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Loving Jay #1

Trusting Jay

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When money can't buy you love, how far would you go to get what you most desire?

Abbie White’s life fell apart when she discovered the truth about her boyfriend Matt. Their entire six year relationship was built on a lie; one that cost her dearly.

She can never trust another man. Ever.

Now she works to pay the bills that Matt left behind, consoles herself with friends and only opens her heart to old fashioned romance movies

James McAllister is used to getting what he wants. As the billionaire owner of the company where Abbie works, he uses his striking good looks, uncompromising confidence and, if all else fails, money to secure his success. Now he’s set his sights on Abbie, and he won't stop until he gets her.

But he can’t let her know who he really is. Because if she knew, she'd run fast and far in the other direction.

First he needs to win her over, then he'll tell her. Somehow.

Full length steamy alpha romance. HFN ending.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2016

87 people are currently reading
331 people want to read

About the author

Simone Sowood

26 books398 followers

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5 stars
145 (34%)
4 stars
138 (32%)
3 stars
99 (23%)
2 stars
26 (6%)
1 star
16 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
Profile Image for Lyndy Ann ♫.
672 reviews
May 30, 2016
This was an enjoyable fun hot read not bad for a debut novel by Simone Sowood it had it high points and then some low points.

The story was told from Abbie's POV I have never read a h that thought so much about her lady parts and sex this did get on my nerves a bit Abbie reminded me at times of Bridget Jones the way she thought about herself and her body issues.

Jay was sexy and bossy but why he was being so secretive did not make much sense to me I can understand wanting Abbie to get to know him first before she knew he had money but the rest of it was just strange.

The overall pace of the story moved very fast and rushed like with Abbie she only wanted a one night stand someone to scratch her itch but suddenly after maybe three dates and sex twice she decided no condoms and she was in a relationship.

These reasons frustrated me and took away some of the enjoyment from the story, I found some of the terminology vulgar overuse of the words pussy(36) and cock(58) and some of the sex locations YUCK examples in a booth in a dirty bar she gave him a blowjob under the table while the bar was open or against a window with people watching from afar.

This could have been better with more time and care ARC received by author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarine.
95 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
4.5 stars.
The story is about Abbie, a 28 year old accountant. In general, she is dealing with major issues, such as a broken heart and money. After her break up, she sworn men off until the day where she met someone at a coffee shop. We know him as 'Jay'. I am not going to tell the story and spoil you but you have to read the book.


I actually really liked the story. It was short, sweet, romantic, and funny.
We are introduced to this heart broken girl who is struggling to forget the past and move on. I know this feeling, so I felt bad for her. The thing that I really liked was the support of her two best friends. Jenny and Sam. I really liked those girls. I was kind of compelled with Abbie and I found her really funny. With all the selfies and the pants hanging on the wall to loose weight... That was a good idea and it was original.

I loved Jay (James). I understood why he lied, but he should have been honest since the beginning. He was too deep in his lies but anyway, he had good reasons, i guess. The only thing that I didn't really like in the book is the fact that I don' really know how he looks like. I know he's gorgeous but a little bit more of description wouldn't be bad ;)

Anyway, i really liked this book, it was a sweet story, i can't wait to read book 2!

I recommend it ! Thank you for the copy and hope to read more of this author
xoxox
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,420 followers
May 27, 2016
An ARC was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My 3.5 star rating is primarily for the sex scenes. HAWT!!

The author's writing was brilliant. Just enough descriptive details to give a visual picture without overloading the senses, which allowed each scene to leave a strong impact.

I enjoyed the plot. I'm all for a bit of deception and secrets (the mystery lover in me I guess), especially when it's not for nefarious reasons, and I liked how the big reveal was handled. Gave the story that shock and scandal factor.

Sadly, I didn't like Abbie and at no time did my feelings change. She embodied many characteristics I don't like and her hugest fault was her superior judgmental attitude, especially with Jay. At one point she assumed he was unemployed (girl loved to jump to her own whacked out conclusions) and the way she talked to him left a bad taste in my mouth. The scene was difficult to read to say the least. I did feel bad for the way her exboyfriend Matt took advantage of her and the fact that her parents passed, but that in no way gave her behaviour an excuse and that was as far as my sympathy for her character reached.

I think this story would have come across better if Jay had a POV. It would have made it easier to digest and would have given a much needed break from Abbie's perspective.

