon fell into the rhythm of the book and overcame this little thing.
I highly recommend this tale - 5 stars from me.
February 25, 2015
Intense. Emotional. Heartbreaking and yet...still full of love, devotion and sacrifice.
There are characters who will blow you away-and topping that list is Jack Garrett. There is so much more to him than what you first see. Protective, caring, strong, totally devoted, unbelievably hot and sexy-the more you read about him, the more you love him. He will do anything for Arianna, and the pure raw emotion that flows from him is breathtaking. Arianna is broken, a shell of her former self. But through the love and help from her family and friends, she grows into a strong woman-with some relapses into her former, timid self. The friends and family that surround her-Jack included-help piece her back together and show her what love and friendship is really all about.
The writing is superb, with the story sucking you in from the beginning and between the emotion and the suspense, it never lets you go. Almost the entire story is told from Arianna's point of view, giving it the depth and heart it needs to tell the tale. A big thank you to the author for giving us some Jack POV at the end and in the fantastic bonus content!
This story covers topics of a sensitive nature, including domestic violence from the point of a survivor, so may not be for everyone. But it is a gripping look at one woman's fight to reclaim her life-and love-no matter the cost.
Strictly for the 18+ readers due to the adult topics and sex scenes (which are hot, raw and very well done), Ricochet is a 5-star read and I highly recommend it.
There are characters who will blow you away-and topping that list is Jack Garrett. There is so much more to him than what you first see. Protective, caring, strong, totally devoted, unbelievably hot and sexy-the more you read about him, the more you love him. He will do anything for Arianna, and the pure raw emotion that flows from him is breathtaking. Arianna is broken, a shell of her former self. But through the love and help from her family and friends, she grows into a strong woman-with some relapses into her former, timid self. The friends and family that surround her-Jack included-help piece her back together and show her what love and friendship is really all about.
The writing is superb, with the story sucking you in from the beginning and between the emotion and the suspense, it never lets you go. Almost the entire story is told from Arianna's point of view, giving it the depth and heart it needs to tell the tale. A big thank you to the author for giving us some Jack POV at the end and in the fantastic bonus content!
This story covers topics of a sensitive nature, including domestic violence from the point of a survivor, so may not be for everyone. But it is a gripping look at one woman's fight to reclaim her life-and love-no matter the cost.
Strictly for the 18+ readers due to the adult topics and sex scenes (which are hot, raw and very well done), Ricochet is a 5-star read and I highly recommend it.
February 26, 2015
Ari loved Jack. Jack left when she was finally old enough to have him. He left her and her brother Jake, his best friend. Ari found what she thought was love. She was wrong. Now back with her brother Jake and running from her abusive boyfriend she runs into Jack where she never expected too. Together Jack and Jake save Ari. The love Ari and Jack have for each other is obvious to everyone but each other. When Ari's ex continues to haunt her Jack steps up and finally shows her how much she means to him.
Jessica Wilde hits another home run with the beginning of a great series.
Jessica Wilde hits another home run with the beginning of a great series.
October 16, 2015
5 STARS
**I received an ARC for an honest review.**
This book is such an emotional story, but it is also a story of how a woman broken by her past can be mended by the people who love her and are willing to do any and everything for her.
Ari, the woman broken by her past and never believes that she can be fixed unless it is on her terms and in her way. She has a brother who loves her and has vowed to keep her safe, but when she realized that his best friend that she thinks abandoned them years earlier is apart of her brother's life now, all of her plans for her future go out the window. She knows that she will never be able to ignore her feelings for Jack, but boy does she try. I think she takes most of her aggression out on him, but never does he waver in his promise to help her.
Jack, a man that was a victim of his past and had to lose everything in order to build his future. A future that he had given up the hope of being with his only love. But things happen that he never thought would and he gets another chance. I loved his patience with Ari and the way he always put her first. I loved that no matter what she threw at him he was so strong and helped her heal. I love that everyone around him in his new life new the significance of who Ari was to him and the fact that he seemed to never hide it, except from her. But he was waiting for that right time and that right place and for the right person to be open to his feelings.
This story is pretty intense and isn't something that should be taken lightly. It is on a very touchy subject and the author did a fantastic job executing it. Never once did I feel that is was rushed or that anything wasn't dealt with as it should be. The characters were well written and even though Ari felt like she wasn't strong, she was. The author did a great job in portraying that with Ari. The same goes for Jack. His character is strong and I really respected the fact that their relationship, even though you knew it would happen, it wasn't rushed and it was oh so satisfying.
Now, the end of this book was something that I did not see coming and I actually teared up. I felt the pain of all the characters and I was thinking "please please please don't let this be how this book ends!" I won't say how it ends or what happened, but again the author did phenomenal with that scene and made be connect even more to this story. Another thing that I really loved about the end of this book was the bonus material in Jack's POV...I love a good male POV and Ms. Wilde delivered not that.
This is a must read, but be prepared. It isn't sunshine and roses with sweet romance. It is gritty and dirty and will make you cringe many times, but it will also make you feel so much for the story and the characters. I look forward to more of this series.
**I received an ARC for an honest review.**
This book is such an emotional story, but it is also a story of how a woman broken by her past can be mended by the people who love her and are willing to do any and everything for her.
Ari, the woman broken by her past and never believes that she can be fixed unless it is on her terms and in her way. She has a brother who loves her and has vowed to keep her safe, but when she realized that his best friend that she thinks abandoned them years earlier is apart of her brother's life now, all of her plans for her future go out the window. She knows that she will never be able to ignore her feelings for Jack, but boy does she try. I think she takes most of her aggression out on him, but never does he waver in his promise to help her.
Jack, a man that was a victim of his past and had to lose everything in order to build his future. A future that he had given up the hope of being with his only love. But things happen that he never thought would and he gets another chance. I loved his patience with Ari and the way he always put her first. I loved that no matter what she threw at him he was so strong and helped her heal. I love that everyone around him in his new life new the significance of who Ari was to him and the fact that he seemed to never hide it, except from her. But he was waiting for that right time and that right place and for the right person to be open to his feelings.
This story is pretty intense and isn't something that should be taken lightly. It is on a very touchy subject and the author did a fantastic job executing it. Never once did I feel that is was rushed or that anything wasn't dealt with as it should be. The characters were well written and even though Ari felt like she wasn't strong, she was. The author did a great job in portraying that with Ari. The same goes for Jack. His character is strong and I really respected the fact that their relationship, even though you knew it would happen, it wasn't rushed and it was oh so satisfying.
Now, the end of this book was something that I did not see coming and I actually teared up. I felt the pain of all the characters and I was thinking "please please please don't let this be how this book ends!" I won't say how it ends or what happened, but again the author did phenomenal with that scene and made be connect even more to this story. Another thing that I really loved about the end of this book was the bonus material in Jack's POV...I love a good male POV and Ms. Wilde delivered not that.
This is a must read, but be prepared. It isn't sunshine and roses with sweet romance. It is gritty and dirty and will make you cringe many times, but it will also make you feel so much for the story and the characters. I look forward to more of this series.
February 25, 2015
I am a BIG fan of Jessica's work but I didn't see this coming at all !! It has 2 of my favorite things , childhood friends in love reunited and told in the female POV with a treat of male POV at the end !! Such a huge real life issue is dealt with in this book and it was handled in a way that we get the ugly but never lose hope that we will have the beautiful.
Ari spent 3 years in an abusive relationship. Separated from her family and friends, living alone in misery and physically broken beyond anything I had imagined. The details , the horror , the effect it has had on Ari is just devastating. When her and her brother's best friend Jack and his family left town without word Ari was crushed and felt robbed of her HEA. She chose to hate Jack for leaving her brother to take a fall for something and in trying to move on she ended up with Roger. Of course she just wanted to feel loved and for a brief minute she had that , but it quickly turned into a horrific relationship that almost took her life more than once. Now that her family knows how she has spent the past few years there is no way her brother Jake will let her out of his sight. Now recovering and living in the town where Jake owns his tattoo shop Ari is about to discover not everything about her past was as it seems. Everyone has secrets , who will be the first to share...
