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A Pound of Flesh #2
An Ounce of Hope
From the fanfic phenom whose debut A Pound of Flesh had over 4.5 million reads, this sequel, An Ounce of Hope, tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2016
30 people are currently reading
2430 people want to read
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November 26, 2017
Book 1 in this series is a very special book that will always stay among my favorites. Books 1,5 & 2,5 in this series are a continuation of Book 1’s MC’s story.
*********************************************
This one, Book 2 “An Ounce of Hope” is, however, about Max, who is the friend of Book 1’s hero Carter.
I didn’t enjoy his book, I didn’t like his story…
Actually, I never liked Max at all.
*********************************************
Max is a drug addict. He had a girl he loved very much and they were engaged. Then, Lizzie got pregnant. It wasn’t planned but they wanted it. Then, he died before he was born. This devastated both of them.
Instead of going through therapy and accepting friend and family support, both of them did what would tear them apart.
Lizzie closed herself off. Max resorted to drugs and alcohol.
Then, one day Lizze left Max, with no explanation, a letter or a note. He couldn’t find her. Then, his life went even more downwards than it already was. He tried to wipe his sorrows away with drug, alcohol and meaningless sex with random women and he got himself involved with illegal jobs. Then, after ruining his life for a long while, with his friends’ help, he decided to go to rehab.
The beginnings of the book are about all of this and his therapy sessions with the doctor there. I didn’t like Max because he was too weak for my taste. People suffer from even worse kind of pain and they can be stronger than him. He was his own enemy most of the time. And when he was living this f*cked-up life, his being jealous with his best friend Carter’s happiness with Kat really bothered me.
Max and the heroine Grace do not meet for a long while in the book.
*********************************************
Grace is a woman who tries to see the positive and good things in life and in people. She is beautiful and affectionate.
Grace had a husband who abused her in the worst way possible after starting to use drugs. High on cocaine, he would hurt her physically and psychologically. That’s why, she is now a timid woman around men, going into panic attack mood if she tries anything intimate with them.
That’s why, it is a mystery to me that she found herself attracted to Max and trying to be with him, knowing his addiction and all. How could anyone be stupid enough to want to let an addict enter her life after being abused by another addict for so long? Being raped and beaten by one once upon a time?
That was the plot-hole for me. It just sounded stupid. So, when she said he was different and all, I said "Oh, come on, BS! He is no different… All addicts are the same, they hurt the ones who care about them when they are high."
Well, Max says he cannot offer any woman anything other than sex, he is afraid of feelings. And Grace, being the "glutton for punishment herself", starts a "friends with benefits" relationship with Max (no kissing on the mouth, says Max as it may evoke feelings and Grace says Ok!!!).
This stupid thing goes on for a while until Lizzie comes back!
I just didn't relate to the characters and I didn't get their feelings at all!
*********************************************
Besides the frustrating characters and the uninteresting plot, the slow pacing of the book didn’t help me at all. It was nearly 350 pages and after a while, I found myself skimming and scanning the book and just reading the parts I need to know to be able to continue the series.
I don’t want to sound like a person who thinks addicts do not deserve a second chance or something like that. I just thought Grace and Max were not a good match. And I personally do not enjoy reading about weak characters, male or female.
That’s why this book didn’t work for me.
*********************************************
Whenever Max thinks he cannot cope with the things happening around him, this is how he feels:
Carter’s hand on Max’s shoulder was the only thing keeping his ass securely on the sofa and not bolting out the door to find the nearest dealer.
***
With Riley at his side, Max felt somewhat comforted. He damn sure knew he couldn’t have done it alone.
My darling heroine Kat from Book 1 said the most sensible thing in the whole book, giving Max the best advise ever:
“Never answer the door when the past comes knocking. It never has anything new to say.”
Max’s close friends, Carter, Tate and Riley did amazing sacrifices to help Max. He made them suffer, too, from his weaknesses.
It broke Carter’s heart seeing his friend deny himself happiness because of his fear, because of his past, because of a woman he still had on a pedestal.
After a lot of “unnecessary hope”, Grace became tired of his unappreciative self, too.
He was too busy clinging to a past to see what was right in front of him and, honestly, she was simply too tired to keep trying to convince him she was right for him.
***
“I’m so sorry that all I did was care for you and try to help you see that you’re so much more than drugs and bad memories.” She swallowed. “But, I get it; that’s all you’ve known and anything else, anything new, frightens you to death.”
When, towards the end of the book, Lizzie came back and Max had the closure he needed to have, only then he was able to move on.
Well, that wasn’t my cuppa at all! Nope, nuh-uh!
My low rating is all about my dislike for the characters and the plot! If you believe you can handle the issues above, then, it may very well be a good read for you. I just couldn't handle Max's shit!
*********************************************
This one, Book 2 “An Ounce of Hope” is, however, about Max, who is the friend of Book 1’s hero Carter.
I didn’t enjoy his book, I didn’t like his story…
Actually, I never liked Max at all.
*********************************************
Max is a drug addict. He had a girl he loved very much and they were engaged. Then, Lizzie got pregnant. It wasn’t planned but they wanted it. Then, he died before he was born. This devastated both of them.
Instead of going through therapy and accepting friend and family support, both of them did what would tear them apart.
Lizzie closed herself off. Max resorted to drugs and alcohol.
Then, one day Lizze left Max, with no explanation, a letter or a note. He couldn’t find her. Then, his life went even more downwards than it already was. He tried to wipe his sorrows away with drug, alcohol and meaningless sex with random women and he got himself involved with illegal jobs. Then, after ruining his life for a long while, with his friends’ help, he decided to go to rehab.
The beginnings of the book are about all of this and his therapy sessions with the doctor there. I didn’t like Max because he was too weak for my taste. People suffer from even worse kind of pain and they can be stronger than him. He was his own enemy most of the time. And when he was living this f*cked-up life, his being jealous with his best friend Carter’s happiness with Kat really bothered me.
Max and the heroine Grace do not meet for a long while in the book.
*********************************************
Grace is a woman who tries to see the positive and good things in life and in people. She is beautiful and affectionate.
Grace had a husband who abused her in the worst way possible after starting to use drugs. High on cocaine, he would hurt her physically and psychologically. That’s why, she is now a timid woman around men, going into panic attack mood if she tries anything intimate with them.
That’s why, it is a mystery to me that she found herself attracted to Max and trying to be with him, knowing his addiction and all. How could anyone be stupid enough to want to let an addict enter her life after being abused by another addict for so long? Being raped and beaten by one once upon a time?
That was the plot-hole for me. It just sounded stupid. So, when she said he was different and all, I said "Oh, come on, BS! He is no different… All addicts are the same, they hurt the ones who care about them when they are high."
Well, Max says he cannot offer any woman anything other than sex, he is afraid of feelings. And Grace, being the "glutton for punishment herself", starts a "friends with benefits" relationship with Max (no kissing on the mouth, says Max as it may evoke feelings and Grace says Ok!!!).
This stupid thing goes on for a while until Lizzie comes back!
I just didn't relate to the characters and I didn't get their feelings at all!
*********************************************
Besides the frustrating characters and the uninteresting plot, the slow pacing of the book didn’t help me at all. It was nearly 350 pages and after a while, I found myself skimming and scanning the book and just reading the parts I need to know to be able to continue the series.
I don’t want to sound like a person who thinks addicts do not deserve a second chance or something like that. I just thought Grace and Max were not a good match. And I personally do not enjoy reading about weak characters, male or female.
That’s why this book didn’t work for me.
*********************************************
Whenever Max thinks he cannot cope with the things happening around him, this is how he feels:
Carter’s hand on Max’s shoulder was the only thing keeping his ass securely on the sofa and not bolting out the door to find the nearest dealer.
***
With Riley at his side, Max felt somewhat comforted. He damn sure knew he couldn’t have done it alone.
My darling heroine Kat from Book 1 said the most sensible thing in the whole book, giving Max the best advise ever:
“Never answer the door when the past comes knocking. It never has anything new to say.”
Max’s close friends, Carter, Tate and Riley did amazing sacrifices to help Max. He made them suffer, too, from his weaknesses.
It broke Carter’s heart seeing his friend deny himself happiness because of his fear, because of his past, because of a woman he still had on a pedestal.
After a lot of “unnecessary hope”, Grace became tired of his unappreciative self, too.
He was too busy clinging to a past to see what was right in front of him and, honestly, she was simply too tired to keep trying to convince him she was right for him.
***
“I’m so sorry that all I did was care for you and try to help you see that you’re so much more than drugs and bad memories.” She swallowed. “But, I get it; that’s all you’ve known and anything else, anything new, frightens you to death.”
When, towards the end of the book, Lizzie came back and Max had the closure he needed to have, only then he was able to move on.
Well, that wasn’t my cuppa at all! Nope, nuh-uh!
My low rating is all about my dislike for the characters and the plot! If you believe you can handle the issues above, then, it may very well be a good read for you. I just couldn't handle Max's shit!
Want to read
September 18, 2015LOVE this new cover!!! This sequel to "A Pound of Flesh" tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
_________________
New to the series? All the books, novellas, and reading order is here: http://aestasbookblog.com/an-ounce-of...
_________________
And I'm also very honored that they used a quote from my review of the first book, A Pound of Flesh, on this cover!! So exciting!!!
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
_________________
New to the series? All the books, novellas, and reading order is here: http://aestasbookblog.com/an-ounce-of...
_________________
And I'm also very honored that they used a quote from my review of the first book, A Pound of Flesh, on this cover!! So exciting!!!
February 16, 2016
UPDATE JAN 13TH-2015
Audiobook Review: 5 stars
An Ounce of Hope is a beautiful and sexy story about redemption and second chances in life. I loved Max when read A Pound of Flesh , and I was so excited about reading his book, because he was so broken and I needed to know more about him but mostly, I needed to read how he would get his HEA. I’m so happy I could read—and listen to— this beautiful book. It made me cry so many times, not only with Max’ story but also with Grace’s. They both were damaged but together they were fixed and of course found in each other what they thought lost.
