Melanie Thomas has never been lucky in love and it's just fine with her. Her life is uncomplicated - just the way she likes it. Besides, she's too busy with both her career as a nurse and keeping an eye on her brother Cal to worry about her own boring life.
When Cal, drowning in debt, quits his job as an escort and begins working for suspected drug dealer, Jimmy Golden, Mel is more worried than ever for her brother. His friendship with Jax Anderson, Mr. Golden's personal bodyguard, brings out her protectiveness for her older brother and it isn't long before she's butting heads with the sexy and dangerous Jax.
But she can't ignore her attraction to Jax, and her boring, uncomplicated life is about to change forever.
"Saving Jax" tells the story of Melanie, Court and Cal's baby sister. Although you do not have to read “The Escort” (available for free) to enjoy this book, it will give you some insight into Julie and Court's relationship. For Court and Julie fans - you'll be happy to see their continuing relationship featured in "Saving Jax".
Author’s Note: This book contains explicit and steamy sex scenes that may not be your cup of tea. It is intended for mature readers only.
Ramona Gray is a Canadian romance author. She currently lives in Alberta with her awesome husband and her mutant Chihuahua. She loves bad reality television, good coffee, and reading and writing about the steamier moments in life.
She loves chatting with readers so feel free to send her an email at ramonagraybooks@gmail.com or check out her website at www.ramonagray.ca
She also writes paranormal and contemporary romance as her alter-ego "Elizabeth Kelly". Check out Elizabeth's books at www.elizabethkelly.ca
"Saving Jax" starts right where "The Escort" ended. The main characters are Mel (sister of Cal and Court) and Jax (bodyguard and kind of right hand of Cal's new boss, the head of a drug cartel).
This sounds more "criminal" that it really is. This is not a mafia story or something like that. It's a sweet and fast paced love story of a good girl and a bad boy, who is maybe not so bad at all.
Novellas are not my thing, but I really liked this short series. You don't have to read "The Escort" first but you should. There's a lot of Jules an Court (protagonists of the first novella) in this one.
There's only one question left: Will Cal get his own novella? Please?
Just like the other book Ms. Gray wrote, The Escort, this one is hot as hell if not "hotter". The attraction between the main characters took them right away to hot sex and obvious oozing chemistry. It's romantic, action packed and funny. Good job for this too!
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
Last year, I read this freebie called The Escort by this new author; a book that came as quite the surprise for me. Ramona Gray’s story was short and sweet, and even being a novella, it gave me that sense of completion that many novellas lack in general. I also loved the couple so much that wanted more glimpses of them. I was thinking that she may write a sequel for the brother, but it didn’t cross my mind that the sister would get there first! LOL
The Escort started out when Julie, a rich yet reclusive girl, hires an escort to get rid of her V card. The hired escort, Cal, had some issues going on so he asks his twin, Court, to fill in for him. Court may look like Cal but nothing like him in so many other ways. Cal is all dashing good-looks, full of oozing charm, which comes handy in his “profession”, while Court, though as goodlooking as Cal, is more of a laidback guy. He’s also in the construction business. Court, of course, didn’t wanna be a part of this new shenanigan by his brother but the moment he meets Julie, he couldn’t deny the attraction. Oh Julie is not your average looking attractive girl with tans. She’s quite overweight, which has always been the bane of her existence. She’s also very shy with men, for which we can thank her now deceased overbearing and extremely controlling father.
Though I had a lot of questions about Cal’s profession and how come Court or their younger sister, Melanie, accepted it so easily, I liked the romance between Court and Julie so much that I overlooked a lot of things. There was just this feel good feeling all over. Thankfully, few of my questions regarding Cal’s backstory were answered in Saving Jax.
When Court and Julie finally get together as a couple and in love, I was expecting Cal’s book to be the next. He was obviously in deep sh!t with a crime lord of sort called Jimmy Golden. Yep, money can bring you a lot of things, including trouble. And he borrowed money from this known drug dealer. Cal was also beginning to resent his job as an escort and was thinking of leaving, which he does in the end. Then he gets a job at one of Golden’s bar as a manager or something. His famous charm definitely came handy with the customers!
