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Wicked White #2
Wicked Reunion
College sweethearts London Uphill and Jared Kraft were inseparable. He was a rising baseball star with a promising future, and she seemed destined to become “Mrs. Kraft.” Then a tragic night and a series of devastating mistakes caused Jared to walk away from his life, leaving London without any explanation and tearing the couple apart.
Five years later, Jared has reinvented himself by putting down the bat and picking up a guitar to play for the red-hot band Wicked White. In all that time, London hasn’t gotten over her forever love—or the pain—despite seeking solace in the arms of the one man no one dreamed she’d run to.
When Wicked White’s lead singer goes MIA, Jared finds the time—and courage—to return to his hometown and face the mess he made. He’s shocked at how London’s life has changed, yet he’s determined to prove their love is worth fighting for. Is this breakup too big for any hope of a reunion tour? Or can London open her heart to Jared once again?
Five years later, Jared has reinvented himself by putting down the bat and picking up a guitar to play for the red-hot band Wicked White. In all that time, London hasn’t gotten over her forever love—or the pain—despite seeking solace in the arms of the one man no one dreamed she’d run to.
When Wicked White’s lead singer goes MIA, Jared finds the time—and courage—to return to his hometown and face the mess he made. He’s shocked at how London’s life has changed, yet he’s determined to prove their love is worth fighting for. Is this breakup too big for any hope of a reunion tour? Or can London open her heart to Jared once again?
214 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2015
252 people are currently reading
2035 people want to read
About the author
Michelle A. Valentine
45 books6,217 followers**Please direct all inquires to my website as I don't check messages on this site: www.michelleavalentine.com **
New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic romance and New Adult novels. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspired her BLACK FALCON series.
Follow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michel...
Website: www.michelleavalentine.com
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If you are interested in reviewing books please write to Michelle at michelleavalentinebooks@gmail.com
New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic romance and New Adult novels. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspired her BLACK FALCON series.
Follow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michel...
Website: www.michelleavalentine.com
Newsletter: http://michelleavalentine.us3.list-ma...
If you are interested in reviewing books please write to Michelle at michelleavalentinebooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
March 12, 2016
4 stars!
This book started off amazing, then it kind of turned into a train-wreck of a lot of things I normally don’t love in books… BUT… I still kind of loved it! It was completely addictive and I couldn’t stop listening! It’s one of those books that you’ll want to talk about. I know I was blowing up my bestie’s phone from the 60% mark to the very end.
Although Jared is a rock star, and this is a rock star book, it’s so very different from Michelle’s Black Falcon series. The focus is not on the music. The focus is on London, the love of Jared’s life and his relationship with her. It goes to the past (5 years ago) to the present fairly often. Something big happened 5 years ago and this couple that seemed completely meant to be and broke them . They broke when Jared left. So much has happened since then… the more you find out the more you want to know.
Wicked Reunion is a highly entertaining read I couldn’t put down. It had loads of angst, it as stressful to read, and I very much enjoyed it!!!
This book started off amazing, then it kind of turned into a train-wreck of a lot of things I normally don’t love in books… BUT… I still kind of loved it! It was completely addictive and I couldn’t stop listening! It’s one of those books that you’ll want to talk about. I know I was blowing up my bestie’s phone from the 60% mark to the very end.
Although Jared is a rock star, and this is a rock star book, it’s so very different from Michelle’s Black Falcon series. The focus is not on the music. The focus is on London, the love of Jared’s life and his relationship with her. It goes to the past (5 years ago) to the present fairly often. Something big happened 5 years ago and this couple that seemed completely meant to be and broke them . They broke when Jared left. So much has happened since then… the more you find out the more you want to know.
Wicked Reunion is a highly entertaining read I couldn’t put down. It had loads of angst, it as stressful to read, and I very much enjoyed it!!!
November 10, 2015
Read in exchange for an honest review
2.5 very frustrated stars.
So...where do I begin?
First, I want to say that this book had MAJOR potential. Major. That said, I'll list all the reasons it failed to impress.
Ya, ya, we've read it all before. Boy is in love with girl. He screws up, leaves, comes back and begs for forgiveness. Whatever. I'm cool with the basic plot. I'm a sucker for a happy ending. But this. This...was torturous.
I will allow this though, some parts of the book were very well written. But what do you do when you actually like the other brother to be the winner in the outcome of the love triangle and not the actual boy who ends up with the girl?
Brother one: Jared is a star baseball player, a hotshot, the brother everyone loves. He got the girl, the scholarship, the adoration of both of his parents and a natural musical talent. Lucky guy, right?
Brother two: Wes, the older of the brothers, the brains to his brothers brawn, is gentle sweet, kind, is in love with his brothers girlfriend (and not hiding it well) and always comes in second best. Basically, the dude is in the "friend zone." (Team Wes all the way)
The girl: London. The girl next door, the epitome of both Jared and Wes' dream girl fantasy. Smart, beautiful, kind-the ever-loving fixer of all things sad. As a child she immediately attached herself to the brothers and inserted her life in to theirs and has never let go. Falling in love with Jared while Wes silently watched from the sidelines.
After suffering an extreme personal tragedy, and losing his scholarship, Jared lashes out in the worst possible way. Ruining everything good in his life, treating his brother like shit, abandoning his mother and literally knocking his girlfriend unconscious (albeit by drunken accident) Jared, leaves. Takes off. For five fucking years. The lone encounter he has with the "love of his life" London is when she and Wes finally track him down at some dive bar after his mother hired a private investigator. This takes place a few months after he leaves town, having never called or tried to get in contact with any member of his family. London and Wes find him shagging some skanky bar fly is the back of her Mustang and the asshole has the nerve to get right pissed at Wes and London for showing their faces.
HELL to the NO. Ain't no body got time for your shit, Jared.
He joins a rock tour. Yep. You heard me. Rock tour. ( see, the bloody book went all over the place) and after five years is up, and the lead singer runs off, Jared feels it's time to head home and finally visit his mother. (Five years later) fucker.
Happenstance brings him and London back together. She basically forgives him right on the spot. Even though she is now MARRIED to his brother Wes. ( well, separated, because she still loves the asshole Jared) and then proceeded to FUCK him not one day after his return, on his mothers kitchen counter no less, without a condom to boot! ( btw, she's still married to the other brother)
Doesn't she find out the very next day, after they profess their love for each other, (Jared and London) that she is pregnant with Wes' baby?!?! Like, what in the actual fuck?!?!
Wes decides it's time for him to finally confront Jared on all the shit he's had to endure over the past five years. Taking care of his mom, and picking up the broken pieces of London's heart and starts beating the shit out of him. Jared feels he deserves it, (cue crazy London trying to break up the fight) she gets "punched" by accident, in the stomach and loses the baby. (Good lord)
Well, you can just guess what happens next. The ending....ugh....she dumps Wes, divorces his nice ass, gets back together with the assface who ditched her, cheated on her, hit her, didn't apologize for it specifically, and treated her like absolute crap.
Me, personally, would've never looked back-team Wes all the way. This book was all over the place. Trying to fit in every possible tragedy known to man. Cramming in a shite ending with 25% left of the book and having the stupid London forgive the douche in about two pages.
Personally, they deserved each other. Thank god Wes got out when he did.
If it wasn't for the fact that I am reviewing this honestly for Netgalley, I would have put this in my DNF folder.
2.5 very frustrated stars.
So...where do I begin?
