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Philly Heat #1
A Love Restrained
Old secrets, new threats...What are they willing to sacrifice?Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker is dedicated to protecting and serving. She sees the work in right and wrong, black and white, good guys and bad guys. That is, until she chases a drug dealer into a dead-end alley and finds the bad boy she had a painful crush on throughout her teen years has turned into a more dangerous and more attractive man.Jayson Donovan knows he doesn't deserve someone as good as Kylee Parker. As the right-hand man to a local drug-pushing mobster, he's solidly on the wrong side of Kylee's moral compass. But he can't help reaching for her time and again when he knows he shouldn't.Even when his secrets threaten them both.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2017
6 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Becky Flade
28 books321 followersA city girl, born and bred, I tend to place my stories in and around southeast Pennsylvania, or at least have a character or two from the area. Home is where the heart is and I make mine with three beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two grandsons. When I’m not busy living my own happily ever after, I’m writing about someone else’s.
I’d love to have you visit with me on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter, or write to me directly & you can sign-up for my quarterly newsletter here http://eepurl.com/7WDZj
I’d love to have you visit with me on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter, or write to me directly & you can sign-up for my quarterly newsletter here http://eepurl.com/7WDZj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 5, 2017
Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan came from two entirely different lives. Her, from a large family, loving and good, always taking care and looking out for one another. And him, from a family rife with abuse, poverty, and alcoholism.
It certainly sets the scene when years after these two had a moment in high school, Kylee meets Jayson again when she arrests him for a drug deal she witnessed. She's a cop. He's a dealer -- or so it seems. She's very black and white on what is right and wrong. He's living in shades of gray.
It should be obvious what the choice is for a cop like her when it comes to a criminal like him.
And yet, it isn't.
Nothing ever is.
Life is not that simple.
The book is written in 3 parts, and I liked that as it helped to break some of the time jumps apart without being jarring in the plot line. There's a lot of inner dialogue, and that certainly worked to the characters' benefits to show their struggles with the relationship they found themselves in.
This book had ... quite a few twists. So, at least 3 caught me by surprise, but I can't name which ones they are without blowing everything, ha.
All in all, I really enjoyed Kylee and Jayson. They worked for their HEA and they deserved it. Well done to Becky.
It certainly sets the scene when years after these two had a moment in high school, Kylee meets Jayson again when she arrests him for a drug deal she witnessed. She's a cop. He's a dealer -- or so it seems. She's very black and white on what is right and wrong. He's living in shades of gray.
It should be obvious what the choice is for a cop like her when it comes to a criminal like him.
And yet, it isn't.
Nothing ever is.
Life is not that simple.
The book is written in 3 parts, and I liked that as it helped to break some of the time jumps apart without being jarring in the plot line. There's a lot of inner dialogue, and that certainly worked to the characters' benefits to show their struggles with the relationship they found themselves in.
This book had ... quite a few twists. So, at least 3 caught me by surprise, but I can't name which ones they are without blowing everything, ha.
All in all, I really enjoyed Kylee and Jayson. They worked for their HEA and they deserved it. Well done to Becky.
October 4, 2017
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together and both had mutual crushes on one another that were never voiced UNTIL they meet later in life when Kylee arrests Jayson for selling drugs. Yes, Kylee became a police officer to fight on the side of right and the young man she once desired was on the opposite side of the law. Can a cop and a crook find love and if they do can it survive the ups and downs such a relationship might encounter? Well, it isn’t easy going for either of them as they try to do just that. They are lucky to be given a second and perhaps third chance at love and so deserve to find a happy future together.
Kylee comes from a large loving family. She is educated, bright and strong. She is committed to right and sees right from wrong in black and white. Jayson comes from a home where alcohol and physical abuse reigned. He was given support by Kylee’s parents as he suffered through some tough times..
What I Liked:
* Two smart tough characters with softness for one another
* Two people who could commit to tough jobs
* The slow unveiling of the story and the backstories of the characters
* The thought processes of both characters
* The side stories and supporting characters
* The impeccable plotting with just enough of the characters’ pasts being told at just the right time.
* Kylee and Jayson
* The fact that it was not “easy” and that right choices made for right reasons were sometimes painful
* The twists and turns and surprises that popped up from time to time
* The writing
What I didn’t like:
* Hmm…let me think…not much…just the dislike for those that abused and were, as I read, meant to be disliked.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together and both had mutual crushes on one another that were never voiced UNTIL they meet later in life when Kylee arrests Jayson for selling drugs. Yes, Kylee became a police officer to fight on the side of right and the young man she once desired was on the opposite side of the law. Can a cop and a crook find love and if they do can it survive the ups and downs such a relationship might encounter? Well, it isn’t easy going for either of them as they try to do just that. They are lucky to be given a second and perhaps third chance at love and so deserve to find a happy future together.
Kylee comes from a large loving family. She is educated, bright and strong. She is committed to right and sees right from wrong in black and white. Jayson comes from a home where alcohol and physical abuse reigned. He was given support by Kylee’s parents as he suffered through some tough times..
What I Liked:
* Two smart tough characters with softness for one another
* Two people who could commit to tough jobs
* The slow unveiling of the story and the backstories of the characters
* The thought processes of both characters
* The side stories and supporting characters
* The impeccable plotting with just enough of the characters’ pasts being told at just the right time.
* Kylee and Jayson
* The fact that it was not “easy” and that right choices made for right reasons were sometimes painful
* The twists and turns and surprises that popped up from time to time
* The writing
What I didn’t like:
* Hmm…let me think…not much…just the dislike for those that abused and were, as I read, meant to be disliked.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
October 4, 2017
All reviews posted originally on the blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/
So, I’ve been giving romantic suspense a hard time lately. I even considered turning my back on the category altogether. But this story was a rather nice reminder of why I shouldn’t make hasty decisions about an entire category of books based on a few bad experiences.
Kylee was a heroine I really rooted for. She’s smart and tough, but still sensitive and vulnerable enough to open her heart up to Jayson, even though they have very little in common in the first part of the book. They even have a somewhat shaky past to overcome, but Kylee is forgiving without being naive or stupidly trusting. As far as romantic suspense heroines go, I’ve read LOTS worse.
Jayson was a good hero, too, but he made some stupid mistakes that kind of pissed me off throughout the book. I won’t give anything about the plot away, but the whole I’m-going-to-push-you-away-for-your-own-good plot device is my absolute LEAST favorite. I have very little tolerance for it, and if Jayson wasn’t so damn sweet and loveable, it would’ve cost the book another whole star, most likely. (But fortunately, Jayson was pretty darned charming, so I let his stupid dude mistakes slide. For the most part.)
