Anna Pierce had, by all accounts, a blessed life. She grew up in a home full of laughter, love, and support. Where the biggest problem she faced (other than how to deal with her family's crazy antics) was deciding her plans for college. Little did she know the ugly path her choice would drag her down.
A choice that left her free-falling...
Fast forward five years. Her life still held that same laughter, love, and support, but it was no longer full. A shadow hung overhead, waiting. Always threatening.
Until he caught her...
Jake Taylor stormed into her life and turned her world upside down. He made her feel things she'd hidden away from; made her face life again. But, most importantly, he helped her find the light.
And gave her happily ever after...
*This book contains adult content (lots of swearing, a little drinking, and some sexy times) and is intended for readers 18 and older*
**This is book one in a series, but each book will be a STANDALONE with a new couple. NO cliffhanger**
Kelsey is a romance hoarder, a Bob Seger groupie, and a die-hard fan of all things leather, fringe, silver, classy, and full of sparkles.
She was never a writer in the normal sense, but she was always a creator of stories. From Barbie's to The Sims, Kelsey made sure they lived…interesting lives. Summer of '15, Marcus Mumford's voice crooning in her ear, a character started to speak to Kelsey and refused to let go. This character put her on a path of following a dream she never even knew she'd had until it came true.
When she's not lost in the world of Willowbrook and all its inhabitants, exploring a new planet, or finding new places to lose herself in characters, she can be found deep in the world of other authors, trying out her baking skills on her family and friends, learning--then tweaking--new recipes from the Food Network, immersing herself in good music, enjoying the California sunshine with her two fur babies, relaxing and cackling like a loon with the people close to her, or disappearing as she binge-watches seasons in a day on Netflix.
I really enjoyed this book! The writing definitely reminded me of a Kristen Ashley book and Jake was all alpha male but really sweet. The steamy scenes were really hot and I loved the extended epilogue. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
Four Heartwarming Stars! Anna grew up in a family full of love and laughter when something tragic happens which changes her personality. Then we fast forward and Anna meets Jake which changes her life forever. Jake makes her feel again and makes her very happy. Will Jake give Anna the happiness that she needs and deserves? This is the first book in the Women of Willowbrook Series and is a stand alone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the author's style of writing. The characters had great chemistry and their story is one that made you feel good. I recommend this book and will be looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
This is the story of Anna and Jake whose immediate attraction and chemistry is off the charts. Anna is so sweet, but was in an abusive relationship and now suffers with low self esteem. As Evan, Anna's best friend, pointed out to her, there's a shadow blocking out the light in her life. Jake isn't without darkness in his past, but he's determined to be the one to get rid of her shadow. He's a no nonsense guy who thinks she's beautiful and wants to make sure she knows it, in his bossy, sexy way of course. The way Anna gets nervous and starts rambling around Jake is darn cute and very amusing. The conversation about "one of the best" in the Epilogue had me smiling ear to ear. And after hearing about the delicious things Anna bakes throughout the book, you even get one of the recipes in the back. This is a sweet romance (but that doesn't mean there isn't some hot sex scenes) with minimal angst and an HEA, definitely worth checking out!
Pierce My Heart was a cute light-hearted story. All the characters were great, and I liked Jake and Anna's story. Jake brought the best out of Anna even though she didn't believe in herself. After dating Jake, I liked seeing that she believed she deserved everything Jake gave her. He definitely brought her out of her shell and showed her exactly what she meant to him.
“Beauty like yours adopts a dog from a pound because she sees loneliness in her eyes and wants to stop it. Beauty like yours is giving unconditional love to someone so undeserving. Beauty like yours is offering to help as soon as shit goes down with worry all over your face. Beauty like yours, sweetheart, earns the devotion and love of people around you because of who you are. So no way, babe. No fucking way am I out of your league. If anything, it’s the opposite. And I thank God I get a chance at all that beauty,”
They were cute together and the epilogue was great!
This is the story of Anna and Jake whose immediate attraction and chemistry is off the charts. Anna is so sweet, but was in an abusive relationship and now suffers with low self esteem. As Evan, Anna's best friend, pointed out to her, there's a shadow blocking out the light in her life. Jake isn't without darkness in his past, but he's determined to be the one to get rid of her shadow. He's a no nonsense guy who thinks she's beautiful and wants to make sure she knows it, in his bossy, sexy way of course. The way Anna gets nervous and starts rambling around Jake is darn cute and very amusing. The conversation about "one of the best" in the Epilogue had me smiling ear to ear. And after hearing about the delicious things Anna bakes throughout the book, you even get one of the recipes in the back. This is a sweet romance (but that doesn't mean there isn't some hot sex scenes) with minimal angst and an HEA, definitely worth checking out!