Saving Jax is a surprise sequel, even if a long awaited one. This is the story of Cal and Court’s younger sister Melanie, or Mel as she goes by. There were some really good things in this story that I enjoyed. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the H and h. I mean they were OK, I liked them enough but starter of their “relationship” wasn’t what I was expecting, and it totally threw me off-guard. Insta-lust is something that doesn’t always work with me. In here, it didn’t.
Mel meets Jax Anderson at the bar where Cal works. The spark of attraction between them is instant and undeniable. Jax is not a particularly goodlooking guy, with a scar on his face but he has this aura of danger that totally knocks the socks off of Mel on spot. Bad boys and all that. Soon, it was no secret that the attraction is quite mutual, hence the insta-lust.
Jax works for Jimmy Golden; he’s his right-hand man. His bodyguard. Also a hitman when he needed to be one. It seems Golden would trust Jax with his life when he doesn’t trust anyone with anything. Jax also owes Golden his life, for saving him when he was young and need someone. But here is the twist. In the years since that he’d been working for Golden, Jax has come to see and hear things that also made him despise the man whom many thinks he regards as his replacement father. Well, Jax doesn’t. He doesn’t like Golden at all and so, he’s been working secretly with the FBI to get Golden caught. Previously, Golden had proven to be a slippery thing, always getting out somehow. The FBI now wants something solid and impenetrable. Jax has promised to see the work done... there is more to this story and Jax’s relationship with Golden, which comes out in the end, alongside his relationship with Golden’s estranged, and resentful daughter, a district attorney to boot, Jade. We don’t get it all, but there are some hints of more than what meets the eye.
Now, Cal is the one who brings Jax in for a family dinner. Mel is there too... Somehow they end up in the bathroom and et voila, they’re going at it like the bunnies. I mean c’mon! Seriously? And you had known him for all of........... a couple of hours in the bar? -_-
Anyway, it did ruin my fun and colored my view of Jax and Mel’s relationship from the beginning. They also agree to remain f*ck buddies, and carried on that way for the most part of the story, though secretly, they both wanted more from this relationship. Jax had his own baggage that he didn’t know how to divulge to Mel. He didn’t know if he can really keep her safe. She’d be a weak spot no matter what, and in his profession, there can be no weak spots. Mel, on the other hand, wasn’t sure of Jax’s intentions... besides hot sex of course. She was sure a man like him won’t be around for long. Not a stable relationship material, so this can only be about sex....... So yah, it was a mixed up situation.
The best stuff, for me, was to have the opportunity to meet the delightful Thomas family, especially Cal and Court’s mom and dad. I absolutely adored Julie and Court together, and to my surprise, the author was able to give me many pages on them to portray the strength of their ongoing relationship. It was fabulous!
We also see a different Cal, who has began transforming from the man we met in book 1. He seems to be more relaxed, takes more care of himself. Most importantly, he seems to have become more responsible than he ever was. When Jade walked in, I knew Cal would end up with her. It was just that feeling you can’t shake. Cal is a charmer; Jade doesn’t suffer fools. She’s practical to boots, so I think their book’s gonna be a blast! ;)
Now, back to Jax and Mel. It was because of FBI’s plan that Jax had to take some drastic measures to keep himself safe from Golden’s wrath; who went down soon thereafter and was caught by the FBI. It put a strain on his relationship with Mel, resulting in broken-hearts and misunderstandings. I thank the author for not dragging it for long as I’d be seriously frustrated if that was the case.