First, I want to say that this book had MAJOR potential. Major. That said, I'll list all the reasons it failed to impress.
Ya, ya, we've read it all before. Boy is in love with girl. He screws up, leaves, comes back and begs for forgiveness. Whatever. I'm cool with the basic plot. I'm a sucker for a happy ending. But this. This...was torturous.
I will allow this though, some parts of the book were very well written. But what do you do when you actually like the other brother to be the winner in the outcome of the love triangle and not the actual boy who ends up with the girl?
Brother one: Jared is a star baseball player, a hotshot, the brother everyone loves. He got the girl, the scholarship, the adoration of both of his parents and a natural musical talent. Lucky guy, right?
Brother two: Wes, the older of the brothers, the brains to his brothers brawn, is gentle sweet, kind, is in love with his brothers girlfriend (and not hiding it well) and always comes in second best. Basically, the dude is in the "friend zone." (Team Wes all the way)
The girl: London. The girl next door, the epitome of both Jared and Wes' dream girl fantasy. Smart, beautiful, kind-the ever-loving fixer of all things sad. As a child she immediately attached herself to the brothers and inserted her life in to theirs and has never let go. Falling in love with Jared while Wes silently watched from the sidelines.
After suffering an extreme personal tragedy, and losing his scholarship, Jared lashes out in the worst possible way. Ruining everything good in his life, treating his brother like shit, abandoning his mother and literally knocking his girlfriend unconscious (albeit by drunken accident) Jared, leaves. Takes off. For five fucking years. The lone encounter he has with the "love of his life" London is when she and Wes finally track him down at some dive bar after his mother hired a private investigator. This takes place a few months after he leaves town, having never called or tried to get in contact with any member of his family. London and Wes find him shagging some skanky bar fly is the back of her Mustang and the asshole has the nerve to get right pissed at Wes and London for showing their faces.
HELL to the NO. Ain't no body got time for your shit, Jared.
He joins a rock tour. Yep. You heard me. Rock tour. ( see, the bloody book went all over the place) and after five years is up, and the lead singer runs off, Jared feels it's time to head home and finally visit his mother. (Five years later) fucker.
Happenstance brings him and London back together. She basically forgives him right on the spot. Even though she is now MARRIED to his brother Wes. ( well, separated, because she still loves the asshole Jared) and then proceeded to FUCK him not one day after his return, on his mothers kitchen counter no less, without a condom to boot! ( btw, she's still married to the other brother)
Doesn't she find out the very next day, after they profess their love for each other, (Jared and London) that she is pregnant with Wes' baby?!?! Like, what in the actual fuck?!?!
Wes decides it's time for him to finally confront Jared on all the shit he's had to endure over the past five years. Taking care of his mom, and picking up the broken pieces of London's heart and starts beating the shit out of him. Jared feels he deserves it, (cue crazy London trying to break up the fight) she gets "punched" by accident, in the stomach and loses the baby. (Good lord)
Well, you can just guess what happens next. The ending....ugh....she dumps Wes, divorces his nice ass, gets back together with the assface who ditched her, cheated on her, hit her, didn't apologize for it specifically, and treated her like absolute crap.
Me, personally, would've never looked back-team Wes all the way. This book was all over the place. Trying to fit in every possible tragedy known to man. Cramming in a shite ending with 25% left of the book and having the stupid London forgive the douche in about two pages.
Personally, they deserved each other. Thank god Wes got out when he did.
If it wasn't for the fact that I am reviewing this honestly for Netgalley, I would have put this in my DNF folder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2015
Wicked Reunion? More like a wicked headache. Don't get me wrong, i always enjoy a good second-chance-love book, but this was a total miss for me. The story-line was filled with problems and absolutely transparent as early as the very first chapter, the characters were unlikable and i wished for a NO HEA.
Sadly, like i already mentioned above, the characters were a big no-no for me. I hated Jared, he was obnoxious, arrogant and generally an asshole, and all that not in a good way like a bad boy would be. As for London, i just couldn't connect with her. She was the classic doormat heroine, extremely silly and mundane. So you can say that the main pair wasn't to my liking.
The rest of the characters, although far more understanding than someone would be in their shoes, were likable and nice. Wes, was a great guy and i really hoped for a different ending. Now that would have been edgy and unique.
From what i gather the first book is much better and i can totally see why. The few scenes Ace was mentioned were much more intriguing than the rest of the book put together.
Lastly the plot-line: which was filled with melodrama artificial pain and written poorly. In the end everything was wrapped up with a pretty red bow to make sure that the book didn't stood a chance. No matter how bad this was for me, i will read the first book in the series, because i'm enthralled by Ace.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- So much potential, but in the end..
- Jared acted like a whiny little baby all the time.
- I didn't found the way she was hit both times by accident ironic and dramatic which i'm sure was the point, but hilarious.
- Their mum was sweet.
- The forgiveness came too easily.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
Sadly, like i already mentioned above, the characters were a big no-no for me. I hated Jared, he was obnoxious, arrogant and generally an asshole, and all that not in a good way like a bad boy would be. As for London, i just couldn't connect with her. She was the classic doormat heroine, extremely silly and mundane. So you can say that the main pair wasn't to my liking.
The rest of the characters, although far more understanding than someone would be in their shoes, were likable and nice. Wes, was a great guy and i really hoped for a different ending. Now that would have been edgy and unique.
From what i gather the first book is much better and i can totally see why. The few scenes Ace was mentioned were much more intriguing than the rest of the book put together.
Lastly the plot-line: which was filled with melodrama artificial pain and written poorly. In the end everything was wrapped up with a pretty red bow to make sure that the book didn't stood a chance. No matter how bad this was for me, i will read the first book in the series, because i'm enthralled by Ace.
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK
- So much potential, but in the end..
- Jared acted like a whiny little baby all the time.
- I didn't found the way she was hit both times by accident ironic and dramatic which i'm sure was the point, but hilarious.
- Their mum was sweet.
- The forgiveness came too easily.
ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
December 14, 2015
So... I have to be honest... I skipped most of this book. I did NOT like these characters. I thought Jared was a selfish immature asshole that threw his life away and London was a meek pushover that didn't/couldn't stand up for herself.
I can't stomach bad characters even if the storyline has the potential that Wicked Reunion had.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I can't stomach bad characters even if the storyline has the potential that Wicked Reunion had.
Rating: 1.5 out of 5
**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
December 16, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
When I first read the blurb of Wicked Reunion, I was intrigued and always was a sucker for second chance romance books. I did not read the first book, but I was advised that this book can be read as a standalone since it focused on a different member of the band, Wicked White. As much as I loved the premise of the book, I did not fully love this book because I did not love the hero as much as I wanted. A secret part of me was rooting for the hero's brother, Wes to get the girl and I wished that he did. Well, maybe more like I wanted to read Wes story more than Jared's.
Wicked Reunion deals with two childhood best friends who easily transitioned into boyfriend and girlfriend. London was madly in love with Jared Kraft and would follow him to the ends of the world. She was perfectly content on wherever Jared is. But when tragedy hits, Jared lost control of his life and left London. Five years of distance away from London, his mom, his hometown, and his brother, Wes. Within those five years, Wes has been there to pick up the pieces that Jared left behind. He was there to take care of his mother after their father died during a military operation and was there for London when her heart was completely shattered and devastated when Jared left her. Wes has always been in love with London and so as a reader my heart ached for him when suddenly Jared appeared back into town. Given the title, it was definitely a wicked reunion for Jared, London and Wes.
