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Reasons #1
Her Reasons
Joey has spent the last four years just trying to survive… Literally. With an abusive father at home, Joey has learned to keep her head down and prepare herself for her upcoming escape to college. With only a few months left until she can leave the house for good, she’s counting the days. She merely exists, until five guys walk into the room.
Matt, Jaidon, Alex, Stetson, and Bishop all see something in her they’ve experienced pain. They want to help her, and there’s something that draws her to all of them. When the guys find out about Joey’s home situation, they step up to help her with some guidance from their adoptive parents.
It doesn’t take long before the guys realize that they all want her, but they refuse to fight over her. Their solution? Share. Now, they just have to convince her to try it.
While Joey tries to figure out how a relationship with five different guys can work, her father is causing problems. Between him and the rumor mill at school, Joey’s got a lot more drama to deal with than she’s used to. She’s not used to standing up for herself, but the guys give her the strength. They’re her reasons to fight for the life she never hoped she could have.
Matt, Jaidon, Alex, Stetson, and Bishop all see something in her they’ve experienced pain. They want to help her, and there’s something that draws her to all of them. When the guys find out about Joey’s home situation, they step up to help her with some guidance from their adoptive parents.
It doesn’t take long before the guys realize that they all want her, but they refuse to fight over her. Their solution? Share. Now, they just have to convince her to try it.
While Joey tries to figure out how a relationship with five different guys can work, her father is causing problems. Between him and the rumor mill at school, Joey’s got a lot more drama to deal with than she’s used to. She’s not used to standing up for herself, but the guys give her the strength. They’re her reasons to fight for the life she never hoped she could have.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2018
209 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 13, 2020
I read the sample and the writing style did not work for me. The verbiage was very amateur.
March 3, 2018
This is short, I think it was 130 pages, and the story suffers for it, which is a shame because it has so much potential. Similar to C.L. Stone's Ghost Bird series you have a bunch of high schoolers, although this time they are all seniors (a fact not made clear until the end of the book). The girl is in an abusive situation, the ridiculously attractive guys all come from abusive situations, although all in a better place, and swoop into rescue her. There is some ground work for some really great characters and an engaging story, but because of the brevity of the book it never quite gets there.
Spoilers ahead
To begin with, as battered and cautious as Joey is, and as much time as she has spent flying under the radar, it doesn't make much sense that she is going to the guys house after knowing them for less than forty-eight hours and risking the wrath of her dad. The fact that she is battered and cautious immediately falls to the wayside in favor of having her quickly develop deep relationships with the guys. This really feels disingenuous and the reader would have felt a deeper connection to the guys and the story if the guys had had to break down Joey's walls and build those relationships. It's also disconcerting that the night Joey has to be saved from her father, again less than forty-eight hours of knowing the boys, they start making overtures towards her, of course people in the school are going to be concerned for her safety, in less than two days her dad almost beat her to death and she comes back to school with five boyfriends whom she has just met and the town knows nothing about. Then you have Akins trying to paint Joey as this sheltered inexperienced girl, but other than the fact she has been battered she has held a pretty normal life the last four year, being involved in school clubs and working, and prior to her mom's death she describes an idyllic family life, so why on earth would she never have experienced twister or bowling? Akins also fails to flush out the two villains if the story and their motivations leaving them really lack luster and two dimensional.
Spoilers ahead
To begin with, as battered and cautious as Joey is, and as much time as she has spent flying under the radar, it doesn't make much sense that she is going to the guys house after knowing them for less than forty-eight hours and risking the wrath of her dad. The fact that she is battered and cautious immediately falls to the wayside in favor of having her quickly develop deep relationships with the guys. This really feels disingenuous and the reader would have felt a deeper connection to the guys and the story if the guys had had to break down Joey's walls and build those relationships. It's also disconcerting that the night Joey has to be saved from her father, again less than forty-eight hours of knowing the boys, they start making overtures towards her, of course people in the school are going to be concerned for her safety, in less than two days her dad almost beat her to death and she comes back to school with five boyfriends whom she has just met and the town knows nothing about. Then you have Akins trying to paint Joey as this sheltered inexperienced girl, but other than the fact she has been battered she has held a pretty normal life the last four year, being involved in school clubs and working, and prior to her mom's death she describes an idyllic family life, so why on earth would she never have experienced twister or bowling? Akins also fails to flush out the two villains if the story and their motivations leaving them really lack luster and two dimensional.
file-13
June 30, 2021Fucking hell.