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, suspense, and heartbreak.
This is Anna and Jake’s story. Anna had it all until one event changed that. Now her life is different. She is existing but not really living. Jake sees the pain in Anna’s eyes and makes he want to feel and live again. Can she move on from the past or will it drag even her time with Jake down. Can Jake make her see a future with him that is happy? Or is she so far into just existing that he can’t reach her?
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I love discovering new authors and this is one of the best discoveries EVER!! I loved this book. The hero was so alpha, sweet and gorgeous and the heroine was sassy and full of fun. All the other characters in this book were also phenomenal and I cant wait for them to all get their own books!!!!
Kelsey Jensen is a brand spanking new author to me and definitely one I will be stalking.... errr following in the very near future. You know... every once in a while I take a chance on a book and author I've never heard a peep about and with this book, I did just that. I went in blind and that was probably the best reading decision I have made in a while.
Pierce My Heart was a sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, and captivating romance full of love, lust, feels, and intrigue. I swooned. I cried. I laughed. I swooned again. I lusted. And most importantly, I fell head over heels in love. This story spoke deep into my heart, had me squirming in my seat, and glued me to the pages long after they quit turning.
The Women of Willowbrook series is a brand new series of standalone novels centering around one town and a group of family and friends. You are going to fall in love with the guys, gals, and little ones in this story. And with an amazing introduction to them with this first book, I have a strong feeling this series will continue to get better and better.
In this first book, we meet two people who are brought together by chance. This is Anna and Jake's story. Anna is... damaged. Coming off of bad relationships, men have left a bad taste in her mouth and she isn't eager to run out there and find a new one. But that all changes the moment she decides to adopt a dog. There she meets him, her one... JAKE.
Jake is unlike any other man she has ever been with or had eyes for. He is smart, sweet, handsome, alpha to the max, and swoonworthy. His body is like a god and his voice feels like silk. She knew she was in trouble the moment he started his pursuit because men like Jake get what they want. And Jake has his eyes on the grand prize... HER.
Can he break down her walls and show her true love? Will he catch her when she falls or tries to retreat? Jake has his work cut out for him when it comes to Anna but she is so worth it. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their bond is unbreakable. Their love is forever. Get ready to fall in love with Jake and Anna as they find a forever kind of love... together.
Anna is still getting over an abusive relationship with her ex, with the help of her best friends and 2 brother so her brother Robby is worried when she meets Jake due to his former reputation as a "player". However there are no other women for Jake from the minute he see's Anna at the adoption centre where she has gone to adopt a dog. He wants to take care of her and makes it his personal mission to make her see her worth and to get rid of the negative image she has about herself. Can she get past her previous experiences and let this man in??
The whole story has a great sense of family, you can sense how much the characters all mean to each other from the start, there is friendship and support the whole way through.
Loved this novel from this author about overcoming your fears and letting someone in. Beautiful. .
OMG. Seriously. What was that fantastic freaking book I just read? Where can I read more of this author's work? I immediately searched for more books ...and found out this one was the first?? Wow.
Incredible. So KA like. You just had to fall in love with Anna and all her quirks..she had a great family, awesome friends, and then BOOM! Here comes Jake... This book is low angst. It is all about the relationship building between Anna and Jake. Jake is absolutely the PERFECT alpha book boyfriend. I have no idea how you are going to top him Ms. Jensen...But somehow I get the feeling you are going to sometime soon! Please write faster!
This AMAZING story was a random FB find for me, and I'm so happy I decided to one-click it! Jake & Anna's story is one of insta-love, alpha-y goodness, with a lot of depth (I know, sometimes that's not true of insta-love stories, but it's totally there w/ this one!) and character development. I was a little leery in the beginning - there is a LOT of description going on regarding clothes, decorating, that kind of thing, which can feel a bit bogged down. But push through, if that sort of thing bugs you, because the story is WORTH it.
We get to know Anna, her family, her BFF, Jake, his friends & family... And there are PUPPIES! Romeo & Juliet are adorable. Their story is full of smiles, laughter, some tears, some AWWWW moments... I just simply adored this book & am looking forward to Evan & Manny's story next!