As far as harsh criticisms, I have only a few:
1. First of all, I don’t think it’s the author’s fault, but there was some point of view confusion throughout the book. The story is written in alternating 3rd person, so you get some scenes from Jayson’s POV and some from Kylee’s. But, sometimes, in the middle of scenes, there’s first person mixed in. I’ve seen this done before in other books, and the shift in POV is usually notated by making the first person bits italicized. Because that wasn’t done here, the shift was a little more jarring for me as a reader than it would’ve been otherwise. Like I said, I don’t think it was the author’s fault. I’m blaming the publisher and/or formatter for this one.
2. The time jump between part 1 and part 2 of the story irked me a bit. I would’ve liked to read more about what happened to Jayson and Kylee during that time.
3. I think Kylee’s parents should’ve been honest with her about what they knew about Jayson. It was admirable that they wanted to keep Jayson’s secrets; it showed what kind of people they were. But I think their loyalty to Kylee should’ve won out over their loyalty to Jayson.
The only other thing I’ll point out to potential readers is that this is a fairly clean read. There’s plenty of sexual tension, and the characters do have sex, but most of the action happens offscreen, so to speak. I personally find this approach to be kinda classy, but those of you who enjoy extra steamy reads and/or romantic erotica might feel a little let down by the sexy times between Jayson and Kylee. This is also what I would classify as a slow-burn romance. These two really get to know each other before really getting to know each other, if you catch my drift.
Long-story-short: This is a solid romantic suspense read from a new-to-me author, and overall, I really enjoyed it. Thanks for helping restore my faith in the romantic suspense category, Ms. Flade!
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So, I’ve been giving romantic suspense a hard time lately. I even considered turning my back on the category altogether. But this story was a rather nice reminder of why I shouldn’t make hasty decisions about an entire category of books based on a few bad experiences.
Kylee was a heroine I really rooted for. She’s smart and tough, but still sensitive and vulnerable enough to open her heart up to Jayson, even though they have very little in common in the first part of the book. They even have a somewhat shaky past to overcome, but Kylee is forgiving without being naive or stupidly trusting. As far as romantic suspense heroines go, I’ve read LOTS worse.
Jayson was a good hero, too, but he made some stupid mistakes that kind of pissed me off throughout the book. I won’t give anything about the plot away, but the whole I’m-going-to-push-you-away-for-your-own-good plot device is my absolute LEAST favorite. I have very little tolerance for it, and if Jayson wasn’t so damn sweet and loveable, it would’ve cost the book another whole star, most likely. (But fortunately, Jayson was pretty darned charming, so I let his stupid dude mistakes slide. For the most part.)
As far as harsh criticisms, I have only a few:
1. First of all, I don’t think it’s the author’s fault, but there was some point of view confusion throughout the book. The story is written in alternating 3rd person, so you get some scenes from Jayson’s POV and some from Kylee’s. But, sometimes, in the middle of scenes, there’s first person mixed in. I’ve seen this done before in other books, and the shift in POV is usually notated by making the first person bits italicized. Because that wasn’t done here, the shift was a little more jarring for me as a reader than it would’ve been otherwise. Like I said, I don’t think it was the author’s fault. I’m blaming the publisher and/or formatter for this one.
2. The time jump between part 1 and part 2 of the story irked me a bit. I would’ve liked to read more about what happened to Jayson and Kylee during that time.
3. I think Kylee’s parents should’ve been honest with her about what they knew about Jayson. It was admirable that they wanted to keep Jayson’s secrets; it showed what kind of people they were. But I think their loyalty to Kylee should’ve won out over their loyalty to Jayson.
The only other thing I’ll point out to potential readers is that this is a fairly clean read. There’s plenty of sexual tension, and the characters do have sex, but most of the action happens offscreen, so to speak. I personally find this approach to be kinda classy, but those of you who enjoy extra steamy reads and/or romantic erotica might feel a little let down by the sexy times between Jayson and Kylee. This is also what I would classify as a slow-burn romance. These two really get to know each other before really getting to know each other, if you catch my drift.
Long-story-short: This is a solid romantic suspense read from a new-to-me author, and overall, I really enjoyed it. Thanks for helping restore my faith in the romantic suspense category, Ms. Flade!
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2017
Reviewed for Library Journal.
A good plot with a few twists and turns. The novel alternates between Jayson and Kaylee’s points of view, but frequently slips from third-person to first-person for each one. I found that this actually added to the intensity in various scenes. A heartbreaking story in parts, there are a couple of love scenes, but there are many more teasing scenes that get interrupted throughout.
A good plot with a few twists and turns. The novel alternates between Jayson and Kaylee’s points of view, but frequently slips from third-person to first-person for each one. I found that this actually added to the intensity in various scenes. A heartbreaking story in parts, there are a couple of love scenes, but there are many more teasing scenes that get interrupted throughout.
January 21, 2018
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
When I read this blurb, it instantly grabbed my attention. A bad boy, a cop, and a history of romance; how could I not read it? Well, I was very pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it even more than I anticipated!
These two characters were fun to read. They have an intense chemistry that she tries to fight. It’s obvious they are both attracted to one another but there is a history that weighs between the two. It’s intense at times, comical at others, and downright heartbreaking as well.
The author does a great job writing each scene. It’s detailed out leaving no guessing what is going on. Descriptions were on par to keep ones attention. It made it very easy to visualize the scenery and action.
This was, overall, a very good book. There was action, there was love, there was some serious chemistry, and there was love. It was a deep down unquestionable love that took a while to fully show up. I would definitely recommend reading this book. It was an incredible read!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
When I read this blurb, it instantly grabbed my attention. A bad boy, a cop, and a history of romance; how could I not read it? Well, I was very pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it even more than I anticipated!
These two characters were fun to read. They have an intense chemistry that she tries to fight. It’s obvious they are both attracted to one another but there is a history that weighs between the two. It’s intense at times, comical at others, and downright heartbreaking as well.
The author does a great job writing each scene. It’s detailed out leaving no guessing what is going on. Descriptions were on par to keep ones attention. It made it very easy to visualize the scenery and action.
This was, overall, a very good book. There was action, there was love, there was some serious chemistry, and there was love. It was a deep down unquestionable love that took a while to fully show up. I would definitely recommend reading this book. It was an incredible read!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
October 11, 2017
Kylee Parker crushed on Jayson Donovan in school for years, but when he disappeared in senior she swore she'd never think of him again. So when she stumbled upon him years later, her attraction to him was still there. They attempt a relationship but his job makes things tricky. But when Jayson gets a threat against Kylee, he disappears again.
Years go by and Kylee moves on, but all that changes when Jayson suddenly appears in her doorstep saying things have changed and he's ready to settle down with the woman he's always loved.
Can Kylee get past the hurt and embrace a future with Jayson? Or has too must time passed? And if Kylee does want a future with Jayson, how will Jayson react when he learns the secret Kylee been hiding? Or will a new threat take all their choices away?