Jake and Jack have a troubled past. They have both moved on and made something great of themselves and for themselves. Most importantly they are together again as best friends should be. Jake has known about Jack's feelings forever , Ari is the only clueless one in town !! The journey for Jack and Ari is not easy , there are many hurdles and it gets pretty scary at times. They have fun , they reunite and remember their friendship and special times. you get their past , you fill in the blanks and you get a glimpse of how good it could be. With the threat of their pasts looming over will they be able to get through this last hurdle and finally have their HEA ??
OK I will stop rambling now and try not to spoil !!
What I love -
the past references of Ari and Jack
the girls from Ari's work and Reggie
Jack's tats and their meanings - SWOON
THE TAT , OMG perfect
Ari's determination although a BIG hurdle , once she turned it into the right thing it was beautiful !!
Jack's LOVE !!!!!!
Jake's LOVE !!!!!
That scene outside before the hearing , HOLY WOW talk about edge of your seat blow your mind......I cried like a baby !!
Beautiful ending and cannot wait for more !!
Ari spent 3 years in an abusive relationship. Separated from her family and friends, living alone in misery and physically broken beyond anything I had imagined. The details , the horror , the effect it has had on Ari is just devastating. When her and her brother's best friend Jack and his family left town without word Ari was crushed and felt robbed of her HEA. She chose to hate Jack for leaving her brother to take a fall for something and in trying to move on she ended up with Roger. Of course she just wanted to feel loved and for a brief minute she had that , but it quickly turned into a horrific relationship that almost took her life more than once. Now that her family knows how she has spent the past few years there is no way her brother Jake will let her out of his sight. Now recovering and living in the town where Jake owns his tattoo shop Ari is about to discover not everything about her past was as it seems. Everyone has secrets , who will be the first to share...
Jake and Jack have a troubled past. They have both moved on and made something great of themselves and for themselves. Most importantly they are together again as best friends should be. Jake has known about Jack's feelings forever , Ari is the only clueless one in town !! The journey for Jack and Ari is not easy , there are many hurdles and it gets pretty scary at times. They have fun , they reunite and remember their friendship and special times. you get their past , you fill in the blanks and you get a glimpse of how good it could be. With the threat of their pasts looming over will they be able to get through this last hurdle and finally have their HEA ??
OK I will stop rambling now and try not to spoil !!
What I love -
the past references of Ari and Jack
the girls from Ari's work and Reggie
Jack's tats and their meanings - SWOON
THE TAT , OMG perfect
Ari's determination although a BIG hurdle , once she turned it into the right thing it was beautiful !!
Jack's LOVE !!!!!!
Jake's LOVE !!!!!
That scene outside before the hearing , HOLY WOW talk about edge of your seat blow your mind......I cried like a baby !!
Beautiful ending and cannot wait for more !!
February 25, 2015
"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium."
This song was going through my head the whole time I read Ricochet. I had not have the privilege of reading any of Jessica Wilde's books until now so I had to ask her where she's been hiding! Ricochet is nothing short of brilliant in my eyes and it floored me!
Arianna West is a beautiful, protected girl that lands in a bad relationship. Everything is going well until that first hit and then it rapidly gets worse from there. She finally is discovered unconscious by one of her neighbors after a bad beating and ends up in the hospital. She decides to go home to her big brother. Jack has been in love with Ari since they were kids. After a series of bad choices has him leaving town with no word, he finds that she is gone when he came back. After Ari comes back to town, Jack literally picks her up as they are reunited. He wants to show her that he's in it for the long haul. Will he prove his love to the one he never stopped loving?
Jessica's writing style pulled me in from the first sentence and didn't ever let go of me. The characters were very well developed and I loved how she started in the present tense but allowed us to have glimpses into the past throughout. My emotions were a serious roller coaster ride and I cried big ugly tears. The twists that I didn't see coming kept me on the edge of my seat and my nails are bitten off.
I thought long and hard about whether or not I would put this in the review, but in order to state how brilliant this story is, I have come to the realization that I have to. Ricochet is a powerful story about domestic abuse and the feelings that go along with it. I was in a abusive relationship like Ari, and Jessica is spot on with the feelings she wrote in the book, the fear, blame, trust issues, and a broken, shattered soul. I only wish that this book had been out when I was going through it because it showed how we can get through it and forgive ourselves for staying in the situation. It also showed that we can let light get rid of the darkness and let love heal the broken pieces of our heart. I pray that more women like me find this story and know that it's possible to heal! Thank you Jessica Wilde for such a powerful story of healing!
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium."
This song was going through my head the whole time I read Ricochet. I had not have the privilege of reading any of Jessica Wilde's books until now so I had to ask her where she's been hiding! Ricochet is nothing short of brilliant in my eyes and it floored me!
Arianna West is a beautiful, protected girl that lands in a bad relationship. Everything is going well until that first hit and then it rapidly gets worse from there. She finally is discovered unconscious by one of her neighbors after a bad beating and ends up in the hospital. She decides to go home to her big brother. Jack has been in love with Ari since they were kids. After a series of bad choices has him leaving town with no word, he finds that she is gone when he came back. After Ari comes back to town, Jack literally picks her up as they are reunited. He wants to show her that he's in it for the long haul. Will he prove his love to the one he never stopped loving?
Jessica's writing style pulled me in from the first sentence and didn't ever let go of me. The characters were very well developed and I loved how she started in the present tense but allowed us to have glimpses into the past throughout. My emotions were a serious roller coaster ride and I cried big ugly tears. The twists that I didn't see coming kept me on the edge of my seat and my nails are bitten off.
I thought long and hard about whether or not I would put this in the review, but in order to state how brilliant this story is, I have come to the realization that I have to. Ricochet is a powerful story about domestic abuse and the feelings that go along with it. I was in a abusive relationship like Ari, and Jessica is spot on with the feelings she wrote in the book, the fear, blame, trust issues, and a broken, shattered soul. I only wish that this book had been out when I was going through it because it showed how we can get through it and forgive ourselves for staying in the situation. It also showed that we can let light get rid of the darkness and let love heal the broken pieces of our heart. I pray that more women like me find this story and know that it's possible to heal! Thank you Jessica Wilde for such a powerful story of healing!
March 3, 2015
4.5 OUT OF 5 sTARS
Ricochet is full of so many emotions; it is a heart-wrenching story of Ari’s fight back to regaining what she felt as though she has lost. There are many ups and downs throughout this book; you need to keep your Kleenex close because you will definitely need it. This story demonstrates some of the worst cases you can see of relationship abuse. It is Ari’s story of her fight to get away from her abuser and begin again. She learns it is not always that easy. She doesn’t live with rose-colored glasses on, she is real when it comes to understanding her ever present threat, but the part that takes time for her to understand is how to move forward and begin to heal and except love and affections from the people who care the most about her.
Arianna is an individual lost and misinformed about her past with her brother, family and best friends Jack and Amanda Garrett. Those misunderstandings helped to lead her down a path that were hard and devastating, but helped to get her to be the person she is today.
Jack Garrett and Jake, Ari’s brother, have been best friends forever. They made some bad choices that not only affected them but also all the people they loved. When they made decisions to protect the ones they loved, they thought they were doing the right thing, but sometimes things aren’t always what they seem.
Throughout this book we get to Arianna during some highs and some really lows. I do have to admit sometimes it was frustrating when she would show doubt, but then it would be hard to trust with the situations she has come from. She is an extremely brave and strong woman. Once she figures out what it takes to move forward it is amazing to watch her growth.
