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Bastard #2
Jax
JAX
My name is Jaxson Albright. To my friends I’m known as Jax. I’m the disgraced son of well-known Politician, Malcom Albright. You could say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was supposed to follow in my father’s footsteps and move into politics. My whole childhood was spent being groomed for this role, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I had other plans.
To my family’s disgust, I’m inked, I’m pierced and I own and run a tattoo parlour, in Sydney. I fit in here. I can be the man I was destined to be, the man my family are ashamed of. The son they regret having.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my saviour, Candice. My pink-haired angel. We grew up in the same circle, but like me, she’s an outcast. She refused to conform to society’s ways. She’s the only one who stuck by me and not only encouraged, but supported my dream.
I love her. No, correction—I’m in love with her. I have been for as long as I can remember. She has no idea how I feel. It’s a battle I struggle with daily. I’ve kept my secret all these years because I couldn’t risk losing her. That’s a chance I’m not prepared to take, because she’s my best friend; my only real family.
I’ve spent the last few years moving from one hot chick to the next, trying to mask these feeling I have. But it doesn’t help—I can’t get her out of my head. She still owns my damn heart.
How do you get over the girl you know you can never have? And how do you live without the one person on this earth who was made for you?
She’s my soulmate.
My name is Jaxson Albright. To my friends I’m known as Jax. I’m the disgraced son of well-known Politician, Malcom Albright. You could say I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I was supposed to follow in my father’s footsteps and move into politics. My whole childhood was spent being groomed for this role, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I had other plans.
To my family’s disgust, I’m inked, I’m pierced and I own and run a tattoo parlour, in Sydney. I fit in here. I can be the man I was destined to be, the man my family are ashamed of. The son they regret having.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my saviour, Candice. My pink-haired angel. We grew up in the same circle, but like me, she’s an outcast. She refused to conform to society’s ways. She’s the only one who stuck by me and not only encouraged, but supported my dream.
I love her. No, correction—I’m in love with her. I have been for as long as I can remember. She has no idea how I feel. It’s a battle I struggle with daily. I’ve kept my secret all these years because I couldn’t risk losing her. That’s a chance I’m not prepared to take, because she’s my best friend; my only real family.
I’ve spent the last few years moving from one hot chick to the next, trying to mask these feeling I have. But it doesn’t help—I can’t get her out of my head. She still owns my damn heart.
How do you get over the girl you know you can never have? And how do you live without the one person on this earth who was made for you?
She’s my soulmate.
384 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2016
19 people are currently reading
1084 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Perry
31 books1,475 followers**OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2018 RWA RUBY AWARD FOR ROMANTIC BOOK OF THE YEAR**
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.
NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.
J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.
J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:
Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5
Jodi is a wife and mother, born in Sydney, Australia. She recently moved to property in the Hunter Valley with her family for a tree change. Under the name of J. L. Perry, five of her books have been #1 Bestsellers; including BASTARD, JAX, HOOKER, NINETEEN LETTERS and THE BOSS. Foreign rights to some of her books have been sold to Germany, Hungary, Czech and France where BASTARD became a top #20 bestseller. Some of her other titles include, FINDING HIM, FINDING FOREVER, FINDING US, FINDING FORGIVENESS, THE THIEF, ONLY ONE NIGHT, MR. BLACK, MR. EDWARDS and THE STRANGER.
NINETEEN LETTERS was debuted under the name of Jodi Perry through publishing giants, Hachette where it won the RWA Ruby Award for 2018 Romance Book of the Year. She also secured a publishing deal in the UK, with Sphere, an imprint company of Little Brown.
J. L.'s love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her heartfelt stories. Her other loves are travelling, shopping, shoes and wine.
J. L. Perry would love to hear from you. She can be contacted here:
Email: jlperryauthor@hotmail.com.au
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1P9vuNc
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/18894...
Amazon Authors page: http://amzn.to/1lUgadR
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1maWcei
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1NtKXU5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
December 18, 2018
I knew that it wouldn’t be a safe romantic read when I picked up this book; but I never expected it to be such a disappointment!
November 12, 2016
TITLE: Jax
AUTHOR: J.L. Perry
CHAPTERS: 33
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
RELEASE DATE: November 27th, 2016
JAX BOOK TRAILER - https://youtu.be/FDC5QMCVQO4
JAX: Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives' A second chance romance. After reading and devouring Bastard & Luckiest Bastard and cray cray loving them I was highly anticipating Jax's story and this did not let me down one iota.
Two best friends, their last night together before Jax goes off to university for four years, is filled with regrets, years go by where they have not spoken, and neither know what the other has been up to, until out of the blue they reconnect.
Coasting through life he's come to realise no matter what he does he'll never make his parents happy, always a disappointment, after a confrontation with his father at the age of twenty-one he's ready to live his life instead of forever being dictated to by his parents. He's finally taking life by the horns and doing something that's always been a pipe dream.
“My father’s a selfish prick, and my mother is his puppet. It’s always been his way or no way. Well, no more. From now on it’s going to be my way. I’m going to be the man I want to be, the one I was destined to be." Candice is a pink haired beautiful teenager the daughter of an ex model & beauty queen who is trying to make Candice live in her footsteps.
These two are like two peas in a pod, kindred spirits with controlling parents she has been in love with Jax since the first time she spoke to him. He too has fallen for the pink haired rebel but controls his urges to take that next step in case they lose the best friendship he's ever had.
