Camille Moyston has put the nightmare of a violent attack behind her and likes her safe, predictable existence. What she doesn't need is a cliché, oversexed Jamaican male taking interest in her. Things would be simple if this Casanova didn't heat her blood and make her want him, but nothing in her life ever goes according to plan.
For Quinn Mayhew, life is too good to waste time chasing a haughty, irritable female who is too cautious to accept him for the man he is, but somehow Camille symbolizes everything he wants in a woman and his future.
When Camille's inner fortress starts to crumble, Quinn is arrested for murder and everything he's built falls to pieces.
J.L. Campbell is fascinated with Jamaican flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels.
Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has written over forty books. She is also a certified editor.
Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates https://sendfox.com/lp/1rk5gx or connect with her on social media.
* Camille is the MC and it is she that holds every one and all events together in the story. * Quincy has an equally strong voice and is the man that gets Camille to overcome her strong prejudices. * Penny and Anya are the flighty best friends of Camille who are the total opposites of her but share a 20 year bond together.
THIS WAS HOT....
* J.L’s (aka Jayda’s) writing has such amazing depth that its impossible to list everything. Everyone of J.L’s books that I’ve read has a way of deeply pricking my conscious and making me check my moral compass, this one has been no different. I think that's a valuable quality in a book. * I loved Quincy right off with his deceptively bad boy image. He’s just the kind of man to change a woman’s opinion about men. He is unapologetic ally his own man, at the beginning he comes off brash and maybe arrogant. As we get to know him we see him just as someone who knows what he wants and is willing to do what he has to, to get it. He’s a really solid character. * The female character that crept her way into my heart is Penny. I suspect it’s the hopelessness of her situation that makes me really feel for her. Penny is the perfect example of some of those who are raised in environments with a degenerated moral fibre. She has no sense of self worth or love largely due to her over bearing, critical and domineering mother whom we never meet but hear much about. She develops into an insecure adult who overcompensates for her shortcomings by being fast, loose and loud. The total opposite of Camille. We never hear of her father and so I gather that her long string of unstable, short lived relationships is as much as search for love as they are for a father figure. The biggest problem is her lack of confidence in herself has her believing she doesn’t deserve better and leaves her unconsciously picking rotten to the bone men. This vicious cycle predictably becomes her undoing as it leads to a tragic end. * This is a Hot and Not So Hot in one: The MC is a strong individual with strong values and an equally jaded view of any life that includes men. I like some of her traits such as when she stands up against her mother’s manipulation by her step father (Uncle Travis). For the most part though I must say she was most probably the only other prominent person in the novel I sincerely didn’t like but was probably meant to. Although I could identify with some of her decisions, I found her very petty, full of grudges she wouldn’t let go off and exceedingly uppity. I was actually quite angry that she held out on the “jittery pokkery” for so long with the wonderful Quincy and then be such a none performer when she does give it up. Especially considering her own exploits with older men. For her sake I thank God Quincy was willing to look past his sexual trysts with Crystal for the sake of true love with Camille. * In a country like Jamaica, police are always depicted as unscrupulous and corrupt but I found it very refreshing that as much as that was not glossed over, J.L did not create a place of total incompetence. The police did their job at the end of the day, which most do, despite the few bad apples who cast a nasty shadow over the force.
OVERALL: There is so much about J.L's Jamaica that resonates with me because the social issues facing Jamaica are very similar to if not the same as those facing my own South Africa. I always feel like i know her characters personally and have grown up with some of them. Her books not only entertain but are also deeply thought provoking and encourage my mind to ponder things I wouldn't normally dwell on. The social consciousness i find finely threaded through most of what I've read from her books I think really sets her apart. Her books not only entertaining but also have a certain relevance that goes beyond the entertainment. Hardware is no different. She is someone who's books I will read for a long time to come and am convinced that one of these days the world will suddenly awaken to the genius that is J.L Campbell.
I am going to try not to give any major spoilers away. I will say that I like how there are multiple subplots that are intertwined. With Hardware we are introduced to Quincy/Quinn and Camille/Cammi. They are the main subjects. Then we have Momma Novelletta, Uncle Travis, Megan, Anya, Penny, Lance, Ian, Bryce, Julie, Mr. Miller, and Michelle.