A Love Restrained is a heart pounding, sexy, suspenseful read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
The chemistry between Jayson and Kylee is electric and undeniable. Their passion leaps of the pages and into the hearts of the readers. Despite people trying to pull them apart, they always find a way to stay strong.
Kylee is a strong, independent woman that will do everything she can for her those she loves. Her heart is true and loyal and that makes her a woman, a heroine, you can stand behind.
Jayson as many layers to him, but deep down he's a good guy. He's childhood wasn't all that wonderful, but one act of kindness from an unexpected source changes his life. Despite it all he will risk everything for those closest to him.
I was captivated by A Love Restrained and couldn't, no wanted to, put it down. I loved the history between Kaylee, Jayson, her family, and his. The dynamic between them all is stunning. I was engrossed by the story line and enraptured by the love affair.
I would recommend this emotional, sensual, beautiful romance story to anyone looking for a book filled with heat, suspense, and a love that will stand the test of time.
Years go by and Kylee moves on, but all that changes when Jayson suddenly appears in her doorstep saying things have changed and he's ready to settle down with the woman he's always loved.
Can Kylee get past the hurt and embrace a future with Jayson? Or has too must time passed? And if Kylee does want a future with Jayson, how will Jayson react when he learns the secret Kylee been hiding? Or will a new threat take all their choices away?
A Love Restrained is a heart pounding, sexy, suspenseful read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
The chemistry between Jayson and Kylee is electric and undeniable. Their passion leaps of the pages and into the hearts of the readers. Despite people trying to pull them apart, they always find a way to stay strong.
Kylee is a strong, independent woman that will do everything she can for her those she loves. Her heart is true and loyal and that makes her a woman, a heroine, you can stand behind.
Jayson as many layers to him, but deep down he's a good guy. He's childhood wasn't all that wonderful, but one act of kindness from an unexpected source changes his life. Despite it all he will risk everything for those closest to him.
I was captivated by A Love Restrained and couldn't, no wanted to, put it down. I loved the history between Kaylee, Jayson, her family, and his. The dynamic between them all is stunning. I was engrossed by the story line and enraptured by the love affair.
I would recommend this emotional, sensual, beautiful romance story to anyone looking for a book filled with heat, suspense, and a love that will stand the test of time.
October 11, 2017
"A Love Restrained" by Becky Flade is a contemporary romantic suspense story that follows the complicated relationship between bad boy Jayson Donovan and Kylee Parker, the woman who has caught his attention ever since they were both in high school. Their very divergent paths in life have put them on opposite sides of the law, but their attraction to each other can’t be quenched, no matter how high the odds are against them, until betrayal threatens to kill anything they might have together.
This exciting story draws one in and provides a story that involves personable characters who are caught in difficult circumstances that are complicated even more by perception issues that abound. I liked the story itself, but the delivery frustrated me, with its constant shifting between third and first person point of view within the same scene. The positive aspect was the ability to see exactly what the particular character was thinking, but the continual shift from musings to sharing the experience made the action jerky for me. Despite this, I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story (although I wasn’t thrilled about the time lapse of years that were glossed over) and cared enough about these folks to hope they overcame the painful issues that shaped their lives.
There is a sobering look at the issues of addiction and abuse that forms a running theme through the story and occasional episodes of violence that may disturb those with triggers. This is an intense and entertaining adventure that reminds the reader of the sacrifice and danger that is involved with working in law enforcement which impacts not only the officer but also his or her extended family, and emphasizes how important family is—to make a positive or negative impact on one’s life.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
This exciting story draws one in and provides a story that involves personable characters who are caught in difficult circumstances that are complicated even more by perception issues that abound. I liked the story itself, but the delivery frustrated me, with its constant shifting between third and first person point of view within the same scene. The positive aspect was the ability to see exactly what the particular character was thinking, but the continual shift from musings to sharing the experience made the action jerky for me. Despite this, I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story (although I wasn’t thrilled about the time lapse of years that were glossed over) and cared enough about these folks to hope they overcame the painful issues that shaped their lives.
There is a sobering look at the issues of addiction and abuse that forms a running theme through the story and occasional episodes of violence that may disturb those with triggers. This is an intense and entertaining adventure that reminds the reader of the sacrifice and danger that is involved with working in law enforcement which impacts not only the officer but also his or her extended family, and emphasizes how important family is—to make a positive or negative impact on one’s life.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
December 22, 2017
A Love Restrained, from Becky Flade, is a second-chance romance with a nice, little surprise trope that I was tickled over! Kylee and Jayson were interesting characters in one of my new, favorite cities, Philadelphia. They crushed over each other in high school, but circumstances kept them apart until a chance meeting in an alleyway when Kylee, a Philadelphia police officer, arrests Jayson for dealing drugs.
What I liked:
1. Jayson and Kylee are both fairly complex characters.
-While Jayson is living the life of a criminal, there's clearly something else there. As the story unfolds we learn about his abusive childhood and the role Kylee's parents played in saving him from it.
-Kylee comes from a wonderful, supportive family which has given her the confidence to live her life the way she wants. I liked her as a strong, confident police woman who is also a loving daughter and sister.
-They have great chemistry!
2. The bones of the story are promising: corruption, drugs, a second chance at love, and family all make for a great story.
What didn't work:
1. A Love Restrained starts strong and grabbed me right out of the door, but it quickly seemed to get away from the author. There were too many things going that distracted from the love story. I really was invested in Kylee and Jayson as a couple, but halfway through, the book takes a turn that delighted me, but eventually derailed the overall romance. I would have loved to see more of them growing as a couple.
2. Flade has a very unique voice. She switches from 3rd person POV to 1st POV with both characters and within the same paragraph almost constantly. While this actually worked on occasion, it did cause some whiplash. Towards the end, as the story raced to an exciting conclusion, dialogue and POV switched so fast that I gave up trying to figure out who was saying what.
Overall impression:
I think there's a lot to like about this book. It has a strong family vibe and a very likable couple. It's a quick paced read, but one that could be tightened up to make it stronger.
3 stars for A Love Restrained. Heat level: 2.5
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
What I liked:
1. Jayson and Kylee are both fairly complex characters.
-While Jayson is living the life of a criminal, there's clearly something else there. As the story unfolds we learn about his abusive childhood and the role Kylee's parents played in saving him from it.
-Kylee comes from a wonderful, supportive family which has given her the confidence to live her life the way she wants. I liked her as a strong, confident police woman who is also a loving daughter and sister.
-They have great chemistry!
2. The bones of the story are promising: corruption, drugs, a second chance at love, and family all make for a great story.
What didn't work:
1. A Love Restrained starts strong and grabbed me right out of the door, but it quickly seemed to get away from the author. There were too many things going that distracted from the love story. I really was invested in Kylee and Jayson as a couple, but halfway through, the book takes a turn that delighted me, but eventually derailed the overall romance. I would have loved to see more of them growing as a couple.
