Aftershock

Jax & Gia #2

by Sylvia Day

America’s premier author of provocative fiction delivers the dramatic finale to a series set within the inner circle of glamour, sex and privilege.

When it came to playing games, my lover Jax was a master strategist. He pulled strings behind the closed doors of D.C.’s most powerful political players, and somehow still found time to nearly sideline my career. What he didn’t know was that when I didn’t like the rules, I threw them out and made my own. I wasn’t going to let Jax get away with it. I wasn’t going to let him get away at all.

I loved Jax enough that it was impossible to give up. Jax loved me enough that giving up was the only end he’d consider. He didn’t think I could swim with the sharks. It was entirely my pleasure to show him that I’d already dived in…

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Erotic Romance, Fiction

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Acclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com

Reviews

[Stephanie Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does anyone know if the publishing date has been changed to March 11 for sure? I'm pretty much going to be done with Slyvia Day and her books if so. Don't get me wrong, she is an excellent author but the wait between books in her series is just ridiculous and the way release dates are consistently pushed back has turned her into the most irritating author on my list.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★ 1/2! Aftershock, part 2 of 2! Ex-lovers on opposing sides in a high-stakes business battle must overcome their past & deal with their present!

“He carried himself like a man who liked to fuck and knew he did it well. That subtle sexual arrogance.”

Books in duet should be read in order and together:
Part 1: Afterburn
Part 2: Aftershock

In Afterburn (part 1) recent college graduate Gianna Rossi, Gia found herself on opposing sides, in a high stakes business battle, with her ex-lover, venture capitalist, multi-millionaire and heir Jackson Rudledge, Jax.

Seeing each other again after two years stirred up memories and pain, but their attraction and connection had prevailed. Them moving forward however was quickly overshadowed by their past and present, secrets, villains, hidden agendas and more….

Aftershock (part 2) opens up shortly after the cliffy of part 1. It continues to follow Gia and Jax in a high stakes game as Jax’s true motives finally emerge. They have much to overcome and bumpy road ahead. Their story is best experienced.

“Your promised me a round of angry sex.” He hummed softly, with obvious relish. “I’m waiting for it baby.”
“Not sure you want your dick anywhere near my teeth while I’m feeling this way about you.”

Jackson Rutledge, Jax is a larger-than-life alpha. Seven words to describe Jax: Captivating, elusive, enigmatic, jaded, slippery, relentless and ruthless.



Gianna Rossi, Gia held her own against Jax. Seven words to describe Gia: Interesting, strong, charismatic, smart, candid, vulnerable and reflective.

The Afterburn & Aftershock novella duet packs a lot of punch. In true Sylvia Day fashion we are treated to a true alpha. I have no complaints, not even the length of the books! Just enough drama, villains, conflict, reflection, growth, and of course everything that is sex with Jax.

Fast paced novella! Interesting plot! Effortless storytelling! Larger-than-life alpha hero! Captivating heroine! 4.5 stars rated as 5 stars because again I feel I cannot rate it anything less!

“He was young, gorgeous, a Ruthledge, and just enough ruthlessness to put him on the right side of edgy.”

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 5 stars
Storytelling rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5+ stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

[Rebecca Yarros]

Short, quick Yummy Sylvia Day read!

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have to keep telling myself it's real"

Jax has convinced Gia that they need to be together again – not that Gia has many objections.

Surely, she does not trust him. She knows that possibly he will betray her again. She knows that surely he will break her heart again. There is tension between them. Gia’s job and future are in danger. Her family does not approve.

But Jax talks to her about his feelings, his torment, asks her to be strong because it won’t be easy for her to be by his side and then he proposes to her to live with him.
And then his family dirty secrets will be exposed and maybe Gia played a role in this without realizing it. There will be villains who pretended to be friends with hidden agendas.

More tension and more angst for Gia and Jax. It will not be easy to stay together and prove their love against all odds.

The book has the perfect ending which concludes the New York fairytale of Gia and Jax.

If you loved the “Crossfire” series, this is highly recommended!
Their story is coming November 3, 2017 to PassionFlix.

[Shurrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully entertaining story from Sylvia Day!

Have you ever wanted something so bad, you couldn't imagine not having it?

There were two things in my life I’d felt that way about: the man I’d stupidly fallen in love with and the administrative assistant position I was about to interview for.

The man had turned out to be really bad for me; the job could change my life in an amazing way.

This book is fucking awesome.

This book is written from the perspective of Gianna, a fierce modern woman determined to make her way in this world. She's been taking the restaurant business world by storm as the protégé of the owner of Savor...

Unfortunately, her professional veneer is cracked when an old flame shows up to a business meeting. Gia and Jax had an affair two years ago which ended in Jax disappearing without a word, and Gia nursing a broken heart.

All of the emotions from their past fling are quickly rekindled. As they begin Affair Round Two, Gia is left to wonder if sheet-twisting sex can compensate for a lack of commitment...
Why did Jax leave the first time?
What brought him back into her life now?
What can she do to keep him from disappearing again?

I have a total Lady Boner for any book heroine who is strong and secure enough to tell the hot guy she's lusting after to "Fuck Off" when the relationship becomes toxic.

In a perfect world of literary crossovers, Gianna would be hopping from book to book slapping sense into women who lose themselves in their men... Women who are so dazzled by their alpha-male that they forget they had goals of their own... I'm looking at you Ava from the This Man Trilogy...

That's not to say that Gianna was apathetic toward her relationship with Jax. She was willing to work for it - to make compromises, but she wasn't going to sacrifice her personality for grade-A dick.

“I’d face all that and more for a guy who really loved me,” I told him coldly. “But I’m not putting up with this shit from a jerk.”.

And yes, Jackson Rutledge is top shelf sex. Sheet-twisting, angry-fucking, multiple-orgasm-inducing sex...



Yes, Jax delivers in the bedroom, but he was obnoxious in every other way...
He kept secrets,
Was emotionally distant,
Ran from his relationship problems...

So when the shit hits the fan and Jaxon is facing an epic meltdown of both his personal and professional lives, he is the one who must make changes.

It is with regret that I must knock this down to 4 Stars, because the ending was rushed, and I think it really could have benefited from an extended epilogue. Perhaps one which shed light on Jaxon's family post-meltdown?

Side Note:
I kind of feel like an ass for saying that I picked this up to tide me over while I wait for the new Crossfire Book (Captivated by You) but it is true. I was having Gideon Cross withdrawals...


Lucky for everyone, Sylvia Day is awesome. The only similarities between this book and the Crossfire series were the scorching hot sex, strong female MC, and an obvious love for Manhattan...

Some of My Favorite Moments:

Have you ever wanted something so bad, you couldn't imagine not having it?
There were two things in my life I’d felt that way about: the man I’d stupidly fallen in love with and the administrative assistant position I was about to interview for.
The man had turned out to be really bad for me; the job could change my life in an amazing way.

There was something about him that hinted he might spank you with a spatula as expertly as he cooked with one.

His mouth curved, revealing that delicious dimple. Oh, how that changed him, concealing how dangerous he was with a touch of boyish charm. I hated that playful little indentation as much as I adored it.

“Damn it. I didn't know you were in love with me, Gia.”
My eyes closed against the pain of hearing those words from his lips. “If that’s true, you didn't know me at all.”

“You’ll hurt me.”
“I’ll worship you.”

“Gia.” He shook his head and sighed. “I’m an asshole to everyone else in my life. You’re the one thing I've cherished. Don’t make me stop.”

He lounged against a black McLaren, a car I recognized because one of Lei’s chefs had bought one to celebrate the five-year anniversary of his first restaurant. Jax’s arms and ankles were crossed, his pose relaxed and sexy. Sunglasses shielded his eyes from the glaring reflections cast by the towering skyscrapers around him. He was dressed in black slacks, a white shirt and gray tie. His dark hair was tousled, like he’d run a hand through it and let his styling efforts go at that.