The story begun when Max is in rehab. He struggled with his past, with his addiction and with all that is so wrong in his life. Three months later, Max is out of rehab and ready—not really—to face life again, so he decided to go and stay with his uncle and there he met the beautiful Grace, who had her own demons herself. They started being friends but slowly it moved to something else. Read this amazing book to know how they find their HEA together.
I loved the #Bromance Max had with Wes and Riley. Their friendship was real support for Max when he needed it the most. And of course, Max’ sponsor was a great friend as well, giving him shit when he needed in order to keep him away of the temptation and always leading him to the right path.
-----
I'm so excited this book is about Max!!! <3
Audiobook Review: 5 stars
An Ounce of Hope is a beautiful and sexy story about redemption and second chances in life. I loved Max when read A Pound of Flesh , and I was so excited about reading his book, because he was so broken and I needed to know more about him but mostly, I needed to read how he would get his HEA. I’m so happy I could read—and listen to— this beautiful book. It made me cry so many times, not only with Max’ story but also with Grace’s. They both were damaged but together they were fixed and of course found in each other what they thought lost.
The story begun when Max is in rehab. He struggled with his past, with his addiction and with all that is so wrong in his life. Three months later, Max is out of rehab and ready—not really—to face life again, so he decided to go and stay with his uncle and there he met the beautiful Grace, who had her own demons herself. They started being friends but slowly it moved to something else. Read this amazing book to know how they find their HEA together.
I loved the #Bromance Max had with Wes and Riley. Their friendship was real support for Max when he needed it the most. And of course, Max’ sponsor was a great friend as well, giving him shit when he needed in order to keep him away of the temptation and always leading him to the right path.
Thank God for Sebastian York! That man is the master of narrators. I loved everything about this audiobook, his inflections for Max and Grace. It has dual POV and Sebastian nailed it with an A+. As always, he transmitted their personalities, their emotions and of course, the sex scenes were scorching hot. The audiobook was a perfect companion for this beautiful book.
I can’t wait for A Measure of Love , Riley’s story.
-----
I'm so excited this book is about Max!!! <3
July 12, 2016
4 estrelas
Muitas atitudes do Max no primeiro livro A POUND OF FLESH (Desejo Proibido) me fizeram questionar se eu iria de fato gostar do livro dele. Entretanto, quando o conto LOVE AND ALWAYS (Eternamente Você) foi lançados temos um vislumbre de como seria a história dele e fiquei interessada. Queria gostar dele do mesmo jeito que amei o Carter. E ainda bem que atendeu as expectativas.
Só continue se tiver lido os livro 1 e 1,5.
AN OUNCE OF HOPE conta a história de Max O`Hare, melhor amigo de Carter, que por causa das pressões da vida, não aguentou e acabou entrando de cabeça no mundo das drogas. Não que ele fosse certinho antes, mas com a perda de seu filho e o fato da mulher da sua vida ter ido embora sem dar explicações, Max não viu outra saída chegando ao fundo o poço, como a gente lembra muito bem no livro um. Carter acaba encontrando uma casa de reabilitação para Max se tratar e dar um jeito na sua vida. E é ai que começa esse livro.
Aqui afundamos no drama da história do Max. Seus segredos, seu vício e principalmente seus medos. A primeira parte do livro é na clínica, mas nem por isso fica monótono. Entretanto, já deixo avisado que, como o primeiro, aqui está carregado de drama.
Quando Max sai da reabilitação, acaba indo visitar seu tio numa cidade pequena no interior da Virginia Ocidental. É lá que somos apresentados a Grace, uma mulher bonita que chega numa cidade do interior para recomeçar sua vida. Não é dito logo de cara qual é o problema dela, entretanto, com suas atitudes é fácil descobrir o que é. E como Max, tem seus segredos e seus medos. Por isso, como que duas pessoas quebradas irão conseguir ficar juntas?
Os dois se tornam amigos, mas tentam resistir as tentações. Entretanto quando decidem virar "amigos coloridos" é que o livro se torna sensual. Não diria que é um livro regado de sexo, porque não é. Mas as cenas descritas com os desejos dois dois, mostra, mais uma vez, que a Sophie Jackson sabe escrever cenas sensuais. Achei que a autora se deu muito bem nessa parte, porque ao mesmo tempo que narrava uma cena de desejo, indiretamente confortava duas pessoas que só queriam viver novamente e quebrava barreiras que eles achavam que não deveriam ser quebradas. E de certa maneira, uma terapia para ambos.
Todos os personagens são cativantes. O tio e seus amigos juntos zuando com a cara do Max renderam cenas pra me fazer sorrir no meio de tanto drama. Os médicos do Max também foram personagens muito interessantes. Queria ver livros com eles.
Um personagem que aparece um pouco no livro um, ganha um pouco de destaque lá pelos 70% do livro fazendo a gente desejar saber o que aconteceu com ele, já que a autora dá uma pista bem pequenininha. O livro 3, "A Measure of Love" será dele, Riley Moore. E, claro, já to doida pra ler.
A única coisa que me incomodou em AN OUNCE OF HOPE foi a rápidez que terminou. Para um livro enorme como esse, era de se esperar que a autora desenvolvesse mais o final. Queria mais informações.
Ah! O próximo conto Fate and Forever (A Pound of Flesh #2.5) irá contar mais sobre o que tá acontecendo com Carter e Kat, e Max e Grace. Acho que teremos que esperar para saber mais.
A serie por enquanto tá assim:
- A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh, #1) - No brasil: Desejo Proibido
- Love and Always (A Pound of Flesh, #1.5) - No Brasil: Enternamente Você
- An Ounce of Hope (A Pound of Flesh, #2)
A seguir:
- Fate and Forever (A Pound of Flesh, #2.5) - Lançamento: 18 de abril de 2016
- A Measure of Love (A Pound of Flesh Book 3) - Lançamento: 07 de junho de 2016
----------------------
* Pick a Book
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pb.responde@gmail.com
Muitas atitudes do Max no primeiro livro A POUND OF FLESH (Desejo Proibido) me fizeram questionar se eu iria de fato gostar do livro dele. Entretanto, quando o conto LOVE AND ALWAYS (Eternamente Você) foi lançados temos um vislumbre de como seria a história dele e fiquei interessada. Queria gostar dele do mesmo jeito que amei o Carter. E ainda bem que atendeu as expectativas.
Só continue se tiver lido os livro 1 e 1,5.
AN OUNCE OF HOPE conta a história de Max O`Hare, melhor amigo de Carter, que por causa das pressões da vida, não aguentou e acabou entrando de cabeça no mundo das drogas. Não que ele fosse certinho antes, mas com a perda de seu filho e o fato da mulher da sua vida ter ido embora sem dar explicações, Max não viu outra saída chegando ao fundo o poço, como a gente lembra muito bem no livro um. Carter acaba encontrando uma casa de reabilitação para Max se tratar e dar um jeito na sua vida. E é ai que começa esse livro.
Aqui afundamos no drama da história do Max. Seus segredos, seu vício e principalmente seus medos. A primeira parte do livro é na clínica, mas nem por isso fica monótono. Entretanto, já deixo avisado que, como o primeiro, aqui está carregado de drama.
Quando Max sai da reabilitação, acaba indo visitar seu tio numa cidade pequena no interior da Virginia Ocidental. É lá que somos apresentados a Grace, uma mulher bonita que chega numa cidade do interior para recomeçar sua vida. Não é dito logo de cara qual é o problema dela, entretanto, com suas atitudes é fácil descobrir o que é. E como Max, tem seus segredos e seus medos. Por isso, como que duas pessoas quebradas irão conseguir ficar juntas?
Os dois se tornam amigos, mas tentam resistir as tentações. Entretanto quando decidem virar "amigos coloridos" é que o livro se torna sensual. Não diria que é um livro regado de sexo, porque não é. Mas as cenas descritas com os desejos dois dois, mostra, mais uma vez, que a Sophie Jackson sabe escrever cenas sensuais. Achei que a autora se deu muito bem nessa parte, porque ao mesmo tempo que narrava uma cena de desejo, indiretamente confortava duas pessoas que só queriam viver novamente e quebrava barreiras que eles achavam que não deveriam ser quebradas. E de certa maneira, uma terapia para ambos.
Todos os personagens são cativantes. O tio e seus amigos juntos zuando com a cara do Max renderam cenas pra me fazer sorrir no meio de tanto drama. Os médicos do Max também foram personagens muito interessantes. Queria ver livros com eles.
Um personagem que aparece um pouco no livro um, ganha um pouco de destaque lá pelos 70% do livro fazendo a gente desejar saber o que aconteceu com ele, já que a autora dá uma pista bem pequenininha. O livro 3, "A Measure of Love" será dele, Riley Moore. E, claro, já to doida pra ler.
A única coisa que me incomodou em AN OUNCE OF HOPE foi a rápidez que terminou. Para um livro enorme como esse, era de se esperar que a autora desenvolvesse mais o final. Queria mais informações.
Ah! O próximo conto Fate and Forever (A Pound of Flesh #2.5) irá contar mais sobre o que tá acontecendo com Carter e Kat, e Max e Grace. Acho que teremos que esperar para saber mais.
A serie por enquanto tá assim:
- A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh, #1) - No brasil: Desejo Proibido
- Love and Always (A Pound of Flesh, #1.5) - No Brasil: Enternamente Você
- An Ounce of Hope (A Pound of Flesh, #2)
A seguir:
- Fate and Forever (A Pound of Flesh, #2.5) - Lançamento: 18 de abril de 2016
- A Measure of Love (A Pound of Flesh Book 3) - Lançamento: 07 de junho de 2016
----------------------
* Pick a Book
facebook / instagram / twitter
pb.responde@gmail.com
January 8, 2016
3.5 Stars.
I sorta me'd about quite a bit of this book. I didn't generally like the characters, they were okay. The angst over-load was too much for me, for eg, it's not bad enough to have one family member die tragically, but we need 3 to die tragically. The characters don't actually meet until 73 pages in/20% of the way through. It was all just a little... bland with a little to much drama. That said, it was nicely written, there wasn't anything that turned me off reading, and it was generally okay.
