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The Original Heartbreakers #3
The Harder You Fall
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes another scorching Original Heartbreakers tale featuring an aloof bad boy and the rowdy Southern belle who rocks his world…Millionaire video-game creator Lincoln West has a dark and tragic past. The sought-after bachelor lives by a rigid schedule and a single rule—one relationship per year, lasting no more than two months. No exceptions. When he gave up the big city for a small town, he hoped to escape the worst of his memories—until a brash beauty dredges up long-buried emotions.A reformed party girl, Jessie Kay Dillon is determined to walk the straight and narrow. But her love-hate sizzle with West is just too irresistible. They can't be near each other without tearing off their clothes, but the last thing she needs is to be his next two-month dump. Will she become the one exception? Because as any former girl-gone-wild rules are made to be broken."Emotional, heart-tugging, kept me turning the pages!" —Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2015
230 people are currently reading
3317 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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November 8, 2020
The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter
3rd book in the Original Heartbreaker series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Recurring characters from prior books are included so better read as a series.
Jessie Kay is determined to rise above her prior party girl reputation and can’t believe that West is really serious about his interest in her. Besides that, he will only commit to two months. He freely explains that’s the limit he will give to a relationship. She can do better. But he is persistent and so much fun and he makes her feel important.
Lincoln West moved back to small town Strawberry Valley, OK with his best friends. Now that they are all successful, the world is theirs to conquer. He can’t keep his eyes or hands off Jessie Kay. But she wants more than he has to give emotionally.
Twists and multiple story complications make this book intense and interesting. There is a touch of humor too, mostly from Jessie Kay’s attitude and one liners. She’s had a difficult upbringing but her strength and determination are admirable. Her friendships with Harlow and sister Brook Lynn add a nice depth to the group.
Overall a complex and wonderful romance.
3rd book in the Original Heartbreaker series. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. Recurring characters from prior books are included so better read as a series.
Jessie Kay is determined to rise above her prior party girl reputation and can’t believe that West is really serious about his interest in her. Besides that, he will only commit to two months. He freely explains that’s the limit he will give to a relationship. She can do better. But he is persistent and so much fun and he makes her feel important.
Lincoln West moved back to small town Strawberry Valley, OK with his best friends. Now that they are all successful, the world is theirs to conquer. He can’t keep his eyes or hands off Jessie Kay. But she wants more than he has to give emotionally.
Twists and multiple story complications make this book intense and interesting. There is a touch of humor too, mostly from Jessie Kay’s attitude and one liners. She’s had a difficult upbringing but her strength and determination are admirable. Her friendships with Harlow and sister Brook Lynn add a nice depth to the group.
Overall a complex and wonderful romance.
October 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
July 18, 2024
“I couldn’t go another moment without having you in my arms.”
“Good, because I couldn’t breathe another second without being in yours.”
What does it say about a series that after every book you want to go back and deduct a star off the previous book? I swear this trilogy has been a real struggle and let down for me. Even when the couples have moments that I enjoy, the overzealous hammy writing just ruins anything I liked about them. Everybody is a cartoon, even the crazy ex girlfriend who was a second away from boiling a bunny. Like damn, can nobody have layers in Strawberry Valley?
Here it was pretty much the same old song and dance. Boy meets girl, boy fights his attraction tooth and nail to girl. They spar, circle each other, find out each other’s tearful backstories & soften up. Heroine is all ‘Gimme!’ and hero growls and stomps around and talks in circles over why they can’t be together. He needs to punish himself for his failures & mistakes. I must hurt hurt hurt! Heroine gives the now classic Showalter ultimatum ‘all or nothing’ to hero (because apparently every healthy reasonable relationship needs to start off with an absurd ‘forever’ promise before even starting said relationship. WTH? Ever heard of taking things slow? ) until hero finally caves and starts verbally shitting poetry about heroine being the moonbeam, light, rainbow to his darkness. You are so enchanting, you are too precious for words. Anything for you. Always you. Mine mine MINE.
Me: Make it stop. Please stop.
And I can’t say it enough but these guys & even the ladies sound so much like her LOTU characters that it’s throwing me off. Since Showalter's PR characters go above and beyond realism and are bit exaggerated yes it's understandable. Here? It’s a problem. I just find it distracting and so campy in a contemporary/NA book. I mean...
"If he invades my picnic, I’ll gut him and feast on his remains.”
“The limo will arrive at seven,” West continued, “and we’re to be ready or we’ll suffer--and I quote-- the pain of a thousand deaths.”
The man coming for her had no polished veneer--it had been ripped away, leaving the animal beneath.
A sound more animal than human, part war cry, part victory shout--one only she could elicit--more from deep within him, heralding a change he couldn’t stop...he didn’t want to stop.
The memory breeched the surface of his mind and with a roar, he punched the wall. Metal crinkled and caved.
“I want to kill the guy. But first I want to rip out his eyes and stomp on them. I want to cut out his tongue and put it in a blender. I want to peel his skin, douse him in salt and--”
And this:
He’d tucked a pair of roughed-up jeans into combat boots, the combination lethal to her resistance. A leather cuff circled one of his wrists, and two silver rings glinted on his fingers.
Since when does Lincoln West wear man jewelry? I only point this out because Jase is the one known for his punk/jewelry look. Ok got it. Then Beck is described as wearing a leather cuff and rings. Ookie. And now West too? They are all sounding similar to me. West is the more serious, nerdy, OCD one. And there was a pretty big inconsistency error near the end . So yeah while I thought West and Jessie Kay had some cute moments the overall writing with the dull predictable repetitive plot and sappy dialogue just didn't work for me.
August 28, 2024
The Harder You Fall is book three in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter.
I’m just adoring this series and devouring the books one by one. I just love the hometown feel, the characters and what they go through, and last narrator Savannah Richards captures me from the moment I start listening to the very end.
In The Harder You Fall we have Jessie Kay Dillon and Lincoln West. Jessi Kay is Brook Lynn’s sister. We’ve gotten to know her as a party girl and Brook Lynn is constantly saving her. We also see that their is some type of hostility or is it chemistry; between Jessie and West. Lincoln West, the millionaire video-game creator. He moved to Strawberry Vale to help his friend out. He’s got some major issues; a dark past that’s filled with drug addiction, foster homes, and more. He’s never forgiven himself on what his best friend went through and what happened to his teenage girlfriend, so now he is punishing himself.
We finally get a better understand of Jessie Kay’s actions and why she did the things she did and we also get to understand West and his issues. We see that Jessie Kay is turning her life around and starting to value herself. She’s proving to her sister and herself that she can turn her life around and be good. She’s spontaneous, crazy, funny, and cares about her family and friends. I felt for her. As for West, well I’ve liked him since book one and couldn’t wait to see someone come along and help him out of his funk and get him to enjoy life. He needs a little life back in his life.
These two together where amazing. I loved their relationship and how it progressed. Jessie Kay just seemed to know how to help West get over his issues. They were made for each other and brought out the best in each other.
Audio: Savannah Richards is a wonderful narrator for this series. She brings out the heartfelt moments and channels the characters to perfection. I have no complaint’s. I’ve come to adore the audio’s and can’t see myself enjoying them in another way. I’m pulled in from the start to end.
The Harder You Fall is sexy, sweet, and tender in all the right places. I feel in love with this couple at the start and had a fun ride seeing them work through things and find happiness. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend in order, if not you will miss out on the character connections and how they all come together to have these amazing relationships.