I felt like this book was unfinished. I turned the page expecting to read the end and there was nada. I still lacked a true connection with this couple and unfortunately their HFN wasn't enough. It was an awesome sex scene, I'll give it that but there was no real indication of what the future held for these two.

Overall, this book had amazing potential but needed more depth, more relatable characters, and an actual ending. Unless this story is turning into a duet or a series, it needs some real closure.

Would I read from this author again? Most definitely!

Enjoy! xo
Profile Image for Harris Danielle.
878 reviews
May 27, 2016
Loved it!

I have received this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.
This was a fantastic sexy read! Jay is such a sexy alpha. I'm so glad I got the chance to read this.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,248 reviews271 followers
July 13, 2016
*** Terrific effort for her first book, Simone Sowood did very well. *** I enjoy a Billionaire who finds his "one" and she's not a society snob. Jay/James finds Abbie, a curvy worker at his company, totally delicious. He loves everything about her, but wants to be loved for himself, not his bank account. Abbie is 28, childish, with no common sense, no self preservation, and no depth. We have to figure out if we like her or not. But not much that is redeeming is stated. Yes, she's been dumped by Mark, but she holds it against all men, and is not even trying to work out her thoughts.
This is a fluffy romance with out much deep conversation. They do have hot sex, but it's hit and miss. She's ready to lay down, but not to question all the red flags. The synopsis tells us too much, and we know all about Jay's deception, but Abbie is clueless, and has no curiosity, so she seems shallow. There is a HFN, and a cliffhanger, so we wait for book two.
You give it a try, because it is always the reader's decision as to what they want from a story.
Try it!
==========
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,203 reviews68 followers
June 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, I won't say I loved it but I think the second part of this book will be even better.

I think this is the authors first book and you can tell.. The writting in some parts isn't as seamlessly connected as more well known authors but it didn't deter me from the book. I found the storyline sucked me in and even though I kind of predicted early on what was happening it didn't make me enjoy the story any less. I did find that there was definetly some unanswered questions through the book that could have been explained a little further but again it's all minor things that is expected because this is only part one.

I really enjoyed Abbie as a character, I think she was definetly a realist and her body&trust issues related to a lot of women in real life so it was easy to connect with her character. She was very sweet and endearing growing throughout the story into a great lead.
Jay was a lot harder to connect with but because I know this is a two part story and this part is only told in Abbie POV I'm not going to judge him until iv read the second instalment. What I will say Is what I did read about him he seemed very endearing and sweet towards Abbie showering her with affection and boosting her confidence in a way all us women would love. He was also very secretive and sneaky, not completely honest or just ignoring questions that where asked by Abbie so I'm very intrigued with how he will be in part 2 and to find out what else he is hiding...

I will tell you something though... This author has crazy hot sex and super palpable chemistry down to a freaking tee!!! The steam factor was off the charts and I was 100% in belief that in them moments they where all for eachother, I hope it's the same in the next part because I fucking loved it.

This is not a judgement review nor is it negative it's just my thought on this first part and I'd like to repeat the fact that I really did enjoy this.
My proper review will come when I have read the second instalment though as it's not fair to review something that's not finished yet.

I can't wait to read the second part and see where it takes me with Abbie and James.. Let the count down begin.

xo
March 8, 2018


Once upon a time - .. Ahm yes – even today a memorable story can start like this …And thinking back to this book(s) I would like to think of this story as one of those

As a reviewer you are always excited when you find a new author especially when a blurb sounds really … but sometimes you simply know that even though it sounds good it is not something you want to read at the moment.

So when my co-blogger was approached by Simone Sowood she transferred that request to me because she felt it would be more up my alley … and already judging from the Blurb I could tell she was right.

After I got a review copy by the author I read “Trusting Jay” and “Exposing Jay” back to back – which is a good think – because… honestly I am not sure if I would have been a very patient person waiting for the next book.

So my review is as usual in that case a combined review for both books.

First of all let me leave a message for the author : “Dear Ms. Sowood, you said (and I quote) >> As you can tell I'm new to the game<< but I am very truly sorry … I can NOT see that at all “

Your story had me after the first chapter …

I must admit Jay annoyed me in his best moments and his worst I wanted to ask Abbie to just let go. There were pages when I thought what the hell is he doing there and why ? … ahm no not real “Why” – because I got a pretty good idea quite early of the reason why – I just could not get the complete picture of WHY he choose to continue that way, because he had moments where he could have altered his course… he could not really have believed to get away with it could he ?

