Beyond These Walls

Walls #2

by J.L. Berg

Happily ever after.


That was what we were supposed to have.


Pudding cups, sandy toes and a lifetime of making each and every one of our dreams come true–that is the future I’d promised her.
I could see it in my dreams, hold it in my hands, but then I watched as all of our hopes and wishes suddenly slipped through my fingers like sand.


I thought the worst was behind us, but what if we’d just delayed the inevitable?
They say love can overcome any obstacle. But can it survive death?


The breathtaking love story of Lailah and Jude concludes in Beyond These Walls.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Billionaires, Illness

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2015

About the author

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready series, the Walls duet and the Lost & Found series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her cuddled up, watching a movie with her family, obsessing over minions or devouring anything chocolate! J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

VIST MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE! http://amzn.to/2plf54L

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK! https://www.facebook.com/authorjlberg/

STALK ME ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/authorjlberg

FOLLOW ME ON BOOKBUB!
!http://bit.ly/2r0CRzp

Reviews

[Alex ♈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and life—it was all a risk. Shut yourself away from it, and you’d never know what might be waiting for you on the other side of it all.

Too sweet, almost cheesy?
Yes.

A bit too naïve ?
Maybe?

Would I cut some scenes and "reduce" the book?
Yes.

Did I like it?
I LOVED IT!!!

AMAZING HERO! BEST HERO EVER!

“My love is immeasurable, infinite and always evolving, and you have it, all of it—for as long as I live.”

“Love isn’t about perfection. It’s a beautiful chaotic mess, and there isn’t anyone I’d rather spend my life with than you.”

[Patricia Bejarano Martín · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si os gustó Entre estas paredes, debéis leer su continuación. ¿Es necesario? Pues no, pero nunca está de más leer más sobre unos personajes que adoraste anteriormente.
No os quiero decir mucho para no hacer spoilers, pero en sí he disfrutado bastante de la historia y me ha entretenido mucho.
Es cierto que no me ha parecido tan genial como su primera parte, sobretodo la primera mitad del libro. La segunda mitad se pone muy interesante y hay mucho drama, como a mí me gusta. Aunque sí que es cierto que todo fue bastante predecible... pero al fin y al cabo no podía pasar otra cosa. Aunque el hecho que cambia la historia, como el giro argumental, me pareció muy poco predecible por como son las circunstacias en las que sucede
La historia es supercuqui y de verdad, estoy deseando leer la tercera parte, que es sobre un personaje que me ha tenido intrigada desde la primera novela, y durante esta creía que tendría respuestas pero no, porque tendrá su propio libro, YUHUUUU! Espero que la editorial lo traiga ^^

[Bibiana In Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha entretenido y me ha emocionado, pero me ha faltado más movimiento, más acción, más trama, pues era una segunda parte bastante vacía. Todo ha sido bastante predecible, pero el final me ha gustado, y eso le ha sumado puntos.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* as I was scared to read feelings for Beyond These Walls.

Beyond These Walls in the second book in the Walls Duet series and continues Lilah and Jude’s story. This is set 2 years later and they are busy planning their dream wedding and living their busy lives in New York, Jude is running the family empire and Lilah is in University. What has the future got in store for them? This is a sweet conclusion with lots of emotions as they have to deal with what is happening. The epilogue was very sweet.

This is my opinion and fears about Beyond These Walls and nothing at all to do with the book itself.

Within These Walls was one of my favourite books of 2014 and I could not wait to read this but after reading the synopsis I was scared. While reading I could not relax may sound silly as I did not have a clue what was going to happen and I kept waiting for the disaster to hit Lilah or Jude but after 54% I figured out what was coming and then I could relax and I soon got hooked on their story.

The reason I did not give it 5* is I felt the ending was rushed I would have liked more time with Lilah and Jude after the big event. This is told in dual POV and J L Berg is in my top 5 of favourite authors.

[Steffi De Ceuster ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one as well this one was a bit less drama then the first. Even though there were tough times in this one as well.

I'm just happy to follow them for a bit longer.

From the start of the first one I was intrigued about Romans story so I'm glad the next one is his book. I hope it will be as good as these or even better.

Thank you Hanne for recommending!

[Miniikaty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

Reseña completa: http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...

