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Breaking Free #3
Saving Jay
Jason “Jay” Clarke is more than a perfectly pressed suit and dimpled smile. He’s a man desperate for the things his money can’t buy, acceptance and love.
Jade is a strong and independent tattoo artist still healing from heartbreak. She’s moved to Virginia for a fresh start but never expects to find a second chance.
They may be from two different worlds but there’s no denying their connection.
Jade is the light Jay has been searching for but will her love be enough to save him?
**WARNING** Not recommended for younger readers
Jade is a strong and independent tattoo artist still healing from heartbreak. She’s moved to Virginia for a fresh start but never expects to find a second chance.
They may be from two different worlds but there’s no denying their connection.
Jade is the light Jay has been searching for but will her love be enough to save him?
**WARNING** Not recommended for younger readers
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2015
12 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Abel
8 books578 followersE.M. Abel was born and raised a Marine Corps brat. She spent a large portion of her life moving and living in her mother’s home country, Japan. As a result, she gained independence and a unique perspective on the world. The youngest of three girls, E.M. Abel spent a lot of time alone in her room writing or sketching in her journals and dreaming up stories. Growing up, she wrote poems, short stories and articles for her high school newspaper. She also fell in love with art and discovered her deep need for self-expression.
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in life, she's always sure to do it her way.
Please feel free to write or send a friend request!
Now, a Navy wife with two small children of her own, she still loves being creative and most of all translating her stories into novels. E.M. Abel, now referred to as E or Em by her friends and readers, can often be found with her headphones on jamming out to punk rock, in a chair getting tattooed or cooking dinner for her kids and attending gymnastics practice. No matter what she's doing in life, she's always sure to do it her way.
Please feel free to write or send a friend request!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 20, 2015
5 stars!
EM Abel’s Breaking Free series has been one of those that gets better and better with each book. I really enjoyed reading Freeing Asia, but after reading Breaking Shaun, I knew that she was going to be one of those auto-buy authors for me. I love her writing style, her characters, and her storylines that are fun and fresh.
Saving Jay was by far the best of this series for me. When I met Jay in book one, I had a soft spot for him. There was a large part of me that wanted him to get the girl. But now I’m glad he didn’t. Because as much as I love Asia, there was a girl out there that was so much better for him. He just didn’t know it.
Jay has been missing love most his life. And not just the romantic kind. He has a tense relationship with his father, and his mother is constantly trying to play match maker. The problem is, she tries to set him up with the wrong type of girls every single time. Jay knows the type of woman he wants, and these spoiled rich girls are not it.
Jade isn’t looking for love. But when a man like Jason Clarke comes into your tattoo shop, he’s hard to resist. When Jade and Jay meet, sparks fly. Both are attracted to one another, but it’s more than that. You could tell deep down, they shared this connection. I loved the mutual nickname conversation that broke the ice. They had the best banter and I loved watching their friendship develop first and foremost. As their relationship starts to develop, both have to decide if this is something they can do. Can Jade risk getting hurt again? Can Jay open his heart to someone?
Both of these characters are endearing. Jade is fierce, strong and fun. Jay is sexy, damaged and dominant. For both Jay and Jade being broken characters, they have this strength thats there under the surface. They might be broken, but they aren’t weak. The strength that they both had with their situations was moving.
Jay and Jade had some hot, steamy and passionate scenes. Jay is the hottest of the bunch for me. This book was not lacking in the steam department. Their chemistry was off the charts, emotionally and physically.
One of the main things I love about this book is how balanced it is. It’s low angst and drama free, yet was still able to completely keep my attention. The characters are relatable and lovable, the writing is witty and fresh, and the story line is perfect for me- all about broken characters finding strength in themselves and each other, finding acceptance and finding love. This is one of those series I am truly sad to see end. If you haven’t read these books- I highly recommend.
“It’s the dark moments that makes the good ones shine.”
EM Abel’s Breaking Free series has been one of those that gets better and better with each book. I really enjoyed reading Freeing Asia, but after reading Breaking Shaun, I knew that she was going to be one of those auto-buy authors for me. I love her writing style, her characters, and her storylines that are fun and fresh.
Saving Jay was by far the best of this series for me. When I met Jay in book one, I had a soft spot for him. There was a large part of me that wanted him to get the girl. But now I’m glad he didn’t. Because as much as I love Asia, there was a girl out there that was so much better for him. He just didn’t know it.
Jay has been missing love most his life. And not just the romantic kind. He has a tense relationship with his father, and his mother is constantly trying to play match maker. The problem is, she tries to set him up with the wrong type of girls every single time. Jay knows the type of woman he wants, and these spoiled rich girls are not it.
“I like women with tattoos. I like a woman who genuinely gives a shit about what I think and doesn’t care about what’s in my bank account. I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.”Jade has packed up her life and moved to Virginia Beach to open her own tattoo parlor. Wanting to get away from her past and out of the lime light of a tattoo reality show, she starts fresh here. Jade is on a quest to move on from her past, to find herself again.
Jade isn’t looking for love. But when a man like Jason Clarke comes into your tattoo shop, he’s hard to resist. When Jade and Jay meet, sparks fly. Both are attracted to one another, but it’s more than that. You could tell deep down, they shared this connection. I loved the mutual nickname conversation that broke the ice. They had the best banter and I loved watching their friendship develop first and foremost. As their relationship starts to develop, both have to decide if this is something they can do. Can Jade risk getting hurt again? Can Jay open his heart to someone?
Both of these characters are endearing. Jade is fierce, strong and fun. Jay is sexy, damaged and dominant. For both Jay and Jade being broken characters, they have this strength thats there under the surface. They might be broken, but they aren’t weak. The strength that they both had with their situations was moving.
Jay and Jade had some hot, steamy and passionate scenes. Jay is the hottest of the bunch for me. This book was not lacking in the steam department. Their chemistry was off the charts, emotionally and physically.
One of the main things I love about this book is how balanced it is. It’s low angst and drama free, yet was still able to completely keep my attention. The characters are relatable and lovable, the writing is witty and fresh, and the story line is perfect for me- all about broken characters finding strength in themselves and each other, finding acceptance and finding love. This is one of those series I am truly sad to see end. If you haven’t read these books- I highly recommend.
She helped carry the weight of my heart until it was light enough for me to hold on my own. It was her love that saved me.
May 23, 2015
LIVE on AMAZON
I have loved all of the books in the Breaking Free Series and Saving Jay was no exception. There is just something about these characters that I have loved, rooted for, and fell in love with. I am so sad to series this come to end, but love that Jay got his story. We first met Jay in Freeing Asia and while I was never Team Jay over Team Marcus, there was something about him that intrigued me.
Jason Clarke isn’t like the other characters we have met in the Breaking Free Series, he is a millionaire, playboy and seems to have the world at his finger tips.
"I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.”
When we first meet Jay he is placating his mother by going on endless blind dates, with spoiled, self-centered women. At first glance you would probably think he would be interested in this type of woman since it’s easy to assume they are cut from the same cloth. The difference is Jay wanted more. He wanted to work hard, create his own success and then giveback.
Jay wants love, needs love, but has had a hard time finding the type of woman he can love and will love him for the man he is not what he can offer them.
Jade Holliday knows exactly what it is like to suffer. She has just discovered her long time boyfriend has been cheating on her. This isn’t the first offense, it is just the straw that broke the camel’s back. Jade has watched the man she loved turn to drugs and become addicted, she has been physically and mentally abused trying to help him. Now she has decided to make choices for herself. The first thing is moving to Virginia Beach to open her tattoo shop.
While Jade is too humble to admit it, she is famous in her own right for her tattoos. So when she moves into town everyone takes notice of the beautiful artist covered in colorful ink. Jay and Jade first meet when he goes into her new shop looking for ink. Jay is immediately taken back by her beauty. Jade is nothing like the girls he has been setup with and he wants nothing more then to get to know her. Despite Jade’s attraction to Jay she isn’t emotionally ready to get into another relationship.
Instead Jay and Jade beginning hanging out as friends and getting to know each other. This allows both of them to get to know the other without any fears of rejection and getting hurt. However, it’s just a matter of time before their intense chemistry is too much and they are crossing the imaginary lines they have drawn.
Jay and Jade are both successful and from the outside look like they have it all together, but that is far from the truth. I love how these two seemingly perfect people were able to help each other overcome the walls they built, their self doubt and issues with self-worth.
Abel’s writing is so fresh and real. While reading I was able to connect to the characters and feel empathy for them. Both of these characters are damaged, but possess such incredible strength, determination and will. I adored this story from the beginning to the end. It had the perfect level of heart, sexiness and angst. This story didn’t contain drama for the sake of drama, every “issue” was used to define a new depth in their relationship.
I am not sure I could ever rank this series in order of favorites, but I will say Jay definitely steals the title of dirtiest talker. The connection between Jay and Jade was scorching hot, definitely a fan. As if you can’t tell I highly recommend this story! While this can be read as stand alone, I highly recommend reading all the books in the series.
"To love someone is see past the person’s flaws, to forgive the mistakes, and sometimes, to know when to say good-bye.”
Finally, the last thing I want to do is say good-bye to these characters. I want to message EM and tell her she needs to keep going there are so many more stories to tell, but I will trust her creative judgement and be thankful for the stories she gave us in the Breaking Free Series.
ARC kindly provided by EM Abel in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved all of the books in the Breaking Free Series and Saving Jay was no exception. There is just something about these characters that I have loved, rooted for, and fell in love with. I am so sad to series this come to end, but love that Jay got his story. We first met Jay in Freeing Asia and while I was never Team Jay over Team Marcus, there was something about him that intrigued me.
Jason Clarke isn’t like the other characters we have met in the Breaking Free Series, he is a millionaire, playboy and seems to have the world at his finger tips.
"I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.”
When we first meet Jay he is placating his mother by going on endless blind dates, with spoiled, self-centered women. At first glance you would probably think he would be interested in this type of woman since it’s easy to assume they are cut from the same cloth. The difference is Jay wanted more. He wanted to work hard, create his own success and then giveback.
Jay wants love, needs love, but has had a hard time finding the type of woman he can love and will love him for the man he is not what he can offer them.
Jade Holliday knows exactly what it is like to suffer. She has just discovered her long time boyfriend has been cheating on her. This isn’t the first offense, it is just the straw that broke the camel’s back. Jade has watched the man she loved turn to drugs and become addicted, she has been physically and mentally abused trying to help him. Now she has decided to make choices for herself. The first thing is moving to Virginia Beach to open her tattoo shop.
While Jade is too humble to admit it, she is famous in her own right for her tattoos. So when she moves into town everyone takes notice of the beautiful artist covered in colorful ink. Jay and Jade first meet when he goes into her new shop looking for ink. Jay is immediately taken back by her beauty. Jade is nothing like the girls he has been setup with and he wants nothing more then to get to know her. Despite Jade’s attraction to Jay she isn’t emotionally ready to get into another relationship.
Instead Jay and Jade beginning hanging out as friends and getting to know each other. This allows both of them to get to know the other without any fears of rejection and getting hurt. However, it’s just a matter of time before their intense chemistry is too much and they are crossing the imaginary lines they have drawn.
Jay and Jade are both successful and from the outside look like they have it all together, but that is far from the truth. I love how these two seemingly perfect people were able to help each other overcome the walls they built, their self doubt and issues with self-worth.