Rated: 4 Stars
I’m just adoring this series and devouring the books one by one. I just love the hometown feel, the characters and what they go through, and last narrator Savannah Richards captures me from the moment I start listening to the very end.
In The Harder You Fall we have Jessie Kay Dillon and Lincoln West. Jessi Kay is Brook Lynn’s sister. We’ve gotten to know her as a party girl and Brook Lynn is constantly saving her. We also see that their is some type of hostility or is it chemistry; between Jessie and West. Lincoln West, the millionaire video-game creator. He moved to Strawberry Vale to help his friend out. He’s got some major issues; a dark past that’s filled with drug addiction, foster homes, and more. He’s never forgiven himself on what his best friend went through and what happened to his teenage girlfriend, so now he is punishing himself.
We finally get a better understand of Jessie Kay’s actions and why she did the things she did and we also get to understand West and his issues. We see that Jessie Kay is turning her life around and starting to value herself. She’s proving to her sister and herself that she can turn her life around and be good. She’s spontaneous, crazy, funny, and cares about her family and friends. I felt for her. As for West, well I’ve liked him since book one and couldn’t wait to see someone come along and help him out of his funk and get him to enjoy life. He needs a little life back in his life.
These two together where amazing. I loved their relationship and how it progressed. Jessie Kay just seemed to know how to help West get over his issues. They were made for each other and brought out the best in each other.
Audio: Savannah Richards is a wonderful narrator for this series. She brings out the heartfelt moments and channels the characters to perfection. I have no complaint’s. I’ve come to adore the audio’s and can’t see myself enjoying them in another way. I’m pulled in from the start to end.
The Harder You Fall is sexy, sweet, and tender in all the right places. I feel in love with this couple at the start and had a fun ride seeing them work through things and find happiness. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend in order, if not you will miss out on the character connections and how they all come together to have these amazing relationships.
Rated: 4 Stars
December 6, 2015
I was a little unsure about West as a hero but he surprised me. I knew I'd love Jessie Kay, but I'm really glad West was able to win me over. Although a lot of that might have been because Jessica Kay is so awesome that she makes everyone around her awesome lol. Overall this one might be my favourite of the series, and I definitely recommend any Showalter fans who haven't read this series yet to go out and get them! There is really no genre that Showalter can't conquer!
August 15, 2020
A bit disappointing.
I've waited for this read, I was so curious to see what happens to these two!
Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I expected. I wanted more, so much more.
It's not a bad book, mind you, but West's story was one I wanted to read since half through the first book, and now that I've read it, oh well. I wanted better.
Still, it's worth reading, if you got so far.
I've waited for this read, I was so curious to see what happens to these two!
Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I expected. I wanted more, so much more.
It's not a bad book, mind you, but West's story was one I wanted to read since half through the first book, and now that I've read it, oh well. I wanted better.
Still, it's worth reading, if you got so far.
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April 10, 2016
The Harder You Fall is book three in The Original Heartbreakers series by Gena Showalter. I have loved this series from the first. I can’t believe I let the release of this book get by me without realizing it was out. So, I’m a few months late in reading it. I loved every page of it. But I do encourage you to start at the beginning of this series. Even though each book can be read as a stand alone, you will miss so much if you don’t start at the beginning and meet all of the characters since they continue to play an important part in each other’s lives in each book.
This book centers on Jessica Kay Dillon, Brook Lynn’s older sister. We got to know Jessie Kay in the previous books as the party girl, the girl that Brook Lynn was constantly trying to save. We also knew that there was some sort of strange either chemistry or animosity between Jessie Kay and West. Every time they were near each other it was obvious.
Jessie Kay has finally straightened herself out. Now she is dedicated to proving to her sister that she can be a good sister. She has so much to make up for. Her sister never gave up on her. Even though Jessie Kay has never forgiven herself for what she put her sister through, and still feels responsible for the death of her mother, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her bubbly personality and her caring ways make it impossible not to love her. She is spontaneous, crazy, funny, and beautiful. So she wonders why it is that no man wants her. Why is it that they never stick around?
“Why was she such a failure? What made her so unworthy of more?”
Lincoln West or West, moved to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma with his two brothers-by-circumstance. He is a millionaire video-game creator. West has a dark past, one filled with a drug addict mother, foster homes, and so much more. He has never forgiven himself for what happened to his brother, Jase, or to his girlfriend, Tessa, when he was still a teenager. So now he is punishing himself. He allows himself a girlfriend once a year for two months and two months only. Then they cut ties, over and done with. That’s all he will allow himself. No exceptions.
West has been fighting his growing obsession with Jessie Kay. He finds himself following her to make sure she is safe. Worrying about her, thinking about her, fantasizing about her. He’s sure she is attracted to him as well. But if he gave in and asked her to be his next two month relationship, what would happen when it was over? She is the sister of his best friend/brother’s fiancé. He’s not even good enough for her. She deserves so much more but the thought of any other man touching her ignites a rage within him.
“She wasn’t what he should want, but somehow she’d become everything he could not resist, and he was tired, so tired, of walking, running away from her.”
These two together were just, sigh, amazing. I loved the way their relationship progressed. Jessie Kay was so intuitive to West. She just seemed to know how to help him get over his issues. And yes, the man has a lot of issues. Their Christmas gifts to each other actually made my eyes water. I am a highlighter and let me tell you, I could have highlighted this entire book. These two needed each other so badly, they just had to accept what the other had to offer. They were just so much better together than apart.
“The boy he’d been had desired Tessa, but the man he’d become desired Jessie Kay. There was no comparison.”
“Her taste had changed the chemical makeup of his brain. He was no longer West; he was Jessie Kay’s man.”
This book made me smile (a lot,) sigh and swoon (a lot,) and I couldn’t put it down. And I absolutely loved the epilogue. I don’t know if there are going to be any further books in this series or not. But again, I encourage you to start at the beginning. I don’t think you will regret it.
This book centers on Jessica Kay Dillon, Brook Lynn’s older sister. We got to know Jessie Kay in the previous books as the party girl, the girl that Brook Lynn was constantly trying to save. We also knew that there was some sort of strange either chemistry or animosity between Jessie Kay and West. Every time they were near each other it was obvious.
Jessie Kay has finally straightened herself out. Now she is dedicated to proving to her sister that she can be a good sister. She has so much to make up for. Her sister never gave up on her. Even though Jessie Kay has never forgiven herself for what she put her sister through, and still feels responsible for the death of her mother, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her bubbly personality and her caring ways make it impossible not to love her. She is spontaneous, crazy, funny, and beautiful. So she wonders why it is that no man wants her. Why is it that they never stick around?
“Why was she such a failure? What made her so unworthy of more?”
Lincoln West or West, moved to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma with his two brothers-by-circumstance. He is a millionaire video-game creator. West has a dark past, one filled with a drug addict mother, foster homes, and so much more. He has never forgiven himself for what happened to his brother, Jase, or to his girlfriend, Tessa, when he was still a teenager. So now he is punishing himself. He allows himself a girlfriend once a year for two months and two months only. Then they cut ties, over and done with. That’s all he will allow himself. No exceptions.
West has been fighting his growing obsession with Jessie Kay. He finds himself following her to make sure she is safe. Worrying about her, thinking about her, fantasizing about her. He’s sure she is attracted to him as well. But if he gave in and asked her to be his next two month relationship, what would happen when it was over? She is the sister of his best friend/brother’s fiancé. He’s not even good enough for her. She deserves so much more but the thought of any other man touching her ignites a rage within him.