Nada más terminar con "Entre estas paredes" me puse con esta segunda parte, no podía aguantar más ya que su primera parte me cautivo y se convirtió en una de mis mejores lecturas de este 2018.
Es cierto que no tenía muy claro que podía encontrarme entre sus páginas porque la historia había finalizado bien y estaba todo contado, pero me embarque con curiosidad y he disfrutado bastante con lo que me he encontrado, aunque nada comparado con las sensaciones y los sentimientos que despertaron en mí con la primera parte.

Sigue estando narrado a dos voces, la de Jude y Lailah, así que les conocemos mejor, vemos los cambios en sus personalidades en esos dos años transcurridos y sus miedos y sentimientos. La evolución y el saber más de ambos me ha encantado, eso de ver que pasaba con ellos, sus momentos románticos y tiernos (demasiados para mi gusto, son extremadamente empalagosos en algunos casos jaja) y esa unión tan especial que compartían desde el instante en el que se conocieron, sin embargo, si no lo hubiera leído tampoco hubiera pasado nada porque la trama de "Más allá de estas paredes" es más bien simple y escasa, se juntan un montón de hechos bonitos, de dramas, alegrías, lágrimas, familia y amistad, pero no hay mucho más, simplemente es como una especie de regalo para los lectores que disfrutaron con su historia.

[Melissa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get tissues now.

I was lucky enough to beta read this and it's just so overwhelmingly beautiful. The story picks up two years after Lailah's moves beyond the walls of the hospital. The beginning of the book is so sweet and romantic you will definitely get a cavity, but in a good way. Jude and Lailah are adorably cute and funny with each other.

The second half, well let's just say be prepared for an emotional whirlwind. This book is so much more than a romance. It's about family, sacrifice, parenthood and learning about the person you become when your love for someone else is more important than taking your next breath.

If you haven't already read Within These Walls, get it now so that you can one click Beyond These Walls the second it comes out. It is by far Berg's best work, guaranteed to remind you of the raw beauty of life.

[Mara De Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★
5 Angel Stars
ARC received for an honest review



We have met Lailah Buchanan and Jude Cavenaugh in Within These Walls. Two souls bruised and grasping to hold on to what life still has in store for them. Barely living but wanting to live. When they found each other, their love healed them and gave them hope and the will to fight for their future. The beginning of their story had me clutching my chest and crying my eyes out, even just writing my review for Within These Walls brought tears to my eyes. But as always, with romance reads, I am a happy camper when they got their happily ever after.

Or did they?



Beyond These Walls takes us to what life has been for Lailah and Jude outside the walls of the hospital where they met and where they spent most of their time at. A life where Lailah is now as healthy as she can be, a life where Lailah can do all the normal, day-to-day things that she missed out on -- like hailing a cab, a life where they both have each other, a life in New York City and now getting ready to tie the knot.

I have been an avid reader of J.L. Berg since I read Ready or Not and I worked my way through the rest of the Ready series until Within These Walls released. I always mentally prepare myself for all the possible emotions that I would feel once I dive in to her stories. From my Within These Walls experience, I psyched up double for Beyond These Walls. I was sure the continuation of Lailah and Jude's story will bring me to tears. I was sure. And I was right. Happy tears. Emotional tears. Sad tears. But surprisingly, it was more on happy tears for me and I am beyond relieved! I don't think my eyes can take any more crying for those two. ;)

"Now that Lailah's new heart is beating strong and healthy and she's back in Jude's arms more happy and in love than they first met. What could possibly go wrong?" That's what I thought. Really, how much more heartbreak and life threatening situations can these two have? Surely, they are now safe and all will be rainbows and unicorns. But then again, unicorns do not exist, right? And trials always happen in every relationship whether you're new or newly married. This was how it was for Lailah and Jude.

Happy and very much in love, I finally got to see the carefree Lailah. She was admirable and truly an inspirational character in the first book, strong and determined, but now... we can see a more bubbly and sassy Lailah who takes every opportunity to hail a cab just because she was not able to when she was cooped up in the hospital and because now, she can. I love how fierce she is in appreciating every thing in life, no matter how small. I can feel her inner light shining through now that the heavy weight on her shoulder is gone. And Jude? I know I said I 101% adored him in the first book, I'm taking it back now because he upped his hotness scale to 202%. And by hot I don't just mean hot in the bedroom, for me, his hotness is how gentle and passionate he is when it comes to Lailah. A real life prince charming, if I may say so. And okay, yeah, he's hot in the bedroom (and in the kitchen and in the plane), too.