Top read, favorites shelf, re-read material here! 10+++ stars! : )
Pierce My Heart is Kelsey Jensen's debut book. This is an insta-love story with plenty of chemistry between Anna and Jake. Anna has been through the worst and most unimaginable with her prior relationships and suffers from low self esteem because of those relationships. Jake has his own demons that haunt him, but he is there to boost Anna's self esteem and build her confidence every step of the way.
Pierce My Heart was heart warming, funny and at times deeply emotional. I absolutely loved the family dynamic. Anna and her family are funny and totally relatable. Their weekly family dinners had me chuckling every time.
I wasn't sure how to feel about Anna's BFF, Evan. At times I thought she was the greatest and the most supportive friend on the planet, but when she started going through her own stuff I felt she turned on Anna a bit. She was quick to judge and didn't seem to be the supportive friend she was in the beginning.
There were also times I was kind of nervous about how Jake was with Anna, especially knowing her past. But he quickly realized his wrong doings and more than made up for it!
I love the back and forth between Jake and Anna, especially how he didn't let allow her to retreat when he forced her to see herself differently. He brought out her confidence, in his own way and I loved it.
All in all, I think this was a wonderful debut and I'm looking forward to seeing how Kelsey Jensen grows and develops as an author.
This was not a horrible story, just not my cup of tea. The h was whiny and weak. Yes, she had bad experience in the past but her insecuries were over the top. I also felt that the author described everything down to the smallest detail until it was tedious. I would find myself skipping ahead only to find the story was still describing what the h was seeing in the grocery store! It was unnnessary.
This just didn't work for me like I hoped. It had just good reviews and I went straight into it but I didn't love it. What happened to Anna in the past was horrific and I felt for her but she rubbed me the wrong way. There was always way to much into what she was wearing down to the details of her jewelry every day practically, I was over it. I started to skim and finally got to Jake and really liked him, he is what kept the rating at 3 stars. I actually liked the secondary characters more. I think I will continue when Evans story comes out, and fingers crossed it'll flow easier.
For a debut novel it was okay. I think she tried emulating KA a bit much with all the detail. wayyy too much description on clothes, hair, décor.... Tried to hard with the H's personality. Would have preferred more over the top alpha male behavior rather than talk of feelings etc. IMO, sorry guys just don't talk that way.
I tried... I really tried, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it. IDK... I love KA, and she's known to give a lot of details but, it's done right. This one was just wayyyy to much detail, she rambled so much I lost interest in what she rambling about. Maybe the book gets better, I didn't too far...
4.5 STARS!!! To say Anna Pierce has grown up in an overprotective bubble is an understatement. Being the only daughter and growing up in a family with two very protective brothers, and an extended suedo family who gives her own flesh and blood a run for their money she always has someone wanting to come to her rescue and shelter her from the world. But what sometimes appears to be the fairytale life can also sometimes cripple us and cause us to make poor decisions, when Anna is faced with this reality her life is turned upside down and she has to reevaluate everything.
“Eyes I knew from the first time I saw them that I could get lost in them”
It has been 2 years since Anna’s life changing events and in those 2 years she has grown and started to once again become the person she was but at the same time she is playing it safe and closing herself off to the possibility of ever having more with anyone other than her family. A chance encounter at an animal shelter changes everything and proves that sometimes fate is at work no matter how much you try to avoid it.
“If you don’t feel it now and know why, you will, Anna. I promise that.”
Jake is instantly drawn to the beauty walking toward him on the sidewalk and wants more than just a casual hello. Little does he know that he is about to get his wish in more ways than one. Jake is no stranger to pain and suffering, he has dealt with his fair share but somehow managed to come out on top. Now he just has to convince Anna that there are good things just out there waiting to happen and you can’t sit back and not live your life because of all the ugliness in the world.
“Told you, sweetheart. I’d catch you any time, whether you ask or not.”
This is a somewhat insta-love story but also contains the bones of previous skeletons in some parts so there are a few times that it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. It is about two people who have suffered different life altering pains but have worked hard to survive and build a new life in the wake of those crushing times. I loved this couple and watching how they really cared about the bigger picture not just the benefits of the here and now. The supporting characters are also wonderful and I loved them all and can envision this being someone’s actual family, I hope there are spin off books containing some of these people because I’m not ready to let them go. This is a super quick read that leaves you satisfied and thinking about the characters long after you close the book.