A slow moving emotional angst filled book that will have you captivated and inhaling every page till the end. At times you'll want to jump in the book and knock their heads off, the love oozes off the pages, we feel it, breathe it, live it, only they didn't. They took their sweet assed time catching up to us. Jax does come across like an ass at times but look deeper, go beyond what we read on the surface, he does redeem himself.
Being an angst whore I loved the backwards/forwards these two put us through, the feels were tenfold and that's what I crave, need in my books and this author definitely delivered those.
She makes my days brighter, she's my happy place, my sidekick.
February 9, 2017
I am not a tattoo type of girl, but Jax definitely makes me drool over the fact that I want something spicy someday in the near future. This love story is one of the great definitions of a second chance type of story. J. L. Perry never disappoints when it comes down to plot twists. Even though I sort of saw from the beginning where she was leading the two characters off to, I still enjoyed knowing what was to come. This is a short review and I apologize for the length of it, but unfortunately my time is very precious as of right now. I will write a full review in the near future...
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review...
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review...
February 17, 2017
#assholeAlert
==> great review
Heroine celibate while hero fuck everything that moves and breathes.
Highlights:
==> great review
Heroine celibate while hero fuck everything that moves and breathes.
Highlights:
"I hear Brad chuckle from beside me, but I’m not amused. I went out for a few drinks to drown my sorrows and ended up going home with some chick."
‘Man, I saw those two babes you left the club with last night. Fuck me.’ He reaches over the counter and playfully punches Jax in the arm. ‘You need to give me some pointers—how do you do that shit night after night? You’re like a real-life Arthur Fonza-fucking-relli, from..."
"glimpse of Candice. Her eyes follow me across the club. When her gaze moves down to my hand firmly holding the brunette’s, her face drops."
‘I don’t make love, Candice, I fuck.’
"My eyes spring open when I hear a soft moan. There’s a naked blonde lying beside me. I raise my head off the pillow. Christ, and a fucking brunette on the other side of her. I scan the room. I’m not even sure where I am, but I’m definitely not at Carter’s house. How did I even get here?"
"Guilt floods me. Although I haven’t seen or heard from Candice in six months, I can’t help but feel like I’ve just cheated on her."
"When I see two used condoms on the floor beside the bed, my heart sinks. There’s no denying it now. If I was so drunk I can’t remember, I’m surprised I could even perform."
"my relationship with Candice is ruined. I don’t think it’s possible to get back what we had. Too much has happened."
"Her word means nothing to me now. Although I’m confident we’ll be able to keep things civil for our daughter’s sake."
‘Please know all the others meant nothing to me. It’s only ever been you. They were just my pathetic attempt at trying to forget you. It never helped. You still held my heart. You always will.’
tried-and-failed
February 15, 2017NOPE, NEVER FOR ME.
I tried and failed this one and here is why
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For me that was ....
I tried and failed this one and here is why
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For me that was ....
March 5, 2022
JAX Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/FDC5QMCVQO4
Preorder links:
Amazon –
US Link: http://bit.ly/2bgZVnz
AU Link: http://amzn.to/2a00jd0
UK Link: http://amzn.to/29PT3io
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ajyQz0
Google play: http://bit.ly/29Rwx7S
Kobo: http://bit.ly/29LAOfs
Preorder links:
Amazon –
US Link: http://bit.ly/2bgZVnz
AU Link: http://amzn.to/2a00jd0
UK Link: http://amzn.to/29PT3io
iBooks: http://apple.co/2ajyQz0
Google play: http://bit.ly/29Rwx7S
Kobo: http://bit.ly/29LAOfs
February 18, 2017
I wasn't going to read this because other reviews warned me the hero was unfaithful after they were a couple (they were having problems but the heroine remained faithful). Meanwhile, in all this, even when he walked away after taking her virginity, the heroine only had one lover, him.
This trope is my pet peeve. It really bothers me that the men in these stories sleep around with impunity. They don't treat the women they sleep around with much respect while the woman they really love remains untouched on the shelf, pure (or only having slept with the hero) and waiting on the man to decide he is ready for her.
This is a double standard. And outdated one at that. I expect this when I read a historical romance but not contemporary.
Jax sleeps with everyone. Yet in his heart he loves only Candice. This is nonsense. He really just wants his proverbial cake and eat it too.
The worst part of this is how he gets all possessive when it looks like somebody would be interested in Candice. "Dog in the manger" much?
This is just an example:
"‘Yes, she does,’ I cut in before Candice has a chance to answer. She gasps as her head snaps in my direction, but I resist the urge to look her way. I know her well enough to realise she’s unhappy with my comment, but I don’t give a shit. There’s no way in hell I’d let her go out with this guy. Not only is he a manwhore, he associates with bikie gangs. Well, he says he does. He could be full of shit, but that’s a chance I’m not prepared to take. I give him a look that says, shut the fuck up. I’m relieved when he doesn’t say another word."
I am so sick of this trope. I am so sick of the double standards enshrined in these stories. If the heroine behaved in the same way the hero did? She'd be the disposable woman of the story not the heart of gold character.
Next time I'm curious, I will remind myself of this book and just say no.
This trope is my pet peeve. It really bothers me that the men in these stories sleep around with impunity. They don't treat the women they sleep around with much respect while the woman they really love remains untouched on the shelf, pure (or only having slept with the hero) and waiting on the man to decide he is ready for her.
This is a double standard. And outdated one at that. I expect this when I read a historical romance but not contemporary.
Jax sleeps with everyone. Yet in his heart he loves only Candice. This is nonsense. He really just wants his proverbial cake and eat it too.