The characters throughout the book are quite the variety and I loved everyone (well except the JERK, Roger that should go without saying). It was great to see the support that Ari had around her once she took the opportunity to open her eyes and see.
I can’t not speak about Amanda, she was quite the character, some of the things she said just made you stop and say ‘Oh my’ she would be a great friend to have. This example is one of my favorites:
“We’ve all walked through some type of shit and come out stinking on the other side. Doesn’t mean we can’t clean ourselves up after we’re done complaining about the smell.”
There is just so much that I loved about this book and I can’t wait to see what is to come in Jake’s story….
Ricochet is full of so many emotions; it is a heart-wrenching story of Ari’s fight back to regaining what she felt as though she has lost. There are many ups and downs throughout this book; you need to keep your Kleenex close because you will definitely need it. This story demonstrates some of the worst cases you can see of relationship abuse. It is Ari’s story of her fight to get away from her abuser and begin again. She learns it is not always that easy. She doesn’t live with rose-colored glasses on, she is real when it comes to understanding her ever present threat, but the part that takes time for her to understand is how to move forward and begin to heal and except love and affections from the people who care the most about her.
Arianna is an individual lost and misinformed about her past with her brother, family and best friends Jack and Amanda Garrett. Those misunderstandings helped to lead her down a path that were hard and devastating, but helped to get her to be the person she is today.
Jack Garrett and Jake, Ari’s brother, have been best friends forever. They made some bad choices that not only affected them but also all the people they loved. When they made decisions to protect the ones they loved, they thought they were doing the right thing, but sometimes things aren’t always what they seem.
Throughout this book we get to Arianna during some highs and some really lows. I do have to admit sometimes it was frustrating when she would show doubt, but then it would be hard to trust with the situations she has come from. She is an extremely brave and strong woman. Once she figures out what it takes to move forward it is amazing to watch her growth.
The characters throughout the book are quite the variety and I loved everyone (well except the JERK, Roger that should go without saying). It was great to see the support that Ari had around her once she took the opportunity to open her eyes and see.
I can’t not speak about Amanda, she was quite the character, some of the things she said just made you stop and say ‘Oh my’ she would be a great friend to have. This example is one of my favorites:
“We’ve all walked through some type of shit and come out stinking on the other side. Doesn’t mean we can’t clean ourselves up after we’re done complaining about the smell.”
There is just so much that I loved about this book and I can’t wait to see what is to come in Jake’s story….
March 1, 2015
4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters have such a great chemistry and have such great history that it reads so well and makes me feel like a 3rd wheel in the life.
Ari and Jack have known each other their whole lives, but circumstances forced Jack to move away right after Ari’s 18th birthday. And really back then, even though they knew each other better than anyone else, they weren’t romantically involved. Jack moved away and Ari moved on. However, Ari landed herself in a relationship with a really, really horrible guy, Roger.
Fast forward a few years and Ari gets out of the bad relationship and moves to a small town with her brother. What she doesn’t know is that Jack also lives in this small town.
Ari thought she’d forever be alone and never know love again, but Jack proves to her that anything is possible. When she’s thinking about him at one point in the book, she realizes that he is always telling her how he feels about her:
He told me often how much he loved me. In fact, he told me every morning, every phone call, and every night he made love to me. He told me when we watched TV and when we ate. He told me when we were alone and when everyone was around us. It didn’t matter when or where, he told me he loved me every chance he got.
The only thing I wish would have been different about the book is that I wish we would have had more from Jack’s POV. He has strong feelings, I would really love to know more about what he was thinking in many places. I mean when he pulls out words like this, how can you not want to know everything about him?
“I love you, Ari. No matter what happens, I love you and I’ll never abandon you ever again. I’m here for the rest of your life. I’m here with you whether it’s in darkness or light.”
Their first meeting isn’t exactly romance and rainbows, but as they get reacquainted and learn about the last few years for each other, their relationship blossoms. This story made me happy, sad, angry, and many other emotions and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ms. Wilde did a great job of really bringing the story to life for me and I hope many people take time to read it as well.
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters have such a great chemistry and have such great history that it reads so well and makes me feel like a 3rd wheel in the life.
Ari and Jack have known each other their whole lives, but circumstances forced Jack to move away right after Ari’s 18th birthday. And really back then, even though they knew each other better than anyone else, they weren’t romantically involved. Jack moved away and Ari moved on. However, Ari landed herself in a relationship with a really, really horrible guy, Roger.
Fast forward a few years and Ari gets out of the bad relationship and moves to a small town with her brother. What she doesn’t know is that Jack also lives in this small town.
Ari thought she’d forever be alone and never know love again, but Jack proves to her that anything is possible. When she’s thinking about him at one point in the book, she realizes that he is always telling her how he feels about her:
He told me often how much he loved me. In fact, he told me every morning, every phone call, and every night he made love to me. He told me when we watched TV and when we ate. He told me when we were alone and when everyone was around us. It didn’t matter when or where, he told me he loved me every chance he got.
The only thing I wish would have been different about the book is that I wish we would have had more from Jack’s POV. He has strong feelings, I would really love to know more about what he was thinking in many places. I mean when he pulls out words like this, how can you not want to know everything about him?
“I love you, Ari. No matter what happens, I love you and I’ll never abandon you ever again. I’m here for the rest of your life. I’m here with you whether it’s in darkness or light.”
Their first meeting isn’t exactly romance and rainbows, but as they get reacquainted and learn about the last few years for each other, their relationship blossoms. This story made me happy, sad, angry, and many other emotions and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ms. Wilde did a great job of really bringing the story to life for me and I hope many people take time to read it as well.
February 7, 2015
This book was given to me for an honest review!
This book oh my where to start! First I want to thank Jessica for giving me the chance to read this for her! Her book is amazing I mean I have read a lot of books and this one really hits home! I have been through some of this stuff!
This book is beyond amazing!!
This story is about Ari, Jake, and Jack. They have been through a lot in life. Ari and Jake are siblings and Jake is a best friend. Life when they are younger throws things there way that makes Jack have to leave. Some decisions that Jack and Jake have made were not the best.
Ari has always loved Jack. But he's gone and she moved on in life she wanted to always know where he went. She's always wanted to tell him something. But when Jack comes back shes with a man named Roger. Roger is over bearing a control freak and not what you want in a man!
Ari's life is so wrong in many ways she's In a bad relationship. She finally is able to get away but things are still crazy for her. Jack is back in her life and Jake is helping his sister. The life she's living is a fighting battle for her in many ways. She has a plan that she's going to push herself to do with or without there
Jack oh my he's the guy you all want! He's sexy got the muscles and build that make woman stare and want him. But he goes for what he wants in life and since seeing Ari again he knows it's his job is to take care of her to be the one to watch out for her he wants her still. He always has loved her. But Jack and Jake will do what it takes to protect Ari!
This book is amazing it deserves more than 5 stars! It makes you feel angry, sore with the pain, you want to cry with it. Jessica did an outstanding job writing this book! She is amazing and I can't wait for more of her books. This is amazing excellent story highly recommend this to everyone if you want to read a great book read this!!
This book oh my where to start! First I want to thank Jessica for giving me the chance to read this for her! Her book is amazing I mean I have read a lot of books and this one really hits home! I have been through some of this stuff!
This book is beyond amazing!!
This story is about Ari, Jake, and Jack. They have been through a lot in life. Ari and Jake are siblings and Jake is a best friend. Life when they are younger throws things there way that makes Jack have to leave. Some decisions that Jack and Jake have made were not the best.
Ari has always loved Jack. But he's gone and she moved on in life she wanted to always know where he went. She's always wanted to tell him something. But when Jack comes back shes with a man named Roger. Roger is over bearing a control freak and not what you want in a man!