Why the three stars? Well, for one London was the quintessential doormat for Jared. She was weak and let Jared walk all over her especially when he was going through his rough periods. I also didn't like the way she treated Wes towards the end. And Jared, his arrogance within the band already made me disliked him. I think the only redeeming part of the story was Wes. Yes, the secondary character stole my heart. I wanted him to get the girl. I wanted him to be happy. I was secretly hoping the author would do a plot twist and make London see who has been by her side the whole entire time. But a part of me is relieved he didn't get London, because he deserved a woman who treated him so much better. While this book ends on a happy note for London and Jared, I think I was more curious as to what happened to Wes than what happened to Jared.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
When I first read the blurb of Wicked Reunion, I was intrigued and always was a sucker for second chance romance books. I did not read the first book, but I was advised that this book can be read as a standalone since it focused on a different member of the band, Wicked White. As much as I loved the premise of the book, I did not fully love this book because I did not love the hero as much as I wanted. A secret part of me was rooting for the hero's brother, Wes to get the girl and I wished that he did. Well, maybe more like I wanted to read Wes story more than Jared's.
Wicked Reunion deals with two childhood best friends who easily transitioned into boyfriend and girlfriend. London was madly in love with Jared Kraft and would follow him to the ends of the world. She was perfectly content on wherever Jared is. But when tragedy hits, Jared lost control of his life and left London. Five years of distance away from London, his mom, his hometown, and his brother, Wes. Within those five years, Wes has been there to pick up the pieces that Jared left behind. He was there to take care of his mother after their father died during a military operation and was there for London when her heart was completely shattered and devastated when Jared left her. Wes has always been in love with London and so as a reader my heart ached for him when suddenly Jared appeared back into town. Given the title, it was definitely a wicked reunion for Jared, London and Wes.
Why the three stars? Well, for one London was the quintessential doormat for Jared. She was weak and let Jared walk all over her especially when he was going through his rough periods. I also didn't like the way she treated Wes towards the end. And Jared, his arrogance within the band already made me disliked him. I think the only redeeming part of the story was Wes. Yes, the secondary character stole my heart. I wanted him to get the girl. I wanted him to be happy. I was secretly hoping the author would do a plot twist and make London see who has been by her side the whole entire time. But a part of me is relieved he didn't get London, because he deserved a woman who treated him so much better. While this book ends on a happy note for London and Jared, I think I was more curious as to what happened to Wes than what happened to Jared.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...
avoid
August 23, 2022Self note avoid
SPOILERS
- H cheats on her. She walked in on him fucking another girl.
- She married the H's brother after and she's preg with brother's baby when she sees the H again (5 yrs later), they shag (she's a cheater too), and his cheating from 5 yrs before is forgiven instantly.
No grovel.
The Brother and the H get into a fight, the h steps in, gets punched in the stomach and loses her baby.
She gets a divorce from the nice brother, and ends up with the cheater. hea.
like wtf.
SPOILERS
- H cheats on her. She walked in on him fucking another girl.
- She married the H's brother after and she's preg with brother's baby when she sees the H again (5 yrs later), they shag (she's a cheater too), and his cheating from 5 yrs before is forgiven instantly.
No grovel.
The Brother and the H get into a fight, the h steps in, gets punched in the stomach and loses her baby.
She gets a divorce from the nice brother, and ends up with the cheater. hea.
like wtf.
July 20, 2017
Why is it so hard to find a good second chance romance for me these days!? Wicked Reunion had such potential... But I honestly hated the hero and very nearly hated the heroine as well. This book was a huge fail for me and I completely regret reading it.
I'll probably be adding more to this review later, but right now I'm just so mad! Ugh, the hero is so god-awful – the way he behaved like a selfish jerk in the past, the way he basically threw away the heroine (even though he supposedly """"loved"""" her) and , the way he didn't even really MAKE UP for anything he did – everything about him was not hero material. And the heroine is such a doormat. I hate when heroines keep pining over the hero because she just loves him soooo much, even after the way he treats her like yesterday's trash and he keeps boning other women. Get a grip, girl, you're better than that! Just – UGH. London deserved way better than Jared. This is one of the few romances where I wish the hero and heroine didn't end up together.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
I'll probably be adding more to this review later, but right now I'm just so mad! Ugh, the hero is so god-awful – the way he behaved like a selfish jerk in the past, the way he basically threw away the heroine (even though he supposedly """"loved"""" her) and , the way he didn't even really MAKE UP for anything he did – everything about him was not hero material. And the heroine is such a doormat. I hate when heroines keep pining over the hero because she just loves him soooo much, even after the way he treats her like yesterday's trash and he keeps boning other women. Get a grip, girl, you're better than that! Just – UGH. London deserved way better than Jared. This is one of the few romances where I wish the hero and heroine didn't end up together.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
February 7, 2017
Where do I start, argh.
This book had so much potential but it left me feeling frustrated. I actually liked the way each chapter not only went between London and Jared's point of view, but from the present to the past. That aspect worked well and I enjoyed the writing, but Jared pissed me off.
I'm not really sure why but it just went downhill for me after he left his family and London so abruptly. And could London have picked a more awkward rebound or what?! I actually liked Wes, though I did feel sorry for him he was blind not to see the truth in front of him.
I think my problem here lies with the fact that London just forgave Jared so easily. When you have really truly had your heart broken it takes away a part of you that had been given to that person and that is something you can't just get back again. There was a long build up with all the back story and then it was just resolved and wrapped up in a bow at warp speed.
So yeah, it has left me a bit frustrated.
December 19, 2015
Sigh
I don’t even know.
London and Jared were college sweethearts. Vowed to love each other forever and ever and ever no matter what until, of course, something happened and they couldn’t deal. Jared takes off and writes off his entire family and London spends the next five years pining away for him.
I can’t even call this book a romance novel because really there was very limited actual romance. The story basically revolves around flashbacks surrounding the event that pulled them apart and their lives afterwards. I was just frustrated and angry at these characters the whole way through because it seems either you have to be a spineless lovesick puppy or a complete asshole that is angry at life.
As mentioned before most of this book deals with events surrounding ‘the incident’ and their lives afterwards and when Jared finally returns five years after it felt as if I was thrown into a dramatic soap opera with everything happening in the last 40%(or so) of this book. And let me just say, I could have seriously done without that whole mess. It all just felt like shock tactics and poor attempts at plot development.
This book’s potential was there but in the end it was just really disappointing.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I don’t even know.
London and Jared were college sweethearts. Vowed to love each other forever and ever and ever no matter what until, of course, something happened and they couldn’t deal. Jared takes off and writes off his entire family and London spends the next five years pining away for him.
I can’t even call this book a romance novel because really there was very limited actual romance. The story basically revolves around flashbacks surrounding the event that pulled them apart and their lives afterwards. I was just frustrated and angry at these characters the whole way through because it seems either you have to be a spineless lovesick puppy or a complete asshole that is angry at life.
As mentioned before most of this book deals with events surrounding ‘the incident’ and their lives afterwards and when Jared finally returns five years after it felt as if I was thrown into a dramatic soap opera with everything happening in the last 40%(or so) of this book. And let me just say, I could have seriously done without that whole mess. It all just felt like shock tactics and poor attempts at plot development.
This book’s potential was there but in the end it was just really disappointing.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Read
February 26, 2023I get that they were young and stupid at 18, but it’s 5 years later and he’s still stupid.
