He had secrets. So did I. He saved me. I would like to believe I saved him too, but that would be a lie. He loved me for my flaws. He saw a different side of me. He opened me up to new possibilities. I loved him for loving me.
The summer before college I met Jaron. He taught me not to allow people to walk all over me, not to allow them to abuse me, to love myself. I was never supposed to love him, but I did.
Then I found out his secrets.
*--**--*
WARNING: This book is intended for a mature audience (18+), due to abuse, sexual situations, and language.
Ashley Beale, 30, lives in the beautiful state of Maine with her children. She is an International Bestselling Author of Forgive Me, with over a dozen other titles- and more to come!
Ashley has always had a hidden passion for writing, and a not-so-hidden fixation of telling stories. She followed her dreams by publishing her first novel, Burning Attraction, in July of 2013.
When Ashley isn't writing, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends- shopping, swimming, going on adventures, traveling, or simply goofing off. There isn't much Ashley won't try at least once, helping create imagination and fun memories!
TITLE: It Was You AUTHOR: Ashley Beale GENRE: Contemporary Romance RELEASE DATE: September 23rd, 2015
MY RATING:
Will add to my review later
I decided to give my credit card a work out and one clicked this, the cover is stunning, the reviews highly rate it but the synopsis is what really reeled me in..
In the public eye her relationship with Kyler looks like any loving relationship but behind closed doors it's a different story entirely..He's condescending, controlling and above all abusive..
It's not until the night of her graduation that she encounters Jaron, Jaron is the motorcycle riding bad boy whom people class as bad news and warnings to keep well away from..
“Why are you being a friend to me? You don't even know me." "I don't have to know you to know that you don't deserve that shit. I knew you were different, I knew you had pain from the first time I met you, and I had an idea there was shit going on behind closed doors, but that... I didn't expect you let someone hurt you like that” ~ Jaron
Review by Jen Skewes Wow!! While reading It Was You I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hug Ashley Beale or curse her. That’s how much she has my emotions all twisted up, especially when I was done. I loved this book. It is a beautiful, yet heart breaking story about two people with secrets. Secrets that can change everything.
Ravyn had a terrible childhood since losing her father. Her mother cares more about her boyfriend than she does her. She just graduated high school and cannot wait until college starts so she can leave her town and everyone else behind. But her boyfriend Kyler may have different plans for her. Kyler and her seem to be the perfect couple on the outside but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Ravyn puts up with the abuse because I honestly think she feels like she does not deserve better. She is too terrified to walk away. She meets Jaron at a party and things begin to change after that.
Jaron saves Ravyn in so many ways, but he seems to save her from Kyler on more than one occasion. One night Jaron becomes the knight in shining armor whisking Ravyn away from it all. This is where their journey begins. They take a little bit of a road trip to take a break from their everyday life back home. Jaron and Ravyn click instantly. They feel this connection that neither one of them could deny. But they both have secrets. And Jaron is afraid that once he reveals his secret, Ravyn will hate him and walk away. But he still feels the need to open up to her and tell her everything. How will it change thee relationship once the secret is out?
There is so much more to this story but I do not want to give anything away. You need to feel with this one. You need to read it yourself and experience every emotion with these characters. You need to feel the love and passion between these two characters. They may have just met and while I am not always a fan of insta-love, but this one just worked. From the moment they met you felt the connection. Jaron wanted to be there for Ravyn to protect her to comfort her and to show her just how much she deserved to be loved and to be happy. And in return Ravyn helped teach Jaron how to live life to the fullest. Jaron saw through the façade that Ravyn tries to put on. He saw what everyone else failed to see, the side that she hid from everyone. She was hurting and scared and he was there to pick her up and make her smile. He made her feel things that no one else has made her feel before: loved and comfort.
I cannot begin to explain how I felt at the end of this book. There are some heart breaking moments so have tissues ready because you will need them. When we finally learn of Jaron’s secret even though I had a feeling of what it would be I can honestly say that I was not even prepared for it when the moment actually came. Ashley Beale did a wonderful job with this story. It is a beautiful and sad story about love, friendship and finding yourself. With the help of Jaron Ravyn found the courage she needed to finally stand up for herself and to believe that she is worth it and deserves more. You will fall in love with Jaron and Ravyn. The love that they felt for each other was intense and so real. Together they made each other less broken inside. Such a wonderful story and one I definitely recommend.
