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Embracing #1
Embracing the Dawn
Does love have a chance when no one knows she wants it?
Jinx Tanner is an ex-con trying to piece together a life on the outside and heal her relationship with her half-sister who hasn’t spoken to her in over twenty-five years.
Romantic love is now here on her radar. E. J. Bastien is a business executive with her life and heart under control. She has a successful career, a woman in her bed whenever she wants one, and a healthy relationship with her grown children—as long as they don’t find out she’s gay. She has no desire for romantic entanglements.
When these two women awaken after a one-night stand to find their lives inextricably entwined, love has its work cut out for it.
Jinx Tanner is an ex-con trying to piece together a life on the outside and heal her relationship with her half-sister who hasn’t spoken to her in over twenty-five years.
Romantic love is now here on her radar. E. J. Bastien is a business executive with her life and heart under control. She has a successful career, a woman in her bed whenever she wants one, and a healthy relationship with her grown children—as long as they don’t find out she’s gay. She has no desire for romantic entanglements.
When these two women awaken after a one-night stand to find their lives inextricably entwined, love has its work cut out for it.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 14, 2016
24 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Levig
10 books95 followersJeannie Levig is an award-winning author of lesbian fiction and a proud and happy member of the Bold Strokes Books family. Her debut novel,Threads of the Heart, won the 2016 Golden Crown Literary Society(Goldie) Award in the Debut Author category and was a finalist in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Her second novel, Embracing the Dawn, won a 2016 Rainbow Award in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category, and her third, a romantic intrigue entitled Into Thin Air, was released in January of 2017.
She is currently working on her forth novel, a contemporary romance entitled A Heart to Call Home.
Jeannie loves writing, reading, movies, her dog Dexter and lives in Central California.
Her books can be ordered at Bold Strokes Books Website: https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/ and you can visit her webpage at: http://www.jeannielevig.com. Stop by and say hello!
She is currently working on her forth novel, a contemporary romance entitled A Heart to Call Home.
Jeannie loves writing, reading, movies, her dog Dexter and lives in Central California.
Her books can be ordered at Bold Strokes Books Website: https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/ and you can visit her webpage at: http://www.jeannielevig.com. Stop by and say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 8, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a honest review'
It is beautifully done and this is a book that i will reread many times in the future. What i can say a bit about this storyline is that our personal growth and circumstances does not put us or with whom we interact and are often the catalyst for reconfiguring our beliefs and perceptions about life and that is really what was portrayed in these written words. Readers will enjoy in this storyline:- depth,knowledge,information,rawness,realism and acceptance plus great sex scenes,wicked step-mom(wink,wink) and there was never a dull moment because of the well develop cast of characters between the main and supporting ones. In addition there was this side story where one of the leads made some kind of a ridiculous choices when she was in her youth seeking adventure but then accepted the price that she had to pay later in life but even showed her humility and became a better person and through all of her prison experience--let me say without giving too much of the story away,she gave up her usage of all drugs. Then there was the other leading lady who had her own issues but over came them eventually. To note; patience is so true when 'LOVE' is involve. An absolute great read for everyone!
It is beautifully done and this is a book that i will reread many times in the future. What i can say a bit about this storyline is that our personal growth and circumstances does not put us or with whom we interact and are often the catalyst for reconfiguring our beliefs and perceptions about life and that is really what was portrayed in these written words. Readers will enjoy in this storyline:- depth,knowledge,information,rawness,realism and acceptance plus great sex scenes,wicked step-mom(wink,wink) and there was never a dull moment because of the well develop cast of characters between the main and supporting ones. In addition there was this side story where one of the leads made some kind of a ridiculous choices when she was in her youth seeking adventure but then accepted the price that she had to pay later in life but even showed her humility and became a better person and through all of her prison experience--let me say without giving too much of the story away,she gave up her usage of all drugs. Then there was the other leading lady who had her own issues but over came them eventually. To note; patience is so true when 'LOVE' is involve. An absolute great read for everyone!
August 3, 2017
This is easily a 5 star book for me, not a doubt in my mind. I have to admit, I had real reservations about reading this at first. I did not like Levig's other book Threads of the Heart. In fact it made me angry. Part of the reason for the anger, was the book had so much potential, the writing was good, and one of the books romantic couple, Tess and Dusty, were great. Unfortunately, the book took a turn for the worst and could not recover for me. I really thought I was done with Levig as an author. But when I started seeing all these positive 5 star reviews, from my Goodreads friends, for Embracing the Dawn, I had to give Levig another shot. And I'm so glad I did. This books was wonderful!
I loved the story-line. A closed off business woman, falls in love with an ex-con. That is not a common romantic choice in LesFic, and it worked so well. Jinx, was a great character, you instantly fell in love with her and cried learning about her struggles. The romance was great, enough angst to keep it interesting, and a great pace in which the characters fell in love. The sex scenes were well done and pretty steamy too.
The writing was great. Levig, totally redeemed herself. I really enjoyed this and could easily see myself re-reading this, in the future. With out a doubt I would recommend this to romance fans. Don't miss this one!
I loved the story-line. A closed off business woman, falls in love with an ex-con. That is not a common romantic choice in LesFic, and it worked so well. Jinx, was a great character, you instantly fell in love with her and cried learning about her struggles. The romance was great, enough angst to keep it interesting, and a great pace in which the characters fell in love. The sex scenes were well done and pretty steamy too.
The writing was great. Levig, totally redeemed herself. I really enjoyed this and could easily see myself re-reading this, in the future. With out a doubt I would recommend this to romance fans. Don't miss this one!
February 19, 2018
I was very frustrated with Jeannie Levig's debut novel Threads of the Heart, and if it weren't for Tara's review I might not have picked up this book from NetGalley. That would have been a big mistake on my part, because Embracing the Dawn is one hell of a story.
The romance was just the way I like it -- mature women, drama, angst, family issues...
It may look like a typical romance with women of a certain age, but it is not. With these few key words you will get more than you thought. That means -- one protagonist (fifty-two years old divorced business executive) is hiding from her adult children that she is gay, which is not anything particularly new in romances of this type, but the other protagonist (forty-five years old and immensely lovable felon) has to deal with her Cinderella-like past which includes: evil stepmother, estranged half-sister, relegation to the small room behind the kitchen after her father's death, teenage runaway, twenty years in prison, scars on the body and soul...
If that's not enough for you, there are four best friends perfectly characterized and incorporated in the plot, interesting neighbors, a rebellious niece, and one sweet puppy.
The book has minor flaws, but in general this is a wonderful, warm story. Levig is quite a storyteller (that fact was already clear in her debut), but she is also nicely poetic with words. Here are just two examples:
"That shadow that lay quietly behind Jinx's eyes rose, then settled again in a fluid motion, but her smile never wavered."
"She rested her head in the crook of her arm and allowed the pinks, purples, and blues to wash over her, their fluid swirls bathing her, cleansing her of lingering mistakes and remaining guilt. With every sunrise, with every new day, came vast possibilities to experience things she never had before and to reclaim emotions she'd once thought gone forever."
I highly recommend this book for all romance lovers, and am looking forward to Levig's third novel Into Thin Air early next year, with the hope that she will continue writing stories like this one.
5 stars
May 22, 2016
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
The romance was just the way I like it -- mature women, drama, angst, family issues...
It may look like a typical romance with women of a certain age, but it is not. With these few key words you will get more than you thought. That means -- one protagonist (fifty-two years old divorced business executive) is hiding from her adult children that she is gay, which is not anything particularly new in romances of this type, but the other protagonist (forty-five years old and immensely lovable felon) has to deal with her Cinderella-like past which includes: evil stepmother, estranged half-sister, relegation to the small room behind the kitchen after her father's death, teenage runaway, twenty years in prison, scars on the body and soul...
If that's not enough for you, there are four best friends perfectly characterized and incorporated in the plot, interesting neighbors, a rebellious niece, and one sweet puppy.
The book has minor flaws, but in general this is a wonderful, warm story. Levig is quite a storyteller (that fact was already clear in her debut), but she is also nicely poetic with words. Here are just two examples:
"That shadow that lay quietly behind Jinx's eyes rose, then settled again in a fluid motion, but her smile never wavered."