“You can’t run from me,” he said tightly. “And you can’t pull that shit you pulled yesterday. We need to talk.”
“I agree, but that usually means you tell me I’m only ever going to be a fuck buddy to you and you don’t give me any reasons why. I don’t have the patience to run around in circles. Unless you've got real answers for me, I’m not giving you any more of my time.”

“A public place won’t save you. We’re going to fuck, long and hard, wherever we end up. Better we don’t end up in jail and splashed all over the tabloids while doing it, don’t you think?”
“You've really got to do something about that ego.”
“Baby, I’ll crawl on my hands and knees if that’s what it takes.”

“Tell me you love me, Jax.”
There was a moment of silence. “Loving each other isn't our problem.”
He hung up, leaving me holding on to an empty connection. As usual.

An enigmatic millionaire with more secrets than dollars? I know the type.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, knowing it’d be better for my sanity if I walked away. Also knowing I wouldn't.

“Not sure you want your dick anywhere near my teeth while I’m feeling this way about you.”

I loved Jax enough that it was impossible to just walk away, even for my own self-preservation. Jax loved me enough that walking away was the only end he’d consider.

I didn't know how to deal with all the emotions he’d been stirring up in me since he had walked back into my life. I kept shifting from wanting to heal whatever was wounding him to wanting to hurt him myself.

He’d said I was sexy as hell when I was mad at him and I understood what he meant when confronted by over six feet of angry, bristling masculinity.

“I’d face all that and more for a guy who really loved me,” I told him coldly. “But I’m not putting up with this shit from a jerk.”

“...I’m not going to be able to let you go after this, Gia. For better or worse, you’re mine.”

“...I’m so afraid of fucking this up. Of looking at you one day and finding that you've lost that light in your eyes you have when you’re looking at me.”

“Rutledge wants Gianna to move in with him,” Angelo said, facing Vincent and crossing his arms.
Vincent’s brows rose. “You got a ring?”
I threw up my hands. “I don’t believe this! It’s the twenty-first century. Did you know that?”
“The rules haven’t changed,” he said, crossing his arms, too. “He wants the milk, he’s got to buy the cow.”
My gaze narrowed. “Did you just call me a cow? And for your information, I’m not a virgin! I've had sex. More than once!”
Both Vincent and Angelo plugged their ears. Angelo hummed loudly.
“You’re both ridiculous!” I scolded them.

It was crazy. What was the catch?
It was just depressing having to ask myself that question. How could I love him more than anything when I was constantly second-guessing him?

I’d been seeing a lot of new sides to Jackson Rutledge lately. Had I been in love with a mirage this whole time?

He carried himself like a man who liked to fuck and knew he did it well. That subtle sexual arrogance had always turned me on.

“It’s always been this way with us. You say when and how and where and how long. I have no input. No control.”
His face tightened. He took a step toward me. “Is that what you think? Christ, Gia, you’ve got me by the balls!”
“If that’s true, that’s not what I want. I want us to be a team, Jax. I don’t want either of us to feel like we’re at the mercy of the other.”

Every word he spoke... every move he made... was designed to seduce me.
And it was working.

“God, you were made for fucking,” he said gruffly. “You were built just to drive me out of my mind.”

He was everywhere. In every breath I sucked in... over every inch of my skin...

“...Every fucking time, it’s like you’re slipping under my skin.”
“I want to.” My nails dug into his back, my fingers flexing. “I want to own you, Jackson.”“I made my bed, Gia,” he said tightly, his face hard and remote. “And you made the decision to lie in it with me.”


“This whole relationship has been a mistake.”
The flat finality in his voice sent ice coursing through my veins. “You know what, Jackson Rutledge? Fuck you.”

Eventually, we’d run out of mistakes to make. I had to believe that.

With everything on fire around us, we focused only on each other.

He went after Vincent.
And almost two weeks later, I found myself still waiting for him to come home.

[~Kristin~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I wish this would have been released when it was originally planned. Just to much details from the story were lost, and with absolutely no recapping I was struggling to remember some of the important details. I did like both Jax and Gia, just felt a little short.