The worst part of this is how he gets all possessive when it looks like somebody would be interested in Candice. "Dog in the manger" much?
This is just an example:
"‘Yes, she does,’ I cut in before Candice has a chance to answer. She gasps as her head snaps in my direction, but I resist the urge to look her way. I know her well enough to realise she’s unhappy with my comment, but I don’t give a shit. There’s no way in hell I’d let her go out with this guy. Not only is he a manwhore, he associates with bikie gangs. Well, he says he does. He could be full of shit, but that’s a chance I’m not prepared to take. I give him a look that says, shut the fuck up. I’m relieved when he doesn’t say another word."
I am so sick of this trope. I am so sick of the double standards enshrined in these stories. If the heroine behaved in the same way the hero did? She'd be the disposable woman of the story not the heart of gold character.
Next time I'm curious, I will remind myself of this book and just say no.
December 5, 2016
Another cheating asshole and doormat heroine
no-way-jose
February 10, 2017And I'm justified
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 23, 2016
I waited this story for over a year and it wasn't a disappointment!
If you think that Carter is the most doomed Hero you have ever read please meet his older "brother" Jax.
I was really caught in this story since the beginning and I was sad turning the last page and leave these amazing characters forever.
Thanks to J.L. Perry's writing I felt a lot of emotions reading this novel.
"You'll always be the sun in my day,the wind in my sky,the waves in my ocean,and the beat in my heart.I'll forever be lost without you by my side."
ARC Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
November 7, 2016
I will start off by saying you do not have to love tattooed men to enjoy this hot read cause you will feel the emotions no matter which way after reading this book. You will feel the happiness including the laughter moments, the betrayal, the hurting involved in friendship/family and the stubbornness between these two is real.
Jax's life was molded for him, whether he wanted this life or not. He doesn't want a life in politics and wants to open up a tattoo shop against his parents wishes. He is the outcast in his family since he wants to be his own person and not what other people expect him to be. Candy or his Candylicious as he calls her, is his BF and although he loves her (no not just friend love-he is in love with her) he won't take that next step and ruin the only true family he has since Candy is an outcast in their society as well.
Well a turn of events you could say may just change their friendship and the twists that occur over the years will have you on the edge of your seats waiting to find out the outcome. While you can guess where it leads, you don't know the full details so it keeps you in suspense until you finally get that gasping moment of shock.
So that I don't give away any spoilers, all I guess I can really say is that it may have taken years and I mean years for these two stubborn people to make their final move in the end it leaves your heart beating and not crushed as it does while reading this book. Family doesn't have to be your actual family and sometimes those you choose as your family are the better option in life. Just ask Jax and he would agree. As would Candy when you read how the turn of events play out for her side.
I so want to go back and read book one and the novella of his friend and partner, Carter. Those two (Jax and Carter) definitely felt like brothers and twins with the similar stories these two experienced. With this said, you do not have to read both books to understand the story as they are standalones about each character, but you will want to read the first book cause Carter is just as intriguing as Jax was even being a secondary character. Being rich is all its cracked up to be and I will take my middle class life any day if I had to endure what Jax and Candy does in the high society life. I highly recommend you read this book when you have time to sit and read in one sitting cause you will not want to put it done to find out how this plays out. Wicked Ink is more than the name of Jax's tattoo shop it can be held as to how you feel reading this book with all the emotions you experience in one book.
Jax's life was molded for him, whether he wanted this life or not. He doesn't want a life in politics and wants to open up a tattoo shop against his parents wishes. He is the outcast in his family since he wants to be his own person and not what other people expect him to be. Candy or his Candylicious as he calls her, is his BF and although he loves her (no not just friend love-he is in love with her) he won't take that next step and ruin the only true family he has since Candy is an outcast in their society as well.
Well a turn of events you could say may just change their friendship and the twists that occur over the years will have you on the edge of your seats waiting to find out the outcome. While you can guess where it leads, you don't know the full details so it keeps you in suspense until you finally get that gasping moment of shock.
So that I don't give away any spoilers, all I guess I can really say is that it may have taken years and I mean years for these two stubborn people to make their final move in the end it leaves your heart beating and not crushed as it does while reading this book. Family doesn't have to be your actual family and sometimes those you choose as your family are the better option in life. Just ask Jax and he would agree. As would Candy when you read how the turn of events play out for her side.
I so want to go back and read book one and the novella of his friend and partner, Carter. Those two (Jax and Carter) definitely felt like brothers and twins with the similar stories these two experienced. With this said, you do not have to read both books to understand the story as they are standalones about each character, but you will want to read the first book cause Carter is just as intriguing as Jax was even being a secondary character. Being rich is all its cracked up to be and I will take my middle class life any day if I had to endure what Jax and Candy does in the high society life. I highly recommend you read this book when you have time to sit and read in one sitting cause you will not want to put it done to find out how this plays out. Wicked Ink is more than the name of Jax's tattoo shop it can be held as to how you feel reading this book with all the emotions you experience in one book.
November 6, 2016
OMG where do I start with this book? If I could give it 10 stars I would. I opened it up and read it in two days (and went to work), I was that hooked, I didn't want it to end. I now have a new hero in my life under the name of Jax Allbright!!
Jax's life is mapped out for him he finishes school and his father wants him to go to university to study politics and follow in his footsteps but this isn't what Jax wants.....