Where the hell do I even start?
Technically, this book is absolute dog shit. Yes, the writing is legible and clear-cut enough that you can sort of understand what's going on. The verbiage is extraordinarily immature, like it was written by a fifteen or sixteen year old. There is next to no character or relationship development. In the span of forty-eight hours, Joey, who has YEARS of emotional and physical trauma and is a victim of physical, mental, and emotional abuse, relaxes enough to sleep in a house full of strong men who are complete strangers.
Naïve? I think so. Battered and cautious, like she made herself out to be? I think fucking not.
The interactions Joey had with the guys in the harem are awkward and forced, especially before she moved into their home. In those moments, she's definitely not happy, yet she's letting down her what should be mile-high walls to complete strangers. It's disingenuous and makes literally no fucking sense.
It takes, what I believe, is five days for these guys to decide they all want to date her and she readily accepts. The next time she returns to school, she returns with five boyfriends.
Kill me now.
I feel like Atkins has read one too many Ghost Bird books.
Where the hell do I even start?
Technically, this book is absolute dog shit. Yes, the writing is legible and clear-cut enough that you can sort of understand what's going on. The verbiage is extraordinarily immature, like it was written by a fifteen or sixteen year old. There is next to no character or relationship development. In the span of forty-eight hours, Joey, who has YEARS of emotional and physical trauma and is a victim of physical, mental, and emotional abuse, relaxes enough to sleep in a house full of strong men who are complete strangers.
Naïve? I think so. Battered and cautious, like she made herself out to be? I think fucking not.
The interactions Joey had with the guys in the harem are awkward and forced, especially before she moved into their home. In those moments, she's definitely not happy, yet she's letting down her what should be mile-high walls to complete strangers. It's disingenuous and makes literally no fucking sense.
It takes, what I believe, is five days for these guys to decide they all want to date her and she readily accepts. The next time she returns to school, she returns with five boyfriends.
Kill me now.
I feel like Atkins has read one too many Ghost Bird books.
November 27, 2021
2/5 stars
So the reason I’m giving this book 2 stars has nothing to do with me no liking the book. I actually did really enjoy it, it’s just there were some things I couldn’t get over.
First off this was a really short read. Only 110 pages I’m pretty sure. So I did like that, and it only took me a couple hours over the course of the two days, but I read it pretty fast.
The next reason was that everything moved SO fast. They had known each other for a day when they found everything out. Two days when Joey basically moved in with them, and what three days when they started dating and were saying I love you. The story I felt moved at a pretty good pace, but the time in between everything, and how fast they moved kind of annoyed me, and it just like upset me. There was a scene where Joey was talking to one of their dads and literally said something along the lines of “but I’ve only known them a couple hours,” not days, not weeks, HOURS. I just couldn’t believe how fast everything was moving.
I kind of feel that what happened at the end with her dad shouldn’t have happened. There’s no way he should’ve gotten out, and I feel it wasn’t really necessary, I guess it brought them closer together? Maybe it got rid of her dad for good?
We also just never really got like closure. We didn’t hear what happened at the dance, etc. This book says it was supposed to be in a series, but this book was published in 2018, that was what, 3 years ago? I don’t know if they plan to add to this book, but if so, what could they add? How could they stretch the storyline on?
So the reason I’m giving this book 2 stars has nothing to do with me no liking the book. I actually did really enjoy it, it’s just there were some things I couldn’t get over.
First off this was a really short read. Only 110 pages I’m pretty sure. So I did like that, and it only took me a couple hours over the course of the two days, but I read it pretty fast.