So, I'm still feeling hungover from this book. I finished it before bed last night. Which in hindsight was a huge mistake to read this before going to sleep. Not regretting that, BUT the bags under my eyes and puffy eye lids are proof that I probably should've read it during the day when I could calm down and breathe after this whirlwind of a storm... It devastated me and I loved it.
Rayvn lives in Arlington, NE. (YAY, so close to my hometown!!!!). She is in a HORRIBLE relationship with Kyler, the douche of the Midwest... He's physically and emotionally abusive to Rayvn. He honestly sucks.
There's a big party to celebrate graduation for Rayvn and her friends. BUT in comes Jaron in the middle of the party... Jaron!! I instantly like him with his motorcycle and dark hair ;) He isn't part of the celebration, so he's inside, where Rayvn ends up sneaking into to use the bathroom... they of course bump into each other.
Things blow up between Rayvn and Kyler... Leaving Jaron to save the day. And does he ever save the day!! He whisks her away and for the short time they get to spend together, they fall in love.
I really can't say any more without completely giving away the ENTIRE story, but I really feel like someone should mention how completely devastating the ending is. It's not an HEA, which is okay by me. BUT the why it's not an HEA would have made this book easier for me. I don't deal well with books that cover this particular topic... With that said, however, I ABSOLUTELY love this book. It was beautiful, wonderful, devastating and amazing!
I was hooked from the first chapter! Ravyn, has had a tough life starting at the age of 6. Ravyn has just graduated high school and can't wait for summer to end so she can leave town and go to college. Her boyfriend, Kyler who treats her awful beats her mentally and physically is major douche. She meets a guy named Jaron, who befriends her why, because they both have secrets and they both are attracted to each other. Jaron, saves Ravyn from being strangled by Kyler after he is caught cheating. The two take off on a road trip. They discover each others secrets and they both fall in love. Yes Ashley, towards the end I definitely needed the tissues. It was a beautiful book, happy and sad but in the end Ravyn succeeded in moving out of town and going to Texas for college. I was given this book for an honest review.
Cry like a baby, that's what I did. This story went so far off from what I expected. Young Ravyn has an awful life. A druggie mom with a useless boyfriend both of who degrade her. She has an abusive boyfriend who belittles her and degrades her while beating her when she doesn't tow his line. She meets Jaron who has so many secrets. They form a friendship that ultimately lets them share their secrets. The fall for each other, but Jaron's biggest secret is devastating. There is no HEA for them, but they both grow strong by just being together. This is a story of two people who met too late in life but bring out the best in each other. It was a heartbreaking, emotional story of courage, love and everlasting love.
**Received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review**
Damn you Ashley, you made me cry hard with this story!
Very heartbreaking, heartwarming, sad, devastating story about two people who had big secrets that they didn't want to reveal to each other, yet they became as close as can be. Jaron was there to protect her, comfort her and help her break out of her shell. She was there to help him just to live life to the fullest while he can.
Ravyn has always feared life, living with a mother who only cared about her boyfriend and a brother who was never there for her and an abusive boyfriend. She would make it seem like her life was picture perfect with Kyler but that jerk was anything but nice. He claimed that only he could love her and no one else would therefore she took the hits and blows that came her way every time she even blinked wrong at him. But the day came when Jaron came into town and meets Ravyn. From the moment that Jaron lays eyes on Ravyn he falls for her and he does everything he can to make her happy. He can see the unhappiness and sadness within her and he wants to change that even if it's for a little bit.
Ravyn is reluctant at first because she fears that Kyler would find out about her being friends with Jaron, but Jaron convinces her to take a ride with him an they explore other towns and cities together. She meets his sister Justice and they become close in just the short amount of time they get to spend together.
Ravyn and Jaron become united as one throughout their short trip and short life together. But Jaron has taught Ravyn many things and the most important one is to stand up for herself and not let anyone walk all over her anymore.
This story really broke my heart. I've been reading some really depressing and sad stories and I'm a sucker when it comes to these types of books. I literally cry if a mouse gets crushed in a cartoon so imagine reading about a person dying even though I know it's fiction, but it's still sad and I'm sure there has been real life circumstances that have had a similar life so yes, these stories always make me ball like a big baby.
Ms. Beale did such an amazing job with this story. I just knew that my attention was going to be devoted to this book from the moment I started reading and no lie, but it definitely did steal my attention the whole time. I sincerely loved this story about courage, love, redemption and learning to love yourself and accept who you are and not let anyone step all over you no matter the circumstances.