Abel’s writing is so fresh and real. While reading I was able to connect to the characters and feel empathy for them. Both of these characters are damaged, but possess such incredible strength, determination and will. I adored this story from the beginning to the end. It had the perfect level of heart, sexiness and angst. This story didn’t contain drama for the sake of drama, every “issue” was used to define a new depth in their relationship.
I am not sure I could ever rank this series in order of favorites, but I will say Jay definitely steals the title of dirtiest talker. The connection between Jay and Jade was scorching hot, definitely a fan. As if you can’t tell I highly recommend this story! While this can be read as stand alone, I highly recommend reading all the books in the series.
"To love someone is see past the person’s flaws, to forgive the mistakes, and sometimes, to know when to say good-bye.”
Finally, the last thing I want to do is say good-bye to these characters. I want to message EM and tell her she needs to keep going there are so many more stories to tell, but I will trust her creative judgement and be thankful for the stories she gave us in the Breaking Free Series.
ARC kindly provided by EM Abel in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
4-4.5 Stars
I became a fan of E.M. Abel after reading Breaking Shaun, but finishing this book just solidified it. She has such a raw talent; giving you these characters that are very far from the mainstream and incredibly endearing. If you've read the previous two books in this series, you'll find this one to be a definite change of pace. There's no major drama, no crazy angst, no plot twists and crazy plot devices. It's a story about two somewhat broken souls learning how to heal themselves and then each other. It's a beautiful love story with perfectly imperfect characters. It's emotional, it's sexy, it's touching, and it's real.
If you've read Freeing Asia, then you've already met Jay. But if you haven't then don't worry because you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Jay is a man that on the surface seemingly has everything; wealth, a successful career, and his pick of any woman he wants. But beneath the surface of his suave exterior is the broken soul of a man that craves the things that he can never seem to get; his father's approval and love and a woman that doesn't just see him for what he can offer her.
While he thought that Asia was the one that got away, now he realizes that it wasn't so much her as the idea of her. He envies what Asia has with her husband, Marcus, but not because he wants her still but the love that they share. He's tired of going on never ending dates with shallow women from his "circles" that bore him with their incessant talking about themselves and being seen as nothing more than a handsome wallet.
Then one day, a chance meeting with an exotic beauty changes everything...
Jade is a talented tattoo artist that even got a chance to be on a popular MTV reality show. She's built up quite a following for her work because of it, but after her relationship implodes, she leaves her life in Boston behind to start new.
When Jay walks into her new tattoo shop for his tattoo, she's instantly drawn to the immaculately dressed man that covers his ink in designer suits. The chemistry between them is instant and they're equally drawn to each other, though there's no insta-anything to be found here.
I think the part that I truly loved about this book is that while both Jay and Jade are broken characters, they're also equally as strong...especially Jade. I thought that E.M. did such an amazing job in giving the reader an incredibly realistic portrayal of people that fight their own demons instead of each other.
While Jade has trust issues because of her ex-boyfriends betrayal, Jay has his own demons that are left from his turbulent relationship with his father. But yet together, they make perfect sense. This is a fairly slow paced book, but that also makes the reader truly get invested into the relationship between Jay and Jade. You feel all their ups and downs and you find yourself falling right along with them.
While at times I did find myself growing a little bored and turning the pages a little quicker in the hopes of something happening that would pick up the pace, I also appreciated the fact that there was nothing crazy or dramatic. It wouldn't have been true to the characters or their story. It's no small feat to portray a relationship that still has it's ups and downs without making it be overly dramatic or angsty. I truly fell hard for both of these characters. Jade was still so strong even though her issues run deep, it was incredibly endearing. Jay was this perfect combination of demanding and sexy and vulnerable. There were two scenes that even managed to bring tears to my cold and black little heart.
If you're looking for a sweet and sexy romance that while it may be slower paced still packs a punch, this is definitely the book for you. I adored it and cannot wait to see what this woman writes next. As sad as I am that this series has come to an end, I also appreciate that it wasn't necessarily dragged out. It ended on the perfect note and with the perfect couple. Just wonderful.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
It's the dark moments that make the good ones shine.
I became a fan of E.M. Abel after reading Breaking Shaun, but finishing this book just solidified it. She has such a raw talent; giving you these characters that are very far from the mainstream and incredibly endearing. If you've read the previous two books in this series, you'll find this one to be a definite change of pace. There's no major drama, no crazy angst, no plot twists and crazy plot devices. It's a story about two somewhat broken souls learning how to heal themselves and then each other. It's a beautiful love story with perfectly imperfect characters. It's emotional, it's sexy, it's touching, and it's real.
If you've read Freeing Asia, then you've already met Jay. But if you haven't then don't worry because you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Jay is a man that on the surface seemingly has everything; wealth, a successful career, and his pick of any woman he wants. But beneath the surface of his suave exterior is the broken soul of a man that craves the things that he can never seem to get; his father's approval and love and a woman that doesn't just see him for what he can offer her.
While he thought that Asia was the one that got away, now he realizes that it wasn't so much her as the idea of her. He envies what Asia has with her husband, Marcus, but not because he wants her still but the love that they share. He's tired of going on never ending dates with shallow women from his "circles" that bore him with their incessant talking about themselves and being seen as nothing more than a handsome wallet.
Then one day, a chance meeting with an exotic beauty changes everything...
Jade is a talented tattoo artist that even got a chance to be on a popular MTV reality show. She's built up quite a following for her work because of it, but after her relationship implodes, she leaves her life in Boston behind to start new.
When Jay walks into her new tattoo shop for his tattoo, she's instantly drawn to the immaculately dressed man that covers his ink in designer suits. The chemistry between them is instant and they're equally drawn to each other, though there's no insta-anything to be found here.
I think the part that I truly loved about this book is that while both Jay and Jade are broken characters, they're also equally as strong...especially Jade. I thought that E.M. did such an amazing job in giving the reader an incredibly realistic portrayal of people that fight their own demons instead of each other.
While Jade has trust issues because of her ex-boyfriends betrayal, Jay has his own demons that are left from his turbulent relationship with his father. But yet together, they make perfect sense. This is a fairly slow paced book, but that also makes the reader truly get invested into the relationship between Jay and Jade. You feel all their ups and downs and you find yourself falling right along with them.
While at times I did find myself growing a little bored and turning the pages a little quicker in the hopes of something happening that would pick up the pace, I also appreciated the fact that there was nothing crazy or dramatic. It wouldn't have been true to the characters or their story. It's no small feat to portray a relationship that still has it's ups and downs without making it be overly dramatic or angsty. I truly fell hard for both of these characters. Jade was still so strong even though her issues run deep, it was incredibly endearing. Jay was this perfect combination of demanding and sexy and vulnerable. There were two scenes that even managed to bring tears to my cold and black little heart.
If you're looking for a sweet and sexy romance that while it may be slower paced still packs a punch, this is definitely the book for you. I adored it and cannot wait to see what this woman writes next. As sad as I am that this series has come to an end, I also appreciate that it wasn't necessarily dragged out. It ended on the perfect note and with the perfect couple. Just wonderful.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
February 13, 2015
Title: Saving Jay
Series: Breaking Free #3
Author: E. M Abel
Release Date: February, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
'Love was the one thing I'd always wanted most and never seemed to get right.'
This is a novel where two broken souls together become a little less broken.
I really enjoy reading E. M Abel’s books. Every time I read something she wrote I was in for an endearing ride. Her books are steamy, passionate and powerful. There is no over the top drama or crazy shit going there, just pure, raw love story between two ‘normal’ people. Real characters with real problems and flaws. I like that I can always count on getting realistic story. It’s refreshing.
Saving Jay is authentic yet it keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are relatable and likeable and it’s very easy to connect with either of them. The sexy times where obviously awesome and hot and the chemistry between the main characters off the charts. And even though I thought the plot was a tad bit too slow sometimes I really enjoyed it.
“You let me into your heart," he murmured as he swept the backs of his fingers along my jaw. "You took my ugly dark piece of art and turned it into a masterpiece."
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February 9, 2015
3.75 Stars
Saving Jay was a drama free, authentic romance. I've enjoyed this series, with Breaking Shaun being my favorite. The Breaking Free series is fun and unique, with relatable and fresh characters.
Jade is a talented tattoo artist, she is confident and outgoing, except when it comes to relationships, catching the man you love cheating on you, will do that. Jay is a successful business man, he is a bit of a man-whore but he wants to find love, and the one time he came close, it didn't work out. When these two cross paths, they are instantly drawn to each other. They start to spend time together, but as time passes they find themselves unable to resist their connection.
Jay's story was a nice, slow building romance, without added drama and angst, just a story about two people finding love. I enjoyed this one, especially when Shaun made an appearance ;)
*ARC provided by E.M. Abel in exchange of honest review*
Saving Jay was a drama free, authentic romance. I've enjoyed this series, with Breaking Shaun being my favorite. The Breaking Free series is fun and unique, with relatable and fresh characters.
Jade is a talented tattoo artist, she is confident and outgoing, except when it comes to relationships, catching the man you love cheating on you, will do that. Jay is a successful business man, he is a bit of a man-whore but he wants to find love, and the one time he came close, it didn't work out. When these two cross paths, they are instantly drawn to each other. They start to spend time together, but as time passes they find themselves unable to resist their connection.
Jay's story was a nice, slow building romance, without added drama and angst, just a story about two people finding love. I enjoyed this one, especially when Shaun made an appearance ;)
*ARC provided by E.M. Abel in exchange of honest review*
March 27, 2018
NOW LIVE ON AMAZON!!!
Link: http://amzn.com/B00TE2QPMM
And Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/savin...
Link: http://amzn.com/B00TE2QPMM
And Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/savin...
June 18, 2015
5 Fearless Stars!!!
You know how when there is a book character you have been waiting to have their own story..and you just know once that character FINALLY has their own story it will be totally amazing. Well that was Jay for me. I met Jay in Freeing Asia, the first book in this 3 part series, and he has always held a special place for me throughout this entire series. Although his appearance was fairly minimal in book 2 Breaking Shaun his character was still one I was waiting breathlessly for. And I was not disappointed a single bit once I got him in my hands. Jay's story actually exceeded my expectations!
OK.. so we met Jay in Freeing Asia.. and although each book could be read as standalones, I really feel like you will love these characters more if you start from the beginning with Freeing Asia.. Jay was a complicated character from the beginning.. A sexy GQ refined businessman on the outside but with ink covering his skin underneath the layers of refinement.. a testament to the true man hidden within. Part of Jay has lived his life trying to please his father and take over his fathers businesses.. be the Jr. he was meant to be. The other side of Jay is a little dirtier and hates being confined to the shell he's been put in. Asia, in book one, helped bring Jay's true side to the surface but he still struggled with who he was and his obligations ..
And then there is Jade....I LOVE this girl!! I have a major girl crush going on...Jade is a kick ass tattoo artist and her ink is in high demand right now.. she's made a move an opening her own shop in Jay's city..ready to spread her wings. She's also leaving behind a man that she thought she loved ..a man that didn't treat her right. Although she appears to be very confident, she's been hurt and she carries that hurt inside her...
Jade and Jay meet when Jay needs a new piece put on his back.. Jade has taken over the shop. He's a little apprehensive at first but definitely intrigued by this new artist and a whole lot attacted. The feeling is definitely mutual from Jade. These two had chemistry through the roof!! The sparks between them where just jumping off the pages of my Kindle and I was eating every moment up with them and I have pages and pages of highlight done between them. On the surface, at first glance, they didn't look like they fit together on the outside.. but they were utter perfection together.