For my friends who don't like cheating;
I sorta me'd about quite a bit of this book. I didn't generally like the characters, they were okay. The angst over-load was too much for me, for eg, it's not bad enough to have one family member die tragically, but we need 3 to die tragically. The characters don't actually meet until 73 pages in/20% of the way through. It was all just a little... bland with a little to much drama. That said, it was nicely written, there wasn't anything that turned me off reading, and it was generally okay.
For my friends who don't like cheating;
August 1, 2017
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. –Samuel Smiles-
This is the second book in the series, I loved A Pound of Flesh and when it came to Max I was intrigued. And in all honesty I didn’t think that Ms. Jackson would have been able to pull it off.
This was the ending of book 1 which made me so intrigued about Max.
Carter reached out and pulled him into a tight embrace as Max sobbed onto his jacket. "Don't leave me like she did. Help me," Max begged. "You're all I have left. Please. For Christ's sake, help me"
His solo battle against the coke addiction had been valiant but short-lived.
4 Hershey’s Kisses Eyes & Starshine Stars.
Ms. Jackson writes about some sensitive themes in this book, one being the choice of suicide, strong drug abuse. It deals with the effects on people’s lives and on your own life.
Max O’Hare can’t come to terms with his past. In the end Carter helps him in to a rehab programme at the beginning it is hard for him. It was also hard for me to see what he went through. He has experienced a lot of loss in his life, his father, the death of his son Christopher which is tragic and last but not least that Lizzie left him without a word. He deserved more, more than silence.
His progress is slow and he tries to merge himself into the real world again. In New York with his friends, his auto shop and his former life. But there are too many triggers so he leaves.
Grace Brooks, lovely Gracie Brooks who is full of life, optimism. She has moved to West Virginia. She wants a new start and has bought a house. Grace is full of life and has a truly positive outlook on life. Grace has scars on the inside and on the outside but it shows what she survived. It has been twenty eight months since she last experienced something for a man.
I was wondering how Max and Grace were going to cross paths and well he turns up in West Virginia to stay with this uncle. Grace is smitten with him. He is an enigma, a past of drugs and car boosting and bullets. He wants to better though. He is his own worst enemy but beneath it all he is compassionate and kind.
They decide on being friends with benefits but it is clear that it won’t stay that way. They have great chemistry although he can be an absolute douche but he does have an attitude adjustment.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom in the book there were funny moments as well.
All goes it expected they don’t label their relationship. Max gets his closure with Lizzie but realises that he loves Grace.
The copy that I received in an exchange for a honest review could have been better. There were two copies packed in to one file. Also all words that started with “th” were missing the “th” which after a while became slightly tedious.
All in all Ms. Jackson is a talented writer and I really do hope we see more of the Moore brothers, especially Tate and Riley.
Book received by Headline Publishing via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2018
DNF %25
@Ezgi’nin DNF’lerine kardeş olsun bu da. 😛 Nedir bizim bu sene başından beri acıların çocuğu modumuz, niye sevilesi bir kitaba denk gelmedik hâlâ ya?
İkimize Dair Her Şey’in sonundaki Max sahnesini hatırlıyor musunuz? Hani kahrolduğumuz, ciğerimizin parçalandığı o anları?.. Bir de Love and Always’deki Max sahneleri üzerine gelince ben iyice heyecanlandım, dayanamayıp başlayıverdim. Ama gelin görün ki çok pişmanım!
Novellanın sonundaki tanıtımda yazan second chance yazısını gördüğüm anda bu kitabı tüm listelerimden silmem gerekiyordu aslında ama ben bir umut, beğenirim diyerek başlamıştım. Sonuç görüldüğü gibi büyük hüsran, bitirecek kadar bile dayanamadım!
Birincisi ben zaten bu ikinci şans olaylarına gelemiyorum. Gerçekten âşık olduğun, yokluğuyla yok olduğun birinin ardından gidip yeniden âşık olma/olabilme fikrini kafamda yerleştiremiyorum. İnsanın hayatında elbette başkası olabilir ama bu başkasıyla yaşanan şeyde bir gerçek aşk kategorisinde olmaz. Ee, gerçek aşkı bununla yaşayacak belki , diyorsanız da ben şunu sorarım; öbürü gerçek aşk değilse ne demeye kendini bu kadar hırpaladı? Madem başkasını bulunca o, o kadar da önemli değildi, ben sana aşığım diyebiliyorduysa bunca dram niye?
Biz serinin önceki kitaplarında Lizzie ve Christopher yüzünden kahrolmuş bir Max gördük. Hayatın kıyısında dolaşan bu adamın gidip de Grace’e mi âşık olacak yani?
İlk kitaptan beri Max’in toparlanıp Lizzie’nin peşine düşmesini, onunla yaşayacağı bir second chance romanı bekliyordum. Bu kitapta karşımıza Grace çıktı!
Niye ya! Niye?
Lizzie’nin peşinden koşmasaydı bile kahrından ölseydi Max, inanın unutulmaz adamlar arasına girerdi ama bu kitap ve bu kurguyla… I-ıh…
Tüm bu olumsuz noktalara rağmen kitaba devam ederdim ama çok ağır ilerleyen bir kurgusu vardı. Kararsızlığın etrafında kol gezerken de @Dilek ablanın yorumunu okudum, benim açımdan devam etmeme değecek hiçbir gelişmede yokmuş zaten. İkinci şans okumayı seviyorsanız buyurun derim ama ben sonunu görmeye bile katlanamadım ne yazık ki.
Okumadan Önce:
Max, İkimize Dair Her Şey'de son sahnesiyle beni mahvetti. O yüzden ayrı bir merak ediyorum onunla ilgili gelişmeleri.
@Ezgi’nin DNF’lerine kardeş olsun bu da. 😛 Nedir bizim bu sene başından beri acıların çocuğu modumuz, niye sevilesi bir kitaba denk gelmedik hâlâ ya?
İkimize Dair Her Şey’in sonundaki Max sahnesini hatırlıyor musunuz? Hani kahrolduğumuz, ciğerimizin parçalandığı o anları?.. Bir de Love and Always’deki Max sahneleri üzerine gelince ben iyice heyecanlandım, dayanamayıp başlayıverdim. Ama gelin görün ki çok pişmanım!
Novellanın sonundaki tanıtımda yazan second chance yazısını gördüğüm anda bu kitabı tüm listelerimden silmem gerekiyordu aslında ama ben bir umut, beğenirim diyerek başlamıştım. Sonuç görüldüğü gibi büyük hüsran, bitirecek kadar bile dayanamadım!
Birincisi ben zaten bu ikinci şans olaylarına gelemiyorum. Gerçekten âşık olduğun, yokluğuyla yok olduğun birinin ardından gidip yeniden âşık olma/olabilme fikrini kafamda yerleştiremiyorum. İnsanın hayatında elbette başkası olabilir ama bu başkasıyla yaşanan şeyde bir gerçek aşk kategorisinde olmaz. Ee, gerçek aşkı bununla yaşayacak belki , diyorsanız da ben şunu sorarım; öbürü gerçek aşk değilse ne demeye kendini bu kadar hırpaladı? Madem başkasını bulunca o, o kadar da önemli değildi, ben sana aşığım diyebiliyorduysa bunca dram niye?
Biz serinin önceki kitaplarında Lizzie ve Christopher yüzünden kahrolmuş bir Max gördük. Hayatın kıyısında dolaşan bu adamın gidip de Grace’e mi âşık olacak yani?
İlk kitaptan beri Max’in toparlanıp Lizzie’nin peşine düşmesini, onunla yaşayacağı bir second chance romanı bekliyordum. Bu kitapta karşımıza Grace çıktı!
Niye ya! Niye?
Lizzie’nin peşinden koşmasaydı bile kahrından ölseydi Max, inanın unutulmaz adamlar arasına girerdi ama bu kitap ve bu kurguyla… I-ıh…
Tüm bu olumsuz noktalara rağmen kitaba devam ederdim ama çok ağır ilerleyen bir kurgusu vardı. Kararsızlığın etrafında kol gezerken de @Dilek ablanın yorumunu okudum, benim açımdan devam etmeme değecek hiçbir gelişmede yokmuş zaten. İkinci şans okumayı seviyorsanız buyurun derim ama ben sonunu görmeye bile katlanamadım ne yazık ki.
Okumadan Önce:
Max, İkimize Dair Her Şey'de son sahnesiyle beni mahvetti. O yüzden ayrı bir merak ediyorum onunla ilgili gelişmeleri.
January 4, 2016
Sophie Jackson quickly jumped onto my radar with A Pound of Flesh, which sky rocketed to my top ten favorite reads of 2015. To say I was excited to read An Ounce of Hope was a slight understatement; it felt like I had been waiting for eternity! Masterpieces take time and I will jump on rooftops to say that this book was exactly that, a masterpiece.
I never once doubted that Ms. Jackson was going to deliver exactly what her readers wanted. I will fully admit, I am a bit of a scrooge about pricing—$7.99 is a bit steep for my usual one-click binges (that might happen daily. I'm not admitting to anything.)—but trust me when I tell you, it was worth Every. Single. Penny. Ms. Jackson knows how to write a book that will move you to your soul, make you inhale her words and exhale her character's love, laughter and sorrow.