But on the other hand I get his desperation. I understand where he was coming from – believe me I DO.

And Abbie hmmm – she was a difficult character but that also made her interesting.

As for the secondary characters in that book … I liked some and equally disliked others (even though I was supposed to like them because they were friends) which tells me they were well developed and I expect to see them again in the next books of this series. And honestly – I am looking forward to that – even if I did not like them …

In many points the leads in this book reminded me of my feelings for the leading characters in Jodi Ellen Malpas’ book series “This Man”, even if Jay did not manage to live up fully to the annoyance that Jesse Ward caused to the unprepared reader, he still did a good job at it.

Basically this book should have been 4 stars due to the fact that there are some points that feel strange during reading, they are simply not logical or feel not fully developed. Two things in specific which I will not spoiler here but if someone read the book I have no problems to discuss that subject in email or pm. I am known for having an OCD when it comes to logic and continuity in story – others might check on gramma but I am into this – so sometimes that missing logic causes my OCD to dislike a book.

But this is a great story that deserves attention from all those readers that like alpha males with flaws and it made me feel (which is the 5ths star in all my books) therefore this debut novel/series is a 5 star read.
Profile Image for A little birdie told me....
627 reviews31 followers
May 29, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, and 3.5 stars is what it earned from me.

I was worried when I started the book. It took more than a few chapters to get into the story. It just kind of felt a bit rushed and awkward, but the author is a rookie and this is her first novel. It wasn't near the crap I've read from some supposed seasoned veterans out there, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I'm glad I did since about 50% into the book, the author hit her stride and the book became a bit more enthralling.

I did have a little trouble with the two main characters. For someone who has been burned in the past by love, Abbie sure does take Jay at face value, making her come off as quite naive. She is likable even if she has little common sense.

Jay... hmmm. I think his secretiveness makes him, at times, come off as a creepy stalker. Other times, he's kind of an asshole. But then, he's so sweet and thoughtful coupled with just the right amount of alpha. If I were Abbie though, I don't think I would have been so accepting of his cloak and dagger stuff.

The end was disappointing. Even though I knew going in that this was the first in a series, I do like a little more intrigue in a cliffy. This one just abruptly ended, almost in the middle of a sentence. No matter... I eagerly await the next installment. Judging by how much the book improved through the course of reading it, the next book can only get better.
Profile Image for Mizz.
1,074 reviews393 followers
June 5, 2016
DNF - the heroine was way too annoying for me

I don't need to know about the h masturbating all of the time (in explicit detail and in cringey places), thank you very much!



Also, my own fault but the fact that it is a cliffhanger is a big no no for me (unless the second book is already out)
Profile Image for Elias.
424 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2016
The author was kind enough to offer me an ARC copy and I'm very thankful she wanted to include me. For her first novel, this was an entertaining read! I really enjoyed the drama and the conflict Abbie and Jay created. I gave this a solid 3.5 stars.

She's an accountant who is trying to get back on her feet after a six year relationship went south fast. She has bills stacking up while also trying to make a name for herself in the work force. He is simply a man of mystery who bumps into her one morning in a coffee shop. There's only one problem; she finds all men to be untrustworthy.

Jay and Abbie skate around each other a bit, but eventually cozy up to one another, which winds up creating problems. Bits of their journey are rocky. I definitely wanted to scream at them several times.

Abbie takes everything Jay tells her at face value, which is a big no-no in my book. She knows he has the tendency to be fishy and not tell the whole truth, but when she confronts him and he gives a ridiculous answer, she doesn't press the matter. Jay also likes to tell her that they'll always talk and he'll explain everything so she doesn't have to question his motives, only he never does. They always get caught up in the heat of the moment and wind up tumbling into bed. Not that that's a bad thing, but if they want their relationship to make it for the long-haul, they need to resist each other enough to communicate better.

I feel like the characters and the author are all finding their way together. This book ended on a massive cliffhanger, and I'm dying for answers, so I'm anxious to see where book two will take me next!
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
June 1, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book has a cliffhanger ending.

In this book we meet Abbie White and Jay Mickle. Abby is a woman who has swarn off men since her last boyfriend screwed her over. The only thing Abby is looking for in a man now is someone to warm her bed for one night and one night only. However when she meets Jay in the local coffee place right by her work he is all she can seem to think of. The problem with Jay is he seems like a relationship kinda guy and she isn't sure her heart is ready for that again. What happens when a girl who doesn't want a relationship meets a guy she just can't get off her mind?