The next reason was that everything moved SO fast. They had known each other for a day when they found everything out. Two days when Joey basically moved in with them, and what three days when they started dating and were saying I love you. The story I felt moved at a pretty good pace, but the time in between everything, and how fast they moved kind of annoyed me, and it just like upset me. There was a scene where Joey was talking to one of their dads and literally said something along the lines of “but I’ve only known them a couple hours,” not days, not weeks, HOURS. I just couldn’t believe how fast everything was moving.
I kind of feel that what happened at the end with her dad shouldn’t have happened. There’s no way he should’ve gotten out, and I feel it wasn’t really necessary, I guess it brought them closer together? Maybe it got rid of her dad for good?
We also just never really got like closure. We didn’t hear what happened at the dance, etc. This book says it was supposed to be in a series, but this book was published in 2018, that was what, 3 years ago? I don’t know if they plan to add to this book, but if so, what could they add? How could they stretch the storyline on?
February 28, 2018
Pretty common in terms of a plot....
...but I really enjoyed the writing and loved the characters, so everything was balanced out. It made me smile so hard my face hurt and made me experience every emotion right along with the characters.
Also, I adored Daniel and his eccentric nature. The characters in general were very well written. We did not learn a lot about the boys' individual personalities, but that's only because they always operated as a unit. It finally made me fully understand the saying "us against the world", because that's how it felt most of the times. Like this family was together, in everything, against the whole world.
The connection between Joey and the guys was almost instant, but then again, they warned Joey it would be like that. I loved how honest and out-in-the-open everything was kept. The guys did not have any secrets between them and Joey, they talked everything out and that excluded any sorts of misunderstandings.
This book was one of the most sweet, heartwarming and pure things I've read in a while and I'm not saying it lightly. It deserves my rare rating of five stars, mainly because of the way it made me feel.
I'm looking forward to the next book and hope it'll be just as amazing as this one.
“That was my whole life, a couple of books, a laptop, my mother’s jewelry, and the proof I had been recently beaten.
No, this is what your life used to be. It’s different now”
...but I really enjoyed the writing and loved the characters, so everything was balanced out. It made me smile so hard my face hurt and made me experience every emotion right along with the characters.
Also, I adored Daniel and his eccentric nature. The characters in general were very well written. We did not learn a lot about the boys' individual personalities, but that's only because they always operated as a unit. It finally made me fully understand the saying "us against the world", because that's how it felt most of the times. Like this family was together, in everything, against the whole world.
The connection between Joey and the guys was almost instant, but then again, they warned Joey it would be like that. I loved how honest and out-in-the-open everything was kept. The guys did not have any secrets between them and Joey, they talked everything out and that excluded any sorts of misunderstandings.
This book was one of the most sweet, heartwarming and pure things I've read in a while and I'm not saying it lightly. It deserves my rare rating of five stars, mainly because of the way it made me feel.
I'm looking forward to the next book and hope it'll be just as amazing as this one.
January 2, 2019
I really loved this book. Not so much of what was happening to Joey at home. I would call her brave for enduring the hell for four years. I would told someone or called the police. I'm not sure why she didn't. I don't think it was explained. I'm glad those five guys walked into her life. They saw her pain right off. She did such a good job hiding it and being invisible in her school. I did want more and I hope there is going to be a second book. Overall I enjoyed this story.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
May 9, 2019
I'm hoping for a book 2 since it says number 1 but the way it finished really I don't expect a book two, Akins ended with no cliff hangers at all so idk. But it wasn't a bad book, short quick read and it had issues but it was good though.
March 17, 2018
Ugh. Save me from novels where the main character acts completely out of character without explanation or reason! In this novel, Joey Miles is a severely abused teenager counting down the months an days until she can escape her hellhole of a house and run off to the University of Tennessee. She avoids people, seems to have no friends whatsoever and is vying for Valedictorian. Okay, her life is awful, and the abuse is brutal. Everything changes for her when the 5 adopted sons of the new English teacher walk into her life.