Sorry, Ma, I know I mustn’t call people stupid, but if you only knew…
1st meeting after he left her 5 years ago:
“I should probably get going,” he says as he pushes up from his seat.
Desperation washes over me, and I know this may be my one and only shot to get some answers from Jared about things that have long haunted me.
“Wait. Please don’t go.” I bite my bottom lip, nervous that he’ll turn and leave and”
Why he’s at her door now:
“One of my bandmates lost his mother, and it got me thinking. It’s the reason I came back here. Mom won’t be around forever, and I wanted to fix things between us before it was too late. I wanted to at least rectify my past with her, but you . . . I wasn’t ready to face you yet.”
“So you bringing the flowers . . . ?”
He shrugs one shoulder. “A simple mistake. Mom had those yellow roses set off to the side, and I grabbed them with the rest of the deliveries. I didn’t know they were for you.”
Pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the book
Sorry, Ma, I know I mustn’t call people stupid, but if you only knew…
1st meeting after he left her 5 years ago:
“I should probably get going,” he says as he pushes up from his seat.
Desperation washes over me, and I know this may be my one and only shot to get some answers from Jared about things that have long haunted me.
“Wait. Please don’t go.” I bite my bottom lip, nervous that he’ll turn and leave and”
Why he’s at her door now:
“One of my bandmates lost his mother, and it got me thinking. It’s the reason I came back here. Mom won’t be around forever, and I wanted to fix things between us before it was too late. I wanted to at least rectify my past with her, but you . . . I wasn’t ready to face you yet.”
“So you bringing the flowers . . . ?”
He shrugs one shoulder. “A simple mistake. Mom had those yellow roses set off to the side, and I grabbed them with the rest of the deliveries. I didn’t know they were for you.”
Pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the book
November 13, 2015
London and Jared are college sweethearts when he leaves everyone he loves behind and ends up joining a rock band and goes on tour. He left things with London in the worst possible way and takes off for five years. Yes, he has the usual "if I had my time over, I'd do things differently" or some bullshit like that, but of course, never really does anything about it in reality. London ends up marrying Wes, Jared's older brother, on the rebound and they are separated when Jared comes back into her life.
I have to say, this was almost a DNF and had it not been for the fact that this was an ARC, I more than likely would never have finished it. I don't want to say too much without giving it away (especially since this book hasn't been released yet). I hated the hero and didn't like the heroine all that much, either. I think "the other guy" was a much better man and should have been the hero in the end. Needless to say the story definitely didn't work for me. At all.
I'll be thinking twice about reading this author again.
I have to say, this was almost a DNF and had it not been for the fact that this was an ARC, I more than likely would never have finished it. I don't want to say too much without giving it away (especially since this book hasn't been released yet). I hated the hero and didn't like the heroine all that much, either. I think "the other guy" was a much better man and should have been the hero in the end. Needless to say the story definitely didn't work for me. At all.
I'll be thinking twice about reading this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2015
This is a continuation of the Wicked White series, this time it's focus is on Jared (lead guitarist)and his childhood sweetheart London. A number of tragic events cause the couple to loose each other and how they find there way back. I enjoyed this one a bit more that the first and it can be read as a stand alone.
can-never-read
December 5, 2015What a BIG, MAJOR clusterfuck...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 18, 2015
Where do I begin? I suppose I shall start with the stars. This novel receives just 3 stars due to not being able to really keep my attention and for having a ridiculously stupid female character. While I'm all for angst, the angst felt misplaced and almost fake? I realize this is a work of fiction but I still shouldn't feel like the feelings are fake. On no level could I connect with London and I found I just barely even liked Jared. I'm pretty sure that is what ruined the read for me, my dislike of both the main characters.
There's a love triangle which doesn't work for some people but I usually love them because they make the read more attention grabbing. For this love triangle, I was like, "Yeah, no." There's a major mess up on Jared's end where he leaves London. There's London failing to move on with her life, which is fine because sometimes you aren't meant to give up on love, but also being a complete nitwit. I think I rolled my eyes more times than not. Oh, and there's also almost no actual growth because the story tries to fit too much into it with moving back and forth in time. I wanted to love this book and just couldn't do it.
There's a love triangle which doesn't work for some people but I usually love them because they make the read more attention grabbing. For this love triangle, I was like, "Yeah, no." There's a major mess up on Jared's end where he leaves London. There's London failing to move on with her life, which is fine because sometimes you aren't meant to give up on love, but also being a complete nitwit. I think I rolled my eyes more times than not. Oh, and there's also almost no actual growth because the story tries to fit too much into it with moving back and forth in time. I wanted to love this book and just couldn't do it.
November 20, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Boy and girl are in love and have been connected at the hip since middle school. Boy suffers multiple losses in his life and abandons girl. Boy runs off and becomes major rock star. Girl is left behind broken and abandoned. Boy’s older brother (who’s has also loved girl since middle school) is there to pick up the pieces. Brother and girl get together….boy returns….yeah, this was real interesting.
What I love about a book, when I’m reading it thinking “yeah, I’m not really liking this”…but then I hit a point in the book when the light bulb goes off in my head and I realize why I should really like this book. That’s what Wicked Reunion was for me!
Jared Kraft is a hot college baseball star. He has it all; loving parents, the girl of his dreams and he’s pretty much on his way to the Majors; but devastating news cause him to make one bad decision and his life spirals out of control. Unable to cope, Jared abandon’s everything and everyone he knows: his family, school and his perfect girl, London. Fast forward five years and Jared has re-invented himself as JJ White, guitarist for the Rock Band Wicked White. Trouble within Wicked White has Jared returning home and learning that not only has London moved on but she’s now married to his brother Wes. Jared is determined to mend fences with his family and show London that he’s still as much in love with her today as he was when he left.
London Uphill never doubted her future; she was going to graduate from college and marry the love of her life, Jared. But when Jared disappears without a word to anyone London’s life is turned upside down. The next thing she knows, her Jared is now famous guitarist JJ White for the rock band Wicked White. With the urging of everyone around her London moves on, at least she tries to. Her rock during this entire ordeal has been Wes, Jared’s older brother. While Wes is everything London could want, he’s not the one thing she really wants. When Jared shows up on her doorstep London mush decide if she should stick with the life she has now as Wes’ wife or go with her heart back to Jared.
Love triangles…ugh and this triangle was really ugh, but at the same time it was WOW. At first I wasn’t sure how to feel because I honestly felt bad for Jared, Wes and London but at the same time I was annoyed at Jared, Wes and London. The light bulb moment for me, this book was different. Okay love triangles in general aren’t different but this one was; mainly because I didn’t really dislike anyone and that’s only happened to me a hand full of times.
Jared most definitely was a jerk. He was childish, immature and a little self-centered and he definitely had a lot of growing up to do. Dude, you run off into the night, literally, and no one but your mother hears from you for years. Did you really expect that London should welcome you back with open arms? Wes, okay…this is kind of a touchy subject…London was your brother’s girl. I’m thinking there should be some sort of “bro code”, literally, but then again…Jared left; who knew if he would ever come back?” Although, it was still kind of a little cruddy that Wes was kind of lusting after London all along. Wes confesses his love for London throughout the entire book so I do feel a little bad for him. After all, you can’t help who you love. And then there’s poor London, girlfriend…you got yourself into a real pickle with these Kraft Brothers. Even though she hasn’t seen or heard from him in five years, London is still very much in love with Jared. She found solace in Wes but he was never going to be to her what Jared was. Despite that there though was a HEA there has to be someone who hurts more than anyone else. This whole situation was messy, messy, messy but oh so good, good, good.