“She wasn’t what he should want, but somehow she’d become everything he could not resist, and he was tired, so tired, of walking, running away from her.”
These two together were just, sigh, amazing. I loved the way their relationship progressed. Jessie Kay was so intuitive to West. She just seemed to know how to help him get over his issues. And yes, the man has a lot of issues. Their Christmas gifts to each other actually made my eyes water. I am a highlighter and let me tell you, I could have highlighted this entire book. These two needed each other so badly, they just had to accept what the other had to offer. They were just so much better together than apart.
“The boy he’d been had desired Tessa, but the man he’d become desired Jessie Kay. There was no comparison.”
“Her taste had changed the chemical makeup of his brain. He was no longer West; he was Jessie Kay’s man.”
This book made me smile (a lot,) sigh and swoon (a lot,) and I couldn’t put it down. And I absolutely loved the epilogue. I don’t know if there are going to be any further books in this series or not. But again, I encourage you to start at the beginning. I don’t think you will regret it.
November 26, 2015
"reformed party girl" *roll eyes*
September 29, 2020
Whatever this was, whatever had changed between them, whatever he was doing, she wanted no part of it—because deep down she wanted all of it.
Jessie Kay Dillon is determined to start anew, by not being the party girl anymore. She wants to find what her sister and friends have found, someone to love. The only problem is the love-hate thing she has going with sexy West whom is exactly not what she needs. He can only offer her a two month relationship after which he will dump her and she wants more.
He couldn’t afford to like Jessie Kay. He just...couldn’t. There was too much feeling there. Some of it good—too good—and a lot of it bad.
Lincoln West became a millionaire by creating video-games and he has a dark and tragic past. A past that refuses to leave him without guilt. He believes in rules and schedules it keeps his darkest monsters at bay and his single relationship rule is once a year and it can’t last more than two months. And keeping to this rule has always been easy until Jessie Kay entered his life. He’s never wanted anyone as desperately as he does her and he’s been trying his best to keep his distance but the more he gets to know about her the more he wants her, in his bed, in his life. But his rules, his guilt makes it impossible to give her what she deserves.
She wasn’t what he should want, but somehow she’d become everything he could not resist, and he was tired, so damn tired, of walking, hell, running away from her.
Luckily Jessie Kay is a bad girl gone good and she knows that some rules are meant to be broken.
He was the sun she orbited, the vortex she couldn’t escape.
I freaking loved Jessie Kay. She’s sassy and doesn’t let anyone walk over her. I loved how feisty she was, how she stood up to West and I also loved how vulnerable she was and how deeply she cared about those she loved, how loyal she was to them.
She was every fantasy he’d never known he had, and his blood burned for her.
West is such a broken hero and I just loved him. His painful past made it impossible for him to see any light, just the darkness he surrounded himself with and my heart hurt for him. His loyalty to Beck and Jase was so amazing and I loved how protective he was over Jessie Kay even when he tried to push her away.
“We’re at war?”
“Yes! Your body clearly wants to invade mine.”
He snorted, then looked down and said, “At ease, men. We’ve entered hostile territory.”
I loved how intense their romance was and I also loved their hilarious banter. It was so much fun seeing them battling their feelings, each other and unable to keep away. And when they finally gave in - magic!
“You are the sun, and I’m one of the lucky planets allowed in your orbit. Nothing and no one else exists for me.”
I loved everything about this romance, how passionate, angst-filled, sweet and romantic it was.
Gena Showalter definitely left the best of these friends for last and it’s definitely my favorite in the series so far. This is a really great series for all contemporary romance fans.
September 13, 2017
This was an awesome story! West and Jessie Kay had such a wonderful story filled with animosity, lust, and need... and so much emotion and love. Great addition to the series!
I thought Jessie Kay and West were really good characters. I loved Jessie Kay. She'd made so many changes in her life and I loved how far she’d come. West was an intense and complicated man. He could be so hard headed but I understood why. I loved the animosity they had in the beginning and the attraction that was hidden behind it. It made for a lot of fun, playful scenes. Them opening up and letting down there guard was fantastic, as well as a bit heartbreaking and emotional. West had such a sad past and I really enjoyed learning his history, watching him open up to Jessica Kay, fight his demons, and let go of guilt. I love the changes that openness brought about, I adored seeing the softer sides of them.
The writing was so good. Loved the details and development. I was on the edge of my seat when it came to West and his history. He was just so demanding and controlling because of his past, which could seem way over the top, so I couldn't wait for him to get to that point of acceptance and lighten up. Getting there stressed me out. He was a hard character to love but I got there in the end. I really liked him throughout but he frustrated me because he was so freaking stubborn. Him getting to that moment of opening up was defiantly worth the wait though!
I thought the first was a bit slow but that might have been me getting annoyed with West about the situation. The second half had a much better pace and was super sweet… and when West really started to make me melt. There's some drama mixed as well that kept things moving along well and was a nice addition to the story.
Really great read with likable characters that had the right mix of fun and drama mixed in with a lot of love and emotion. I am loving this series!
I thought Jessie Kay and West were really good characters. I loved Jessie Kay. She'd made so many changes in her life and I loved how far she’d come. West was an intense and complicated man. He could be so hard headed but I understood why. I loved the animosity they had in the beginning and the attraction that was hidden behind it. It made for a lot of fun, playful scenes. Them opening up and letting down there guard was fantastic, as well as a bit heartbreaking and emotional. West had such a sad past and I really enjoyed learning his history, watching him open up to Jessica Kay, fight his demons, and let go of guilt. I love the changes that openness brought about, I adored seeing the softer sides of them.
The writing was so good. Loved the details and development. I was on the edge of my seat when it came to West and his history. He was just so demanding and controlling because of his past, which could seem way over the top, so I couldn't wait for him to get to that point of acceptance and lighten up. Getting there stressed me out. He was a hard character to love but I got there in the end. I really liked him throughout but he frustrated me because he was so freaking stubborn. Him getting to that moment of opening up was defiantly worth the wait though!
I thought the first was a bit slow but that might have been me getting annoyed with West about the situation. The second half had a much better pace and was super sweet… and when West really started to make me melt. There's some drama mixed as well that kept things moving along well and was a nice addition to the story.
Really great read with likable characters that had the right mix of fun and drama mixed in with a lot of love and emotion. I am loving this series!
November 26, 2015
★★★★ 4 STARS!!
After I didn't feel any connection with the previous book (Jase and Beck), I hope this one will satisfy my curiosity about Lincoln West. He has mysterious persona being a millionaire video-game creator and a bachelor. Gena Showalter always keep the best for the last. So, here I come!
Jessie Kay think she has no future nor happily ever after like her sister, Brook Lynn. She never serious when dating a guy because she's hoping for THE ONE. The ex-Strawberry Valley beauty queen is helping her sister with the catering service. Lincoln West is an enigmatic man who recently move to Strawberry Valley alongside his two best friends. Because of his traumatic past, he couldn't keep relationship for a long time. But when it comes to Jessie Kay, he thought everything is under control. Apparently not. That woman drives him insane. He could't resist her charm and smart mouth.