Candice is the hot high school chick, that everybody loves but she's not the normal bimbo. She is feisty and spirited and that's what Jax loves about her and they become best friends......that's until one drunken night everything changes.
A chance meeting later in life brings them both back into a new friendship and they remain friends until a bombshell explodes and this time candice does the running.
This is a beautiful love story and written amazingly. I fell in love with Jax and his adorable heart, I could go on with this review because the book is brilliant but I don't wanna spoil it with too much, you have definitely got to read this for yourself I love this authors work it must be something about the name Jodi!!!
February 20, 2017
I was rather excited to start J.L Perry's "Jax" as I had read the others in this cluster/series and loved them. Plus the cover was smokin'.
It has been many many many months (you get my drift right) since I last read about Carter, Indi and the gang's goings on in J.L's books but Jax is written in a way that reminds you about the storyline as you read along( Phew!! Brilliant idea FYI).
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book is set in part where I was born and lived for 30 years - inner Sydney- and this just made me love "Jax" even more.
The book made me laugh out loud till I actually snorted, go into the ugly cry, cringe, smile, yell at my iPad, clap, stomp my feet, become as toey as a Roman Sandal, feel....it just made me feel.
People read books for many reasons, escapism, to discover new places and meet the most amazing people, to pass time, to shut the old brain off at night, to meet our newest Book Boyfriends but mostly I read to FEEL.
This book will bring out ALL your feelings. Hope, Love, Hate, Despare, Anger, Joy, Sorrow, Empathy.....the whole box and dice.
J.L Perry has outdone herself with this book....but I knew she would.
5 star read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It has been many many many months (you get my drift right) since I last read about Carter, Indi and the gang's goings on in J.L's books but Jax is written in a way that reminds you about the storyline as you read along( Phew!! Brilliant idea FYI).
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book is set in part where I was born and lived for 30 years - inner Sydney- and this just made me love "Jax" even more.
The book made me laugh out loud till I actually snorted, go into the ugly cry, cringe, smile, yell at my iPad, clap, stomp my feet, become as toey as a Roman Sandal, feel....it just made me feel.
People read books for many reasons, escapism, to discover new places and meet the most amazing people, to pass time, to shut the old brain off at night, to meet our newest Book Boyfriends but mostly I read to FEEL.
This book will bring out ALL your feelings. Hope, Love, Hate, Despare, Anger, Joy, Sorrow, Empathy.....the whole box and dice.
J.L Perry has outdone herself with this book....but I knew she would.
5 star read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 21, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have begun to adore J. L. Perry's work more and more with each page from every new fictional adventure that I embark on. First she wooed me with Bastard and then she charmed me with Hooker, now I get to meet Jax, whom I encountered briefly in both of those novels and I am in a state of awe and head over heels in love. J. L. Perry had me from the beginning, because best friend romances are my favorite, and then she took me on an emotional roller coaster like none other. I have truly not fallen so fast for a hero and heroine in a long time. Jax and Candice are like that box of chocolates that is full of surprises that you love and you must savor each and every delectable morsel.
Jax Albright is the son of a politician with a heart that belongs to a pink haired goddess, the soul of a rebel, feet permanently attached to a skateboard, and an ambition in art not politics...gasp! Too bad the pink haired beauty is his best friend and he has to leave for college and a degree in political science. That is until one passionate night has him taking a turning point that he never expected. Jax is hmmmm..delicious, stubborn, fierce, protective, but it is his heart for others that truly does me in. He gives so much love and care to everyone that he meets and colors their lives more than any ink he could ever create.
Candice Crawford is a beautiful young woman with a fire inside that can't be hidden and a love for Jax that can't be extinguished. When her life takes her down a road that she never expected to travel away from her best friend and new lover, she has to find her own way. Candice or “Candylicious” as Jax affectionately calls her is a woman of strength and is a complete spitfire and Jax's match in every way... even when he thinks that they are not meant to be. She is a heroine who you can't help but admire and become friends with as her story unfolds.
J. L. Perry delivers a poignant tale of shattered love, betrayal, and perseverance. Perry shows us that life can take many twists and turns with unexpected stops, starts, bumps, and scrapes along the way but we must enjoy every moment and treat it like the treasure it is because it will eventually take us where we need to be. I highly recommend Jax for a read that will have you panting with desire, fill your heart with tenderness, and leave you attached to every aspect of the story. There is so much more that I could say but every reader must discover it for themselves which is half the fun! I cannot wait to read many more books by J. L. Perry and possibly encounter these characters and new ones that I won't be able to resist falling for and wanting to revisit again and again.
I have begun to adore J. L. Perry's work more and more with each page from every new fictional adventure that I embark on. First she wooed me with Bastard and then she charmed me with Hooker, now I get to meet Jax, whom I encountered briefly in both of those novels and I am in a state of awe and head over heels in love. J. L. Perry had me from the beginning, because best friend romances are my favorite, and then she took me on an emotional roller coaster like none other. I have truly not fallen so fast for a hero and heroine in a long time. Jax and Candice are like that box of chocolates that is full of surprises that you love and you must savor each and every delectable morsel.
Jax Albright is the son of a politician with a heart that belongs to a pink haired goddess, the soul of a rebel, feet permanently attached to a skateboard, and an ambition in art not politics...gasp! Too bad the pink haired beauty is his best friend and he has to leave for college and a degree in political science. That is until one passionate night has him taking a turning point that he never expected. Jax is hmmmm..delicious, stubborn, fierce, protective, but it is his heart for others that truly does me in. He gives so much love and care to everyone that he meets and colors their lives more than any ink he could ever create.
