She's intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb. He's older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets.
Up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton is ready to launch her family's firm into the next level of success. Polished and professional on the outside, Kathleen's personal life is a source of constant struggle and letdown. But after one night alone with Jack Evans, her sexy new colleague, her life takes a turn toward erotic intensity.
Torn between her instinct to guard herself and her irresistible desire for Jack, Kathleen has only known heartache. And when she finds herself in the middle of a shattering personal crisis, she must trust fragile and uncertain bonds to survive. Will Kathleen conquer the demons of her past to find a future worth fighting for?
Jennifer Locklear was born on the Colville Indian Reservation in north central Washington state and is a descendant of the Okanogan band of the confederated tribes. She writes the “wildly erotic” Constellation series in addition to Exposure, a Hollywood based romantic comedy, co-written with her husband, Morgan Locklear.
Jennifer also works in fundraising and development for one of the Pacific Northwest’s top non-profit organizations and currently lives on the beautiful Oregon coast with her high school sweetheart, two children, and a 13-year-old cat.
Prior to publishing her first novel, she was a contributing reviewer for the Bookish Temptations book blog. She is also a founding moderator of Argyle Empire, an approved fan site for New York Times and International Best-Selling Author, Sylvain Reynard.
This book is a very engaging and emotional story that centers around Kathleen and Jack, co-workers who are romantically involved. The story starts off with a bang and launches right into the lives of these two and their families. If you are a fan of more mature romances, then this book is for you! Jack is a single dad, whose ex-wife moved across the country after their divorce. Kathleen works in her family's company along with Jack, and has some serious emotional baggage.
The author drew me right in with her flowing, easy writing style. A very talented writer, Ms. Locklear has created some very engaging and very "real" characters. No one is a billionaire, and these people have very messy and untidy personal lives. Just like real life! Jack and Kathleen's story is not all wrapped up neatly with a bow and I liked that, because real life is often messy and unpredictable.
There are some steamy romance scenes in this book but for the most part it is more like women's fiction. I really felt for these characters, and was very surprised at the turn this book took at the end. There are no clichés in this book and I loved how Kathleen acted when a very serious incident occurs near the end of this book. I also loved how the author did not portray Jack's ex-wife as totally villainous. I would like to know why she left her young daughter behind when she moved away after her divorce from Jack.
'Constellation' is a very passionate and heartwarming book that brings out lots of emotion. This story ends on a cliffhanger but I must find out what happens next!
One of the most authentic and engaging books I've ever read. The tender moments are realistic and genuine, and the tension made me squirmy. It reads like dream and is so true, you'd swear it's autobiographical. (It isn't). Constellation is a strong and emotional story. I was blown away, (and cried for three chapters in a row).
As I start reading, I feel a real connection to the female character. She is absorbed in her own world. I can relate.The questions in her mind, the anxiety, the fear of rejection, the uncertainty, acknowledgement, something she is still fighting for. The need to safely control her life. She’s been through some hard tests.
Until one Friday.
The power that was given to another person, in an instance, yet minutes ago was a lot more intimate and now, a doubt. A big wall of silence surrounded her. One she help create, although she doesn’t understand why.
Ahhhh the power, we women, are not ready to gift, yet…
Meanwhile in between her thoughts, I learn a lot about this man. This care taker, this confident, perceptive protector.
The tension is real, and Kathleen seems very genuine,(she could be my best friend). I understand why she guards herself, afraid to get hurt and then again, afraid to hurt anybody else. By this time I was trying to talk with the characters…
To be happy we all have to take some risks, you know? Come on K let J open yours eyes!
Spice your life!
Yes I know , a divorced dad, a bound to the mother and child, links them for life. Older man, calmer, wiser. A sense of comfort, hard to believe if you experienced nothing like that before, makes him mysterious and very hard to resist.
Ok! Issues will always come. But that’s what life is all about, right? You don’t want to feel numb forever.
How much worth is a relationship? Can you trust your life?
Think with your head or feel with your heart?
About the writing, I’m really thrilled to have read Constellation ARC. Intelligent, mature writing, very well described, in time, space and emotion.