In the last chapters, when their relationship was being tested is when Mel and Jax’s bond begin to seem something akin to real. That it just wasn’t great sex, but they actually had deeper feelings for each-other. I liked that feeling, so I ended up rounding the story to 3.5 stars. They have a challenging time ahead as Jax is about to enter the witness protection program with Mel by his side. Personally, I can’t wait to read Jade and Cal’s story, to find out more on Mel and Jax and definitely Julie and Court.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A hook up with potential, suspense AND a love story, wow! This book has everything! It's like a mix of all of the things that I love in a book! There is intrigue, a real Goodfella's vibe, and close family dynamic, the kind that are sometimes aggravating but totally on point that are important to the story too. How far would you go to pay back a debt? I probably wouldn't go as far as Jax, but then, I think he redeemed himself too. The story has some hot and heavy, sneaking off for a little somethin' somethin' quickie love scenes and one night stands that aren't really. The characters are completely realistic and believably normal, and the dialogue was witty, necessary and on point. Nothing dragged, she didn't over explain every detail, which made the story clear. Melanie was the model of the meddling type of strong willed sister that everyone loves but gets pissed off at sometimes too. She said what she thought and didn't mind taking what she wanted either. Secretly, she is my hero. All of the people in this book though were so real to me. I have brothers like Court and Cal, and I give my kids silly nicknames even though they're grown, and sometimes I really do embarrass my kids. I could see my people in them, although I'm pretty sure that none of my son's are escorts yet. The conflict in this book had increasing levels of intensity and the plot movement never slowed down. People get shot! Jax was juggling a lot of big things but I loved his air of regular dude-ish-ness.....he was just a guy who could beat the crap out of two thugs without even breaking a sweat. Nice. But that was normal for him, since it was kind of his job......but Ricky and Lucy, they sealed it for me. He isn't what he seems on the surface. Mel was lost at that point too. I read it straight through then got mad at myself when I get to the end. This book would make an amazing movie! I loved this book, I totally think you will too.
DELICIOUSLY CUTE, SERIOUSLY SEXY AND DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING !!! Title: Saving Jax Author: Ramona Gray Designation: Contemporary Romance, Standalone Novel, NO Cliffhanger My Rating: FIVE SUPER SEXY STARS***** Wow!!! Ramona Gray has done it again! And just what has she done, you ask? Why, she has created absolute, utter perfection, of course! I fell in love with this author's work last year when I read her first contemporary romance, The Escort. I was totally unfamiliar with her work and had never heard of her much less read anything she had written. But it was offered as a free download on Amazon, so I thought, why the heck not, I have nothing to lose. But I have to admit, I had my doubts. I mean, come on now, let's face it - who in the world gives away a 200 page novel, no strings attached, especially if it's any good? I decided I could at least read a few pages to check it out and if I didn't like it, then it's nothing lost, right? Well, that was one of the best decisions of my life! I started reading and I couldn't stop. I was so totally captivated by the book that I totally lost track of time. And do you know what I did when I finished? I immediately jumped online, back to the Amazon site and searched for all her other releases and immediately purchased another one of her books, The Vampire's Kiss which was a paranormal romance. That began my love affair with Ramona Gray's writing and I've never looked back. I loved it so much that I even sent her an email and begged her to allow me to become a member of her review team. I now anxiously await each new release. The story is exciting, well developed, suspenseful, enchanting, humorous, cute, sweet, heartwarming, heartbreaking, romantic, sensual and arousing. The narrative is exceptionally well written in the third person with multiple points of view. The dialogue is smart, witty, seductive, well executed and flows effortlessly. Whew! That's a mouthful but these are only a few of the words that come to mind after reading this novel. But my favorite element of this story is the characters because this is very much a character driven story. They are remarkably well developed, strong, clever, complex, captivating, intriguing, engaging, endearing and sexy as sin. Va..Va..Voom! Gray's characters are always the very heart and soul of her stories. The banter and interaction between Jax and Mel "Butterfly" was absolutely divine and the sexual tension so real, it was almost palpable. And the pet names given to the characters by Mel's mom was totally adorable! It made the story so much more relatable and realistic. Gray expertly combines these elements into an alluring and delightfully entertaining contemporary tale filled to the brim with danger, drama, suspense, heartbreaking angst, heated attraction, fiery passion and sweet romance. I loved it! So dreamy! Sigh..... If you love a bold, sultry, heartwarming, feel-good contemporary romance seasoned throughout with sexy, sassy dialogue, peppered with a liberal measure of cuteness, sprinkled with a dash of heartbreak and generously flavored with strong, intelligent characters with a quick wit and a lively tongue, then you will surely enjoy Saving Jax! This is another one of those books that once you start reading, you won't be able to put down.