Ari's life is so wrong in many ways she's In a bad relationship. She finally is able to get away but things are still crazy for her. Jack is back in her life and Jake is helping his sister. The life she's living is a fighting battle for her in many ways. She has a plan that she's going to push herself to do with or without there
Jack oh my he's the guy you all want! He's sexy got the muscles and build that make woman stare and want him. But he goes for what he wants in life and since seeing Ari again he knows it's his job is to take care of her to be the one to watch out for her he wants her still. He always has loved her. But Jack and Jake will do what it takes to protect Ari!
This book is amazing it deserves more than 5 stars! It makes you feel angry, sore with the pain, you want to cry with it. Jessica did an outstanding job writing this book! She is amazing and I can't wait for more of her books. This is amazing excellent story highly recommend this to everyone if you want to read a great book read this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2015
rianna's story tore me to shreds. As a victim of domestic violence she goes through so much but she's never completely down. She's a fighter through and through.
Arianna and her brother, Jake, were very close growing up. Jake's best friend, Jack, was also very close with Arianna. They never cared that Arianna was always under foot. One day something terrible happens that tears them all apart. Only Jack and Jake know what that horrible thing is or are they? Arianna only knows that one minute Jack is there and then he's gone without even a goodbye. Atleast Jack and Jake think they are the only ones that know what happened to cause Jack to move away without a word.
Arianna ends up in a blackmailing relationship. Someone else knows what caused to Jack to move but is their story the real one? Arianna stays in a relationship of horrifing abuse. Except one day she's put it the hospital because she's beaten so badly. When she's not picked up after her release she sees it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to run. And she runs right back to her brother. She's scared to death because she knows she's putting him in danger but she has to do something..
Jack and Jake both missed her terribly but she stayed away thinking it was the safest thing. She was willing to take all the abuse she was handed as long as they were safe. But after being tracked down and almost killed this time, she gives in and tells them why she's stayed with this a$$hole. She decides it's time to take back her life and starts taking self-defense classes because neither Jack nor Jake will teach her how to fight. They finally convince her to file charges against her abuser after her last attack. But is she able to stay alive long enough to see him in court? Does she get the chance to tell Jack she forgives him for leaving her all those years ago? Better yet, how about either of them getting to let the other know they love the other?
Arianna and her brother, Jake, were very close growing up. Jake's best friend, Jack, was also very close with Arianna. They never cared that Arianna was always under foot. One day something terrible happens that tears them all apart. Only Jack and Jake know what that horrible thing is or are they? Arianna only knows that one minute Jack is there and then he's gone without even a goodbye. Atleast Jack and Jake think they are the only ones that know what happened to cause Jack to move away without a word.
Arianna ends up in a blackmailing relationship. Someone else knows what caused to Jack to move but is their story the real one? Arianna stays in a relationship of horrifing abuse. Except one day she's put it the hospital because she's beaten so badly. When she's not picked up after her release she sees it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to run. And she runs right back to her brother. She's scared to death because she knows she's putting him in danger but she has to do something..
Jack and Jake both missed her terribly but she stayed away thinking it was the safest thing. She was willing to take all the abuse she was handed as long as they were safe. But after being tracked down and almost killed this time, she gives in and tells them why she's stayed with this a$$hole. She decides it's time to take back her life and starts taking self-defense classes because neither Jack nor Jake will teach her how to fight. They finally convince her to file charges against her abuser after her last attack. But is she able to stay alive long enough to see him in court? Does she get the chance to tell Jack she forgives him for leaving her all those years ago? Better yet, how about either of them getting to let the other know they love the other?
February 26, 2015
This book was fantastic. It was emotional. Arianna went through so much throughout the book. She found herself in a horrible situation in which so didn’t leave to protect the ones she loved. The love between Jack and Ari was amazing. Of course she was the last to know. The show of support the Ari got once she finally decided she wanted to change was amazing. This book has romance, family, support, violence, and difficult situations for some. It shows the lengths some will go to control someone else and the lengths some will go to protect the ones they love. Arianna found that her life changed when her brother’s best friend, Jack and her best friend, Amanda just left one day. She was so mad at Jack for leaving. She thought he was a coward and was taking the easy way, leaving her brother, Jake to deal with all. She knew that Jack and Jake were into some stuff they shouldn’t have been but she didn’t know everything and that lead her to believe certain things. Years later she is learning how to find herself again as well as the truth about what really happened that made Jack and Amanda leave. Arianna has an amazing inner strength that she doesn’t realize she has most of the book. Jake and Jack would do anything for her, to protect, even if it’s from herself. Arianna learns that sometimes you don’t need to be whole just someone who will love all the pieces of you. This story sucked me in and I can’t wait for the next book. I will say I was mildly annoyed that the names for her brother and his friend were so similar it got a little confusing at time. I could say so much more about this book, but I don’t want to give anything away. I will adding other books by Jessica Wilde to my TBR list.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
I don't know what it is about Jessica Wilde, but she has an uncanny ability to take your heart, rip it into 5 million pieces, run it through a blender, put it back together and have you thanking her for the experience! Jessica Wilde took a serious subject and made it a story about overcoming, healing. It reminds you that domestic violence isn't just about the two people in the relationship. It harms siblings, friends, parents. No one is truly alone and getting out of the relationship isn't where the damage ends.
Since I read Ricochet on a cross country flight, I was able to read this in one sitting. I kept setting my kindle down to take a deep breath, to wipe my eyes, to laugh. I think I felt every emotion possible. The characters are all very real, honest & believable. When we meet Arianna, she is broken beyond repair. She runs, hoping to leave everything behind. When her ex Roger finds her, Arianna barely escapes with her life again. When she is found, it isn't by her brother, but his best friend and her first love, Jack. Between Jack & her brother Jake, Arianna is determined to not just survive, but to thrive. She was shattered and scarred, but that only made Jack want her more. He wasn't trying to fix her, change her or ignore the trauma. He just wanted to be able to love her, completely.
Although my kindle is FULL of highlights & tear marks, I can't put my favorite parts on because of spoiler potential. So here is one of my favorite parts, early on between Jack & Ari.
"If I can't do this on my own, I'll never be whole. I'll never be able to give you everything I want to."
"But everything I want is just you Ari," Jack said huskily.
"And I'm broken."
Since I read Ricochet on a cross country flight, I was able to read this in one sitting. I kept setting my kindle down to take a deep breath, to wipe my eyes, to laugh. I think I felt every emotion possible. The characters are all very real, honest & believable. When we meet Arianna, she is broken beyond repair. She runs, hoping to leave everything behind. When her ex Roger finds her, Arianna barely escapes with her life again. When she is found, it isn't by her brother, but his best friend and her first love, Jack. Between Jack & her brother Jake, Arianna is determined to not just survive, but to thrive. She was shattered and scarred, but that only made Jack want her more. He wasn't trying to fix her, change her or ignore the trauma. He just wanted to be able to love her, completely.
Although my kindle is FULL of highlights & tear marks, I can't put my favorite parts on because of spoiler potential. So here is one of my favorite parts, early on between Jack & Ari.
"If I can't do this on my own, I'll never be whole. I'll never be able to give you everything I want to."
"But everything I want is just you Ari," Jack said huskily.
"And I'm broken."
February 27, 2015
Fear, it is a crippling thing. For Arrianna it had become a way of living until she could escape. But in the back of her mind she knew that freedom was going to be hard to come by and so she ran to her brother, Jake to help her. When she is rescued or rather collected from the disaster of her flight finds her huddled by her brothers door, she never in a millions years thought she would feel the arms of her past holding her. His arms were warmth, his scent was home she was in Jack's arms and she was a mess.
This is a very, very emotional book. Dealing with things that as you read will have you siding with her friends that yes have the right intentions, but have not walked in her shoes and when you are ruled by fear... you don't see things rationally.