I don't think you can just simply read a Sophie Jackson novel. You live it. An Ounce of Hope was no exception to that. In fact, it just affirmed my belief! ~ Kelly, 4.5 stars
I never once doubted that Ms. Jackson was going to deliver exactly what her readers wanted. I will fully admit, I am a bit of a scrooge about pricing—$7.99 is a bit steep for my usual one-click binges (that might happen daily. I'm not admitting to anything.)—but trust me when I tell you, it was worth Every. Single. Penny. Ms. Jackson knows how to write a book that will move you to your soul, make you inhale her words and exhale her character's love, laughter and sorrow.
I don't think you can just simply read a Sophie Jackson novel. You live it. An Ounce of Hope was no exception to that. In fact, it just affirmed my belief! ~ Kelly, 4.5 stars
May 1, 2016
Great book!! Minus one star because of how many times I wanted to slap Max for being such an adorable asshat!!
January 23, 2016
Such a beautiful story! Hope, redemption, healing. It was so wonderful. There was this perfectly paced, incredible build throughout that had me drawn in, I couldn't stop reading. I swear sometimes I even held my breath because there was so much emotion and intensity. Just incredible!
Max and Graced were these flawed and scarred characters and I loved, loved, LOVED their growth throughout. Great character development. Learning the details of their stories was really emotional, it was like I was right there with them. Sophie Jackson did this truly incredible job making me feel it all. I loved them meeting and their interactions. The building of a friendship and trust. There were so many nice moments of intimacy as they become closer, it was heartbreakingly beautiful. This build between the two of them was awesome. They have a very passionate and sensual connection, when it uncoils, I could feel it.
The story itself was well crafted with excellent writing. The build, oh man, I thought the build and the progression was perfect. Their friendship building, the chemistry between the two growing, the details learned, the timing was just right. It was emotional and heartbreaking, the perfect amount of tension and drama. I was so pulled in with every word. Every secret revealed, every development. Such a wonderful story full of hope.
The bond that Max has with Carter and Riley plus the new relationships formed are also pretty fantastic. I love real man bonding in a book, the kind that makes your gut twist because there is so much meaning behind it. It really was awesome. I'm totally curious about Riley and his story. So excited to read his book next in A Measure of Love.
Amazing story. I feel like I'm repeating myself but it was excellent. All the details came to light at just the right time, it was steady, giving me just what I needed, when I need it. I cannot say enough positive things. A must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Max and Graced were these flawed and scarred characters and I loved, loved, LOVED their growth throughout. Great character development. Learning the details of their stories was really emotional, it was like I was right there with them. Sophie Jackson did this truly incredible job making me feel it all. I loved them meeting and their interactions. The building of a friendship and trust. There were so many nice moments of intimacy as they become closer, it was heartbreakingly beautiful. This build between the two of them was awesome. They have a very passionate and sensual connection, when it uncoils, I could feel it.
The story itself was well crafted with excellent writing. The build, oh man, I thought the build and the progression was perfect. Their friendship building, the chemistry between the two growing, the details learned, the timing was just right. It was emotional and heartbreaking, the perfect amount of tension and drama. I was so pulled in with every word. Every secret revealed, every development. Such a wonderful story full of hope.
The bond that Max has with Carter and Riley plus the new relationships formed are also pretty fantastic. I love real man bonding in a book, the kind that makes your gut twist because there is so much meaning behind it. It really was awesome. I'm totally curious about Riley and his story. So excited to read his book next in A Measure of Love.
Amazing story. I feel like I'm repeating myself but it was excellent. All the details came to light at just the right time, it was steady, giving me just what I needed, when I need it. I cannot say enough positive things. A must read!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
December 2, 2017
5 stars
LOVED it!
My heart! Phew, this one really put me through the wringer.
LOVED it!
My heart! Phew, this one really put me through the wringer.
December 26, 2015
When I first read A Pound of Flesh, I was not enthralled with Max. He was a mess and a definite bad boy, so knowing that I was going into a book all about this guy, I was hesitant as to what I would feel. But I should not have worried. The author crafted Max into a likeable guy that is not only beautiful to look at, he has a lovely soul once you get through all of his baggage.
His story is a long painful crash into the realization that he can be capable of feeling something for a woman again. Grace is a wonderful match for him, created to be broken and hurt in ways that Max can definitely assist in her healing. They forge a solid friendship and tight bond that finds Grace afraid of her feelings for Max and Max determined to not have feelings at all.
The author has crafted a novel about the angst of addiction, fear, and heartbreak. You feel so much of what these two are feeling. Sophie Jackson is a master at writing about emotion so strong it takes your breath away. I found myself locked away in this story for hours at a time, gasping for air in a few spots and shedding many tears in other spots. An emotional ride into a lovely balance of acceptance for the two main characters and a delicate HEA that will hopefully be explored in future books.
This author has wormed her way into my heart and a must-read status with her amazing ability to craft unique multi dimensional characters you wish you really knew. Deep, emotional, passionate, and oh, so damn good! Thank you, Sophie, for another awesome read!
His story is a long painful crash into the realization that he can be capable of feeling something for a woman again. Grace is a wonderful match for him, created to be broken and hurt in ways that Max can definitely assist in her healing. They forge a solid friendship and tight bond that finds Grace afraid of her feelings for Max and Max determined to not have feelings at all.
The author has crafted a novel about the angst of addiction, fear, and heartbreak. You feel so much of what these two are feeling. Sophie Jackson is a master at writing about emotion so strong it takes your breath away. I found myself locked away in this story for hours at a time, gasping for air in a few spots and shedding many tears in other spots. An emotional ride into a lovely balance of acceptance for the two main characters and a delicate HEA that will hopefully be explored in future books.
This author has wormed her way into my heart and a must-read status with her amazing ability to craft unique multi dimensional characters you wish you really knew. Deep, emotional, passionate, and oh, so damn good! Thank you, Sophie, for another awesome read!
June 15, 2017
5 shining stars!
Wow, wow, wow, I love this book!
It’s a breathtakingly beautiful story of two people’s journeys to reclaim their lives after heartbreaking tragedy, and an emotional, sweet and passionate love story that absolutely stole my heart! It’s a long-ish book, a detailed story and a slow burning romance, and I adored every moment of it.
Max is the best friend of Carter from A Pound of Flesh (and though this could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the previous books to fully understand the dynamics). He is a man with a tragic past who has been left destroyed by his grief, and who has turned to drugs in order to cope. When we first met him he was an addict, hopelessly lost to his addiction unable to deal with all that he has lost in his life. Carter has arranged for him to go to rehab, and this book begins with his journey to finally deal with his demons and reclaim his life.
Max’s rehab stay is wonderfully written, and he begins his recover, managing to rediscover parts of himself that he thought were lost. But once he is released life is still a struggle for him so he leaves the city to travel to the small country town in West Virginia where his uncle, aunt and cousin welcome him with open arms, and where he plans to stay while he resettles into real life. And that is where he meets Grace.
Grace has been through her own hell and has moved to town to get a fresh start for herself. She, too, has been left damaged by all that she has been through, but when she lays eyes on Max, it’s the first time she has felt attraction to a man in a very long time. He is equally as drawn to her, but neither of them are in a place to consider anything romantic and so a tentative friendship develops.
I loved the slow pace of the relationship between Max and Grace. I could understand their hesitancy, and their openness and honesty with each other was absolutely sensational. They shared their awful pasts, and the friendship that developed between them was gorgeous! Fun, sweet and protective, but with an undertone of attraction that keeps things interesting.
Their shift to something ‘more’ is really nicely done. There are so many hurdles in their way – the first being that Max isn’t supposed to enter into a relationship while he’s so fresh out of rehab, the second is that he knows that he’ll never recover from the devastating betrayal of his first love and what they lost together. And Grace has been hurt so badly in the past that she has all kinds of issues. But they find a way to make it work, and the sexual tension that has been building since they met explodes into intense passion.
It’s one of those love stories where you can feel the chemistry between the couple, and you can see that what they have is so much more than what they’re willing to admit to, but their story unfolds perfectly. Max is wonderfully gentle and protective with Grace, helping her face up to her issues, and in return Grace supports Max as he battles his demons. They are flawed, but they are perfect together, and the emotion is beautifully written.
These are two very special characters. I could understand everything they were going through, I felt it all right along with them, even when they made bad decisions, and I love the way they stood by each other. Grace in particular showed amazing strength. The way she was there for Max, accepting all of him, putting herself out there and loving him bravely was so, so gorgeous.
And Max absolutely stole my heart! His battle not only to get better, but to overcome his past, figure out what he wants and then fight for it, was beautifully told. My heart broke for him over and over, and I revelled in every piece of happiness that he found. And seeing him come to terms with everything that happens between him and Grace was heart-achingly beautiful.
There is a lot that Max and Grace need to overcome to truly move forward together. It’s not an easy journey for them, but their struggles are realistic and dealt with without excessive angst and drama, and I loved their story.
I loved the part that the side characters played throughout the story. I loved the role that Carter played in Max’s life - the two best friends have a very special relationship, and I love that we got to see that. I also loved Tate and Riley. The two brothers were straight-talkers, and absolutely fantastic. The camaraderie between all of the boys was fantastic! Their banter and antics brought a lot of lightness to the story, and it blended perfectly with everything else that was going on.
This is a book with three stories - Max’s story, Grace’s story, and their story together. It’s all perfectly intertwined to give us a deeply emotional read that held me captivated from start to finish, and I absolutely loved it.
5 stars.
Note – I listened to this as an audiobook, which is narrated by Sebastian York. The man can do no wrong. The way he brings these characters to life is flawless, injecting the right amounts of strength, vulnerability, wit and raw passion into them and making this a fantastic listening experience. I highly recommend this as an audiobook.
Wow, wow, wow, I love this book!
It’s a breathtakingly beautiful story of two people’s journeys to reclaim their lives after heartbreaking tragedy, and an emotional, sweet and passionate love story that absolutely stole my heart! It’s a long-ish book, a detailed story and a slow burning romance, and I adored every moment of it.