Jay is hiding something from Abbie but he knows if he tells her he has a good chance of loosing her. So he makes sure he keeps her wanting more so that he knows he will get more time with her. Jay knows he should come clean but there is just something that he can't live without in Abbie. What happens though when your house of cards comes down will the woman he loves still be with him in the end or will he have lost her forever?

Over all this is a great read, it has a lot of twists and turns. You are never quite sure what a character will do next in this book. In other words it will have you on the edge of your seat from the first word to the very end. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Keep in mind though it does have a cliffhanger type ending.
Profile Image for JN.
177 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2016
What a great book. It had me hooked right from the beginning. I love the build up romance where the two characters don't just jump at each other 5 minutes after they meet. Even though I kind of new what would happen there still were parts of the story that surprised me.

At one point during the book I must say that I was a bit tired of reading about them having sex. I waited and waited so the story could continue, and it did. I don't mind reading about sex, but I love when there's an actual story.

After having finished this first book, I'm left with so many questions about who Jay really is (I know who he is), but he is definitely hiding something and I cannot wait to find out. I just hope that it will be something big, something that I didn't expect and still something that will makes sense - just something that will get me chocked, surprised or left with a feeling that it was worth my time reading it. Otherwise I think that I will be disappointed and feeling cheated on. Like when you're told you will get a really good present at your birthday, something you wished for for so long, and you build up your excitement, just to be very disappointed when you open the present to find the present so ordinary and not really a surprise.
Profile Image for Mariana.
725 reviews83 followers
July 20, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

It was easy to read. The sex scenes were well-written. If you enjoy erotica, the book is worth reading for that alone.

However, I had problems with Abbie. She has only been with one guy-Matt-for six years, and he wasn't good in bed. Afterward, while single, she masturbates. All. The. Time. However, she cannot usually achieve orgasm with manual stimulation. In my opinion, you cannot miss what you never had. If she only had sex with one guy, he wasn't good, and masterbation doesn't work, why is she so desperate for penetration?

I also don't understand why Jay is so obsessed with her. Maybe that will be explained in the next book.

Will I read more by this author? Definitely. This was the first book written, but I have already read a HR written under a different name. It was awesome; so not only do I plan to read the next book in the series but any other future HR novels.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,480 reviews34 followers
May 27, 2016
This is being a wonderful read. It has all of Alpha chemistry with some twist of suspense and mystery. Abbie has been hurt badly with her last relationship that she has sworn off relationship. While at a coffee shop near her work she meets Jay. You can feel the heat and chemistry coming off the pages when these two are in the same room. Abbie is willing for a one night only, but Jay is slowly pulling her in. Jay has a lot of things happening in his life and past that he keeps from others. Will Jay secrets push Abbie away? Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Highly Recommend this book
How would you describe the plot of this book? some twist
Which of these words best describes the mood? Suspenseful
How would you describe the pace? steady
How would you describe the characters? developed
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Mindy.
900 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2016
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down.
Abbie is a strong female. Her last relationship really did a number on her but her ability to start moving forward in her life shows how determind she is. She has great friends that are in her corner for what ever life throws her way.
Jay isn't as easy to figure out. I think there is a lot more to him then we get to see. I like his character for the most part but he comes off a little creepy at times. I don't think its ment to come off that way. He is a loving and caring guy who can go a bit over board at times.
I loved the story line. It drew me in from the start and held my attention all the way threw. It has a little of everything happy, sad, heartache, love, hotness, sexyness. It does leave you wanting to read the next book about Jay and Abbie. I want to know more of their story and whats in store for them next.
Profile Image for Maria.
457 reviews48 followers
May 30, 2016
I don't know about this one. It's a case of the description giving too much away. The description of the book literally tells you that James McAllister is a billionaire, owning the company that Abby works in, but this not revealed until the very end. I don't know if this is intentional, so the reader knows the secret that the h doesn't, but honestly, it just makes Abby look so oblivious and weak. I mean, she has just come out of a relationship based on lies, but is happy to continue another relationship where she knows nothing about the guy . Awesome. Makes sense. Not.

