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Swelter
I married the right brother. At least that's what I tell myself at night, when I stare at the ceiling and listen to the rhythm of the grandfather clock down the hall. It never feels like the mere passage of time, but a countdown towards something inevitable. Bobby Lightly is selfish, irresponsible, and careless. I haven't seen him since the day I married his brother. He slipped out during the wedding reception without a word. A year later, I heard Bobby was drafted to Korea. He never said goodbye. Never sent a letter. We had all come to terms with the fact that he was probably dead somewhere, either a victim of the war or its aftermath. That is, until in the midst of an unrelenting heatwave, he showed up at the doorstep of the house I lived in with his brother. Everyone thinks I'm cruel. Everyone thinks I should be easy on him. They think I don't understand him. They all think I hate him. But what no one understands is that it was Bobby who broke my heart. And I think he's back to do it again.
322 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Nina G. Jones
10 books1,924 followersBy day, Nina G. Jones works for an internet startup and is a freelance copywriter. She lives with her husband and two dogs.
By night, she explores the hidden recesses of the human psyche in her writing.
Nina has a background in Psychology and uses this as a starting point for her writing. She adds depth to her characters by exploring their psychological motivations. Due to the nature of the topics she explores, Nina does not shy away from explicit language, sexuality, or violence. Despite covering some heavy topics, Nina finds a way to infuse humor into her writing as well.
She has a particular fascination with people who appear to be “normal” or “successful” by all outside appearances who are hiding a secret life.
By night, she explores the hidden recesses of the human psyche in her writing.
Nina has a background in Psychology and uses this as a starting point for her writing. She adds depth to her characters by exploring their psychological motivations. Due to the nature of the topics she explores, Nina does not shy away from explicit language, sexuality, or violence. Despite covering some heavy topics, Nina finds a way to infuse humor into her writing as well.
She has a particular fascination with people who appear to be “normal” or “successful” by all outside appearances who are hiding a secret life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
October 4, 2015
4 Stars
Nina G. Jones delivers a tale of Lily Lightly a woman living with the regrets of marrying the wrong brother seven years earlier. Lily goes through the motions as the 1957 housewife to Rory Lightly when her heart and desires are all tied on Bobby Lightly, the brother who left town the day of her wedding and is assumed to be dead.
The story takes place in 1957. We are transported back to a time of the Korean War where Bobby Lightly shocks his brother and only love, Lily by showing up on the doorstep of their bumpy, broken marriage.
”Why now?”
“Because no matter how far I go, you’re there anyway. And I understand now that I just have to learn to live with that.”
Bobby’s return unleashes the reality of Lily’s accepted prison being Rory’s wife. Bobby and Lily can’t deny their feelings and the passion that will always be there between these two. They tried to do the right thing by Rory all those years ago. Yes my friends there is cheating in this book.
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The story is told in the present while sporadically we are gifted with the events that happened before Lily and Rory tied the knot in 1950 at the beautiful family lake house.
”So, I did what I was there to do. Vowed to love and honor, through sickness and health, ‘till death do us part, the brother of the man I truly loved.”
Rory is ecstatic to have his little brother back and works out of town here and there leaving Bobby and Lily with time alone.
”When do we get our happiness? When has Rory had enough of it?” I demanded. “When do we stop caring what other people think?”
Hurting Rory is a huge concern as is destroying the relationship between these two brothers. The story is very intense and the hope for a happy solution for all kept me frantically reading.
”Maybe you tired, but it was never supposed to be us.”
The writing in this book is fantastic and the pace of the story is just perfect. The author throws into the mix some very clever twists and turns leaving this story under the tragic category for me. Wondering if there’s an HEA… click or be surprised . Overall, this is a well-crafted tale that’s full of angst and heartbreak for the participants in this love triangle.
Nina G. Jones delivers a tale of Lily Lightly a woman living with the regrets of marrying the wrong brother seven years earlier. Lily goes through the motions as the 1957 housewife to Rory Lightly when her heart and desires are all tied on Bobby Lightly, the brother who left town the day of her wedding and is assumed to be dead.
The story takes place in 1957. We are transported back to a time of the Korean War where Bobby Lightly shocks his brother and only love, Lily by showing up on the doorstep of their bumpy, broken marriage.
”Why now?”
“Because no matter how far I go, you’re there anyway. And I understand now that I just have to learn to live with that.”
Bobby’s return unleashes the reality of Lily’s accepted prison being Rory’s wife. Bobby and Lily can’t deny their feelings and the passion that will always be there between these two. They tried to do the right thing by Rory all those years ago. Yes my friends there is cheating in this book.
[image error]
The story is told in the present while sporadically we are gifted with the events that happened before Lily and Rory tied the knot in 1950 at the beautiful family lake house.
”So, I did what I was there to do. Vowed to love and honor, through sickness and health, ‘till death do us part, the brother of the man I truly loved.”
Rory is ecstatic to have his little brother back and works out of town here and there leaving Bobby and Lily with time alone.
”When do we get our happiness? When has Rory had enough of it?” I demanded. “When do we stop caring what other people think?”
Hurting Rory is a huge concern as is destroying the relationship between these two brothers. The story is very intense and the hope for a happy solution for all kept me frantically reading.
”Maybe you tired, but it was never supposed to be us.”
The writing in this book is fantastic and the pace of the story is just perfect. The author throws into the mix some very clever twists and turns leaving this story under the tragic category for me. Wondering if there’s an HEA… click or be surprised . Overall, this is a well-crafted tale that’s full of angst and heartbreak for the participants in this love triangle.
September 30, 2015
4.5 Sweltering Hot Stars!
Swelter is just one of those books where less is more. I'm not going to go much beyond the book blurb as you just need to experience it. It was just wow... I'm not sure if I want to hug this author or smack her.
Swelter takes place in 1957 during a steamy summertime in the Midwest. Lily is married to Rory Lightly...married to the wrong Lightly. She grew up every summer visiting the Lightly's family-owned resort on the lake. It made for fun times in the water, the woods, and just plain fun. Her relationship with Rory's younger brother Bobby was always more passionate in their banter and arguments but everyone just knew her and Rory were the couple meant to be together. Rory was the future success story and Bobby was the wildcard, unsure what he wanted to do with his life. So she did the "right" thing andmarried the wrong brother married Rory Lightly.
Swelter takes us back and forth between their current day and flashbacks to seven years ago, the Eve of her wedding day. Back then they were young and carefree and I loved the way the author captured the setting. Living in the Midwest myself, we did the annual summer trip to a resort much like the one depicted here. One main house. Several cabins surrounded it and we all converged on it every year, reacquainting ourselves with everyone from all over we hadn't seen the past year. In fact, it was at a resort much like this that I had my first kiss at age 13. But I digress. I SAW this resort in my head and a FELT their youth and young love. It's truly one of my favorite aspects of the book but also why I deducted a half star- I wish I had more time developing their connection as teenagers so I could wholeheartedly capture their connection later in life.
These lyrics from Kid Rock (who just so happens to be singing about my home state of Michigan in the summertime) depicts a scene from this book perfectly!
Fast forward to their current day...
Swelter is predominantly in Lily's POV so we get a vivid understanding of her monotonous days living as the wife of a very controlling man. She's dying inside with no kids, no career, nothing to look forward to but keeping up the house for analcoholic husband. Until one day, the doorbell rings and Bobby Lighlty, the brother-in-law she hasn't seen since her wedding day, assumed he was dead, shows up at her door. And her world is rocked.
When you read some 150+ books a year, plots tend to get predictable. I thought I had this one nailed. We've seen it- she marries the wrong brother for the right reasons and her life is awful- then right brother comes along and saves the day. Second chance love story. Well, this book surprised me because I thought that's what I was going to get but I got so much more. And let me say my heart broke in two!
But I digress...
For fans of conventional love stories that take things beyond what we expect, who love the pages turning as fast as can be for some sort of resolution or happily ever after, this book is for you. It's clearly not for everyone as yes, there's obviously cheating. The bulk of the book has cheating, actually, but it's one angsty love story and I ate it up. I just didn't expect the events towards the ending. Nina G Jones succeeded in surprising this reader who thought she had it all figured out. She provided me a book that was sweltering hot, angsty, and heart-wrenching. I essentially read it in a day which shows the book was virtually unputdownable.
Swelter is a standalone erotic romance novel.
HEA?
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
Quotes in graphics were taken from pre-published copy and could very well change in the finished product.
Swelter is just one of those books where less is more. I'm not going to go much beyond the book blurb as you just need to experience it. It was just wow... I'm not sure if I want to hug this author or smack her.
Swelter takes place in 1957 during a steamy summertime in the Midwest. Lily is married to Rory Lightly...married to the wrong Lightly. She grew up every summer visiting the Lightly's family-owned resort on the lake. It made for fun times in the water, the woods, and just plain fun. Her relationship with Rory's younger brother Bobby was always more passionate in their banter and arguments but everyone just knew her and Rory were the couple meant to be together. Rory was the future success story and Bobby was the wildcard, unsure what he wanted to do with his life. So she did the "right" thing and
Swelter takes us back and forth between their current day and flashbacks to seven years ago, the Eve of her wedding day. Back then they were young and carefree and I loved the way the author captured the setting. Living in the Midwest myself, we did the annual summer trip to a resort much like the one depicted here. One main house. Several cabins surrounded it and we all converged on it every year, reacquainting ourselves with everyone from all over we hadn't seen the past year. In fact, it was at a resort much like this that I had my first kiss at age 13. But I digress. I SAW this resort in my head and a FELT their youth and young love. It's truly one of my favorite aspects of the book but also why I deducted a half star- I wish I had more time developing their connection as teenagers so I could wholeheartedly capture their connection later in life.
These lyrics from Kid Rock (who just so happens to be singing about my home state of Michigan in the summertime) depicts a scene from this book perfectly!
Fast forward to their current day...
Swelter is predominantly in Lily's POV so we get a vivid understanding of her monotonous days living as the wife of a very controlling man. She's dying inside with no kids, no career, nothing to look forward to but keeping up the house for an
When you read some 150+ books a year, plots tend to get predictable. I thought I had this one nailed. We've seen it- she marries the wrong brother for the right reasons and her life is awful- then right brother comes along and saves the day. Second chance love story. Well, this book surprised me because I thought that's what I was going to get but I got so much more. And let me say my heart broke in two!
But I digress...
For fans of conventional love stories that take things beyond what we expect, who love the pages turning as fast as can be for some sort of resolution or happily ever after, this book is for you. It's clearly not for everyone as yes, there's obviously cheating. The bulk of the book has cheating, actually, but it's one angsty love story and I ate it up. I just didn't expect the events towards the ending. Nina G Jones succeeded in surprising this reader who thought she had it all figured out. She provided me a book that was sweltering hot, angsty, and heart-wrenching. I essentially read it in a day which shows the book was virtually unputdownable.
Swelter is a standalone erotic romance novel.
HEA?
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
Quotes in graphics were taken from pre-published copy and could very well change in the finished product.