Max is the best friend of Carter from A Pound of Flesh (and though this could be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the previous books to fully understand the dynamics). He is a man with a tragic past who has been left destroyed by his grief, and who has turned to drugs in order to cope. When we first met him he was an addict, hopelessly lost to his addiction unable to deal with all that he has lost in his life. Carter has arranged for him to go to rehab, and this book begins with his journey to finally deal with his demons and reclaim his life.
“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
Max shook his head fervently. “I’d rather not know—”
“I see a man who wants so much to be better, who regrets the decisions he made, who wants to make amends and move on with his life. I see a man terrified to take a chance, to trust, but desperate to do so. I see a man who’s fractured, but trying, I see hope.”
Max’s rehab stay is wonderfully written, and he begins his recover, managing to rediscover parts of himself that he thought were lost. But once he is released life is still a struggle for him so he leaves the city to travel to the small country town in West Virginia where his uncle, aunt and cousin welcome him with open arms, and where he plans to stay while he resettles into real life. And that is where he meets Grace.
Grace has been through her own hell and has moved to town to get a fresh start for herself. She, too, has been left damaged by all that she has been through, but when she lays eyes on Max, it’s the first time she has felt attraction to a man in a very long time. He is equally as drawn to her, but neither of them are in a place to consider anything romantic and so a tentative friendship develops.
I loved the slow pace of the relationship between Max and Grace. I could understand their hesitancy, and their openness and honesty with each other was absolutely sensational. They shared their awful pasts, and the friendship that developed between them was gorgeous! Fun, sweet and protective, but with an undertone of attraction that keeps things interesting.
He doubted he'd ever feel again. He wasn't sure he even wanted to.
Until she tumbled into his life.
Their shift to something ‘more’ is really nicely done. There are so many hurdles in their way – the first being that Max isn’t supposed to enter into a relationship while he’s so fresh out of rehab, the second is that he knows that he’ll never recover from the devastating betrayal of his first love and what they lost together. And Grace has been hurt so badly in the past that she has all kinds of issues. But they find a way to make it work, and the sexual tension that has been building since they met explodes into intense passion.
It’s one of those love stories where you can feel the chemistry between the couple, and you can see that what they have is so much more than what they’re willing to admit to, but their story unfolds perfectly. Max is wonderfully gentle and protective with Grace, helping her face up to her issues, and in return Grace supports Max as he battles his demons. They are flawed, but they are perfect together, and the emotion is beautifully written.
All he cared about was the woman wrapped in his arms, whispering her love for him, and the overwhelming sensation of hope that began to bloom among all the parts of him that belonged to his Grace.
These are two very special characters. I could understand everything they were going through, I felt it all right along with them, even when they made bad decisions, and I love the way they stood by each other. Grace in particular showed amazing strength. The way she was there for Max, accepting all of him, putting herself out there and loving him bravely was so, so gorgeous.
“Don't be scared, not of me. I only want to love you.”
And Max absolutely stole my heart! His battle not only to get better, but to overcome his past, figure out what he wants and then fight for it, was beautifully told. My heart broke for him over and over, and I revelled in every piece of happiness that he found. And seeing him come to terms with everything that happens between him and Grace was heart-achingly beautiful.
“I know I hurt you and I’ll always be sorry for that. I’ll always been an addict but I can’t change that, either. All I can do is promise I’ll fight it every day. For us. For you.”
There is a lot that Max and Grace need to overcome to truly move forward together. It’s not an easy journey for them, but their struggles are realistic and dealt with without excessive angst and drama, and I loved their story.
“Doesn’t matter where you are,” he assured her. “You’re all I see”.
I loved the part that the side characters played throughout the story. I loved the role that Carter played in Max’s life - the two best friends have a very special relationship, and I love that we got to see that. I also loved Tate and Riley. The two brothers were straight-talkers, and absolutely fantastic. The camaraderie between all of the boys was fantastic! Their banter and antics brought a lot of lightness to the story, and it blended perfectly with everything else that was going on.
This is a book with three stories - Max’s story, Grace’s story, and their story together. It’s all perfectly intertwined to give us a deeply emotional read that held me captivated from start to finish, and I absolutely loved it.
5 stars.
Note – I listened to this as an audiobook, which is narrated by Sebastian York. The man can do no wrong. The way he brings these characters to life is flawless, injecting the right amounts of strength, vulnerability, wit and raw passion into them and making this a fantastic listening experience. I highly recommend this as an audiobook.
January 14, 2016
4.5 stars
We met Max as Wes Carter's bestfriend in APOF, we knew him as troubled, an addict and on a downward spiral. This starts where the last book leaves us with Max left at rehab. This is not any light read it's pretty intense but it's also hopeful. Max had such hard time growing up this is his journey in redemption after hitting a low.
While this starts of slow pace it builds up with how Max deals with his life after rehab and real life. Everyone has their own story of struggling and adapting and no one has the same. Max and Grace have been through their share of troubled times and that makes them them wary of life. Max is complicated and complex, but he also has a vulnerability and fragile way about him. Grace matches that with positive heart and brave spirit, even with her own apprehensions she manages to be light to his dark.
Max and Grace go through the motions and while it's a bumpy ride. But they also had great banter moments and times where they made lots of sense together. It's also one that is lightened by the secondary characters. I absolutely adore the two Moore brothers they really need their own books or spin off. Heck four Moore brothers would be awesome. That aside this is one of those books that you need to absorb.
A very character driven and progression of sorts and I appreciated that. Sophie Jackson did a good job in capturing the honesty and emotions of the main characters. She created a beautiful story about arriving at your own realizations and finding yourself again after the chaos. I am really hoping for a next book with Riley or Tate.
We met Max as Wes Carter's bestfriend in APOF, we knew him as troubled, an addict and on a downward spiral. This starts where the last book leaves us with Max left at rehab. This is not any light read it's pretty intense but it's also hopeful. Max had such hard time growing up this is his journey in redemption after hitting a low.
While this starts of slow pace it builds up with how Max deals with his life after rehab and real life. Everyone has their own story of struggling and adapting and no one has the same. Max and Grace have been through their share of troubled times and that makes them them wary of life. Max is complicated and complex, but he also has a vulnerability and fragile way about him. Grace matches that with positive heart and brave spirit, even with her own apprehensions she manages to be light to his dark.
Max and Grace go through the motions and while it's a bumpy ride. But they also had great banter moments and times where they made lots of sense together. It's also one that is lightened by the secondary characters. I absolutely adore the two Moore brothers they really need their own books or spin off. Heck four Moore brothers would be awesome. That aside this is one of those books that you need to absorb.
A very character driven and progression of sorts and I appreciated that. Sophie Jackson did a good job in capturing the honesty and emotions of the main characters. She created a beautiful story about arriving at your own realizations and finding yourself again after the chaos. I am really hoping for a next book with Riley or Tate.
January 8, 2016
Link: http://collectorofbookboyfriends.com/...
*WARNING: It contains spoilers from the previous books*
Another extremelly emotional journey by Sophie Jackson is completed. And once again was addicting, amazing and captivating as hell without leaving a gap for not loving it.
An Ounce of Hope is the second installment on the amazing A Pound of Flesh series. For those who haven’t read the series, on the first book A Pound of Flesh, Jackson tells the story of Carter and Kat and how these two fell in love. On the first and a half book, Love and Always, their story continues and it prologues us for Max. Max O’Hare is Carter’s best friend and the male lead character of this book.
This time Max introduces himself to us and, while he battles to move forward and overcome his addiction, he gives us the heart-wrecking and tragic reality of his past relationship with Lizzie that keeps him still bounded and a shell of a man. And here comes Grace. Grace Brooks is a woman that, also, has been through a lot and tries to rebuild herself and move forward as well. So, after Fate “pushes” Max to get to the same place she is, the two of them start getting closer. Firstly as friends, then with benefits and then…….. You have to read it to see what happens in the end!! :*
January 6, 2016
I really like when book grabs my attention from the very beginning, and recently, that was not very often. I loved APOF, and as soon as An Ounce of Hope was out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.
We first met Max in APOF and I have to say, I kind of really liked him ( and I am in minority here) even though he was a drug abusing bad boy.
This was a intense, sometimes emotionally exhausting romance between two broken people who were trying to deal with their pasts, heal and find themselves again.
I think finding love was just a cherry on top in their story.
Romance aside, this book was also a beautiful story of friendship and trust.
Sophie did a marvellous job!
We first met Max in APOF and I have to say, I kind of really liked him ( and I am in minority here) even though he was a drug abusing bad boy.
This was a intense, sometimes emotionally exhausting romance between two broken people who were trying to deal with their pasts, heal and find themselves again.
I think finding love was just a cherry on top in their story.
Romance aside, this book was also a beautiful story of friendship and trust.
Sophie did a marvellous job!
December 4, 2017
Wat een ontzettend heerlijk boek! Deel 1 vond ik al erg leuk maar ik had het idee dat ik hier veel meer in zat. Daarom heb ik ook meer genoten van dit deel. Ik vind het leuk om het boek vanuit een personage te lezen die in boek 1 ook al aan bod is gekomen en om de hoofdpersonages van boek 1 in dit boek terug te lezen.
Het is vrij standaard dat een-tweetje hoofdpersonen een tijdje om elkaar heen draaien, dat is bijna in elk ‘liefdes verhaal’ maar van mij had dit iets minder gemogen. Maar dat is dan ook mijn enige kritiek op dit boek want ik heb hier echt van genoten!
Het is vrij standaard dat een-tweetje hoofdpersonen een tijdje om elkaar heen draaien, dat is bijna in elk ‘liefdes verhaal’ maar van mij had dit iets minder gemogen. Maar dat is dan ook mijn enige kritiek op dit boek want ik heb hier echt van genoten!
January 20, 2016
Now I'm completely torn. I really didn't think it would be possible for me to like this book as much as I liked Kat & Carter's, but I think I might have liked it more.