I guess we have yet another book pushed back, this was originally to be released on 11/14/13 now it is being pushed to, get this, March 11, 2014! When this novella series was first being released I remember a big deal being made about not pushing back release dates, like what happened with the Crossire series, and lookie, lookie...loo they are pushing back book two! I am really kind of tired of Ms. Day or her publisher doing this.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 RUSHED Stars

”You’re swimming with sharks…”



I read the first book last August and I didn’t remember much about the inner workings of the business side of this story or Jackson’s family and sadly the author doesn’t recap at all for her readers.

This story was just as short as the first book and even though Gia and Jackson are really likable characters, as well as the whole Rossi family, the author gives a fast forward version of tackling problems, declaring love and a quick hea.



There were so many characters and so much that could have been expanded on and Jackson is freaking HOT…

”My hotel, Gia,” he reiterated. “A public place won’t save you. We’re going to fuck, long and hard, wherever we end up.”

I just don’t get why The Crossfire Series is dragged out and these characters and storyline had more and not one scene felt like you could settle into it.

Perhaps reading first and second together will give a reader a different reaction to this story but for me it was too little, too fast and felt like some sort of cliff note version to the actual book.

[Zizz · Rating 1 out of 5]

ETA: You know what, this book really was a joke. Not even Sylvia's writing talent could save it. I figured that if I'm honest in my review, I might as well be honest with my actual rating. And so I'm downgrading it from 3 to 1 star because I did not like it at all.

REALLY??! It's that easy??! That's it??!

In true Sylvia Day fashion, book 1 was written as a slow burn - slowly unfolding, with the perfect amount of heat, romance, charm, and loads of secrets to-be-revealed.

Unfortunately, this equated to a sequel novella on warp speed.

I am definitely not a happy camper. I'm not even sure if all of the reasons behind Jax's unexplained past actions were properly divulged here given the absurd pace this story took from start to finish.

It's taken forever to finish The Crossfire trilogy. Now I fear that things will turn out like this - with all the necessary revelations/conclusions to every plotline happening at the speed of light.

This leaves me with the impression that this story was written for publishing purposes (duh, right?) versus an inspiration that compelled the author to tell a story.

[Shurrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I have a few favorite book heroine?

That's a GREAT BIG YES.

I didn't know how to deal with all the emotions he’d been stirring up in me since he had walked back into my life. I kept shifting from wanting to heal whatever was wounding him to wanting to hurt him myself.

I have a total Lady Boner for any book heroine who is strong and secure enough to tell the hot guy she's lusting after to "Fuck Off" when the relationship becomes toxic.

In a perfect world of literary crossovers, Gianna would be hopping from book to book slapping sense into women who lose themselves in their men... Women who are so dazzled by their alpha-male that they forget they had goals of their own... I'm looking at you Ava from the This Man Trilogy...

That's not to say that Gianna was apathetic toward her relationship with Jax. She was willing to work for it - to make compromises, but she wasn't going to sacrifice her personality for grade-A dick.

“I’d face all that and more for a guy who really loved me,” I told him coldly. “But I’m not putting up with this shit from a jerk.”.

And yes, Jackson Rutledge is top shelf sex. Sheet-twisting, angry-fucking, multiple-orgasm-inducing sex...



Yes, Jax delivers in the bedroom, but he was obnoxious in every other way...
He kept secrets,
Was emotionally distant,
Ran from his relationship problems...

So when the shit hits the fan and Jaxon is facing an epic meltdown of both his personal and professional lives, he is the one who must make changes.

It is with regret that I must knock this down to 4 Stars, because the ending was rushed, and I think it really could have benefited from an extended epilogue. Perhaps one which shed light on Jaxon's family post-meltdown?

Some of My Favorite Moments:

“You can’t run from me,” he said tightly. “And you can’t pull that shit you pulled yesterday. We need to talk.”
“I agree, but that usually means you tell me I’m only ever going to be a fuck buddy to you and you don’t give me any reasons why. I don’t have the patience to run around in circles. Unless you've got real answers for me, I’m not giving you any more of my time.”