"She rested her head in the crook of her arm and allowed the pinks, purples, and blues to wash over her, their fluid swirls bathing her, cleansing her of lingering mistakes and remaining guilt. With every sunrise, with every new day, came vast possibilities to experience things she never had before and to reclaim emotions she'd once thought gone forever."
I highly recommend this book for all romance lovers, and am looking forward to Levig's third novel Into Thin Air early next year, with the hope that she will continue writing stories like this one.
5 stars
May 22, 2016
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
September 2, 2017
I was actually a proofreader on this book, so I can't review it at The Lesbian Review. However, I loved it so much, that I have to talk about it.
Embracing the Dawn a rich girl/poor girl like I've never quite seen before. Jinx has been out of prison for three years, for a crime she actually did commit, but as a young and stupid youth. She's tried reconnecting with her half sister, but without any interest there, the only family she has are her closest friends.
E. J. is a lesbian, but her kids don't know it. Her job takes her out of town a lot and one-night stands are enough to keep the itch sufficiently scratched. One night at a bar, however, she meets Jinx, and takes her back to her hotel room for a night of fantastic sex. Little does she know that Jinx's niece is marrying her son in two days. E. J. can't seem to keep Jinx out of her head though, so there's only one thing to do: find her and see if maybe they can hook up again.
There's a lot to love about this book. Jinx and E. J. have some high-quality banter and flirting, Jinx is a total sweetheart, and it's just a lovely, solidly paced romance. I especially loved how the level of detail for each sex scene was determined by where they were at in the relationship. I think that was a stroke of genius on the author's part and makes me want to read more by her.
I loved this book and I totally recommend it. It has some small things here and there that didn't really do it for me, but nothing worth actually noting, and I'll definitely be reading this one again.
Les Do Books episode: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
Embracing the Dawn a rich girl/poor girl like I've never quite seen before. Jinx has been out of prison for three years, for a crime she actually did commit, but as a young and stupid youth. She's tried reconnecting with her half sister, but without any interest there, the only family she has are her closest friends.
E. J. is a lesbian, but her kids don't know it. Her job takes her out of town a lot and one-night stands are enough to keep the itch sufficiently scratched. One night at a bar, however, she meets Jinx, and takes her back to her hotel room for a night of fantastic sex. Little does she know that Jinx's niece is marrying her son in two days. E. J. can't seem to keep Jinx out of her head though, so there's only one thing to do: find her and see if maybe they can hook up again.
There's a lot to love about this book. Jinx and E. J. have some high-quality banter and flirting, Jinx is a total sweetheart, and it's just a lovely, solidly paced romance. I especially loved how the level of detail for each sex scene was determined by where they were at in the relationship. I think that was a stroke of genius on the author's part and makes me want to read more by her.
I loved this book and I totally recommend it. It has some small things here and there that didn't really do it for me, but nothing worth actually noting, and I'll definitely be reading this one again.
Les Do Books episode: http://thelesbiantalkshow.podbean.com...
January 10, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. And third book I’ve rated five stars this year. And one of those three books was a short story I’d previously read. And second book in a row I’ve rated 5 stars (I’ve already read two short stories since I read this book which I did not rate 5 stars, the short stories I mean, so this isn’t a new trend where everything I read is 5 star quality).
This is one of those rare books that do not focus on characters from their teens or 20s wandering around being all . . . I’ve no idea where I’m going with this sentence. This is not one of those . . crap. This is one of those relatively rare books wherein the major characters are not teens or in their 20s, or even, for that matter, in their 30s. No, this is one of those books where the main characters are 40+. And they need to be – for all the life experience they’ve packed into their characters.
Right, so – the book opens with two women waking up after a one-night stand. One is E. J. Bastien, 50-something, and a regional director for a chain store (or, as the book description puts it ‘a business executive’). E.J. is not one of those types of women who only do relationships (neither woman fits that profile), in fact, for the most part she never does relationships (with women) – she’s a one night at a time type of woman.
The other woman in this book, Jinx Tanner, is a 40-something dog washer and ex-con. Three years ago she exited from prison (I was going to say ‘federal prison’ but I forget if ‘federal’ was part of the phrase or not). She had been inside the prison for 25 years (which reminds me that she’s 45, I think E.J. is closer to something like 52). And while Jinx has had ‘relationships’ in the past, they were the . . . non-normal kind, and, to complicate matters further, she hasn’t been with anyone in a sexual way for the past 10 years. She did have a relationship in prison but . . . well, you know prison relationships (yes? No? eh, I’m trying to be vague while giving details).
Neither woman expects to see the other again (back to ‘this book opened with two women waking up in bed’) but both really enjoyed their time with the other, and if they were different people, they might have tried for more. But they aren’t – for one: they don’t even live in the same city. For, you see, both are ‘there’ (wherever ‘there’ is), because E.J.’s son is marrying a nice young woman from a rich family (E.J. and her husband, or ex-husband I should say, are also rich). Unbeknownst to either woman prior to getting into bed together: that young woman? Jinx’s niece. Course the happy little afterglow immediately evaporated when this is learned by E.J., who proceeds to have a panic attack (though is calmed down from it). For, you see, E.J. is not out to her family, and . . . there are reasons she can’t be out. (one of the weird things about this book – every time I wanted to yell at it, at E.J. . . . someone yelled what I wanted to yell at E.J. and her stupid reasoning, mmphs, heh).
Jinx, by the way, is the black sheep of the family – she’s not been in regular contact with any of them for . . . oh . . . something like 28 years. Since she ran away from home. Though her best friend, her sister, ‘separated’ from her, emotionally, about 5 or six years before that – though Jinx hasn’t a clue what happened to change Andi’s personality ().
Got distracted by spoilers.
Right, so – both E.J. and Jinx know they can’t be together . . . differing reasons, but have a good time together. Then ignore the other’s existence at the wedding. Weeks go by. Both have these feelings. E.J. finally breaks down and goes to the same club she picked Jinx at the first time – to try to find her (there are reasons more than ‘wants some sexual action’ but that’s important to). It’s kind of a dump, a dive bar – but that’s the kind of place E.J. looks going anyway so . . . . but the clientele, at least one of them, puts on the super mean face. But let’s not reveal every plot point – long and short – E.J. and Jinx hook up again . . . and then E.J. leaves again. Because.
This is one of those angsty, drama-filled, super complicated (relationship/family-wise) type of stories I do not look for to read. Not that I specifically hate them when I stumble across them, obviously, but I’m not really an angsty reading type of person. But . . . works here.
There’s several interesting dynamics at play here. More than I’ll mention. But, for one example of what I mean, there’s several shelves I like using. Yet ‘rich/poor’ isn’t clicked. Nor is ‘cultural clash (or however I worded that shelf)’. Why? Because both women have had stages in their lives when they had money – lots and lots of money; and stages where they were poor . . . ish. One a lot more than the other. And my brain just stopped working so I can’t recall the other examples I was going to give.
Jinx has two lesbian friends who play big roles in this book – Sparkle and Reggie. And several neighbors who she interacts with – like the next-door gangster teenager, and his sister, and their mother. Though the young man is the only one who has much in the way of lines in the book. On the family side we get Tiffany, Jinx’s niece, and Andrea, Jinx’s sister. On E.J.’s side we get her assistant and her non-assistant friend Taylor. Man these people’s names fled from my mind. Well, Sparkle and . . . the assistant’s name did. Had to look hard to find Sparkle. I think I’ll skip trying to locate the assistant’s name, though both she and Taylor play important roles in the book. On the family side we get Jacob and Mandy – E.J.’s children. Somewhere along the way (I know where, I’m being vague) we get Pete the puppy dog.
I liked both main characters, oh and both had points of view. One, E.J., is the kind I’d probably hate otherwise, though. Especially her constant running away and ‘I don’t do relationships’, and her ‘It’s all for Jacob!!!!!’ (as for why she can’t come out as a lesbian, there’re reasons ()).