You make excuses you live in fear of the slip up, the wrong word said the wrong way you look. Just anything that will prevent the bomb from exploding. This is what Ari was trying to stop, living with the fear and loss of control. She was going to control her life again. The only question that remained was if Jack would be her fairy tale come true and do HEA's really happen?
Jack vowed that when she came back into his life he would never let her go. After seeing how broken his Ari was he was more intent on making that promise come true.
Beautiful....Sigh.... yes although the subject of this book is seriouse I can't help but fall in love with the how Jack and Ari's sister Jake love her and put her first. She is surrounded by an amazing support system and a man that will be by her side forever.
This is a very, very emotional book. Dealing with things that as you read will have you siding with her friends that yes have the right intentions, but have not walked in her shoes and when you are ruled by fear... you don't see things rationally.
You make excuses you live in fear of the slip up, the wrong word said the wrong way you look. Just anything that will prevent the bomb from exploding. This is what Ari was trying to stop, living with the fear and loss of control. She was going to control her life again. The only question that remained was if Jack would be her fairy tale come true and do HEA's really happen?
Jack vowed that when she came back into his life he would never let her go. After seeing how broken his Ari was he was more intent on making that promise come true.
Beautiful....Sigh.... yes although the subject of this book is seriouse I can't help but fall in love with the how Jack and Ari's sister Jake love her and put her first. She is surrounded by an amazing support system and a man that will be by her side forever.
February 25, 2015
I'm at a loss for words on this one. I was gripped from the very beginning and the story line touched on a very serious topic. Abuse can be a touchy subject for some people because it's something that more common than it should be and touches the lives of so many people, either directly or indirectly. But Ricochet is about survival. Bouncing back from enduring such atrocities and finding your way in the world.
Arianna was such a strong character in this story. Determined to overcome the horrors she faces for years and get back on her feet. Determined to fight back and get passed it. She didn't want to be in fear anymore and she was willing to do what she needed to so she could just get her life back and live her dream.
When she moves close to her brother she didn't expect to see Jack again. Her long time teenage crush and her brother's best friend. Jack was such a great guy. He was there for her from the start and he, together with her brother Jack, were determined to protect her.
This story was quite intense but it wasn't a downer. I saw it as an uplifting story and quite possibly an inspiration. With Arianna, we see not only how she fights to overcome her fear of the abuse she endures but also why she endured it for so long. That's always the question we ask anyone in that situation. Why did you stay? Her reasons just showed how strong a woman she truly was.
A great and unforgettable read for me. I can't wait to read Jake's story.
Arianna was such a strong character in this story. Determined to overcome the horrors she faces for years and get back on her feet. Determined to fight back and get passed it. She didn't want to be in fear anymore and she was willing to do what she needed to so she could just get her life back and live her dream.
When she moves close to her brother she didn't expect to see Jack again. Her long time teenage crush and her brother's best friend. Jack was such a great guy. He was there for her from the start and he, together with her brother Jack, were determined to protect her.
This story was quite intense but it wasn't a downer. I saw it as an uplifting story and quite possibly an inspiration. With Arianna, we see not only how she fights to overcome her fear of the abuse she endures but also why she endured it for so long. That's always the question we ask anyone in that situation. Why did you stay? Her reasons just showed how strong a woman she truly was.
A great and unforgettable read for me. I can't wait to read Jake's story.
February 25, 2015
I just finished Ricochet by Jessica Wilde and I cannot wait to read more from her. Her writing style completely drew me in and made me feel like I was a part of the characters' lives.
This is the story of Arianna and Jack. They have both been through so much in their lives, but their love for each other has always remained a constant. Even if they didn't know it at the time. "Beautiful things happen at the right time, in the right place and with the right person."
There are two really great quotes by Ernest Hemingway that are mentioned in this book, and they couldn't be any more fitting for the storyline. "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." "A man can be destroyed but not defeated." I think most of us can relate to these whether it's experience from a past relationship or a tragedy. There are times when we feel completely shattered, but we have to sweep up the pieces and try to move on. The pieces may not go back in exactly as they were previously, but it can still be just as beautiful. Different but essentially the same.
I give Ricochet 4.5 stars and I'm so excited to see what happens next for the other characters.
*I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
This is the story of Arianna and Jack. They have both been through so much in their lives, but their love for each other has always remained a constant. Even if they didn't know it at the time. "Beautiful things happen at the right time, in the right place and with the right person."
There are two really great quotes by Ernest Hemingway that are mentioned in this book, and they couldn't be any more fitting for the storyline. "The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." "A man can be destroyed but not defeated." I think most of us can relate to these whether it's experience from a past relationship or a tragedy. There are times when we feel completely shattered, but we have to sweep up the pieces and try to move on. The pieces may not go back in exactly as they were previously, but it can still be just as beautiful. Different but essentially the same.
I give Ricochet 4.5 stars and I'm so excited to see what happens next for the other characters.
*I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
May 21, 2015
This book is full of everything that makes a great book in my eyes. The writing was fantastic, the storyline gut wrenching but somehow happy. This book deals with things that some may not be able to read about but I feel the author dealt with things with an ease that others don't have when handling such sensitive subjects.
Ari is a broken soul but not so broken that she loses sight of what she wants. What she deserves. With the help of her family and friends she finds a spark still down inside her fighting its way out of the darkness that has consumed her for 3 years. Frightened but determined she never loses sight of the life she has so desperately wanted for so long.
The fight continues to the very end and the story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Would Roger get what he wanted from Ari or would Ari end the fight of her life once and for all? Only one person can win this fight.
The supporting characters in this book were perfect. Just the right amount of support, love, and heartbreak to make you either hate them or love them. I loved all but one. ;)
I will be checking out other books by this author and I am so happy I decided to join in on this month's book club read. Just another Angel from Audrey Carlan's street team.
Ari is a broken soul but not so broken that she loses sight of what she wants. What she deserves. With the help of her family and friends she finds a spark still down inside her fighting its way out of the darkness that has consumed her for 3 years. Frightened but determined she never loses sight of the life she has so desperately wanted for so long.
The fight continues to the very end and the story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Would Roger get what he wanted from Ari or would Ari end the fight of her life once and for all? Only one person can win this fight.
The supporting characters in this book were perfect. Just the right amount of support, love, and heartbreak to make you either hate them or love them. I loved all but one. ;)
I will be checking out other books by this author and I am so happy I decided to join in on this month's book club read. Just another Angel from Audrey Carlan's street team.
May 13, 2015
Honestly didn't know what to expect out of this read. This is the first book I've read from this author. It actually ended up being voted as the book to read for the month of May for my Audrey Carlan Street Team Book Club. I'm SO glad we did.
This was a story about a woman who has survived, is still going through the motions of surviving, and battling to find her future. There's a large element of suspense but primarily the plot is heavy in the main characters journey to find herself after being a battered woman for years. This topic especially hits home for me because my Mother was one as well. I think the author handled the subject matter with a gentle hand that soothed the way through such a harsh issue, yet still told a "real" story. Some folks may find the book hard to read in places but I think the overall superb writing and emotion shared through both characters will help ease any difficult spots. I will definitely read more from this author.
Heat level, I'd give this book around a 5 out of 10 for a sexy, leaning on steamy, rating.
This book was read by the head Angel as part of the Audrey Carlan Street Team Book Club.
This was a story about a woman who has survived, is still going through the motions of surviving, and battling to find her future. There's a large element of suspense but primarily the plot is heavy in the main characters journey to find herself after being a battered woman for years. This topic especially hits home for me because my Mother was one as well. I think the author handled the subject matter with a gentle hand that soothed the way through such a harsh issue, yet still told a "real" story. Some folks may find the book hard to read in places but I think the overall superb writing and emotion shared through both characters will help ease any difficult spots. I will definitely read more from this author.
Heat level, I'd give this book around a 5 out of 10 for a sexy, leaning on steamy, rating.
This book was read by the head Angel as part of the Audrey Carlan Street Team Book Club.