I got the chance to beta read for Ashley and just like all of Ashley's books I absolutely loved this book.
She takes you on a roller coster of emotions. At one moment your are mad at the characters for what has happened and what they did. Then, you are laughing and loving how the characters are acting. You may also cry because of what happens and how the characters handled it. However, in the end you love the characters because of how well Ashley wrote the story and how she made you feel like you knew the characters and could have lived in the situations with them.
In It Was You, you will meet Rayvn who is very timid and has a hell of life to life. She goes through so much at a young age and really doesn't know how to stand up for herself and to get out of the situations she is put in. That is until she meets Jaron. Jaron has also had a life from hell and made some choices in life that may not have been the smartest but in the end he helped save Rayvn.
While reading It Was You Ashley had me actually crying which I have not done while reading a book in a very long time. Even though I did cry I loved getting a chance to read Rayvn and Jaron's story. Ashely was able to put a new twist on living a life of hell and having a forbidden love. When I got to the end I was sad to see their story end and wanted more.
To find out more about Rayvn and Jaron as well as all the other characters that you will either love or hate make sure to read It Was You. I promise you will love this story and not want to end.
Holy hell where do I begin... Trying to write my review through puffy eyes! YES THIS BOOK WILL BRING ON TEARS!
Ravyn what a unique name and character. As a child she was loved by her family, then things take a turn. Her father dies, her brother and mother turn to drugs and Bruce that she's with who is no good
Ravyn is dating the POS jerk who beats her, forced himself on her and mentally and physically drains her but not until she catching him cheating with Robin. He try's to turn it on her, she says FU and he slaps and chokes her.
Her knight in shining armor, Jaron showed up and saved her from Kyler the jerk. He whisks her away to different states, all the while falling in love with her. He has a story to tell and LADIES AND GENTS GET THE TISSUES! I can't recall reading a book that made me cry as if it was a real situation. Ashley you sure got all emotion captured in this book. My heart is sad he died so soon. But he made sure he was with her and showed her how much he loved her.
Jaron shows Ravyn courage with out fear. Shows her to be strong and stand up and use her voice. It takes some time but she has found it, all thanks to Jaron.
This book had me a hot crying mess! It's one I'd read again. Thank you for the ARC and I will purchase my copy as soon as it's live! Thank you for trusting me with your ARC and allowing me to give an honest review in return. Definitely a 5 star read
After loosing my Dad my world fell apart! Mum found her way of living without living, me I got by, my life was set, path laid, abuse was becoming the norm. I'm worthless, unwanted. My so called boyfriend is already cheating, but saying we'll marry....he's planning my life, taking away my dreams. I've got to do what he says, do what he tells me.
Secrets, everyone has them but ask yourself are they good or bad? Are secrets only bad? Something to hide? His injustice is his justice.
Jaron is my lifeline. He saved me. Takes me away from what was to be my life. Controlling but in a completely different way. I wanted to save him in return. He loved me for just being me. I've seen so much, became so much because of him. Loving him wasn't easy, but then it was.
In a short time, We did so much, I learnt so much, I became who I am today and all because of Jaron.
Bad secrets aren't all bad, bad can be good. My reason to go on? Jaron.
Just loved the story, well written, although I had this as a gifted book, I'll be adding this author to my favourites list.
Ravyn is trapped in a pretty miserable life – she lives in a grotty trailer with her druggie mother and stepfather. Her rich boyfriend is outwardly the perfect man but, behind closed doors, he’s an abuser. Her only light at the end of the tunnel is the prospect of escaping to college in another state, at the end of the summer.
She meets the mysterious Jaron at a party. He’s the half-brother of a high school friend. There are nasty rumours about him and the reason why he’s in town. However, they make a deep connection.
She has secrets. He has secrets. After a public outing of her boyfriend’s true nature, Jaron whisks Ravyn away on a road trip, where all his secrets are revealed. Will Ravyn still want him? More to the point, will she be able to keep him?
The relationship and feelings between the two main characters developed really quickly, but I loved how Jaron changed Ravyn and made her a braver person.