Jay still struggles with not being the man his father wanted him to be and Jade struggles with feeling like she wasn't enough for the last man in her life. They are both broken in some ways but all they need is each other to heal those insecurities..
Watching Jay and Jade come together was nothing short of pure perfection for me. I cannot stress enough how much I love a female character that is not whiney or indecisive. Although Jade had her issues, she was still such a strong kick ass woman that loved life and she gave just as good as she got. I cannot imagine a better character for Jay than Jade. She was total amazeballs.. and funny as hell!
" Do you not like dolphins?" " I LOVE dolphins! What's next? Fucking rainbows and unicorns?"
Jay smiled, and I swore, if it could, my vagina would have smiled back
Yep.. I loved both Jay and Jade hard. Usually, for me, it's the guy that really "makes" the book.. but not so in this case. Saving Jay was equal parts Jay and Jade for me..
Such an great story! I smiled so hard at times and got all tingly at others.. I even got a little misty eyed a couple of times. This was an amazing read for.. I loved it hard.
Seriously guys.. do not miss out on this one.. if you've not read the first two books in this series, you are totally missing out. Get on it!!
Love is fearless... it has to be..
Advanced copy provided by author
You know how when there is a book character you have been waiting to have their own story..and you just know once that character FINALLY has their own story it will be totally amazing. Well that was Jay for me. I met Jay in Freeing Asia, the first book in this 3 part series, and he has always held a special place for me throughout this entire series. Although his appearance was fairly minimal in book 2 Breaking Shaun his character was still one I was waiting breathlessly for. And I was not disappointed a single bit once I got him in my hands. Jay's story actually exceeded my expectations!
OK.. so we met Jay in Freeing Asia.. and although each book could be read as standalones, I really feel like you will love these characters more if you start from the beginning with Freeing Asia.. Jay was a complicated character from the beginning.. A sexy GQ refined businessman on the outside but with ink covering his skin underneath the layers of refinement.. a testament to the true man hidden within. Part of Jay has lived his life trying to please his father and take over his fathers businesses.. be the Jr. he was meant to be. The other side of Jay is a little dirtier and hates being confined to the shell he's been put in. Asia, in book one, helped bring Jay's true side to the surface but he still struggled with who he was and his obligations ..
And then there is Jade....I LOVE this girl!! I have a major girl crush going on...Jade is a kick ass tattoo artist and her ink is in high demand right now.. she's made a move an opening her own shop in Jay's city..ready to spread her wings. She's also leaving behind a man that she thought she loved ..a man that didn't treat her right. Although she appears to be very confident, she's been hurt and she carries that hurt inside her...
Jade and Jay meet when Jay needs a new piece put on his back.. Jade has taken over the shop. He's a little apprehensive at first but definitely intrigued by this new artist and a whole lot attacted. The feeling is definitely mutual from Jade. These two had chemistry through the roof!! The sparks between them where just jumping off the pages of my Kindle and I was eating every moment up with them and I have pages and pages of highlight done between them. On the surface, at first glance, they didn't look like they fit together on the outside.. but they were utter perfection together.
Jay still struggles with not being the man his father wanted him to be and Jade struggles with feeling like she wasn't enough for the last man in her life. They are both broken in some ways but all they need is each other to heal those insecurities..
Watching Jay and Jade come together was nothing short of pure perfection for me. I cannot stress enough how much I love a female character that is not whiney or indecisive. Although Jade had her issues, she was still such a strong kick ass woman that loved life and she gave just as good as she got. I cannot imagine a better character for Jay than Jade. She was total amazeballs.. and funny as hell!
" Do you not like dolphins?" " I LOVE dolphins! What's next? Fucking rainbows and unicorns?"
Jay smiled, and I swore, if it could, my vagina would have smiled back
Yep.. I loved both Jay and Jade hard. Usually, for me, it's the guy that really "makes" the book.. but not so in this case. Saving Jay was equal parts Jay and Jade for me..
Such an great story! I smiled so hard at times and got all tingly at others.. I even got a little misty eyed a couple of times. This was an amazing read for.. I loved it hard.
Seriously guys.. do not miss out on this one.. if you've not read the first two books in this series, you are totally missing out. Get on it!!
Love is fearless... it has to be..
Advanced copy provided by author
January 30, 2015
Title:Saving Jay
Series:Breaking Free #3
Author:E.M. Abel
Release date: February 10 , 2015
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA
It's been a year and a half since I started this series, and as much as I've enjoyed each installment, it's sad to see it all come to a close. This is one of those series that has managed to pull 4-5 stars out of me for every single book. She creates characters that aren't your typical everyday, mass-produced, predictable characters. They're characters with an edge, and ever since I was first introduced to Jay, the sexy, tatted businessman who Asia passed over in book one, I was anxious to see him find his one. Jay wasn't perfect, but there was something so intriguing about this successful man from a wealthy upbringing who has this whole other rebellious and dominant side. I just knew he was going to be fascinating to get to know and I wasn't disappointed. And I don't typically like the heroine equally as much, but in this case, she matched Jay so well and she was just as intriguing.
Jade is a tattoo artist who just left a reality show and moved to Virginia Beach to open her own shop. The unwanted attention that came with being on television was an invasion of privacy rather than exciting, and she was eager to get out of the public eye. She's been burned badly by her ex and is hoping that a new start will be the first step in shedding the unhappiness that's surrounded her for too long. She doesn't even recognise herself anymore-her shattered trust has made her a shadow of who she was.
Despite her rough past, she wasn't pitiful or whiny. I found her strong, unique, and adorably quirky. She's part Cherokee, Jamaican, and white, so she has this beautifully exotic, and unique look. She has no filter from her brain to her mouth, her body is a canvas of art from head to toe, and she just has this edgy, rock and roll style to her that I loved. All these things just melded together to make a really well layered and lovable heroine I could really connect with.
Jay is struggling day to day with his own happiness. His father's disapproval and lack of love has worn on him his entire life, and affected his relationships. He wants a woman that sees past his money and family and can show him real love-something that's been lacking from everyone he's ever been close to. Right away, I knew that I would love Jay. He has the dominant, bossy side, but isn't afraid to show tenderness and protectiveness as well. But his bossy side? Oh, my this man can take control and own it like nobody's business. He had me at hello.
I like women with tattoos. I like a woman who genuinely gives a shit about what I think and doesn't care about what's in my bank account. I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.
Right away, these two have this connection from the first time they meet. Their banter and flirty side kicked in, but at the same time, they had this tangible sexual tension that you could just cut with a knife. And the fact that they both had the same nickname? Win. I loved that.
I'm Jade by the way. My friends call me J."
"Nice to meet you, Jade. I'm Jason. My friends call me Jay, too."
I expected her to laugh at our similar nicknames. Instead, she stared at me before saying, "Wow. When you smile, it's like..." She started making noises resembling an explosion and gestures with her free hand. Now I was the one laughing.
They both have trust issues, but what I liked was that for the most part, Jade didn't judge him on her ex's mistakes. She was able to separate the two and let their attraction take root even though she was afraid. She does have her issues later on, but for the most part, she made her decisions with maturity and I really respected that.
Jay's main conflict was finding the ability to let the woman that he loved in completely. To let her see his light and his dark side. He's always had a problem letting the women in his life see every part of him. Even his fears and weaknesses.
I really appreciated the fact that both of their issues were relatable and natural, but most of all, not excessively dramatic. Their problems were something that I could really identify with and they weren't drawn out or ridiculously overblown to create angst. I'm so over reading about a character that has their dog, aunt, mother, and best friend die, they get a life threatening illness, and then discover that the baby they gave away for adoption has been living nearby...only to find the love of their life (cue the hero/heroine) and they live happily ever after. I like an angst filled book as much as the next girl, but I need some relatable people with my drama please! Yes, these two had hardships in their pasts, but it wasn't the main focus of the story. It was just a straightforward love story with some super steamy, sweat inducing, tension filled moments that were totally delicious. When Jay's devilish side came out to play, I was saying, come to mama.
"I'm gonna make this mine," he murmured against my ear as he added another finger and pressed them both inside. I couldn't talk. I was breathing so hard, my body completely under his control. I loved Jay's dirty side. It was even filthier than I'd imagined."
Me too, Jade. Me too.
I loved this couple's outward dichotomy, yet on the inside, they had so much in common, they felt like they were perfectly paired. They both had money, but they weren't pretentious, they both were burned by loved ones and had a hard time allowing others into their life. But they also were both looking for a real, solid love and weren't afraid to fight for what they wanted.
As sad as I was to see this series go, I felt like these two ended it out with a bang. The only reason I didn't rate it a perfect 5 stars was as much as I enjoyed both the couple and their dynamic, I did feel like at times through the book, things slowed down enough to where I was starting to feel the urge to skim to some action. The conflicts were perhaps a little too smooth to garner that wow factor, but nevertheless, I did like this book very much. I'm looking forward to seeing what E.M. Abel has up her sleeve for us next. I'll be the first one in line to get my copy.
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February 18, 2015
5 EM Abel "Saved Me" Stars
I needed this. I needed a good guy, a fun girl, a no-nonsense meet and greet. I needed an all out love story with little drama, perfect heat, and mature adult behavior. I needed Jay's story like crazy.
I always liked Jay. I was hoping his story was a bit "rough" and tumble. I know he likes a lot of control and I was ready!
"I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.”
I was a bit rocked at his need for LOVE more than control. One look at Jade Holliday and he finds a new purpose. Is there attraction to the beautiful tattoo genius? YES, of course. But more than that there is a want to be in her presence. Her laughter alone brings him an inner peace that he is desperate for.But will Jade open her own wounds to a man who could potentially destroy her?
Well, E.M. Abel delivered. I was completely unprepared for Jason Clarke's heart. While I loved the prior book in this series, I cannot YELL loud enough how much this one was my FAVORITE. I had an idea in my head that Jay was a hard dominant man, a billionaire playboy that "wanted" more but was going to have too much darkness to accept it. I was unprepared for how amazingly emotional his story would be. Thank you to EM for giving him Jade...a free spirited beauty whose art reached the light inside him and made him whole!
Be prepared for a tough, beautiful man who falls hard. Be ready to see a feisty strong woman open her broken soul. Be prepared for a fabulously open love story where two strangers connect and become everything to one another.
"Love is fearless. It has to be."
I needed this. I needed a good guy, a fun girl, a no-nonsense meet and greet. I needed an all out love story with little drama, perfect heat, and mature adult behavior. I needed Jay's story like crazy.
I always liked Jay. I was hoping his story was a bit "rough" and tumble. I know he likes a lot of control and I was ready!
"I enjoy fucking women like I own them, and as you probably already know, I only own the best of everything.”
I was a bit rocked at his need for LOVE more than control. One look at Jade Holliday and he finds a new purpose. Is there attraction to the beautiful tattoo genius? YES, of course. But more than that there is a want to be in her presence. Her laughter alone brings him an inner peace that he is desperate for.But will Jade open her own wounds to a man who could potentially destroy her?
Well, E.M. Abel delivered. I was completely unprepared for Jason Clarke's heart. While I loved the prior book in this series, I cannot YELL loud enough how much this one was my FAVORITE. I had an idea in my head that Jay was a hard dominant man, a billionaire playboy that "wanted" more but was going to have too much darkness to accept it. I was unprepared for how amazingly emotional his story would be. Thank you to EM for giving him Jade...a free spirited beauty whose art reached the light inside him and made him whole!