Candice Crawford is a beautiful young woman with a fire inside that can't be hidden and a love for Jax that can't be extinguished. When her life takes her down a road that she never expected to travel away from her best friend and new lover, she has to find her own way. Candice or “Candylicious” as Jax affectionately calls her is a woman of strength and is a complete spitfire and Jax's match in every way... even when he thinks that they are not meant to be. She is a heroine who you can't help but admire and become friends with as her story unfolds.
J. L. Perry delivers a poignant tale of shattered love, betrayal, and perseverance. Perry shows us that life can take many twists and turns with unexpected stops, starts, bumps, and scrapes along the way but we must enjoy every moment and treat it like the treasure it is because it will eventually take us where we need to be. I highly recommend Jax for a read that will have you panting with desire, fill your heart with tenderness, and leave you attached to every aspect of the story. There is so much more that I could say but every reader must discover it for themselves which is half the fun! I cannot wait to read many more books by J. L. Perry and possibly encounter these characters and new ones that I won't be able to resist falling for and wanting to revisit again and again.
October 29, 2016
Jax
J. L. Perry
4 stars
Jaxson Albright doesn’t want the life his father and mother want for him. His brother has done just fine following in his fathers footstep making him proud and basically his puppet. Nothing he does is good enough and being himself is not allowed. His only light was Candice. His best friend who understands; who wants him to pursue his dreams .. not his fathers demands of him. One night .. lines are crossed with both wanting more and then nothing. I disappeared on her. I took her greatest gift and left her. The only person that ever really loved me, stuck by me and cared for me no matter what. I left .. without a word or a goodbye. I did it for her own good … she was better off without me.
Candice never has forgotten how much her best friend hurt her. She thought they were something but she was wrong. By the time Jax realizes what he has done maybe it will be too late. Struggling for several years over what Jax did doesn’t sit well but seeing him now is … another chance?
Jax and Candice have a very complicated relationship that drove me insane. If this book teaches you anything its that communication is everything. I wanted to scream and just say good lord figure it out. It was frustrating. At times I didn’t want to keep reading but the characters and supporting characters kept me turning the pages. There is an amazing character Brian --- another named Carter and Gus is hilarious.
Although I was over the ignorance of the couple the story was very intriguing as far as where the characters were headed and what was in store. Jax also had a heart of gold which was also a great addition to the story.
I don’t know if this is a series or where Jax came from but I did like the book and the story was an easy read. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you for the ARC J.L. – Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
J. L. Perry
4 stars
Jaxson Albright doesn’t want the life his father and mother want for him. His brother has done just fine following in his fathers footstep making him proud and basically his puppet. Nothing he does is good enough and being himself is not allowed. His only light was Candice. His best friend who understands; who wants him to pursue his dreams .. not his fathers demands of him. One night .. lines are crossed with both wanting more and then nothing. I disappeared on her. I took her greatest gift and left her. The only person that ever really loved me, stuck by me and cared for me no matter what. I left .. without a word or a goodbye. I did it for her own good … she was better off without me.
Candice never has forgotten how much her best friend hurt her. She thought they were something but she was wrong. By the time Jax realizes what he has done maybe it will be too late. Struggling for several years over what Jax did doesn’t sit well but seeing him now is … another chance?
Jax and Candice have a very complicated relationship that drove me insane. If this book teaches you anything its that communication is everything. I wanted to scream and just say good lord figure it out. It was frustrating. At times I didn’t want to keep reading but the characters and supporting characters kept me turning the pages. There is an amazing character Brian --- another named Carter and Gus is hilarious.
Although I was over the ignorance of the couple the story was very intriguing as far as where the characters were headed and what was in store. Jax also had a heart of gold which was also a great addition to the story.
I don’t know if this is a series or where Jax came from but I did like the book and the story was an easy read. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you for the ARC J.L. – Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
November 30, 2016
4 Stars
“Jax” is a story of second chance, with two characters rising above rejection and achieving happiness and love. Candice and Jax are close friends and kindred spirits. Neither one of them is happy. Jax is trapped in a world he hates. His father is a politician and expects him to follow the same career path. Candice feels she is not cut out for the beauty pageants her mother expects her to enter.
Both have their own unique style that is not accepted in their family’s social circle, Jax is inked and pierced, Candice is a pink-haired beauty. Jax craves his parents’ approval but they consistently reject him. When he drops out of university and opens a tattoo parlor, his family severs all ties with him. For the first time, Jax can be the person he wanted to be and is determined to follow his own path in life. Candice is heartbroken when he leaves without saying goodbye, and knows her life will be changed forever.
Several years later, they are reunited by fate. They have missed their friendship, but they are both hiding their true feelings for one another. This is a story of misconceptions. Jax is convinced that, although he loves Candice, he is not the right man for her and wants her to find happiness with someone else. Candice is convinced that she’ll never be enough for him. Are they ready to take a huge leap of faith and stop hiding their true feelings?
These characters are flawed, but irresistible! J.L Perry has a knack for making you feel. Her writing is addictive and her storytelling has the perfect balance of emotions, humor and chemistry. You love her characters and sometimes you just want to knock some sense into them! Overall, Jax was a beautiful story of love (finally) triumphing over all obstacles.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
“Jax” is a story of second chance, with two characters rising above rejection and achieving happiness and love. Candice and Jax are close friends and kindred spirits. Neither one of them is happy. Jax is trapped in a world he hates. His father is a politician and expects him to follow the same career path. Candice feels she is not cut out for the beauty pageants her mother expects her to enter.