February 24, 2015
***Reviewed by Sarah & Kirsty's Book Reviews***
This book had me sobbing from very early on which is unheard for me when I read a book! My heart was breaking for Arianna as I continued to read but the strength inside her blew me away. The sacrifices she made her the ultimate heroine in my eyes. Arianna is probably the strongest female character I have read about. She overcame everything and became stronger when she could have crumbled; no one could have blamed her if she had. I adored Jack and was so happy that he was there to provide support, amongst other things. He was adorable in the way he handled Arianna. This book make me ugly cry at so many points, I just can’t process it! This book was very tastefully written and true when you consider this happens in real life every day. An incredible and emotional story, I am honoured to have been able to read it. 5 stars
This book had me sobbing from very early on which is unheard for me when I read a book! My heart was breaking for Arianna as I continued to read but the strength inside her blew me away. The sacrifices she made her the ultimate heroine in my eyes. Arianna is probably the strongest female character I have read about. She overcame everything and became stronger when she could have crumbled; no one could have blamed her if she had. I adored Jack and was so happy that he was there to provide support, amongst other things. He was adorable in the way he handled Arianna. This book make me ugly cry at so many points, I just can’t process it! This book was very tastefully written and true when you consider this happens in real life every day. An incredible and emotional story, I am honoured to have been able to read it. 5 stars
February 25, 2015
I received this for an honest review. I have to say this book took me by surprise. I absolutely fell in love with it. This book is like an emotional roller coaster that you don't want to get off. Ari and Jack have known each other since they were children, Who because of circumstances went their different ways.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between these two and the author did a wonderful job of teasing you with the idea of it and the backstory between these two. There were times throughout this book I thought this story was going to break me. This book was a wonderful blend of angst and discoving that the love that was always meant to be is sometimes closer than you think..
*Warning this book does involve some domestic abuse and I know for some that is hard to read about.
***A MUST READ 5 amazing stars~~~
I really enjoyed the chemistry between these two and the author did a wonderful job of teasing you with the idea of it and the backstory between these two. There were times throughout this book I thought this story was going to break me. This book was a wonderful blend of angst and discoving that the love that was always meant to be is sometimes closer than you think..
*Warning this book does involve some domestic abuse and I know for some that is hard to read about.
***A MUST READ 5 amazing stars~~~
March 9, 2015
What an emotional book that shows you a strength of Ari and the love of a man that your really don't see coming! It hits you so hard that it's a surprise! Now there are some parts that are kind of hard to read due to the situation but then there's the parts that you so can't quit reading! An its a great read just amazing!
Ari has come along way but she still struggles with the her very abusive past! But then there's a man that has always loved her and just wants her to see it! And of course he's definitely not going to give up on her or his love for her!
Ari has come along way but she still struggles with the her very abusive past! But then there's a man that has always loved her and just wants her to see it! And of course he's definitely not going to give up on her or his love for her!
May 17, 2018
Another Jessica Wilde's book!!!!
JUST.CAN'T.WAIT!!!
JUST.CAN'T.WAIT!!!
January 16, 2016
Review to be written soon...
January 24, 2015
Ricochet by Jessica Wilde is the first book in her new series, and this first book is great, and I loved it. I started reading it and I could not put it down as it drew me in right from the beginning. I liked how she started the book in the present, and throughout the book we are given glimpses into the horror that the main character Arianna has been put through in the past three years.
This book had a wonderful cast of well developed characters-the main characters are Arianna, her brother's best friend Jack, whom she has loved since she was a young girl, and her brother Jake, who was also prominent in this first book. While reading this book I felt like I got to know all of these characters really well because they were so vibrant and through these characters you get the story. Her ex-boyfriend is the man I hated from the beginning because of the heinous things he did and was still capable of doing, to her and anyone she loved, and I could almost feel like I was there looking over my shoulder to see if he was anywhere near- near herself or those she loved, that's how well this book is written.
The plot is so good, you know where you think this book is taking you and then it turns on you leaving you gasping for breath and saying omg, omg, and it is just a mind blowing plot.
The dialog between all of the characters is really excellent and it is from dialog one gets to know the characters and this book excelled in great dialog between Jack and Arianna, between Jake and Arianna, and between all 3 of them as well.
In this book, Arianna has finally gotten away from an extremely bad situation in her life that she has been living for 3 years. It is amazing she even got away, but after laying in the hospital for two weeks, it gives a person a chance to think, and make plans to try to develop the strength to do what one knows they have to do if they even have a chance in their life away from an abuser. I do not want to say too much and try not to give away any of the book, you have to read this to see for yourself what I am talking about but it does bring up the following questions you may want to ask yourself as you read this book;
1. Will Arianna have the strength to leave this brutal man?
2. After being told something by him to keep her there because she wants to keep
someone else safe, can she really justify any more abuse? After 3 years?
3. What will be the final straw-or is there a final straw?
4. If she gets away does she think she can finally be free?
This is a story about the love between the main characters as well, after not seeing her brother's friend Jack for 3 years and thinking that something happened that she was so mad at him, can she admit to herself that she could never be friends with him again? Her brother and Jack have been through so much but she does not even know the half of it. Secrets have been kept that they do not know about-any of them-about the other and this leads to a messed up situation. Arianna has kept secrets from her brother and Jack, and Jack and Jake have done the same to her, so what will have to happen for it all to get sorted out?
Read this book, you will not be disappointed and it will tear you up, it will make you cry, not crying is not an option, feel the desperation of all of these characters for different reasons. Read what it feels like to live life one minute up, the next minute down, and this quote says it all:
"Fear.
It's the last thing I remembered.
I was afraid.
Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.
Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.
But even in the dark, I still felt it.
I always felt it.
My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.
My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.
I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.
Except… I didn't see Jack.
And Jack changed everything."
What will happen? Will Arianna have to keep running-will she allow herself to be safe, or will she know instinctively she will never be safe? What will it take?
I just want to say domestic violence is more prevalent than many of us realize and this book gives us a glimpse into what can really happen to a person-and does. The bottom line is that you survive or you don't. But it also shows here that you have to have courage to change because even if you get help-it is up to the individual to truly take their life back!
I gave this book 5***** Stars and am so honored to have been given this ARC of Jessica's new book. After reading this, if you have not already done so, I suggest you check out her other books:
1 The Brannock Series an awesome trilogy you do not want to miss!
2 Our Time, a stand alone novel that is so beautiful, about how when one is sick and do not know how much time they have, they have to put what is important first in their life!
3 Every One Of Me, a novel about dissociative identity disorder!
And last but not least I want to say the reason I love Jessica's books so much is because they are not something I can read and forget about -they have meaning, and I find myself thinking about them long after the last page is read-if you want a book with substance to it this is the author for you! All of these books have touched my heart! Thank you Jessica, your insight and the love you have for everyone shines through all of your books, and that in itself is a rare gift.
This book had a wonderful cast of well developed characters-the main characters are Arianna, her brother's best friend Jack, whom she has loved since she was a young girl, and her brother Jake, who was also prominent in this first book. While reading this book I felt like I got to know all of these characters really well because they were so vibrant and through these characters you get the story. Her ex-boyfriend is the man I hated from the beginning because of the heinous things he did and was still capable of doing, to her and anyone she loved, and I could almost feel like I was there looking over my shoulder to see if he was anywhere near- near herself or those she loved, that's how well this book is written.
The plot is so good, you know where you think this book is taking you and then it turns on you leaving you gasping for breath and saying omg, omg, and it is just a mind blowing plot.
The dialog between all of the characters is really excellent and it is from dialog one gets to know the characters and this book excelled in great dialog between Jack and Arianna, between Jake and Arianna, and between all 3 of them as well.