My main issue with this novel is that Joey's actions and decisions have no support from the context of the novel. She's "friends" with these overbearing giants for exactly five days before moving in with them. Sure, there were extenuating circumstances, but that's the same amount of time for the boys to decide they all want to date her at the same time and that they want to be "out" about it. SMH. This girl wanted to fly under the radar for her entire high school experience. So it simply is NOT credible that she would suddenly be okay about being obvious in public about dating all 5 guys at the same time. Certainly a compromise of looking like she's only dating one of them publicly would have been more believable. Also, to the reader's knowledge, she's never dated anyone. So now she's just going to jump into a relationship with all 5? Again not believable. The public backlash is so predictable that it's a wonder all the main characters are surprised by it. I mean, seriously, this isn't someplace where polyamory is even mentioned, and while I don't believe people should change themselves to fit others' expectations, there is something to be said for discretion. That whole scene in the police station could easily have been avoided by simply saying the guys are good, supportive friends, rather than she's dating them all. As the dad says, it's not relevant. So why make it an issue?
Another issue is that the novel just ends. It kind of fizzles out after the big blow-up, and then the ending seems like it's missing pages. Maybe those missing pages connect the title to the novel, too, because there are no reasons given in the novel for why she does what she does.
Finally, on a technical note, there are far too many obvious editing errors.
I won't be reading any more in this series.
My main issue with this novel is that Joey's actions and decisions have no support from the context of the novel. She's "friends" with these overbearing giants for exactly five days before moving in with them. Sure, there were extenuating circumstances, but that's the same amount of time for the boys to decide they all want to date her at the same time and that they want to be "out" about it. SMH. This girl wanted to fly under the radar for her entire high school experience. So it simply is NOT credible that she would suddenly be okay about being obvious in public about dating all 5 guys at the same time. Certainly a compromise of looking like she's only dating one of them publicly would have been more believable. Also, to the reader's knowledge, she's never dated anyone. So now she's just going to jump into a relationship with all 5? Again not believable. The public backlash is so predictable that it's a wonder all the main characters are surprised by it. I mean, seriously, this isn't someplace where polyamory is even mentioned, and while I don't believe people should change themselves to fit others' expectations, there is something to be said for discretion. That whole scene in the police station could easily have been avoided by simply saying the guys are good, supportive friends, rather than she's dating them all. As the dad says, it's not relevant. So why make it an issue?
Another issue is that the novel just ends. It kind of fizzles out after the big blow-up, and then the ending seems like it's missing pages. Maybe those missing pages connect the title to the novel, too, because there are no reasons given in the novel for why she does what she does.
Finally, on a technical note, there are far too many obvious editing errors.
I won't be reading any more in this series.
November 21, 2021
It’s quite hard to find a contemporary RH with no bullying and despite the difficult subject mentioned here by the author I love how the guys were. Sure and committed to the heroine from the beginning. Sweet and entertaining story for sure.
July 13, 2020
This book reads like Ghost Bird on speed.
I know this gets said about every contemporary book with a YA flair, but try as I might, the similarities are hard to ignore. Shy girl escapes abusive home thanks to a group of guys with a brotherly bond, all who have their own experiences with abusive households. The main difference would be that the two adult harem members in GB are a couple in Her Reasons. Well, that and that it takes GB around 11 books of character exploration and development to do what Her Reasons does in 3 chapters. But as we all know, something being done fast doesn’t mean it is done well. At all.
Even setting aside the similarities with GB, the book is not a great read. The relationship between Joey and the guys is the definition of poorly written instalove. The scenes where the guys answer questions in unison, like a goddamn hive mind, are really not cute at all. It also tries really hard to hammer home some points about small-town discrimination against alternative lifestyles, but does it so ham-fistedly it comes off as ridiculous. It was doing a decent job of it by having the guys be the adopted sons of a happy, healthy gay couple, but then has our protagonist filing a restraining order against her abusive father while surrounded by 5 guys, all who are constantly touching her. Of-bloody-course a confrontation happens against Bigoted Figure of Authority #122873, what the hell else could that entire scene be building up to?
Maybe if I had any type of emotional attachment to these characters, I could have found it in me to care. But it all happens so quickly, the guys are so boringly similar, and everything is so bloody predictable that I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything but mild disdain for most of the cast.
It wasn’t all awful. Bishop deserves to be in a better book, and some of the writing did strike me as fun and clever. But the misses were greater than the hits, and do not make up for the majority of the book being boringly predictable on account of being nothing but the bare-bones structure of a story I have read multiple times, with far more interesting skins.