"Love isn't about perfection. It's a beautiful chaotic mess, and there isn't anyone I'd rather spend my life with than you."

Everything was going so well I almost forgot that it couldn't possibly go on that way until the end without some hurdles. And J.L. Berg gave Lailah and Jude a pretty bumpy hurdle. Decisions needed to be made. Past emotions from when their future was uncertain is coming back. And even though I was worried about how things will go after their unexpected surprise, them fighting and eventually facing it together, sealed the deal for me that truly, their relationship can withstand any and everything as long as they have each other.

For me, everything about Beyond These Walls comes back in full circle. It's like we always go back to where everything begun and once we reach the ending, all we can do is happily sigh and wish we can read a whole new chapter to their story. That brought me happy tears again. This is as emotional as the first one but in a different aspect. J.L. Berg is my favorite when it comes to stories digging deep into my soul. Her stories are not just about making you cry, it's about really telling a story and touching you with it. Lailah and Jude's story touched my heart. I'm sure it will touch yours, too.

Stars: 5 stars
Recommended to: Everyone who loved Lailah and Jude. Or if you haven't met them yet, everyone who wants to read something that is more than just a love story.
Series: Yes, Book 2 of Within These Walls. First book doesn't end in a cliffhanger.
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Extra Comment: What is up with Roman? Please tell me we are going to find out and that we'll be seeing more of the Cavenaugh family. ;)

[Chivanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to push myself to get through this second one of The Walls Duet. There was nothing really new, nothing really exciting, especially the first 50%. I skipped quite a bit in the end. The whole book felt like one long out of proportion epilogue. Shame, because the first one was good but this felt like a waste of money and time.

[Anny · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Es entretenido y está bien para pasar el rato? Sí. Pero es una segunda parte (bajo mi juicio) totalmente innecesaria. Con el primer libro ya me conformaba. Lo he disfrutado pero tampoco fue una obra maestra. Eso sí, quiero leer el tercero que trata sobre un personaje secundario que aparece en los libros.

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha entretenido si..,pero no me ha gustado como el primer libro, es decir la primera parte no ocurre nada se me iso muy aburrido, ya despues a la mitad los prota se enfrentan a algo inesperado que les va cambiar la vida, dire que eso si me gusto y fue cuando mas metida estuve en la historia por saber que siguiente iva a ocurrir, y el final pues fue muy apresurado pero me gusto porque termino con un feliz para siempre yeii :)

[Vorágine (ig:voragineblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://voragineinterna.blogspot.com/2...

[Anaïs · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books

1.5 out of 5 Stars

Due to a heart defect, Lailah Buchanan never thought she would be able to do simple things such as put her toes into the sand, travel or fall in love. But when she met a broken and hopeless Jude Cavanaugh, she unknowingly became his motivation to help her tick things off her Someday list.


Two years after they found and saved each other (and one long-awaited heart transplant later, enabling Lailah to live a more or less normal life), Jude and Lailah are on their way to marriage and a happily ever after. But does love really conquer all, when the couple is faced to a life-changing decision that may either crush or enhance their love?


What I loved about this book:

The idea of a sequel to what sounded like a rushed happily ever after from Book 1

What I felt needed improvement:

The pace was wrong (first half was a detail of 1 week's time, and the rest covered more or less 6 months)
The plot was too predictable
The characters didn't hold as much appeal as they did in Book 1


First of all, please note that this is not a standalone, and should be read as Book 2 in the The Walls Duet , otherwise you will just be lost given all the history that exists between the main characters!


While I found the first book okay, I really, really couldn't make room in my book-lover heart for Part 2. The storyline was entirely too predictable. That's not an issue as such, because I don't mind pregnancy-related stories (I actually like them very much), but it was the exact same scenario than in One More Chance by Abbi Glines, and quite frankly, I didn't mind but would have expected more originality.