In this book, Arianna has finally gotten away from an extremely bad situation in her life that she has been living for 3 years. It is amazing she even got away, but after laying in the hospital for two weeks, it gives a person a chance to think, and make plans to try to develop the strength to do what one knows they have to do if they even have a chance in their life away from an abuser. I do not want to say too much and try not to give away any of the book, you have to read this to see for yourself what I am talking about but it does bring up the following questions you may want to ask yourself as you read this book;
1. Will Arianna have the strength to leave this brutal man?
2. After being told something by him to keep her there because she wants to keep
someone else safe, can she really justify any more abuse? After 3 years?
3. What will be the final straw-or is there a final straw?
4. If she gets away does she think she can finally be free?
This is a story about the love between the main characters as well, after not seeing her brother's friend Jack for 3 years and thinking that something happened that she was so mad at him, can she admit to herself that she could never be friends with him again? Her brother and Jack have been through so much but she does not even know the half of it. Secrets have been kept that they do not know about-any of them-about the other and this leads to a messed up situation. Arianna has kept secrets from her brother and Jack, and Jack and Jake have done the same to her, so what will have to happen for it all to get sorted out?
Read this book, you will not be disappointed and it will tear you up, it will make you cry, not crying is not an option, feel the desperation of all of these characters for different reasons. Read what it feels like to live life one minute up, the next minute down, and this quote says it all:
"Fear.
It's the last thing I remembered.
I was afraid.
Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.
Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.
But even in the dark, I still felt it.
I always felt it.
My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.
My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.
I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.
Except… I didn't see Jack.
And Jack changed everything."
What will happen? Will Arianna have to keep running-will she allow herself to be safe, or will she know instinctively she will never be safe? What will it take?
I just want to say domestic violence is more prevalent than many of us realize and this book gives us a glimpse into what can really happen to a person-and does. The bottom line is that you survive or you don't. But it also shows here that you have to have courage to change because even if you get help-it is up to the individual to truly take their life back!
I gave this book 5***** Stars and am so honored to have been given this ARC of Jessica's new book. After reading this, if you have not already done so, I suggest you check out her other books:
1 The Brannock Series an awesome trilogy you do not want to miss!
2 Our Time, a stand alone novel that is so beautiful, about how when one is sick and do not know how much time they have, they have to put what is important first in their life!
3 Every One Of Me, a novel about dissociative identity disorder!
And last but not least I want to say the reason I love Jessica's books so much is because they are not something I can read and forget about -they have meaning, and I find myself thinking about them long after the last page is read-if you want a book with substance to it this is the author for you! All of these books have touched my heart! Thank you Jessica, your insight and the love you have for everyone shines through all of your books, and that in itself is a rare gift.
February 25, 2015
**JOSIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW**
Ricochet (A Rise and Fall Novel) by Jessica Wilde was such a powerful, emotional and uplifting read that captured my attention and held on every single. Once I started this book I could not put it down. The author gives readers a warning: the book contains strong language, and some sexual situations, and some violence. This content deals with aspects of domestic abuse that might be a trigger to some readers. I have to say this read hit home with me. I connected with the main character Arianna (Ari) and felt her willingness to accept, survive and fight. The prologue was strong and emotional and that alone had me wanting to know what the final outcome would be. This book will teach women, girls and victims that there is hope, second chances and that any kind of violence is wrong.
Months after a terrible attack, and with the help of her brother Jake, Ari is starting her life over. She has a job, friends and a home. Ari spent 2 ½ years away from her parents, brother and friends after given her everything to a man. The man she thought was Mr. Wonderful turned out to the very man that controlled her and nearly killed her. This book is the epitome of what family means. Regardless of where life takes you, your family are the ones that will ALWAYS have your back.
Ari believes she is safe but the reality is she isn’t. This man is not willing to let her go and he will stop at nothing to break her. Ari’s gut instinct is to run to her brother Jake. However the one person she never wanted to see again, the man that broke her heart, is the very man that comes to her rescue, Jack. Ari has lived her life feeling betrayed by Jake. He was supposed to come back for her and never did. Jack is back home after years away and is trying to right the wrongs from the past. Seeing Ari beaten and broke, he has vowed to never let her go again.
Ari will fight for freedom, her independence and her life. The road is not an easy one. Jake is not willing to lose his sister again. Between Jake and Jack they are total alpha males with her. Jake and Ari have to learn to accept the past and work together to give Ari back what was taken. Ari’s heart always belonged to Jack but she is broken, scared and does not understand why he ran and left her and Jake behind. Jack helps Ari the only why he can and that is to be there for her, as a friend helping whenever she needs it. As time goes on the more he falls and he knows he has to make his move.
“It means that if I don’t do something about this now, I will miss my chance. It means you’ve got other guys wanting your attention and I don’t want to share it. Not anymore.”
“I have no idea what I’m supposed to do anymore. No, I’m not afraid. I’m utterly terrified, Jack. Terrified that the only good I have ever had in my life will disappear if I reach too far for it.”
“You don’t have to reach, Ari. I’m right here in front of you.”
You will fall in love with Jack and Jake. Their loyalty and love of Ari is truly inspiring and totally BBF material. Just when Ari’s life seems to be going well, her past comes back with a vengeance. Ari fights hard to be the person she once was. She fights for happiness with Jack, Jake, her friends and parents. I loved how the author shows Ari’s fight to persevere and to no longer be a victim. I cried for her pain and her journey. The story is told in alternate POV’s which I love because I could really feel the emotions of both characters. Please read this book and go along with Ari on her journey for survival, true love and peace.
Ricochet (A Rise and Fall Novel) by Jessica Wilde was such a powerful, emotional and uplifting read that captured my attention and held on every single. Once I started this book I could not put it down. The author gives readers a warning: the book contains strong language, and some sexual situations, and some violence. This content deals with aspects of domestic abuse that might be a trigger to some readers. I have to say this read hit home with me. I connected with the main character Arianna (Ari) and felt her willingness to accept, survive and fight. The prologue was strong and emotional and that alone had me wanting to know what the final outcome would be. This book will teach women, girls and victims that there is hope, second chances and that any kind of violence is wrong.
Months after a terrible attack, and with the help of her brother Jake, Ari is starting her life over. She has a job, friends and a home. Ari spent 2 ½ years away from her parents, brother and friends after given her everything to a man. The man she thought was Mr. Wonderful turned out to the very man that controlled her and nearly killed her. This book is the epitome of what family means. Regardless of where life takes you, your family are the ones that will ALWAYS have your back.
Ari believes she is safe but the reality is she isn’t. This man is not willing to let her go and he will stop at nothing to break her. Ari’s gut instinct is to run to her brother Jake. However the one person she never wanted to see again, the man that broke her heart, is the very man that comes to her rescue, Jack. Ari has lived her life feeling betrayed by Jake. He was supposed to come back for her and never did. Jack is back home after years away and is trying to right the wrongs from the past. Seeing Ari beaten and broke, he has vowed to never let her go again.
Ari will fight for freedom, her independence and her life. The road is not an easy one. Jake is not willing to lose his sister again. Between Jake and Jack they are total alpha males with her. Jake and Ari have to learn to accept the past and work together to give Ari back what was taken. Ari’s heart always belonged to Jack but she is broken, scared and does not understand why he ran and left her and Jake behind. Jack helps Ari the only why he can and that is to be there for her, as a friend helping whenever she needs it. As time goes on the more he falls and he knows he has to make his move.
“It means that if I don’t do something about this now, I will miss my chance. It means you’ve got other guys wanting your attention and I don’t want to share it. Not anymore.”
“I have no idea what I’m supposed to do anymore. No, I’m not afraid. I’m utterly terrified, Jack. Terrified that the only good I have ever had in my life will disappear if I reach too far for it.”
“You don’t have to reach, Ari. I’m right here in front of you.”