Both have their own unique style that is not accepted in their family’s social circle, Jax is inked and pierced, Candice is a pink-haired beauty. Jax craves his parents’ approval but they consistently reject him. When he drops out of university and opens a tattoo parlor, his family severs all ties with him. For the first time, Jax can be the person he wanted to be and is determined to follow his own path in life. Candice is heartbroken when he leaves without saying goodbye, and knows her life will be changed forever.
Several years later, they are reunited by fate. They have missed their friendship, but they are both hiding their true feelings for one another. This is a story of misconceptions. Jax is convinced that, although he loves Candice, he is not the right man for her and wants her to find happiness with someone else. Candice is convinced that she’ll never be enough for him. Are they ready to take a huge leap of faith and stop hiding their true feelings?
These characters are flawed, but irresistible! J.L Perry has a knack for making you feel. Her writing is addictive and her storytelling has the perfect balance of emotions, humor and chemistry. You love her characters and sometimes you just want to knock some sense into them! Overall, Jax was a beautiful story of love (finally) triumphing over all obstacles.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.
August 17, 2020
Serial cheater❗️❗️❗️I read this years ago and if my memory serves me....I agreed with the majority of negative reviews. In my opinion a H represented by a revolving door of indiscriminate sexual encounters and indiscretions. He is neither a HERO nor is he father-material, merely an uninformed sperm donor.
This double standard of the hero imbued with ‘notches’ and the heroine waning away pitifully, pining and wallowing in self-doubt, makes me shudder in revulsion. This depicts that females are insipid, chaste and meek suffering in silence, waiting for the hero to grace her with his attention, unrepentant for his sexcapades.
Their happiness based on his abstinence from temporarily populating the world.
It’s to be considered, how many of his sexual partners practiced against STI’s, yes, oral sex also requires a condom to avoid cross contamination. He’s a one-man health crisis.
He was unable to maintain celibacy during prolonged absences, does she imagine marriage will miraculously tame him of his proclivities to populate the world❓
I wonder...at PTA meetings, how many of his conquests might be present for titillating tales of show and tell❓
I admire heroes that clearly know their minds and treat their heroines respectfully and even if they’re not technically together, they practice restraint.
This double standard of the hero imbued with ‘notches’ and the heroine waning away pitifully, pining and wallowing in self-doubt, makes me shudder in revulsion. This depicts that females are insipid, chaste and meek suffering in silence, waiting for the hero to grace her with his attention, unrepentant for his sexcapades.
Their happiness based on his abstinence from temporarily populating the world.
It’s to be considered, how many of his sexual partners practiced against STI’s, yes, oral sex also requires a condom to avoid cross contamination. He’s a one-man health crisis.
He was unable to maintain celibacy during prolonged absences, does she imagine marriage will miraculously tame him of his proclivities to populate the world❓
I wonder...at PTA meetings, how many of his conquests might be present for titillating tales of show and tell❓
I admire heroes that clearly know their minds and treat their heroines respectfully and even if they’re not technically together, they practice restraint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2016
Oh my. Friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to......... Jax and Candice, I swear I wanted to bang their heads together. Two lost souls that are, in my mind, destined to be together, but, after one perfect night, Jax ups and disappears out of Candice's life leaving her bereft. Fast forward 3 years and they find each other again, but can they go back to their friendship after all that has passed? Even though it appears their feelings haven't changed, so much has happened, then when Jax discovers Candice has been keeping things from him, it's suffice to say their friendship will never be the same again. Although Jax maintains that Candice is one of the most stubborn people ever, I have to disagree, that title should totally go to Jax. I was so frustrated with him at times. Written in dual POV, I was on tender hooks wondering what would happen next. Some wonderful supporting characters too. Really enjoyed this story, a wonderful spinoff from Carter and Indiana. I was desperate for their HEA. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2016
4, My candylicious stars
Candice and Jax have been childhood best friends and the story begins with Jax preparing to leave for Uni
One night of regret before Jax leaves for uni starts a series of regrets in both of their lives.
A childhood friends to lovers story filled with frustrating actions even years later when Jax and Candice are reunited the frustrations continue when both characters continually avoid the inevitable.
A good plot with writing that was easy to follow, told in dual pov's, I liked the extended characters but so many things made me struggle with the main characters.
Jax I found was the stubbornness character I've read, Candice was in his life a long time, he loved her but his pride from her mistake prevented him following his heart even though he had made mistakes too. Jax was a hypocrite.
Candice I found was to desperate, happy just to be a part of Jax's life however she could have him.
I prefer the men doing the chasing and the woman to have more backbone.
You can't love every character I suppose but in summary it was a good read and I did enjoy it overall.
Candice and Jax have been childhood best friends and the story begins with Jax preparing to leave for Uni
One night of regret before Jax leaves for uni starts a series of regrets in both of their lives.
A childhood friends to lovers story filled with frustrating actions even years later when Jax and Candice are reunited the frustrations continue when both characters continually avoid the inevitable.
A good plot with writing that was easy to follow, told in dual pov's, I liked the extended characters but so many things made me struggle with the main characters.
Jax I found was the stubbornness character I've read, Candice was in his life a long time, he loved her but his pride from her mistake prevented him following his heart even though he had made mistakes too. Jax was a hypocrite.
Candice I found was to desperate, happy just to be a part of Jax's life however she could have him.
I prefer the men doing the chasing and the woman to have more backbone.