2. Flade has a very unique voice. She switches from 3rd person POV to 1st POV with both characters and within the same paragraph almost constantly. While this actually worked on occasion, it did cause some whiplash. Towards the end, as the story raced to an exciting conclusion, dialogue and POV switched so fast that I gave up trying to figure out who was saying what.
Overall impression:
I think there's a lot to like about this book. It has a strong family vibe and a very likable couple. It's a quick paced read, but one that could be tightened up to make it stronger.
3 stars for A Love Restrained. Heat level: 2.5
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback.
November 3, 2017
This is my first read from this author and I must admit, I was thoroughly entertained.
I loved that the book didn't have any "fillers" so to speak. The plot scenes progressed at a great pace and gave the actual story instead of endless descriptions and unnecessary info. It was just the book and I loved that. I read this book without being bored and waiting for the next big scene to happen.
I liked the opposites attract feel of Kylee being a cop and Jayson being a criminal. I loved how their relationship developed. It wasn't rushed, over the top, or unbelievable. They had issues and they tried to work through them and neither of them were perfect. I didn't like that Kylee's parents kept so much from her. SO much. I completely empathized with Kylee when she admitted that she felt so alone. The revelation about Jayson was extremely unexpected, but so very well written. The same for who the real criminal was. This was one of the few books that I've read that actually kept me guessing. I had an idea and suspected quite a few people, but wasn't truly sure until the first phone call.
My biggest complaint was that throughout the book there were instances of back and forth POV. Not alternating POV where Jayson has a chapter or scene and then Bailey has one (that's actually how it was lol), but where Bailey is speaking in first person POV in one sentence and the next is in third person. This drove me insane, but I was still able to enjoy the book.
I look forward to more from this author and would recommend her work to others.
**I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.**
I loved that the book didn't have any "fillers" so to speak. The plot scenes progressed at a great pace and gave the actual story instead of endless descriptions and unnecessary info. It was just the book and I loved that. I read this book without being bored and waiting for the next big scene to happen.
I liked the opposites attract feel of Kylee being a cop and Jayson being a criminal. I loved how their relationship developed. It wasn't rushed, over the top, or unbelievable. They had issues and they tried to work through them and neither of them were perfect. I didn't like that Kylee's parents kept so much from her. SO much. I completely empathized with Kylee when she admitted that she felt so alone. The revelation about Jayson was extremely unexpected, but so very well written. The same for who the real criminal was. This was one of the few books that I've read that actually kept me guessing. I had an idea and suspected quite a few people, but wasn't truly sure until the first phone call.
My biggest complaint was that throughout the book there were instances of back and forth POV. Not alternating POV where Jayson has a chapter or scene and then Bailey has one (that's actually how it was lol), but where Bailey is speaking in first person POV in one sentence and the next is in third person. This drove me insane, but I was still able to enjoy the book.
I look forward to more from this author and would recommend her work to others.
**I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.**
December 13, 2017
Love Restrained
This 3 part book follows the unlikely relationship between Kylee and Jayson. Part 1 reunites cop Kylee with criminal Jayson, whom she had a pretty massive crush on in high school. Jayson had a horrible childhood and never felt good enough for Kylee. Although, she’s troubled by his work, they begin their relationship, until tragedy strikes Kylee and Jayson is pressured to leave. Part 2 brings Jayson back years down the road and had me screaming “I knew it!!” Twice. Not going to say what, but it’s a great twist. Now they have to figure out their new relationship with many challenges. Part 3 brings them a new tragedy and brings Kylee and Jayson back together. This book was FULL of different twists and action. All characters were full bodied characters and even supporting characters were interesting. My only complaint was that in scenes that there were multiple speakers, it was hard decipher who was speaking as it’s not clearly written. There’s also a few editing issues, but I liked it enough to still give it 5 hearts.
***reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock***
This 3 part book follows the unlikely relationship between Kylee and Jayson. Part 1 reunites cop Kylee with criminal Jayson, whom she had a pretty massive crush on in high school. Jayson had a horrible childhood and never felt good enough for Kylee. Although, she’s troubled by his work, they begin their relationship, until tragedy strikes Kylee and Jayson is pressured to leave. Part 2 brings Jayson back years down the road and had me screaming “I knew it!!” Twice. Not going to say what, but it’s a great twist. Now they have to figure out their new relationship with many challenges. Part 3 brings them a new tragedy and brings Kylee and Jayson back together. This book was FULL of different twists and action. All characters were full bodied characters and even supporting characters were interesting. My only complaint was that in scenes that there were multiple speakers, it was hard decipher who was speaking as it’s not clearly written. There’s also a few editing issues, but I liked it enough to still give it 5 hearts.
***reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock***
October 13, 2017
Although this novel falls squarely into the romantic suspense genre, it also delves into the psychological realm by immersing the reader with the deep inner thoughts of the heroine and hero, Kylee and Jase. The author did an exemplary job with this, so much so there were moments when I loved Kylee's spunk and her wonderful mothering instincts, yet hated her jealousy. It takes great skill for an author to weave in the bad with the good, thereby making characters seem real. That being said, I missed a full accounting of what happened to Kylee and Jase in the large time gap. It would have added to my "character immersion." However, this is a wonderful tale, full of twists and turns, and I believe fans of romantic suspense will enjoy A Love Restrained.
May 6, 2018
4.5 – stars
I love settling in with this author, because she never disappoints. And she has hit it out of the ballpark once again.
As always, her characters come alive. Instead of simply reading a story, you can’t help but being drawn in so that you live it, you feel you know Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan personally, and after the book has ended you find yourself wondering what they are up to now.
While there are tropes and formulas in writing Romance, you never notice with Ms. Flade. Her writing is real, the situations authentic and compelling, never forced.
Full disclosure, there were places where I wasn’t sure who was speaking, forcing me to stop and back track, more so toward the end, but it wasn’t enough to take me out of the moment. I loved this book, love the author, and can’t wait for more.
Well done.
I love settling in with this author, because she never disappoints. And she has hit it out of the ballpark once again.
As always, her characters come alive. Instead of simply reading a story, you can’t help but being drawn in so that you live it, you feel you know Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan personally, and after the book has ended you find yourself wondering what they are up to now.
While there are tropes and formulas in writing Romance, you never notice with Ms. Flade. Her writing is real, the situations authentic and compelling, never forced.
Full disclosure, there were places where I wasn’t sure who was speaking, forcing me to stop and back track, more so toward the end, but it wasn’t enough to take me out of the moment. I loved this book, love the author, and can’t wait for more.
Well done.