October 11, 2015
Genre: Mid-Century Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Lilly Lightly was married to Rory, a dream man on paper – good looking, responsible and hard working. After 7 years of being caged in an unhappy marriage, she went through motion of life robotically. That was until the hot summer day of 1957.
Everyone thought Rory’s younger brother Bobby was dead since he disappeared on their wedding day. But he came back carrying baggage from the past that changed their lives irrevocably.
When I read the blurb I knew this is something I wanted to read. I’ve always been attracted to unconventional stories and never afraid to explore the (normally deemed) unsavory side of romance. I’m glad this book met my expectation and more.
I fell in love with Bobby the moment he was introduced in the book. He was spontaneous and free spirited, but could also be quiet and contemplative and I love both of his sides.
Lilly settled for 7 years before she finally told herself she needed to do something that make her happy and I was glad she finally took the chance to go for something purely for herself.
I love learning about their friendships. The three of them were childhood friends and with the men being close brothers, made the situation much more difficult. It seemed like no matter what, both side would be hurt.
This book totally took me by surprise. I didn’t expect things to unravel the way it did. There were a lot of angst and bitter sweet moments that made up both the beauty and the ugliness of their relationships. It made you want to root for them, even for the ones who you’re not supposed to.
Swelter is a heartbreaking story of individuals searching for their own happiness while trying to protect their loved ones. There are elements in this book that might not be suitable for everyone, but if you’re able to past that it is a beautiful story full of love and sacrifices.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Lilly Lightly was married to Rory, a dream man on paper – good looking, responsible and hard working. After 7 years of being caged in an unhappy marriage, she went through motion of life robotically. That was until the hot summer day of 1957.
Everyone thought Rory’s younger brother Bobby was dead since he disappeared on their wedding day. But he came back carrying baggage from the past that changed their lives irrevocably.
When I read the blurb I knew this is something I wanted to read. I’ve always been attracted to unconventional stories and never afraid to explore the (normally deemed) unsavory side of romance. I’m glad this book met my expectation and more.
And despite that dark quiet, there was a light that shone from him. When Bobby was on, his fire would steal all the oxygen in the room.
I fell in love with Bobby the moment he was introduced in the book. He was spontaneous and free spirited, but could also be quiet and contemplative and I love both of his sides.
Lilly settled for 7 years before she finally told herself she needed to do something that make her happy and I was glad she finally took the chance to go for something purely for herself.
This was why we had so much difficultly navigating our relationship in our newfound adulthood. Because the space between immature teasing and detached adult politeness was this unthinkable act, this forbidden desire.
I love learning about their friendships. The three of them were childhood friends and with the men being close brothers, made the situation much more difficult. It seemed like no matter what, both side would be hurt.
“Because I'm sick of stealing another week, another minute, another second. I want the rest of our lives. I want forever.”
This book totally took me by surprise. I didn’t expect things to unravel the way it did. There were a lot of angst and bitter sweet moments that made up both the beauty and the ugliness of their relationships. It made you want to root for them, even for the ones who you’re not supposed to.
Swelter is a heartbreaking story of individuals searching for their own happiness while trying to protect their loved ones. There are elements in this book that might not be suitable for everyone, but if you’re able to past that it is a beautiful story full of love and sacrifices.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
October 1, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
If you don't like love triangles or non traditional HEA's then step away from the book. If you don't mind venturing outside of the box every once in a while, then please read this book because it deserves to be read. It is a tragic tale of second chance love set in the fifties during a hot summer in Wisconsin, USA.
Lilly grew up spending summers with neighbours Bobby and Rory; carefree and playful, they were a close threesome who had no idea what life was about to throw their way.
Lilly and Rory were always expected to marry, they were both the same age and Rory was the safe bet, with a solid future ahead and not shy of taking on the responsibilities of marriage.
Bobby was the more spontaneous and fun loving brother, but watching the girl that he loved marry his beloved sibling broke him, so he left to join the forces. With the Korean war now over, and no sign of Bobby's return, Lilly and Rory presume him to be dead.
Lilly has known something is not right in her marriage for a long time now, but expectations forced her to go ahead with the wedding and so she is trying to be a good wife to Rory, despite the lack of passion in their relationship. Rory sensing her distance, often lashes out at her.
When Bobby turns up at their doorstep after 7 years of no contact, Lilly is thrown into turmoil and the guilt and torn loyalties are once again brought to the surface.
In my simplistic mind, Lilly should have never gotten married to Rory in the first place, but considering the era that the book was set in, I know that it wouldn't have been that simple.
Despite the story going in a direction that I didn't necessarily want it to go, I still loved reading this story. I love how Nina can weave a story together and make you feel the emotions of the characters. I also loved the era, and the images of the scenes of the book were easy to view in my mind due to the great descriptive narrative.
If you are brave enough to put yourself through the ringer, I highly recommend this book just as long as you have tissues, wine and someone to vent to whilst reading.
This is a standalone novel, told from Lilly's POV .
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Now LIVE!
Amazon US | Amazon UK
If you don't like love triangles or non traditional HEA's then step away from the book. If you don't mind venturing outside of the box every once in a while, then please read this book because it deserves to be read. It is a tragic tale of second chance love set in the fifties during a hot summer in Wisconsin, USA.
Lilly grew up spending summers with neighbours Bobby and Rory; carefree and playful, they were a close threesome who had no idea what life was about to throw their way.
Lilly and Rory were always expected to marry, they were both the same age and Rory was the safe bet, with a solid future ahead and not shy of taking on the responsibilities of marriage.
"Rory was predictable, and I loved that about him. He was a safe place, but Bobby kept me on my toes."
Bobby was the more spontaneous and fun loving brother, but watching the girl that he loved marry his beloved sibling broke him, so he left to join the forces. With the Korean war now over, and no sign of Bobby's return, Lilly and Rory presume him to be dead.
Lilly has known something is not right in her marriage for a long time now, but expectations forced her to go ahead with the wedding and so she is trying to be a good wife to Rory, despite the lack of passion in their relationship. Rory sensing her distance, often lashes out at her.
When Bobby turns up at their doorstep after 7 years of no contact, Lilly is thrown into turmoil and the guilt and torn loyalties are once again brought to the surface.
"We were becoming desperate. Love was making us hysterical."
In my simplistic mind, Lilly should have never gotten married to Rory in the first place, but considering the era that the book was set in, I know that it wouldn't have been that simple.
Despite the story going in a direction that I didn't necessarily want it to go, I still loved reading this story. I love how Nina can weave a story together and make you feel the emotions of the characters. I also loved the era, and the images of the scenes of the book were easy to view in my mind due to the great descriptive narrative.
If you are brave enough to put yourself through the ringer, I highly recommend this book just as long as you have tissues, wine and someone to vent to whilst reading.
This is a standalone novel, told from Lilly's POV .
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Read
October 1, 2015No Rating
I can't bring myself to rate this. Because from 1 star 'did not like it' to 5 stars 'it was amazing', non of the rating can accurately expressed what I feel about this book.
This is not an easy book to read. I honestly feel that Nina G. previous dark romance about the rape fantasy is easier to read compare to this one. There is too much harsh reality smack dab at my face. It makes me feel that my own life is prettier than the one in the book.
On one hand, this book was damn engrossing that I read the whole thing in one seating and I cried my heart out, but on the other hand this book make me so freaking MAD!!! Nina, how can you do this to me!?!
From the blurb, you know the gist. Lily married the Rory, the responsible, stable man that will give her the secure life. But it was Rory's brother, Bobby that she actually love. But they were young and dumb and she make a mistake. Now she regretted her decision and she loathe the mundane life she is having.
It was five years since she last seen Bobby and she thought he was dead in the war. But now he is back and she is finding all the old feelings resurface. What if she actually choose to be with Bobby instead of Rory, will her life be better?
Okay, there is cheating in the book, but it actually doesn't bother me because I'm all for true love as long as they are both not stupid about it. But sometimes their behavior just make me want to scream! Bobby is a sweetheart, but be a man for Godsake! I want him to fight harder for the woman he loves. And don't get me started with Lily, half the time I don't know what the hell she wants.
There is this part about what Lily said to herself that make me want to burst out laughing at her denial.
"Somehow I felt like packing my bags and leaving was cheating."
Oh yeah, she didn't feel guilty of having sex multiple times with your illicit lover, but packing her bags makes her feel like cheating. Omg! Is she on crack? Sometimes I just want to sucker punch her. And don't get me going on the way they are having spontaneous sex everywhere and make me worry that they might get caught red handed.
There is a big climatic ending that left you in tears, which I don't want to delve on.
I've seen most of my friends loving this, but I can't really say the same for me. Definitely recommended for those who don't mind a dose of angst and getting their heart ripped out and trampled over. As for me, I feel like chasing after Nina with a pitchfork.
I can't bring myself to rate this. Because from 1 star 'did not like it' to 5 stars 'it was amazing', non of the rating can accurately expressed what I feel about this book.
This is not an easy book to read. I honestly feel that Nina G. previous dark romance about the rape fantasy is easier to read compare to this one. There is too much harsh reality smack dab at my face. It makes me feel that my own life is prettier than the one in the book.
On one hand, this book was damn engrossing that I read the whole thing in one seating and I cried my heart out, but on the other hand this book make me so freaking MAD!!! Nina, how can you do this to me!?!
From the blurb, you know the gist. Lily married the Rory, the responsible, stable man that will give her the secure life. But it was Rory's brother, Bobby that she actually love. But they were young and dumb and she make a mistake. Now she regretted her decision and she loathe the mundane life she is having.
It was five years since she last seen Bobby and she thought he was dead in the war. But now he is back and she is finding all the old feelings resurface. What if she actually choose to be with Bobby instead of Rory, will her life be better?
Okay, there is cheating in the book, but it actually doesn't bother me because I'm all for true love as long as they are both not stupid about it. But sometimes their behavior just make me want to scream! Bobby is a sweetheart, but be a man for Godsake! I want him to fight harder for the woman he loves. And don't get me started with Lily, half the time I don't know what the hell she wants.
There is this part about what Lily said to herself that make me want to burst out laughing at her denial.
"Somehow I felt like packing my bags and leaving was cheating."
Oh yeah, she didn't feel guilty of having sex multiple times with your illicit lover, but packing her bags makes her feel like cheating. Omg! Is she on crack? Sometimes I just want to sucker punch her. And don't get me going on the way they are having spontaneous sex everywhere and make me worry that they might get caught red handed.
There is a big climatic ending that left you in tears, which I don't want to delve on.
I've seen most of my friends loving this, but I can't really say the same for me. Definitely recommended for those who don't mind a dose of angst and getting their heart ripped out and trampled over. As for me, I feel like chasing after Nina with a pitchfork.
Read
October 5, 2015Dear Nina,
I don't really know where to begin this letter because I'm kinda lost after finishing Swelter.
I didn't wanted to review this book like I traditionally do because it didn't felt right.
First because I don't have any idea how to review or rate Swelter. And secondly because I don't know what to say to my followers.