4.5 Emotional Stars! Kathleen is divorced, with demons in her past and she is an executive in her family's business. Jack is recently divorced with a child who is now working in Kathleen's firm. Jack and Kathleen have an instant attraction and end up acting on it one evening. Then something devastating happens and this puts a strain on their relationship. Will this end her relationship or can they be what the other so desperately needs? I enjoyed this book and found myself engaged from the start. The author writes a well written story and I loved the characters. The story is an emotional and heartwarming story. This is a definitely A Must Read!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Constellation is an amazing story, you are captivated with Jack and Kathleen when you read the first on the first page; you emotionally vested no turning back. I found myself talking back to Kathleen and Jack, telling them to communicate with one another and at times yelling at Kathleen to stop letting her mind and fear lead her astray. Their connection is strong and you will be rooting for them all the way. This is a romance story like you never read before and it's author is brilliant, very hot scenes but at the same time is tackling issues we all struggle with daily. If you don't put Constellation on you TBR list you will be sorry, this just the beginning of great things to come. Thank you Jennifer Locklear for sharing your talent and this beautiful story.
This book. Where to begin? It is the perfect story with characters so well developed I felt like I knew them personally. The plot kept me guessing and trying to figure out the characters kept me guessing. This book had all the feels and ended with me wanting more. Luckily, it's the first book in a trilogy. If I could give more than five stars, I would. This story will haunt me. It needs more than 5 stars. It needs the entire Milky Way!
I was immediately impressed with the descriptive qualities of the book, Jennifer goes into insane detail about the characters and the setting so that you feel like you are there. The book also starts out in an intriguing way, one that makes you wonder just where the story will take you.
Kathleen isn’t the warm and fuzzy type, which makes her a perfect match for the warm and fuzzy Jack, who is kinda perfect. Expect that he has a daughter, but at least his ex-wife lives on the other side of the country. Jack pushes Kathleen, softening her up a bit. But what happens when an emergency strikes, will they rise to the occasion or fall back on old habits? - See more at: http://latersbaby.net/constellation-b...
It took me a while to get into the storyline but once I did I was hooked. Kathleen has a traumatic past which has resulted in a difficult relationship with her father. After sleeping with a divorced colleague, her perception of family is transformed, forming a bond with Jack's daughter and seeing how a father-daughter relationship should be. Just as Kathleen thinks that her life is falling into place then disaster happens, she questions everything she knows, tries to do what's best and gores through a journey of self discovery.
This is part one, and I'm eager to see what is next for Kathleen and Jack.
What a great read! Just when I think I had figured out the path it was going to take, I was mistaken. And delightfully so! I laughed and even shed a few tears. I love to be emotionally invested in the characters in books, this was most definitely one of them! Can't wait to read more!!
This is beautifully written and I don't want to detract from that. I just felt like it was leading up to more that wasn't shared. Hopefully book 2 will reveal all.
Kathleen is getting ready to taker over her families marketing firm. She has issues with her past and with her father, But the new employee, Jack proves to be a welcome distraction. But because of her past she is determined to guard her heat.
Jack, too, has a troubled past, an ex-wife and daughter. But his attraction to Kathleen is undeniable.
Tragedy happens and test Kathleen and Jack's patience.
What will come of this two?
One click to find out - somewhat - like I said this is a cliff hanger.
From the beginning Jennifer had me absolutely hooked. The very first scene we are put right in the middle of a situation and it just makes you think and wonder. Your brain feels like it might explode because you want to know what's happening. THAT makes for a great book, THAT makes you want to keep reading. She did such a good job of enticing her reader with this one. From the very beginning I was going to beg for more, I need to know what going on and where the story was going to take us.
Now I'm not a reader that predicts what's going to happen, because I honestly don't want to know. I want to be surprised, but I think even if you had guessed what might happen, you would 100% be wrong. This entire book was like that. As soon as you think you have it figured out, you turn a corner, and then another corner.
Kathleen is a woman that is so admirable, and when she falls for someone at work you almost feel bad. She's the daughter to the owner of the company, it can't possibly look good to be dating an employee, but at the same time, can you help you fall for? No, no you can't. This is how her scenario starts. There's a line where you ask, can I do this? She crossed that line so many times in this book, that you instantly connect with her and want to help her make these decisions. And Jack, he's such an amazing person. An amazing dad and friend, it's as if he were created for Kathleen. But when tragedy happens, what does he do? What most men do, he doesn't think. He's another character that I just wanted to shake at some points. But their interactions still continued to surprise me.