September 7, 2022
3.5 Stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense with a slow-burn contemporary romance, opposites attract, finding love unexpectedly, danger, mystery, drama, secrets, chemistry, tension, intrigue, and some violence.
What happens when a dedicated police officer comes face to face with her former bad boy crush who is now entrenched in the world of crime? You should definitely read all the intriguing developments for yourself.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Becky Flade!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense with a slow-burn contemporary romance, opposites attract, finding love unexpectedly, danger, mystery, drama, secrets, chemistry, tension, intrigue, and some violence.
What happens when a dedicated police officer comes face to face with her former bad boy crush who is now entrenched in the world of crime? You should definitely read all the intriguing developments for yourself.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Becky Flade!
Read
February 5, 2019A Love Restrained is a story of love and life where everything is not all black and white, when a straight-shooting police officer, Kylee Parker and bad boy Jayson Donovan click. They have had this chemistry ever since being high school crushes. However, life happens and when Officer Parker chases and corners Donovan, a drug dealer, in an alley, things happen. Life rewinds and intersects as Officer Parker has come face-to-face with her high school crush!
Author Becky Flade has a unique voice and delivers an interesting tale. She shows the family life in which both Kylee and Jayson were raised. Hers is a supportive circle of love; his, a dysfunctional family of abuse and suffering. Will these two be given a second chance at love?
There were a few instances where I was pulled out of the story by the switching point of views. Time jumps were sometimes off-putting, but I understood why it was necessary. Luckily, the story was good enough to keep me going as I wanted to know what would happen next. A Love Restrained delivered quite a few surprises.
I like the relationship between the main characters. Flade made her characters so real that you want to reach out and give Jayson a good talking to! They are people you truly get to know. The pacing was steady for most of the book. What I like most about this story was that it had a bit of romance, drama, and suspense.
Better proofreading would have helped catch some issues such as missing commas and use of homophones such as ‘gate’ for ‘gait’.
Author Becky Flade has a unique voice and delivers an interesting tale. She shows the family life in which both Kylee and Jayson were raised. Hers is a supportive circle of love; his, a dysfunctional family of abuse and suffering. Will these two be given a second chance at love?
There were a few instances where I was pulled out of the story by the switching point of views. Time jumps were sometimes off-putting, but I understood why it was necessary. Luckily, the story was good enough to keep me going as I wanted to know what would happen next. A Love Restrained delivered quite a few surprises.
I like the relationship between the main characters. Flade made her characters so real that you want to reach out and give Jayson a good talking to! They are people you truly get to know. The pacing was steady for most of the book. What I like most about this story was that it had a bit of romance, drama, and suspense.
Better proofreading would have helped catch some issues such as missing commas and use of homophones such as ‘gate’ for ‘gait’.
December 16, 2017
3.5/5.0
"A Love Restrained" is a tale of romantic suspense told in three parts, which change as the characters move through periods of their lives.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Merged review:
3.5/5.0
"A Love Restrained" is a tale of romantic suspense told in three parts, which change as the characters move through periods of their lives.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
"A Love Restrained" is a tale of romantic suspense told in three parts, which change as the characters move through periods of their lives.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Merged review:
3.5/5.0
"A Love Restrained" is a tale of romantic suspense told in three parts, which change as the characters move through periods of their lives.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 10, 2018
I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good romantic suspense and this one was is at the top of my favorites list. I loved the two characters, they were great with an intense chemistry. The history between them causes a lot of problems and is a major hill for them climb. This was a great book and very well written to the point I did not lose interest. The emotions were intense, there was some very funny moments and the action was suspenseful. I would definitely recommend this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
I love a good romantic suspense and this one was is at the top of my favorites list. I loved the two characters, they were great with an intense chemistry. The history between them causes a lot of problems and is a major hill for them climb. This was a great book and very well written to the point I did not lose interest. The emotions were intense, there was some very funny moments and the action was suspenseful. I would definitely recommend this one.
Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng
April 14, 2020
What a suspenseful story it kept me on the edge of my seat as I read. Philadelphia police officer Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan's story has suspense, drama,danger, villains from every where some they did not see coming, and a second chance. Once I started reading this book I was not putting it down. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2022
A Love Restrained is a contemporary, suspense romance about two people who had a short highschool history together, but find each other again years later. Kylee Parker is a Philadelphia police officer who loves her job. While observing the streets, she sees a drug deal go down and chases down the dealer. While she is trying to arrest him, she recognizes that voice, Jayson Donovan, the boy who broke her heart in highschool. Jayson is quite excited to be getting arrested by her, because what she doesn’t know is that he had always had a thing for her and the fact that her heart was broken was a lot of misunderstandings. Jayson was abused and had a rough home life, but he did have a savior! After being arrested by Kylee, Donovan sees this as his chance to make amends and go after what he has always wanted, so he sends her different plants and flowers, with a note asking her to dinner. Kylee is cautious but can’t seem to eventually keep saying no. That original yes turns into the two of them dating and falling for each other. However, Donovan’s past is sad, complicated, and his present seems to go against all of her morals. Can all of his past and the secrets of his present continue in their relationship or will it eventually ruin this beautiful love story?
I really enjoyed this story. As a person who works in the field of psychology, it was great to see just how much love, even from strangers, can change the course of someone’s life within this story. I thought the flow of the story made you feel like you were walking through their life. While on this “walk”, you could feel all the things they were going through, the ups, the downs, the love, the secrets, etc. However, at no point in time did I ever not like one of the main characters, even through the hardship. Just the way the information was presented you felt like something was going on you couldn’t put your finger on, but knew it would work out in the end (I am not really sure why, it has been a while since I felt that in a book). You truly feel for each of these characters at all the twists and turns that the story takes you on. I was actually pretty surprised, in some sense, about how the story turned out.
I really enjoyed this story. As a person who works in the field of psychology, it was great to see just how much love, even from strangers, can change the course of someone’s life within this story. I thought the flow of the story made you feel like you were walking through their life. While on this “walk”, you could feel all the things they were going through, the ups, the downs, the love, the secrets, etc. However, at no point in time did I ever not like one of the main characters, even through the hardship. Just the way the information was presented you felt like something was going on you couldn’t put your finger on, but knew it would work out in the end (I am not really sure why, it has been a while since I felt that in a book). You truly feel for each of these characters at all the twists and turns that the story takes you on. I was actually pretty surprised, in some sense, about how the story turned out.
September 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this romance Suspense story. It is a story that is full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. The author does a great job with the characters. Both of them are very strong characters and their attraction to each other leaps off the page. I also love how the author has given them so much depth by including all their past history. It makes the characters more realistic and their story more believable.
In this story we follow Kaylee and Jayson. Both of them have history from high school. Feelings and emotions that were denied at the time and crossed wires turned them against each other.
Now their lives collide again and yet again then are on opposite sides.