Lots of feelings, humor, stuff going on in this book which I enjoyed. Re: humor: for reasons, Jinx was constantly telling joke’s – partially because that helped calm E.J. at times, partially because . . . um . . she’s a joke teller? There was another thing I was going to mention, lost it. The jokes are on a certain level, on purpose, like so – (using, as an example, one of the less elaborate jokes for room sake)
Let’s see . . . there was sex, it was graphic . . . what else to note . . what else . . . eh, I liked the book. Yay me.
Rating: 4.69
January 10 2018
This is one of those rare books that do not focus on characters from their teens or 20s wandering around being all . . . I’ve no idea where I’m going with this sentence. This is not one of those . . crap. This is one of those relatively rare books wherein the major characters are not teens or in their 20s, or even, for that matter, in their 30s. No, this is one of those books where the main characters are 40+. And they need to be – for all the life experience they’ve packed into their characters.
Right, so – the book opens with two women waking up after a one-night stand. One is E. J. Bastien, 50-something, and a regional director for a chain store (or, as the book description puts it ‘a business executive’). E.J. is not one of those types of women who only do relationships (neither woman fits that profile), in fact, for the most part she never does relationships (with women) – she’s a one night at a time type of woman.
The other woman in this book, Jinx Tanner, is a 40-something dog washer and ex-con. Three years ago she exited from prison (I was going to say ‘federal prison’ but I forget if ‘federal’ was part of the phrase or not). She had been inside the prison for 25 years (which reminds me that she’s 45, I think E.J. is closer to something like 52). And while Jinx has had ‘relationships’ in the past, they were the . . . non-normal kind, and, to complicate matters further, she hasn’t been with anyone in a sexual way for the past 10 years. She did have a relationship in prison but . . . well, you know prison relationships (yes? No? eh, I’m trying to be vague while giving details).
Neither woman expects to see the other again (back to ‘this book opened with two women waking up in bed’) but both really enjoyed their time with the other, and if they were different people, they might have tried for more. But they aren’t – for one: they don’t even live in the same city. For, you see, both are ‘there’ (wherever ‘there’ is), because E.J.’s son is marrying a nice young woman from a rich family (E.J. and her husband, or ex-husband I should say, are also rich). Unbeknownst to either woman prior to getting into bed together: that young woman? Jinx’s niece. Course the happy little afterglow immediately evaporated when this is learned by E.J., who proceeds to have a panic attack (though is calmed down from it). For, you see, E.J. is not out to her family, and . . . there are reasons she can’t be out. (one of the weird things about this book – every time I wanted to yell at it, at E.J. . . . someone yelled what I wanted to yell at E.J. and her stupid reasoning, mmphs, heh).
Jinx, by the way, is the black sheep of the family – she’s not been in regular contact with any of them for . . . oh . . . something like 28 years. Since she ran away from home. Though her best friend, her sister, ‘separated’ from her, emotionally, about 5 or six years before that – though Jinx hasn’t a clue what happened to change Andi’s personality ().
Got distracted by spoilers.
Right, so – both E.J. and Jinx know they can’t be together . . . differing reasons, but have a good time together. Then ignore the other’s existence at the wedding. Weeks go by. Both have these feelings. E.J. finally breaks down and goes to the same club she picked Jinx at the first time – to try to find her (there are reasons more than ‘wants some sexual action’ but that’s important to). It’s kind of a dump, a dive bar – but that’s the kind of place E.J. looks going anyway so . . . . but the clientele, at least one of them, puts on the super mean face. But let’s not reveal every plot point – long and short – E.J. and Jinx hook up again . . . and then E.J. leaves again. Because.
This is one of those angsty, drama-filled, super complicated (relationship/family-wise) type of stories I do not look for to read. Not that I specifically hate them when I stumble across them, obviously, but I’m not really an angsty reading type of person. But . . . works here.
There’s several interesting dynamics at play here. More than I’ll mention. But, for one example of what I mean, there’s several shelves I like using. Yet ‘rich/poor’ isn’t clicked. Nor is ‘cultural clash (or however I worded that shelf)’. Why? Because both women have had stages in their lives when they had money – lots and lots of money; and stages where they were poor . . . ish. One a lot more than the other. And my brain just stopped working so I can’t recall the other examples I was going to give.
Jinx has two lesbian friends who play big roles in this book – Sparkle and Reggie. And several neighbors who she interacts with – like the next-door gangster teenager, and his sister, and their mother. Though the young man is the only one who has much in the way of lines in the book. On the family side we get Tiffany, Jinx’s niece, and Andrea, Jinx’s sister. On E.J.’s side we get her assistant and her non-assistant friend Taylor. Man these people’s names fled from my mind. Well, Sparkle and . . . the assistant’s name did. Had to look hard to find Sparkle. I think I’ll skip trying to locate the assistant’s name, though both she and Taylor play important roles in the book. On the family side we get Jacob and Mandy – E.J.’s children. Somewhere along the way (I know where, I’m being vague) we get Pete the puppy dog.
I liked both main characters, oh and both had points of view. One, E.J., is the kind I’d probably hate otherwise, though. Especially her constant running away and ‘I don’t do relationships’, and her ‘It’s all for Jacob!!!!!’ (as for why she can’t come out as a lesbian, there’re reasons ()).
Lots of feelings, humor, stuff going on in this book which I enjoyed. Re: humor: for reasons, Jinx was constantly telling joke’s – partially because that helped calm E.J. at times, partially because . . . um . . she’s a joke teller? There was another thing I was going to mention, lost it. The jokes are on a certain level, on purpose, like so – (using, as an example, one of the less elaborate jokes for room sake)
Why can’t you hear a psychiatrist using the bathroom? Because the P is silent.- eh, stupid, but works in context.
Let’s see . . . there was sex, it was graphic . . . what else to note . . what else . . . eh, I liked the book. Yay me.
Rating: 4.69
January 10 2018
February 17, 2018
“Embracing the Dawn” is really terrific! An ex-con wakes up with a half-in-the-closet lesbian only to find out they’re both about to attend the same wedding!
Interestingly, I very recently finished a book that also addressed the issue of “can a person change”, and be a better person than they were…and can bad things that were done in the past be forgiven, or are certain things unforgivable. (That book was Harper Bliss’ Pink Bean #5 - “Water Under Bridges”, which addressed a former bully.)
Here, MC Jinx is a former drug addict and ex-con. As with Harper’s character Mia, Jinx had a very bad home life which was a huge factor to her becoming the person she was in her teens. Also like Mia, Jinx has taken responsibility for her past actions, and works hard to be a better, and different, person. I don’t know if I find it harder to forgive a bully who purposely and knowingly caused great pain to a teen than to forgive a drug addict who did bad things, or whether author Jeannie Levig simply wrote a more convincing story…but I absolutely forgive, like and love Jinx! What a terrific and kind person she is!
MC E.J. is actually the less likable of the two. She doesn’t have a good enough relationship with her adult children to tell them she’s a lesbian, but the reason she doesn’t tell them is that she’s afraid of hurting their relationship. In a bit of denial about your real relationship, there, E.J. She also has all the power in their relationship, constantly going to Jinx, and then constantly running from, and hurting, Jinx.
The story of their instalust and slow-burn romance is very enjoyable. Their friends and coworkers are all terrific, with their own personalities and contributions to the story. Jinx’s niece was delightful, but E.J.’s son was an asshole until the very end. Jinx’s half-sister Andrea was batshit evil, and while the ending with Andrea was heartwarming it also felt like the most contrived part of the story.
Narrator Melissa Sternenberg is just wonderful, as she always is. There is though, substantial hissing sounds at points on the audio…I seem to have run into a spate of bad audio QA. Highly recommended; I just have to go with 5* despite flaws with the audio quality.
Interestingly, I very recently finished a book that also addressed the issue of “can a person change”, and be a better person than they were…and can bad things that were done in the past be forgiven, or are certain things unforgivable. (That book was Harper Bliss’ Pink Bean #5 - “Water Under Bridges”, which addressed a former bully.)