This book had me laughing out loud, tearing up and smiling throughout. Anna has issues from past relationships. Jake has his own issues. Will they be able to help each other through? Read and find out. A totally feel good read you will enjoy, start to finish from this brand new author. Cannot wait to see what else is in store for Kelsey Jensen.
A brand new author for me & seriously I loved every bit of this debut novel. From the very beginning it held my heart, sending my emotions into crazy land.. Kelsey had me laughing, yelling like a lunatic, sighing & sobbing - i literally didn't know which way was up.
Anna, oh boy she is special. Heart of gold, beautiful & sassy. She is surrounded by love, yet thanks to a really bad relationship she feels broken & ashamed. A shadow hangs over her spirit, holding her very essence hostage & no matter how much she tries to fool those she loves, she knows it's a lie. Her self esteem is non existent,she lacks confidence in her beauty & has no faith in her self worth. Then she falls for Jake, literally & he spins her world upside down. Will she be strong enough to fall from the shadows & in to the light. Can she trust Jake to show her the way.
Jake. Shhhesh I adore him. Such a strong, powerful yet emotional man. With eyes that tell a thousand emotions & a heart that is still full of pain from a tragic past, he doesn't expect to feel such an instant connection when his eyes land on Anna, never mind the possessive, protective burn when she tumbles into his arms. He wants her like he has never wanted before. He wants to chase away the demons that have killed her faith & hope in love. He needs to slay the shadow that holds her captive
The emotions were raw & real, the kind that tug at your heart as they unfold. Anna is so closed off you want to shake her in one breath, but knowing the reasons why you root for her in the next, to break free of her past. Jake in all of his dominance stands resolute, never faltering in his strength & sheer certainty that he will fix his Annie no matter how long it takes.
Such a beautiful story, I couldn't put it down until I finished. Not only did I fall hard for these two beautiful characters, but I was introduced to so many other strong, beautiful, feisty & cocky individuals - I cant wait for the next in line.. Will it be Evan & Manny, Grace & Rocco or any of the bloody hilarious yet gorgeous Pierce boys who I just know are going to swipe the rug from under me.
Pierce My Heart was a sweet, heartwarming romance that had me rooting for the Jake & Anna from their very first encounter! It made me blush, laugh, roll my eyes & shout out some mild curses with each turn of the page. Loved so many of the characters in this story!
I was incredibly happy to see Anna get her second (well, really third) chance at love & that it was with a great guy like Jake. Everything about that man was so damn sexy. Every chuckle, every smirk, every waist grab, every “sweetheart” that rolled off of his tongue… *le sigh* He was always there to help lift Anna up & help brighten her day & I LOVED that about him.
There were times when I think the story dragged a tad because it went into too much description (think in-depth details of multiple kinds of towels, every piece of furniture or trinket in a room, etc.) BUT, it was certainly better than not having any details at all.
The supporting cast of characters was a ton of fun & was one of my favorite things about the book! Lots of smart a**es, spitfires, teasing, a lil’ matchmaking… Loved the interactions between everyone! I think these characters could’ve stirred the pot some more (which would’ve fed my need for more angst) but it was nice getting the chance to know a little bit about so many of them in this book.
Pull out your shades because the future looks bright for this series! Well, I can see it as one, even if it’s not planned out yet! Obviously, Manny & Evan would be up next (what with the hints at the end & the drama llama they’ve got going on already) & then I can see some seeds planted for Rocco & Grace, Payton & Luca and maybe Nate & Jolene…? Fingers crossed that some of those seeds bloom into something beautiful, just like Jake & Anna’s did.
P.S. Loved the cupcake recipe at the end! Sounds delish!!
Anna Pierce is trying to stay far away from relationships after her last two. Although her family keeps trying to set her up with friends. When Anna sees an incredibly hot guy at the animal shelter she is instantly attracted to him, although she doesn't have the self-confidence to believe that someone like him could like a girl like her.
Jake Taylor is instantly smitten with Anna and has no idea why she doesn't see what he sees in her. As Jake and Anna get closer he will do anything to keep her safe but the past has left an imprint on Anna and it is one that she struggles to leave behind.
I really enjoyed this book and loved Jake!! He was such a kind guy that had some things to overcome but he was truly dedicated to Anna and loved her so much.