“A public place won’t save you. We’re going to fuck, long and hard, wherever we end up. Better we don’t end up in jail and splashed all over the tabloids while doing it, don’t you think?”
“You've really got to do something about that ego.”
“Baby, I’ll crawl on my hands and knees if that’s what it takes.”

“Tell me you love me, Jax.”
There was a moment of silence. “Loving each other isn't our problem.”
He hung up, leaving me holding on to an empty connection. As usual.

An enigmatic millionaire with more secrets than dollars? I know the type.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose, knowing it’d be better for my sanity if I walked away. Also knowing I wouldn't.

“Not sure you want your dick anywhere near my teeth while I’m feeling this way about you.”

I loved Jax enough that it was impossible to just walk away, even for my own self-preservation. Jax loved me enough that walking away was the only end he’d consider.

I didn't know how to deal with all the emotions he’d been stirring up in me since he had walked back into my life. I kept shifting from wanting to heal whatever was wounding him to wanting to hurt him myself.

He’d said I was sexy as hell when I was mad at him and I understood what he meant when confronted by over six feet of angry, bristling masculinity.

“I’d face all that and more for a guy who really loved me,” I told him coldly. “But I’m not putting up with this shit from a jerk.”

“...I’m not going to be able to let you go after this, Gia. For better or worse, you’re mine.”

“...I’m so afraid of fucking this up. Of looking at you one day and finding that you've lost that light in your eyes you have when you’re looking at me.”

“Rutledge wants Gianna to move in with him,” Angelo said, facing Vincent and crossing his arms.
Vincent’s brows rose. “You got a ring?”
I threw up my hands. “I don’t believe this! It’s the twenty-first century. Did you know that?”
“The rules haven’t changed,” he said, crossing his arms, too. “He wants the milk, he’s got to buy the cow.”
My gaze narrowed. “Did you just call me a cow? And for your information, I’m not a virgin! I've had sex. More than once!”
Both Vincent and Angelo plugged their ears. Angelo hummed loudly.
“You’re both ridiculous!” I scolded them.

It was crazy. What was the catch?
It was just depressing having to ask myself that question. How could I love him more than anything when I was constantly second-guessing him?

I’d been seeing a lot of new sides to Jackson Rutledge lately. Had I been in love with a mirage this whole time?

He carried himself like a man who liked to fuck and knew he did it well. That subtle sexual arrogance had always turned me on.

“It’s always been this way with us. You say when and how and where and how long. I have no input. No control.”
His face tightened. He took a step toward me. “Is that what you think? Christ, Gia, you’ve got me by the balls!”
“If that’s true, that’s not what I want. I want us to be a team, Jax. I don’t want either of us to feel like we’re at the mercy of the other.”

Every word he spoke... every move he made... was designed to seduce me.
And it was working.

“God, you were made for fucking,” he said gruffly. “You were built just to drive me out of my mind.”

He was everywhere. In every breath I sucked in... over every inch of my skin...

“...Every fucking time, it’s like you’re slipping under my skin.”
“I want to.” My nails dug into his back, my fingers flexing. “I want to own you, Jackson.”“I made my bed, Gia,” he said tightly, his face hard and remote. “And you made the decision to lie in it with me.”


“This whole relationship has been a mistake.”
The flat finality in his voice sent ice coursing through my veins. “You know what, Jackson Rutledge? Fuck you.”

Eventually, we’d run out of mistakes to make. I had to believe that.

With everything on fire around us, we focused only on each other.

He went after Vincent.
And almost two weeks later, I found myself still waiting for him to come home.


My Other Reviews in this Duet:
Afterburn - My review here
Aftershock - You're Reading it
Afterburn and Aftershock - My review here

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's no denying that Sylvia Day is a consummate, skilled writer who crafts passionate characters.

But Jax never deserved Gia after jilting her for two years in order to "protect her". His reasons were superficial and flimsy. Gia laid herself out on the line only for him to tread all over her efforts, including his "world" of elites. He did what he had to do right at the end, but it felt overdrawn and over exaggerated.