In this book, Jessie Kay is a changed woman. I simply liked her. She has rebellious streak and independent. She could resist all West's charm almost all the time. But it didn't mean she could handle her jealousy but she let it go. Sometimes she think that she's worthless and unlovable because her awful memories. Lincoln is hardly likable at first. He's an asshole when around Jessie Kay and it looks like he 'bully' her. I melted when he slowly give her attention. He's very romantic person. Like Jessie Kay, West has horrible past that lead Jase into prison and his addiction with alcohol and drugs. He becomes time freak with schedule.
I really enjoyed their tug-of-war and constant craving with each other. Look but do not touch! Yeah, it's their label. They could eye-fucking with each other but the chemistry definitely undeniable. Because of West's commitment issue, they couldn't move their relationship more than as a friend. Jessie Kay didn't want the 2 months relationship. She's trying really hard to break it because she want to be with him forever. She help West to forgive himself. It was slow progress but she didn't give up. With their 'friendship' status, West turns to be possessive. He's adorable and called her Kitten. Aww...
Maybe it's personal, but I don't like when Jessie Kay called him sugar bear. Ugh... Sometimes their humor feels dry and too forced. Other is when they declared love with each other. Too easy. I loved their struggle at first and when everything came down to hill, it's just too sweet. I couldn't feel their fire and passion anymore. The sex feels mediocre. Bleh. Overall, as the last book The Harder You Fall is really impressed me. I loved the writing as always. I enjoyed Jessie Kay and Lincoln West's roller coaster relationship despite some issue.
“Don’t you know the very moment you start flirting with temptation, you’ve lost the entire war?”
“We’re at war?”
“Yes! Your body clearly wants to invade mine.” ~Jessie Kay
After I didn't feel any connection with the previous book (Jase and Beck), I hope this one will satisfy my curiosity about Lincoln West. He has mysterious persona being a millionaire video-game creator and a bachelor. Gena Showalter always keep the best for the last. So, here I come!
Jessie Kay think she has no future nor happily ever after like her sister, Brook Lynn. She never serious when dating a guy because she's hoping for THE ONE. The ex-Strawberry Valley beauty queen is helping her sister with the catering service. Lincoln West is an enigmatic man who recently move to Strawberry Valley alongside his two best friends. Because of his traumatic past, he couldn't keep relationship for a long time. But when it comes to Jessie Kay, he thought everything is under control. Apparently not. That woman drives him insane. He could't resist her charm and smart mouth.
“You are the sun, and I’m one of the lucky planets allowed in your orbit. Nothing and no one else exists for me.” ~Lincoln West
In this book, Jessie Kay is a changed woman. I simply liked her. She has rebellious streak and independent. She could resist all West's charm almost all the time. But it didn't mean she could handle her jealousy but she let it go. Sometimes she think that she's worthless and unlovable because her awful memories. Lincoln is hardly likable at first. He's an asshole when around Jessie Kay and it looks like he 'bully' her. I melted when he slowly give her attention. He's very romantic person. Like Jessie Kay, West has horrible past that lead Jase into prison and his addiction with alcohol and drugs. He becomes time freak with schedule.
“If you begin to ache for a man...for a kiss, a touch, fingers...anything...you come to me. You tell me. You get it from me. No one else.” ~Lincoln West
I really enjoyed their tug-of-war and constant craving with each other. Look but do not touch! Yeah, it's their label. They could eye-fucking with each other but the chemistry definitely undeniable. Because of West's commitment issue, they couldn't move their relationship more than as a friend. Jessie Kay didn't want the 2 months relationship. She's trying really hard to break it because she want to be with him forever. She help West to forgive himself. It was slow progress but she didn't give up. With their 'friendship' status, West turns to be possessive. He's adorable and called her Kitten. Aww...
Maybe it's personal, but I don't like when Jessie Kay called him sugar bear. Ugh... Sometimes their humor feels dry and too forced. Other is when they declared love with each other. Too easy. I loved their struggle at first and when everything came down to hill, it's just too sweet. I couldn't feel their fire and passion anymore. The sex feels mediocre. Bleh. Overall, as the last book The Harder You Fall is really impressed me. I loved the writing as always. I enjoyed Jessie Kay and Lincoln West's roller coaster relationship despite some issue.
January 5, 2016
The Original Heartbreakers are back!
After meeting Beck, Strawberry Valley’s most sought out bachelor, the one known as ‘one and done’ we now meet Lincoln West aka ‘two months and done’.
Lincoln West lives by many rules but there is just one particular rule that keeps him going; never date a woman for more than two months. The secrets of his past are well guarded even from his best friends, Jase and Beck. He would do anything for them but he would never let them worry about his own demons. There is no way out of from his personal hell.
Well, never say never Lincoln!
Jessie Kay is a force not to be reckoned with! The former party girl/ Strawberry Valley beauty queen is a changed woman. After her sister’s accident, Jessie Kay has decided to let her party days goes and welcome adulthood (or not). Helping her sister with her catering business may not be what she wanted to do but she will do anything that keeps her sister happy. It would probably be a better job if she didn’t have to cater to West.
The tension is there, the chemistry is there but Jessie Kay wants to break Lincoln’s rules as well.
I’ve fallen in love with this series from the very beginning! I loved Jase and Beck’s stories and I was really looking forward for this one. The harder you fall was everything I expected it to be.
West was a stubborn man who couldn’t quite let go the memories of his past and the guilt that came with them. He blamed himself for so many things and he wouldn’t let these feelings go no matter how much Jase and Beck reassured him that everything’s in the past. Jessie Kay was troubled by guilt as well. Her sister does a lot to let help deal with it but she’s convinced that it is her fault that they have lost everything.
Jessie Kay and West were so stubborn, I had no idea who was going to win the games they played. Their HEA doesn’t come easy but when it happens, it’s perfect with lots of humor and romance.
The harder you fall is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! If you’ve loved Jase and Beck’s stories then you’re going to love this one too!
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.co....
After meeting Beck, Strawberry Valley’s most sought out bachelor, the one known as ‘one and done’ we now meet Lincoln West aka ‘two months and done’.
Lincoln West lives by many rules but there is just one particular rule that keeps him going; never date a woman for more than two months. The secrets of his past are well guarded even from his best friends, Jase and Beck. He would do anything for them but he would never let them worry about his own demons. There is no way out of from his personal hell.
Well, never say never Lincoln!
Jessie Kay is a force not to be reckoned with! The former party girl/ Strawberry Valley beauty queen is a changed woman. After her sister’s accident, Jessie Kay has decided to let her party days goes and welcome adulthood (or not). Helping her sister with her catering business may not be what she wanted to do but she will do anything that keeps her sister happy. It would probably be a better job if she didn’t have to cater to West.
The tension is there, the chemistry is there but Jessie Kay wants to break Lincoln’s rules as well.
I’ve fallen in love with this series from the very beginning! I loved Jase and Beck’s stories and I was really looking forward for this one. The harder you fall was everything I expected it to be.
West was a stubborn man who couldn’t quite let go the memories of his past and the guilt that came with them. He blamed himself for so many things and he wouldn’t let these feelings go no matter how much Jase and Beck reassured him that everything’s in the past. Jessie Kay was troubled by guilt as well. Her sister does a lot to let help deal with it but she’s convinced that it is her fault that they have lost everything.
Jessie Kay and West were so stubborn, I had no idea who was going to win the games they played. Their HEA doesn’t come easy but when it happens, it’s perfect with lots of humor and romance.
The harder you fall is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! If you’ve loved Jase and Beck’s stories then you’re going to love this one too!