[spoiler]In case the story wasn't predictable enough to you and you are not familiar with the aforementioned novels: Lailah and Jude get the unexpected news that somehow, despite using 2 methods of contraception, Lailah is pregnant. However, given her medical condition, a pregnancy is not recommended, which means that Lailah has to choose between her life or the life of her unborn child.[/spoiler]

All in all, the whole book felt like a huge stretched out epilogue. With a completely screwed up pace. To begin with, Beyond These Walls is extremely short - I read it in about 2hrs. And during those two hours, you would expect an adjusted pace, but don't think you will be getting this here. Honestly, the first 40% of the book covered the wedding preparations, and the actual wedding day (actually, a very, very short period of time - maybe a week or two or so?) And needless to say that there wasn't as much story action as there was description (and quite cheesy lines and situations at times!). And then, the second part of the book was the complete opposite because it covered a substantial amount of time with lots of important part simply skipped.

Also, the characters really didn't feel the same as in Book 1. Lailah was still her strong self, but I was completely turned off by the sappy interactions between her and Jude, and found Jude entirely too overbearing. I liked the fact that there was an unexpected fall-out toward the end, but it didn't make the book any more interesting.

And then, I didn't understand all the fuss between Roman and Jude. Roman is Jude's brother and constantly looking to annoy Jude with his childish and unprofessional behavior - although they both run their late fathers' company and have to be mature enough to do so. Anyway - there was a huge part of the story around this (and Roman causing Jude churn) but I really didn't understand why. It didn't add to the story itself. This part was pretty useless to me.

So yeah, all in all, this book really wasn't for me. No exiting storyline, or characters, but lots of sappiness and predictability. That's a shame, really, because I loved most of the Ready Series books from J.L. Berg.

   



Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 2 years in "The Walls" series. This was a good read that had me sobbing worst than the first book. This is the continuing story of Lailah and Jude. Both of them have already been though so much but life continues to throw curve balls at them. I was glad to see the growth in both of these characters but especially Lailah because she wasn't she was in and out of the hospital with a heart condition. Jude who is sweet and sexy was encouraging to her. This was a good read and I loved the narration as I listened to this book. I am looking forward to reading or listening to the next book

[Tahsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 "beyond these walls" stars

The title is just motherfucking perfect. I love stories like this, where we get a glimpse of life after the characters ride out into the sunset. In plain words, I loved it; I literally don't have anything to criticize/complain about. If you liked the epilogue in the previous one, and don't want to read this one, then don't. But I needed a more concrete epilogue, especially for a story like this, and that's exactly what I got.

Life isn't about regret. It was about making the most of it after the dust had settled around your feet.

And OMFG Roman gets a book? I CAN'T WAIT! This book is going to the bomb.com.

I'm hoping that somewhere deep inside him, there's something worth saving.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5 stars
"I know you think that I saved you, but in all honestly, it was you who saved me..."

I totally fell for Lailah and Jude in Within These Walls. Lailah was the tenacious young woman who need a heart transplant and had lived most of her life sheltered or in a hospital. Jude was the mysterious hospital worker with his own tormented past who became her friend, fell in love with her, taught her live, and was key in saving her life. And she in turn brought him out of his own darkness and brought joy back to his life.

"She was my fierce survivor."

Now we get to see more of their "good stuff". Their future, plans, progressions, and milestones. Lailah is finally free to experience true living and they can explore their new found love and happiness. Everything seems to be going according to plan. The only issue seems to center around his brother Roman who is a frequent source of tension and often leaves Jude to deal with work issues when he just wants to be with Lailah whenever she needs him. They can't really understand why he acts the way he does--irresponsible, uncaring, unreliable, and inconsistent. But other than him, they have good friends and family and everything seemed to be going perfectly for them.

Lailah is so strong, sweet, caring, and is a true survivor. She has grown so much in the past two years and her whole life and outlook has changed. She knows not to take anything for granted. But she has always been wary when good things happen to her and is secretly afraid that their fairy tale ending won't last. But she is living for all of the wonderful moments that her life with Jude is providing her.

"Love isn't always perfection. It's a beautiful chaotic mess, and there isn't anyone I'd rather spend my life with than you."

Jude is all kinds of swoony male goodness. He is so romantic and lives to make Lailah happy. He is generous, kind, thoughtful, protective and completely enthralled by his "angel". But that also brings some fears and worry. He has lived through loss so is terrified of losing her. He has anxiety about her health or something else ruining their happy new life.

A thousand lifetimes would never be enough. This was true. For now, I'd gladly settle for one.

But in real life, it is not always sunshine and rainbows. Their lives already had some built in risks and complications.

When they are faced with a difficult decision that could alter the course of lives, will they come together or will it divide them?