Character development is important with multiple subplots because you want to ensure you can identify who the leading characters are and how they tie into the main plot. JL did a great job of early on establishing who Camille and Quincy were. Camille being the person to whom everyone relied on but still unable to be vulnerable to someone else in her time of need. It's important to recognize why Camille is the way she is so that you understand her interactions with others. Then we have Quincy who is a free spirited as they come yet deals with baggage in a way that doesn't allow the things of the world to have all consuming power. How does Camille and Quincy benefit one another? That is the million dollar question. The story starts with a prologue that sets the foundation of mystery and intrigue. Dangerous road, darkness, undisclosed man saves woman (Camille) from what could have been a life altering circumstance. Fast forever a year. Camille is living her life as a parAlegal. She is what we would call straight lace. She marches to the beat of her own drums. She is the girl that everyone needs and wants in their inner circle. She seems to help everyone. She is loyal to a fault. With life Camille is seeking to control and that is the challenge of what it means to truly live. As Camille has to learn everything cannot happen on her terms. Quincy the businessman seeking to close a deal finds himself in a pickle. Who is going to help the man of means get himself out of being accused of what some have already declared him guilty. Quincy and Camille's life intermingled as a result of Roderick being Camille's boss. Sometimes fate has a way of connecting two people when they least expect. What happens when a beloved friend dies? What happens when a family secret is revealed? What happens when blackmail is laid at your front door? What happens when the sins of the father are bestowed upon the son? What happens when corruption and deceit brings about a check you cannot write? All of these questions can be answered if you pay attention as you read Hardware.
Camille Moyston is a woman on a mission—to live a safe life. She is content to be the always-there friend and the dependable daughter. In fact, it’s her mission to not fall into bed with any man that will leave her in shambles. Until she meets Quinn.
Quinn is a successful businessman who is captivated by Camille from the beginning. But Camille isn’t exactly a woman who wants to be caught. She incorrectly assumes he is a playboy, a thug with multiple children because that’s how she views Jamaican men. Yet, Quinn surprises her at every turn.
My favorite line: “I’m going to stay until you let me in.” I was hooked. Quinn, Quinn, and more Quinn.
Camille’s life takes an unexpected turn when her stepfather gets caught up in blackmail, Quinn is arrested for murder, and her life is in danger.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. McTyson (Campbell) and I truly enjoyed the ride. It was well-written and the author did a fabulous job of creating a memorable, root-worthy romance. The supportive characters added to the story as well and everything tied together. The author transported me to Jamaica with vivid descriptions of sounds, smells, and scenery. I’ve never been and I still felt like I was right there in the mix. I love a great romantic suspense novel and Hardware didn’t disappoint. The romance was hot and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I’ll definitely read more from Ms. McTyson and I highly recommend this book to readers interested in a HOT, fast paced romantic suspense.
Jayda writes great stories that take place in Jamaica. It's why I love her stories so much. You really get a glimpse into another culture. A world where women are not always treated properly. Where the views are a lot different than they are in Canada or the US. I read this book on my way to Jamaica and found it so interesting; not only do we look into the life of Camille but of her family and friends in Jamaica.
Here are some examples:
Camille, the main character, makes a lot of stereotypical assumptions about Quinn based on culture: (a) "She assumed him incapable of speaking a sentence of English." or (b) "He's probably spawned several children with different women."
Camille's friend, Penny, gets pregnant by a married man and immediately wants to abort it. Camille, however, when discussing her situation raises an interesting statistic: "Fifty percent of women in Jamaica are raising their children alone." Wow, that just blew me away.
Also, this tidbit (this seems to be a Mexican tradition as well): "Island tradition dictated that major housecleaning took place each weekend."
I also liked the references to various island delicacies such as: Red Stripe Beer and Blue Mountain Coffee. Both of which I tried while in the country.
Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a reference book about Jamaica. This book has not only a love story but a lot of action.
Camille Moyston is a rock to her family and friends. She’s the dependable, organized one who takes care of their drama. When Camille meets Quinn Mayhew, the attraction is undeniable, but she’s fighting it off at first. She assumes Quinn is a low-life who has only one thing on his mind. Quinn is persistent, though. Not only do they both want each other, but a violent incident from a year ago ties them together.
Quinn is arrested for murder, Camille’s stepfather is being blackmailed and her family is threatened by thugs who are after money, and one of her best friends has boyfriend issues beyond her control. Camille’s life is no longer safe. Along with everyone else, she finds herself in the path of danger.
I've read the writing of Jayda McTyson/J.L. Campbell before and her characters and their motivations always come across as authentic. Also, this book immersed me in its setting of Jamaica and its people. Hardware is a steamy, fast-paced romantic suspense novel. I look forward to reading more from the author.
This was an excellent conclusion to the Island Adventure Romance Series! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book; however, this was the best one to me! From the beginning throughout the end, I was captured! Yes, there was romance, but I tell you, there was also mystery, intrigue and “keep you on the edge of the seat” drama! J.L. Campbell did the damn thing with this story! I admonish you to get on board with this series! You will not be disappointed! Trust me!! Kudos, Joy! Job well done!! 💜
When I started reading Hardware by Jayda McTyson, I was prepared for a run of the mill romance story, Camille is stranded with a flat tire, in a dangerous part of town, I knew she was in trouble. The rescue by a stranger was expected. But, I was drawn in. The story telling is real, I felt I was right there with the characters. I love stories where I’m not aware of the author, and that don’t feel contrived. Too many romances feel that way, scripted.