Here, MC Jinx is a former drug addict and ex-con. As with Harper’s character Mia, Jinx had a very bad home life which was a huge factor to her becoming the person she was in her teens. Also like Mia, Jinx has taken responsibility for her past actions, and works hard to be a better, and different, person. I don’t know if I find it harder to forgive a bully who purposely and knowingly caused great pain to a teen than to forgive a drug addict who did bad things, or whether author Jeannie Levig simply wrote a more convincing story…but I absolutely forgive, like and love Jinx! What a terrific and kind person she is!
MC E.J. is actually the less likable of the two. She doesn’t have a good enough relationship with her adult children to tell them she’s a lesbian, but the reason she doesn’t tell them is that she’s afraid of hurting their relationship. In a bit of denial about your real relationship, there, E.J. She also has all the power in their relationship, constantly going to Jinx, and then constantly running from, and hurting, Jinx.
The story of their instalust and slow-burn romance is very enjoyable. Their friends and coworkers are all terrific, with their own personalities and contributions to the story. Jinx’s niece was delightful, but E.J.’s son was an asshole until the very end. Jinx’s half-sister Andrea was batshit evil, and while the ending with Andrea was heartwarming it also felt like the most contrived part of the story.
Narrator Melissa Sternenberg is just wonderful, as she always is. There is though, substantial hissing sounds at points on the audio…I seem to have run into a spate of bad audio QA. Highly recommended; I just have to go with 5* despite flaws with the audio quality.
November 7, 2017
I found this to be a little bit better than an okay read. The writing is actually pretty good but there was a syrupy sweet quality to the storyline and difficult conflicts in all respects were solved too easily for my tastes.
Jinx, a traumatized character, was too unaffected by her past for me to believe and she was depicted as a sainted character in the present day...not that she couldn't currently hold the ideals and integrity that she does, learning from her mistakes, but usually when people get into a relationship is where we see all of the insecurities and triggers explode, often times ones we don't even realize we have, and Jinx seemed to have minimal issues. Any hint of insecurity she had was overcome with logic and every part of her was more at a cerebral level. From my own experience, life doesn't work that way.
Andrea, Jinx's estranged sister, and Jacob, E.J.'s son, also could've been more believable. I grew up in Sacramento so making Jacob a modern day conservative, uncomfortable with gay people kind of guy wouldn't have been farfetched in the least. I kind of didn't buy him making one negative proclamation as a teenager and the mother never revisiting it. If he'd said a negative comment a week ago, now that's some heightened conflict. I also found Andi's motivation to remain an ice queen all of those years to be somewhat weak. Giving those two characters a darker, more anchored edge while keeping them uncomfortable but civil would've been stronger for the story.
I went along for the ride but, in the end, I was dissatisfied by this lack of deeper conflict. There was also a little bit of the white savior thing going on with the neighbor that struck me...but that's just me.
On the flip side, if you're looking for a sweet, feel good read starring two mature women (40s and 50s) that touches on drama without too much of an ugly fall out, this is a good fit. The love story between Jinx and E.J. is solid (though I couldn't get past the names...lol). I did like that the book was focused on older women. The overall cast and the story arc were depicted well and I could tell the author put her heart into the story.
3.5 stars
Jinx, a traumatized character, was too unaffected by her past for me to believe and she was depicted as a sainted character in the present day...not that she couldn't currently hold the ideals and integrity that she does, learning from her mistakes, but usually when people get into a relationship is where we see all of the insecurities and triggers explode, often times ones we don't even realize we have, and Jinx seemed to have minimal issues. Any hint of insecurity she had was overcome with logic and every part of her was more at a cerebral level. From my own experience, life doesn't work that way.
Andrea, Jinx's estranged sister, and Jacob, E.J.'s son, also could've been more believable. I grew up in Sacramento so making Jacob a modern day conservative, uncomfortable with gay people kind of guy wouldn't have been farfetched in the least. I kind of didn't buy him making one negative proclamation as a teenager and the mother never revisiting it. If he'd said a negative comment a week ago, now that's some heightened conflict. I also found Andi's motivation to remain an ice queen all of those years to be somewhat weak. Giving those two characters a darker, more anchored edge while keeping them uncomfortable but civil would've been stronger for the story.
I went along for the ride but, in the end, I was dissatisfied by this lack of deeper conflict. There was also a little bit of the white savior thing going on with the neighbor that struck me...but that's just me.
On the flip side, if you're looking for a sweet, feel good read starring two mature women (40s and 50s) that touches on drama without too much of an ugly fall out, this is a good fit. The love story between Jinx and E.J. is solid (though I couldn't get past the names...lol). I did like that the book was focused on older women. The overall cast and the story arc were depicted well and I could tell the author put her heart into the story.
3.5 stars
April 8, 2019
I loved Levig’s A Wish Upon a Star, and this one had pretty good reviews, so I thought I’d try it, and I’m so glad I did.
The MCs here are Jinx, who is an ex-con who is trying to restart her life and reconnect with her family and E.J, who is a business woman who meets Jinx while in town for her son’s wedding. The two have a one night stand that develops in to more because the connection they feel for each other is something neither woman wants to let go of. The romance is pretty sweet, there’s plenty of hot sex scenes, and both main characters are interesting. They also spend plenty of time together, talk about their lives and who they are and what they want, which was a refreshing change.
The book isn’t without its flaws though. EJ’s habit of running gets old, but I did like that Jinx put her foot down and how they managed their issues. I also thought that for all that Jinx had been through she was remarkably unfazed. I’d have expected that she’d have needed counselling or something, but there was no mention of how she’d managed to come through her various traumas and still be so sweet and kind.
The issues with EJ’s son and Jinx’s sister were also too... I don’t know, they’re just so central to everything that happens and yet both resolutions are rushed and a bit to ‘easy’.
That aside, I did love the connection between the characters, and the relationships each MC had with their best friends. Oh, and it also feature’s a dog, which is always a plus. This is a nice, sweet romance between older leads, and while I still think Wish Upon A Star is my favourite, this one was an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
The MCs here are Jinx, who is an ex-con who is trying to restart her life and reconnect with her family and E.J, who is a business woman who meets Jinx while in town for her son’s wedding. The two have a one night stand that develops in to more because the connection they feel for each other is something neither woman wants to let go of. The romance is pretty sweet, there’s plenty of hot sex scenes, and both main characters are interesting. They also spend plenty of time together, talk about their lives and who they are and what they want, which was a refreshing change.
The book isn’t without its flaws though. EJ’s habit of running gets old, but I did like that Jinx put her foot down and how they managed their issues. I also thought that for all that Jinx had been through she was remarkably unfazed. I’d have expected that she’d have needed counselling or something, but there was no mention of how she’d managed to come through her various traumas and still be so sweet and kind.
The issues with EJ’s son and Jinx’s sister were also too... I don’t know, they’re just so central to everything that happens and yet both resolutions are rushed and a bit to ‘easy’.
That aside, I did love the connection between the characters, and the relationships each MC had with their best friends. Oh, and it also feature’s a dog, which is always a plus. This is a nice, sweet romance between older leads, and while I still think Wish Upon A Star is my favourite, this one was an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
June 3, 2016
Loved it.
Both Jinx and EJ make for compelling mature leading ladies. The writing is crisp and the dialogue is witty and entertaining. When insecurities and differences rise up to challenge their budding romance these women do something unique to many romance novels. They talk through their differences. They listen to one another. The bond which develops between heart-of-gold ex con Jinx and the closeted lesbian EJ is a beautiful thing to watch develop. Both women have issues they need to face and supportive friends who help them through the worst of their fears but it is the one on one moments between EJ and Jinx I will remember.
I could go on and on and quote memorable lines from the novel but I don't want to take anything away from the touching scenes peppered throughout the novel. This is one book I can happily recommend to all HEA lovers.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
Both Jinx and EJ make for compelling mature leading ladies. The writing is crisp and the dialogue is witty and entertaining. When insecurities and differences rise up to challenge their budding romance these women do something unique to many romance novels. They talk through their differences. They listen to one another. The bond which develops between heart-of-gold ex con Jinx and the closeted lesbian EJ is a beautiful thing to watch develop. Both women have issues they need to face and supportive friends who help them through the worst of their fears but it is the one on one moments between EJ and Jinx I will remember.