"I just feel completely out of control, Lailah. It's like our world is spinning on its axis, and you're ready to go along for the ride with no knowledge of what might lie ahead."

Jude and Lailah are such likable, heartwarming, and complex characters, and this book gave us so much more in their story. We got to see their happiness, triumphs, and challenges they still had left to to face. We got to see how they weathered difficult situations and how their lives really progressed after coming together. These two were so connected, so devoted and such fighters. This one was romantic, emotional, and sweet, but also has some times of fears, stress, and heartbreak. But there were lots of feels all along the way. I dove right in and was completely invested in the rest of their story told in dual point of view. It was a moving, beautiful story of living life, love, faith, and survival. I thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with them.

The side characters of her friends Grace, Brian and baby Zander, Abigail, and the parents added support and humor. Roman totally interested me and I really wanted to figure him out. I am looking forward to uncovering more of Roman's mysteries in Behind Closed Doors. He was so moody and obviously had some issues, but we are still in the dark about what they are.


I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of Lailah and Jude and their pudding cups. They were a match made in heaven, and they deserve their happy ending after everything that they have been through individually and together.

Two years later, they are still living their HEA, and on their way to the altar. Lailah is studying and Jude is working in his father’s company. Everything was just perfect. Everyone was happy. But it didn’t mean that they don’t worry. Lailah would always be at risk, so extra care would always be given to her. Monthly check-ups, morning pills are just part of her routine.

The moment they finally said their I do’s, alongside their families was the happiest days of their lives, so is the honeymoon, but not long after their bubble was punctured and it painfully burst. Suddenly, their future was once again bleak, their HEA was hanging by a thread, and every dreams they built was slipping on their fingers.

They were up against fate, and it would take a whole lot of faith before they can finally have their happy-ever-after once again. Because I always believe love can overcome anything, but I was not sure if it can overcome death. So painfully, I read through the pages, crossing my fingers, wishing that J.L. Berg would be kind enough to allow them to have their HEA. Because this is a couple who I have grown fond of, and whom I really, really like. They have beaten the odds in the first book, and I just knew, even if the statistics was not on their side that they can make it. Their love was THAT strong, his faith was that solid and she was a fighter. She would not be defeated without a fight. And she WILL fight, for Jude, for their family.

Another interesting thing about this book is Roman, who will star in J.L. Berg’s next book (#excited). He was an enigma. I could not really read him – what was his problem? He can be a charm, he can be amazing, he can be all grown up, but he chose to act like he doesn’t care most of the times.

Then there was this conversation in the barbershop… I was dying to know the story behind it, hopefully our author would be so kind to reveal it in the second book.

If you love the first book like I did, you will love this epic conclusion to their story. It simply took my breath away (and literally at the near end of the novel), I love the roller coaster of emotions, the surprises, and the love, hope and faith that is oozing in every page.

Review originally posted on my blog

Purchase Links:
AMAZON US | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram

•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lailah and Jude have moved to New York following Lailah’s successful heart transplant and are building their forever together. She’s back in school and he is at the helm of the family business. Between the stresses of classes, meetings, and wedding plans, they have plenty of time to visit with family, develop friendships outside the walls of the hospital, and count their blessings together.

These two fought for their happy in Within These Walls, and now they are living it. At one point, I started questioning if I wanted the happy that Jude and Lailah had built to face a challenge major enough to fill a whole novel. I loved where they were at the end of Within These Walls, and the thought of more pain was just too much.

I spent much of the first half glad that things seemed relatively smooth for these two. Wedding planning, honeymooning happiness is exactly what I wanted to see for them. While I knew the easy couldn’t last, it was so great to see while it was there.

But as much as I loved the happy moments, the last 30-40% crushed me. Because they face a challenge they thought they had prepared for, and fears they thought were past them are back to haunt their dreams and threaten their future.

Feeling their fear as they navigated an unknown future hurt. But by the end I was loving it again as I wiped up the mess my tears had made in the meantime. These two were both fighters. Lailah fights to survive, Jude fights to be her support. And when their bond is threatened, they fight for each other.

I absolutely loved how much mystery this built about Roman, Jude’s brother. Irresponsible and barely able to make it out of bed by noon one day, and successfully leading a board meeting the next, his polar behavior was as much a curiosity as it was a tease (I’m sure) for his book, Behind Closed Doors.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[V.R. (V.R. Jimenez) Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es como un epilogo grande... Mucho mas meloso y mucho mas dramático que el primer libro, pero no me quejo porque realmente lo he disfrutado mucho, sobretodo porque es una vista bastante solida de un romance que, en lo personal, se planteo muy apresurado en la primera parte.