Be prepared for a tough, beautiful man who falls hard. Be ready to see a feisty strong woman open her broken soul. Be prepared for a fabulously open love story where two strangers connect and become everything to one another.
"Love is fearless. It has to be."
March 4, 2015
This book is Rated ‘W’ for Well Done!
4.5 STARS out of 5
Contemporary Romance
I had the pleasure of meeting the wealthy sexy as all hell business man Jason Clarke in Freeing Asia which was the first book in the freeing series. His character left more than an impression. Jay was UNFORGETTABLE. The small taste of him was not enough; so when E.M. Abel announced he would be getting his own book the countdown had begun.
The most eligible bachelor
Coming from a prominent and wealthy family Jay along with the Clarke name is well known. Jay finds himself being set up on some blind dates by his mother much to his dismay. However he entertains his mother by going on each and every date. Trust me when I say that he does NOT need her help finding the one for him. He LITERALLY walks right up to her.
Jade Holliday left Boston and has returned to Virginia Beach after her relationship with her ex-boyfriend went bad. She reopened a local Tattoo shop and has business pouring in. With a broken heart on the mend Jade now has her guard up when it comes to the opposite sex. Yet and still when a well dressed handsomely suited up Jason comes walking in looking to get inked she can’t help but fall for his charm.
Jay needs a woman strong enough to save him because on the outside everything in his world looks good but on the inside behind closed doors not so much… Jade finally meets a guy who will be honest with her no matter what. But can she save him from the dark place he’s found himself in.
The Characters:
Jay- The first on site physical description of Jason Clarke and actually getting to know the man who is Jay TWO totally different people… Yes, he is a sexy well suited up business man but underneath is a tatted up dominate alpha male who leaves nothing to the imagination. He lives out his desires and I love that about him!
Jade- A girl we all would love to know! She’s fun, sexy, has no filter and will often speak her mind at will. What I loved about her was the way she easily decided to live and love again by opening herself up in just about every way to Jay regardless of what happened in her past.
Together these two are explosive!
Readers also get introduced to some new secondary characters one of which I’d like to get to know better ;)
My Thoughts
Told in dual points of view E.M. Abel keeps her characters relatable with true to life situations. She has fun with them within the story lines but is not afraid to delve a little deeper and pull on your heart strings. The writing is great, Abel put the main characters chemistry on display and it was INCREDIBLE! As we all know chemistry is sooo important and she nailed it! These characters are sure to capture the hearts of its readers.
My Ratings
Characters- Sweet, Sexy and Relatable
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- After experiencing heartbreak two people find themselves falling for each other. One saving the other with some good old tlc(tender loving care)
Steam Factor- Lo-Med-Hi I say High, On a scale of 1-10 I say 8
Entertainment Level- On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi I would say Medium
Overall- I loved it!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
4.5 STARS out of 5
Contemporary Romance
I had the pleasure of meeting the wealthy sexy as all hell business man Jason Clarke in Freeing Asia which was the first book in the freeing series. His character left more than an impression. Jay was UNFORGETTABLE. The small taste of him was not enough; so when E.M. Abel announced he would be getting his own book the countdown had begun.
The most eligible bachelor
Coming from a prominent and wealthy family Jay along with the Clarke name is well known. Jay finds himself being set up on some blind dates by his mother much to his dismay. However he entertains his mother by going on each and every date. Trust me when I say that he does NOT need her help finding the one for him. He LITERALLY walks right up to her.
Jade Holliday left Boston and has returned to Virginia Beach after her relationship with her ex-boyfriend went bad. She reopened a local Tattoo shop and has business pouring in. With a broken heart on the mend Jade now has her guard up when it comes to the opposite sex. Yet and still when a well dressed handsomely suited up Jason comes walking in looking to get inked she can’t help but fall for his charm.
Jay needs a woman strong enough to save him because on the outside everything in his world looks good but on the inside behind closed doors not so much… Jade finally meets a guy who will be honest with her no matter what. But can she save him from the dark place he’s found himself in.
The Characters:
Jay- The first on site physical description of Jason Clarke and actually getting to know the man who is Jay TWO totally different people… Yes, he is a sexy well suited up business man but underneath is a tatted up dominate alpha male who leaves nothing to the imagination. He lives out his desires and I love that about him!
Jade- A girl we all would love to know! She’s fun, sexy, has no filter and will often speak her mind at will. What I loved about her was the way she easily decided to live and love again by opening herself up in just about every way to Jay regardless of what happened in her past.
Together these two are explosive!
Readers also get introduced to some new secondary characters one of which I’d like to get to know better ;)
My Thoughts
Told in dual points of view E.M. Abel keeps her characters relatable with true to life situations. She has fun with them within the story lines but is not afraid to delve a little deeper and pull on your heart strings. The writing is great, Abel put the main characters chemistry on display and it was INCREDIBLE! As we all know chemistry is sooo important and she nailed it! These characters are sure to capture the hearts of its readers.
My Ratings
Characters- Sweet, Sexy and Relatable
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- After experiencing heartbreak two people find themselves falling for each other. One saving the other with some good old tlc(tender loving care)
Steam Factor- Lo-Med-Hi I say High, On a scale of 1-10 I say 8
Entertainment Level- On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi I would say Medium
Overall- I loved it!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
February 12, 2015
♥♥♥ 4.25 STARS ♥♥♥
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"Love is fearless. It has to be."
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If you have read Freeing Asia, than you are more than familiar with Jay. I really liked Jay in the first book of this series. He wasn't perfect and that is why I so desperately wanted to know more about him. That is why I was so excited to dive into this book.
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'The real me was lost somewhere inside the chaos of heartbreak and survival, but I was determined to find her again.'
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Jade is a very talented tattoo artist, who has garnered quite the amount of recognition after being in a reality tv show while she worked at the tattoo shop that she had interned at in Boston. She was ready for a change and was ready to open up a tattoo shop of her own. She is very sure in what she does as an artist, but not so much when it comes to relationships. Especially after her last one ended because of her ex cheating on her. As a result, she has become a bit insecure of herself.
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'Love was the one thing I'd always wanted most and never seemed to get right.'
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Jay on the other hand, is a wealthy business man, who is looking to find love. After losing Asia, he fears that he will never find that special someone with whom he can share a strong connection to, and open up completely to. It's been a struggle for him to find his happiness, especially with a father who seems to disapprove of every decision he makes. Things change for him when he walks into Jade's shop looking to get a new tattoo.
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'She helped carry the weight of my heart until it was light enough for me to hold on my own. It was her love that saved me.'
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I am sad to see this series come to a close, but at the same time I happy it ended with Jay. HOLY MOLY was he HAWT!! He had my interest since the first book, but damn...did I LOVE his dominant side. Yowza! Anyway, I have got to say that I really liked these two characters. I loved the realism to all of E.M.'s characters because it makes them that more relatable. Even though there were parts in the book that became a tad slow, I did like the pace in which Jay and Jade's relationship developed and very much enjoyed their chemistry. I liked how comfortable these two were with each other and all their silly banter. I wasn't sure how their demons would come to play into the story, but I was really glad that it didn't end up being over the top or dramatic. There were some emotional moments that had me tearing up for them, but there were also many that made me smile. I really enjoyed this book. And it's perfect for anyone looking for an angst and drama free, sweet read.
~ARC generously provided by the author, E.M. Abel~
June 25, 2015
"Love is fearless. It has to be."
How is it possible to read a book multiple times and have it get better each time? I don't know, but this book has done it. This is the long awaited story of Jay that we met in Freeing Aisa, book one of The Breaking Free series. I have to say that the wait was worth it. I LOVED this book! Jay has always had a special place in my heart from the very beginning. Getting to see inside his head and his heart was an awesome experience for me. This book gives us a deeper understating of Jay and reasons for the way he behaved in Freeing Asia. It also gives us the man he truly is and not what he was trying to be.
His story breaks my heart, but then he meets Jade who changes his world completely.
Jade is such a strong, charming woman. I love her openness and personality, as well as, her determination to stand by the man she loves even when it is hard to do so.
"Someone had once told me that every life was like a work of art, each unique and beautiful in its own way. All our experiences and influences would leave their marks, turning the once blank canvas into something full of color and character."
"You let me into your heart," he murmured as he swept the backs of his fingers along my jaw. "You took my ugly dark piece of art and turned it into a masterpiece."
Jay and Jade both have been broken, have past hurts and people they need to forgive to move on. Each of them have their own demons to overcome and with the help of each other they are able to finally be free.
"I know what it's like to be broken. I've been that way for most of my life. It's not easy, but sometimes, we have to let ourselves believe that we're worth saving."
I love all of the emotions this book evoked in me. One minute I'm laughing, then crying, the next I'm wanting to burn someone's house down, followed by being so turned on that I can't wait for my husband to get home. Jay is extremely sexy especially when he is in control in the bedroom or office... or wherever the mood strikes and it strikes often.
The connection that Jay and Jade have is restorative and deep, while their chemistry together is off the charts smoking hot.
I am impressed once again with E.M. Abel for giving us yet another enthralling story. Every book in this series has been a favorite of mine. This author has a way of pulling you into the story from the beginning and making you not want to put the book down. I love E.M. Abel's style of writing. I also love her ability to write some of the sexiest men I've ever had the privilege to read about. No one writes scorching sex scenes like she does. I hate that this book is the last in the series because I would love to read about the awesome side characters. Especially Nick with his sassy attitude, as well as, Trix, and Dustin, they are hilarious. The Breaking Free series has been a beautiful journey that I have enjoyed immensely. I will miss these unforgettable characters, but I am so thrilled to see what this author thinks of next.
How is it possible to read a book multiple times and have it get better each time? I don't know, but this book has done it. This is the long awaited story of Jay that we met in Freeing Aisa, book one of The Breaking Free series. I have to say that the wait was worth it. I LOVED this book! Jay has always had a special place in my heart from the very beginning. Getting to see inside his head and his heart was an awesome experience for me. This book gives us a deeper understating of Jay and reasons for the way he behaved in Freeing Asia. It also gives us the man he truly is and not what he was trying to be.
His story breaks my heart, but then he meets Jade who changes his world completely.
Jade is such a strong, charming woman. I love her openness and personality, as well as, her determination to stand by the man she loves even when it is hard to do so.
"Someone had once told me that every life was like a work of art, each unique and beautiful in its own way. All our experiences and influences would leave their marks, turning the once blank canvas into something full of color and character."
"You let me into your heart," he murmured as he swept the backs of his fingers along my jaw. "You took my ugly dark piece of art and turned it into a masterpiece."
Jay and Jade both have been broken, have past hurts and people they need to forgive to move on. Each of them have their own demons to overcome and with the help of each other they are able to finally be free.
"I know what it's like to be broken. I've been that way for most of my life. It's not easy, but sometimes, we have to let ourselves believe that we're worth saving."
I love all of the emotions this book evoked in me. One minute I'm laughing, then crying, the next I'm wanting to burn someone's house down, followed by being so turned on that I can't wait for my husband to get home. Jay is extremely sexy especially when he is in control in the bedroom or office... or wherever the mood strikes and it strikes often.
The connection that Jay and Jade have is restorative and deep, while their chemistry together is off the charts smoking hot.