I could go on and on and quote memorable lines from the novel but I don't want to take anything away from the touching scenes peppered throughout the novel. This is one book I can happily recommend to all HEA lovers.
ARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
January 31, 2021
I love experiencing a book that is completely unique. On paper, it doesn't seem like ex con Jinx Tanner would have anything in common with successful business executive E. J. Bastien - besides the obvious physical attraction they feel when they meet at a bar one night. E.J. is no stranger to picking up women and is usually quite content to enjoy liaisons for what they are and go on about her life. No entanglements desired. But something about this woman is different and it's not just their sexual chemistry, it's the way Jinx makes her feel. As loathe as she is to admit it, she can't ignore the pull. But there are significant issues to overcome, not the least of which is that E.J. isn't out to her grown children and she discovers Jinx is a convicted felon who spent two decades in prison. And as it happens they have a mutual connection that throws an even bigger wrench into the mix.
There are stories within stories here. First is Jinx's childhood and the relationship with her half sister and evil stepmother and the fateful decision that resulted in her life going downhill. Then there's her two decades in prison. Then there's Jinx after prison - the generous, heroic woman she has become. And then there's E.J. who believes she can never be out or she'll lose her grown children, especially her son.
There are also interesting secondary characters that support both women along their journeys. I also found it completely refreshing that while they were in their mid-40s and early 50s respectively, they were highly sexual and their scenes were scorching. Yay Jeannie Levig! More of that please. Great book. This is my first by Levig, but it certainly won't be the last.
There are stories within stories here. First is Jinx's childhood and the relationship with her half sister and evil stepmother and the fateful decision that resulted in her life going downhill. Then there's her two decades in prison. Then there's Jinx after prison - the generous, heroic woman she has become. And then there's E.J. who believes she can never be out or she'll lose her grown children, especially her son.
There are also interesting secondary characters that support both women along their journeys. I also found it completely refreshing that while they were in their mid-40s and early 50s respectively, they were highly sexual and their scenes were scorching. Yay Jeannie Levig! More of that please. Great book. This is my first by Levig, but it certainly won't be the last.
May 12, 2021
Something special
This is a great book. EJ and Jinx are strong and likable leads and it is refreshing to see characters aged 52 and 45 in a romance novel.
They hook up in a bar for what should have been a one-night stand, only to find themselves thrown together in unlikely circumstances soon afterwards. What follows is a whole lot of angst and laughs and tears and some scorching sex as they work to build a relationship.
Also there's a puppy.
And it is really, really, good!
This is a great book. EJ and Jinx are strong and likable leads and it is refreshing to see characters aged 52 and 45 in a romance novel.
They hook up in a bar for what should have been a one-night stand, only to find themselves thrown together in unlikely circumstances soon afterwards. What follows is a whole lot of angst and laughs and tears and some scorching sex as they work to build a relationship.
Also there's a puppy.
And it is really, really, good!
January 20, 2020
Spoiler alert EJ stands for enormous jackass.
The plot. While in town for her son's wedding, closeted EJ sleeps with Jinx, a woman she met at a bar the previous night and who she has no intention of ever seeing again. Guess how well that plan goes!
The characters. Jinx, oh you sweet cinnamon roll you. I love reading a book and falling head over heels for a character. What's not to love about her? She's kind, generous, loyal, wears her heart on her sleeve and tells terrible jokes. (I still laughed at all of them.)
EJ on the other hand is whole other story. Jinx made a reference to her being a Leo because she's egotistical. Oh hell no, as an actual Leo, I do not claim her! You know in Looney Tunes whenever Yosemite Sam would start muttering curses? That was me every time EJ showed up. Click here for the demo.
The writing. The pacing throughout the book was excellent. The switching between day to day happenings and things that would happen weeks later was fairly seamless. The only part that took me by surprise was the final chapter which functions more or less as an epilogue.
The special. I'd like to thank the makers of Kleenex, red wine and sour candy belts for helping me get through this book. I couldn't have done it without you. Especially that second one.
The negative. There were quite a few unlikable characters in this book. Normally there's only one or maybe two but Jeanie Levig is an overachiever it seems. Finally, as much as I love Jinx, she's written a little too good to be true.
The verdict. This is a very touching story despite all the terrible things that have happened to Jinx. If you're looking for a page turning, tear jerking, heartwarming story, this is it! Overall rating is a 4*.
The plot. While in town for her son's wedding, closeted EJ sleeps with Jinx, a woman she met at a bar the previous night and who she has no intention of ever seeing again. Guess how well that plan goes!
The characters. Jinx, oh you sweet cinnamon roll you. I love reading a book and falling head over heels for a character. What's not to love about her? She's kind, generous, loyal, wears her heart on her sleeve and tells terrible jokes. (I still laughed at all of them.)
EJ on the other hand is whole other story. Jinx made a reference to her being a Leo because she's egotistical. Oh hell no, as an actual Leo, I do not claim her! You know in Looney Tunes whenever Yosemite Sam would start muttering curses? That was me every time EJ showed up. Click here for the demo.
The writing. The pacing throughout the book was excellent. The switching between day to day happenings and things that would happen weeks later was fairly seamless. The only part that took me by surprise was the final chapter which functions more or less as an epilogue.
The special. I'd like to thank the makers of Kleenex, red wine and sour candy belts for helping me get through this book. I couldn't have done it without you. Especially that second one.
The negative. There were quite a few unlikable characters in this book. Normally there's only one or maybe two but Jeanie Levig is an overachiever it seems. Finally, as much as I love Jinx, she's written a little too good to be true.
The verdict. This is a very touching story despite all the terrible things that have happened to Jinx. If you're looking for a page turning, tear jerking, heartwarming story, this is it! Overall rating is a 4*.
April 14, 2017
5+ STARS re-read - this time for the audiobook.
This is such a good, no an excellent book! The first of many re-reads I'm sure.
Sometimes audiobooks are better with the enhancement of a talented narrator or worse and sometimes unlistenable by a bad narrator or maybe it just doesn't sound anything like you heard in your mind if you read the book prior. In this case the narrator was very good - she didn't screw up an excellent book. Tho when I read the book myself either I didn't notice or remember the line that describes Jinx as having a voice like Elizabeth Ashley. When I "heard" it I thought "Really?" I always heard and pictured EJ with Kate Mulgrew's deep voice and looks. (My Star Trek:Voyager fanfic love showing). But I wondered - how many readers under the age of 45 even know who Elizabeth Ashley is much less what she sounds like (deep, raspy, smoky, sexy voice). Interesting the narrator did give Jinx the deeper voice but she didn't - probably couldn't do an Ashley voice for hours on end.
One of the reviewers I read here (sorry don't remember who's) said they liked how the characters really talked to each other. It is true. I liked how EJ tried not to judge or cringe or at the very least show on her face other than support when Jinx told her story. She did freak out later as she tended to do. I also almost cried when Jinx & Michelle finally had it out. They were both hurt & hurting so much.
Anyway - still a 5+ star book. Enjoy either the book or audiobook. You can't go wrong.
This is such a good, no an excellent book! The first of many re-reads I'm sure.
Sometimes audiobooks are better with the enhancement of a talented narrator or worse and sometimes unlistenable by a bad narrator or maybe it just doesn't sound anything like you heard in your mind if you read the book prior. In this case the narrator was very good - she didn't screw up an excellent book. Tho when I read the book myself either I didn't notice or remember the line that describes Jinx as having a voice like Elizabeth Ashley. When I "heard" it I thought "Really?" I always heard and pictured EJ with Kate Mulgrew's deep voice and looks. (My Star Trek:Voyager fanfic love showing). But I wondered - how many readers under the age of 45 even know who Elizabeth Ashley is much less what she sounds like (deep, raspy, smoky, sexy voice). Interesting the narrator did give Jinx the deeper voice but she didn't - probably couldn't do an Ashley voice for hours on end.
One of the reviewers I read here (sorry don't remember who's) said they liked how the characters really talked to each other. It is true. I liked how EJ tried not to judge or cringe or at the very least show on her face other than support when Jinx told her story. She did freak out later as she tended to do. I also almost cried when Jinx & Michelle finally had it out. They were both hurt & hurting so much.