This is book number two in the Wicked White series. I didn’t read book one (Wicked White) which is Ace’s story, but it appears that the storylines are kind of happening simultaneously. I’m definitely going to go back and read book one. The other thing that appealed to me about this story was the relationship of the Wicked White band members. Usually the band members are brothers or family. They have tight bonds and always have each other’s back. These guys did like each other very much, possibly because they were basically thrown together. There was some serious dislike and jealous going on.
There was one particular part in the storyline that was wrapped up a little too nicely for me but other than that, I really enjoyed Wicked Reunion. Although I know the series is Wicked White which is the actual band. Oh and I’m still on the fence about Mama Kraft’s attitude about this whole triangle thingy.
Boy and girl are in love and have been connected at the hip since middle school. Boy suffers multiple losses in his life and abandons girl. Boy runs off and becomes major rock star. Girl is left behind broken and abandoned. Boy’s older brother (who’s has also loved girl since middle school) is there to pick up the pieces. Brother and girl get together….boy returns….yeah, this was real interesting.
What I love about a book, when I’m reading it thinking “yeah, I’m not really liking this”…but then I hit a point in the book when the light bulb goes off in my head and I realize why I should really like this book. That’s what Wicked Reunion was for me!
Jared Kraft is a hot college baseball star. He has it all; loving parents, the girl of his dreams and he’s pretty much on his way to the Majors; but devastating news cause him to make one bad decision and his life spirals out of control. Unable to cope, Jared abandon’s everything and everyone he knows: his family, school and his perfect girl, London. Fast forward five years and Jared has re-invented himself as JJ White, guitarist for the Rock Band Wicked White. Trouble within Wicked White has Jared returning home and learning that not only has London moved on but she’s now married to his brother Wes. Jared is determined to mend fences with his family and show London that he’s still as much in love with her today as he was when he left.
London Uphill never doubted her future; she was going to graduate from college and marry the love of her life, Jared. But when Jared disappears without a word to anyone London’s life is turned upside down. The next thing she knows, her Jared is now famous guitarist JJ White for the rock band Wicked White. With the urging of everyone around her London moves on, at least she tries to. Her rock during this entire ordeal has been Wes, Jared’s older brother. While Wes is everything London could want, he’s not the one thing she really wants. When Jared shows up on her doorstep London mush decide if she should stick with the life she has now as Wes’ wife or go with her heart back to Jared.
Love triangles…ugh and this triangle was really ugh, but at the same time it was WOW. At first I wasn’t sure how to feel because I honestly felt bad for Jared, Wes and London but at the same time I was annoyed at Jared, Wes and London. The light bulb moment for me, this book was different. Okay love triangles in general aren’t different but this one was; mainly because I didn’t really dislike anyone and that’s only happened to me a hand full of times.
Jared most definitely was a jerk. He was childish, immature and a little self-centered and he definitely had a lot of growing up to do. Dude, you run off into the night, literally, and no one but your mother hears from you for years. Did you really expect that London should welcome you back with open arms? Wes, okay…this is kind of a touchy subject…London was your brother’s girl. I’m thinking there should be some sort of “bro code”, literally, but then again…Jared left; who knew if he would ever come back?” Although, it was still kind of a little cruddy that Wes was kind of lusting after London all along. Wes confesses his love for London throughout the entire book so I do feel a little bad for him. After all, you can’t help who you love. And then there’s poor London, girlfriend…you got yourself into a real pickle with these Kraft Brothers. Even though she hasn’t seen or heard from him in five years, London is still very much in love with Jared. She found solace in Wes but he was never going to be to her what Jared was. Despite that there though was a HEA there has to be someone who hurts more than anyone else. This whole situation was messy, messy, messy but oh so good, good, good.
This is book number two in the Wicked White series. I didn’t read book one (Wicked White) which is Ace’s story, but it appears that the storylines are kind of happening simultaneously. I’m definitely going to go back and read book one. The other thing that appealed to me about this story was the relationship of the Wicked White band members. Usually the band members are brothers or family. They have tight bonds and always have each other’s back. These guys did like each other very much, possibly because they were basically thrown together. There was some serious dislike and jealous going on.
There was one particular part in the storyline that was wrapped up a little too nicely for me but other than that, I really enjoyed Wicked Reunion. Although I know the series is Wicked White which is the actual band. Oh and I’m still on the fence about Mama Kraft’s attitude about this whole triangle thingy.
November 11, 2015
4.5 Stars..
I was gifted an ARC from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Michelle had me hooked from the get go with this one, and guessing what had happened 5 years ago. I loved the characters and the writing style. It was great to get P.O.V's of both London and Jared and how each chapter switched between past and present for both these characters. I have a weakness for second chance romances, which is what pulled me in. The storyline reminded me a lot of Heidi McLaughlin's "The Beaumont Series" (particularly Forever My Girl, readers who liked this will be sure to like Wicked Reunion).
In the past Jared and London are clearly head over heels in love with each other. When tragedy strikes it causes Jared to up turn his life and hurt those around him because of his choices. 5 years later, Jared is playing guitar in a band when he really wants to be the frontman. Problems with the band cause him to return home where he has no contact with anyone from his past except his mother. Helping out his mother leads him to London's doorstep, where he learns how her life is now and he finally explains why he made the choices he made all those years ago that left her heartbroken. London has some difficult choices to make will she give her lost love a second chance or will she choose the guy who's been her shoulder to cry on for the last 5 years. After experiencing more tragedy for these characters I'm glad that they all get their happily ever afters...
I will need to go back and read Ace's story now and find out what his deal is, and I look forward to reading more in this series..
I was gifted an ARC from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Michelle had me hooked from the get go with this one, and guessing what had happened 5 years ago. I loved the characters and the writing style. It was great to get P.O.V's of both London and Jared and how each chapter switched between past and present for both these characters. I have a weakness for second chance romances, which is what pulled me in. The storyline reminded me a lot of Heidi McLaughlin's "The Beaumont Series" (particularly Forever My Girl, readers who liked this will be sure to like Wicked Reunion).
In the past Jared and London are clearly head over heels in love with each other. When tragedy strikes it causes Jared to up turn his life and hurt those around him because of his choices. 5 years later, Jared is playing guitar in a band when he really wants to be the frontman. Problems with the band cause him to return home where he has no contact with anyone from his past except his mother. Helping out his mother leads him to London's doorstep, where he learns how her life is now and he finally explains why he made the choices he made all those years ago that left her heartbroken. London has some difficult choices to make will she give her lost love a second chance or will she choose the guy who's been her shoulder to cry on for the last 5 years. After experiencing more tragedy for these characters I'm glad that they all get their happily ever afters...
I will need to go back and read Ace's story now and find out what his deal is, and I look forward to reading more in this series..
November 12, 2015
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Montlake Romance*
Want to read
November 2, 2015
***ARC generously provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
December 15, 2015
When I heard about Wicked Reunion, I was super excited to read it. I loved Wicked White, so I was really stoked to be back in this rock-n-roll world. Wicked Reunion is told from dual points of view and follows the story of Jared and London. Jared and London had an amazing relationship. They had been together for years; through thick and thin. Nothing could break these two apart, or so they thought. When tragedy strikes, Jared’s life will spin out of control. He will make some big decisions that he will soon regret….London was devastated when Jared broke her heart. For years, she held onto hope that he would come back to her. However, with each year that passed, she quickly realized that she needed to try to move on. And boy did she try. She tried so hard to move on and find happiness, but Jared was always on her mind. When the lead singer for Wicked White goes MIA, Jared finds himself returning home. However, he’s not prepared for how much life has changed without him. Will Jared be able to salvage the life he once knew or has too much time gone by to repair the damage that he caused??