When wealthy entrepreneur and suspected drug smuggler, Jimmy Golden, makes Calvin "Pumpkin" Thomas a proposition he can't refuse, he throws caution to the wind and accepts his offer to become the new manager at his nightclub. But with having no experience at anything other than being an escort, Cal can't help but wonder what Mr Golden actually expects from him. Unfortunately, his sister Mel, also known as Butterfly, has a pretty good idea and is more than willing to express her opinion on the matter. Working as an emergency room nurse in a local hospital has prepared Mel for almost any emergency but it could never prepare her for the handsome, sexy and deadly bodyguard, Jax Anderson. And not a single one of Jax's lethal skills could protect his heart from the beautiful, spunky Mel Thomas. He's in way over his head with no way out but one - to die. Oh my! No spoilers from me but I will say this....Handsome, charming bodyguard with a drug smuggler for a boss-check! Beautiful E.R. nurse who is always meddling and is quick to speak her mind-check! Two handsome twin brothers-check! A lovely kindhearted, wealthy girlfriend-check! A district attorney with an ax to grind-check! Danger, drama, intrigue and suspense-check! Lots of sweet romance and dreamy sex-you bet! That and a whole lot more! And speaking of more, I want more of Cal with Jade, maybe??? They deserve their own story! This is a standalone story and does NOT contain a cliffhanger. Quite a few of these characters were introduced in The Escort but personally, I don't think it's necessary to read The Escort in order to enjoy this book, although I do highly recommend it if you love a great romance. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! I can hardly wait for the next book!
Folytatódik a The Escort, a főszerep ezúttal az előző részben megismert ikerpár, Cal és Court húgáé, Melanie-é.
Mel mindig is túlságosan aggódott a bátyjai jövőjéért, ahogy ezt ebben a részben többször is az orra alá dörgölik, a saját élete azonban nem halad semerre sem. Miután az eddig escortként dolgozó Cal kifizeti az adósságát, kap egy ajánlatot a nagyfőnöktől, hogy dolgozzon az éttermében. Cal kapva kap az alkalmon, miután már belefáradt az eddigi életébe és abba, hogy folyton titkolóznia kell a szülei előtt, mivel szégyelli a munkáját. A bökkenő csak annyi, hogy pletykák keringenek arról, hogy a nagyfőnök egy drogdíler, és Mel ismét aggódhat a tesójáért. Az sem segít a dolgon, hogy belép a képbe a nagyfőnök személyi testőre, a sebhelyes arcú, titokzatos Jax. Az ilyen rosszfiúk soha nem voltak Mel esetei, egészen mostanáig… Ám azt érzi a lány és Cal is, hogy Jax titkol valamit, és nem véletlenül jött olyan könnyen az az állásajánlat. Nem minden az viszont, aminek látszik, így Jax szándékai sem.
Szerencsére Julie és Court is feltűnik elég sokszor a történet folyamán, és valójában ez mentette meg nekem a könyvet. Volt ugyan potenciál Mel és Jax kapcsolatában, de néhol kifejezetten untam.
Mondogatják benne azt is, hogy Melanie ’nem az a típus’, de azért mégiscsak megteszi, ami elvileg távol áll tőle. Nagyon gyorsan történik minden közte és Jax között. Igaz, hogy az első részben is gyors volt a tempó – mondogatja is mindenki ebben a részben Jules-éknak, hogy ilyen gyorsan nem lehet szerelembe esni – , de az legalább cuki volt és bájos. Melanie és Jax között meg hiába írják, hogy mennyire nagy a kémia, ha egyszer nem jött át teljesen. Sokkal jobban vártam Jules és Court közös jeleneteit. Melanie amilyen jó fejnek tűnt az első részben, ahhoz képest többet is ki lehetett volna hozni belőle (és még belső monológjai is voltak).
A történetben feltűnik Court előző barátnője is, aki faképnél hagyta őt, idegesítő egy nőszemély, szerencsére nem hagyja senki, hogy galibát okozzon. A végére beüt egy kis krimiszál is.