You can't love every character I suppose but in summary it was a good read and I did enjoy it overall.
November 3, 2016
5+ Stars Amazing Book
Jax is an incredibly powerful, sexy and touching love story that will always hold a place in my heart."
I was given the privilege to read this book in advance (no spoilers here!) and I must say, I was positively enthralled with Jax’s story. It has all the elements of what makes a good book: heart, humor, love, angst and at the same time, reality. It is also very well-written. The author did not shy away from the difficult and sensitive topics of real life struggles and was able to blend it with romance without taking away the essence of the story. The end result is a beautiful love story between a man who was dealt with a sh*tty deck of cards in life and a women who also had her own struggles to face head-on. The build-up of the connection between Jax and Candice is just right that it makes the reader want to keep going and read further into the book.
What I love most about this book is that it has substance. I am giving this book a well-deserved five plus-star rating!
Jax is an incredibly powerful, sexy and touching love story that will always hold a place in my heart."
I was given the privilege to read this book in advance (no spoilers here!) and I must say, I was positively enthralled with Jax’s story. It has all the elements of what makes a good book: heart, humor, love, angst and at the same time, reality. It is also very well-written. The author did not shy away from the difficult and sensitive topics of real life struggles and was able to blend it with romance without taking away the essence of the story. The end result is a beautiful love story between a man who was dealt with a sh*tty deck of cards in life and a women who also had her own struggles to face head-on. The build-up of the connection between Jax and Candice is just right that it makes the reader want to keep going and read further into the book.
What I love most about this book is that it has substance. I am giving this book a well-deserved five plus-star rating!
December 4, 2016
It's taken me a while to write this review because I really am struggling to find the words to do it justice, this book blew me away. I started reading it and there was no way I was stopping it was a marathon no tea breaks read...... This is not just a story it's a journey.
Jax comes from a privileged background but it's not the life he wants, his parents show him no love or affection and the only person who has ever believed in him is his best friend Candice. But one night lines are crossed and that changes everything for Jax and Candice. Jax soon regrets his actions that night but his letter explaining all of this comes back unopened. Years later fate steps in will true love win or is the past to hurtful to forget......
What else can I tell you, well this book will make you laugh it will make you cry and it will have you believing in fate. It's a friends to lovers and a second chance romance all rolled into one. Wonderfully written book that will have you lost for words at the end and I mean that in the best possible way.
Another 5 Star read from a great author
Jax comes from a privileged background but it's not the life he wants, his parents show him no love or affection and the only person who has ever believed in him is his best friend Candice. But one night lines are crossed and that changes everything for Jax and Candice. Jax soon regrets his actions that night but his letter explaining all of this comes back unopened. Years later fate steps in will true love win or is the past to hurtful to forget......
What else can I tell you, well this book will make you laugh it will make you cry and it will have you believing in fate. It's a friends to lovers and a second chance romance all rolled into one. Wonderfully written book that will have you lost for words at the end and I mean that in the best possible way.
Another 5 Star read from a great author
November 27, 2016
I don't normally watch book trailer, I don't have enough of an attention span for those but I'm glad I took a second to watch it. I wanted the book right away and was ready to one click, but to my horror it hadn't been released yet so I goggled to find out what book of JL Perry should I read first. After reading Bastard and Luckiest Bastard I was ready for Jax and I was not disappointed. Took me the day to read because I was so excited. Besties who grew up together Jax and Candice are in love but don't want to ruin their friendship. Unfortunately things don't always work out that way, after an incident they part ways and do not see other for years, nothing has changed and they are still hopelessly in love but do not want to ruin their friendship again (bloody idiots). I kept wishing these two would get their shit together you could feel how much they love each other still. This is a great read even with the angst and I did enjoy it
November 27, 2016
loved this book. the flow and the characters are awesome. Jax dances to the beat of his own drum, he doesn't fit his family norm of politics he's inked, pierced and owns a tattoo shop but he's happy. Growing he didn't have many friends just one Candice she understood what it was like to want different than her parents and she's always been there for Jax but he had to leave , had to start over but he regretted not being honest with his feelings but he knew she deserved better now 2 years later and they meet again both grown up, both with secrets can they make it , give their love a chance? ARC given on behalf of obsessed by books for an honest review.
December 23, 2016
Couldn't stop reading!
J.L Perry just draws you in. The story and the characters have their ups and downs and I did want to shake one character in particular at a few points but I love that the emotion of the story riled me up. I loved Jax....probably one of my favourite male leads in a long time. This book is fabulous.
J.L Perry just draws you in. The story and the characters have their ups and downs and I did want to shake one character in particular at a few points but I love that the emotion of the story riled me up. I loved Jax....probably one of my favourite male leads in a long time. This book is fabulous.
October 30, 2016
ARC kindly provided by author for my honest review.
Review to come closer to publishing date.
Review to come closer to publishing date.
December 6, 2016
OMG what a book, This was my first book by Jodi and i have to say she blew me away with Jax, I felt everything she put into there story, I couldn't put this down. This is a MUST read.
November 21, 2016
Review by: Jennifer
(4.5 stars)
Jax has fallen in love with his best friend, but he is under the belief that if he doesn't act on it things will not change. So when he sleeps with Candice, he assumes the worst and then runs. When he finally mans up and talks to her a month later she tells him he is a disappointment to her... and if there is something he didn't need to be reminded of its that. So he cuts all ties ... regretting and missing Candice, until years later a chance run in on the street brings her back into his life ... will he learn from his past mistakes or will history just repeat itself.