You are an author I respect and love a lot. I find your books so different from one another. To me it's a great asset, you are able to embark me as a reader in so many different atmosphere. You are truly gifted when it comes to bring your readers out of their comfort zone.
With Debt, you turned something inconceivable into something acceptable. In If, you simply blown my mind away with the effect of your words and how you brought what seems like a simply story into something beautiful and magic.
With Swelter, I guess I wanted something more. I was captivated from the start. Your writing is always enthralling but somehow after the 50 %mark I begun to question too much. I begun to search for some sense and I didn't find the answers I needed.
I'm so sorry that at the end of this book I couldn't understand what had happened, what was the message behind it all.
I'm one blogger among million but if you see this letter know that I'll still keep reading you.
It's not because I didn't understand one of your books that something will change but do know I feel bad because somehow I 've failed at giving an honest review
~ARC provided by author for an honest review~
I don't really know where to begin this letter because I'm kinda lost after finishing Swelter.
I didn't wanted to review this book like I traditionally do because it didn't felt right.
First because I don't have any idea how to review or rate Swelter. And secondly because I don't know what to say to my followers.
You are an author I respect and love a lot. I find your books so different from one another. To me it's a great asset, you are able to embark me as a reader in so many different atmosphere. You are truly gifted when it comes to bring your readers out of their comfort zone.
With Debt, you turned something inconceivable into something acceptable. In If, you simply blown my mind away with the effect of your words and how you brought what seems like a simply story into something beautiful and magic.
With Swelter, I guess I wanted something more. I was captivated from the start. Your writing is always enthralling but somehow after the 50 %mark I begun to question too much. I begun to search for some sense and I didn't find the answers I needed.
I'm so sorry that at the end of this book I couldn't understand what had happened, what was the message behind it all.
I'm one blogger among million but if you see this letter know that I'll still keep reading you.
It's not because I didn't understand one of your books that something will change but do know I feel bad because somehow I 've failed at giving an honest review
~ARC provided by author for an honest review~
February 7, 2023
When a book makes me ugly cry, I just have to give it all five stars.
I’ll come back after I finish this box of tissues. 🥺🤧😭
24 hours later: I'm back
Now I am going to be straight with you here from the top. This book has cheating in it. If you couldn't tell from the blurb, I am telling you now. To me though, it is so much more than that.
I am also going to be upfront and let you know that until about the 65% marker, I had my moments where I thought I couldn't make it, or it would be a 3, maybe 3.5 stars at most. However, once decisions were made, the book streamlined, and I was able to be completely on board for Bobby and Lilly.
The plot:
Lilly, our female lead, has grown up with the Lightly boys since she was a little girl. Those boys are Rory, the older brother (I believe he is her age), and Bobby, who is like a year younger than them. Thing is, Rory is her husband, has been for like 7 years, and Bobby, the love of her life, has been gone the whole time. He pops up back in their lives after they presumed he was dead since he was never heard from after his enlistment in the Korean War. So while Rory is just happy to have him back, Lilly is angry because like
& the timing of it is really shit. Little does Bobby know Lilly and Rory have been having issues since being married. One of those issues is having kids.
"The battle for a child had become a festering sore on the relationship. And part of what I didn't and couldn't say to Rory was the longer we went without having one, the more I was certain I did not want him to be the father of my children."
I think it's important to be conscious of the time. The present is 1957, and the past we get flashbacks from 7 years ago is 1950. It's about 20% into the book you start to get snippets of the past. The memories range from 24 hours before the wedding until the night of.
Now Bobby and Lilly in the past used to apparently go at like cats and dogs, but they are still best friends when not picking with each other. I also think it's important to know that Lilly marries Rory when she's a fresh 21. The crux of it is that Lilly never realized that the way she felt about Bobby was love, and Bobby was too busy being a loyal brother to try anything with her. While Lilly is basically just going through the motions.
"Rory who was good-looking, smart, and ambitious. Rory who had chased me for years and seemed to think the world of me, despite the fact that he could have his pick of the litter. I was lucky to have him, I told myself."
I'm sitting here like
..so you were never in love with this man clearly. Why did you apparently go through with this?
Well, basically 7 years ago everyone but Rory is a coward in a way, or way too concerned with trying not to hurt Rory.
So let's talk about the characters,
Lilly Gale: Now Lilly, I didn't really care for
until she started fighting back and making decisions. She's honestly a shell of herself. Her marriage to Rory has done nothing but wear her down. One instance is her not being able to work.
"The mother of my children will never have to work." It was a proclamation of affection towards me, but his words felt like the vocal equivalent of a lock clinking on a prison cell."
Like can you imagine just being stuck in the house.. all day? everyday? no nothing? and not cause of coivd.. your husband is gone like every two weeks for weeks, and you're literally just left to not be allowed to get a job? tuh. Anywho she's so messed up but unwillinging to leave her marriage she self medicates instead to numb it all.
Of course as soon as Bobby gets back the first thing he does is call her out on it.
"Dont't you understand? That shit numbs you. It makes the pain go away. You are supposed to feel pain. You are supposed to be uncomfortable. That's your soul telling you something."
So she gets off the pills and starts spending time with Bobby staying and helping himfix up the lake house.
But during this time we start to see her come out of her shell with Bobby. He takes her out dancing, introduces her to his new "adoptive" family, and she has a moment where she later defends him and black people (mind you this is pre-civl rights or well during.) & I finally was like okay okay, maybe I want you to be happy and get a divorce but didn't really want her with either brother.
Because yet again, I just couldn't get on board with her being so scared acting.
I had been Rory's wife for seven years, and we had built something together. Something imperfect and messy, but it was something. And Bobby had left once before. If he wanted me to leave my life behind to be with him, he would have to be clear and committed."
first off, YOU MARRIED HIS BROTHER. Second off, She is clearly unhappy but scared of leaving the only life she knows and it really, really annoyed me. She was very bout being with Bobby, but she kept punking out until Bobby gave her the final choice. Then she literally is like willing to die to get to Bobby. Which is the love Bobby deserved😇😇😇
Rory: "Rory always did just enough to keep me around, but he always stopped there."
Honestly, nothing I liked about him. Any woman married to him I would have felt bad for. I had originally though maybe being with a woman who didn't love him turned him into an alcoholic. Well I was wrong. He was always inconsiderate even on their wedding night. Rory from jump was suspect to me and it turns out that he also had something to hide. So by the time his mess hits the fan the rest is pretty much downhill for everyone.
He knelt in front of me, his face contorted in desperation. "What is going on ? Please just tell me. What do I have to do to get you to want me, Lilly?"
This was only time and I really mean only time I felt bad for him. And it wasn't that much because this only happened after she made him stop having sex with her after she told him to stop repeatedly and he had responded "It's okay, I'm almost there."
so no I didn't care about Rory so really didn't even feel bad about the whole thing. The only person I wanted happy in any way he could have it was
BOBBY LIGHTLY.
"But you're here now."
"I am."
"Why now?"
"Because no matter how far I go, you're there anyway. And I understand now that I just have to learn to live with that."
Now when Bobby came back it wasn't initially to steal her away. He honestly comes home because he missed being with them. He wanted to see them living their lives and being happy. When he gets there and notices how Rory treats her, and how they interact he decides he'll help try to get Rory to be sober again and hopefully back to the man he used to know. But of course, Rory leaves like 4 days later after his brother returns from the dead to go on a business trip and Bobby gives in to Lilly just like he did seven years ago. "I want you," I murmured in his ear as I buried my face into the heat of his neck. "I've always wanted you," Bobby murmured back."
LOTS OF THIS ^^^
As they steal away time at their favorite place (the lake house) you find out more about Bobby and truly he's the most interesting out of everyone. He had it rough when he was drafted and was fighting in the war, he was even taken prisoner and watched his best friend die. Which is how he comes to have his adoptive family.
What got me about him is how much Lilly had really meant to him. During his time away his love was solidified and i wish anyone would try to tell me differently.
This man. Although I was mad at 19-year-old Bobby for not running off with Lilly and having us all avoid the heartbreak that is the last quarter of this book, it speaks to his character because even though he is considered a playboy (really he's just hot af) he is constantly putting everyone above himself.
You think I wanted to go the way I did? I did it so that you and Lilly could be free of me. I stood there and watched the woman I loved marry you. My insides ripped apart and I stood there with a smile because I wanted you to be happy!
Alright, I am about to ruin the book.
Last chance.
THERE IS NO SWEET HEA.
So lets go back to Rory's secret, he was sleeping with her friend Barbie. Well how did Lilly find out? Well after going to collect her thoughts and visit the lake house, she heads back home which should have been empty cause Roy was supposedly on another last-minute business trip after dropping on Lilly that he was about to move them to Wisconsin, but he was there. Bruised, bloodied and looking a hot mess. Well another neighbor calls the landline and tell her Barbie's been in an accident.. car driven off the road and she's now in a coma. People in the area are saying there was a man with her that fled the scene. —> RORY.
Lilly tries to leave, tries to call Bobby to come get her before he leaves for California. Rory fights her knocks her over BOOM concussion and holding her hostage because he's hiding out and doesn't want her to leave him.
The next day more chaos ensues, Barbie dies, Lilly gets away. Bobby had already left. She's devastated then Bobby finds her because he said he wasn't about to make the same mistake twice and was about to damn near make her come. Then he sees her all bloodied with no shoes, realizes what his brother did, confronts brother (man it was a wild ride) they finally leave. go to a motel in town to sleep, patch themselves up, and be happy before leaving town the next day cause it's nighttime now.
Bobby wakes up the next day and is leaving to get breakfast for them before they hit the road.
"That's when I heard the shots."
Ugh, yes. There is some comfort to be found afterwards and you may have already guessed it. But the epilogue is told by her 50 year old daughter, Summer. It's of Lilly's last days, and its so beautiful and it shredded me. As soon as I finished my boyfriend was like “why you crying like this?” & I try to tell him the story and then just start crying again
and he's like
and that's it. I can't even keep typing I've already written a freaking cliff notes book myself.
I’ll come back after I finish this box of tissues. 🥺🤧😭
24 hours later: I'm back
Now I am going to be straight with you here from the top. This book has cheating in it. If you couldn't tell from the blurb, I am telling you now. To me though, it is so much more than that.
I am also going to be upfront and let you know that until about the 65% marker, I had my moments where I thought I couldn't make it, or it would be a 3, maybe 3.5 stars at most. However, once decisions were made, the book streamlined, and I was able to be completely on board for Bobby and Lilly.
The plot:
Lilly, our female lead, has grown up with the Lightly boys since she was a little girl. Those boys are Rory, the older brother (I believe he is her age), and Bobby, who is like a year younger than them. Thing is, Rory is her husband, has been for like 7 years, and Bobby, the love of her life, has been gone the whole time. He pops up back in their lives after they presumed he was dead since he was never heard from after his enlistment in the Korean War. So while Rory is just happy to have him back, Lilly is angry because like
& the timing of it is really shit. Little does Bobby know Lilly and Rory have been having issues since being married. One of those issues is having kids.