I know this gets said about every contemporary book with a YA flair, but try as I might, the similarities are hard to ignore. Shy girl escapes abusive home thanks to a group of guys with a brotherly bond, all who have their own experiences with abusive households. The main difference would be that the two adult harem members in GB are a couple in Her Reasons. Well, that and that it takes GB around 11 books of character exploration and development to do what Her Reasons does in 3 chapters. But as we all know, something being done fast doesn’t mean it is done well. At all.
Even setting aside the similarities with GB, the book is not a great read. The relationship between Joey and the guys is the definition of poorly written instalove. The scenes where the guys answer questions in unison, like a goddamn hive mind, are really not cute at all. It also tries really hard to hammer home some points about small-town discrimination against alternative lifestyles, but does it so ham-fistedly it comes off as ridiculous. It was doing a decent job of it by having the guys be the adopted sons of a happy, healthy gay couple, but then has our protagonist filing a restraining order against her abusive father while surrounded by 5 guys, all who are constantly touching her. Of-bloody-course a confrontation happens against Bigoted Figure of Authority #122873, what the hell else could that entire scene be building up to?
Maybe if I had any type of emotional attachment to these characters, I could have found it in me to care. But it all happens so quickly, the guys are so boringly similar, and everything is so bloody predictable that I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything but mild disdain for most of the cast.
It wasn’t all awful. Bishop deserves to be in a better book, and some of the writing did strike me as fun and clever. But the misses were greater than the hits, and do not make up for the majority of the book being boringly predictable on account of being nothing but the bare-bones structure of a story I have read multiple times, with far more interesting skins.
August 12, 2019
This book was amazing. It’s a fast paced, one sitting kind of RH romance which I love. I couldn’t put this book down. I fell in love with all the characters, the storyline, and just the writing in general which never really happens to me.
The main character Joey Miles is abused by her father. Despite that she still has perfect grades. Joey is one of those character you wish were real so you could be best friends with her. Her guys are as equally as awesome. Matt Browne, Bishop Sawyer, Jaidon Wilder, Alex Morales, Stetson Tucker. I love all these guys equally and to me they are all Alpha makes even though some of them aren’t the stereotypical alpha male. Their dads Mr.Keeler(Joshua) who is a teacher and his husband Daniel who is a writer.
Getting into the storyline a bit Joey is invisible and good at it but the guys who all happen to be foster kids know she is hiding something (her abuse) so they make her apart of of their tight knit group. When the guys discover marks on her at their home (which is a dream home btw) Joey runs away. When home she falls asleep and her dad beats her up for not doing chores. Stetson saves her and takes her home. She ends up living there which is great for her relationship with the guys. Joeys first night there might be my favourite scene from this book. All the guys show up at her door with pillows and sleeping bags. They have a rule where no one spend the first night alone and they each tell there story. It is very touching and I may have shed a tear.
All and all this book was amazing. A.L. Akins did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to read more by her. Again this book is fast-paced, you can read it in one sitting, it is told from Joeys POV but the Akins did an amazing job by making Joey an observant character. We get to see all the guys characteristics come out which was a nice touch. This book does have a bit of steam as well which is nice. I can’t wait to read the next book.
The main character Joey Miles is abused by her father. Despite that she still has perfect grades. Joey is one of those character you wish were real so you could be best friends with her. Her guys are as equally as awesome. Matt Browne, Bishop Sawyer, Jaidon Wilder, Alex Morales, Stetson Tucker. I love all these guys equally and to me they are all Alpha makes even though some of them aren’t the stereotypical alpha male. Their dads Mr.Keeler(Joshua) who is a teacher and his husband Daniel who is a writer.
Getting into the storyline a bit Joey is invisible and good at it but the guys who all happen to be foster kids know she is hiding something (her abuse) so they make her apart of of their tight knit group. When the guys discover marks on her at their home (which is a dream home btw) Joey runs away. When home she falls asleep and her dad beats her up for not doing chores. Stetson saves her and takes her home. She ends up living there which is great for her relationship with the guys. Joeys first night there might be my favourite scene from this book. All the guys show up at her door with pillows and sleeping bags. They have a rule where no one spend the first night alone and they each tell there story. It is very touching and I may have shed a tear.