Anyway, so the description also stated that this is a HFN, which makes me think that the next book, I think I'm James' POV will answer some questions that have popped up.. I may decide to read that one.. I still don't know...
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,630 reviews69 followers
June 11, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. Abbie has gotten out of a relationship that she wishes she has never been in and has never been so hurt in her life. She has sworn of men until she meets a handsome man at a coffee shop. She never thought she would see him again until he shows up again at the coffee shop and asks her out on a date. She accepts and they are having a great time but Jay is hiding something and slowly the lies come to light. Can Jay make Abbie see he only wants to be with her?
Profile Image for Anakalia.
1,830 reviews17 followers
June 14, 2016
Trusting Jay is the first book by Simone Sowood. I was very curious to see how and what she writes.
In my opinion, this debut novel is very well done. The story of Abbie and Jay is very touching, very emotional and made me often smile and cry.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,468 reviews79 followers
September 19, 2016
I am new to Simone's books but found this to be a good start to a series. Abbie falls in love with Jay but there are small things that just don't add up. What and why is Jay hiding?? I will be reading the next installment to see where this series leads.
57 reviews
June 24, 2017
I can't believe I made it through the whole book. I tried to like it. Ms. Sowood has written a couple very enjoyable books. This is not one of them.
This is a very predictable book. Not in the way of a lot of romance novels where you know what is going to happen and the author just lets the story flow. You may KNOW what will happen, but you still enjoy the journey. This book is predictable but yanks back and forth in what seems to be a horrible attempt to keep you guessing. We don't need to guess. It's obvious. Just tell the story smoothly. I felt like I would have whiplash by the last page.
The characters are weak. It seems as though the author wants them to be strong but they are so unsure and whishy-washy. You can get away with one character having that flaw, but both? Yawn. I was waiting to see if they would argue over who would choose where they would order take out from.
On top of everything it just wasn't even believable. I'm talking it wasn't believable in a genre where billionaires fall head over heels with their maids daily. To not be able to at least pull off a "cute" unbelievability in the genre does not bode well.
If you can't tell, this book is WAY down the list for me. On a positive note, I didn't notice as many typos or errors. It could be that my eyes had glazed over, but I would like to think the editor was on their toes.
Never fear. Ms. Sowood may have fallen short with this book, but some of her more recent reads have been very enjoyable. I suggest you pick them up whether or not you enjoyed this book. You will not be sorry you gave her another chance.
Profile Image for Lieve.
576 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2016
I love Simone Sowood's writing skills very much and after reading Dirty Billions I wanted to get to know Jenny's friends much better .So this is just what I needed to read right at the moment. Well-written, emotional, set in a beautiful place , so no wonder I stayed up pretty much all night to read it! Really looking forward to the next one ( Exposing Jay) Yeah Jay , you really have me hooked in here...
2,535 reviews87 followers
October 16, 2017
After finally getting rid of her now ex-boyfriend, Abbie struggles with trying to move on. Jay has many secrets, but knows that in order to get closer to Abbie, he must hide them. Will Abbie trust Jay? Will Jay allow himself to love?

This book was definitely steamy. I thought that both of the characters didn't trust people and I could see both of their POVs on it. I did think that Abbie jumped to conclusions to quickly, BUT it was obvious he was hiding things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Yekel.
717 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2016
Great!

I really got into the book. At first Abbie came across as sultry, and annoyed me a little. But the more I read it, the less I hated her. Jay, is mysterious and I wish I had the second book, to reach the conclusion of their story. I have to say I have enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez.
1,184 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2017
So many secrets...

Was a good read. Lots of drama, lots of makeup sex. My only real issue was I would have preferred it to be written from both Annie AND Jay's perspective. That is my only complaint. Otherwise really enjoyed it. I'm ready for the next one. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Cara.
9 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2018
I read the other books with Abbie as a secondary character and really liked them. But i couldn't get into this one. I made it to 50% and just couldn't finish. It was just boring for me.
Profile Image for Gina.
678 reviews
January 31, 2018
Wow, Abbie sure was a lot more forgiving than I would have been. A lot of Jay's antics would have had me kicking him out the door a lot sooner! Can't wait to read how this ends.
125 reviews
May 10, 2018
Short, sweet romance HEA - Fun easy read - I think you'll like it!
Profile Image for Lylian.
625 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2021
Perfect!

Loved it! Highly recommend it for those who love a billionaire romance. Perfect! Loved the characters and the storyline so much
Profile Image for Kristen Marie.
53 reviews
May 25, 2017
I was not as in-love with this book like I've been in the past. This book for me had too much up and down that I felt like why would she bother sticking around. It was well written but for me not a favorite
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews

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