And this didn't make it okay...
"Dozens? I’ve damn near been a monk since I met you! Two women, Gia. Two. And since you fucked two guys, you’ve got no room to talk. I’m entitled to those two, as pointless as they were.”

With equal footing, I can handle 'other people'. However, she had a reason to move on, and he didn't. I wanted someone willing to plunge in 100%. Who didn't allow the girl he loved to try and placate herself with other men. Who didn't justify himself having sex because she had "two guys". Rather he underestimated her conviction, shattered her expectations alongside stringing her along. She was weak when it came to him and lot of her sass was simply "talk". I wanted resentment and grovel.

Jackson and Gia don't make the cut against Gideon and Eva.

And his "Gia, baby" just pissed me right off.
#sorrynotsorry #iwillstillwatchthemovie #imahypocrite.


****

This is the movie review! I thought I’d add it, albeit 3 years later.

It just proved to me that the Crossfire series must never be made! Fifty Shades of Grey, and this movie can attest to that.

When I say I cackled!!! I got second hand embarrassment from their acting. It’s a Passionflix movie but... his acting!

Bless them, they tried... she was more believable. Sadly, for the guy, some lines read well in books but they should never be verbalised:

“Christ I want you”
“Mine”
“I’ll worship you”
“My cock inside you” He said “CACK”. 😭
“Christ it has to be. Christ. Christ” 💀 What did Christ do to you? Ahahah! His actual voice and intonation was very nice though, masculine and deep!

The only scene I enjoyed was the one with Sylvia Day as a customer at Rossi’s.

And when he said “Fuck this isn’t a goddamn romance novel”. GAGGED. Ah! Some good ol’ fashioned comedy.

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●• · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

“And I was going to make him pay. Being in love with him wouldn’t change that. I wasn’t sure it changed anything.”
- Gia

* * *
“Loving each other isn’t our problem.”
- Jax

* * *
“He certainly spends a lot of time warning me away from them. I thought he was hiding me like a bad habit, but now I feel like he’s...protecting me from them.”
- Gia

* * *
“You gotta figure the Rutledges are like tiger sharks—they swim in the same womb but cannibalize each other until only the strongest comes out alive.”
- Deanna

* * *
“You’re swimming with sharks and acting like you’re on vacation.”
- Jax

* * *
“I loved Jax enough that it was impossible to just walk away, even for my own self-preservation. Jax loved me enough that walking away was the only end he’d consider.”
- Gia

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 Fight for What You Want Stars***

"I knew what it felt like to lose it. Now I had to learn what it would take to keep it."

The conclusion to Jax and Gia's story was all about them proving to each other that they weren't willing to let go of what they had. Whether they were fighting each other or outside forces, it was a battle they were willing to take on.

"Don't forget that," he said hoarsely. Shaky fingertips brushed my hair away from my forehead. "When things get rough, don't forget I need you."

I loved Jax and Gia just as much in this book as I did in the first. Their passion for one another was unwavering. And oh my darling Jax....I mean seriously, the guy can melt your heart and your panties in the same breath.



My only gripe with the story was that the conclusion felt too easy. I wouldn't say so much rushed as too simple. All these obstacles and problems throughout the two books are solved with a couple of phone calls? Just not very believable.

Now, Sylvia Day can you please turn your attention back to Gideon Cross and try not to fuck up what should have been an amazing trilogy.

[Mary (I ♥ Books)]

I'm so annoyed that this is now not available until March 2014. Lesson learned - I wouldn't have started the series if I had to wait so long.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to dig deep to remember just what this story was about and where it left off, luckily I was able to find my footing and dive right in.

Jax left Gia for two years. No explanations given and when he reappears the first thing he does, well okay the second thing he does (after he takes her to bed) is mess up her business deal. Unable to trust him but unable to deny him; they tumble back into each other's arms.

But this time Gia isn't settling for just random hook-ups; she wants more than that - she wants to know the real Jax and to know that this time he'll stick.