Posted on: http://sofialovesreading.blogspot.co....
January 24, 2016
I wasn't sure I could get behind Jessie Kay as a heroine based on her character in the previous 2 novels but I liked her really well. She was well done as an insecure woman who pretty much hated herself and had been looking for validation in others particularly men. She was trying to become a better person and like herself. Lincoln was also very well written as a man who had made major mistakes in his life which had led to horrendous consequences. He also had basically turned his life around. But he refused to let himself be happy. I loved how he compromised and eventually forgave himself for her sake. It wasn't all one sided. Jessie Kay tried hard to help him and to do things for him to show him she valued him. MS. Showalter does an excellent job focusing on her main couple even while having plenty of secondary characters. I could totally buy the feelings between them. I hope this series is not over even though the three main male characters have each had a story. Maybe Daniel now? Still whatever she writes next, I'll more than likely give it a go.
August 4, 2016
This book was so fucking great!
I need more of Jessie Kay.
Review to come tomorrow.
I need more of Jessie Kay.
Review to come tomorrow.
August 10, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
With the new books in this series coming out soon I really needed to get caught up. I'm so glad I did. One, you don't know who mentally weighed down you feel when you fall behind on a series you enjoy until it happens. I was just kinda mad at myself for letting it happen.
I really do enjoy this series. Love the guys very much!
The Harder You Fall is about two characters that I wasn't sure about. Jessie Kay slept with the first two book characters and though I don't mind women having sex for just sex, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it being with two of the main characters.
I mean, tacky, right?
But surprisingly enough I got over it really quick. I found that before the other two guys were coupled with their loves they were able to sleep with whoever so why could Jessie Kay?
Once I got over all that I really couldn't wait for Jessie Kay's and Lincoln's book. I mean...if you read the other books in the series you'll know why. These two just shouted out from book one that they needed a story.
So I built all this anticipation up inside myself only to be disappointed. Yes, I know, disappointed! It wasn't that the book wasn't good, because it was. I just...I don't know, wanted more? The funny part is I don't really know what that more is.
All I can say is that I enjoyed the book but I didn't really love it. I was super glad they the both worked on their issues and came out the other side as better people. Both deserve love and happiness.
Even with me not being overly excited about this one I really can't wait for Can't Hardly Breathe with is about Daniel who is talked about in this book. It's out on August 29th! Looks good!
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With the new books in this series coming out soon I really needed to get caught up. I'm so glad I did. One, you don't know who mentally weighed down you feel when you fall behind on a series you enjoy until it happens. I was just kinda mad at myself for letting it happen.
I really do enjoy this series. Love the guys very much!
The Harder You Fall is about two characters that I wasn't sure about. Jessie Kay slept with the first two book characters and though I don't mind women having sex for just sex, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it being with two of the main characters.
I mean, tacky, right?
But surprisingly enough I got over it really quick. I found that before the other two guys were coupled with their loves they were able to sleep with whoever so why could Jessie Kay?
Once I got over all that I really couldn't wait for Jessie Kay's and Lincoln's book. I mean...if you read the other books in the series you'll know why. These two just shouted out from book one that they needed a story.
So I built all this anticipation up inside myself only to be disappointed. Yes, I know, disappointed! It wasn't that the book wasn't good, because it was. I just...I don't know, wanted more? The funny part is I don't really know what that more is.
All I can say is that I enjoyed the book but I didn't really love it. I was super glad they the both worked on their issues and came out the other side as better people. Both deserve love and happiness.
Even with me not being overly excited about this one I really can't wait for Can't Hardly Breathe with is about Daniel who is talked about in this book. It's out on August 29th! Looks good!
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March 19, 2016
The Harder You Fall es el tercer libro de la serie The Original Heartbreakers de la autora Gena Showalter y narra la historia de Jessie Kay y West.
No empece la lectura con muchas expectativas, ya que la pareja protagonista era la que menos me interesaba de la trilogia. Ella me cayo fatal en el primer libro : inmadura, egoista, malvada, etc aunque luego en el siguiente su actitud mejoro, yo seguia sin tenerle mucho cariño. Con West no sabia que esperar, a pesar de ser un personaje secundario en los dos libros anteriores no llegamos a conocerlo, solo sabemos lo minimo y lo que sabemos no lo pintan como el mejor hombre. Aun asi esta trilogia me ha gustado mucho, por lo que decidi leer este tercer libro y cruzar los dedos para que no fuera insoportable de leer.
No fue insoportable, pero si muy denso y aburrido, se me hizo eterno. Puede que parte de la culpa fuera mia, ya que lo inicie teniendo una idea preconcebida de la historia pero tambien creo que este tercer libro es el mas flojo de todos.
Los protagonistas como me temia no me gustaron, por lo que no llegue a conectar con ellos y entender sus decisiones.
Estoy tan harta de los finales como el de este libro, son tan cliches y telenovelescos * suspiro *
En fin, si la autora escribe mas libros de la saga puede que los lea ... depende de quienes sean los protagonistas.
2 Estrellas!
November 16, 2015
"Showalter has another hit on her hands!"
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
December 5, 2015
review to come.
July 20, 2018
"Sì, lui amava quella donna. La amava con tutto il suo cuore. Lei aveva spezzato le catene che lo imprigionavano e lo aveva reso libero. Era diventata il suo faro nella tempesta, la ragione per cui lui si svegliava ogni mattina e si addormentava ogni notte con il sorriso. Lei era tutto ciò che contava. Lei era la sua felicità."