No sabia que necesitaba esta continuación para satisfacer mi gusto personal. Me alegro de haberme puesto con él porque realmente me ha sorprendido.

Jude sigue siendo increíble y Laylah es espectacular. Se complementan a la perfección y el romance es tan encendido que se disfruta de principio a fin, solo para entrar en combustión cuando te das cuenta que NECESITAS la historia de Román. El hermano de Jude es un enigma y esta parte de la historia nos demuestra que siempre un secundario puede destacar lo suficiente como para sentir que necesitas más. Espero leer su historia pronto porque sin duda se robo el protagonismo y tiene toda esa aura de héroe incomprendido que a mi me encanta. ¡Recomendadísimo!

[Aracely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy emotivo y lindo

Si el libro 1 me gustó este me ha encantado. Saber de esta pareja y el como enfrentan una situación por de más complicada y arriesgada ha sido muy revelador. Me ha emocionado ver la manera en que la autora ha llevado la relación de los protagonistas a través de algo que siempre es una bendición y en el caso de ellos pudo estar cargado de miedos y pensamientos negativos cambiando los en su momento por reacciones normales y volcando todo lo que les daba miedo a pensar positivo. Al final todo es como mi vena romántica deseaba. El epílogo es algo tan bonito y que no me esperaba ,al menos no con todo ese espacio de tiempo ni bajó el punto de vista de quien es. Recomendada y mucho.

[Ivonne. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una lectura sencilla y predecible, pero como me encantaron los personajes en el primer libro, pienso que es un cierre perfecto para la historia de Lailah y Jude, me gustó mucho saber como les fue, luego de los momentos tan difíciles que les tocó vivir.

[Book lover · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book in audiobook format.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 Schmaltzy but beautiful

Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Author and Inkslinger PR

I LOVED Within These Walls so I could NOT wait for the chance to read this book and find out what happens with Jude and Lailah.


Jude and Lailah have never had it easy with what life has thrown them but their love has always been strong. When life gets too busy sometimes, what they used to put as priority gets put on the back burner causing the shine in Lailah's life to dim a bit.


"... But don't let the world change you. Change the world, Lailah."


But no matter what, they have each other. Sometimes over the too much sweet at times, but it works for them.


" ... Snowstorms, heart transplants, or anything else the world wants to throw our way, as long as your hand is in mine," she said, looking down at our joined palms, "I'll never fear the unknown."


The journey to their vows were a bit over the top but when Jude Cavenaugh does something he does it big.


"Love isn't about perfection. It's a beautiful chaotic mess, and there isn't anyone I'd rather spend my life with than you."


I have to admit in the first part of the book I found it a but schmaltzy sweet for me, but these two have always been near and dear to my heart so all was well. The bonus to me was I was reading this book on the beach of Santorini so it felt like I was there with Jude and Lailah.


"... The best things in life are never planned."


As we get to about the half way mark of the book trouble is brewing on the horizon which caused my heart to sink.


"I guess the question is, do you want to find out?" And there is was-my life-altering moment. ..."


Especially when Lailah was so quick to bail when things got tough not giving sweet sweet sensitive Jude enough time to swallow and process the upcoming situation for these two.

"Okay! I get it. But would you just stop for one second and realize that I might be happy about this?"



Thankfully Jude is a fighter and won't let go because very easily this relationship could have gone south. As unfortunately many real life relationships go because many people don't take the time to truly communicate or fight for what they want.

"So, what do you want me to do?" I asked, tears leaking from my eyes.

"Fight, damn it!" he answered loudly. "If we're going to do this, I need you to promise that you won't give up. Fight until your last dying breath. Do everything the doctors tell you to-no exceptions. Take every precaution and promise you won't give up."


Even though Jude may be over the top sweet at times but Gah! he's so frickin' sweet and adorable. The way he loves Lailah is a thing of beauty.


"Because I need you-yesterday, now, tomorrow. I'll always need you...."


Finally we think these two may have a smooth ride in their choppy waters but nope life loves to throw these two curve ball after curve ball.