I am impressed once again with E.M. Abel for giving us yet another enthralling story. Every book in this series has been a favorite of mine. This author has a way of pulling you into the story from the beginning and making you not want to put the book down. I love E.M. Abel's style of writing. I also love her ability to write some of the sexiest men I've ever had the privilege to read about. No one writes scorching sex scenes like she does. I hate that this book is the last in the series because I would love to read about the awesome side characters. Especially Nick with his sassy attitude, as well as, Trix, and Dustin, they are hilarious. The Breaking Free series has been a beautiful journey that I have enjoyed immensely. I will miss these unforgettable characters, but I am so thrilled to see what this author thinks of next.
February 5, 2015
"You took that ugly, dark piece of art and turned it into a masterpiece."
If there's one thing that stands out about E.M. Abel as an author, it's that she writes what she wants to, she writes what she knows, she writes stories that I imagine she would love to read herself. That sort of writer seems harder and harder to find. It comes through in her work as confidence, and it's probably the thing that I like about her most. In each of her books, there are things that may not appeal to the masses...love triangles, pot smoking (gasp), little details that make her characters unique but might turn readers away. In Shaun's book, it was the situation that Shaun and Natalie found themselves in that made some readers twitchy, but I honestly ate it up. I don't know if Abel unknowingly touches all of my hot spots or if she's just awesome enough to make me love what she writes. Probably a bit of both, because I love all that she puts out.
Jay...boy, did he need his story told! His tumultuous relationship with Asia in book one was just a teaser of the real man. In his own book, we go behind the scenes and get to be a part of his fancy rich-boy lifestyle, to witness his awkward and painful relationship with his parents, to see his father deal with ALS and the end stages of life...and we get to see how lonely Jay's life is. To me, Asia and Jay's relationship was a catalyst for Jay. It let him see how much more to life there is when you truly bond with someone, and it makes him long for the "more" than you get in return when you give all of yourself to them.
He gets that in Jade, this awesome girl with her own set of demons.
"...here I was, a half Cherokee, quarter Jamaican, and quarter white, parentless tattoo artist."
What stood out about Jade for me was how independent she was, how self confident in all ways except for the ways of men. Her ex was an addict who loved his pills more than he loved her...and anyone who has loved an addict before knows how destroying that is to be in the position of second best to a substance. Jade is understandably cautious.
"Often the things we detested the most in other were the things we feared becoming. And I didn't want to see myself in her eyes."
As Jade and Jay's relationship progresses, so does the intensity and depth of this story. At first, this was a fairly typical New Adult book, albeit with unique characters. But with each small interaction, Jay and Jade become so immersed in each other. This couple who on the outside may seem so opposite but become perfect for each other. Their relationship felt so natural and easy. Jade may be a badass tattoo artist covered in art, but she's a really down to earth girl. She's compassionate and intuitive, and she's exactly what Jay needed. She's a solid friend when he needs someone there to just be with him during the time of his father's sickness. And vice-versa, Jay is consistently there for Jade, showing her in a myriad of little ways (the coffee and flowers in the mornings, SWOON!) that he's thinking about her, that he cares for her.
This brings me to the last thing I wanted to point out and that is how this book doesn't follow the typical pattern of the romance novel. You know, the meet-cute/flirt/have sex/relationship/falling out/makeup pattern. This wasn't angsty in the same way as all that. This felt like a naturally progressing romance, with all of the ups and downs, but with the very apparent fact that Jay and Jade are perfect for each other. There's no doubt in my mind that this couple is all in. Jay's man-whore past isn't even a part of the narrative, really. He's so over that lifesyle that it doesn't even seem like him any more. I loved how unabashedly devoted to Jade he his. He adores her from the first time they meet. It's freaking adorable, and I ate it up.
If I had to say one negative thing about this book, it's the amount of smirking that goes on, by all parties involved. I could have done without all the damn smirking...the word itself makes me think of some smarmy perv or a cocky guy who's way too full of himself.
The sex...ahem...I knew that Jay was going to be fantastic in the sack. I knew it. What I wasn't prepared for is how Jay and Jade's connection was ultimately solidified by the way they made love. It's as if the walls came tumbling down and the act became more than a physical release. There was an intimacy to it that made my heart flutter. Yes, it was also sexy as hell in parts, but I expected that. What a fantastic surprise that what convinced me that this couple was made for each other was what happened between the sheets...and on the kitchen counter...and against the mirror...and in the shower.
One more point to make (I keep saying that, I know)...I cried while reading this book. Twice. Asia and Marcus, Shaun and Natalie all make appearances and we get to see what their lives are like now that they are living their HEAs. And the epilogue ties it all together and finishes this trilogy. I'm sad to see the end but happy with the outcome.
ARC provided for review
If there's one thing that stands out about E.M. Abel as an author, it's that she writes what she wants to, she writes what she knows, she writes stories that I imagine she would love to read herself. That sort of writer seems harder and harder to find. It comes through in her work as confidence, and it's probably the thing that I like about her most. In each of her books, there are things that may not appeal to the masses...love triangles, pot smoking (gasp), little details that make her characters unique but might turn readers away. In Shaun's book, it was the situation that Shaun and Natalie found themselves in that made some readers twitchy, but I honestly ate it up. I don't know if Abel unknowingly touches all of my hot spots or if she's just awesome enough to make me love what she writes. Probably a bit of both, because I love all that she puts out.
Jay...boy, did he need his story told! His tumultuous relationship with Asia in book one was just a teaser of the real man. In his own book, we go behind the scenes and get to be a part of his fancy rich-boy lifestyle, to witness his awkward and painful relationship with his parents, to see his father deal with ALS and the end stages of life...and we get to see how lonely Jay's life is. To me, Asia and Jay's relationship was a catalyst for Jay. It let him see how much more to life there is when you truly bond with someone, and it makes him long for the "more" than you get in return when you give all of yourself to them.
He gets that in Jade, this awesome girl with her own set of demons.
"...here I was, a half Cherokee, quarter Jamaican, and quarter white, parentless tattoo artist."
What stood out about Jade for me was how independent she was, how self confident in all ways except for the ways of men. Her ex was an addict who loved his pills more than he loved her...and anyone who has loved an addict before knows how destroying that is to be in the position of second best to a substance. Jade is understandably cautious.
"Often the things we detested the most in other were the things we feared becoming. And I didn't want to see myself in her eyes."
As Jade and Jay's relationship progresses, so does the intensity and depth of this story. At first, this was a fairly typical New Adult book, albeit with unique characters. But with each small interaction, Jay and Jade become so immersed in each other. This couple who on the outside may seem so opposite but become perfect for each other. Their relationship felt so natural and easy. Jade may be a badass tattoo artist covered in art, but she's a really down to earth girl. She's compassionate and intuitive, and she's exactly what Jay needed. She's a solid friend when he needs someone there to just be with him during the time of his father's sickness. And vice-versa, Jay is consistently there for Jade, showing her in a myriad of little ways (the coffee and flowers in the mornings, SWOON!) that he's thinking about her, that he cares for her.
This brings me to the last thing I wanted to point out and that is how this book doesn't follow the typical pattern of the romance novel. You know, the meet-cute/flirt/have sex/relationship/falling out/makeup pattern. This wasn't angsty in the same way as all that. This felt like a naturally progressing romance, with all of the ups and downs, but with the very apparent fact that Jay and Jade are perfect for each other. There's no doubt in my mind that this couple is all in. Jay's man-whore past isn't even a part of the narrative, really. He's so over that lifesyle that it doesn't even seem like him any more. I loved how unabashedly devoted to Jade he his. He adores her from the first time they meet. It's freaking adorable, and I ate it up.
If I had to say one negative thing about this book, it's the amount of smirking that goes on, by all parties involved. I could have done without all the damn smirking...the word itself makes me think of some smarmy perv or a cocky guy who's way too full of himself.
The sex...ahem...I knew that Jay was going to be fantastic in the sack. I knew it. What I wasn't prepared for is how Jay and Jade's connection was ultimately solidified by the way they made love. It's as if the walls came tumbling down and the act became more than a physical release. There was an intimacy to it that made my heart flutter. Yes, it was also sexy as hell in parts, but I expected that. What a fantastic surprise that what convinced me that this couple was made for each other was what happened between the sheets...and on the kitchen counter...and against the mirror...and in the shower.
One more point to make (I keep saying that, I know)...I cried while reading this book. Twice. Asia and Marcus, Shaun and Natalie all make appearances and we get to see what their lives are like now that they are living their HEAs. And the epilogue ties it all together and finishes this trilogy. I'm sad to see the end but happy with the outcome.
ARC provided for review
February 10, 2015
This is every bit the edgy romance I expected from this series. It maintains its lovable character cast and solid writing with the same comfort and familiarity you’ve come to appreciate in its preceding books. EM Abel has a way of creating characters we somehow already know, people you want to hang out with, personalities in which you can see in yourself and your friends.
It paints a wonderfully, laid-back setting near the beach, concerning a troubled, lonely man who falls in love with a driven, beautiful, yet scorned woman, and how their relationship unfolds through his twisting internal battles and her hesitancy to trust again.
This story enjoyably affirms the power of love while showing how difficult it is to surrender to it. The writing is magical pouring-from-the-heart stuff that will provoke you to think about not just your romantic relationships but the importance of your family and friends in your life.
Abel has a killer instinct for setting up very real and genuine connections between characters and skillfully heats the pages with the fiery chemistry of Jay and Jade. There is something to be said for an inked-up businessman like Jay. Cautiously controlled on the outside. Wild and passionate beneath his crisp, designer sleeves. And the tattoo-artist, Jade, is his perfect match. My God, the sexy scenes are scorching.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is a rewarding, funny, and kickass romance. It heralds the decency of romantic love against the gears of family expectations and the messy heartbreak of bygone relationships. I couldn’t be happier with Jay’s story.
It paints a wonderfully, laid-back setting near the beach, concerning a troubled, lonely man who falls in love with a driven, beautiful, yet scorned woman, and how their relationship unfolds through his twisting internal battles and her hesitancy to trust again.
This story enjoyably affirms the power of love while showing how difficult it is to surrender to it. The writing is magical pouring-from-the-heart stuff that will provoke you to think about not just your romantic relationships but the importance of your family and friends in your life.
Abel has a killer instinct for setting up very real and genuine connections between characters and skillfully heats the pages with the fiery chemistry of Jay and Jade. There is something to be said for an inked-up businessman like Jay. Cautiously controlled on the outside. Wild and passionate beneath his crisp, designer sleeves. And the tattoo-artist, Jade, is his perfect match. My God, the sexy scenes are scorching.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is a rewarding, funny, and kickass romance. It heralds the decency of romantic love against the gears of family expectations and the messy heartbreak of bygone relationships. I couldn’t be happier with Jay’s story.
September 21, 2017
Thank you to Mist Mandy for holding a giveaway on Facebook for a free copy of this book!!!
Review to come!
Review to come!
February 9, 2015
It's LIVE!!!!
Saving Jay (Breaking Free Book 3)
4 - Oh Jay.... - Stars
Beautiful, rich, hot Jay....He's still looking for love....
And he finds it in an unlikely source, and its not the blind dates his mom sends him on....
Better....A Tattoo artist named Jade
Not a likely pair but it works once they get all their issues worked out....
Boy do they have some chemistry....