Siamo giunti al terzo capitolo di questa bella serie, che anche se ha altri volumi, di fatto conclude le storie del trio di amici Jase/West/Beck. Devo dire che forse questa è la storia che mi è piaciuta più di tutte, perché West e Jessie Kay sono i personaggi più complessi e a tutto tondo tra le varie coppie (che inutile dire rispuntano a ripetizione con mia grande gioia! *ç*). Come gli amici, anche West ha un passato tragico tra droga abusi e lutti ed è per questo che inizialmente cerca con tuttte le sue forze di respingere l'attrazione che prova per l'esuberante e testarda Jessie Kay rendendosi a dir poco odioso....ma si sa, l'amore è l'altra faccia dell'odio e la moneta non ci mette poi molto a girare XD Ho amato molto West come protagonista (sebbene la faccenda dei due mesi l'ho trovata a dir poco ridicola e volevo prenderlo a schiaffi a ripetizione XD) ma ancora di più ho amato Jessie Kay, la dimostrazione vivente che le seconde occasioni devi creartele, che si può cambiare, che non bisogna accontentarsi e che, almeno nei libri, i sogni si avverano! *ç* Jessie Kay non è a prima vista la donna ideale: l'avevamo conosciuta nei libri precedenti come la sorella promiscua (si è ripassata tutto il trio XD) ed egocentrica, un peso ed un continuo dispiacere per la sorella Brook Lynn. Ma vedere la sorella e l'amica trovare il vero amore, e le tante delusioni (e diciamolo, anche bacchettate XD) subite l'hanno profondamente cambiata e adesso è decisa ad essere una persona migliore, ad aspettare il vero amore e non accontentarsi di ragazzi da una botta e via. Non sarà facile per lei, perché lei per prima è piena di incertezze e si sente inferiore e non aiuta il fatto che praticamente tutti i personaggi maschili del libro si siano fatti una certa idea di lei e non esitino a spiattellargliela in faccia XD Ma alla fin ovviamente l'amore trionferà e Jessie troverà il suo lieto fine (e il lavoro dei suoi sogni). Mi è piaciuto che nonostante la forte tensione sessuale tra i due Jessie rimanga fedele ai suoi principi nuovi di zecca e non permetta a West di farla sentire come un'altra tacca sul letto...tra i due il rapporto si sviluppa lentamente ma con costanze e coerenza, e ben prima di diventare amanti diventano amici, complici e innamorati *ç* Spero vengano pubblicati anche gli altri libri della serie, non mi dispiacerebbe vederli apparire sullo sfondo con figli al seguito XD
Siamo giunti al terzo capitolo di questa bella serie, che anche se ha altri volumi, di fatto conclude le storie del trio di amici Jase/West/Beck. Devo dire che forse questa è la storia che mi è piaciuta più di tutte, perché West e Jessie Kay sono i personaggi più complessi e a tutto tondo tra le varie coppie (che inutile dire rispuntano a ripetizione con mia grande gioia! *ç*). Come gli amici, anche West ha un passato tragico tra droga abusi e lutti ed è per questo che inizialmente cerca con tuttte le sue forze di respingere l'attrazione che prova per l'esuberante e testarda Jessie Kay rendendosi a dir poco odioso....ma si sa, l'amore è l'altra faccia dell'odio e la moneta non ci mette poi molto a girare XD Ho amato molto West come protagonista (sebbene la faccenda dei due mesi l'ho trovata a dir poco ridicola e volevo prenderlo a schiaffi a ripetizione XD) ma ancora di più ho amato Jessie Kay, la dimostrazione vivente che le seconde occasioni devi creartele, che si può cambiare, che non bisogna accontentarsi e che, almeno nei libri, i sogni si avverano! *ç* Jessie Kay non è a prima vista la donna ideale: l'avevamo conosciuta nei libri precedenti come la sorella promiscua (si è ripassata tutto il trio XD) ed egocentrica, un peso ed un continuo dispiacere per la sorella Brook Lynn. Ma vedere la sorella e l'amica trovare il vero amore, e le tante delusioni (e diciamolo, anche bacchettate XD) subite l'hanno profondamente cambiata e adesso è decisa ad essere una persona migliore, ad aspettare il vero amore e non accontentarsi di ragazzi da una botta e via. Non sarà facile per lei, perché lei per prima è piena di incertezze e si sente inferiore e non aiuta il fatto che praticamente tutti i personaggi maschili del libro si siano fatti una certa idea di lei e non esitino a spiattellargliela in faccia XD Ma alla fin ovviamente l'amore trionferà e Jessie troverà il suo lieto fine (e il lavoro dei suoi sogni). Mi è piaciuto che nonostante la forte tensione sessuale tra i due Jessie rimanga fedele ai suoi principi nuovi di zecca e non permetta a West di farla sentire come un'altra tacca sul letto...tra i due il rapporto si sviluppa lentamente ma con costanze e coerenza, e ben prima di diventare amanti diventano amici, complici e innamorati *ç* Spero vengano pubblicati anche gli altri libri della serie, non mi dispiacerebbe vederli apparire sullo sfondo con figli al seguito XD
June 30, 2016
The Harder You Fall
The Characters:
Jessie Kay Dillon
Lincoln West
The Story:
So we start with two people desperately attracted to each other but vehemently denying that attraction for their own separate reasons. There is delicious sexual tension between Jessie Kay and West throughout most of the book. Watching them try not to give into it was hilarious, intense and totally entertaining. I love the way they help each other overcome their fears, except that spider stuff Jessie Kay SHOULD be afraid of those monsters.
I also love that through this story we get to see more of Beck, Harlow, Brook Lynn and Jase. I won’t spoil things but I’m delighted with the way things are going for everyone. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for the next part of their journeys. Perhaps this will not be the last we see of Strawberry Valley and my wish will come true.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
The Characters:
Jessie Kay Dillon
Lincoln West
The Story:
So we start with two people desperately attracted to each other but vehemently denying that attraction for their own separate reasons. There is delicious sexual tension between Jessie Kay and West throughout most of the book. Watching them try not to give into it was hilarious, intense and totally entertaining. I love the way they help each other overcome their fears, except that spider stuff Jessie Kay SHOULD be afraid of those monsters.
I also love that through this story we get to see more of Beck, Harlow, Brook Lynn and Jase. I won’t spoil things but I’m delighted with the way things are going for everyone. I’d love to be a fly on the wall for the next part of their journeys. Perhaps this will not be the last we see of Strawberry Valley and my wish will come true.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
December 18, 2015
I am declaring that this is Gena Showalter's best series.
I really can't say enough good things about it. This last book is my favorite because of the way she redeemed Jessie Kay Dillon. She was my least favorite character throughout the series, and I honestly wondered how Gena would be able to make her into a solid heroine. Well, she did. It wasn't long into the book before I was cheering for her. By the end, she became one of my favorites. Lincoln West was another tough cookie to crack. He was so damaged, and yet again, Gena made me fall in love with him. That just shows you the caliber of Gena's storytelling. She's really one of the best there is. I will forever be a fan of hers. I'd read the dictionary if she wrote it.
5 stars all the way.
I really can't say enough good things about it. This last book is my favorite because of the way she redeemed Jessie Kay Dillon. She was my least favorite character throughout the series, and I honestly wondered how Gena would be able to make her into a solid heroine. Well, she did. It wasn't long into the book before I was cheering for her. By the end, she became one of my favorites. Lincoln West was another tough cookie to crack. He was so damaged, and yet again, Gena made me fall in love with him. That just shows you the caliber of Gena's storytelling. She's really one of the best there is. I will forever be a fan of hers. I'd read the dictionary if she wrote it.
5 stars all the way.
December 2, 2015
There aren't enough words to describe the intensity of my love for this book, these characters, or this series. This is one of those books that you wish you could unread just so you can read it again to experience it's brilliancy all for the very first time every time. I already hate that I devoured it in just a few hours. Honestly, thank god I live alone because the only ones startled by my continuous bursts of uncontrollable laughter (snorts and unattractive guffawing really) were my cats.
I'm not even ashamed to admit that at one point I lamented (out loud) the fact that my female cat couldn't read because I wanted to share my love of what I was reading as I was reading it with her.
I'm not even ashamed to admit that at one point I lamented (out loud) the fact that my female cat couldn't read because I wanted to share my love of what I was reading as I was reading it with her.
December 2, 2015
4.5 stars! I did not expect to like it this much. But surprisingly, I did.
Want to read
September 25, 2015Every time I think of Jessie I keep remembering that she slept with Lincoln's two roommates. I hope that the author will make me forget that in the book.
October 14, 2015
I am loving this series. I had not ever read any books by this author, and I am not sure I would enjoy the others. Her contemporary novels are excellent. Cannot wait for book #4!
May 1, 2017
Gena Showalter è un'autrice che apprezzo sempre, sia quando scrive paranormal, sia quando si cimenta nel romance, quindi questo romanzo è stata la mia primissima scelta del mese di Aprile. Con “Ancora più stretto a te” siamo arrivate al terzo libro di questa serie molto carina con protagonisti principali differenti ogni volta, ma in qualche modo collegati per amicizia o parentela. Ambientato in Oklahoma, nella piccola cittadina di Strawberry Valley, questo romanzo ha come protagonisti l'ex reginetta di bellezza dalla dubbia reputazione Jessie Kay e l'affascinante creatore di videogiochi Lincoln West.