"... But I know a thing or two about that girl you married. She's a fighter, Jude. She might look small, but her heart is ten times the size of most. She'll battle to the death for this life she's worked so hard to achieve."


Jude and Lailah are one of my favorite NA couples. They have weathered a rough storm but their love for each other has never let us down even though their was a moment their where Lailah disappointed me a bit in her way of communicating when things got tough. But our Jude once again has helped her to see the light and fight for their happiness.


Throughout this book we get to see more and more into Roman and I can not wait to read more about him in Beyond Closed Doors which will be a spin off from this series.


For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe

Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook

Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude and Lailah have been through more than couples twice their age have been through; Jude blaming himself for the death of his first girlfriend and Lailah needing major care and surgery to fix her heart but both managed to overcome and realised that they belonged together. Now it’s their HEA time and everything is going perfectly….until unexpected news throws them both off and Jude is terrified, once again, that he is going to lose Lailah.

“He was too good. I could spend a lifetime doing nothing but good deeds, and I’d never fully earn the love he believed I was worth. He thought I was the better half of the whole we’d created, but he was so incredibly wrong.”

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this story. I loved Jude and Lailah’s story in within these walls and I was so excited to see they were getting another. They are such a beautiful and strong couple, that I couldn’t wait to read their HEA…even if we had to go through some more tough times to get there finally!

“Lailah was my beacon. No matter how bleak life might get, how rough the waters might seem, I knew she’d always be there to safely guide me back home.”

Jude and Lailah are just as perfect together as they always have been. So beautiful, so strong and both so kind and sweet. They are one of my favourite book couples and I’ve always wanted them to get the HEA they deserve. It was brilliant reading what had happened after the first book and to get acquainted with all the other characters again.

“Every thrust reminded me that I was the luckiest man alive. Every kiss told me I was exactly where I was supposed to be, and every moan that escaped her lips echoed my heart that beat solely for her.”

It isn’t all plain sailing though, and again we have to cross our fingers, bite our nails and shout at our kindles that everything HAS to be okay because when you read these stories you will fall in love with them both and you just pray that these two go through no more heart ache.

“Love was eternal. Love was endless, and love would carry us through the storm to the other side—whatever it might be.”

I thoroughly recommend this and the previous book (which you need to have read) to all romance lovers out there. They are sad, beautiful, romantic and make your heart sigh. I wish I could read more and more of these two but hopefully we will be getting Jude’s brothers story soon!!

~Bethany

[Jennifer Moreno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al empezar la historia en el primer libro no tenía ni la menor idea de que vendrían más, leí "Entre estas paredes" pensando que era un libro autoconclusivo o en su defecto que el segundo sería el libro de Roman 😏

Me lleve una gran sorpresa cuando vi que "Más allá de estas paredes" era una continuación de Lailah y Jude, pensé que la autora ya les había dado su final y listo.🤷🏽‍♀️ Me encanta saber que los protagonistas lograron sanar sus heridas y entiendo lo que hizo la autora aquí, lloré por culpa de los últimos capítulos.

Es un libro muy bonito, tiene sus frases y momentos roba aliento con el drama justo para no morir de infartos.

Curiosidades de la vida, en muchas partes sentí que era demasiado amor, jajaja me gusta y lo disfruto pero la primera parte del libro se centro en lo bello y perfecto de la relación que no dejé de esperar los gritos y el sufrimiento en ese eterno vivieron felices para siempre.🤭 Por otro lado, y siendo honesta, no dejo de pensar que esta segunda parte nos prepara para el tercero, aquí la intriga es el hermano mayor.

Román es un enigma y ruego su historia sea publicada. Necesito saber como llegó a la fotografía del epílogo😏

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to see how Lailah and Jude's HEA continued. I knew there would be issued with Lailah's health when the doctor gave her a pass on the monthly appointment during the wedding/honeymoon month. I didn't expect what did happen and the dilemma that they had to face, it was a hard choice to make, one where either one would have big repercussions. I was happy to see how things ended for them, for them to get the HEA. The hospital homecoming was bittersweet, the most precious thing left behind, but a way to remember and honor the change.

The epilogue had me in tears, so great!

[Michelle Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh God I need a moment to process, I read Within These Walls awhile back, and it was so wonderful to see Jude and Lailah back again.

*An ARC was provided for an honest review.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, review to follow.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

[Renata Severo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beeeeautiful!!!!!