"The battle for a child had become a festering sore on the relationship. And part of what I didn't and couldn't say to Rory was the longer we went without having one, the more I was certain I did not want him to be the father of my children."
I think it's important to be conscious of the time. The present is 1957, and the past we get flashbacks from 7 years ago is 1950. It's about 20% into the book you start to get snippets of the past. The memories range from 24 hours before the wedding until the night of.
Now Bobby and Lilly in the past used to apparently go at like cats and dogs, but they are still best friends when not picking with each other. I also think it's important to know that Lilly marries Rory when she's a fresh 21. The crux of it is that Lilly never realized that the way she felt about Bobby was love, and Bobby was too busy being a loyal brother to try anything with her. While Lilly is basically just going through the motions.
"Rory who was good-looking, smart, and ambitious. Rory who had chased me for years and seemed to think the world of me, despite the fact that he could have his pick of the litter. I was lucky to have him, I told myself."
I'm sitting here like
..so you were never in love with this man clearly. Why did you apparently go through with this?
Well, basically 7 years ago everyone but Rory is a coward in a way, or way too concerned with trying not to hurt Rory.
So let's talk about the characters,
Lilly Gale: Now Lilly, I didn't really care for
until she started fighting back and making decisions. She's honestly a shell of herself. Her marriage to Rory has done nothing but wear her down. One instance is her not being able to work.
"The mother of my children will never have to work." It was a proclamation of affection towards me, but his words felt like the vocal equivalent of a lock clinking on a prison cell."
Like can you imagine just being stuck in the house.. all day? everyday? no nothing? and not cause of coivd.. your husband is gone like every two weeks for weeks, and you're literally just left to not be allowed to get a job? tuh. Anywho she's so messed up but unwillinging to leave her marriage she self medicates instead to numb it all.
Of course as soon as Bobby gets back the first thing he does is call her out on it.
"Dont't you understand? That shit numbs you. It makes the pain go away. You are supposed to feel pain. You are supposed to be uncomfortable. That's your soul telling you something."
So she gets off the pills and starts spending time with Bobby staying and helping himfix up the lake house.
But during this time we start to see her come out of her shell with Bobby. He takes her out dancing, introduces her to his new "adoptive" family, and she has a moment where she later defends him and black people (mind you this is pre-civl rights or well during.) & I finally was like okay okay, maybe I want you to be happy and get a divorce but didn't really want her with either brother.
Because yet again, I just couldn't get on board with her being so scared acting.
I had been Rory's wife for seven years, and we had built something together. Something imperfect and messy, but it was something. And Bobby had left once before. If he wanted me to leave my life behind to be with him, he would have to be clear and committed."
first off, YOU MARRIED HIS BROTHER. Second off, She is clearly unhappy but scared of leaving the only life she knows and it really, really annoyed me. She was very bout being with Bobby, but she kept punking out until Bobby gave her the final choice. Then she literally is like willing to die to get to Bobby. Which is the love Bobby deserved😇😇😇
Rory: "Rory always did just enough to keep me around, but he always stopped there."
Honestly, nothing I liked about him. Any woman married to him I would have felt bad for. I had originally though maybe being with a woman who didn't love him turned him into an alcoholic. Well I was wrong. He was always inconsiderate even on their wedding night. Rory from jump was suspect to me and it turns out that he also had something to hide. So by the time his mess hits the fan the rest is pretty much downhill for everyone.
He knelt in front of me, his face contorted in desperation. "What is going on ? Please just tell me. What do I have to do to get you to want me, Lilly?"
This was only time and I really mean only time I felt bad for him. And it wasn't that much because this only happened after she made him stop having sex with her after she told him to stop repeatedly and he had responded "It's okay, I'm almost there."
so no I didn't care about Rory so really didn't even feel bad about the whole thing. The only person I wanted happy in any way he could have it was
BOBBY LIGHTLY.
"But you're here now."
"I am."
"Why now?"
"Because no matter how far I go, you're there anyway. And I understand now that I just have to learn to live with that."
Now when Bobby came back it wasn't initially to steal her away. He honestly comes home because he missed being with them. He wanted to see them living their lives and being happy. When he gets there and notices how Rory treats her, and how they interact he decides he'll help try to get Rory to be sober again and hopefully back to the man he used to know. But of course, Rory leaves like 4 days later after his brother returns from the dead to go on a business trip and Bobby gives in to Lilly just like he did seven years ago. "I want you," I murmured in his ear as I buried my face into the heat of his neck. "I've always wanted you," Bobby murmured back."
LOTS OF THIS ^^^
As they steal away time at their favorite place (the lake house) you find out more about Bobby and truly he's the most interesting out of everyone. He had it rough when he was drafted and was fighting in the war, he was even taken prisoner and watched his best friend die. Which is how he comes to have his adoptive family.
What got me about him is how much Lilly had really meant to him. During his time away his love was solidified and i wish anyone would try to tell me differently.
I would think about that night. I'd relive it. And it would take me to the best moment of my life. And I'd just replay it whenever I wanted to leave but I couldn't. It allowed me to go someplace good, somewhere safe and happy. So, I told Curtis that I had a girl named Lilly waiting at home for me. Even If I knew I could never live that fantasy, even if I knew it meant that one day I would come back to find you living a happy life with my brother and your kids. I still wanted to come back to you.
This man. Although I was mad at 19-year-old Bobby for not running off with Lilly and having us all avoid the heartbreak that is the last quarter of this book, it speaks to his character because even though he is considered a playboy (really he's just hot af) he is constantly putting everyone above himself.
You think I wanted to go the way I did? I did it so that you and Lilly could be free of me. I stood there and watched the woman I loved marry you. My insides ripped apart and I stood there with a smile because I wanted you to be happy!
Alright, I am about to ruin the book.
Last chance.
THERE IS NO SWEET HEA.
So lets go back to Rory's secret, he was sleeping with her friend Barbie. Well how did Lilly find out? Well after going to collect her thoughts and visit the lake house, she heads back home which should have been empty cause Roy was supposedly on another last-minute business trip after dropping on Lilly that he was about to move them to Wisconsin, but he was there. Bruised, bloodied and looking a hot mess. Well another neighbor calls the landline and tell her Barbie's been in an accident.. car driven off the road and she's now in a coma. People in the area are saying there was a man with her that fled the scene. —> RORY.
Lilly tries to leave, tries to call Bobby to come get her before he leaves for California. Rory fights her knocks her over BOOM concussion and holding her hostage because he's hiding out and doesn't want her to leave him.
The next day more chaos ensues, Barbie dies, Lilly gets away. Bobby had already left. She's devastated then Bobby finds her because he said he wasn't about to make the same mistake twice and was about to damn near make her come. Then he sees her all bloodied with no shoes, realizes what his brother did, confronts brother (man it was a wild ride) they finally leave. go to a motel in town to sleep, patch themselves up, and be happy before leaving town the next day cause it's nighttime now.
"You make me happy, Lil. And we are going to live a hundred lives together." He smiles as he placed the words against my lips.
"A million," I murmured back.
"Okay, a million," he smiled"
Bobby wakes up the next day and is leaving to get breakfast for them before they hit the road.
"That's when I heard the shots."
Ugh, yes. There is some comfort to be found afterwards and you may have already guessed it. But the epilogue is told by her 50 year old daughter, Summer. It's of Lilly's last days, and its so beautiful and it shredded me. As soon as I finished my boyfriend was like “why you crying like this?” & I try to tell him the story and then just start crying again
and he's like
and that's it. I can't even keep typing I've already written a freaking cliff notes book myself.
October 12, 2015
Hands down my favorite read of 2015. No contest. Hubby and I took a road trip to the big city 3 hours away today, and I downloaded this for the ride. By the time we got to the city and into the store parking lot, I was crying like a baby. I absolutely loved this story, from start to finish. Nina G. Jones is an absolutely amazing author. She pulled so many freaking emotions out of me. She made me completely relive the feeling of falling in love for the first time, and all the intimacy that goes along with giving yourself completely to that first love. By the time this story had ended I was devastated, feeling just like I had lost someone close to me. Even with all the blubbering and crying I did this afternoon, I will definitely be reading this one again. I'm completely blown away by this story.
October 22, 2015
Do what your husband wants. Make HIM happy. Be the good wife. Make babies. Make food. You're not allowed to want more than that.
From the onset of Swelter, I was hit with strong emotions that had me teetering on the edge. Anger, frustration, concern, ignorance, avoidance. Our heroine is trapped within a gilded cage. Barely hanging on, as each night passes her by, in blistering heat. With a marriage on the verge of shambles, and a controlling and alcoholic husband. Lily never noticed the slow and perpetual changes to her husband's demeanour as the years of marriage went by.
The story is mainly told in Lily's POV, with intermittent changes from the present to the past. A time frame that spans seven years and takes place in the year of 1957. A time of controversial War in American history. Lily Lightly has been living a lie since the eve of her marriage seven years prior, to the wrong Lightly brother. On the eve of her marriage, Lily and her soon to be brother -in- law, Bobby, had a night of intense passion. A night where Lily recognized that she was in love with Bobby Lightly.
Seven years of marriage; five years since Lily has last seen Bobby. He enlisted into the War and years of no communication from him, he was thought dead. Until one day. The ding of the doorbell, brings Bobby Lightly to her door. Shocked...isn't even the right emotion to describe Lily's feelings. Her husband, Rory, is elated and overjoyed, that his little brother is alive and kicking.
”Bobby and Rory were like two ends of a seesaw, and I spent my time with them standing in the middle, teetering.”
With the re-entry of Bobby into her life, Lily once again becomes the lively young girl both her and Bobby once knew. Their illicit affair is re-kindled, and they each know and understand the gravity of the situation once revealed. Yet, they can't keep their emotions at bay. Especially, Bobby. After living through a war camp, while his best friend was murdered before his eyes. Bobby is suffering from survivor's guilt. And with this new found bravery, he has returned for the woman that kept him alive all those years.
This was why we had so much difficultly navigating our relationship in our newfound adulthood. Because the space between immature teasing and detached adult politeness was this unthinkable act, this forbidden desire.
Swelter is one of those stories that takes you completely by surprise. Unique, perfectly portrayed, Nina's writing is immaculate and easy to understand. She draws the reader in, sets us up, and takes us for one hell of 1957 ride.
I loved the setting this book. And the fact that it was written in a time, where women were simply put on pedestals. Our mission to stay 'barefoot and pregnant', while catering to our husband's needs and wishes. Lily was a hero for me. She understood her place, she refused to accept it, even though she made her own sacrifices. She fought every step of the way. And after years of living within a broken marriage, Lily takes her life into her own hands. Surging into the unknown, full of life and love.
*ARC provided by LBTSP on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
From the onset of Swelter, I was hit with strong emotions that had me teetering on the edge. Anger, frustration, concern, ignorance, avoidance. Our heroine is trapped within a gilded cage. Barely hanging on, as each night passes her by, in blistering heat. With a marriage on the verge of shambles, and a controlling and alcoholic husband. Lily never noticed the slow and perpetual changes to her husband's demeanour as the years of marriage went by.