All and all this book was amazing. A.L. Akins did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to read more by her. Again this book is fast-paced, you can read it in one sitting, it is told from Joeys POV but the Akins did an amazing job by making Joey an observant character. We get to see all the guys characteristics come out which was a nice touch. This book does have a bit of steam as well which is nice. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
Liked it the second time too!
I first read this book from the Falling for Them anthology (Vol. 2 or 3?). I almost didn’t buy it since I’ve read it before, but decided to anyway as the anthology is not for sell anymore. So glad I did!
Characters: I like the female lead. At first, it seems she is shy and timid. Instead, she’s just trying to survive. You feel for her and root for her to win. The boys are some of the best book boyfriends. If you could wrap them into one person! The dads are great. Supportive, loving, caring!
Setting: YA - High School - Small town
Plot: Typical boys save girl but it’s a sweet, coming of age story - the perfect romance as they learn about themselves, each other, and the dynamic of their relationship
RH factor: YA - sweet, slow burn with some heat - I can’t wait for the following books to see how the relation - emotional and physical - develops
Writing style: awesome writer - the flow is perfect for the characters - yes, there is a little insta-love but it fits for the setting and the characters
Overall: one of the sweetest and best RH books I’ve read the past few months (from October 2017 when I first read it to now - February 2018)
I first read this book from the Falling for Them anthology (Vol. 2 or 3?). I almost didn’t buy it since I’ve read it before, but decided to anyway as the anthology is not for sell anymore. So glad I did!
Characters: I like the female lead. At first, it seems she is shy and timid. Instead, she’s just trying to survive. You feel for her and root for her to win. The boys are some of the best book boyfriends. If you could wrap them into one person! The dads are great. Supportive, loving, caring!
Setting: YA - High School - Small town
Plot: Typical boys save girl but it’s a sweet, coming of age story - the perfect romance as they learn about themselves, each other, and the dynamic of their relationship
RH factor: YA - sweet, slow burn with some heat - I can’t wait for the following books to see how the relation - emotional and physical - develops
Writing style: awesome writer - the flow is perfect for the characters - yes, there is a little insta-love but it fits for the setting and the characters
Overall: one of the sweetest and best RH books I’ve read the past few months (from October 2017 when I first read it to now - February 2018)
February 21, 2018
Her Reasons is the first book in a new young adult reverse harem series. It was very similar to some other RH books I've read with an abused girl suddenly being "adopted" into a group of guy friends and nearly seamlessly immersing herself into their group. But, despite the commonalities this book shares with many others, I really enjoyed the read. It was a very quick paced story, many of the events happening in a short period of time, making some of the heroines actions slightly questionable. Personally, I like to think that the heroine simply felt comfortable with the guys and was able to trust them, as much as she could, in a short amount of time. I know many people don't like when the heroine seems to be abused and battered one minute then the center of a group of guys the next, but it didn't seem implausible during this read. The characters, not just the heroine and the guys but even their dads, were great! Daniel and Joshua were so caring and understanding despite dealing with their own problems in this small town. Overall this was a quick and sweet read. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 1, 2019
Heartbreaking
While I enjoyed this book, there was almost too much abuse in this story especially without identifying how someone could change so much. The underlying factor makes sense but the extent of her father's behavior was over the top. I hope that the author provides something more than what has already been revealed - not that it's okay but the level of abuse has to be caused by something else. This book portrays numerous bigotry and other misconceptions. It identifies circumstances which might drive people to think it's okay to impress their beliefs upon the characters in this book creating a venue for discussion. There are beautiful messages in this book if you look beyond the scenes of her and her father. A good story though hard to read at times, I look forward to reading more of this series and this author.