Anyway - still a 5+ star book. Enjoy either the book or audiobook. You can't go wrong.
August 31, 2017
All right. Words. Hmm. This is the kind of book that normally gets a much lower rating from me. Because of all the drama/angst. However, in this case it's brought up in a way that is manageable. Holy crap the baggage the MC's bring to the table. I mean for reals. There is a smattering of good feels here and there but for the most part it's just dealing with all the crap in their lives. This is a seriously heavy book. But there really is no way I can rate it any lower. It just is.
July 9, 2016
Embracing the Dawn is a lovely, angsty read. It’s one of those rare romances with a perfect blend of sweetness, angst, drama and eroticism.
E. J. Bastien is a successful business executive with a deep, dark secret: She prefers women. But even years after her divorce from her husband, she is unwilling to risk letting her adult children know the truth. An occasional woman here and there is all she allows herself. And she never even lets them stay the whole night, until...
Jinx has her own deep dark secret: she's an ex-con. And the minute women get a whiff of that, they take off without a second glance. Jinx has pretty much accepted that reaction, and as a result, she's resolved to not get into anything serious because there's just no point.
After a one night stand with the gorgeous and obviously well-off EJ, she has no illusions about anything progressing beyond that night. Especially since the woman has no plans to come out of the closet anytime soon. A stunning revelation that their lives are about to be intertwined makes that unlikely possibility even more remote. But when that first night leads to another, and another...Jinx knows she can't hold back her secret anymore.
EJ and especially Jinx have been through a lot in life, and rather than let life drag them down, they've taken life by the balls and turned things around. EJ through her career. Jinx through helping others. They're at a stage where they're totally in control of their lives when they meet. Stable and perfectly safe. Their first meeting feels just like a random, lucky, feel-good romp. But each subsequent meeting brings more and more chaos and uncertainty in their lives. Can EJ risk her family and her self-esteem? Can Jinx risk her heart?
One of the things I like most about the book is how the author turns the typical romance formula on its head. For instance, the book starts off with the bedroom tryst first and the romance comes afterwards. As things slowly progress, the couple go from lovers, to friends, and eventually to something more. But it's all backwards in terms of the usual settings. It starts right off in the bedroom. Then they have the dreaded meeting-the-family moment (albeit in a totally different sense). Then it's the kitchen and some lovely scenes of domesticity (early on in the book). Much later do they actually venture outside for a proper date. You get the idea. :) It's unusual but it totally works. And it's done so naturally you'll probably never even notice. I think it's because the escalation of the intensity and sensuality of the intimate scenes are written in such a way as to mirror the gradual growing of their feelings rather than the actual physical progression. (ugh, its hard to explain this...better just read the book, lol)
The lead characters are mature ladies in their 40s and early 50s, but from some of their interactions and banter (including some silly knock-knock jokes), you'll think they're young adults in love for the first time. Not that they act immature or anything. On the contrary, they're very responsible adults. But there's just this youthful sense of innocence and wonder that comes with realizing that after all this time, and for the first time ever, there's this possibility of finding true love. You can literally feel the excitement and the giddiness that they feel each time they meet. And the trepidation that accompanies every meeting--the fear of discovery, rejection, and eventual separation. It's like reading good YA but for mature ladies: hopeful, exciting, angsty and loaded with drama.
I would have given this book 5 stars but for a couple of things. The book's main source of drama is mostly EJ's inability to cope with her family's knowing that she's gay. It sounds a little shallow in the face of what Jinx had been through. . I understand this is a feel-good read (you can tell by the cover and the title) and the author didn't want to dwell on any issues that may darken the tone considerably but sweeping all that darkness under the rug is a missed opportunity, imho.
This book is very enjoyable and I highly recommend it to all romance readers looking for a feel-good read with a couple of well-drawn characters, a compelling plot and awesome romance, but it could have been a little bit more.
4.5 stars
Note: ARC received from Netgalley
E. J. Bastien is a successful business executive with a deep, dark secret: She prefers women. But even years after her divorce from her husband, she is unwilling to risk letting her adult children know the truth. An occasional woman here and there is all she allows herself. And she never even lets them stay the whole night, until...
Jinx has her own deep dark secret: she's an ex-con. And the minute women get a whiff of that, they take off without a second glance. Jinx has pretty much accepted that reaction, and as a result, she's resolved to not get into anything serious because there's just no point.
After a one night stand with the gorgeous and obviously well-off EJ, she has no illusions about anything progressing beyond that night. Especially since the woman has no plans to come out of the closet anytime soon. A stunning revelation that their lives are about to be intertwined makes that unlikely possibility even more remote. But when that first night leads to another, and another...Jinx knows she can't hold back her secret anymore.
EJ and especially Jinx have been through a lot in life, and rather than let life drag them down, they've taken life by the balls and turned things around. EJ through her career. Jinx through helping others. They're at a stage where they're totally in control of their lives when they meet. Stable and perfectly safe. Their first meeting feels just like a random, lucky, feel-good romp. But each subsequent meeting brings more and more chaos and uncertainty in their lives. Can EJ risk her family and her self-esteem? Can Jinx risk her heart?
One of the things I like most about the book is how the author turns the typical romance formula on its head. For instance, the book starts off with the bedroom tryst first and the romance comes afterwards. As things slowly progress, the couple go from lovers, to friends, and eventually to something more. But it's all backwards in terms of the usual settings. It starts right off in the bedroom. Then they have the dreaded meeting-the-family moment (albeit in a totally different sense). Then it's the kitchen and some lovely scenes of domesticity (early on in the book). Much later do they actually venture outside for a proper date. You get the idea. :) It's unusual but it totally works. And it's done so naturally you'll probably never even notice. I think it's because the escalation of the intensity and sensuality of the intimate scenes are written in such a way as to mirror the gradual growing of their feelings rather than the actual physical progression. (ugh, its hard to explain this...better just read the book, lol)
The lead characters are mature ladies in their 40s and early 50s, but from some of their interactions and banter (including some silly knock-knock jokes), you'll think they're young adults in love for the first time. Not that they act immature or anything. On the contrary, they're very responsible adults. But there's just this youthful sense of innocence and wonder that comes with realizing that after all this time, and for the first time ever, there's this possibility of finding true love. You can literally feel the excitement and the giddiness that they feel each time they meet. And the trepidation that accompanies every meeting--the fear of discovery, rejection, and eventual separation. It's like reading good YA but for mature ladies: hopeful, exciting, angsty and loaded with drama.
I would have given this book 5 stars but for a couple of things. The book's main source of drama is mostly EJ's inability to cope with her family's knowing that she's gay. It sounds a little shallow in the face of what Jinx had been through. . I understand this is a feel-good read (you can tell by the cover and the title) and the author didn't want to dwell on any issues that may darken the tone considerably but sweeping all that darkness under the rug is a missed opportunity, imho.
This book is very enjoyable and I highly recommend it to all romance readers looking for a feel-good read with a couple of well-drawn characters, a compelling plot and awesome romance, but it could have been a little bit more.
4.5 stars
Note: ARC received from Netgalley
March 12, 2019
Great characters, beautiful story, great writing. Go for it.
August 14, 2017
This is a great book.
Wonderful characters (the main ones and the secondary ones), perfect pace, important story, brilliant dialogues, emotive tension, everything contributes smoothly to the elegant final result.
But there’s much more than that, in this magnificently complex story.
It’s a book about finding the courage to make the right choices for life, about becoming strong and about true heroism.
There’s this wonderful, sweet, brave character, Jinx, whose story we’re getting to know gradually.
Jinx is a survivor. She had terrible, dreadful past and she fell. But when she rose again she was different, she resurrected. And now she has become a hero. Not the kind of fake, romantic hero we find in novels and movies. She is one of those silent, humble heroes that can be found in real life. She has actively become a strong, positive force for everybody who cross her path. And she is kind. I add it because I think that kindness is one of the expressions of strength.
A remarkable character indeed. With her we have three very important themes:
- How life twists and falls can result in growing up, in becoming better, even great, individuals
- The true nature of real heroism
- How society is slow to forget past errors and how this reflects in discrimination
Also, however strong, Jinx has a deep need to have someone in her life who accepts and loves her for who she is.