Anna had ghosts in her past, and rightfully so. It's so hard for people to get over any past trauma and emotional abuse and feeling not worthy. I loved Anna's relationship with her best friend, Evan, (Evangeline Grant) and that was a friendship that every girl would love to have.
The two definitely had some hurdles but it's amazing what communication can do to a relationship!!
Crossing my fingers for a book with Evan and Manny!!
This was one of the best books I've read in a while. From the very beginning to the very end I was completely head over heels for this book.
At the beginning I thought Anna was a little odd and this really intrigued me, then we got her back story. INSTANTLY I felt nothing but awe for her, having overcome everything in her life that she had. The moment I really realized how amazing she was, was when she saw the dog adoption letter. I knew then that she was going to be someone who always kept me wondering, guessing and wanting to know more.
Then Jake comes into the picture. Literally caught us by surprise in this book. As soon as we meet him I melt, his reaction to Anna and her reaction to him, it make you suck in a breathe like you are right there with them. I can't say too much without giving too much away, but he is by far one of my favorite leading men.
I cannot wait to see more from this series <3 <3 <3 <3
Pierce My Heart is a wonderful story about Anna and Jake. Anna is living a happy life but a shadow from her past continues to hang over her. That is, until Jake enters her life. Will Anna finally let her shield down and let Jake in or will she continue to be haunted by her past? I really loved this story! I don't read much romance. I find too much of it to be overly gushy and unrealistic. Pierce My Heart was not like that all! The characters felt so real and Kelsey did a great job making me really care for them. I loved how the story takes on issues a lot of us ladies struggle with, like body image and self-confidence. I also found the relationship Anna has with her family and friends to be absolutely beautiful. Pierce My Heart made me laugh and cry. It is an amazing story. Kelsey is a fantastic storyteller and I am really looking forward to more of her work!
This was a wonderful debut novel. The author knows how to capture your heart in all the right ways. Anna has gone through some life altering events that change a person. She has allowed it to mold her into someone she never was or wanted to be. When Jake is brought into the story you instantly fall in love with him. He is a great guy who wants to show Anna how much she means to him. He himself has a past also. Will these two be able to work through things and be happy together? Like they both deserve. Anna's baking surely makes you want something to munch on while reading. And I can't get over how sweet Jake was and how he truly wants Anna to see herself as he sees her. The chemistry between the two is hot and the author knows how to describe it. I loved the epilogue and how it all came together. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. *Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood*
Beautiful story about a woman Anna, overcoming being physically abused with the help of her best friend Evan and her brothers Robby and Nate. So when Jake comes into the picture, her brother Robby is worried he will use Anna and toss her aside but when Jake met Anna there was something that he saw in her eyes and he just wants to take care of her. Can she get past what happened to her and trust another man? Is Jake as hot as he is really interested in a girl like Anna? Kelsey wrote a beautiful story about overcoming your fears and letting someone in to love you like you should be loved! 5 bright shiny stars for this one, get your copy today!
Anna Pierce longs for the kind of loving relationship she sees with her parents, and with her older brother and his wife, but she's a little gun shy after a couple of bad relationships. Jake Taylor makes it clear from the start that he wants to make that happen for her, if she's willing to take the chance.
Very sweet, and I'm not just talking about all the desserts Anna makes. Also funny, hot and very moving at times. I loved both Anna and Jake, and there's a great cast of supporting characters. My first read by this author and I'm looking forward to many more. 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and loved Jake!! He was such a kind guy that had some things to overcome but he was truly dedicated to Anna and loved her so much.
Anna had ghosts in her past, and rightfully so. It's so hard for people to get over any past trauma and emotional abuse and feeling not worthy. I loved Anna's relationship with her best friend, Evan, (Evangeline Grant) and that was a friendship that every girl would love to have.
The two definitely had some hurdles but it's amazing what communication can do to a relationship!!
Crossing my fingers for a book with Evan and Manny!!
A nice and sweet romance. Anna hasn't had the best experiences with men until Jake came along. A definite connection is made when their eyes meet, but Anna will protect herself at all costs. Will Jake walk away or pursue her? Can he convince her she's alot more than she believes she is? Can he catch her any time she "falls"? Is she good enough for him and him for her? A nice romantic story with well written characters and nice family storyline. An easy read that will you will hopefully also enjoy.