This story is a real tearjerker. It’s about speaking up, finding courage, fighting back, and living life to the full.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is a constant rollercoaster of emotions throughout the whole story. There were times when I was mad a Ravyn for her actions. Then as you read on you get a more understanding as to why she did what she did. I pretty much loved Jaron from the moment he appeared in the story. He was mysterious, caring and selfless. I loved reading about him he most. He really guided Ravyn down the right path and it was just what she needed. This story had me till the very end. I laughed and actually cried. Very good read!
Quotes & Clips
I learned long ago just because we wish for something with all our strength, it doesn't change what our reality is. I hate it, so much, but I can't change it.
"Life happens, it moves on. We live, we die, we're a person in a sea of people. Some people have shit lives, others have the world in the palm of their hand.”
“Everyone has their own personal hell, as well as a dream or two they know will never come true. It's... life."
I'm writing this review with tears running down my face still from reading this. So warning: you'll definitely need tissues.
Rayvn has had a tough life that she's trying desperately to escape from. One night at a party she meets sexy Jaron. At first Jaron tries to become her friend despite her pulling away. When she finally starts to relent, both of their feelings start to develop beyond friendship. Jaron goes on a journey with Rayvn while showing her how to speak up for herself and live life to the fullest.
I really liked the love between Jaron and Rayvn. (Awesome names by the way) The Reason why I didn't rate this book 5 stars because I wish it ended differently, although even with how it ended I thought the epilogue was very nicely written. This was a beautiful story that I recommend!!
~I was given a copy for an honest review~ If you are looking for a different kind of romance, one that will pull at your heartstrings to the point of tears rolling down your face. Ashley has written a beautifully written book about a girl who is lost but doesn't realize how much until a boy comes along to open her world as well as her heart to love and possibilities. This is not your happy ending book,it doesn't end the way most books do but man does it pack a punch with the ending. If you are needing a change from the normal then pick this book up and grab a box of tissues, you'll need them.
crazy dark heartbreaking kind of story. Life is very crappy for Rayven living in this small town in a trailer park with her mom and her awful boyfriend. They put her down, her boyfriend is abusive but she just has to make it to August so she can head to Galveston TX for college where she has a scholarship. Rayven doesn't have a lot of self confidence or self worth. She meets Jaron and everything she knows changes for her. Pretty incredible journey. She lives in Arlington NE...I love finding books set in NE.
So, I loved this story. Right up until Jaron was gone... And I wasn't sad that he was gone and there was no HEA. I actually liked that part of the book and was glad that she stood on her own 2 feet. What I didn't like (and this is a huge spoiler) is that Jaron is there one minute, kicking butt and taking names and then dead hours later from a disease he showed no symptoms of except for his loss of appetite until that last day.
Five beautifully amazing stars!! I received an ARC for an honest review, I have to say this was definitely not one of those predictable love stories. It was beautiful, you'll cry til you can't cry anymore. If you're looking for a not so typical love story, this is the book for you, to love so much in so little time is truly beautiful.
A very touching, emotional story. Some things in life just aren't as easy for some as they are for others. Standing up for yourself and having a voice can be difficult, especially in certain types of tough situations. There were 2 sides to this beautiful story of growth, courage, and learning to love yourself, both Ravyn & Jaron's. Their journey warmed my heart & pierced it at the same time.
I had no idea what I was getting into with this story, and I'm glad. Not knowing what to expect made the reveal and the ending that much more emotional. This story is filled with immense meaning. It's touching, heartbreaking, loving, and beautiful. The way Ravyn & Jaron save & heal each other is stunning.
The writing is beautifully done. It's written with depth and significance and will make you feel so much. I was worried, anxious, heartbroken, and could feel the love and strength.
A bittersweet, touching journey full of life lessons and growth. Live each day to it's fullest.
"I should have never let you fall with me. But I couldn't imagine anyone else's love."
Oh wow, such an emotional story, a true love story as such. Wonderfully written. powerful, heartbreaking and yet full of hope ? Ravyn has had a real s***ty childhood since her Father died. Her Mother hooks up with any man that will buy her drugs and alcohol, life is not good. Her boyfriend Kyler is controlling and abusive towards her, for a quiet and safe life she retreats into herself in a way, hiding her feelings from everyone. Then one night at a party she meets Jaron and her life changes. He save's her and she would like to hope that she can save him. Ravyn has secrets but when she finds out that Jaron has some big secrets of his own her world is blown apart !! A tear jerker for sure but a story that will make your heart full, and yet make your heart hurt also. I loved Jaron, he is Ravyn saviour and such a good person, and the twist that comes in the book- I was so NOT expecting that at all !!! Ashley Beale is writing Jaron's story next and I can't wait to read it. All in all a fabulous, emotional read that I can't recommend enough !!