Camille, is a strong, independent woman, but she is also a very cautious woman, playing it safe. She wants her friends to play It safe as well, and she knows what sort of man she wants, not the playboy fancy free sort of man her father was. And with the troubles going on around her, the last thing she needs is an infatuation with a man she thinks is a player.
Quinn is a business man in the costume of a player. On the outside he is not the kind of man who should be sweeping Camille off her feet. On the inside, he’s not what she expects. When he’s questioned about a murder and his gun is discovered to be missing, things are set in motion for him to be the prime suspect in the killing. Quinn is caring his own baggage about the sort of woman he’s looking for, and he doesn’t think Camille will be supportive.
With her family in danger, her uncle has brought trouble home, Quinn accused of murder, and her attraction for him slipping out of control, what will Camille do?
I devoured this book in one sitting. From start to finish I couldn’t put it down. The sexual tension was just right, and done well. The mystery enticing, and a page turner. The characters were real, and had depth, without the author hitting you over the head with heavy descriptions and back story.
Camille Moyston, in Hardware written by JL Campbell, believes in being safe. After being rescued one night from an attacked, she put up walls around her from her family and friends until Quinn Mayhew walked into her office to handle business with her boss. There was something familiar about him but Camille was determined to keep her distance. When her family faced a crisis, Quinn proved a shoulder for her to lean on but could Camille do the same when Quinn was accused of murder.
Hardware is a novel filled with both suspense and romance. Quinn proves to be a wise and handsome as he tried to clear his name of murder and win the heart of Camille. In the beginning, I found it hard to like Camille but eventually I began to understand her problems. Many of the secondary characters, who were at times very shady, give insight into Camille’s behavior. I particularly enjoyed the eloquent descriptions of Jamaica, its language and culture by the author. Readers will enjoy this novel.
Camille Moyston is a hard working paralegal. She is a woman who doesn’t want or need any man in her life; between her father abandoning the family and her girlfriends men trouble Camille would just rather not get her heart broken over some man who may one day walk out on her.
Quinn Mayhew is a self-made college man whose mother walked out due to his father being the kind of man Camille assumes all men are, cheaters. Quinn breaks down the wall Camille has built around her heart and shatters her controlling self-image. This is a Life Time Movie network drama of budding love and falling to betrayal. Sexy. Steamy. And all women will want a Quinn of their own by the last page if not before.
Hardware is an interesting book that has a fast and intensive beginning.
Camille and Quinn have their work cut out for them. Quinn's approach is straight forward and somewhat detached, whereas Camille is an emotional wreck. Thus, they complement each other.
Both have to deal with disfunctional families and friends. The female characters spend a great part of their time confronting seedy oversexed males.
There is a lot of action and at times it might be wondered who is on first, but the plot moves along with good resolution of problems.
All in all an enjoyable story pointing to the virtue of a stable life-styls.
I'm a huge JL Campbell fan because all of her stories provide a Great Read while teaching about real life situations. Camille and Quinn's story continues this Amazing trait from Campbell. Character chemistry is on point and the story flows easily from page to page so much so that the reader hates to take a break from reading. I don't do spoilers, so believe me when I tell you that you do not want to sleep on "Hardware". I can't wait to read the next book from this series.
I want to thank Jayda McTyson for a wonderful read. I don’t usually read romance. I’m more into horror, but she kept me turning the pages. Quinn is seen by Camille as a thug and a low life player, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While Camille is a strong woman, Quinn is a businessman that is trying to win her over. I recommend this novel for those who are into romance, blackmail, and murder in a story; not to mention wonderful characters to play it out.
Hardware is a novel filled with both suspense and romance. Camille is a woman that knows what she wants and won't take anything less. Quinn is a man that also the same way. They are both attracted to each other but with Camille it's like she's met him before. Between their back and forth banter and the connections that they unknowingly have with each other, this story spins a wonderful tale of love, lies & deceit in more ways than one.
I loved the storyline of Quinn and Camille. I was rooting for him. I like how the storyline flowed even though it seemed to dragged out for a while. It then got better going into the end. I was like oh no. I like how the characters from her previous book's tied in. There were some typos that should have been caught however they did not affect the flow. Good read.
Great Read Alert! I enjoyed how the story of Quinn and Camille unraveled. The characters had real-life struggles and it was engaging to see them walk through their trials. Great storytelling by J.L. Campbell. Highly recommended!