Wicked Reunion was a quick and easy read for me. I am a huge fan of Second Chance Romances and I was really intrigued by Jared and London’s story. I enjoyed London’s character. I felt awful for the way things went down with her and Jared. I really wanted things to be better for her and I wanted her to find some happiness after all that happened.
I did have a few problems with Wicked Reunion. I felt like a lot of the story was rushed. Yes, it is a novella, so I do expect things to be fast paced, but I would have liked to have seen a little more development of Jared and London’s relationship. I felt like things progressed way too quickly for them. I didn’t like how quickly London forgave Jared. I mean, I don’t know about you guys, but if someone I’m desperately in love with destroys me and I’ve been pinning over him for a few years, I’m going to want this guy to grovel and prove himself worthy of me. I also didn’t like who London chose to move on with. I feel like there would have been a lot of conflict with her choice and that once again, there would be no way that Jared would accept that and if London really loved Jared the way that she claimed, there is no way she could try to move on with the person that she did.
Overall, Wicked Reunion was just an ok read. I think it had a ton of potential, but sadly, it missed the mark for me. I really wanted more from this story and these characters. There was so much that I didn’t agree with and wish that it would have been handled a lot differently. I honestly think that this is going to one of those stories that you’re either going to love or going to hate. And while it wasn’t a big hit for me, I’m still glad I checked this story out.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Wicked Reunion was a quick and easy read for me. I am a huge fan of Second Chance Romances and I was really intrigued by Jared and London’s story. I enjoyed London’s character. I felt awful for the way things went down with her and Jared. I really wanted things to be better for her and I wanted her to find some happiness after all that happened.
I did have a few problems with Wicked Reunion. I felt like a lot of the story was rushed. Yes, it is a novella, so I do expect things to be fast paced, but I would have liked to have seen a little more development of Jared and London’s relationship. I felt like things progressed way too quickly for them. I didn’t like how quickly London forgave Jared. I mean, I don’t know about you guys, but if someone I’m desperately in love with destroys me and I’ve been pinning over him for a few years, I’m going to want this guy to grovel and prove himself worthy of me. I also didn’t like who London chose to move on with. I feel like there would have been a lot of conflict with her choice and that once again, there would be no way that Jared would accept that and if London really loved Jared the way that she claimed, there is no way she could try to move on with the person that she did.
Overall, Wicked Reunion was just an ok read. I think it had a ton of potential, but sadly, it missed the mark for me. I really wanted more from this story and these characters. There was so much that I didn’t agree with and wish that it would have been handled a lot differently. I honestly think that this is going to one of those stories that you’re either going to love or going to hate. And while it wasn’t a big hit for me, I’m still glad I checked this story out.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
June 3, 2016
The book was one hell of a Clasterfuck..!
I seriously was left reeling after completing the book. The plot was actually good and exploitable.. But the author spun a really exasperating tale abound it..
Why the hell did they drag poor Wes into all this is completely beyond me.. The guy was really sweet and DID NOT deserve what London did to him...
And there was the fact that Jared was an asshole to her and she pretty much just forgave him without any grovelling.... I mean, seriously?
This book left me with more question mark than answers...... And I am a too nice of a person to give it two stars...!
I seriously was left reeling after completing the book. The plot was actually good and exploitable.. But the author spun a really exasperating tale abound it..
Why the hell did they drag poor Wes into all this is completely beyond me.. The guy was really sweet and DID NOT deserve what London did to him...
And there was the fact that Jared was an asshole to her and she pretty much just forgave him without any grovelling.... I mean, seriously?
This book left me with more question mark than answers...... And I am a too nice of a person to give it two stars...!
November 27, 2015
Disappointing:(. It had so much potential in the beginning. In my opinion, Jared and London are two selfish individuals that deserve each other. In all this chaos I was rooting for Wes (Jared's brother.) He was the one who was patient, loving, supportive, and sacrificed his happiness for her. WHAT ABOUT HIM? Things were left unsaid in my opinion. Very frustrating to say the least. Unfortunately, it left me with NOT heart-warming feeling. Sorry Ms. V. Maybe next time.
October 19, 2018
A SATISFYING STORY!
Although I wasn’t as gripped by this book as much as the first, I still really enjoyed it. When life takes a left turn after you’re heading straight, it can bring you down into deep despair. That is what happens to the characters in this story and it is well written by the author. Jared and London were always meant to be together so their unfortunate twist in the road, while hard to get through, finally brought them back together.
Liked this a lot.
Although I wasn’t as gripped by this book as much as the first, I still really enjoyed it. When life takes a left turn after you’re heading straight, it can bring you down into deep despair. That is what happens to the characters in this story and it is well written by the author. Jared and London were always meant to be together so their unfortunate twist in the road, while hard to get through, finally brought them back together.
Liked this a lot.
June 7, 2025
I was in the mood for a Rockstar romance and this series did it for me.
The second one is about a guy who runs away, after he lost his Dad, leaving his fiancee and family behind.
The people left behind really suffer and most his fiancee. She is not able to move on. She makes a mistake and marries the rockstars brother but the marriage doesn't work out and they split after three month. The brother really loves her.
The Rockstar comes back to town after five year only to see his mum. But he stumbles into the mess he left behind. He even ends up at his Ex fiancee's place accidentally. So they start talking.
Again this couple has a long way to go until they get their second Chance.
The second one is about a guy who runs away, after he lost his Dad, leaving his fiancee and family behind.
The people left behind really suffer and most his fiancee. She is not able to move on. She makes a mistake and marries the rockstars brother but the marriage doesn't work out and they split after three month. The brother really loves her.
The Rockstar comes back to town after five year only to see his mum. But he stumbles into the mess he left behind. He even ends up at his Ex fiancee's place accidentally. So they start talking.
Again this couple has a long way to go until they get their second Chance.
November 16, 2022
Ok read w ott drama,love triangle,tragedy, on page cheating episode. Likely my state of mind in play,but the angst didn't swamp me or give me the feels.Also IMO ,way too rushed towards the end when big decisions made.Glad to have read and do rec,but won't be ranting and raving..🤷
December 21, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
~ 4 Second Chance Stars ~
I love Michelle A Valentine's writing!! She has the ability to create a story and characters that just suck me in!!! I was intrigued with this story right from the start and I didn't put it down until I finished it. (Well of course except to sleep)
Wicked Reunion is the second book in Michelle's Wicked White Series and I thought it was just as enjoyable as the first book. This story is a second chance love story built around the music world. What I thought was great was that this story ran parallel with Wicked White (Book 1) in the time frame ( at least the present time did ). This story was told in Dual POV and alternating time frames (past and present). I thought this was an interesting way to tell Jared and London's story. These two had so much history that it took some time for it all to be revealed. Now with saying that my only real complaint about this book, was that I felt that the reunion between Jared and London was rushed. Being that this book was titled Wicked Reunion I expected more from the reunion. I thought some of the backstory could've been shortened or cut out so that we would've gotten more of the present time story. That really is the only reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me.