One of my favorite parts about this book is how Kathleen is persevering, which would be incredibly hard. She's persevering and trying to mend her relationship with her family. All of this is just icing on the cake in this book. Everything about it has you begging for more, especially the ending. I cannot wait for book two to see where Jennifer takes us with the story of Kathleen and Jack <3
This ended up being a lot different then I originally thought it would be, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing because the story was interesting and I wanted to keep reading till I finished it. This is a more mature romance then I usually read, and I can appreciate that the characters have a sense of maturity that is often lacking in other romances. Kathleen and Jack are co-workers, and have recently connected romantically. There are definitely some steamy sex scenes and intense moments between the couple, and they were written really well and felt genuine. Jack is divorced; somewhat recently, and he also has a 7 year old daughter. His wife left him and their daughter to move back home, so she lives in a different state, but is still involved with her daughter. Kathleen feels strongly for Jack, and he feels strongly for her, but both have some issues that prevent them from fully engaging in their relationship. Kathleen doesn't want to cause problems with Jack's daughter and ex-wife, so she sort of withholds herself, and when something devastating happens, it begins to put a strain on their relationship. I get where Kathleen is coming from, but I wanted her to be a bit more selfish and to realize that it doesn't have to be so cut and dry, and she needs to work on her self confidence; she is a strong woman, but she doesn't stand up for herself very much. I was disappointed with some of her decisions and I also was disappointed in some of Jack's actions, but for the most part I enjoyed their relationship and they definitely have passion and a deep connection. Constellation felt like a story rooted in reality to me, and the characters felt like they have layers. This story is told all from Kathleen's POV, and I was disappointed to find out that it ends in a cliffhanger. I will definitely read the next book because I'm curious to see how these character's stories will end up.
I enjoyed reading about Jack and Kathleen because their romance and lives can be as real as the ones of a normal person. Their love story can grow up on you so easily and you will fall in love with them and their confessions. They build mutual trust and a big event happens in their lives that tests their union. But my dear Jennifer knows how to keep us waiting and the grace of her writing makes you feel the same that her main characters are feeling. Plus, she shows you how certain family dynamics works and makes you think about how are yours in your own life.
Personally, one of the things that caught my attention since the beginning was this statement: “He’s older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets.”. My curiosity is bigger than me and I needed to know how old was Jack – I found out (winky face) and that put a wide smile on my face. Jack will surprise you with his actions, for a grown up man, his behavior is really appealing and when you think he is going to act in a certain way – BOOM! – he is surprising you somehow.
I was always waiting for the climax of the story and I was delighted to see that the whole story is the climax. Every chapter has something amazing that makes you think about the previous chapters or about what will happen in the next ones.
I have to say that I like Kathleen’s personality, she is really patient and very considerate related to Jack’s life. Sometimes, I was thinking what would I do if I were Kathleen in some particular moments of the story and then Kathleen was teaching me a lesson. I really enjoy her.
The end of Constellation has a twist that will leave you wanting to know more, but don’t worry. This amazing story will continued…, so, let’s wait for more…(I know it won’t be easy).
Constellation is the first book in the Constellation series. I would give this book a 3.5 stars and recommend to others. This story was written very well and had a great story line but I felt even though yes it is a the first book that it should have had something more at the end, not sure what but I felt like I was missing something to keep me hanging on until the next book comes out. I hope the next book in the series will give me all that I am hoping for. With that said this is the first book I have read by this author and I will continue on this journey because she is a good writer and the characters were definitely likable. We shall see where it carries us next...
Kathleen is in line to take over her fathers company, she is focused on her career and trying to prove her worth to her father... she doesn't get involved in relationships because she is guarding her heart from getting broken because of past insecurities she deals with on a daily basis.... but there is something that draws her to Jack...
Jack moved is life around to make it better for his wife and daughter and when all falls to the waist side he is left with the job he loves and his daughter that he cares deeply for but divorced.... When he finally lets himself feel something for another woman Kathleen a tragedy will test there fate....
Can they find there HEA?? Or is there something or someone that will be standing in the way?
Get to one clicking to see where this story starts.. and then hope for the best on and ending we will get in the future...