Other books in the series available:
Freeing Asia (Breaking Free Book 1)
Breaking Shaun (Breaking Free Book 2)
Saving Jay (Breaking Free Book 3)
4 - Oh Jay.... - Stars
Beautiful, rich, hot Jay....He's still looking for love....
And he finds it in an unlikely source, and its not the blind dates his mom sends him on....
Better....A Tattoo artist named Jade
Not a likely pair but it works once they get all their issues worked out....
Boy do they have some chemistry....
Other books in the series available:
Freeing Asia (Breaking Free Book 1)
Breaking Shaun (Breaking Free Book 2)
January 29, 2015
When I was introduced to Jay in Freeing Asia, at first I found him charming, and sweet. Then he had to go prove himself a big ole douchebag. Even though by the end of Freeing Asia my chilly disposition thawed toward him a little, I wasn't over the moon when I found out he'd be getting his own story to tell. He hadn't fully redeemed himself in my eyes, even if Asia had forgiven him.
A writer who has the power to change a readers' mind has a gift. E.M. Abel wove a beautiful story about a man who made a mistake and learned a valuable lesson from it. She made me see the wonderful depth to a man whom I wholeheartedly believed was shallow.
Jay Clarke isn't a douchebag, nor is he shallow. He's a broken man inside, flawed like any other, and so very human. Although Jay has everything he could possibly buy, he yearns for only one thing--the one thing we all yearn for.
Love.
In a brilliant twist, the love of his life is someone we actually met in Freeing Asia, if only briefly. Jade Holliday, a woman who is just as broken within as Jay is, if for completely different reasons.
Their story isn't the stuff of fairy tales. It feels so very real, relatable, and wondrously so. Their chemistry and attraction, though pretty much immediate, is natural. The relationship is organic and alive, and grows in strength as Saving Jay progresses.
Beautifully written, I loved every moment, even the hairy bits--because let's face it. Perfection is boring. It's their imperfections and the way they find out not only about each other, but about themselves along the way, that make this best conclusion to the Breaking Free series.
Throughout, I've always felt like I knew these people E.M. had created. They felt like people I had grown up with and loved my whole life, and it's bittersweet to know that we won't be reading about them anymore.
Bravo, E.M. What a beautiful way to end you first series.
A writer who has the power to change a readers' mind has a gift. E.M. Abel wove a beautiful story about a man who made a mistake and learned a valuable lesson from it. She made me see the wonderful depth to a man whom I wholeheartedly believed was shallow.
Jay Clarke isn't a douchebag, nor is he shallow. He's a broken man inside, flawed like any other, and so very human. Although Jay has everything he could possibly buy, he yearns for only one thing--the one thing we all yearn for.
Love.
In a brilliant twist, the love of his life is someone we actually met in Freeing Asia, if only briefly. Jade Holliday, a woman who is just as broken within as Jay is, if for completely different reasons.
Their story isn't the stuff of fairy tales. It feels so very real, relatable, and wondrously so. Their chemistry and attraction, though pretty much immediate, is natural. The relationship is organic and alive, and grows in strength as Saving Jay progresses.
Beautifully written, I loved every moment, even the hairy bits--because let's face it. Perfection is boring. It's their imperfections and the way they find out not only about each other, but about themselves along the way, that make this best conclusion to the Breaking Free series.
Throughout, I've always felt like I knew these people E.M. had created. They felt like people I had grown up with and loved my whole life, and it's bittersweet to know that we won't be reading about them anymore.
Bravo, E.M. What a beautiful way to end you first series.
April 28, 2016
When first reading Jay, in Freeing Asia I wanted him to have his own book. I wasn't sure who I wanted him to end with since the past two books they all have some sort of connection to each character, someone knows someone in one of the previous books or they are related. With, Saving Jay I wasn't disappointed for who the heroine is. Jade, is very lovable. Shes a tattoo artist and has so much love, joy, shes a breathe of fresh air that's for sure, even when she speaks like diarrhea is coming out of her mouth. LOL. I think I got that part right.
I know what it's like to be broken. I've been that way for most of my life. It's not easy, but sometimes, we have to let ourselves believe that we're worth saving."
When you take Jay and Jade (J), they have a connection to each other, a bond, a intense spark that when they are in the room together you can feel the heart beats going faster, the breathes going faster. It's very fucking HOT that's for sure. I love when reading a book you get that feeling they do, that feeling that makes my heart start beating a little fast because of the characters. There is no fakeness between these two. I absolutely love them as a pair.
There were a couple of issues I did have with this book. The pace at first was going perfect, it wasn't to fast or wasn't lingering. But, towards the end it was moving to fast for me. The last 10% it kind of zoomed past quickly that it ended. I wanted this book to be longer. It needed to be longer because I feel I didn't get the completion with, Jay and Jade as I would of liked.
My last issue was with Jay, the whole darkness with him. I didn't see it. I didn't see any darkness within him at all. He has some issues with his past but I just don't feel that darkness that he did within him. Maybe because I look at darkness in a totally different way. I see Jade has more darkness then him, she's been through more in a emotional way with troubled past issues that I could see her being the one with more issues along those lines then Jay.
Other then that, I love this book. I adore this author and her writing. Em, writes beautifully. She captures me into the book. When I pick up a book from this author I know I will get a wonderful story with amazing sex for sure. She has a way about the characters that make you love them and everyone they are associated with. They are the type of people you want to hang out with everyday and share your life with. I felt this with every one of Em's books and so glad that, Jay won my heart as well. I can't wait to see what this author is going to write next. I will be eager to get my hands on it.
ARC provided by author exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2015
Arc provided by Awesome Author in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2015
4.5 STARS - I really, really wish GR had a half rating function
“Love is fearless. It has to be”
There’s just something about E M Abel’s writing. I lose myself in the way she sets the scene, I’ve said it before how EM’s writing and expressive words have me almost smelling the sea air and feeling the breeze on my face as she vividly sets the surroundings of her stories.
There is an ease to which she delivers her stories that I adore, always filling them with warm, believable characters, passion and emotion while weaving a thread of friendship, love and healing through her stories that always seems to resonate with me. She has a writing style that really does speak to me and I for one, can’t wait to experience more of this ladies talent in the future.
‘The things that hurt the most often would require the largest badges of honor, and I always found the most tragic stories made the best art.’
After following all the characters throughout this series, Jay’s was the story I was most anticipating. I have been DYING for Jay’s story since meeting and falling head over heels for him in Freeing Asia. I was always intrigued by Jay’s background, what shaped him and what made him the way he was in Freeing Asia. At that time, EM was able to feed me little morsels that spoke of a vulnerability beneath the controlling exterior of this man so getting beneath the surface of Jay was something I eagerly anticipated and she didn’t let me, or Jay, down.
“It’s not easy, but sometimes, we have to let ourselves believe that we’re worth saving.”
In Saving Jay, we were able to witness such depth to Jay. Beneath the cockiness, the confident swagger, the wealth and playboy ways, we discover a man full of heart, desperately searching for love, desperate to grab hold of any shred of affection after being devoid of it throughout his life.
‘There was nothing worse than a person who’d never been desperate, never known what it was like to suffer. That kind of person lacked the compassion and soul I craved.’
Jay and Jade (yes, there’s a joke in there about their names which I found endearing),have an instant attraction but this was definitely no insta love! EM built their relationship slowly and beautifully, through every achingly romantic exchange to the hurt they unwittingly inflicted on one another. The chemistry between was passionate…sizzling and it crackled through my Kindle – THAT OFFICE SCENE!!! OMG! HOT!!! That scene really did explore Jay’s sensual, controlling side..wow! However there was so much more to their relationship and watching these damaged characters grow and face their issues was beautiful to witness. You can tell this author really does care and love her characters as the warmth in which she presents them leapt off the pages and into my heart.
‘This wasn’t a man hugging his girlfriend. This was my man desperately asking me to save him, to help him, and I was terrified.’
Jade was wounded yet fierce; a perfect force for Jay. Although both jumped in with both feet, they left their hearts guarded and built up emotional walls that each found difficult to break down. Each had trust issues that were going to be difficult to break through.
“It’s been a while since a man’s been honest with me. I guess I still find myself looking for the lies.”
Saving Jay was so open and honest. EM didn’t drag it down with unnecessary drama or angst, instead she built her characters and her story slowly in order for me to feel. To experience every moment, every change, every hurt and every happiness at every juncture.
‘Often, the things we detested the most in others were the things we feared becoming.’
This has been a wonderful emotional, fun, sexy and heartwarming series. The characters felt more like friends and it’s going to be hard leaving them behind but I feel satisfied that I’ve left them all at a good part in their lives. Can I just finish by saying…that epilogue! LOVED IT!! If you haven’t checked this series out yet, be sure to remedy that :)
**Reviewed from an ARC Copy provided by the author for an honest review.**
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February 10, 2015
**FULL REVIEW**
I love when a book that you've waited for so long to read, finally happens and it's everything you hoped it would be.
I can say that Saving Jay was my absolute favorite of the series!
Jason Clarke is 100% my kind of man, and the way he fu—loves is unlike any other. Both he and Jade Holliday have some demons to overcome, different and yet the same, but how they handle the challenges and each other is straight up swoon-worthy.
I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, their banter, even just the looks that were exchanged. The longing, the need, the love, even when it’s not spoken is there.
Jade is a strong, stubborn, and smart woman. She chooses her battles and handles the rifts in her life with finesse and grace. Despite her past, she still manages to wear her heart on her sleeve and says what she thinks regardless of the situation. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her comments, noticing the author’s “voice” coming out and showing us a little about herself. It made me fall in love with not only Jade a little bit more but Asia, Marcus, Shaun, and even the new-comers, Dustin and Trix, too.
I can also say, the tender parts of this book…yeah, all the feels. And not just because I’m a hormonal mess…Abel has a way to make you truly feel what is being conveyed and I loved every exchange. I’m not going to say I cried (I totally cried), but there are some serious misty-eyed moments.
This is one series not to be missed. Saving Jay was the perfect way to end it…riding off into sunsets and sh—stuff. I look forward to whatever Abel has planned next because her style is original, words are beautiful, and stories are definitely a world I want to live in.
**5 Save You, Save Me, Stars**
I love when a book that you've waited for so long to read, finally happens and it's everything you hoped it would be.
I can say that Saving Jay was my absolute favorite of the series!
Jason Clarke is 100% my kind of man, and the way he fu—loves is unlike any other. Both he and Jade Holliday have some demons to overcome, different and yet the same, but how they handle the challenges and each other is straight up swoon-worthy.
I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry, their banter, even just the looks that were exchanged. The longing, the need, the love, even when it’s not spoken is there.
Jade is a strong, stubborn, and smart woman. She chooses her battles and handles the rifts in her life with finesse and grace. Despite her past, she still manages to wear her heart on her sleeve and says what she thinks regardless of the situation. I found myself laughing out loud at some of her comments, noticing the author’s “voice” coming out and showing us a little about herself. It made me fall in love with not only Jade a little bit more but Asia, Marcus, Shaun, and even the new-comers, Dustin and Trix, too.
I can also say, the tender parts of this book…yeah, all the feels. And not just because I’m a hormonal mess…Abel has a way to make you truly feel what is being conveyed and I loved every exchange. I’m not going to say I cried (I totally cried), but there are some serious misty-eyed moments.
This is one series not to be missed. Saving Jay was the perfect way to end it…riding off into sunsets and sh—stuff. I look forward to whatever Abel has planned next because her style is original, words are beautiful, and stories are definitely a world I want to live in.