In this book we meet Jared and London who are childhood sweethearts. That is until tragedy strikes Jared's family and completely rocks his world. Jared kind of loses it and starts making some seriously bad decisions and pays extremely when it comes to the consequences. Feeling he hit rock bottom, he is offered to leave town with a band and chase another dream in the music world. So he does and leaves without a word to anyone. Fast forward 5 years and Jared is now a member of the band Wicked White and when the lead singer disappears, it forces the band to take some time off. Jared decides to head back home to his mom and visit her and set things straight. What happens from here is a journey for a man and woman in learning that even if love is lost it doesn't have to be forever. I loved watching Jared's character grow into the man he turned out to be in the end. I honestly would've liked to see more of that side of him in this book.
I will say that again, just like with the first book, the music aspect of the storyline really isn't the forefront of the book. We do get a little bit more with the music side of the story but it definitely isn't the main theme in this book. I have to say even though I loved the Black Falcon series, I love that this one has a completely different feel to it. The story lines feel like there is more of a personal message in them, which helps connect the readers more. Even though the last chapter isn't labeled epilogue, I was glad to see that Michelle did add in a chapter in the future. I was glad we got to see what happens with London and Jared and everyone else. It really completed their story for me.
As usual I was not disappointed in this Michelle Valentine book and I would totally recommend this second chance rock star love story to anyone who is a fan of Michelle's. I definitely feel that this is a second chance love story that shouldn't be missed.
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~ 4 Second Chance Stars ~
I love Michelle A Valentine's writing!! She has the ability to create a story and characters that just suck me in!!! I was intrigued with this story right from the start and I didn't put it down until I finished it. (Well of course except to sleep)
Wicked Reunion is the second book in Michelle's Wicked White Series and I thought it was just as enjoyable as the first book. This story is a second chance love story built around the music world. What I thought was great was that this story ran parallel with Wicked White (Book 1) in the time frame ( at least the present time did ). This story was told in Dual POV and alternating time frames (past and present). I thought this was an interesting way to tell Jared and London's story. These two had so much history that it took some time for it all to be revealed. Now with saying that my only real complaint about this book, was that I felt that the reunion between Jared and London was rushed. Being that this book was titled Wicked Reunion I expected more from the reunion. I thought some of the backstory could've been shortened or cut out so that we would've gotten more of the present time story. That really is the only reason this wasn't a 5 star read for me.
In this book we meet Jared and London who are childhood sweethearts. That is until tragedy strikes Jared's family and completely rocks his world. Jared kind of loses it and starts making some seriously bad decisions and pays extremely when it comes to the consequences. Feeling he hit rock bottom, he is offered to leave town with a band and chase another dream in the music world. So he does and leaves without a word to anyone. Fast forward 5 years and Jared is now a member of the band Wicked White and when the lead singer disappears, it forces the band to take some time off. Jared decides to head back home to his mom and visit her and set things straight. What happens from here is a journey for a man and woman in learning that even if love is lost it doesn't have to be forever. I loved watching Jared's character grow into the man he turned out to be in the end. I honestly would've liked to see more of that side of him in this book.
I will say that again, just like with the first book, the music aspect of the storyline really isn't the forefront of the book. We do get a little bit more with the music side of the story but it definitely isn't the main theme in this book. I have to say even though I loved the Black Falcon series, I love that this one has a completely different feel to it. The story lines feel like there is more of a personal message in them, which helps connect the readers more. Even though the last chapter isn't labeled epilogue, I was glad to see that Michelle did add in a chapter in the future. I was glad we got to see what happens with London and Jared and everyone else. It really completed their story for me.
As usual I was not disappointed in this Michelle Valentine book and I would totally recommend this second chance rock star love story to anyone who is a fan of Michelle's. I definitely feel that this is a second chance love story that shouldn't be missed.
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November 28, 2015
2.5 Swing and a Miss Stars
Jared was a hot shot college athlete who had everything he could have ever wanted, including the best girl friend/fiance ever, London. The two had been together since they were in middle school and they were inseparable until one tragic event. Jared's life spirals out of control with one bad mistake after another. The biggest was leaving his family and London behind without any word.
Fast forward five years and Jared is with an up and coming rock band, London has tried and failed to move on with Jared's brother Wes, who has loved London from right around the same time Jared did. Wes was there to pick up London's pieces and he was patiently waiting, hoping she would return his love. London, though still loving Jared, dated Wes and then even went on to marry him. Due to her inability to put her feelings for Jared behind, their marriage is falling apart.
While I love second chance love stories, this book spent so much time in the past dealing with Jared's mistake, that it was hard for me to wrap my head around him being a worthy hero. He was even a jerk with his band, IMO, who solely wanted the spotlight. Worse, he only finds his way back home because his band mate was having his own meltdown and Jared decided it was time to finally go see his mom. He wasn't going back to make things right with London, or to even apologize. His excuses were weak. What made this story even more pitiful was the heroine. London was weak and she forgives Jared and welcomes him back with one little apology, and that was only for the night he left. He never once expressed regret or offered an explanation for how she found him with some skank, only a month or so after he left. She was still his fiance, right?
Knowing this was a Wicked White book you knew that Jared and London were gonna get back together, which kills me since I was rooting for Wes. Yet, knowing this, more time should have been spent alluding to Jared's attempt to gain forgiveness. If we saw his heartbreak in the music he wrote, I would have had some reason to hope he got his girl back. Knowing he only slept with soccer moms so he'd never have to worry about relationships again, did nothing for me. Also all the unnecessary drama at the end with London, a baby and then a miscarriage brought on by the same scenario which took place when Jarred left, was just too much. Considering London married Jared's brother when she knew she didn't care that way about him and was still in love with Jared, and she first tells Jared about being pregnant, perhaps she got what she deserves. I only wish we had more info on Wes' HEA.
Sorry for the rant, but I couldn't help myself. I did give the book an extra 1/2 star simply because it evoked so much emotion from me, even if it was negative.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jared was a hot shot college athlete who had everything he could have ever wanted, including the best girl friend/fiance ever, London. The two had been together since they were in middle school and they were inseparable until one tragic event. Jared's life spirals out of control with one bad mistake after another. The biggest was leaving his family and London behind without any word.
Fast forward five years and Jared is with an up and coming rock band, London has tried and failed to move on with Jared's brother Wes, who has loved London from right around the same time Jared did. Wes was there to pick up London's pieces and he was patiently waiting, hoping she would return his love. London, though still loving Jared, dated Wes and then even went on to marry him. Due to her inability to put her feelings for Jared behind, their marriage is falling apart.
While I love second chance love stories, this book spent so much time in the past dealing with Jared's mistake, that it was hard for me to wrap my head around him being a worthy hero. He was even a jerk with his band, IMO, who solely wanted the spotlight. Worse, he only finds his way back home because his band mate was having his own meltdown and Jared decided it was time to finally go see his mom. He wasn't going back to make things right with London, or to even apologize. His excuses were weak. What made this story even more pitiful was the heroine. London was weak and she forgives Jared and welcomes him back with one little apology, and that was only for the night he left. He never once expressed regret or offered an explanation for how she found him with some skank, only a month or so after he left. She was still his fiance, right?