When I first started reading I found myself having trouble getting into it. I think part of the problem was that I was preparing myself for Max to make some really bad decisions and/or fight any real feelings he might get for someone other than Lizzie. I fully expected that his addiction would be a great source of the drama that happened in the book and was just waiting for the ground to drop around Max and everyone who cared for him. Once I got past my preconceived notions I was able to enjoy the book more.
If you're expecting this to be just a tale of a recovering addict who finds love after heartbreak, you're barking up the wrong tree. A large portion of this book deals with Max and his journey to a clean and healthy new life before Grace ever even enters the picture and I enjoyed that part of the story just as much as the romance. It was heartbreaking and hard to read at times but only because it felt all too real. When the romance did pick up it just made the story that much more compelling.
This series is turning out to be one of my favs and somehow it wasn't even on my radar. I'm hoping that we get Riley's story next.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Read more of my reviews at www.fictionfangirls.com
When I first started reading I found myself having trouble getting into it. I think part of the problem was that I was preparing myself for Max to make some really bad decisions and/or fight any real feelings he might get for someone other than Lizzie. I fully expected that his addiction would be a great source of the drama that happened in the book and was just waiting for the ground to drop around Max and everyone who cared for him. Once I got past my preconceived notions I was able to enjoy the book more.
If you're expecting this to be just a tale of a recovering addict who finds love after heartbreak, you're barking up the wrong tree. A large portion of this book deals with Max and his journey to a clean and healthy new life before Grace ever even enters the picture and I enjoyed that part of the story just as much as the romance. It was heartbreaking and hard to read at times but only because it felt all too real. When the romance did pick up it just made the story that much more compelling.
This series is turning out to be one of my favs and somehow it wasn't even on my radar. I'm hoping that we get Riley's story next.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Read more of my reviews at www.fictionfangirls.com
January 16, 2016
4.5 Stars ~ An Ounce of Hope is a beautifully written novel about hitting rock bottom and crawling back. This book is deeply emotional, heartbreaking, and all-consuming. Sophie Jackson does an amazing job with Max’s character and she couldn’t have written a more perfect woman for him than Grace. Grace, who also has demons of her own yet was willing to take a chance on Max.
“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
Max shook his head fervently. “I’d rather not know—”
“I see a man who wants so much to be better, who regrets the decisions he made, who wants to make amends and move on with his life. I see a man terrified to take a chance, to trust, but desperate to do so. I see a man who’s fractured, but trying, I see hope.”
This is a story about redemption, healing, and letting go. I was invested from the very beginning and captivated until the very end. Ounce of Hope is a riveting read and my heart picked up on every emotion that Max and Grace felt. Ms. Jackson is an author to watch out for as she makes her stories come alive with every turn of a page. Very well done and a must read for all.
ARC provided by Gallery Books
Reviewed by Yesi >
“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
Max shook his head fervently. “I’d rather not know—”
“I see a man who wants so much to be better, who regrets the decisions he made, who wants to make amends and move on with his life. I see a man terrified to take a chance, to trust, but desperate to do so. I see a man who’s fractured, but trying, I see hope.”
This is a story about redemption, healing, and letting go. I was invested from the very beginning and captivated until the very end. Ounce of Hope is a riveting read and my heart picked up on every emotion that Max and Grace felt. Ms. Jackson is an author to watch out for as she makes her stories come alive with every turn of a page. Very well done and a must read for all.
ARC provided by Gallery Books
Reviewed by Yesi >
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I absolutely loved Sophie Jackson’s A Pound of Flesh last year (my review here), so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on more of the series! An Ounce of Hope is Max’s story, Carter’s best friend and a cocaine addict. I wasn’t particularly a fan of his in APoF, but I found myself rooting for him and hurting for him so much in his book. An Ounce of Hope is an intense, emotional romance between two broken people as they struggle to heal and build a new life for themselves. It was a little slow at times, but overall, it’s another stunning read from Sophie Jackson.
The death of his unborn baby and loss of his fiancé had Max spiraling down into a dangerous coke addiction, but with the help of his best friend, Max is finally entering rehab and on the way to recovery. And with his therapist and art, Max has found a way to curb his addiction and rebuild his life once more. His heart is still broken over Lizzie, but when he meets Grace after leaving rehab, she seems to breathe life into him, even if he won’t allow himself to go through such heartbreak again.
Grace had an abusive ex-husband who left her physically and emotionally scarred. She’s terrified of men, unsure of so many things in her life, but the one exception seems to be Max. With Max, Grace can open up her bruised heart and see herself creating a new, better life for herself. The two of them become close friends, but when their relationship crosses over into something sexual, feelings start to develop – but can Max reciprocate them and be the kind of man Grace needs?
An Ounce of Hope is an emotionally exhausting story. It’s a tough journey for both Max and Grace, but you have high hopes for the both of them, because these are the kind of characters who deserve something good in their lives. They’ve been through such difficult times, but they come out of it even stronger. I really enjoyed their romance – it wasn’t easy to read, and sometimes it dragged it bit, but Sophie Jackson has woven a fantastic story about loss, healing, and recovery that I really recommend.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1AYgKNV
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1IyTmsW
Audible: http://amzn.to/1mx80Zm
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
I absolutely loved Sophie Jackson’s A Pound of Flesh last year (my review here), so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on more of the series! An Ounce of Hope is Max’s story, Carter’s best friend and a cocaine addict. I wasn’t particularly a fan of his in APoF, but I found myself rooting for him and hurting for him so much in his book. An Ounce of Hope is an intense, emotional romance between two broken people as they struggle to heal and build a new life for themselves. It was a little slow at times, but overall, it’s another stunning read from Sophie Jackson.
“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
Max shook his head fervently. “I’d rather not know—”
“I see a man who wants so much to be better, who regrets the decisions he made, who wants to make amends and move on with his life. I see a man terrified to take a chance, to trust, but desperate to do so. I see a man who’s fractured, but trying, I see hope.”
The death of his unborn baby and loss of his fiancé had Max spiraling down into a dangerous coke addiction, but with the help of his best friend, Max is finally entering rehab and on the way to recovery. And with his therapist and art, Max has found a way to curb his addiction and rebuild his life once more. His heart is still broken over Lizzie, but when he meets Grace after leaving rehab, she seems to breathe life into him, even if he won’t allow himself to go through such heartbreak again.
Grace had an abusive ex-husband who left her physically and emotionally scarred. She’s terrified of men, unsure of so many things in her life, but the one exception seems to be Max. With Max, Grace can open up her bruised heart and see herself creating a new, better life for herself. The two of them become close friends, but when their relationship crosses over into something sexual, feelings start to develop – but can Max reciprocate them and be the kind of man Grace needs?
An Ounce of Hope is an emotionally exhausting story. It’s a tough journey for both Max and Grace, but you have high hopes for the both of them, because these are the kind of characters who deserve something good in their lives. They’ve been through such difficult times, but they come out of it even stronger. I really enjoyed their romance – it wasn’t easy to read, and sometimes it dragged it bit, but Sophie Jackson has woven a fantastic story about loss, healing, and recovery that I really recommend.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1AYgKNV
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1IyTmsW
Audible: http://amzn.to/1mx80Zm
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
June 1, 2016
Esistono casi, casi molto rari e speciali, in cui l’incontro di due strade buie dà vita a un’esplosione di luce.
È questa la storia di Max e Grace.
Il tunnel di Max dura da anni, è infinito e ci fluttua inerme e privo di speranze. A volte il tunnel si trasforma in un pozzo e lui precipita senza però mai schiantarsi. Per quanto si impegni è bloccato con dei fili invisibili e la sua vita sembra condannata a un terribile destino.
Ex drogato in riabilitazione trascorre i giorni a capire il perché delle sue azioni passate; insieme al suo psicologo snocciola ogni accadimento alla ricerca dell’ostacolo che lo ha fatto cadere. Trascorre tre mesi in un istituto e quando esce, quella che prima era la sua normalità gli risulta totalmente estranea, persino i suoi amici, tanto che decide di andar via.
Anche il tunnel di Grace dura da anni. Fluttua e poi precipita, ma non tocca mai il fondo. I tentacoli del passato la tengono ben imprigionata in ricordi orribili che hanno ripercussioni pesanti sul suo presente.
Ragazza dolcissima con la passione per la fotografia si trasferisce in un paesino per provare a iniziare una nuova vita. Compra una casa da ristrutturare e trova lavoro in un bar come cameriera, continuando ad avere incontri fissi con suo fratello e la sua psicologa.
E proprio in questo paesino che Max e Grace si incontrano per la prima volta.
Diffidenti e già scottati, i due si tengono alla larga l’uno dall’altra, nonostante i loro occhi si cerchino in continuazione e l’attrazione palese che provano.
Quante emozioni con questo romanzo! La Jackson ha una penna particolarmente adatta nel descrivere il contatto fisico e la gestualità dei personaggi. Poche parole, ma scelte in maniera impeccabile ed ecco che arrivano i brividi. Bellissima anche l’introspezione dei protagonisti che permette di entrare nella loro mente e capire alla perfezione il perché di ogni atteggiamento.
Leggere questo libro è stato un percorso meraviglioso e intenso. Il susseguirsi di eventi è così travolgente che non sono stata in grado di abbandonare la lettura finché non è arrivata l’ultima pagina. Sono partita al buio, proprio come Max e Grace e insieme a loro ho trovato il coraggio e la fiducia, e ho iniziato a scavare per rivedere la luce.
In Nel tuo respiro non troviamo soltanto una storia d’amore, troviamo traumi, paure, legami. È vita vera.
Non posso fare altro che consigliarlo. Leggetelo, non ve ne pentirete!
È questa la storia di Max e Grace.