Jessie Kay e West sono due personaggi interessanti e complessi, aspettavo la loro storia sin dall'inizio della serie dopo tutto quel tempo passato a punzecchiarsi e odiarsi a vicenda. La Jessie Kay che abbiamo visto nei primi libri ha finalmente smesso di accontentarsi delle avventure di una notte e ora sogna una storia d'amore come quella della sorella, ma con West avrà il suo bel da fare. Lui ha un tragico passato alle spalle e certi sensi di colpa che condizionano ancora il suo presente, oltre ad avere la mania di programmare ogni minima cosa. La relazione tra Jessie Kay e West attraversa diversi step nel corso della trama: prima si odiano, poi diventano amici e addirittura coinquilini per poi rassegnarsi all'inevitabile sentimento da cui vengono travolti. Quello che non manca mai però, nemmeno in tutto il lasso di tempo in cui Jessie e West ci faranno penare, è la tensione sessuale, quei due non vedono l'ora di saltarsi addosso sin dalla prima volta che si sono visti! Mi è piaciuto come l'autrice ha deciso di sviluppare la loro relazione così per gradi, in questo modo mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine in attesa di scoprire come sarebbero arrivati al loro lieto fine, inoltre apprezzo sempre la presenza ricorrente dei protagonisti dei libri precedenti.
Se cercate una lettura romantica, sensuale a tratti divertente ve lo consiglio sicuramente, lo stile della Showalter è una garanzia. Consiglio la lettura di tutti e tre i romanzi della serie Heartbreaker in ordine corretto, anche se questo in particolare è quello che mi è piaciuto di più.
Jessie Kay e West sono due personaggi interessanti e complessi, aspettavo la loro storia sin dall'inizio della serie dopo tutto quel tempo passato a punzecchiarsi e odiarsi a vicenda. La Jessie Kay che abbiamo visto nei primi libri ha finalmente smesso di accontentarsi delle avventure di una notte e ora sogna una storia d'amore come quella della sorella, ma con West avrà il suo bel da fare. Lui ha un tragico passato alle spalle e certi sensi di colpa che condizionano ancora il suo presente, oltre ad avere la mania di programmare ogni minima cosa. La relazione tra Jessie Kay e West attraversa diversi step nel corso della trama: prima si odiano, poi diventano amici e addirittura coinquilini per poi rassegnarsi all'inevitabile sentimento da cui vengono travolti. Quello che non manca mai però, nemmeno in tutto il lasso di tempo in cui Jessie e West ci faranno penare, è la tensione sessuale, quei due non vedono l'ora di saltarsi addosso sin dalla prima volta che si sono visti! Mi è piaciuto come l'autrice ha deciso di sviluppare la loro relazione così per gradi, in questo modo mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine in attesa di scoprire come sarebbero arrivati al loro lieto fine, inoltre apprezzo sempre la presenza ricorrente dei protagonisti dei libri precedenti.
Se cercate una lettura romantica, sensuale a tratti divertente ve lo consiglio sicuramente, lo stile della Showalter è una garanzia. Consiglio la lettura di tutti e tre i romanzi della serie Heartbreaker in ordine corretto, anche se questo in particolare è quello che mi è piaciuto di più.
September 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. The female characters were my kind of crazy. ❤️
Jessie Kay is a wonderful, damaged character. She's had it rough but she keeps getting back up to dust herself off. I love it. Her sass, her brashness, and her positive take on her life. It may not be ideal but she's rolling with it. haha
Lincoln is adorable - kind of the guy that exasperates you but you still hang out with him. His OCD would drive me up the wall but he's a good person at heart so it's okay. haha
They had probably the cutest relationship so far - they complement so well and have very good chemistry on the pages~ <3
Jessie Kay is a wonderful, damaged character. She's had it rough but she keeps getting back up to dust herself off. I love it. Her sass, her brashness, and her positive take on her life. It may not be ideal but she's rolling with it. haha
Lincoln is adorable - kind of the guy that exasperates you but you still hang out with him. His OCD would drive me up the wall but he's a good person at heart so it's okay. haha
They had probably the cutest relationship so far - they complement so well and have very good chemistry on the pages~ <3
June 13, 2018
YESSSS, I loved this one too! This one is funny, sad and hot. West and Jessie Kay are perfect for each other. Loved the audio as well.
February 6, 2016
I had been anticipated reading this book for quite awhile, and I don't know what took me so long to read. I was anticipating this book ever since I read book 1 in this series ever since Jessie Kay first appeared. I wasn't really feeling Jessie Kay who was not presented in the most flattering like and I didn't like her. I was wondering if I would be able to like her as the heroine of her own story. And I found after reading this book, I totally loved her. I loved her humor, her sass, her attitude and I loved her vulnerable side at well. It showed her human side that I didn't see in book 1. She was just really well rounded character and I absolutely loved her with West.
Speaking of West, I absolutely loved, loved him. Loved him. Can you tell I loved him? He was just all the alpha male sexiness that I love from my hero. He was a broken hero dealt with lots of blows in his life that he overcome yet still had to deal with when he began the story. I felt his pain and struggles that he faced and what he had to overcome before he was able to have a healthy relationship with Jessie Kay, who he. totally belonged with. I loved how he was with her. He was so sweet, tender and caring towards her showing that he wasn't like the others she was with (just a piece of ass). He showed her that he cared in a million different ways and I loved seeing it. He was great with her as she was with him. Their relationship just really worked.
The way this book was different what I was expecting but it really worked and I loved it. I was expecting more of the love/hate relationship to feature for a majority of the book before their passion exploded and they gave into their desires for one another. The love/hate relationship was in the beginning but soon turned to a friendship once West realized how bad he was hurting Jessie Kay with his treatment. So the two developed a friendship that was entertaining to watch with their playful banter and teasing that ensued with simmering sexual tension underneath it all. And it was good. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow over time.
The sexual tension/ their passion was so freaking hot. Oh my goodness. Whenever they were in the same room fireworks exploded. It was freaking heat. And the two of them were in heat for one another but denied it. It was due to Jessie Kay wanting more than just a short term relationship that he offered. I was glad she stood up to him and realized she deserved more out of her romantic relationship. And at first West refused to give it to that even knowing that was what she deserved therefore their tension went on and on. It was just delicious to see it all played out. It was fun. It kept my eyes glued to the pages. And kept my interest piqued. And I was anticipating them come together more than them possibly. They just had all this heat.
When they finally came together it was beyond hot. But they took their time before going all the way. But they had some nice hot scenes that involved lots of passion without going all the way. He wanted to show her that she meant more to him than just sex. He cared. And I liked he didn't "rush to the finish line" as he termed it. And I really loved that he took that approach with her to show that she was in fact special. It was the right way to go and worked in their relationship. It just made their relationship special and worth the fight. And it made it hot. Lots of passion. And they had plenty of it. Sexy times galore once they finally gave in to it. It was great.
I loved the book. There wasn't anything that I didn't. It had the perfect balance of angst, passion, emotion and a roller coaster from page one an on. It was entertaining and engrossing and everything that a Showalter book usually is. It was thrilling and heartbreaking yet healing to create a completely loving and healthy relationship. West and Jessie Kay were really made for other. They just worked from day one. I was glad they got their happily ever after because they both deserved it. I loved they got that. I loved the book. It bears repeating it was just so so good.