You will fall in love with Jack and Jake. Their loyalty and love of Ari is truly inspiring and totally BBF material. Just when Ari’s life seems to be going well, her past comes back with a vengeance. Ari fights hard to be the person she once was. She fights for happiness with Jack, Jake, her friends and parents. I loved how the author shows Ari’s fight to persevere and to no longer be a victim. I cried for her pain and her journey. The story is told in alternate POV’s which I love because I could really feel the emotions of both characters. Please read this book and go along with Ari on her journey for survival, true love and peace.
March 6, 2015
Ricochet.. Where to start. WOW. Just wow. I first became a fan of Jessica’s after picking up Leverage. (love that series btw) anywho… Once I read the synopsis to Ricochet, I was hooked. Hook. Line. Sinker. I was intrigued. Intrigued I tell ya. I wanted to read the book right then and there. So I bugged. And bugged. Stalked. And stalked. Or I shouldn’t say stalk so much right. There is a better word, lets say sent encouraging messages on the sidelines. I just couldn’t wait to find out more about this story. So lets get to it.
When I first read the synopsis, I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t know exactly what the story was going to be about, but I did know it wasn’t going to be like her other books I have read. Hooked again. Something different, by an author you already love. Done. One click.
Ari, where to even start with her. She is so strong, she has gone through so much in her life. She was stuck in a bad relationship, for years. She thought she had no one. She thought she was doing it to protect her family. But after a bad incidence, Ari knows she can’t stay there anymore and she has to start over. No matter what the risk of leaving could cause.
Starting over is never easy, for anyone. Let alone for someone stuck in a bad relationship for years. To start over after being beaten down for so long, is one of the hardest things anyone could ever have to endure. For Jessica to be able to portray those feelings, those emotions, in depth so much; that takes craft. I really felt like I could feel Ari’s emotions.
Jessica has a way with her stories that just draw you in. Capture you from the first page. There was distress, happiness, despair, excitement, gut-wrenching emotions. I honestly can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful Jessica did. When I knew something was going to happen… My heart would start beating so fast. I knew something was going to happen and it wasn’t going to be pretty. I was scared for Ari at those moments. I felt what Ari was feeling. For an author to be able to truly pull all of your emotions in the story and to feel personally invested in that story you are currently reading. That is talent. That is what an author should be able to do. That is when you know you have found your go to author. The one you hold on to and never let go. That right there is the reason you read. To get lost in those characters you are reading. Lost in the story I was. And the details. I really can go on and on , about how I felt, what I read, how amazingly perfect the storyline was. At any rate. I’m here to tell you, Ricochet, is a 5 star read. Hands down. AMAZING. Jessica hit all the key points in a story. From beginning, middle, to the end, every single page held key elements. I never found one part of the story that I thought was pointless or out of place. Ricochet was perfectly executed.
When I first read the synopsis, I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t know exactly what the story was going to be about, but I did know it wasn’t going to be like her other books I have read. Hooked again. Something different, by an author you already love. Done. One click.
Ari, where to even start with her. She is so strong, she has gone through so much in her life. She was stuck in a bad relationship, for years. She thought she had no one. She thought she was doing it to protect her family. But after a bad incidence, Ari knows she can’t stay there anymore and she has to start over. No matter what the risk of leaving could cause.
Starting over is never easy, for anyone. Let alone for someone stuck in a bad relationship for years. To start over after being beaten down for so long, is one of the hardest things anyone could ever have to endure. For Jessica to be able to portray those feelings, those emotions, in depth so much; that takes craft. I really felt like I could feel Ari’s emotions.
Jessica has a way with her stories that just draw you in. Capture you from the first page. There was distress, happiness, despair, excitement, gut-wrenching emotions. I honestly can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful Jessica did. When I knew something was going to happen… My heart would start beating so fast. I knew something was going to happen and it wasn’t going to be pretty. I was scared for Ari at those moments. I felt what Ari was feeling. For an author to be able to truly pull all of your emotions in the story and to feel personally invested in that story you are currently reading. That is talent. That is what an author should be able to do. That is when you know you have found your go to author. The one you hold on to and never let go. That right there is the reason you read. To get lost in those characters you are reading. Lost in the story I was. And the details. I really can go on and on , about how I felt, what I read, how amazingly perfect the storyline was. At any rate. I’m here to tell you, Ricochet, is a 5 star read. Hands down. AMAZING. Jessica hit all the key points in a story. From beginning, middle, to the end, every single page held key elements. I never found one part of the story that I thought was pointless or out of place. Ricochet was perfectly executed.
February 17, 2015
This was an intense book! Jessica Wilde wrote a non-stop read about abuse, survival, and hope. It was beautifully well written and kept me glued to every page! My emotions were everywhere! I cried, I cringed, I laughed, and I swooned! This was my first Jessica Wilde novel, and I was not disappointed. I am excited to have another author's books to look forward to. Ricochet is one of those books that while you are reading it...you get excited about who the next story will be about because this one is so good, and there are so many amazing characters!
Arianna West was beautiful, young, and naive. Anyone that met Arianna couldn't help but be drawn to her. She had a light within her that shined bright and a smile that could brighten an entire room. The future had looked promising for Arianna until one mistake on her behalf, changed her entire life. Her brother had become distant and the boy that she had loved as long as she could remember, had left without a word. Lost and lonely, Arianna found herself in the arms of the wrong man. A man that would take everything from her and leave her broken in more ways than one.
"I should have been more careful. I should have known he would look for me. I left him without one word, without even seeing him again. I should have prepared." ~Arianna
When Arianna finally ran and accepted help from her brother, she never expected to run into Jack again. After 6 years, her heart still beat for only one man. Despite the hate that she had carried for him after he had left, she could not ignore the way she felt when he was around.
"Just the sight of him took my breath away whether he was happy, angry, sad...he was Jack, and Jack owned my heart." ~Arianna
After years of living in fear, Arianna had never been more afraid than she was now. With everything to lose, she was determined to fight. Fight for her freedom, fight for love, but most importantly...fight for her life.
"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." ~Jack
I LOVED this book! I loved the strength that Arianna's character displayed. I love novels with strong heroines. The hot brother, brother's best-friend, and detective didn't hurt either! Jack was definitely swoon worthy, Jake was amazing, and Sean sounds delicious! I would highly recommend this book to fans of Kate McCarthy and romantic suspense reads. I am so excited to read more from Jessica Wilde, and I am counting down the days until Jake's story!!!
♥Review by Lys
Arianna West was beautiful, young, and naive. Anyone that met Arianna couldn't help but be drawn to her. She had a light within her that shined bright and a smile that could brighten an entire room. The future had looked promising for Arianna until one mistake on her behalf, changed her entire life. Her brother had become distant and the boy that she had loved as long as she could remember, had left without a word. Lost and lonely, Arianna found herself in the arms of the wrong man. A man that would take everything from her and leave her broken in more ways than one.
"I should have been more careful. I should have known he would look for me. I left him without one word, without even seeing him again. I should have prepared." ~Arianna
When Arianna finally ran and accepted help from her brother, she never expected to run into Jack again. After 6 years, her heart still beat for only one man. Despite the hate that she had carried for him after he had left, she could not ignore the way she felt when he was around.
"Just the sight of him took my breath away whether he was happy, angry, sad...he was Jack, and Jack owned my heart." ~Arianna
After years of living in fear, Arianna had never been more afraid than she was now. With everything to lose, she was determined to fight. Fight for her freedom, fight for love, but most importantly...fight for her life.
"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places." ~Jack
I LOVED this book! I loved the strength that Arianna's character displayed. I love novels with strong heroines. The hot brother, brother's best-friend, and detective didn't hurt either! Jack was definitely swoon worthy, Jake was amazing, and Sean sounds delicious! I would highly recommend this book to fans of Kate McCarthy and romantic suspense reads. I am so excited to read more from Jessica Wilde, and I am counting down the days until Jake's story!!!
♥Review by Lys
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