The story is mainly told in Lily's POV, with intermittent changes from the present to the past. A time frame that spans seven years and takes place in the year of 1957. A time of controversial War in American history. Lily Lightly has been living a lie since the eve of her marriage seven years prior, to the wrong Lightly brother. On the eve of her marriage, Lily and her soon to be brother -in- law, Bobby, had a night of intense passion. A night where Lily recognized that she was in love with Bobby Lightly.
Seven years of marriage; five years since Lily has last seen Bobby. He enlisted into the War and years of no communication from him, he was thought dead. Until one day. The ding of the doorbell, brings Bobby Lightly to her door. Shocked...isn't even the right emotion to describe Lily's feelings. Her husband, Rory, is elated and overjoyed, that his little brother is alive and kicking.
”Bobby and Rory were like two ends of a seesaw, and I spent my time with them standing in the middle, teetering.”
With the re-entry of Bobby into her life, Lily once again becomes the lively young girl both her and Bobby once knew. Their illicit affair is re-kindled, and they each know and understand the gravity of the situation once revealed. Yet, they can't keep their emotions at bay. Especially, Bobby. After living through a war camp, while his best friend was murdered before his eyes. Bobby is suffering from survivor's guilt. And with this new found bravery, he has returned for the woman that kept him alive all those years.
This was why we had so much difficultly navigating our relationship in our newfound adulthood. Because the space between immature teasing and detached adult politeness was this unthinkable act, this forbidden desire.
Swelter is one of those stories that takes you completely by surprise. Unique, perfectly portrayed, Nina's writing is immaculate and easy to understand. She draws the reader in, sets us up, and takes us for one hell of 1957 ride.
I loved the setting this book. And the fact that it was written in a time, where women were simply put on pedestals. Our mission to stay 'barefoot and pregnant', while catering to our husband's needs and wishes. Lily was a hero for me. She understood her place, she refused to accept it, even though she made her own sacrifices. She fought every step of the way. And after years of living within a broken marriage, Lily takes her life into her own hands. Surging into the unknown, full of life and love.
*ARC provided by LBTSP on behalf of the author for an honest review* Thanks!!
October 10, 2015
This book just became more as it progressed. It moved me immensely..and for that alone, I give it top marks.
Setting the scene in the late 1950’s, this story darts back and forth 7 years prior. Lilly tells the tale of how she grew up with two brothers, how they shared Summers at Rory and Bobby Lightly’s beautiful cabin on a lake, and how she loved both of them for the contrasting personalities that they were.
Rory was the sensible, rational one, and Lilly could envisage herself in the future with him by her side.
Bobby was the selfish, impulsive, joker, who had spent the best part of his life antagonising Lilly in the best way.
Needless to say, Lilly married Rory, and Bobby left them to it. He never contacted them, they never heard a word for seven years, and had ended up assuming he was dead, having known he was drafted to Korea.
Then one of the many hot nights, a rap on the door revealed Bobby alive and well, and about to face a showdown.
This was a story that unravelled and became far more. I guess it finds itself suitably sitting beneath the love triangle moniker, which wouldn’t be for everybody, but has an immediate appeal to me.
Given Lilly’s POV, we build the background, her thoughts then, and especially her thoughts and feelings now. We begin to understand the difficulties of her choice, and her subsequent acceptance of that. Until her status quo is ruffled. And ruffled it was!
I fell in love with this author’s writing through Debt, and her recount of that suspenseful gem, so I was intrigued to know how this totally different story was going to pan out.
Not wanting to say any more about the content, apart from stating that I was totally blown away. Nina has an amazing ability to amble along, throwing hooks, weaving emotions, and gathering you into a nice little huddle, before completely changing direction leaving you untethered and flabbergasted.
I did not anticipate how i would feel whilst reading this little pearl, but it got me, it truly did.
Setting the scene in the late 1950’s, this story darts back and forth 7 years prior. Lilly tells the tale of how she grew up with two brothers, how they shared Summers at Rory and Bobby Lightly’s beautiful cabin on a lake, and how she loved both of them for the contrasting personalities that they were.
Rory was the sensible, rational one, and Lilly could envisage herself in the future with him by her side.
Bobby was the selfish, impulsive, joker, who had spent the best part of his life antagonising Lilly in the best way.
”Bobby and Rory were like two ends of a seesaw, and I spent my time with them standing in the middle, teetering.”
Needless to say, Lilly married Rory, and Bobby left them to it. He never contacted them, they never heard a word for seven years, and had ended up assuming he was dead, having known he was drafted to Korea.
Then one of the many hot nights, a rap on the door revealed Bobby alive and well, and about to face a showdown.
This was a story that unravelled and became far more. I guess it finds itself suitably sitting beneath the love triangle moniker, which wouldn’t be for everybody, but has an immediate appeal to me.
Given Lilly’s POV, we build the background, her thoughts then, and especially her thoughts and feelings now. We begin to understand the difficulties of her choice, and her subsequent acceptance of that. Until her status quo is ruffled. And ruffled it was!
I fell in love with this author’s writing through Debt, and her recount of that suspenseful gem, so I was intrigued to know how this totally different story was going to pan out.
Not wanting to say any more about the content, apart from stating that I was totally blown away. Nina has an amazing ability to amble along, throwing hooks, weaving emotions, and gathering you into a nice little huddle, before completely changing direction leaving you untethered and flabbergasted.
I did not anticipate how i would feel whilst reading this little pearl, but it got me, it truly did.
”Lil, the girl who was beautiful even when she tried hard not to be.”
September 30, 2015
++++3.5 to 4 Stars++++
I was very excited for this book. I liked it but I did not love it.
This is a forbidden love story with twists and turns you will not expect. If you are looking for unicorns and conventional happily ever afters, this is not for you.
Lilly is married but her life is anything but joyful. Her husband, Rory, doesn't make her happy despite her safe, gilded cage. There is no spark in her heart for him. She simply tolerates him.
When Bobby, Rory's brother, comes back from the dead, her world explodes. All the feelings she once held for him are still very much alive.
The attraction and love is mutual. The affair is forbidden and dangerous. But will that hold them back? Nothing can remain a secret for long. Will they survive fate's wrath?
What I loved: I loved the way the heroine wanted more than just to be a perfect wife. I loved her inner thoughts.
Bobby. I loved him. He was the fun brother. The one who sacrificed his life for Rory. He is my favourite in this book.
I even had sympathy for Rory. Most of the things he did were because of his weakness and knowledge that he was not good enough for Lilly.
What went a bit wrong for me was that I could not connect with the heroine; at all. That made the story fall flat for me. I get where she was coming from but her story did not speak to me in the way I expected. I felt that a lot of the things she went through could have been avoided if she had made better choices when she had the chance.
The writing itself was good and the book picked up pace after the 80% mark for me.
Overall, this was a good book but I expected it to be a bigger mover for me.
ARC provided by Love Between the Sheets in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited for this book. I liked it but I did not love it.
This is a forbidden love story with twists and turns you will not expect. If you are looking for unicorns and conventional happily ever afters, this is not for you.
Lilly is married but her life is anything but joyful. Her husband, Rory, doesn't make her happy despite her safe, gilded cage. There is no spark in her heart for him. She simply tolerates him.
When Bobby, Rory's brother, comes back from the dead, her world explodes. All the feelings she once held for him are still very much alive.
The attraction and love is mutual. The affair is forbidden and dangerous. But will that hold them back? Nothing can remain a secret for long. Will they survive fate's wrath?
What I loved: I loved the way the heroine wanted more than just to be a perfect wife. I loved her inner thoughts.
Bobby. I loved him. He was the fun brother. The one who sacrificed his life for Rory. He is my favourite in this book.
I even had sympathy for Rory. Most of the things he did were because of his weakness and knowledge that he was not good enough for Lilly.
What went a bit wrong for me was that I could not connect with the heroine; at all. That made the story fall flat for me. I get where she was coming from but her story did not speak to me in the way I expected. I felt that a lot of the things she went through could have been avoided if she had made better choices when she had the chance.
The writing itself was good and the book picked up pace after the 80% mark for me.
Overall, this was a good book but I expected it to be a bigger mover for me.
ARC provided by Love Between the Sheets in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2015
‘…life has a way of adding layers like callouses.’
This is a true love story first and foremost, but is it a happy romantic one filled with butterflies and unicorns? No, not so much, and we kind of loved that and felt the originality threaded through the words. Did we love and connect with the characters? Yes and no; we felt as if a temporary screen was placed between – us and them – prohibiting any true, honest and real emotions from filtering through. Well that is until the latter part where the story took a huge gulp of fresh air and breathed a new lease of life through its pages.
“I am trying so hard not to love you.”
If you talked to some readers on what is a no go area this one is pretty much one of those in some respects, however it is was what kept us reading and invested, so in one way it worked. We have no issues whatsoever with this type of story.
‘We were becoming desperate.’
The heroine provoked us to the point where we disliked her immensely, the heroes both had us feeling every emotion possible. Though we have to say Bobby stole our hearts from the get go. He was a true lovable rogue. Mostly we felt pity of varying degrees towards everyone. Pawns in a game of hearts and survival.
‘On this night, we had released something powerful. Something dangerous. And once freed, we could not put it back.’
It’s hard to say what didn’t really work for us as it would provide future readers with huge spoilers. What we can say is that we felt as though road to redemption was handed a little too easily for these characters. That being said we ultimately felt the end of this story with all our hearts and we have to say we cried for what was and what came after.
“…one day you are going to wake up and realize you slept your whole life away.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**
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March 7, 2022
5 +++ stars ✧
𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠: 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲
if the theme of the movie brothers and the tone of titanic had a baby, it would be swelter.
i could not stop reading, and i can't stop crying.
i'm very picky with what goes on my hall of fame shelf, and almost nothing meets my ruined me forever shelf—which is saved for the books that i know without a doubt will never leave my heart and soul.
this made both.
Bobby Lightly, the man of my dreams, you stole my heart <3
𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠: 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲
if the theme of the movie brothers and the tone of titanic had a baby, it would be swelter.
❝How long have you loved me?❞
❝Since before I even knew what it was.❞
i could not stop reading, and i can't stop crying.
i'm very picky with what goes on my hall of fame shelf, and almost nothing meets my ruined me forever shelf—which is saved for the books that i know without a doubt will never leave my heart and soul.
this made both.
Bobby Lightly, the man of my dreams, you stole my heart <3
❝Lake and sleep?❞
❝Lake and sleep.❞
October 23, 2015
Fffuuuuuuuuuccccccckkkkkk I have no words. Ms. Jones has struck me silent. I'm going to wait until my heart is beating at a regular pace, then try to come up with words and a rating. I'm blown away. Blown. Away.
September 2, 2021
This pains
No one touch me
I'll write a review after the next 24 working hours because pls stop this hurt someone.
here after some working hours giving this a 5 star rating
*putting the box of tissues down for a moment*
*Screaming*
*taking a deep breath*
Hmm okay so where do I start?....
Yeah so first
This is a book about cheating if you cannot already tell
So if you're anyhow a little uncomfortable reading about it I'd say this is your queue to leave....