This just fell a little short for me. Maybe too much time passed between the two books (being that they were short reads) or just the ending of this story that had a great set up for some really intense secrets coming out, just fizzled out instead of exploding. There is zero doubt about the writing ability of Sylvia Day or her ability to tell one helluva story. It just felt like being fed all this angst that continued to build up over the story and then rather than give us that moment, it went to a very easy and predictable place.

I think had this story been longer we could have found that moment and still ended up in the same place. Jax was still likable and all kinds of bossy and Gia was a little more annoying since she couldn't really decide between having a back bone or not... Just didn't really work for me the way I was hoping it would.

[Danielle (The Blonde Likes Books) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bland plot and even blander characters. I didn't feel any chemistry between our two leads, and they continually had the same fights and miscommunications because they had no idea how to talk to each other like adults, which annoyed me a ton. I wanted a cute romance and this was not at all what I was looking for.

[Lucy Score · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm SO glad I bought the bundle for these two stories. I always prefer a nice long book to one I can finish in two hours. So having these two titles together was perfect. Sylvia Day did a beautiful job balancing over-the-top lust with sensitive psychology on why the relationship couldn't possibly work. I like that it wasn't the typical "I'm super rich and you don't belong in my world" storyline. Gia was a great leading lady and her sloppy Italian family gave her such a rich background that she felt like a real person. I loved that she wasn't sitting around waiting for Jax to text or call. She was usually doing the opposite, turning off her phone and disappearing to get some space to think. I think the conflict in the story was beautifully crafted and the steamy scenes were hotter than a sauna in the rainforest. Great read that gave me the HEA buzz at the end.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Because I want you to. Because I need to spend time with you. You make me feel...human. Being with you makes me feel like I’m not a complete piece of shit.”

I'm going to make this review short and sweet just like the book. Aftershock picks right up where we first left the hot sexy Jax and our heroine Gia. Jax has sabotaged Gia's work ,but he still wants her back. While Gia is still really mad at Jax for betraying her, she still can't help stop loving him. So to finally get Gia to forgive him Jax does the impossible and ask Gia to move in with him as his girlfriend. Gia says yes. We get some drama, makeup sex, more Drama, crazy sex, and we get a resolution of the drama, feelings are everywhere, we get a compromise,decisions are made and we get a happily ever after THE END. See short and sweet.

"I love you. Okay? I love you so much it’s driving me crazy.”

Even though this book is getting a lot of mixed reviews as compared to Afterburn I quite enjoyed it. We always knew that this book was going to be short because from the beginning we new it was a short story with two parts. Aftershock was a bit rushed ,but like I said we all knew this wasn't going to be a novel or a series. I'm happy we got a beginning, middle, and end. We got drama a sexy dominate man and hot sexy scenes what else can we ask for, considering the circumstances. The only thing I was disappointed with was that once I received the book I looked at the number page count and assumed it was way longer then Afterburn little did I know that once I got to the last chapter we still had a few 10 to 12 pages left and it had nothing to do with the story ,but everything to do with cosmopolitan Nonsense, but besides that this short story was good definitely a reprieve from three book series and long novels. Sylvia day can't do no wrong in my book so I applauded you for delivering yet again a very compelling story line with amazing characters.

"I’m just happy there’s a next time. Lots of next times. You’ve got two years to make up for.”

I give this book 4 hot aftershock stars. This book is about a second chance at love and fighting for that love it's also about determination and devotion. Even though the book was short and a bit rushed we still got a really good ending. I couldn't put this book down , the writing was superb the characters were amazing, especially Jax. The family Rossi was a great added bonus to this wonderful story.

“I’m a lucky man who got a second chance.”

[Dora Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are reading a book and a sentence like this comes up:
"We tore at each other's clothing, yanking off buttons and ripping through delicate threads..."



You know it's going to be a sexy read. And let me tell you, it was. The chemistry between these two is HOT.

In the second installment we learn more about Jax's past and also about Gia's strong personality and her abilities to fight battles by holding her ground. There was a bit of drama which they handled it pretty well, in my opinion.