**5 Save You, Save Me, Stars**
February 2, 2015
Saving Jay 4✰s
I feel like the lingering idiot at the party who doesn't get the hint everyone's leaving—Party's over. Hit the lights!—but I don't want this series to end!! I don't want to say goodbye. I'm gonna miss this entire gang so much. It takes real talent to create truly memorable characters—ones you wish you'd known your entire life. Thank you, E.M., for all the feels! And thank you for not blackening recreational marijuana use. (It's gonna save the world some day.)
Before I started this book I took a minute to consider my expectations. I wanted a happy ending to close off the series, a deserving love interest for Jay, a coming together of family and friends, (No more outcasting my sweet Jay.) but most importantly I wanted to feel that urge to pick up the first book. And I did—I do. You have no idea how happy I was when I finished this. I had a huge Jay+Jade4Ever smile on my face.
Initially, I thought they were both fascinating as individuals and perfectly flawed—Jade, coming from a loaded-gun lifestyle yet being braver than she thinks, and Jay in all his existential loneliness really grabbed my heart—but I wasn't drowning in feels over their relationship until much, much later.
I couldn't ignore that after an amazing prologue and some great chapters in, the pace seemed to drop and so did my interest in Jay+Jade4Ever. I wasn't experiencing the same wave of emotions as with the previous books and it hurt my rating a bit, but then BAM the second half was back on track and more my taste, really blowing me away.
Things were HAPPENING for me and I was loving it. And then the epilogue—I loved the epilogue! I immediately wanted to read the series all over again. I felt so proud of these two amazing characters and their journeys towards forgiveness and fearless love but at the same time it was bittersweet.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review***
I feel like the lingering idiot at the party who doesn't get the hint everyone's leaving—Party's over. Hit the lights!—but I don't want this series to end!! I don't want to say goodbye. I'm gonna miss this entire gang so much. It takes real talent to create truly memorable characters—ones you wish you'd known your entire life. Thank you, E.M., for all the feels! And thank you for not blackening recreational marijuana use. (It's gonna save the world some day.)
Before I started this book I took a minute to consider my expectations. I wanted a happy ending to close off the series, a deserving love interest for Jay, a coming together of family and friends, (No more outcasting my sweet Jay.) but most importantly I wanted to feel that urge to pick up the first book. And I did—I do. You have no idea how happy I was when I finished this. I had a huge Jay+Jade4Ever smile on my face.
Initially, I thought they were both fascinating as individuals and perfectly flawed—Jade, coming from a loaded-gun lifestyle yet being braver than she thinks, and Jay in all his existential loneliness really grabbed my heart—but I wasn't drowning in feels over their relationship until much, much later.
I couldn't ignore that after an amazing prologue and some great chapters in, the pace seemed to drop and so did my interest in Jay+Jade4Ever. I wasn't experiencing the same wave of emotions as with the previous books and it hurt my rating a bit, but then BAM the second half was back on track and more my taste, really blowing me away.
Things were HAPPENING for me and I was loving it. And then the epilogue—I loved the epilogue! I immediately wanted to read the series all over again. I felt so proud of these two amazing characters and their journeys towards forgiveness and fearless love but at the same time it was bittersweet.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review***
January 29, 2015
I was lucky enough to have been gifted a copy of this awesomeness! I was captivated from the beginning. I've always had a soft spot for Jay, and was excited to hear he got his own story. I loved seeing things through his eyes. Add in Jade, and everything got real. She is my type of woman. Broken, but strong. Willing to change for the better. If I were in front of E.M right now I would tackle her with hugs and kisses for being so damn awesome!! Loved it!!! But, what am I going to read now?!
February 10, 2015
When I came across this book called Freeing Asia back in December 2013, I liked the blurb…it was about a skater/surfer girl and for me it was just different than the billionaire, MC, MMA fighter books my timelines were flooded with. I grabbed it, read it, and fell hard for this cast of characters. One in particular….Jay Clarke. I mean I fell for him hard. I think I literally bugged EM every time we talked, “How’s my Jay coming?” Of course she still had to write book two, Breaking Shaun and then had to develop Jay’s book, but I pestered her nonetheless. So when I finally got a release day on Saving Jay, I literally did a happy dance. When I got the ARC, I squeeled out loud. When I finished Saving Jay, I cried because it was over. It was perfect. It was everything that a reader such as me, who has loved this character for so long, could have wanted. In short, she simply nailed it.
Over the course of three books, I have watched EM Abel really grow as a writer. I have watched her become more confident and you can see it in her storytelling. She is no longer a newbie writer. She has arrived at the dance and in Saving Jay I could see everything she has worked so hard to become really flourish on these pages. You see, Jay is not like the other carefree characters in this series. He is wealthy, he is a famous local, he is extremely educated and he has the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. She had to write him with all these things in mind, because Jay isn’t going to be hanging out at the beach surfing all day and rolling a fatty with his posse of surfers. No Jay has a demanding job and the pressures of living up to a dad that he feels he disappoints at every turn. So Jay wasn’t going to be an easy character with all his layers and issues with his family. But I will say it again…EM wrote it flawlessly.
In Freeing Asia, Jay is a man about town…a cocky alpha who had only himself to think about. It was probably the quality that I loved most in him, because deep down I knew that if you pulled back those layers he was going to just be amazing. Fast forward to book three, as he is shedding the weight that has been holding him down, he is still the same cocky alpha but with a side of heart. I have to applaud EM for not writing him as a wussy. I see it over and over in books, by the end of the series the guy has handed over his balls to the heroine and he isn’t the same guy we fell in love with. Nope not my Jay
The thing that I loved….loved so much about this book was it had the underlying message of trust and forgiveness. It wasn’t a full on angsty book, because Jay isn’t really an angsty character….and it was full of forgiveness because for Jay to ever have a life that included peace he needed to learn to forgive. No other heroine could have been better suited for him than Jade. God how I loved this chick, jealous of her yes, but she was just perfect for Jay. Their love was a mature love….not an instalove, but a love they both knew when they met that they were the other halves to make a whole. In a world of characters running, they stuck….they stuck things out and worked through them and what a breath of fresh air that is to read.
Saving Jay is going to push your emotions to the edge. Watching Jay and Jade mesh their different worlds was just wonderful, but it did not come without heartache. The demons of Jay’s past will creep in on him but thank goodness he had Jade there holding his hand and helping him manage them. EM, you totally wowed me on this one. I have loved being on this journey with you even in the littlest of ways. Congrats on this amazing series. 5 Be You Stars.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vD8PD1
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Over the course of three books, I have watched EM Abel really grow as a writer. I have watched her become more confident and you can see it in her storytelling. She is no longer a newbie writer. She has arrived at the dance and in Saving Jay I could see everything she has worked so hard to become really flourish on these pages. You see, Jay is not like the other carefree characters in this series. He is wealthy, he is a famous local, he is extremely educated and he has the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. She had to write him with all these things in mind, because Jay isn’t going to be hanging out at the beach surfing all day and rolling a fatty with his posse of surfers. No Jay has a demanding job and the pressures of living up to a dad that he feels he disappoints at every turn. So Jay wasn’t going to be an easy character with all his layers and issues with his family. But I will say it again…EM wrote it flawlessly.
In Freeing Asia, Jay is a man about town…a cocky alpha who had only himself to think about. It was probably the quality that I loved most in him, because deep down I knew that if you pulled back those layers he was going to just be amazing. Fast forward to book three, as he is shedding the weight that has been holding him down, he is still the same cocky alpha but with a side of heart. I have to applaud EM for not writing him as a wussy. I see it over and over in books, by the end of the series the guy has handed over his balls to the heroine and he isn’t the same guy we fell in love with. Nope not my Jay
The thing that I loved….loved so much about this book was it had the underlying message of trust and forgiveness. It wasn’t a full on angsty book, because Jay isn’t really an angsty character….and it was full of forgiveness because for Jay to ever have a life that included peace he needed to learn to forgive. No other heroine could have been better suited for him than Jade. God how I loved this chick, jealous of her yes, but she was just perfect for Jay. Their love was a mature love….not an instalove, but a love they both knew when they met that they were the other halves to make a whole. In a world of characters running, they stuck….they stuck things out and worked through them and what a breath of fresh air that is to read.
Saving Jay is going to push your emotions to the edge. Watching Jay and Jade mesh their different worlds was just wonderful, but it did not come without heartache. The demons of Jay’s past will creep in on him but thank goodness he had Jade there holding his hand and helping him manage them. EM, you totally wowed me on this one. I have loved being on this journey with you even in the littlest of ways. Congrats on this amazing series. 5 Be You Stars.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vD8PD1
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2015
*4.5 stars!*
Saving Jay is the story of Jason Clarke Jr. (Jay) who we met in the first book, Freeing Asia. A sexy businessman with a multitude of tattoos hidden under a suit, he caught my eye from the very beginning. He's dominant but can also be incredibly sweet. Having been in the shadow of his father, Jay wanted to make a name for himself but by doing so it messed up his relationship with his parents.
Jade Holliday is a spirited tattoo artist. Escaping the limelight of being on a reality tv show for a few episodes, she left Boston to open up her own shop in Virginia with her friends. She's easy-going and hilarious. I love that she doesn't use a filter and will basically say whatever she's thinking. She's very understanding and level-headed. She's willing to hear you out before reacting. Her meeting with Jay was so adorable and I knew right away that I would enjoy their dynamic.
I LOVED seeing Shaun again!! And Natalie, Asia and Marcus haa. Cameos are the best! The scene was so awkward though, I actually felt bad that Jade didn't know about Jay and Asia's past relationship. Jade handled it really well. Really well. Communication is such an important aspect of any relationship, romantic or not, and I loved that it was emphasized in Saving Jay.
I'm so sad that this series of over and to say goodbye to these amazing characters. E.M. Abel has quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her refreshing writing style and I cannot wait to see what else she has up her sleeve. It's for sure to be just as spectacular and touching!
"It's the dark moments that make the good ones shine."All the books in E.M. Abel's Breaking Free series have been winners for me. Not just because the heroes were unbelievably swoony, but the stories pulled me in with how strong and sassy the heroines were, how hilarious the secondary characters could be and how these books could make my heart warm and ache. Saving Jay was wonderful and amusing, and ended the series off in the best way. Jade was by far my favorite heroine in the series, yeah that's what I said about Natalie but it's like Ms. Abel wrote the manual on writing my perfect contemporary heroine!
Saving Jay is the story of Jason Clarke Jr. (Jay) who we met in the first book, Freeing Asia. A sexy businessman with a multitude of tattoos hidden under a suit, he caught my eye from the very beginning. He's dominant but can also be incredibly sweet. Having been in the shadow of his father, Jay wanted to make a name for himself but by doing so it messed up his relationship with his parents.
Jade Holliday is a spirited tattoo artist. Escaping the limelight of being on a reality tv show for a few episodes, she left Boston to open up her own shop in Virginia with her friends. She's easy-going and hilarious. I love that she doesn't use a filter and will basically say whatever she's thinking. She's very understanding and level-headed. She's willing to hear you out before reacting. Her meeting with Jay was so adorable and I knew right away that I would enjoy their dynamic.