Thanks.
Now that the people who are okay with this are here.
WOW.
Can I be honest?
I was 60% into the book and was like ... Meh.
A full on 2.5 stars.
But my oh my the rest...🤌
The story is about my girl Lily, who married Rory
But she's in love Bobby who is Rory's brother.
smiles
Lily marries Rory. YK the decent guy people usually settle down with.
But the curtain drops and we see Bobby loving her.
And ladies and gentlemen the feeling was returned.
Before the wedding Bobby and Lily decide to have a little day to themselves where ultimately they confess their love to each other.
After seeing his brother getting married to someone he truly loved he shipped out to Korea
All these years Lily and Rory thought Bobby died because they didn't hear from him.
“Everything's okay. I'm fine. I don't know how else to tell you, but . . . Bobby's here.”
Bobby's return only made them both dig into their buried feelings again.
And made Lily fall into a frenzy of feelings because....
'Why tf are you coming back and why tf altogether'
He wants everything to seem perfect. He doesn't want you to see what's become of us even though it's glaringly obvious.
Now I'll tell you the bigger picture.
Rory and lily were having a hard time with their marriage.
Having troubles having kids.
Because Rory couldn't...."produce". shrugs
The marriage was just a blown mess
And now that Bobby was here to look at it real time and that Lily could actually SEE how she's living like, Bobby sounded a better deal.
Both of them, Lily and Bobby, kept their quiet because Lily thought it was the pre wedding jitters seven years ago and Bobby was too loyal to his brother.
Also people keep in mind that you'll get FLASHBACKS.
And you'll get them start to finish and we love to see it.😌
Let's talk about the people in here.
Like a revelation, I realized at that moment, that simple kiss felt like nothing I had ever felt with Rory. That kiss busted me wide open and the ache had found a way to escape and make room for a type of bliss I had never felt before. I wanted more of that feeling.
LILY GALE.
This bitch made me soo mad.
Like....my girl here went through 7 years of marriage knowing she didn't love Rory.
Like... Why.
I started liking her from the point she started to voice herself
Because please girl was .. eh not my best friend here.
My opinion about her was that she loved her comfort.
She was living this pathetic life but atleast she was "settled"
She was living with this asshole of a husband but atleast she was living a "decent" life right?
I was on her side the second she decided that it's better to be happy and independent and in love than live the pathetic settled down life.
Because Rory didn't let her go and work because apparently he is the one that did the earnings around the house.
Seven years was a longgggg time and she had this revelation coming long time although ugh she could have just .jcjfjfkfk hurried up because I was here squirming on my place because bitch DO SOMETHING other than just be a wife to your lame ass husband.
But once she got a taste of Bobby again after all these years she really did see how life could have been rather than what it is.
I've known Lil since I was, I think, six. Maybe seven. She and I sort of have a reputation of getting after it. I think it started when I tried to steal her candy apple at a carnival and she socked me. Hard. And then began a thirteen-plus year war that still rages until this day.
Rory, you bastard. You're marrying the most amazing girl I've ever known.
BOBBY.
He's the superior man in this whole ass book.
Everything about this man is good to me.
Top to bottom 🤌
A great friend
A great brother.
A greater lover
Everything is just 10/10
I just ugh yes please.
He let Lily make her choice
The lake house and his wedding toast and ugh stop I will start crying he was perfect and he deserved EVERYTHING.
“This is my fault?” I asked in disbelief.
“When'd you get to be such a fuckin' drag, Lilly?” Rory asked through gritted teeth before exiting the bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Bobby asked.
“To get some air. Have fun with the nag!”
RORY
This man can honestly deep fry himself and I'll play a nice song in the background to go with the screaming
I don't care.
I'd have pittied anyone who was married to this ass.
Drank.
Cheated.
Didn't let her work.
Shot a fucking gun in his own house.
Didn't include Lily in major decisions.
He's just ew all around that's all I will say
I don't want to waste my words on this man.
You know I'm not that much of a bitch I would have sympathized with this man if he was really nice and Lily was cheating on him.
But no.
I feel nothing for this man.
Trash.
Way down the road you'll meet Stan.
Anyway, is Stan going to be traveling soon? Rory's got a lot on his plate.
STAN.
My burning hatred for that man is incomparable.
I never have used the word hate with such an emotion.
When I say hate.
I say it with my whole chest.
If this man was dying from thirst and I had a glass of water,
I'd drink it.
And I'd drink it in front of him.
😇
I will NOT be spoiling this book
*Evil smile*
I like to see people suffer.
Go on and take a sip of the poison.
Do it willingly
*Pennywise grin*
Concluding the end without spoiling it :
B E A U T I F U L
P E R F E C T
P O E T I C.
just 🤌
No one touch me
I'll write a review after the next 24 working hours because pls stop this hurt someone.
here after some working hours giving this a 5 star rating
*putting the box of tissues down for a moment*
*Screaming*
*taking a deep breath*
Hmm okay so where do I start?....
Yeah so first
This is a book about cheating if you cannot already tell
So if you're anyhow a little uncomfortable reading about it I'd say this is your queue to leave....
Thanks.
Now that the people who are okay with this are here.
WOW.
Can I be honest?
I was 60% into the book and was like ... Meh.
A full on 2.5 stars.
But my oh my the rest...🤌
The story is about my girl Lily, who married Rory
But she's in love Bobby who is Rory's brother.
smiles
Lily marries Rory. YK the decent guy people usually settle down with.
But the curtain drops and we see Bobby loving her.
And ladies and gentlemen the feeling was returned.
Before the wedding Bobby and Lily decide to have a little day to themselves where ultimately they confess their love to each other.
After seeing his brother getting married to someone he truly loved he shipped out to Korea
All these years Lily and Rory thought Bobby died because they didn't hear from him.
“Everything's okay. I'm fine. I don't know how else to tell you, but . . . Bobby's here.”
Bobby's return only made them both dig into their buried feelings again.
And made Lily fall into a frenzy of feelings because....
'Why tf are you coming back and why tf altogether'
He wants everything to seem perfect. He doesn't want you to see what's become of us even though it's glaringly obvious.
Now I'll tell you the bigger picture.
Rory and lily were having a hard time with their marriage.
Having troubles having kids.
Because Rory couldn't...."produce". shrugs
The marriage was just a blown mess
And now that Bobby was here to look at it real time and that Lily could actually SEE how she's living like, Bobby sounded a better deal.
Both of them, Lily and Bobby, kept their quiet because Lily thought it was the pre wedding jitters seven years ago and Bobby was too loyal to his brother.
Also people keep in mind that you'll get FLASHBACKS.
And you'll get them start to finish and we love to see it.😌
Let's talk about the people in here.
Like a revelation, I realized at that moment, that simple kiss felt like nothing I had ever felt with Rory. That kiss busted me wide open and the ache had found a way to escape and make room for a type of bliss I had never felt before. I wanted more of that feeling.
LILY GALE.
This bitch made me soo mad.
Like....my girl here went through 7 years of marriage knowing she didn't love Rory.
Like... Why.
I started liking her from the point she started to voice herself
Because please girl was .. eh not my best friend here.
My opinion about her was that she loved her comfort.
She was living this pathetic life but atleast she was "settled"
She was living with this asshole of a husband but atleast she was living a "decent" life right?
I was on her side the second she decided that it's better to be happy and independent and in love than live the pathetic settled down life.
Because Rory didn't let her go and work because apparently he is the one that did the earnings around the house.
Seven years was a longgggg time and she had this revelation coming long time although ugh she could have just .jcjfjfkfk hurried up because I was here squirming on my place because bitch DO SOMETHING other than just be a wife to your lame ass husband.
But once she got a taste of Bobby again after all these years she really did see how life could have been rather than what it is.
I've known Lil since I was, I think, six. Maybe seven. She and I sort of have a reputation of getting after it. I think it started when I tried to steal her candy apple at a carnival and she socked me. Hard. And then began a thirteen-plus year war that still rages until this day.
Rory, you bastard. You're marrying the most amazing girl I've ever known.
BOBBY.
He's the superior man in this whole ass book.
Everything about this man is good to me.
Top to bottom 🤌
A great friend
A great brother.
A greater lover
Everything is just 10/10
I just ugh yes please.
He let Lily make her choice
The lake house and his wedding toast and ugh stop I will start crying he was perfect and he deserved EVERYTHING.
“This is my fault?” I asked in disbelief.
“When'd you get to be such a fuckin' drag, Lilly?” Rory asked through gritted teeth before exiting the bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Bobby asked.
“To get some air. Have fun with the nag!”
RORY
This man can honestly deep fry himself and I'll play a nice song in the background to go with the screaming
I don't care.
I'd have pittied anyone who was married to this ass.
Drank.
Cheated.
Didn't let her work.
Shot a fucking gun in his own house.
Didn't include Lily in major decisions.
He's just ew all around that's all I will say
I don't want to waste my words on this man.
You know I'm not that much of a bitch I would have sympathized with this man if he was really nice and Lily was cheating on him.
But no.
I feel nothing for this man.
Trash.
Way down the road you'll meet Stan.
Anyway, is Stan going to be traveling soon? Rory's got a lot on his plate.
STAN.
My burning hatred for that man is incomparable.
I never have used the word hate with such an emotion.
When I say hate.
I say it with my whole chest.
If this man was dying from thirst and I had a glass of water,
I'd drink it.
And I'd drink it in front of him.
😇
I will NOT be spoiling this book
*Evil smile*
I like to see people suffer.
Go on and take a sip of the poison.
Do it willingly
*Pennywise grin*
Concluding the end without spoiling it :
B E A U T I F U L
P E R F E C T
P O E T I C.
just 🤌
October 11, 2015
‘…life has a way of adding layers like callouses.’
This is a true love story first and foremost, but is it a happy romantic one filled with butterflies and unicorns? No, not so much, and we kind of loved that and felt the originality threaded through the words. Did we love and connect with the characters? Yes and no; we felt as if a temporary screen was placed between – us and them – prohibiting any true, honest and real emotions from filtering through. Well that is until the latter part where the story took a huge gulp of fresh air and breathed a new lease of life through its pages.
“I am trying so hard not to love you.”
If you talked to some readers on what is a no go area this one is pretty much one of those in some respects, however it is was what kept us reading and invested, so in one way it worked. We have no issues whatsoever with this type of story.
‘We were becoming desperate.’
The heroine provoked us to the point where we disliked her immensely, the heroes both had us feeling every emotion possible. Though we have to say Bobby stole our hearts from the get go. He was a true lovable rogue. Mostly we felt pity of varying degrees towards everyone. Pawns in a game of hearts and survival.
‘On this night, we had released something powerful. Something dangerous. And once freed, we could not put it back.’
It’s hard to say what didn’t really work for us as it would provide future readers with huge spoilers. What we can say is that we felt as though road to redemption was handed a little too easily for these characters. That being said we ultimately felt the end of this story with all our hearts and we have to say we cried for what was and what came after.