While I enjoyed this book, there was almost too much abuse in this story especially without identifying how someone could change so much. The underlying factor makes sense but the extent of her father's behavior was over the top. I hope that the author provides something more than what has already been revealed - not that it's okay but the level of abuse has to be caused by something else. This book portrays numerous bigotry and other misconceptions. It identifies circumstances which might drive people to think it's okay to impress their beliefs upon the characters in this book creating a venue for discussion. There are beautiful messages in this book if you look beyond the scenes of her and her father. A good story though hard to read at times, I look forward to reading more of this series and this author.
February 26, 2018
This story was really good, also heartbreaking as Joey is in a really bad place, she's been in hell for the past four years at the hands of her abusive father. She's fighting to stay alive long enough to get away once she's 18 and on her way to college. And freedom. But it's getting harder and harder to survive. And hide.
When five new guys, brother start at her school they see her, and see the pain in her eyes. Because they've been there too. They are all foster brothers in a living home but they also went through it, or saw their brothers go through the same.
Can Joey let them in? Can she allow herself to feel for them? There are still dangers out there and not just the danger of a broken heart...
Looking forward to reading more in this series!
When five new guys, brother start at her school they see her, and see the pain in her eyes. Because they've been there too. They are all foster brothers in a living home but they also went through it, or saw their brothers go through the same.
Can Joey let them in? Can she allow herself to feel for them? There are still dangers out there and not just the danger of a broken heart...
Looking forward to reading more in this series!
March 3, 2018
The book was first published as part of the anthology "Falling for them" and has now been published as an independent book. I was very pleased that it was mentioned on the Amazon website that the book was previously part of Antology.
The book is relatively short, so that the characters are introduced, but not in detail, except for Joey the heroine. All in all, I found the book entertaining and enjoyable. The physical violence Joey is being subjected to is hard and I wondered why Joey didn't land in hospital more often, because her father likes to hit her head against something hard. However, the scenes are bearable.
This is a slow burning RH story. I like these kind of stories because the focus is on developing the relationship.
The book is relatively short, so that the characters are introduced, but not in detail, except for Joey the heroine. All in all, I found the book entertaining and enjoyable. The physical violence Joey is being subjected to is hard and I wondered why Joey didn't land in hospital more often, because her father likes to hit her head against something hard. However, the scenes are bearable.
This is a slow burning RH story. I like these kind of stories because the focus is on developing the relationship.
September 7, 2024
The book.wasn't as bad as some.of the other reviewers claim it to be... My personal issue was that it seemed extremely short.
And not in a short story sorta way.
It felt like there was a lot more that needed to be said. Explored. Etc.
We needed better closure on her father. We as readers, deserved to know what happened to him afterwards.
Apparently, this has a sequel, but, I cannot find that t anywhere and either way, apparently, the story is about brit, not joey... So, there won't be closure there... Btw, I can't find that book anywhere. Not amazon, not google, no where. Not that I want to read it but, it would have been nice to have the option.
I wish there was more character development. More on their relationships.
I just, I feel unsatisfied...
And not in a short story sorta way.
It felt like there was a lot more that needed to be said. Explored. Etc.
We needed better closure on her father. We as readers, deserved to know what happened to him afterwards.
Apparently, this has a sequel, but, I cannot find that t anywhere and either way, apparently, the story is about brit, not joey... So, there won't be closure there... Btw, I can't find that book anywhere. Not amazon, not google, no where. Not that I want to read it but, it would have been nice to have the option.
I wish there was more character development. More on their relationships.
I just, I feel unsatisfied...
September 4, 2018
I read this in the Falling For Them anthology (Volume 3) published in the fall of 2017.
This story was a highlight for me in the anthology, a YA to NA story with five brothers who quickly fall for an abused young woman with shadows and pain in her eyes that they recognize from their own various tough upbringings. The protective sweetness with which all of the brothers and their adopted dads treat Joey touches the heart, and the ugliness of the small minds in the town is so aggravating but it also serves to illustrate the bravery all of these characters have. I am so glad it says Book 1 because I cannot wait to read more.
4.5 Stars
This story was a highlight for me in the anthology, a YA to NA story with five brothers who quickly fall for an abused young woman with shadows and pain in her eyes that they recognize from their own various tough upbringings. The protective sweetness with which all of the brothers and their adopted dads treat Joey touches the heart, and the ugliness of the small minds in the town is so aggravating but it also serves to illustrate the bravery all of these characters have. I am so glad it says Book 1 because I cannot wait to read more.