Kaylee is a police officer. She loves her job and is determined to be the best officer she can be. However a routine capture of a drug dealer will turn her life and everything she thought was right upside down.
Jayson is the guy she busts and even after all the years apart his feelings for her come racing back to the surface. He couldn't be with her when they were younger but he will stop at nothing to get her now. But will Kaylee be able to see past who he has become and his life of crime to find the boy that stole her heart at school? And what will the consequences be if Kaylee starts getting close to a suspect that police want to catch? Will they get their HEA or will Kaylee's job and Jaysons life be too much for the attraction to survive. This story will keep.you gripped and the twists in the story means you definately won't be able to stop reading
In this story we follow Kaylee and Jayson. Both of them have history from high school. Feelings and emotions that were denied at the time and crossed wires turned them against each other.
Now their lives collide again and yet again then are on opposite sides.
Kaylee is a police officer. She loves her job and is determined to be the best officer she can be. However a routine capture of a drug dealer will turn her life and everything she thought was right upside down.
Jayson is the guy she busts and even after all the years apart his feelings for her come racing back to the surface. He couldn't be with her when they were younger but he will stop at nothing to get her now. But will Kaylee be able to see past who he has become and his life of crime to find the boy that stole her heart at school? And what will the consequences be if Kaylee starts getting close to a suspect that police want to catch? Will they get their HEA or will Kaylee's job and Jaysons life be too much for the attraction to survive. This story will keep.you gripped and the twists in the story means you definately won't be able to stop reading
October 19, 2022
This is the beginning of the Philly Heat Series and all I have to say is WOW! A Love Restrained was the perfect beginning to a promising series. It reads well as a stand-alone as well. But who am I kidding I love characters I can get invested in over a series leaving me wanting more. A second chance romance with some suspense thrown in. Where could it go wrong? Everywhere but that’s what makes it a wonderful story!
Kylee and Jayson knew each other in high school. Both having feelings for the other. Unfortunately Jayson broke his promise to Kylee and left her devastated. Now he’s back and she just arrested him for selling drugs. How does one handle that?
Kylee knew he didn’t come from a good home. She figures that’s what landed him in her custody today, little does she know how wrong she is. Spoilers I’m not willing to share eventually clear the blinders on her eyes.
Jayson wants Kylee more now than he did when they were younger. It’s too dangerous though, especially since she’s a cop. He’s a criminal working near the top of a crime organization. It could never work. Or could it?
These characters challenge each other in so many ways. You understand where both are coming from. How stubborn they are. Reminds me of my stubborn streaks. I’m a Jayson fan and I’m rooting for them to work it all out.
Where will the author take this story?
What will come next in this series?
What happens when the tables are turned?
I really enjoyed this book and this author. Wonderfully written and perfect to grab someone into a series!
Kylee and Jayson knew each other in high school. Both having feelings for the other. Unfortunately Jayson broke his promise to Kylee and left her devastated. Now he’s back and she just arrested him for selling drugs. How does one handle that?
Kylee knew he didn’t come from a good home. She figures that’s what landed him in her custody today, little does she know how wrong she is. Spoilers I’m not willing to share eventually clear the blinders on her eyes.
Jayson wants Kylee more now than he did when they were younger. It’s too dangerous though, especially since she’s a cop. He’s a criminal working near the top of a crime organization. It could never work. Or could it?
These characters challenge each other in so many ways. You understand where both are coming from. How stubborn they are. Reminds me of my stubborn streaks. I’m a Jayson fan and I’m rooting for them to work it all out.
Where will the author take this story?
What will come next in this series?
What happens when the tables are turned?
I really enjoyed this book and this author. Wonderfully written and perfect to grab someone into a series!
September 26, 2022
While Kylee and her are on the job they come across a drug deal and Kylee goes after the “perp” only to discover it’s her bad boy high school crush 😉
Kylee and JD came from different worlds while Kylee grew up in a living and kind home JD grew up in an abusive and alcoholic home but her folks reached out to him and shows him a kindness he’ll never forget ….
Jayson gets off on his charges and is ready to pick up where he left off and I’ve got to give it hom the man is persistent, it does pay off though 🥰 and that’s how it all begins ….
There was so much to love about this book like how her parents are so kind and compassionate towards JD as a child and as a man , how our big bad drug dealer cares for his mum , how he woos her with pit plants ….
There was so much to cry about … the abuse they had to endure and then Amelia takes over where her father left off …
Jayson (JD) is not all he seems and don’t be angry with some of his decisions, his heart is in the right place ❣️
He returns a few years later and discovers a little piece of him had stayed behind when he left and my heart aches for him and his little family for all the time they’ve missed out on but they’re getting their second chance at love and life ❣️
There were so many boxes ticked , I laughed ,I cried , I cheered and there were some nail biting and tense moments be prepared for a few unexpected twists and turns as well .
Kylee and JD came from different worlds while Kylee grew up in a living and kind home JD grew up in an abusive and alcoholic home but her folks reached out to him and shows him a kindness he’ll never forget ….
Jayson gets off on his charges and is ready to pick up where he left off and I’ve got to give it hom the man is persistent, it does pay off though 🥰 and that’s how it all begins ….
There was so much to love about this book like how her parents are so kind and compassionate towards JD as a child and as a man , how our big bad drug dealer cares for his mum , how he woos her with pit plants ….
There was so much to cry about … the abuse they had to endure and then Amelia takes over where her father left off …
Jayson (JD) is not all he seems and don’t be angry with some of his decisions, his heart is in the right place ❣️
He returns a few years later and discovers a little piece of him had stayed behind when he left and my heart aches for him and his little family for all the time they’ve missed out on but they’re getting their second chance at love and life ❣️
There were so many boxes ticked , I laughed ,I cried , I cheered and there were some nail biting and tense moments be prepared for a few unexpected twists and turns as well .
September 7, 2022
This was a gem that was very much enjoyed all the way through! I was swept away with the easy flow of the author's writing and how the characters were and how they developed by the end! Great read!
The book as I said had an easy flow, but it was not all candy and gum drops. There was a suspenseful side to the story as well. I really loved the chemistry and lustful moments between Kylee and Jayson. They were both different but when they were together there was no denying what was blooming between them. I enjoy stories where two people want to be together, really have to work towards that goal For these two there was a million reasons to stay apart, but how long could they fight it The character development between them was really deep and heartfelt.I felt I knew them all my life. Loved that the author did such a strong development with the story and the characters. I loved this book all the way through, I will be reading more by this author for sure, I cannot wait to binge what other creations of books they have written! Definitely a author I want to experience more of, their writing style was perfect!
Loved this book, it held me all the way through, and was a gripping read for more than one reason! I could not put this one down! For sure a must read on my list, and no doubt, a high recommendation from me!