GAH I'm so not a cliffhanger girl...but this story grabbed me from the start and now and so desperately need to read more. Kathleen had been working in the family business for many years now and was doing well for herself. She got along with everyone, except the one person that she should have been. To say her and her father Robert had a rocky relationship would be an understatement, all she can remember that even growing up they were never close, of course she does know why but has never felt the inclination to fix it or even try. Jack was a new employee with the company, just moved in town not long ago. He moved with his wife and daughter Heidi but his wife didn't like where they were and moved back to where they came from. Leaving Jack and their daughter behind. After a few months Kathleen and Jack slowly became a couple. They fell in love and then tragedy struck and Heidi was hurt in a playground accident. At first they worked together to try and help each other and Heidi but with the wife back in the picture it seems things just were not working out. He still loved Kathleen and was determined to get her back but she knows he is and has been holding something back but he just keeps saying its nothing. Kathleen decides the best course of action of to try for a job elsewhere. Much to Jack's chagrin, he phones her and talks with her and pleads with her to think of coming back to him, she promises nothing but goes for her interview anyway...Now on to the next when it arrives. Wonderful story and characters.
From the first chapter I was intrigued and engrossed in Constellation by Jennifer Locklear. Kathleen has just woken up from an unexpected night of passion with her newly divorced colleague. After an emotionally and sexually charged night, she was confused by Jack’s disturbing morning behavior. He completely ignored her, leaving her to wonder if she should stay or slink out quietly.
So what’s the big deal? Just another first chapter with a jerk, who only wanted a one night stand. But that wasn’t the case. Locklear’s skilled writing clearly defined there was much more to this mysterious man and I couldn’t wait to uncover the layers that made up the persona of Jack Evans.
Kathleen Brighton was also more complex than one could imagine, having lived through a childhood trauma. Little by little, the reader learns, as if by character study, the complexities of these two lovers and what draws them together.
I pondered how the author came up with the title, but upon thinking of it, life is like a constellation. All the different pieces shape a lifetime just as a series of stars form a shape or constellation - love, career, sacrifice, heartache, marriage, parenthood, fear and even death. All these aspects of life are touched upon in the storyline and as a reader I couldn’t help but reflect on my own circumstances.
Constellation is the first book in a trilogy and I’ll spare no time to begin Chaos, the second book in the series.
I was incredibly sucked into this story and tremendously moved by its characters. The author approaches heavy subjects with such maturity and delicacy, and I appreciate the realism. Kathleen's inner reflections ring so true to the insecurities one has when dating someone new, particularly someone who’s somewhat inaccessible. Jack’s already negotiating emotional baggage that he has to carry for both himself and his daughter, so throwing Kathleen into the mix certainly complicates things. Yet though Kathleen has baggage of her own, I like that she isn’t so damaged that she can’t appreciate love when she sees and feels it. Instead of wallowing in their issues and feeling undeserving all the time, both she and Jack start to heal themselves in healing each other, and seeing them reach such an honest place is just...nice. Until it isn't...is it? As I said, this story is realistic. And real life is comprised of ups and downs, with vast grey areas in between. These characters aren't immune, navigating complex emotional terrain only for life to throw them for another loop. This is an intelligent, gripping read that had me constantly evaluating and re-evaluating each character's accountability and redemption for what has happened in their lives--and where those lives should go from here. Cannot wait for the sequel!
I Finished another round with Constellation and am finally getting a chance to review. I have been stretching it and am in high anticipation for the ongoing tale in this trilogy Jennifer Locklear. Remembering when you teased the first 4 chapters to me years ago now and truly diving into writing it. Thank you for including Argyle and Iris in the acknowledgment. I Love You Doppelgänger! The start was a mirror for me in style to our shared love of SR, and I was drawn into the story and mystery of it from Kathleen's feeling of invisibility as she woke next to Jack just as we were confounded by the angry professor's treatment of Julia in that lecture hall. The characters are complex and they have their flaws and their strengths. Heide, such a pure and delightful soul. I believe she is the North Star that guides them all. They have pasts that complicate their present and future. In the beginning I couldn't stand Kathleen's father but their relationship begins to mend as they begin to communicate and forgive the past. The journey has just begun and we are left unsure if they will all end up in the same constellation or not. Fatherly advise, "No one person can take the blame for what happens in life. We all play a part, Kathleen. We all form a constellation."
Let me first give you a warning about Constellation by Jennifer Locklear: CLIFFHANGER! Not only that, but you are left wanting more and I need the next book asap.
Kathleen's professional life is going great, and she is working to make her firm even bigger, but her personal life isn't as stellar. She is insecure and would rather not get involved than to get her heart broken. Jack changes everything.
Jack moved there believing he would be making a better life for his family, but his wife decided it wasn't for her, and they divorced. Now he has a daughter and a job, and he is hesitant to find love again. But there is something about Kathleen.