Knowing this was a Wicked White book you knew that Jared and London were gonna get back together, which kills me since I was rooting for Wes. Yet, knowing this, more time should have been spent alluding to Jared's attempt to gain forgiveness. If we saw his heartbreak in the music he wrote, I would have had some reason to hope he got his girl back. Knowing he only slept with soccer moms so he'd never have to worry about relationships again, did nothing for me. Also all the unnecessary drama at the end with London, a baby and then a miscarriage brought on by the same scenario which took place when Jarred left, was just too much. Considering London married Jared's brother when she knew she didn't care that way about him and was still in love with Jared, and she first tells Jared about being pregnant, perhaps she got what she deserves. I only wish we had more info on Wes' HEA.
Sorry for the rant, but I couldn't help myself. I did give the book an extra 1/2 star simply because it evoked so much emotion from me, even if it was negative.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2016
Wicked Reunion is a complete stand alone in the Wicked White Series by Michelle A. Valentine. This book takes place at the same time that Wicked White occurs, and Wicked Reunion is Jared’s (the guitarist of the band Wicked White) story.
Wicked Reunion is told in both past and present tense in both Jared and London’s points of view. We start out seeing Jared and London completely in love with the world at their feet, and then flash forward to five years later when everything is different between these two. Jared messed up and left London five years ago, and London was never able to move on from the love she had for him. Jared was extremely selfish in this book throughout those five years, with how he treated London before he left, as well as cutting off all communication with his family.
London has tried to move on from her love of Jared, but doesn’t do a great job of it. Sure she moves on, and the person she moves on with was kind of shocking, yet once we get more into the “past” we see that maybe it wasn’t as shocking as it seemed when we found out. As we get to know Jared throughout this book, I was having a hard time trying to find something to love about him. It’s when he came back and tried to do what was right for London, I saw the appeal. Throughout this story London keeps saying that Jared is her one true love, but as we get to see more of how he treated her before he left, I wanted to strangle her for loving him and not Wes.
When Jared comes back and runs into London, things between them are definitely interesting. You can see how much they really do care for one another, but the problem is that technically London is still in a relationship, and just when London gets Jared back in her life, she’s going to lose him yet again due to some unforeseen circumstances. During this time is when I finally saw the appeal of Jared, the things he says to Wes, to London and even to his mother made me see how much he truly does care for her, and would do anything for her to be happy.
This book has a ton of angst and emotions. I was happy, sad, angry, angry again, and then fell in love while reading this book. I really did enjoy this story, but I didn’t love it. I felt as if we needed more of seeing Jared and London together towards the end, and maybe a true ending for London and Wes. With that being said, Michelle Valentine did an amazing job writing this story, where I was enraptured by the story and the characters and was sad to see it end. I can’t wait to see whose story we get next in this series, and can only hope we get to see more of Jared and London in the upcoming books!
Wicked Reunion is told in both past and present tense in both Jared and London’s points of view. We start out seeing Jared and London completely in love with the world at their feet, and then flash forward to five years later when everything is different between these two. Jared messed up and left London five years ago, and London was never able to move on from the love she had for him. Jared was extremely selfish in this book throughout those five years, with how he treated London before he left, as well as cutting off all communication with his family.
London has tried to move on from her love of Jared, but doesn’t do a great job of it. Sure she moves on, and the person she moves on with was kind of shocking, yet once we get more into the “past” we see that maybe it wasn’t as shocking as it seemed when we found out. As we get to know Jared throughout this book, I was having a hard time trying to find something to love about him. It’s when he came back and tried to do what was right for London, I saw the appeal. Throughout this story London keeps saying that Jared is her one true love, but as we get to see more of how he treated her before he left, I wanted to strangle her for loving him and not Wes.
When Jared comes back and runs into London, things between them are definitely interesting. You can see how much they really do care for one another, but the problem is that technically London is still in a relationship, and just when London gets Jared back in her life, she’s going to lose him yet again due to some unforeseen circumstances. During this time is when I finally saw the appeal of Jared, the things he says to Wes, to London and even to his mother made me see how much he truly does care for her, and would do anything for her to be happy.
This book has a ton of angst and emotions. I was happy, sad, angry, angry again, and then fell in love while reading this book. I really did enjoy this story, but I didn’t love it. I felt as if we needed more of seeing Jared and London together towards the end, and maybe a true ending for London and Wes. With that being said, Michelle Valentine did an amazing job writing this story, where I was enraptured by the story and the characters and was sad to see it end. I can’t wait to see whose story we get next in this series, and can only hope we get to see more of Jared and London in the upcoming books!
December 23, 2015
There are so many reasons to HATE this book. The format of switching between past and present every chapter was frustrating. I'm assuming it was meant to cover up the lack of interaction between Jared and London in the present day and have the readers believe that their history was enough to warrant a HEA. I could work with that...except the history portrayed Jared as an immature asshole and London as a passive doormat who's world revolved around Jared. I needed her to to have her own life, and she didn't. Basically, I wanted London to be alone and find herself, so she could grow a backbone. Jared can remain a mega douche for all I care. And Wes needed counseling. Ridiculous.
June 13, 2016
3.5 STARS
I was hoping for more with this story. I will say that Jared and London's story was more emotional that Ace and Iris's but I didn't like the characters as much. There is very little connection between Wicked White, so it is not necessary to read before this one. It can be read as a standalone.
Wicked Reunion is a second-chance love story. They were childhood sweathearts and while in their college years, had grand plans for their future, but loss hits Jared and his family and he loses control of his emotions and sight of everything that still matters. On his descent to rock bottom, he alienates his loved ones and then leaves due to all the regret.
Five years later, London is still holding on to the love she felt for Jared. Knowing he's made a life without as lead guitarist for Wicked White. I admired her loyalty to Jared, but I didn't like how she strung along Wes. To try and get over what she had with Jared while full well knowing that no one could ever take his place, is just wrong and mean. I had moments where I felt sad for London, but I felt the most sad for Wes. He was such a good guy and deserved so much better.
The story did a lot of alternating between the present and past as it builds up to Jared and London's second chance; which I liked, but I didn't really connect with either character. Their flaws outweighed anything good I might have felt for them.
I was hoping for more with this story. I will say that Jared and London's story was more emotional that Ace and Iris's but I didn't like the characters as much. There is very little connection between Wicked White, so it is not necessary to read before this one. It can be read as a standalone.
Wicked Reunion is a second-chance love story. They were childhood sweathearts and while in their college years, had grand plans for their future, but loss hits Jared and his family and he loses control of his emotions and sight of everything that still matters. On his descent to rock bottom, he alienates his loved ones and then leaves due to all the regret.
Five years later, London is still holding on to the love she felt for Jared. Knowing he's made a life without as lead guitarist for Wicked White. I admired her loyalty to Jared, but I didn't like how she strung along Wes. To try and get over what she had with Jared while full well knowing that no one could ever take his place, is just wrong and mean. I had moments where I felt sad for London, but I felt the most sad for Wes. He was such a good guy and deserved so much better.
The story did a lot of alternating between the present and past as it builds up to Jared and London's second chance; which I liked, but I didn't really connect with either character. Their flaws outweighed anything good I might have felt for them.
November 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free through NetGalley
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this. The characters have a lot more depth than you usually get with these kind of books and the story flowed with ease. I really liked the duel perspective/timeline and the chemistry between London and Jared is palpable. I wasn't such a big fan of Wes and his storyline with London just seemed weird but overall this is a great combination of sexy, sweet and sad.
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this. The characters have a lot more depth than you usually get with these kind of books and the story flowed with ease. I really liked the duel perspective/timeline and the chemistry between London and Jared is palpable. I wasn't such a big fan of Wes and his storyline with London just seemed weird but overall this is a great combination of sexy, sweet and sad.
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