Il tunnel di Max dura da anni, è infinito e ci fluttua inerme e privo di speranze. A volte il tunnel si trasforma in un pozzo e lui precipita senza però mai schiantarsi. Per quanto si impegni è bloccato con dei fili invisibili e la sua vita sembra condannata a un terribile destino.
Ex drogato in riabilitazione trascorre i giorni a capire il perché delle sue azioni passate; insieme al suo psicologo snocciola ogni accadimento alla ricerca dell’ostacolo che lo ha fatto cadere. Trascorre tre mesi in un istituto e quando esce, quella che prima era la sua normalità gli risulta totalmente estranea, persino i suoi amici, tanto che decide di andar via.
Anche il tunnel di Grace dura da anni. Fluttua e poi precipita, ma non tocca mai il fondo. I tentacoli del passato la tengono ben imprigionata in ricordi orribili che hanno ripercussioni pesanti sul suo presente.
Ragazza dolcissima con la passione per la fotografia si trasferisce in un paesino per provare a iniziare una nuova vita. Compra una casa da ristrutturare e trova lavoro in un bar come cameriera, continuando ad avere incontri fissi con suo fratello e la sua psicologa.
E proprio in questo paesino che Max e Grace si incontrano per la prima volta.
Diffidenti e già scottati, i due si tengono alla larga l’uno dall’altra, nonostante i loro occhi si cerchino in continuazione e l’attrazione palese che provano.
Quante emozioni con questo romanzo! La Jackson ha una penna particolarmente adatta nel descrivere il contatto fisico e la gestualità dei personaggi. Poche parole, ma scelte in maniera impeccabile ed ecco che arrivano i brividi. Bellissima anche l’introspezione dei protagonisti che permette di entrare nella loro mente e capire alla perfezione il perché di ogni atteggiamento.
Leggere questo libro è stato un percorso meraviglioso e intenso. Il susseguirsi di eventi è così travolgente che non sono stata in grado di abbandonare la lettura finché non è arrivata l’ultima pagina. Sono partita al buio, proprio come Max e Grace e insieme a loro ho trovato il coraggio e la fiducia, e ho iniziato a scavare per rivedere la luce.
In Nel tuo respiro non troviamo soltanto una storia d’amore, troviamo traumi, paure, legami. È vita vera.
Non posso fare altro che consigliarlo. Leggetelo, non ve ne pentirete!
December 6, 2015
3.5 stars
I read and loved Pound of Flesh and I was intrigued to see Max's story, so I was pretty exited to get the invite to read it.
Max and Grace are interesting characters. I liked reading their relationship grow. They both have serious issues, which means the book and plot line is a little darker than the previous one. There is a great cast of characters {could I get more Riley and Tate, please?} and fun, fluffy parts, while few and far between, were fantastic.
There is a lot of drama. Like a lot a lot. With Max and Grace's background, obviously it's not going to be an easy road. However, the push and pull got old and the few scenes of severe overreacting made me want to throw something.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I did love seeing Carter and Kat and I'm not joking when I say I want more Tate and Riley.
**Huge thanks to Gallery Books for the invite to read**
I read and loved Pound of Flesh and I was intrigued to see Max's story, so I was pretty exited to get the invite to read it.
Max and Grace are interesting characters. I liked reading their relationship grow. They both have serious issues, which means the book and plot line is a little darker than the previous one. There is a great cast of characters {could I get more Riley and Tate, please?} and fun, fluffy parts, while few and far between, were fantastic.
There is a lot of drama. Like a lot a lot. With Max and Grace's background, obviously it's not going to be an easy road. However, the push and pull got old and the few scenes of severe overreacting made me want to throw something.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I did love seeing Carter and Kat and I'm not joking when I say I want more Tate and Riley.
**Huge thanks to Gallery Books for the invite to read**
January 8, 2016
There’s no better way to start off the New Year than with a good book, and friends, An Ounce of Hope, Sophie Jackson’s latest novel, is a GREAT one. I’ve been a Sophie-fangirl for a while, yet each additional story solidifies the special place she holds in my heart and on my bookshelf! Once again, Sophie has created a engaging piece of work that embodies the power of love and forgiveness, especially when it comes to oneself.
***Read the full review at We So Nerdy!
***Read the full review at We So Nerdy!
November 14, 2015
Loved it!
February 6, 2016
Amazing characters, beautiful story . I loved every single page ...
January 30, 2016
A touching story with hope and healing for both Max and Grace.
June 8, 2016
L’allegria contagiosa di Grace scacciò tutte le preoccupazioni che gli aveva messo addosso suo zio, tutte le tentazioni e i ricordi malinconici. Si liberò di ogni cautela e perdendosi nel ritornello della canzone preferita di sua madre prese Grace per la vita e cominciò a ballare con lei. La sua risata sovrastava la musica e, che Max ne fosse consapevole o meno, penetrava lentamente nei freddi recessi del suo cuore.
Abbiamo conosciuto Max nel precedente libro della serie “A pound of Flesh“: dipendente dalla droga, finalmente ha deciso di ripulirsi anche grazie all’aiuto dell’eterno amico Carter.
In “Nel tuo respiro” lo troviamo alle prese con la riabilitazione e scopriamo il suo tragico passato che lo ha portato a cancellare i ricordi dietro lo stordimento dell’alcool e della droga.
Essere sobrio e lucido non faceva che incoraggiare i suoi pensieri, prima ridotti al silenzio, a martellargli senza tregua il cervello dall’istante stesso in cui apriva gli occhi la mattina. La coca era un bavaglio che aveva usato quotidianamente, più volte al giorno, per mettere a tacere il casino in testa, ma ormai era solo un ricordo lontano.
Il percorso di Max verso la guarigione è lungo e doloroso; affrontare il suo passato non è facile ma ci riesce anche grazie allo staff del centro e al suo nuovo sponsor Tate, nonchè fratello dell’amico Riley.
Quando si sente pronto ad abbandonare il centro, torna a New York da Carter, ma è inquieto e decide di cambiare del tutto aria per andare a trovare lo zio Vince nel West Virginia, a Preston County.
E’ qui che tra il lavoro manuale, gli amici, la natura che lo circonda e la presenza di una bellissima donna.. ritrova se stesso.
Grace ha un passato doloroso ma è pronta a guardare al futuro e ha deciso di comprare una cosa a Preston County proprio per iniziare una nuova vita lì.
Grace e Max fanno presto amicizia, quasi come se una calamita li legasse l’uno all’altra: due passati dolorosi, due persone spezzate che stanno ricostruendo la propria anima.
“E sai invece che cosa vedo quando guardo te?”
Max scosse la testa con decisione. “Preferirei non saperlo..”
“Vedo un uomo che desidera migliorare, che rimpiange le decisioni che ha preso, che vuole rimediare e andare avanti. Vedo un uomo terrorizzato all’idea di cogliere un’opportunità, di fidarsi degli altri, ma che vorrebbe farlo con tutto se stesso. Vedo un uomo distrutto, ma che prova a voltare pagina. Io vedo la speranza.”
Max le rivolse un rapido sguardo, troppo sorpreso per dire qualcosa, troppo guardingo per crederle.
I due decidono di prendere la loro relazione alla leggera, solo del sano sesso: Grace ha difficoltà a fidarsi dopo l’esperienza con l’ex marito e Max ha paura – terrore di soffrire, di farle del male, di ricadere negli sbagli e il ricordo della donna che lo ha distrutto lo tormenta ancora.
La loro unica scelta è quella di abbandonare il passato e guardare al futuro, ma si sa che non sempre è facile chiudere la porta e aprirne un’altra.
“Katherine, angelo mio, se il passato torna a bussare alla porta non devi mai aprirgli. Non ha mai niente di nuovo da dire.”
Sophie Jackson non delude: anche questo romanzo è bellissimo. Il primo libro dedicato a Kat e Wes rimane il migliore ma anche questa nuovissima coppia ha il suo bel “perchè”!
Il suo stile coinvolgente, con una narrazione alternata tra i due protagonisti e talvolta anche un Carter eternamente preoccupato per il suo grande amico, portano il lettore all’interno di una nuova storia: sensuale, divertente e piena d’amore.
Per non parlare del bellissimo personaggio Tate: con le sue magliette da nerd e la sua grande saggezza, una meravigliosa aggiunta alla famiglia composta dai ragazzi della Jackson!
Indossava una maglietta nera con una grande scritta a caratteri gialli: Jedi nelle strade. Sith tra le lenzuola.
Ho apprezzato molto la caratterizzazione dei protagonisti: Max è un personaggio a tutto tondo che non tenta mai di giustificarsi o sottovalutare i propri errori, anzi. Affronta la gravità delle proprie scelte e combatte contro la propria sofferenza e il bisogno impellente per non deludere se stesso e coloro che gli stanno accanto.
Inoltre, l’ingresso di Grace nella sua vita lo aiuterà ad aprirsi e ad affrontare le sue paure più recondite, insieme a quel passato che lo ha fatto affondare per tanto tempo nell’acqua più profonda e gelida.
Grace, in confronto a Max, è un personaggio meno d’impatto ma è una donna che ha affrontato tanto e con una grnadissima forza riesce a ricostruire la sua vita lontana dalla sofferenza e dalla paura; l’ultimo passo che compie è quello di liberare i propri desideri e lasciarsi finalmente amare come si merita ogni donna.
Il sentimento che provava per Grace, invece, era più sottile, meno netto, meno esplosivo; era un dolce formicolio in tutto il corpo che lo riscaldava dall’interno come se si fosse insinuato lentamente in lui e si fosse impiantato in parti che Max aveva nascosto per paura di essere ferito. Era un sentimento appagante che, fino a quel momento, non aveva nemmeno capito di desiderare.
Che dire? Sophie Jackson è e rimane una garanzia. Una delle serie new adult più belle in assoluto!
Abbiamo conosciuto Max nel precedente libro della serie “A pound of Flesh“: dipendente dalla droga, finalmente ha deciso di ripulirsi anche grazie all’aiuto dell’eterno amico Carter.