“…one day you are going to wake up and realize you slept your whole life away.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**
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September 27, 2020
Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, heartbreakingly sad and lasciviously sexy!! You will feel elation, as well as devastation! You have been warned....
Going into Swelter by Nina G. Jones, I had no idea what to expect. This is my first experience reading her work. She totally floored me. This chick is insanely talented. The multitude of emotions the book evoked within me is ridiculous. For that reason alone, it deserves a million stars. I sobbed and swooned repeatedly. At one point, I was sick to my stomach, heart hurting with tears flowing. The amount of love and anguish I felt, I thought my heart would burst right out of my chest. I had to read this painstakingly slow, because I needed to absorb and feel every word.
Your heart will break, then soar, then break again for Bobby and Lilly.
I fell crazily in love with these characters. Their desperation and adoration for one another is overwhelming to say the least. They are both going through life as ghosts, one running and the other unfeeling. Their journey is something I will never forget...
This is my first book from a different era. I found it to be rather refreshing. I was instantaneously transported to 1957. A time where men ruled the world, women had no say, different races were frowned upon and sex was something not to be discussed. The depiction of the era was so vivid, I was able to see everything, from the clothes to the style of furniture. I swear, I could almost hear the old songs playing on the the record machine.
This woman knows how to write about sex!! There were some parts that were so hot, I had to put my kindle down and take a breath. This isn't smut. This is pure INTIMACY. I have never had an author translate sexual experiences in the manner of which Nina has done. It is incomparable. Lyrically written like poetry. So beautiful, it will not only take your breath away, but it will make you blush. I could not contain the butterflies swarming in my belly!
This book is one of my top picks for 2015. I recommend reading alone in private, due to the emotional content!
Going into Swelter by Nina G. Jones, I had no idea what to expect. This is my first experience reading her work. She totally floored me. This chick is insanely talented. The multitude of emotions the book evoked within me is ridiculous. For that reason alone, it deserves a million stars. I sobbed and swooned repeatedly. At one point, I was sick to my stomach, heart hurting with tears flowing. The amount of love and anguish I felt, I thought my heart would burst right out of my chest. I had to read this painstakingly slow, because I needed to absorb and feel every word.
Your heart will break, then soar, then break again for Bobby and Lilly.
I fell crazily in love with these characters. Their desperation and adoration for one another is overwhelming to say the least. They are both going through life as ghosts, one running and the other unfeeling. Their journey is something I will never forget...
This is my first book from a different era. I found it to be rather refreshing. I was instantaneously transported to 1957. A time where men ruled the world, women had no say, different races were frowned upon and sex was something not to be discussed. The depiction of the era was so vivid, I was able to see everything, from the clothes to the style of furniture. I swear, I could almost hear the old songs playing on the the record machine.
This woman knows how to write about sex!! There were some parts that were so hot, I had to put my kindle down and take a breath. This isn't smut. This is pure INTIMACY. I have never had an author translate sexual experiences in the manner of which Nina has done. It is incomparable. Lyrically written like poetry. So beautiful, it will not only take your breath away, but it will make you blush. I could not contain the butterflies swarming in my belly!
This book is one of my top picks for 2015. I recommend reading alone in private, due to the emotional content!
December 30, 2016
Oh geeze, as soon as it started in 1958, I thought... NO. Wasn't even going to bother continuing but I did, and I'm thrilled that I had! This was amazing and being the "oh shit!" Conclusion... of surprise. NOTHING BETTER THAN THIS TYPE OF BOOK! I haven't crossed many that doesn't give hints of how stories come to an end and boy was I shocked. I sat there moments thinking what I would have missed had I stopped. AMAZING read!
April 24, 2021
I think I need to wash my face because it has dried from the tears I've shed reading the end of this book. This is the second night in a row I'm crying over some book 😂 I need to read something next that's less emotional plz
Though romance is central to this book, this book is not a romance.
Lilly "Lil" has been married to Rory Lightly for 7 years now, but their marriage isn't what it used to be/isn't going so well. After all this time, she's still not pregnant with Rory's child and wants to do something more with her life than be a housewife essentially, maybe have a career--she went to college after all--but Rory doesn't want her to work since it might reflect on him that he can't support her.
Then, out of the blue, Bobby (Robert), Rory's brother, knocks on the door. He had gone to war in Korea and everyone thought he was dead. It turns out Lilly and Bobby were in love but Bobby left when Lilly married Rory, his brother. Now he's back from the dead and their relationship is just heating up again.
Though maybe it seems so based on the blurb I just wrote, this book is not written for shock value...more like emotional value. Though I was pretty shocked and a little scandalized when Lilly had sex with Bobby right before she walked down the aisle to marry Rory. I still don't know why later the author went in the direction she did...sure it made for a more memorable read BUT
This book was a trainwreck that I was scared to keep turning the pages, though I was so hooked. It started reading like a gothic horror without the gothic where you know something bad's going to happen. I felt like my dad (speaking of him: his name is also Robert, though no one luckily calls him Bob or Bobby, and since it's past midnight, today is his birthday!!!) when he is gripping the edges of a movie theater seat when the action is getting intense.
I was tense when Lilly finally(!!!) decided to take a chance and go run away with Bobby and just knew that something bad was going to happen next. And sure enough, it did.
Earlier when I was reading, I was thinking to myself how this book could be over that fast if Lilly just decided to leave Rory already and run away with Bobby and if they got far enough, they could have their HEA.
However, (now don't read this if you plan on reading the book because I will spoil the shit out of this),
Other thoughts:
1) Thinking about it now, I'm still not sure why Bobby stayed away for 7 years? And why everyone thought he was dead? I wish that had been cleared up more.
2) I loved how close Bobby and Lilly were and that made me crave that kind of closeness with a man...where you feel like you're one half of a whole.
3) All the reviews say it has cheating, and sure Lilly does cheat on Rory a whole heck of a ton, but because the romance is between Lilly and Bobby, I don't consider it to be cheating.
4) Goodreads recommended this book to me after I read "One is a Promise" by Pam Godwin. I enjoyed this book more, though I rated the former 5 stars and this 4 because I was so shocked at the end...maybe I need to change that because I don't think "One is a Promise" really deserved those 5 stars...
5) I was excited and curious and a little hesitant to read another of this author's books after having LOVED "Debt". A few months ago I was even thinking of rereading "Debt". This book was so different and the two of them together really show Nina Jones's skill and range. Gotta check out some more of her books now...
Though romance is central to this book, this book is not a romance.
Lilly "Lil" has been married to Rory Lightly for 7 years now, but their marriage isn't what it used to be/isn't going so well. After all this time, she's still not pregnant with Rory's child and wants to do something more with her life than be a housewife essentially, maybe have a career--she went to college after all--but Rory doesn't want her to work since it might reflect on him that he can't support her.
Then, out of the blue, Bobby (Robert), Rory's brother, knocks on the door. He had gone to war in Korea and everyone thought he was dead. It turns out Lilly and Bobby were in love but Bobby left when Lilly married Rory, his brother. Now he's back from the dead and their relationship is just heating up again.
Though maybe it seems so based on the blurb I just wrote, this book is not written for shock value...more like emotional value. Though I was pretty shocked and a little scandalized when Lilly had sex with Bobby right before she walked down the aisle to marry Rory. I still don't know why later the author went in the direction she did...sure it made for a more memorable read BUT
This book was a trainwreck that I was scared to keep turning the pages, though I was so hooked. It started reading like a gothic horror without the gothic where you know something bad's going to happen. I felt like my dad (speaking of him: his name is also Robert, though no one luckily calls him Bob or Bobby, and since it's past midnight, today is his birthday!!!) when he is gripping the edges of a movie theater seat when the action is getting intense.
I was tense when Lilly finally(!!!) decided to take a chance and go run away with Bobby and just knew that something bad was going to happen next. And sure enough, it did.
Earlier when I was reading, I was thinking to myself how this book could be over that fast if Lilly just decided to leave Rory already and run away with Bobby and if they got far enough, they could have their HEA.
However, (now don't read this if you plan on reading the book because I will spoil the shit out of this),
Other thoughts:
1) Thinking about it now, I'm still not sure why Bobby stayed away for 7 years? And why everyone thought he was dead? I wish that had been cleared up more.
2) I loved how close Bobby and Lilly were and that made me crave that kind of closeness with a man...where you feel like you're one half of a whole.
3) All the reviews say it has cheating, and sure Lilly does cheat on Rory a whole heck of a ton, but because the romance is between Lilly and Bobby, I don't consider it to be cheating.
4) Goodreads recommended this book to me after I read "One is a Promise" by Pam Godwin. I enjoyed this book more, though I rated the former 5 stars and this 4 because I was so shocked at the end...maybe I need to change that because I don't think "One is a Promise" really deserved those 5 stars...
5) I was excited and curious and a little hesitant to read another of this author's books after having LOVED "Debt". A few months ago I was even thinking of rereading "Debt". This book was so different and the two of them together really show Nina Jones's skill and range. Gotta check out some more of her books now...
January 31, 2017
Swelter
“If I could press a button and stop loving you, I would”
What tragedy! Wow! That was intense. I thought I knew how this would end, but I was wrong.
Swelter is a story of unrequited, forbidden love. I read this every free moment I had. It was intriguing, sexy, well wrtten. I liked it a lot. There's an unfortunate love triangle-ish situation and the ending is sorrowful, but it was still worth every penny.
Lilly is a woman getting married to a man who's brother she's in love with. Lilly, Rory (her husband) and Bobby (Rory's brother), grew up together. They both had a thing for Lilly but Rory was the only one to vocalize said feelings. Bobby, on the other hand, stepped aside, kept his feelings to himself and let his brother get the girl. It wasn't until the day of Bobby's brother's wedding to Lilly—marijuana running through his system, that he had the courage to put himself out there. Horrible timing, of course, but he found that Lilly felt the same for him. Too afraid it was too late to back out, Lilly follows through with her nuptials to Rory and grieves the loss of her true love, in more ways than one.
Bobby disappeared that night, without a word and went to the military. His absence sent his brother in a downward spiral with alcohol and left Lilly in a state of depression. He stayed away, not being able to watch his brother live a life that should have been his own. With Bobby gone and Rory drinking regularly, Lilly becomes a shell of the person she once was. Seven years later, Bobby resurfaces at their door and wakes up a mourning Lilly. They make vows to get Rory sober and this time put themselves before their shared concern for Rory's happiness. They want to do what should have been done seven years prior. Which is be together.
The road they were about to embark upon would not be an easy one and this they knew. But they had no idea what was really in-store for them. Love is a tricky thing. It can give you the world but it can also rip that same world to shreds. Lilly and Bobby learn this the hard way, in a beautifully written tale, set in the 1950's.