Overall it was a sexy, funny read. Looking forward to the final installment!

[Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was fast paced drama with a dominant, demanding alpha Jax and equally vibrant, bold and bad ass heroine, Gia...and after they overcome the challenges of their opposite/rivalry in business sphere, they also reach deep and fight against each other's insecurities of giving their hearts away to one another...

so, it was hawt, steamy, passionate and a perfect conclusion!

Now I just have to see it in a movie version! *wink*

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think they were new York accents... and it kind of reminded me of my family.. which also ended up annoying me at the same time? I don't know.. I blame work, again.

Afterburn & Aftershock was an interesting audio to listen to yesterday. The main character kind of reminded me of one of my aunts.. once she started talking in her "normal" accent. In it, you will meet Gianna and Jackson. They used to date.. or sleep with each other.. or something like that. Then they actually started to sleep with one another. It was definitely a second chance at love, if you ask me.

Now they had some "drama" in this book that I guess could be called interesting (in a way) but it was predictable and kind of boring to listen to. I just feel like it was mostly drawn out and I kind of just wanted them to admit that they loved each other, get married, and have lots of babies.

Eventually that happened and they also started to grow on me. The ending was cute enough that it left me satisfied but I'm mostly happy that it's over. On to the next book..

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had this book since the release but I was passing other in front on my reading list and I forgot completely.
Now I decided to read because I read several comments about the story and we'd have a movie about the book.
I was extremely disappointed with the story and thought it too without depth or character development.
Shallow history and that there was no need for the second book.
The author could have deepened in the mysteries of the family of the hero and his reasons to submit to the whims of his father. I wanted to know more about the motivations and everything else.
I think that books with only sex don't hold my attention these days.

[Mariℓina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite nice really, but I had a few issues with some pretty thin clichés.

[Anita Carolina]

11 march??? Geizz first crossfire with not scheduled release,now??? Good writing but very inconsistent :( maybe someday i will wait until all book in your series published before i read it, because this waiting just too much T___T

[Nathi *Shut it and let me read*]

Are you f***k kidding me that this book was pushed to March 11, 2014?!
What's up with Sylvia's books and dates?! ¬¬

[Megan]

I waited how long to read this?!?!? It was very predictable. I was expecting more.

[Danielle Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleargh.

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing something
I really liked Afterburn, it was sizzling, and it had intrigue. But this seems incomplete and rushed, needing a little more detail about the sizzling couple. We know that Sylvia Day has it in her to give us great chemistry, and the H/h had plenty, but the story isn't over. This is a miracle cure ending that robbed us if a proper story. This had novel-length potential, being written as novella with so much detail that begged to be expanded is a rip-off.

[Galya Ozan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Разочарована съм.Наложи се да чета първата отново,защото не си спомнях абсолютно нищо от историята,което не ми се е случвало с нито една книга до сега.

[Nonieღserenity2bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can rarely go wrong with Sylvia Day. That's how awesome she is to me. Unfortunately, I read this while I am still high on Gideon and Eva so the comparison can't be helped. While Jax's insatiability reminds me of how Gideon is with Eva (which is 100% yummy!), Gia is nothing like Eva, which can be a good thing. But only if she is better than Eva.

For me, she isn't.

While I find Eva's headstrong as charming, Gia is just annoying. I like Gia just fine when she is on her own. But when Jax starts to be in the picture, Gia's stubborness at times just screams of wanting of attention. Thank goodness this series is just a short one. Had it been a long series like Crossfire, I think I would have think twice to remain loyal to it.

[Elle aka Leftie aka Shoebelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read Afterburn so I did have to quickly skim thru that and read the ending to refresh my memory.

I may have blinders on when it comes to Sylvia so bottom line, anything she writes, I fully buy...

Gia frustrated me at times but she's a decent h for the most part, just like Sylvia's other h's. Jax... now Jax, I don't care how closed-off he was at times, <3 him!!! I'll say it before, I'll say it again. Sylvia's H's are like sex on sticks...

Blinders, you say? Umm, maybe... but do I care?... Umm, maybe not...:D