In “Nel tuo respiro” lo troviamo alle prese con la riabilitazione e scopriamo il suo tragico passato che lo ha portato a cancellare i ricordi dietro lo stordimento dell’alcool e della droga.
Essere sobrio e lucido non faceva che incoraggiare i suoi pensieri, prima ridotti al silenzio, a martellargli senza tregua il cervello dall’istante stesso in cui apriva gli occhi la mattina. La coca era un bavaglio che aveva usato quotidianamente, più volte al giorno, per mettere a tacere il casino in testa, ma ormai era solo un ricordo lontano.
Il percorso di Max verso la guarigione è lungo e doloroso; affrontare il suo passato non è facile ma ci riesce anche grazie allo staff del centro e al suo nuovo sponsor Tate, nonchè fratello dell’amico Riley.
Quando si sente pronto ad abbandonare il centro, torna a New York da Carter, ma è inquieto e decide di cambiare del tutto aria per andare a trovare lo zio Vince nel West Virginia, a Preston County.
E’ qui che tra il lavoro manuale, gli amici, la natura che lo circonda e la presenza di una bellissima donna.. ritrova se stesso.
Grace ha un passato doloroso ma è pronta a guardare al futuro e ha deciso di comprare una cosa a Preston County proprio per iniziare una nuova vita lì.
Grace e Max fanno presto amicizia, quasi come se una calamita li legasse l’uno all’altra: due passati dolorosi, due persone spezzate che stanno ricostruendo la propria anima.
“E sai invece che cosa vedo quando guardo te?”
Max scosse la testa con decisione. “Preferirei non saperlo..”
“Vedo un uomo che desidera migliorare, che rimpiange le decisioni che ha preso, che vuole rimediare e andare avanti. Vedo un uomo terrorizzato all’idea di cogliere un’opportunità, di fidarsi degli altri, ma che vorrebbe farlo con tutto se stesso. Vedo un uomo distrutto, ma che prova a voltare pagina. Io vedo la speranza.”
Max le rivolse un rapido sguardo, troppo sorpreso per dire qualcosa, troppo guardingo per crederle.
I due decidono di prendere la loro relazione alla leggera, solo del sano sesso: Grace ha difficoltà a fidarsi dopo l’esperienza con l’ex marito e Max ha paura – terrore di soffrire, di farle del male, di ricadere negli sbagli e il ricordo della donna che lo ha distrutto lo tormenta ancora.
La loro unica scelta è quella di abbandonare il passato e guardare al futuro, ma si sa che non sempre è facile chiudere la porta e aprirne un’altra.
“Katherine, angelo mio, se il passato torna a bussare alla porta non devi mai aprirgli. Non ha mai niente di nuovo da dire.”
Sophie Jackson non delude: anche questo romanzo è bellissimo. Il primo libro dedicato a Kat e Wes rimane il migliore ma anche questa nuovissima coppia ha il suo bel “perchè”!
Il suo stile coinvolgente, con una narrazione alternata tra i due protagonisti e talvolta anche un Carter eternamente preoccupato per il suo grande amico, portano il lettore all’interno di una nuova storia: sensuale, divertente e piena d’amore.
Per non parlare del bellissimo personaggio Tate: con le sue magliette da nerd e la sua grande saggezza, una meravigliosa aggiunta alla famiglia composta dai ragazzi della Jackson!
Indossava una maglietta nera con una grande scritta a caratteri gialli: Jedi nelle strade. Sith tra le lenzuola.
Ho apprezzato molto la caratterizzazione dei protagonisti: Max è un personaggio a tutto tondo che non tenta mai di giustificarsi o sottovalutare i propri errori, anzi. Affronta la gravità delle proprie scelte e combatte contro la propria sofferenza e il bisogno impellente per non deludere se stesso e coloro che gli stanno accanto.
Inoltre, l’ingresso di Grace nella sua vita lo aiuterà ad aprirsi e ad affrontare le sue paure più recondite, insieme a quel passato che lo ha fatto affondare per tanto tempo nell’acqua più profonda e gelida.
Grace, in confronto a Max, è un personaggio meno d’impatto ma è una donna che ha affrontato tanto e con una grnadissima forza riesce a ricostruire la sua vita lontana dalla sofferenza e dalla paura; l’ultimo passo che compie è quello di liberare i propri desideri e lasciarsi finalmente amare come si merita ogni donna.
Il sentimento che provava per Grace, invece, era più sottile, meno netto, meno esplosivo; era un dolce formicolio in tutto il corpo che lo riscaldava dall’interno come se si fosse insinuato lentamente in lui e si fosse impiantato in parti che Max aveva nascosto per paura di essere ferito. Era un sentimento appagante che, fino a quel momento, non aveva nemmeno capito di desiderare.
Che dire? Sophie Jackson è e rimane una garanzia. Una delle serie new adult più belle in assoluto!
February 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
New cover doesn't match the description (old cover did) of the heroine AT ALL.
New cover doesn't match the description (old cover did) of the heroine AT ALL.
August 8, 2019
4,5⭐️
January 21, 2016
Reviewed for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
After meeting Max in "A Pound of Flesh", I couldn't wait to get stuck into this book and I was not disappointed. Sophie Jackson has delivered another beautiful story for me to gush about. I loved having the opportunity to really get to know Max and by the time I had finished this book, I felt as though I knew him inside out. The more I discovered about this stunning man, the more I fell in love with him. Poor Max had been through so much heartbreak and tragedy. I felt truly sorry for him and I desperately wanted him to be happy. It seemed far too long since he had anything good happen in his life but with all of his demons to fight, I knew it was going to be a long and difficult road to happiness.
"He doubted he'd ever feel again. He wasn't sure he even wanted to.
Until she tumbled into his life."
When I first met the lovely Grace, I could immediately envisage her and Max together. They seemed to be perfect for one another. Grace was just the type of girl that Max deserved and needed in his life. She was sweet, patient, kind and understanding and I was excited for their relationship to play out. I did start to become more and more curious of Grace as the story progressed. It soon became apparent that something had happened to her in her past so I was keen to uncover her back story and once I realised what she had gone through, I understood some of her reactions and behaviours towards Max.
"Don't be scared, not of me. I only want to love you."
Both Grace and Max and were troubled souls, who with time were beginning to heal each others wounds. I adored the bond that the pair formed, watching the progression of their relationship made my heart melt. Sophie Jackson has written this part of the story so beautifully. It flowed perfectly and was not at all rushed, which I was pleased about. Grace and Max took the time to repair their hearts and truly get to know each other. I loved the slow build up of their relationship and all of the special moments that Max and Grace shared made my heart so happy.
"I couldn't see anything but you. I don't crave anything but you."
Max and Grace's story has truly left an imprint on my heart. They made the most adorable couple and I was invested in their relationship from start to finish. The pair had been through so much heartache and I just wanted to see them find their fairytale ending. "An Ounce of Hope" has captured my heart and although there were times where I felt as though my heart was being torn in two, I loved everything that I was reading. I also loved catching up with Kat and Carter and I was excited to get a glimpse into their wedding but don't worry if you haven't read "A Pound of Flesh" because this book can be read as a standalone. The only thing I was a little saddened by was that was no epilogue so I am hoping that means there will be more from Grace and Max in the future. I am certainly not ready to say goodbye to this series yet.
"All he cared about was the woman wrapped in his arms, whispering her
love for him, and the overwhelming sensation of hope that began to bloom
among all the parts of him that belonged to his Grace."
After meeting Max in "A Pound of Flesh", I couldn't wait to get stuck into this book and I was not disappointed. Sophie Jackson has delivered another beautiful story for me to gush about. I loved having the opportunity to really get to know Max and by the time I had finished this book, I felt as though I knew him inside out. The more I discovered about this stunning man, the more I fell in love with him. Poor Max had been through so much heartbreak and tragedy. I felt truly sorry for him and I desperately wanted him to be happy. It seemed far too long since he had anything good happen in his life but with all of his demons to fight, I knew it was going to be a long and difficult road to happiness.
"He doubted he'd ever feel again. He wasn't sure he even wanted to.
Until she tumbled into his life."
When I first met the lovely Grace, I could immediately envisage her and Max together. They seemed to be perfect for one another. Grace was just the type of girl that Max deserved and needed in his life. She was sweet, patient, kind and understanding and I was excited for their relationship to play out. I did start to become more and more curious of Grace as the story progressed. It soon became apparent that something had happened to her in her past so I was keen to uncover her back story and once I realised what she had gone through, I understood some of her reactions and behaviours towards Max.
"Don't be scared, not of me. I only want to love you."
Both Grace and Max and were troubled souls, who with time were beginning to heal each others wounds. I adored the bond that the pair formed, watching the progression of their relationship made my heart melt. Sophie Jackson has written this part of the story so beautifully. It flowed perfectly and was not at all rushed, which I was pleased about. Grace and Max took the time to repair their hearts and truly get to know each other. I loved the slow build up of their relationship and all of the special moments that Max and Grace shared made my heart so happy.
"I couldn't see anything but you. I don't crave anything but you."
Max and Grace's story has truly left an imprint on my heart. They made the most adorable couple and I was invested in their relationship from start to finish. The pair had been through so much heartache and I just wanted to see them find their fairytale ending. "An Ounce of Hope" has captured my heart and although there were times where I felt as though my heart was being torn in two, I loved everything that I was reading. I also loved catching up with Kat and Carter and I was excited to get a glimpse into their wedding but don't worry if you haven't read "A Pound of Flesh" because this book can be read as a standalone. The only thing I was a little saddened by was that was no epilogue so I am hoping that means there will be more from Grace and Max in the future. I am certainly not ready to say goodbye to this series yet.
"All he cared about was the woman wrapped in his arms, whispering her
love for him, and the overwhelming sensation of hope that began to bloom
among all the parts of him that belonged to his Grace."
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