"I'm Jade, by the way. My friends call me J," she said..."Nice to meet you, Jade. I'm Jason. My friends call me Jay, too." I expected her to laugh at our similar nicknames. Instead, she just stared at me before saying, "Wow. When you smile, it's like..." She started making noises resembling an explosion and gestures with her free hand.Saving Jay was such a feel good story. There wasn't a huge amount of angst or drama, which was a nice change from some other contemporary romance novels. What I loved most was that Jay was the kind of guy that wanted to start a real and committed relationship. And while Jade was hesitant to start anything new after how her last relationship ended, she didn't let that keep her from giving Jay a chance. I had trouble holding back a smile (or fanning myself) when they were together. I also loved that Jade helped Jay come forward and express his feelings to his father.
I LOVED seeing Shaun again!! And Natalie, Asia and Marcus haa. Cameos are the best! The scene was so awkward though, I actually felt bad that Jade didn't know about Jay and Asia's past relationship. Jade handled it really well. Really well. Communication is such an important aspect of any relationship, romantic or not, and I loved that it was emphasized in Saving Jay.
I'm so sad that this series of over and to say goodbye to these amazing characters. E.M. Abel has quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her refreshing writing style and I cannot wait to see what else she has up her sleeve. It's for sure to be just as spectacular and touching!
"Love is fearless, it has to be."**An ARC was kindly provided by the author for an honest review
February 3, 2015
Hours/days after finishing "Saving Jay" I'm still swooning over Jason "Jay" Clarke!
I'm sad to say that this is the final installment in Breaking Free and E.M did not disappoint me with Jay's story!
We finally get to dive into Jay's story and see why things fell apart with him and Asia and enter into his world where trusting people is hard to come by...until he meets Jade!
I couldn't imagine being born into a life where you never knew who to trust. His past must have been full of betrayals and insecurity, but somehow, he was still willing to pursue something with me.~Jade
Jade is dealing with a horrible break up that not only left her heart broken, but her spirit too!
Can I just say that most heroines annoy the hell out of me, but not Jade! I loved the way she spoke her mind, I loved how ambitious she was in a career that is male dominate, I loved how after everything she had been through she was determined to come out on the other end stronger and wiser! She was just awesome!
With Saving Jay this book took on a more emotional approach, rather than a more angst and drama story line like the first two books. It's about being able to forgive, trust, and move forward from your past in order to love without fear! E.M. has a gift for writing about characters that are realistic along with their story line! Girl you can do no wrong in my eyes, and for that I thank you for writing books that I not only enjoy page after page, but makes me fall in love with each and every character! Plus, the sex is ridiculously hot, hot, hot! Can't wait to see what E.M. has in store for us next!
ARC kindly provided by author!
I'm sad to say that this is the final installment in Breaking Free and E.M did not disappoint me with Jay's story!
We finally get to dive into Jay's story and see why things fell apart with him and Asia and enter into his world where trusting people is hard to come by...until he meets Jade!
I couldn't imagine being born into a life where you never knew who to trust. His past must have been full of betrayals and insecurity, but somehow, he was still willing to pursue something with me.~Jade
Jade is dealing with a horrible break up that not only left her heart broken, but her spirit too!
Can I just say that most heroines annoy the hell out of me, but not Jade! I loved the way she spoke her mind, I loved how ambitious she was in a career that is male dominate, I loved how after everything she had been through she was determined to come out on the other end stronger and wiser! She was just awesome!
With Saving Jay this book took on a more emotional approach, rather than a more angst and drama story line like the first two books. It's about being able to forgive, trust, and move forward from your past in order to love without fear! E.M. has a gift for writing about characters that are realistic along with their story line! Girl you can do no wrong in my eyes, and for that I thank you for writing books that I not only enjoy page after page, but makes me fall in love with each and every character! Plus, the sex is ridiculously hot, hot, hot! Can't wait to see what E.M. has in store for us next!
ARC kindly provided by author!
January 30, 2015
I was gifted an ARC to leave an honest review.
I loved this book, I've been a fan of this series since the beginning & have always had a special place for Jay, there's just something about a man in a suit ;). E.M. Abel is an incredible writer, she has a way w/ words & making her characters very relatable. You have Jay the hot millionaire, who doesn't know what love is & Jade the sexy tattoo artist, who did have love & got burned by it. Jay's character really needed to grow for him to get his HEA & even though I loved him & Asia, she was never the one for him, he needed time to find his love. Jade was amazing, you love her from the beginning. She went through some awful times w/ her ex that made her become real guarded around people; her & Jay opening up to each other was beautiful. They both made each other work to gain their trust completely. Jay has to forgive his father & Jade has to forgive her ex. And while physically they were opposites, they were true soul mates. There was one scene that made me cry; seeing Jay so vulnerable & him letting Jade take care of him. There is a twist in the story, that I DIDN'T seeing coming Revisiting w/ previous character Asia, Marcus (my fav), Shaun, Natalie, it was great seeing them happy. This book was HOT, E.M., you can write some great sexy time lady!! Dominant Jay was fantastic. I loved the guys, Dustin (him & Kristine ;) ... Book in future?!?), Jackson, Trix, even Cee Cee, she was just adorable. This book just made me happy & it was definitely my favorite.
Can Jay & Jade find their forgiveness for the people that have hurt them in the past & can Jay be saved?! Get this book & find out, you'll love the ride!!
I loved this book, I've been a fan of this series since the beginning & have always had a special place for Jay, there's just something about a man in a suit ;). E.M. Abel is an incredible writer, she has a way w/ words & making her characters very relatable. You have Jay the hot millionaire, who doesn't know what love is & Jade the sexy tattoo artist, who did have love & got burned by it. Jay's character really needed to grow for him to get his HEA & even though I loved him & Asia, she was never the one for him, he needed time to find his love. Jade was amazing, you love her from the beginning. She went through some awful times w/ her ex that made her become real guarded around people; her & Jay opening up to each other was beautiful. They both made each other work to gain their trust completely. Jay has to forgive his father & Jade has to forgive her ex. And while physically they were opposites, they were true soul mates. There was one scene that made me cry; seeing Jay so vulnerable & him letting Jade take care of him. There is a twist in the story, that I DIDN'T seeing coming Revisiting w/ previous character Asia, Marcus (my fav), Shaun, Natalie, it was great seeing them happy. This book was HOT, E.M., you can write some great sexy time lady!! Dominant Jay was fantastic. I loved the guys, Dustin (him & Kristine ;) ... Book in future?!?), Jackson, Trix, even Cee Cee, she was just adorable. This book just made me happy & it was definitely my favorite.
Can Jay & Jade find their forgiveness for the people that have hurt them in the past & can Jay be saved?! Get this book & find out, you'll love the ride!!
February 23, 2015
I think this one my sign that this author is just not for me. I wanted to be a fan since she's local but it just doesn't work out.
The first 20% was super choppy. It's her third book and I was surprised to find it written like that. Also a good editor is needed. Dunkin Donuts NOT Dunkin Doughnuts.
The whole Asia thing was forgiven way too easy and all the "angst" was really surface. There was no depth to the characters.
The first 20% was super choppy. It's her third book and I was surprised to find it written like that. Also a good editor is needed. Dunkin Donuts NOT Dunkin Doughnuts.
The whole Asia thing was forgiven way too easy and all the "angst" was really surface. There was no depth to the characters.
January 2, 2015
Love was the one thing I'd always wanted most and never seemed to get right.
I'm sure you all remember the hot, sexy and romantic businessman, Jason Clarke. I'm just gonna come out and say it. He was my favorite and had my vote over Marcus. He is domineering, but he's a gentleman. He has a heart of gold and even though he's a successful businessman, he is so sensitive. So my Jay truly deserved to find love. He finds it in a hot tattoo artist. He meets her when he decides to get a tattoo. A huge tattoo that represents him and the chaos of his feelings and personality.
The things that hurt the most often required the largest badges of honor and I'd found the most tragic stories made the best art.Jade, however, is dealing with demons of the past. She has just left an emotionally and physically abusive relationship that has drained the life out of her.
The real me was lost somewhere inside the chaos of heartbreak and survival, but I was determined to find her again.Both Jay and Jade are kind of lost and tortured. Jay has forever been dealing with a personality crisis. There's a dark side to him that he hasn't dealt with yet and the constant disapproval of his father has been pulling him down.
I know what it's like to be broken. I've been that way most of my life. It's not easy, but sometimes we have to let ourselves believe that we're worth saving.Even though this book's title is Saving Jay, both main characters find salvation in each other and learn to let go of past hurts. E.M. Abel has written a story about choosing light over darkness and putting the demons to rest. A story about acknowledging the pain, accepting it and forgiving those that hurt you. A story mixed with humor, hot sex, little drama and a twist.
She helped carry the weight of my heart until it was light enough for me to hold on my own. It was her love that saved me.
March 4, 2015
Wow. This was an awesome book. Loved Jade and Jason aka J and Jay. E.M. Abel can write some phenomenal characters with a diverse backgrounds.
I must admit, when I first heard of this book, I wasn't too thrilled to read about Jason aka Jay. He broke Asia's heart in Freeing Asia and I couldn't get passed that minor issue, but the teasers and blurp for this book peaked my interest. Jay's story needed to be told and I am so glad E.M gave us glimpses into his world and past. In Freeing Asia he wrestled with pleasing his father but with Saving Jay it was the complete opposite. He freed himself in this book. You literally see him grow as a character in this book and I loved it. Now for Ms. Jade....... she is one bad@#$ chick. First off she is a tattoo artist, with a kick@#$ hairstyle, and style period. She is not about that drama but at the same time kinda scared of love because she was hurt from a previous relationship. I love that Jade is not your typical female character for starters she is half Jamaican. She is very independent and is her own boss. What better person to go up against the millionaire Jason?
I love the supporting characters in Jade's tattoo shop and would love to read more about them. Also, there are guest appearances from Asia & Marcus as well as Shaun and Natalie. One of my favorite things about this book is that it didn't have unnecessary drama and long drawn out misunderstandings that led to characters not talking to each for months. No angst just a nice storyline of two broken characters learning to love, trust and let go of past hurts with plenty of hot steamy, PASSION!!!!
Once again, I love the ending and wish we could get more of these character but oh well. I will just have to reread them.
Full review to come soon.
I must admit, when I first heard of this book, I wasn't too thrilled to read about Jason aka Jay. He broke Asia's heart in Freeing Asia and I couldn't get passed that minor issue, but the teasers and blurp for this book peaked my interest. Jay's story needed to be told and I am so glad E.M gave us glimpses into his world and past. In Freeing Asia he wrestled with pleasing his father but with Saving Jay it was the complete opposite. He freed himself in this book. You literally see him grow as a character in this book and I loved it. Now for Ms. Jade....... she is one bad@#$ chick. First off she is a tattoo artist, with a kick@#$ hairstyle, and style period. She is not about that drama but at the same time kinda scared of love because she was hurt from a previous relationship. I love that Jade is not your typical female character for starters she is half Jamaican. She is very independent and is her own boss. What better person to go up against the millionaire Jason?
I love the supporting characters in Jade's tattoo shop and would love to read more about them. Also, there are guest appearances from Asia & Marcus as well as Shaun and Natalie. One of my favorite things about this book is that it didn't have unnecessary drama and long drawn out misunderstandings that led to characters not talking to each for months. No angst just a nice storyline of two broken characters learning to love, trust and let go of past hurts with plenty of hot steamy, PASSION!!!!
Once again, I love the ending and wish we could get more of these character but oh well. I will just have to reread them.
Full review to come soon.
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