Arra számítottam, hogy a könyv végén egy előzetes fog várni a harmadik részből a harmadik tesó történetével, de egyelőre nem látom, hogy lenne folytatás. Valójában már ebben a részben is megjelent egy potenciális szerelem Cal részére.
A befejezés aranyos volt egyébként, a romantika győzedelmeskedett mindenekfelett. ;) Egyszer olvasósnak jó volt, de az előző rész nekem jobban tetszett.
“I can’t sleep, I can’t concentrate, and you’re all I think about. I want you in my bed. I want to be between those smooth thighs and deep inside of you. I want to hear you cry my name when you come.”
We start the story out with Court’s twin brother Cal who has just gotten a job as Mr. Jimmy Golden’s nightclub manager. Cal, as usual, gets himself into trouble working for a mob boss, but he needs the job and he needs the money. He quickly makes friends with Jax, Mr. Golden’s personal bodyguard. Jax Anderson is dangerously tempting, honest, confident, doesn’t date and he’s hiding quite a secret. He has been working for a while now with the FBI on catching Mr. Golden in his criminal business dealings. When Cal and Mel both start getting involved with the business, Jax finds himself wanting to protect them as well. He finds an instant connection with Melanie that he can’t resist and his heart becomes further involved than it needs to be. Although at first he fights his urges and desire for her, it soon becomes apparent that these two can’t be in the same room together before jumping all over each other and all he requests of her is to finish what they started. Melanie Thomas is a good nurse, she’s smart, tough as nails and set in her ways- the typical good girl. She also likes her men to be stable, reliable and predictable- the complete opposite of what Jax portrays. Yet she knows Jax is dangerous, she knows she has to stay away from him, but one touch and an erotic moment in her parent’s bathroom has her wanting more of the delectably dark, and dirty talking rogue. The question she needs to ask herself is how far she’s willing to go for the man she loves. This book has it all, intrigue, hot banter, deliciously steamy sex, intrigue, suspense, and so much more.I loved that you got to see more of Julie and Court in this one and see how not only their desire for one another has grown, but how Julie’s confidence has also grown in the process. I also loved how Julie and Mel’s friendship has become more of a sisterly relationship. We catch a glimpse at Cal and Jade’s story, but I was left with wanting more from him and his relationship with Golden’s daughter. Once again, Ramona Gray has delivered, and she has left me well satisfied with this steamy read.
Saving Jax was a sexy read that drew me in from page 1. Jax is a sexy bad boy that has secrets and my heart very early on. His rugged dangerous persona had infinite appeal. Mel is such a sweet, awesome person who takes care of her family without a thought to herself. She smoothed out his edges and the chemistry between the two had my kindle smoking. We also continue to see characters we fell in love with in The Escort which I loved. These characters feel real and could be your best friends, neighbors, lovers, etc. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and cannot wait to see what is to come from this author. I highly recommend it, but read The Escort first.
The instant chemistry between Jax and Melanie throughout the book, along with their need for the other, had me hooked from page one. The sex was scorching, but I loved how Jax couldn't stay away from Melanie, and Melanie believing, naively, that the one time with Jax was all she could get. It was a very steamy read, and I would recommend anything by Ramona Gray!!
I loved the Assistant. That book had a super caveman H and the sex was extremely HOT. However, this book was just ok. There wasn't much chemistry btw the H and h. Plus, I felt like they were secondary characters. There weren't many scenes with the H and h. I didn't want to read so much about Court and Jade or Jules and Cal. Too much time was focused on them.
I absolutely loved the Escort and Saving Jax was just as good if not better!! I loved Melanie in the Escort and was glad she got her own story. Jax was perfect for her and vice versa! Glad to catch with the other characters from Escort!! Can't wait to read the next Ramona Gray book!!
What to say about this book? Well. It got all the elements of a good book it's captivate, funny, hot and romantic. Ramona Gray I am your number one fan! I really recommend this book.
Good read. Enjoyed it overall. However, there were still some things left unexplained or unresolved which left me scratching my head a bit. The ending fell a bit flat overall, but not bad.
Definitely read The Escort first to fully enjoy this book.