When something major happens, will they be able to hold onto the trust and love that they share? Or will it all fall apart?
I really liked this book. It was well written and I liked the characters, but the ending fell a little flat for me. Maybe it was the cliffhanger, but I'm not sure. I do warn you that you will need tissues and it is hard to put down. The characters are full of life and the story flows from page to page. 4 stars!
I had to think about this review before writing and filming it because I was thrown a major curve ball with this story and I am still trying to work it out in my head.
The story starts with Kathleen waking up in Jack's bed.... Jack is a coworker who has a daughter... Kathleen feels awkward and emotional... Then enter Robert, whom I spent half of the book trying for figure out how he connected.....
So I will stop there and just finish by saying, I was all in by the middle then I was flipped on end in my feelings for different characters, and by the end my head, feelings, and heart were all over the place. I can't wait for the next book, yes there is a cliffhanger, and this is set to be a trilogy. I hope to get the chance to ARC for the next book as well (hint, hint, Jennifer) because I kinda need some answers!!!
This ARC was provided for a voluntary and honest review.
This was my first read by Jennifer Locklear and I've got to say, she has blown me away!
Constellation was one of those books that I just couldn't put down! Sleep could wait, I needed all the words.
Kathleen Brighton is a successful, smart and sexy business woman who finds herself in tangles with her newest colleague, Jack Evans. Jack makes her feel things that she isn't sure she's ready to feel. He has her ready to strip herself and expose her soul.
Caught under the thumb of her jerk of a father, Kathleen finds herself torn and wanting to keep her guard firmly in place.
Throughout this book Jennifer sets the pages on fire with Kathleen and Jack. Her words made me feel. I cried and I cheered for these characters. She had me all in from the first page. One thing that really stands out to me is how strong of a character Kathleen is, there is so much to admire about the person this character is.
Jennifer totally knocks this one out of the park. It will be on my top reads list for sure. One click this FIVE star read today!
What a fantastic and well written read by Author Jennifer Locklear. This story is so true to life and believable, these characters could easily be a neighbor or a family member that is how realistic Jennifer's story telling is. Her descriptive detailing is outstanding making this story flow with ease. Jack Evans and Kathleen Brighton are determined to make this relationship between them strong and everlasting, however fate has thrown them a series of curveballs. Can their love survive a domineering father an eccentric ex-wife and sudden tragedy. Just when you think you know how this story will unfold your catapulted in a whole new direction. What an emotional thrill ride. Looking forward to continuation of Constellation. A definite 5 star read!
Kathleen is successful, smart, beautiful but her personal life is in shambles. And then she meets and has a relationship with Jack. Jack teaches Kathleen all about how a father and daughter should act, which is completely different than how Kathleen and her father do. But Jack has his own problems going on.
This book kept me guessing and just when I thought everything was going great, something would knock it sideways. This was an amazing story that does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. So I'm dying for the second book!!
An excellent First Solo Novel for Jennifer. Complex characters and excellent story line. I look forward to reading more form her. 5 ugly cried stars (in a good way) Things in our past reflect in our futures .
I love to read, but it's been a long time since a story affected me so emotionally. I finished the book in tears....I felt really conected to the characters and can't wait for the next book! I really want to see them get their happily ever after.
When I decided to read this book, I imagined I would be reading another contemporary romance as a bit of lightness. However, Constellation is so much more. From the very beginning I was hooked on the story of Jack and Kathleen. Why? Because the characters feel real. Like real people, in real life - Kathleen's insecurity when she first gets together with Jack, a mature man juggling life as a single father, with the complications of introducing a love interest to his daughter. Kathleen's relationship with her father is very well written, with a sad tragedy at the root of it. Yet the author is able take the story to a place where father & daughter start to open up to each other to salvage their relationship. I also really like how I could have hated Alison's character but didn't, because her reaction was real. There is something more to why she left Jack and this may be revealed in the next book. Again, fiction mirrors real life when Jack forgets to be mindful of his daughter during his loud argument with Alison. This shows that Jack has his flaws just like anyone. I was shocked when he said the horrible things he said to Kathleen later in the story, but lest we think Jack is perfect, we find out that he isn't. What can I say, I love this book and I have read it again recently. I am excited for the next stage of the story of Kathleen and Jack and wait impatiently for the next book from an amazing writer ;) * By the way, why did Jack ignore Kathleen the morning after?