Swelter is a second chance romance and although the 'in love with brothers' theme is extremely overdone, I give this author props for spinning it in a direction I didn't see coming. Still predictable at times but a wonderful journey. Bobby and Lilly broke my heart. You could feel the chemistry between them radiate off the pages and it made me wonder why she ever went through with her marriage to Rory. Set to look like a love triangle, Swelter was not. There was no question where her love laid, just a question of will she, won't she? And a fear of how it would end. I can't say it eneded the way I intended but none the less, a strong close to the story. There were tender moments and all that jazz—but underneath it, unfolded the wrath of not seizing the day. The message...live everyday like it's the last and never under any circumstance, put someone else's happiness before your own. Choices can be hard, but when the obvious choice should be yourself, it should be the easiest choice you'll ever have to make.
“If I could press a button and stop loving you, I would”
What tragedy! Wow! That was intense. I thought I knew how this would end, but I was wrong.
Swelter is a story of unrequited, forbidden love. I read this every free moment I had. It was intriguing, sexy, well wrtten. I liked it a lot. There's an unfortunate love triangle-ish situation and the ending is sorrowful, but it was still worth every penny.
Lilly is a woman getting married to a man who's brother she's in love with. Lilly, Rory (her husband) and Bobby (Rory's brother), grew up together. They both had a thing for Lilly but Rory was the only one to vocalize said feelings. Bobby, on the other hand, stepped aside, kept his feelings to himself and let his brother get the girl. It wasn't until the day of Bobby's brother's wedding to Lilly—marijuana running through his system, that he had the courage to put himself out there. Horrible timing, of course, but he found that Lilly felt the same for him. Too afraid it was too late to back out, Lilly follows through with her nuptials to Rory and grieves the loss of her true love, in more ways than one.
Bobby disappeared that night, without a word and went to the military. His absence sent his brother in a downward spiral with alcohol and left Lilly in a state of depression. He stayed away, not being able to watch his brother live a life that should have been his own. With Bobby gone and Rory drinking regularly, Lilly becomes a shell of the person she once was. Seven years later, Bobby resurfaces at their door and wakes up a mourning Lilly. They make vows to get Rory sober and this time put themselves before their shared concern for Rory's happiness. They want to do what should have been done seven years prior. Which is be together.
The road they were about to embark upon would not be an easy one and this they knew. But they had no idea what was really in-store for them. Love is a tricky thing. It can give you the world but it can also rip that same world to shreds. Lilly and Bobby learn this the hard way, in a beautifully written tale, set in the 1950's.
Swelter is a second chance romance and although the 'in love with brothers' theme is extremely overdone, I give this author props for spinning it in a direction I didn't see coming. Still predictable at times but a wonderful journey. Bobby and Lilly broke my heart. You could feel the chemistry between them radiate off the pages and it made me wonder why she ever went through with her marriage to Rory. Set to look like a love triangle, Swelter was not. There was no question where her love laid, just a question of will she, won't she? And a fear of how it would end. I can't say it eneded the way I intended but none the less, a strong close to the story. There were tender moments and all that jazz—but underneath it, unfolded the wrath of not seizing the day. The message...live everyday like it's the last and never under any circumstance, put someone else's happiness before your own. Choices can be hard, but when the obvious choice should be yourself, it should be the easiest choice you'll ever have to make.
September 29, 2015
4 "Freedom" Stars
"I had disposed of the love of my life for the promise of a life full of stuff but void of experiences."
"...life has a way of adding layers like callouses. The softness that Rory possessed had hardened. I never saw it happen; each thin layer formed so slowly, and suddenly one day he had concocted a shell and I had no way to get past the rough barrier."
"I had disposed of the love of my life for the promise of a life full of stuff but void of experiences."
"...life has a way of adding layers like callouses. The softness that Rory possessed had hardened. I never saw it happen; each thin layer formed so slowly, and suddenly one day he had concocted a shell and I had no way to get past the rough barrier."
October 13, 2015
I cannot stop crying!!!!
Amazing gut wrenching read...
Full Review Here...
Melancholy
would be the word that describes this feeling I can't seem to shake.
There were so many whys while reading that I was left with that fluttering feeling of despair in my stomach and even when answered were unjustifiable to me and just made me wish we could some how, some way Turn Back Time so they could've made all the wrong decisions and to hell with it all!!
The story was based in the mid 50's, and through out we get these enchanting flash back moments of lazy summer days spent by a lake house, late night skinning dipping, basically kids having fun while turning into teens developing crushes and then the reality of young adulthood..
while reading I got to envision the fashion, imagine hearing the music, feel the heat of those Sweltering Summer months that changed so many lives and will stay with me for a very long time.
In my opinion it WAS a dark read.. not in a sadistic twisted way..
more like in a real every day way where you feel no matter what decisions are
made someone will get hurt, someone will get the short end of the stick.
Life isn't always about HEA's it's real and raw..
And we got our fair share of it.
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
Amazing gut wrenching read...
Full Review Here...
Melancholy
would be the word that describes this feeling I can't seem to shake.
There were so many whys while reading that I was left with that fluttering feeling of despair in my stomach and even when answered were unjustifiable to me and just made me wish we could some how, some way Turn Back Time so they could've made all the wrong decisions and to hell with it all!!
The story was based in the mid 50's, and through out we get these enchanting flash back moments of lazy summer days spent by a lake house, late night skinning dipping, basically kids having fun while turning into teens developing crushes and then the reality of young adulthood..
while reading I got to envision the fashion, imagine hearing the music, feel the heat of those Sweltering Summer months that changed so many lives and will stay with me for a very long time.
In my opinion it WAS a dark read.. not in a sadistic twisted way..
more like in a real every day way where you feel no matter what decisions are
made someone will get hurt, someone will get the short end of the stick.
Life isn't always about HEA's it's real and raw..
And we got our fair share of it.
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
October 7, 2015
What a great book!!!! I could not stop reading!!!!!!
Congratulations to the author for writing such a beautiful heartbreaking love story. I can't say more...except that I was on edge..I was hot..I cried,,,and then I cried some more bittersweet tears...
and that epilogue.... WOW!!!
Congratulations to the author for writing such a beautiful heartbreaking love story. I can't say more...except that I was on edge..I was hot..I cried,,,and then I cried some more bittersweet tears...
and that epilogue.... WOW!!!
October 6, 2015
I'm speechless right now. Utterly. This story will stay with me for a long, long time.
Amazing.
Amazing.
September 21, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“He braced my neck, wrapping his long fingers along the nape, making me watch in the dark mirror, as he slid in and out of me.”
5 steamy, sweltering stars!!!! This book was so sexy and steamy, I fell in love the minute I started reading it!!!
I married the right brother.
At least that's what I tell myself at night, when I stare at the ceiling and listen to the rhythm of the grandfather clock down the hall. It never feels like the mere passage of time, but a countdown towards something inevitable.
Bobby Lightly is selfish, irresponsible, and careless. I haven't seen him since the day I married his brother. He slipped out during the wedding reception without a word.
A year later, I heard Bobby was drafted to Korea. He never said goodbye. Never sent a letter. We had all come to terms with the fact that he was probably dead somewhere, either a victim of the war or its aftermath.
That is, until in the midst of an unrelenting heatwave, he showed up at the doorstep of the house I lived in with his brother.
Everyone thinks I'm cruel. Everyone thinks I should be easy on him. They think I don't understand him. They all think I hate him.
But what no one understands is that it was Bobby who broke my heart.
And I think he’s back to do it again.
I can’t even begin to describe how smoking hot this book is!!! The characters are so exciting and fun to read, they almost jump off the page!!! I loved the storyline and loved the way it all flowed together!!! Nina G. Jones can do no wrong in my eyes, and this book just proved it!!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“He braced my neck, wrapping his long fingers along the nape, making me watch in the dark mirror, as he slid in and out of me.”
5 steamy, sweltering stars!!!! This book was so sexy and steamy, I fell in love the minute I started reading it!!!
I married the right brother.
At least that's what I tell myself at night, when I stare at the ceiling and listen to the rhythm of the grandfather clock down the hall. It never feels like the mere passage of time, but a countdown towards something inevitable.
Bobby Lightly is selfish, irresponsible, and careless. I haven't seen him since the day I married his brother. He slipped out during the wedding reception without a word.
A year later, I heard Bobby was drafted to Korea. He never said goodbye. Never sent a letter. We had all come to terms with the fact that he was probably dead somewhere, either a victim of the war or its aftermath.
That is, until in the midst of an unrelenting heatwave, he showed up at the doorstep of the house I lived in with his brother.
Everyone thinks I'm cruel. Everyone thinks I should be easy on him. They think I don't understand him. They all think I hate him.
But what no one understands is that it was Bobby who broke my heart.
And I think he’s back to do it again.
I can’t even begin to describe how smoking hot this book is!!! The characters are so exciting and fun to read, they almost jump off the page!!! I loved the storyline and loved the way it all flowed together!!! Nina G. Jones can do no wrong in my eyes, and this book just proved it!!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
October 16, 2015
Set in the 1950s, Swelter is the story of Lilly and brothers Rory and Bobby. One is her husband and one is the love of her life. They all grew up together. Rory was always the sensible one and Bobby the playboy. Lilly was all set to marry Rory but the night before the wedding Lilly and Bobby make their feelings known. But it wasn't enough to change anything. After the wedding Bobby disappears.
Seven years later, Rory and Lilly are unhappy but their world is turned upside down when Bobby returns.
From here things take a turn that I didn't see coming. And then Jones just kept them coming. I was quietly crying but then I got to the epilogue and I was a full blown mess. Such a sad, touching story of what could never be. I was impressed. Well done.
Seven years later, Rory and Lilly are unhappy but their world is turned upside down when Bobby returns.
From here things take a turn that I didn't see coming. And then Jones just kept them coming. I was quietly crying but then I got to the epilogue and I was a full blown mess. Such a sad, touching story of what could never be. I was impressed. Well done.
October 8, 2015
4-4.75 Stars
I didn't give it a 5 stars rating only because it was a book that is out of my comfort zone. And this book has And you get it. I don't do books like that without ranting to the highest level at the top of my lungs. But I have no words, but I'm so mad, really mad. I think, I have just been served an emotional backlash! Since, reading Debt, I've been on the line for Nina Jones' new books and maybe this wouldn't the last book I'll read by this author, but I'll just have to take a vacation from this one, to calm my nerves!
#ReadAtYourOwnRisk
I didn't give it a 5 stars rating only because it was a book that is out of my comfort zone. And this book has And you get it. I don't do books like that without ranting to the highest level at the top of my lungs. But I have no words, but I'm so mad, really mad. I think, I have just been served an emotional backlash! Since, reading Debt, I've been on the line for Nina Jones' new books and maybe this wouldn't the last book I'll read by this author, but I'll just have to take a vacation from this one, to calm my nerves!
#ReadAtYourOwnRisk
August 28, 2015
Although it's hard to in good conscience pick a "favorite" of Nina's, this by far comes in at the top! Swelter is a story about sacrifice, love, and ultimately the things we'll do for that love. I really appreciated the realistic nature of the story... I felt as though this could truly happen to "anyone".
January 5, 2016
I loved this book. As much as I DO NOT condone cheating, I loved this story. I loved Bobby. I cried my eyes out, thank you very much Nina G. Jones. I don't want to say too much and spoil any part of the story, so I'll just say read it. Read it now.
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