On the other side there’s EJ. She has a psychological block as a consequence of a family trauma. She needs to grow up and overcome, in order to bring her life in her hands again. She is hiding her sexuality to her own sons and lives a life of secrets, but that comes with a high price on her freedom and well being. She needs to find the courage, and the motivation, to change this situation.
A most compelling love story blends harmoniously with these significant themes.
What makes the difference in this novel is how maturely the characters interact.
They are going to find strength mainly in her growing love relationship. And when things get out of hand, true friends are there to help.
Beautiful.
Wonderful characters (the main ones and the secondary ones), perfect pace, important story, brilliant dialogues, emotive tension, everything contributes smoothly to the elegant final result.
But there’s much more than that, in this magnificently complex story.
It’s a book about finding the courage to make the right choices for life, about becoming strong and about true heroism.
There’s this wonderful, sweet, brave character, Jinx, whose story we’re getting to know gradually.
Jinx is a survivor. She had terrible, dreadful past and she fell. But when she rose again she was different, she resurrected. And now she has become a hero. Not the kind of fake, romantic hero we find in novels and movies. She is one of those silent, humble heroes that can be found in real life. She has actively become a strong, positive force for everybody who cross her path. And she is kind. I add it because I think that kindness is one of the expressions of strength.
A remarkable character indeed. With her we have three very important themes:
- How life twists and falls can result in growing up, in becoming better, even great, individuals
- The true nature of real heroism
- How society is slow to forget past errors and how this reflects in discrimination
Also, however strong, Jinx has a deep need to have someone in her life who accepts and loves her for who she is.
On the other side there’s EJ. She has a psychological block as a consequence of a family trauma. She needs to grow up and overcome, in order to bring her life in her hands again. She is hiding her sexuality to her own sons and lives a life of secrets, but that comes with a high price on her freedom and well being. She needs to find the courage, and the motivation, to change this situation.
A most compelling love story blends harmoniously with these significant themes.
What makes the difference in this novel is how maturely the characters interact.
They are going to find strength mainly in her growing love relationship. And when things get out of hand, true friends are there to help.
Beautiful.
December 8, 2019
This one starts right out of the gate, our MC‘s have just hooked up and know nothing about each other, where do we go from here? This is the first book I've read by Jeannie Levig and I might be wrong but I believe this might be the first lesfic that I‘ve read that has an MC over the age of 50, I could be wrong but definitely haven‘t read many of those.
Great characters, Jinx and E.J.! Jinx spends 20 years behind bars and for the past three years she has tried to acclimatize herself to life on the outside, E.J. is a relative big shot who has no plans to settle down and is still in the closet when it comes to her family.
Great chemistry between the MC's, the conflict feels real for the most part although I hope that I give less of damn about what people think of me when I‘m in my 50s but E.J.'s fear of losing her son makes it believable for me.
Learning more and more about their past was among my favorite parts, they‘ve lived very different lives but in the end(or in the beginning) find themselves naked in a hotel room forming a real connection only for complication after complication blocking their path towards a happy ever after.... aaaahhh such is a lesfic.
I would have liked to see Jinx have a rougher time at it though, she spent twenty years in prison but seems to be functioning perfectly on the outside all things considered, small complaint but I get the book largely focuses on E.J. and her fear of telling her kids about being gay, being completely alone and Jinx reconnecting with her family after 25 years away.
Solid read, would recommend.
4.00/5.00
Great characters, Jinx and E.J.! Jinx spends 20 years behind bars and for the past three years she has tried to acclimatize herself to life on the outside, E.J. is a relative big shot who has no plans to settle down and is still in the closet when it comes to her family.
Great chemistry between the MC's, the conflict feels real for the most part although I hope that I give less of damn about what people think of me when I‘m in my 50s but E.J.'s fear of losing her son makes it believable for me.
Learning more and more about their past was among my favorite parts, they‘ve lived very different lives but in the end(or in the beginning) find themselves naked in a hotel room forming a real connection only for complication after complication blocking their path towards a happy ever after.... aaaahhh such is a lesfic.
I would have liked to see Jinx have a rougher time at it though, she spent twenty years in prison but seems to be functioning perfectly on the outside all things considered, small complaint but I get the book largely focuses on E.J. and her fear of telling her kids about being gay, being completely alone and Jinx reconnecting with her family after 25 years away.
Solid read, would recommend.
4.00/5.00
August 4, 2022
Life is never perfect. EJ and Jinx are no where near perfect but they are perfect for each other.
Love that they fight, communicate and grow. Such a beautiful story.
Definitely recommend.❤️
The dawn is a promise of another day, another chance,” Jinx said, watching the pink expand into the sky. “Another opportunity to be happy. And every day, I think I couldn’t possibly be happier.” She crooked a finger beneath E. J.’ s chin and tipped her face to hers. “And then, I wake up and see you.”
Love that they fight, communicate and grow. Such a beautiful story.
Definitely recommend.❤️
The dawn is a promise of another day, another chance,” Jinx said, watching the pink expand into the sky. “Another opportunity to be happy. And every day, I think I couldn’t possibly be happier.” She crooked a finger beneath E. J.’ s chin and tipped her face to hers. “And then, I wake up and see you.”
June 15, 2016
I can sum this book up with one word – AMAZING!
(review to follow)
(review to follow)
April 14, 2017
5 Stars!
Story of two mature women (45ish and 55) who meet and fall in love. But is it enough? Their pasts and presents collide throwing up obstacles along the way. A story of secrets, forgiveness, friends, family and love.
Yes, there are many tropes (rich girl/poor girl, closeted MC, break ups, reconciliations and even a wicked stepmother). But the story is so well written and handled, it doesn't matter. You can't put it down or at least I couldn't. My highest recommendation.
Story of two mature women (45ish and 55) who meet and fall in love. But is it enough? Their pasts and presents collide throwing up obstacles along the way. A story of secrets, forgiveness, friends, family and love.
Yes, there are many tropes (rich girl/poor girl, closeted MC, break ups, reconciliations and even a wicked stepmother). But the story is so well written and handled, it doesn't matter. You can't put it down or at least I couldn't. My highest recommendation.
June 26, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Angsty and heartwarming read with sexy moments in between…. with MCs, one of whom is a 45 y/o felon and the other a 52 y/o closeted business executive who equates coming out as losing her grown-up kids. Many backstories as to how/why EJ and Jinx lived their life and the choices they made.
A wonderful read.
Angsty and heartwarming read with sexy moments in between…. with MCs, one of whom is a 45 y/o felon and the other a 52 y/o closeted business executive who equates coming out as losing her grown-up kids. Many backstories as to how/why EJ and Jinx lived their life and the choices they made.
A wonderful read.
January 27, 2020
This was a great book! Lovely story and lovable characters. I will certainly read this one again and am looking forward to the next one Embracing the Moon.
5 stars
5 stars
June 11, 2016
What a great read! I really, really enjoyed this book! This is the second ex-con book I have read in the last few weeks and I can't help but like the topic it definitely adds dramatics to the story and has provided something different from the norm. Being asked the question of can you trust someone who has made such a big mistake when they were younger? Can people change? I think they can and I think the author did a great job in showing this through Jinx.
For me the characters were perfect which completely made me fall in love with this book. I loved how gentle and good-natured jinx was making you fall for her straight away and forgive her past. You then add E.J. who was the more withdrawn and harder of the two which made it work perfectly. I could have just kept reading on and on about these two.
I thought the story was well done, a good amount of angst and surprises in the right spots that just kept you so interested in the book.
If I was being picking I would say that I would have liked to see the resolution play out more towards the end. In saying that once again I was kept on my toes and thought that it was at least not predicable and kept me interested to see where things were going.
Loved it, would re-read for sure!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
For me the characters were perfect which completely made me fall in love with this book. I loved how gentle and good-natured jinx was making you fall for her straight away and forgive her past. You then add E.J. who was the more withdrawn and harder of the two which made it work perfectly. I could have just kept reading on and on about these two.