Speaking of West, I absolutely loved, loved him. Loved him. Can you tell I loved him? He was just all the alpha male sexiness that I love from my hero. He was a broken hero dealt with lots of blows in his life that he overcome yet still had to deal with when he began the story. I felt his pain and struggles that he faced and what he had to overcome before he was able to have a healthy relationship with Jessie Kay, who he. totally belonged with. I loved how he was with her. He was so sweet, tender and caring towards her showing that he wasn't like the others she was with (just a piece of ass). He showed her that he cared in a million different ways and I loved seeing it. He was great with her as she was with him. Their relationship just really worked.
The way this book was different what I was expecting but it really worked and I loved it. I was expecting more of the love/hate relationship to feature for a majority of the book before their passion exploded and they gave into their desires for one another. The love/hate relationship was in the beginning but soon turned to a friendship once West realized how bad he was hurting Jessie Kay with his treatment. So the two developed a friendship that was entertaining to watch with their playful banter and teasing that ensued with simmering sexual tension underneath it all. And it was good. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow over time.
The sexual tension/ their passion was so freaking hot. Oh my goodness. Whenever they were in the same room fireworks exploded. It was freaking heat. And the two of them were in heat for one another but denied it. It was due to Jessie Kay wanting more than just a short term relationship that he offered. I was glad she stood up to him and realized she deserved more out of her romantic relationship. And at first West refused to give it to that even knowing that was what she deserved therefore their tension went on and on. It was just delicious to see it all played out. It was fun. It kept my eyes glued to the pages. And kept my interest piqued. And I was anticipating them come together more than them possibly. They just had all this heat.
When they finally came together it was beyond hot. But they took their time before going all the way. But they had some nice hot scenes that involved lots of passion without going all the way. He wanted to show her that she meant more to him than just sex. He cared. And I liked he didn't "rush to the finish line" as he termed it. And I really loved that he took that approach with her to show that she was in fact special. It was the right way to go and worked in their relationship. It just made their relationship special and worth the fight. And it made it hot. Lots of passion. And they had plenty of it. Sexy times galore once they finally gave in to it. It was great.
I loved the book. There wasn't anything that I didn't. It had the perfect balance of angst, passion, emotion and a roller coaster from page one an on. It was entertaining and engrossing and everything that a Showalter book usually is. It was thrilling and heartbreaking yet healing to create a completely loving and healthy relationship. West and Jessie Kay were really made for other. They just worked from day one. I was glad they got their happily ever after because they both deserved it. I loved they got that. I loved the book. It bears repeating it was just so so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2016
Well, I have to start this review by saying I was not looking forward to reading this book. I'm not a big fan of the heroine sleeping around and the fact that our h slept with the heroes in books 1 & 2 had me very reticent to read the book. However, it is Gena, whom I adore, so I read it.
Oh my goodness am I so glad I read this book! It was the best of the series! In the first book, I could barely stand Jessie Kay, she was so selfish and destructive. However, in the 2nd book I started to like her more. In the third book, her book, I absolutely fell in love with her! She is such a delightful heroine and so incredibly soft-hearted and so wonderfully sweet and lovable, not to mention funny! I wish she was real and was my friend! She is the best.
Both Jessie Kay and West have tragic pasts that define who they are today. Both have to learn to forgive themselves for choices they made when they were younger. While Jessie Kay's guilt isn't a steep as West's she still has her own issues. West's were quite something and bogged him down through most of the book. However, it didn't make me frustrated in any way. Jessie Kay did everything in her power to make his world wonderful that he couldn't help but fall for her.
I loved how West would be so protective of Jessie Kay and do all these wonderful things for her, say these wonderful things to her. I adored West! I love the schedules he made for himself and for Jessie Kay. I loved how Jessie Kay would mess with those schedules so subtly, West never even realized it!
This is truly a great story and a delightful book! I found myself laughing and crying while reading this book. I'm not sure when I've enjoyed a Gena Showalter book more!
Funny parts and favorite scenes:
♥ "You should be nicer to me, you know. I'm Brook Lynn's maid of honor, and you are Jase's best man. I can make your walk down the aisle easy, or I can make you wish you were dead."
♥ Fury was a prowling, fire-breathing dragon in his chest as he peered through the window, watching Jessie Kay interact with Daniel Porter, a man she used to date. A man younger than West, and even younger than Jessie Kay. What the hell were they discussing? Daniel's need for a diaper change? The latest in pacifier technology?
♥ "You are the sun, and I'm one of the lucky planets allowed in your orbit. Nothing and no one else exists for me."
♥ "You are so precious to me, kitten. You are the best part of my life, and for the first time, I'm grateful for my past. It brought me to you. It prepared me for you, shaped me into the man you needed me to be. I love you."
♥ "I love you more than any man has ever loved a woman."
♥ '"I love you too," she whispered. The emotion swelled inside her, a beautiful deluge. "I love you and I like you, and I think God you came along and showed me the pure, undiluted joy of being with a man who sess a future with me rather than a moment." A man who respected her and delighted in her. A man who held each of their encounters close to his heart.'
There were so many more moments like this. I could go on and on with them.
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It is such a delightful book!
Oh my goodness am I so glad I read this book! It was the best of the series! In the first book, I could barely stand Jessie Kay, she was so selfish and destructive. However, in the 2nd book I started to like her more. In the third book, her book, I absolutely fell in love with her! She is such a delightful heroine and so incredibly soft-hearted and so wonderfully sweet and lovable, not to mention funny! I wish she was real and was my friend! She is the best.
Both Jessie Kay and West have tragic pasts that define who they are today. Both have to learn to forgive themselves for choices they made when they were younger. While Jessie Kay's guilt isn't a steep as West's she still has her own issues. West's were quite something and bogged him down through most of the book. However, it didn't make me frustrated in any way. Jessie Kay did everything in her power to make his world wonderful that he couldn't help but fall for her.
I loved how West would be so protective of Jessie Kay and do all these wonderful things for her, say these wonderful things to her. I adored West! I love the schedules he made for himself and for Jessie Kay. I loved how Jessie Kay would mess with those schedules so subtly, West never even realized it!
This is truly a great story and a delightful book! I found myself laughing and crying while reading this book. I'm not sure when I've enjoyed a Gena Showalter book more!
Funny parts and favorite scenes:
♥ "You should be nicer to me, you know. I'm Brook Lynn's maid of honor, and you are Jase's best man. I can make your walk down the aisle easy, or I can make you wish you were dead."
♥ Fury was a prowling, fire-breathing dragon in his chest as he peered through the window, watching Jessie Kay interact with Daniel Porter, a man she used to date. A man younger than West, and even younger than Jessie Kay. What the hell were they discussing? Daniel's need for a diaper change? The latest in pacifier technology?
♥ "You are the sun, and I'm one of the lucky planets allowed in your orbit. Nothing and no one else exists for me."
♥ "You are so precious to me, kitten. You are the best part of my life, and for the first time, I'm grateful for my past. It brought me to you. It prepared me for you, shaped me into the man you needed me to be. I love you."
♥ "I love you more than any man has ever loved a woman."
♥ '"I love you too," she whispered. The emotion swelled inside her, a beautiful deluge. "I love you and I like you, and I think God you came along and showed me the pure, undiluted joy of being with a man who sess a future with me rather than a moment." A man who respected her and delighted in her. A man who held each of their encounters close to his heart.'
There were so many more moments like this. I could go on and on with them.
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It is such a delightful book!
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