Oh my goodness...make sure you have Kleenex ready for this one. Although I guessed early on the basic story line, I was totally into this book. I actually read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended! Ravyn had secrets that she didn't share with anyone, not even her best friend. Her plan was to stay in town through the summer then head to Texas to attend college through the scholarship she earned. Her boyfriend had other plans for her. But when she catches him with another girl, her life changes. Bad boy Jaron comes to her rescue and offers to be her friend, a real friend. But can she do that? Is she willing to open up to him and be his friend? Or will his secrets be to much for her? Read this one, you won't be sorry!!
I'm going to admit here that this is my first Ashley Beale book and it won't be my last!
This book deals with so many emotions and issues that happen everyday for some people and really opens your eyes to see that life sucks sometimes and people choose to deal with it by not talking about it. In this story Rayven is one of those people and we go on a wild ride with her and Jaron and you just FEEL everything and it's raw. I can't say too much without giving away too much but just know that you NEED to read this and make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Thanks a gain Ashley for this story. As much as I cried and got mad, I still loved it!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
This book is astonishingly honest in the realities that the characters live and deal with. The romance brings a positivity into their lives that could warm any heart. The emotion cut deep and I cried a few times. I even reread that last few chapters because I was so shocked with the end plot, I was not expecting the book to take that turn and although initially was not my expectation- the skilled story telling, the ending result and the overall warmth I felt from reading this book made that plot twist undeniably perfect. I haven't read a book written by this author before and I will be ordering the rest of her books ASAP!
I loved this book Ravyn just graduated high school and can't wait to leave her small town and her abusive boyfriend. She just needs to make it to the end of summer. She meets Jaron at a party one night and he does everything he can to become her friend. Of course being scared of her boyfriend and his reaction she tries to avoid Jaron. When she finally stands up to her boyfriend he loses in and physically assaults her inform of others. Jaron takes Emily away. I won't tell you what happens because you need to one click this book to find out. You will need Kleenex for this book because it will break your heart. Ashley Beale left me in a crying book hangover.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for an honest review!
I don't even know were to start! This book had me hooked from the beginning, I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. You like the characters right away and have to know what happens next. This was definitely not one of those predictable love stories everyone loves so much. And Jaron? God I wish I had a Jaron.
The only problem I had with this book was it seemed so short, I feel like there should have been more. Other than that it was a great read!
First I would like to say Congratulations to this new Author and her novel! Thank you for the amazing story you shared with us! This story is so touching. The characters and their emotions felt real. I found myself smiling and crying throughout the book. This is a must read so do yourself a favor and one click! You will not be disappointed! I have no doubts that this book is going to touch many readers in one way or another. Very nice writing skills and nothing rushed or left out. A beautiful love story
Loved this book! Love the main male character and was excited to read in the note at the end that we'd learn more about him in the future. Didn't love the main girl, however I did feel for her. I'm not big on weak female character, but this one worked for me. I truly learned to love her.
Don't be fooled, while I feel I got an HEA, it's not your typical one. And although I usually feel gripped by not getting the typical one, I didn't feel that way here.
Be prepared to cry and to swoon. Great job Ashley!
Ravyn has been counting the days until graduation and leaving for college. She's finally graduated, but unfortunately she still has to make it through the summer with her craptastic boyfriend and useless parents. She's tired of being abandoned, of being hurt. So when Jaron saves her one night, its nor surprising that he leaves her feeling treasured. i really liked this story. i wish that the relationship between Ravyn and Jaron was a little more fleshed though. i was so happy when Rayvn finally stood up for herself
I could not put this book down when I started it. I read the entire thing in two days simply because I just could not stop reading. The story isn't your typical happy ending its so much more then that, learning to love yourself and addressing so many issues people face on a daily basis! I cried like a big baby, makeup down my face, ugly cry but it was amazing!! Highly recommend and I've got to cut this review short because I'm headed to the Amazon store to buy more books by Ashley Beale! :)
It Was You by Ashley Beale is a beautifully written love story of pain, loss and love. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The ending isn’t like most love stories with happy ever after but shows you how true love can heal you and give you more than you ever dreamed. This was the first book I have read from this author but I look forward to reading more of her books.