I thought the story was well done, a good amount of angst and surprises in the right spots that just kept you so interested in the book.
If I was being picking I would say that I would have liked to see the resolution play out more towards the end. In saying that once again I was kept on my toes and thought that it was at least not predicable and kept me interested to see where things were going.
Loved it, would re-read for sure!
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
January 10, 2017
Wonderful romance. Putting it in a few words: a must read book.
November 22, 2022
I love a good redemption yarn, and this one is definitely good. Jinx is an ex-convict trying to make it on the outs; EJ is the closeted (and clueless) businesswoman who falls for her. Their budding romance is really nice. Their friends are great additions, too – especially Reggie and Sparkle, the couple who helped Jinx survive in prison and readjust to the free world. Kudos to author Jeannie Levig for going for something real, instead of the tired-out fantasy tropes so popular in wlw romances (Hollywood starlets, elite sports, business tycoons, etc.).
Where Levig falters is in the implausibility of a number of the plot points around which the romance revolves, which made it hard for me to sustain any suspension of disbelief. A few examples (and I’ll try not to spoil anything):
The reason for Jinx’s falling out with her half-sister – a suspense point until the novel’s final gasps – is silly and implausible, as is the half-sister’s sudden self-revelation. Also unlikely is the half-sister’s behavior toward Jinx while she is incarcerated. It was too callous to be believable.
The demeanor of EJ’s adult son toward Jinx when they first met was also over the top and unbelievable.
Jinx’s life in prison reads more like a stereotyped version of the perils in a men’s prison, rather than typical life in a women’s prison (especially a federal women’s prison, which is where a woman convicted of Jinx’s crime would go).
So, doing the math: 5 stars for the romance and the redemption narrative, minus 1.5 stars for all of the flimsy and unsustainable plot holes and devices, equals 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Where Levig falters is in the implausibility of a number of the plot points around which the romance revolves, which made it hard for me to sustain any suspension of disbelief. A few examples (and I’ll try not to spoil anything):
The reason for Jinx’s falling out with her half-sister – a suspense point until the novel’s final gasps – is silly and implausible, as is the half-sister’s sudden self-revelation. Also unlikely is the half-sister’s behavior toward Jinx while she is incarcerated. It was too callous to be believable.
The demeanor of EJ’s adult son toward Jinx when they first met was also over the top and unbelievable.
Jinx’s life in prison reads more like a stereotyped version of the perils in a men’s prison, rather than typical life in a women’s prison (especially a federal women’s prison, which is where a woman convicted of Jinx’s crime would go).
So, doing the math: 5 stars for the romance and the redemption narrative, minus 1.5 stars for all of the flimsy and unsustainable plot holes and devices, equals 3.5 stars, rounded up.
August 16, 2016
To date, this is my favourite read of 2016.
Incredibly emotional, sexy, sweet and realistic. The push/pull was very well done. Secondary cast are superb - I especially enjoy when main characters are called on their BS as an external means to explain behaviour. The psychology of this story is excellent and there is quite a lot of drama, but none of it over-the-top.
My favourite thing, was slowly getting to know both characters through their own thoughts and each other's eyes.
Looking forward to reading more from Levig.
Incredibly emotional, sexy, sweet and realistic. The push/pull was very well done. Secondary cast are superb - I especially enjoy when main characters are called on their BS as an external means to explain behaviour. The psychology of this story is excellent and there is quite a lot of drama, but none of it over-the-top.
My favourite thing, was slowly getting to know both characters through their own thoughts and each other's eyes.
Looking forward to reading more from Levig.
October 24, 2016
Without a doubt a 5 star novel.
My Review
Embracing the Dawn was written beautifully and it has slipped straight into my 'Favourite' and 'Must read again' shelves on Goodreads.
I was quite taken by Jinx Tanner's story. Her backstory was what gripped me from chapter one. Every time she explained details from her past I was in tears at her struggles and bravery. She was quite a woman someone that I would genuinely love to know. She comes from such a wounded past and deserves the happiness that She and E.J can have. Unfortunately E.J has her own family drama that is stopping her becoming her true self and making things difficult for her and Jinx to be together.
I absolutely loved this book. It was so raw and honest. The story was very believable and I think that's what has stood out from most books I've read recently. Bold Stokes Books have really upped the ante recently with there Authors. This was a fantastic novel. I was gripped from the beginning.
Can't wait to see what's next from Jeannie Levig.
5 stars.
Quote of the Book:
“The dawn is a promise of another day, another chance,” Jinx said, watching the pink expand into the sky. “Another opportunity to be happy. And every day, I think I couldn’t possibly be happier.” She crooked a finger beneath E. J.’ s chin and tipped her face to hers. “And then, I wake up and see you.” She kissed her.
My Review
Embracing the Dawn was written beautifully and it has slipped straight into my 'Favourite' and 'Must read again' shelves on Goodreads.
I was quite taken by Jinx Tanner's story. Her backstory was what gripped me from chapter one. Every time she explained details from her past I was in tears at her struggles and bravery. She was quite a woman someone that I would genuinely love to know. She comes from such a wounded past and deserves the happiness that She and E.J can have. Unfortunately E.J has her own family drama that is stopping her becoming her true self and making things difficult for her and Jinx to be together.
I absolutely loved this book. It was so raw and honest. The story was very believable and I think that's what has stood out from most books I've read recently. Bold Stokes Books have really upped the ante recently with there Authors. This was a fantastic novel. I was gripped from the beginning.
Can't wait to see what's next from Jeannie Levig.
5 stars.
Quote of the Book:
“The dawn is a promise of another day, another chance,” Jinx said, watching the pink expand into the sky. “Another opportunity to be happy. And every day, I think I couldn’t possibly be happier.” She crooked a finger beneath E. J.’ s chin and tipped her face to hers. “And then, I wake up and see you.” She kissed her.
August 17, 2016
Michelle "Jinx" Tanner has been out of prison for a few years and is trying to adjust to life on the outside. At the same time, she is trying to mend her relationship with her half-sister.
E.J. Bastien is a business executive who has been good at guarding her heart and keeping her relationships away from her family.
The two meet at a bar and what they thought was only a one night stand becomes more than that.
This is the first book I've read from Jeannie Levig and I enjoyed it immensely.
Both characters were likable and had such chemistry and angst that has you rooting for them to work out their relationship. The different conflicts, between both Jinx and E.J as well as their own conflicts with their family were well written and kept me turning the pages.
I will definitely read her future works, especially if the quality of writing mirrors that of Embracing the Dawn.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-ne
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
E.J. Bastien is a business executive who has been good at guarding her heart and keeping her relationships away from her family.
The two meet at a bar and what they thought was only a one night stand becomes more than that.
This is the first book I've read from Jeannie Levig and I enjoyed it immensely.
Both characters were likable and had such chemistry and angst that has you rooting for them to work out their relationship. The different conflicts, between both Jinx and E.J as well as their own conflicts with their family were well written and kept me turning the pages.
I will definitely read her future works, especially if the quality of writing mirrors that of Embracing the Dawn.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-ne
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2018
*ARC given by Netgalley and Bold Strokes for an honest review*
Thirty minutes into this book I found myself struggling to hold back tears, and I immediately said to myself, "This book is going to get 5 stars.". I was instantly drawn to Jinx and her innocence, that the author such a spectacular job of conveying through her writing. I was thrilled to find that the problems that E.J and Jinx face in their relationship were real and understandable considering their personal lives, there weren't any of the clichéd misunderstandings which end up being blown out of proportion. This was an amazing love story and i loved every second of it, I wish I hadn't started it so that I could rediscover the characters and the story all over again. (Especially the jokes!)
Thirty minutes into this book I found myself struggling to hold back tears, and I immediately said to myself, "This book is going to get 5 stars.". I was instantly drawn to Jinx and her innocence, that the author such a spectacular job of conveying through her writing. I was thrilled to find that the problems that E.J and Jinx face in their relationship were real and understandable considering their personal lives, there weren't any of the clichéd misunderstandings which end up being blown out of proportion. This was an amazing love story and i loved every second of it, I wish I hadn't started it so that I could rediscover the characters and the story all over again. (Especially the jokes!)
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