The book as I said had an easy flow, but it was not all candy and gum drops. There was a suspenseful side to the story as well. I really loved the chemistry and lustful moments between Kylee and Jayson. They were both different but when they were together there was no denying what was blooming between them. I enjoy stories where two people want to be together, really have to work towards that goal For these two there was a million reasons to stay apart, but how long could they fight it The character development between them was really deep and heartfelt.I felt I knew them all my life. Loved that the author did such a strong development with the story and the characters. I loved this book all the way through, I will be reading more by this author for sure, I cannot wait to binge what other creations of books they have written! Definitely a author I want to experience more of, their writing style was perfect!
Loved this book, it held me all the way through, and was a gripping read for more than one reason! I could not put this one down! For sure a must read on my list, and no doubt, a high recommendation from me!
September 30, 2022
5/5 Stars
A Love Restrained (Philly Heat Series #1) by Becky Flade
This is the first book I've read by the author. This book is amazing and I will be looking forward to the next book. A Love Restrained is the first book in the Philly Heat Series.
Kylee is a cop and when she sees a drug deal go down she chases the dealer. Then she realizes that she knows him. The one who broke her heart in high school. Now she's got to figure out if she can handle what he does. The quote I chose for Kylee is: “No. I don’t. I felt small when you shut me out of your life today. It hurt me to think you were ashamed of me, of us. What we have, and I don’t know what it is or where it’s going, but it felt less. I felt less. I’ve been doing the same thing to you. I know that now. I’m sorry for it.”
Jayson comes from a bad childhood. When he runs into Kylee Parker. Officer Parker. He wants her, but doesn't know if he should get involved with her. She's a cop. He's not a good guy. The quote I chose for Jayson is: “No! I’m ashamed of them. I spent yesterday with your family, and they’re perfect. So what do I do for a f***ing encore? I bring you here to see mine? To this— freak show? I don’t want their ugliness anywhere near you. Near us. I don’t want you to see what I come from.”
Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.
A Love Restrained (Philly Heat Series #1) by Becky Flade
This is the first book I've read by the author. This book is amazing and I will be looking forward to the next book. A Love Restrained is the first book in the Philly Heat Series.
Kylee is a cop and when she sees a drug deal go down she chases the dealer. Then she realizes that she knows him. The one who broke her heart in high school. Now she's got to figure out if she can handle what he does. The quote I chose for Kylee is: “No. I don’t. I felt small when you shut me out of your life today. It hurt me to think you were ashamed of me, of us. What we have, and I don’t know what it is or where it’s going, but it felt less. I felt less. I’ve been doing the same thing to you. I know that now. I’m sorry for it.”
Jayson comes from a bad childhood. When he runs into Kylee Parker. Officer Parker. He wants her, but doesn't know if he should get involved with her. She's a cop. He's not a good guy. The quote I chose for Jayson is: “No! I’m ashamed of them. I spent yesterday with your family, and they’re perfect. So what do I do for a f***ing encore? I bring you here to see mine? To this— freak show? I don’t want their ugliness anywhere near you. Near us. I don’t want you to see what I come from.”
Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.
September 28, 2022
This book is fantastic. I was hooked by the middle of the 2nd page. When Kylee handcuffed Jayson, I thought to myself, “Oh, this just got interesting.” It made me smile, it made me laugh, I might have even misted a little bit. Loved these characters.
Kylee has a distinct view of the world. Everything is either right or wrong. Justice must be served. Kylee proves this everyday as a police officer. Everything in her world worked great until she ran into the love of her life, the one that got away in high school. Then things exploded.
Jayson is a criminal. He should have nothing to do with Kylee. She has always been too good for him, better than him. His abusive alcoholic father and disappearing mother taught him that. Now as the go to fixer for the local drug lord, Jayson puts Kylee at risk just by association. When things get too real for everyone to handle, Jayson has to make a huge sacrifice.
Daaaaaaaaang….I was not prepared for what happened next. I can’t tell you what happened. You just have to read to find out but I will tell you that it will rock your world. All the twists. All the turns. This just proves that if two people are meant to be, they will find a way. Excellent!! Couldn’t put it down!!
Kylee has a distinct view of the world. Everything is either right or wrong. Justice must be served. Kylee proves this everyday as a police officer. Everything in her world worked great until she ran into the love of her life, the one that got away in high school. Then things exploded.
Jayson is a criminal. He should have nothing to do with Kylee. She has always been too good for him, better than him. His abusive alcoholic father and disappearing mother taught him that. Now as the go to fixer for the local drug lord, Jayson puts Kylee at risk just by association. When things get too real for everyone to handle, Jayson has to make a huge sacrifice.
Daaaaaaaaang….I was not prepared for what happened next. I can’t tell you what happened. You just have to read to find out but I will tell you that it will rock your world. All the twists. All the turns. This just proves that if two people are meant to be, they will find a way. Excellent!! Couldn’t put it down!!
October 24, 2023
Kaylee is a police office with her world being black and white, good, and bad, but when she arrests a blast from her past the lines are becoming greyer. Finding the attraction that has always been there even when he was a small boy in her parent’s house, can see fall for him or will it potentially put her career in jeopardy.
When Kaylee arrested him, it took him back to his childhood seeing her beauty and the attraction that is still there, but she is a police office, and he is hiding a secret that if she finds out may destroy the bond they have created.
When Jayson disappears Kaylee’s world is destroyed can she forgive him or go through life wondering “what if’s”?
This is the second series I have read by this author, and it does not disappoint, the characters are rich and well developed, which when you read believe you are part of the story and want to get to know them more.
Kaylee is a great role model and strong female character within the story but she also shows the vulnerable side to her which is brilliantly to read. Jayson’s Character is a great compliment to the strong character of Kaylee, with the secondary characters adding a depth to the story which was just brilliant to read.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
When Kaylee arrested him, it took him back to his childhood seeing her beauty and the attraction that is still there, but she is a police office, and he is hiding a secret that if she finds out may destroy the bond they have created.
When Jayson disappears Kaylee’s world is destroyed can she forgive him or go through life wondering “what if’s”?
This is the second series I have read by this author, and it does not disappoint, the characters are rich and well developed, which when you read believe you are part of the story and want to get to know them more.