Candice is in love with Jax, and when they finally shared a night together she thought they would move on from there, she didn't imagine that she would wake up and that it would all be a huge mistake. When she runs into Jax years later she will stop at nothing to be his friend again, she will hide what she feels, she knows what its like not to have him in her life and she will settle for just friends if that means him in her life. But things have changed, with age comes maturity or so they say, what happens when they both can't fight it anymore ... do they give it a chance and risk losing it all again?
So this was a good story, it took place over years, and was very different from the normally romance where they get back together and live HEA. This was more of a slow progression, and done quite nicely. I will say I had it all worked out pretty much from the get go, but it was still a lovely story. With drama, steamy sexy times, I give this 4.5 stars.
(4.5 stars)
Jax has fallen in love with his best friend, but he is under the belief that if he doesn't act on it things will not change. So when he sleeps with Candice, he assumes the worst and then runs. When he finally mans up and talks to her a month later she tells him he is a disappointment to her... and if there is something he didn't need to be reminded of its that. So he cuts all ties ... regretting and missing Candice, until years later a chance run in on the street brings her back into his life ... will he learn from his past mistakes or will history just repeat itself.
Candice is in love with Jax, and when they finally shared a night together she thought they would move on from there, she didn't imagine that she would wake up and that it would all be a huge mistake. When she runs into Jax years later she will stop at nothing to be his friend again, she will hide what she feels, she knows what its like not to have him in her life and she will settle for just friends if that means him in her life. But things have changed, with age comes maturity or so they say, what happens when they both can't fight it anymore ... do they give it a chance and risk losing it all again?
So this was a good story, it took place over years, and was very different from the normally romance where they get back together and live HEA. This was more of a slow progression, and done quite nicely. I will say I had it all worked out pretty much from the get go, but it was still a lovely story. With drama, steamy sexy times, I give this 4.5 stars.
January 8, 2017
No. Just, no. Drama for the sake of filling more pages? A hero that dithers about - poor me; she deserves better than me so I, her best friend, will run out on her after taking her virginity; will send shitty texts when she gets justifiably angry and will feel even angrier when she dislikes it; years later we have the same broken record; I love her but I can't commit (hello? You've committed to your passion, your business and your daughter); throws all his toys out of the pram over one (one!!!) mistake she made; sleeps with other women (but it's okay because he just uses them for sex!?!) but doesn't want her even thinking of having a relationship with someone else...
You get the hypocritical picture? Over and over again and she just let's him screw her over, encouraged by her mother, because (for the love of God) she loves him! Someone buy the girl a spine.
This goes on for years. Years! And we are told all about his arseholery over and over again.
The drama was all in his head and he constantly hurt her because he just couldn't man up.
One word: Douche.
You get the hypocritical picture? Over and over again and she just let's him screw her over, encouraged by her mother, because (for the love of God) she loves him! Someone buy the girl a spine.
This goes on for years. Years! And we are told all about his arseholery over and over again.
The drama was all in his head and he constantly hurt her because he just couldn't man up.
One word: Douche.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2016
This is not your everyday friends to lovers story. It is an emotional roller coaster that will take you on a ride that you never saw coming, with a ton of twists and turns that will have you in tears at times and your kindle on fire at others.
When Jax finally has enough of his parents pushing him into a life he has no interest in, he leaves everything (including Candice) behind to make a life for himself. He is sweet and sexy and oh so swoony.
Candice understands what is like to have your parent push a life on you that you don't want. Being the daughter of a former beauty queen turned model, she is expected to follow in her mothers footsteps.
At times these two had me so frustrated I was screaming at my kindle for them to get their act together. There were also times when my heart broke for them both. Their story is sweet, sad, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. I absolutely loved it!!!!!
When Jax finally has enough of his parents pushing him into a life he has no interest in, he leaves everything (including Candice) behind to make a life for himself. He is sweet and sexy and oh so swoony.
Candice understands what is like to have your parent push a life on you that you don't want. Being the daughter of a former beauty queen turned model, she is expected to follow in her mothers footsteps.
At times these two had me so frustrated I was screaming at my kindle for them to get their act together. There were also times when my heart broke for them both. Their story is sweet, sad, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. I absolutely loved it!!!!!
November 21, 2016
Jax' is my first J.L. Perry book and what a beautiful introduction to an author. This is an emotional love story, it weaves it way through friendship, lust, hearbreak, friendship, lust, heartbreak, till it gets to love. The plot, characters and writing style are all amazing making for a very emotional story.
Jax and Candice where best friends in school, following a single lust filled night together Jax leaves without a goodbye and splits their bond. Although both a heartbroken without the other they have no contact for several years until a chance meeting on the streets of Sydney. Their friendship is reignited immediately and again they are inseparable. But this is only the start on their part to a HEA, before they get there there are many secrets, feeling and and moments to be revealed and explored.
If a love story full of emotion is your thing, don't miss this book.
Reviewed for Amo & Sarah's Book Corners
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Jax and Candice where best friends in school, following a single lust filled night together Jax leaves without a goodbye and splits their bond. Although both a heartbroken without the other they have no contact for several years until a chance meeting on the streets of Sydney. Their friendship is reignited immediately and again they are inseparable. But this is only the start on their part to a HEA, before they get there there are many secrets, feeling and and moments to be revealed and explored.
If a love story full of emotion is your thing, don't miss this book.
Reviewed for Amo & Sarah's Book Corners
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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