Kaylee is a great role model and strong female character within the story but she also shows the vulnerable side to her which is brilliantly to read. Jayson’s Character is a great compliment to the strong character of Kaylee, with the secondary characters adding a depth to the story which was just brilliant to read.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
September 6, 2022
5 Stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
A Love Restrained is a Romance/ Suspense that will pull you in from the beginning and you will find it hard to put down until you’ve finished. There’s plenty of twists and turns that had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This is a very well written fast paced story about second chances, family, and forgiveness. This is Jayson and Kylee story. She is a cop and he is the criminal who she hadn’t seen in years until she arrested him . Secret is they both had huge crushes on the other in school. Even as adults the chemistry and attraction is there. She really struggles with the whole letting him in even though she wants to. Sometimes we have to do things to protect the ones we love moat and that includes keeping secrets. Jayson had plans to tell Kylee everything but then she got hurt. These two made my heart happy and sad at the same time. I don’t want to say to m7ch and give away anything. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im a huge fan of this author and look forward to reading more from her.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
A Love Restrained is a Romance/ Suspense that will pull you in from the beginning and you will find it hard to put down until you’ve finished. There’s plenty of twists and turns that had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. This is a very well written fast paced story about second chances, family, and forgiveness. This is Jayson and Kylee story. She is a cop and he is the criminal who she hadn’t seen in years until she arrested him . Secret is they both had huge crushes on the other in school. Even as adults the chemistry and attraction is there. She really struggles with the whole letting him in even though she wants to. Sometimes we have to do things to protect the ones we love moat and that includes keeping secrets. Jayson had plans to tell Kylee everything but then she got hurt. These two made my heart happy and sad at the same time. I don’t want to say to m7ch and give away anything. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Im a huge fan of this author and look forward to reading more from her.
September 29, 2022
When I started reading this book I had a deja vu moment, thinking I had read the book before. What caused this was the main characters names – Jayson Donovan and Kylee Parker. I remember thinking of the Neighbours connection. When I looked I then realised that I have read the next book in this series, this book being the first.
Kylee and Jayson were secondary characters in the previous book that I read but in this one they are the main characters and I really loved reading their story.
This is a story filled with so much angst, something that I love in a book, even though it can be very exasperating and you want to bang their heads together.
One thing this book has that I loved is a major plot twist that’s thrown at you. I was gobsmacked when the author threw this curveball at me.
I adored both Kylee and Jayson as characters. Kylee is the straight and narrow cop who wants to put away the bad guys. The book opens with her catching Jayson, her crush from high school, dealing drugs. Not exactly what she’s looking for in a long term partner but she can’t help the pull that he still has on her.
I definitely recommend this book.
Kylee and Jayson were secondary characters in the previous book that I read but in this one they are the main characters and I really loved reading their story.
This is a story filled with so much angst, something that I love in a book, even though it can be very exasperating and you want to bang their heads together.
One thing this book has that I loved is a major plot twist that’s thrown at you. I was gobsmacked when the author threw this curveball at me.
I adored both Kylee and Jayson as characters. Kylee is the straight and narrow cop who wants to put away the bad guys. The book opens with her catching Jayson, her crush from high school, dealing drugs. Not exactly what she’s looking for in a long term partner but she can’t help the pull that he still has on her.
I definitely recommend this book.
September 7, 2022
Growing up in two different lifestyles, Kylee in a loving and secure home and Jayson from an abusive home.
Never able to pursue the relationship he wanted to pursue in high school. Jayson thinks he can make it up to Kylee now, but can a criminal like him get a cop like her to fall in love with him?
There is a HUGE time lapse of 6 years in the middle of this story where I feel there was so much that was left out. I could see there being a whole other story with the main story. The author could have ended this book on a cliff hanger and written a book about the 6 years, then pick up but alas that is not what happened. I feel there is a lot we could have learned about Kylee and Jayson and how they have come to be who they are now.
Good story line if you can follow the dialogue. Sometimes the switch from First to third person and back can get confusing. But it does add a depth to the book that is unusual.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be looking into more. Very good story.
Never able to pursue the relationship he wanted to pursue in high school. Jayson thinks he can make it up to Kylee now, but can a criminal like him get a cop like her to fall in love with him?
There is a HUGE time lapse of 6 years in the middle of this story where I feel there was so much that was left out. I could see there being a whole other story with the main story. The author could have ended this book on a cliff hanger and written a book about the 6 years, then pick up but alas that is not what happened. I feel there is a lot we could have learned about Kylee and Jayson and how they have come to be who they are now.
Good story line if you can follow the dialogue. Sometimes the switch from First to third person and back can get confusing. But it does add a depth to the book that is unusual.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be looking into more. Very good story.
October 1, 2022
All I can say is WOW! When I started reading this book I thought it was a romance novel but as I made it further into the book I could tell it was much more! This book started as romantic suspense to a new high with fast-paced, action-packed twists and turns. The book follows two main characters, Kylee and Jayson. They come from two very different ways of life. Jayson is from an abusive alcoholic low income family. At the same time, Kylee comes from a large supportive family.
Kylee and Jayson finally stop fighting the physical and emotional attraction they have had all these years for one another things start to become more complicated. When Kylee gets jumped because of her job as a police officer and Jayson is about to blow his cover as a DEA agent he must leave Kylee alone in the hospital recovering from a horrific attack that left her almost dead.
I love that the author jumped to the future in the story to continue the story at a turning point! I can't wait to read more from this author!!
Kylee and Jayson finally stop fighting the physical and emotional attraction they have had all these years for one another things start to become more complicated. When Kylee gets jumped because of her job as a police officer and Jayson is about to blow his cover as a DEA agent he must leave Kylee alone in the hospital recovering from a horrific attack that left her almost dead.
I love that the author jumped to the future in the story to continue the story at a turning point! I can't wait to read more from this author!!
November 9, 2022
This is my first book by this author, and the first book in the series.
We meet and are pulled into the intriguing life of Kaylee who is a Philadelphia police officer who has a very definite line of right and wrong and Jayson who is definitely from the wrong side of the line Kaylee has drawn.
Jayson is a part of Kaylee’s past; her parents had looked out for Jayson as his parents did not.
They meet again when Kaylee arrests him for drug dealing. He has links to organised crime. Jayson gets off of the charges and starts to try and re-ignite their friendship.
Having a relationship with a known criminal is not ideal for a police officer.
Follow this couple as they navigate their relationship, the pitfalls, and learn the lives that they have been keeping from each other. Full of intrigue, organised crime, secrets, lust and second chances, a book that will pull you in and not let you go.
A great introduction to what aspires to be a great series. I am certainly going straight into book 2.
We meet and are pulled into the intriguing life of Kaylee who is a Philadelphia police officer who has a very definite line of right and wrong and Jayson who is definitely from the wrong side of the line Kaylee has drawn.
Jayson is a part of Kaylee’s past; her parents had looked out for Jayson as his parents did not.
They meet again when Kaylee arrests him for drug dealing. He has links to organised crime. Jayson gets off of the charges and starts to try and re-ignite their friendship.
Having a relationship with a known criminal is not ideal for a police officer.
Follow this couple as they navigate their relationship, the pitfalls, and learn the lives that they have been keeping from each other. Full of intrigue, organised crime, secrets, lust and second chances, a book that will pull you in and not let you go.
A great introduction to what aspires to be a great series. I am certainly going straight into book 2.
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