4.5 Stars
February 22, 2018
I really did enjoy the story. It's a modern day RH involving seniors. I like the MC, she has spunk, I liked the guys, they care. I struggled with what felt like a disconnect, like things are overlooked. Maybe it's because this was written with intent to be in an anthology and that means there's a word limit shorter than a normal length novel, or the issues were set aside for the sake of getting the relationship with the guys going. Either way, it led to a feeling of disconnect. It's enjoyable and I'll read the next book, but not anything that got me excited. I still suggest reading the story if you need a nice relaxing read and a couple hours to spend.
March 4, 2018
So many people are saying this is like C.l stone ghost bird series as I see some of some things I don't see how they can say it just like it. The abuse is so much worse then Sang, she never moved in with all the guys, also there no secret group they work for, and this the guys move a lot faster, the ghost bird series is my favorite reserves harem. With that being said I do hope there book 2 too this series I really want to see what happens with her dad and if he gets what coming to him, the violence was pretty bad but there are women that face that every day. In the world of reserves harem it takes all kinds of books and story for everyone to find what works for them.
March 10, 2018
This story is a contemporary RH that was originally in the Falling for them Anthology V3. This is a stpry about Joey and how her 5 guys saved her from her abusive home life. I really enjoyed this story and I loved the personality of each of the guys. I do however wish there was a little more focus on the relationship with the guys and not on the abuse. I love RH books and while I normally read paranormal RH I love the occasional contemporary. I really hope that the author makes a sequal to this so we can learn more about Joey and her guys. Maybe they go to the same college or maybe Joey gets pregnant? Who knows.
April 2, 2018
Good read
(if you don't read any books with physical violence this is not the book for you) i was hooked form just reading the sample i don't normally go for books with violence in them but I felt the female character had a strong roll and the characters around her had strong backgrounds them selfs with this saying in this title book 1 im hoping for book 2 because if not then I will have to say the ending was abit dull compared to the rest of the book as it would be nice to see there relationship blossom more and how they work things out later in life with the jealousy and what happens with her dad
(if you don't read any books with physical violence this is not the book for you) i was hooked form just reading the sample i don't normally go for books with violence in them but I felt the female character had a strong roll and the characters around her had strong backgrounds them selfs with this saying in this title book 1 im hoping for book 2 because if not then I will have to say the ending was abit dull compared to the rest of the book as it would be nice to see there relationship blossom more and how they work things out later in life with the jealousy and what happens with her dad
March 6, 2018
I loved this story!!
I really really enjoyed this book. I would absolutely love to read more about Joey and her five men!! I would so be interested in the six of them doing college or something. Or maybe even a novella of their first child together!! (Hint hint hint) I will most definitely be on the lookout for anything and everything from this author. The story was one that I will be thinking about for days and on the lookout for similar for months. It was so interesting to read a reverse harem from a high school perspective and I loved every second of it.
I really really enjoyed this book. I would absolutely love to read more about Joey and her five men!! I would so be interested in the six of them doing college or something. Or maybe even a novella of their first child together!! (Hint hint hint) I will most definitely be on the lookout for anything and everything from this author. The story was one that I will be thinking about for days and on the lookout for similar for months. It was so interesting to read a reverse harem from a high school perspective and I loved every second of it.
July 26, 2018
Great book. Not realistic though.
I thought this book was really great and inspiring but some parts were not realistic at all. when the lead character has never had any sexual experience and then she jumps into it like a pro i don't think that makes much sense. This book has only a few errors and none too noticeable, I absolutely recommend this book of you can get over how it was all crammed into a single novel. I feel it was rushed in many aspects and would be better if it would have been expanded or even made into a second book (college maybe).
I thought this book was really great and inspiring but some parts were not realistic at all. when the lead character has never had any sexual experience and then she jumps into it like a pro i don't think that makes much sense. This book has only a few errors and none too noticeable, I absolutely recommend this book of you can get over how it was all crammed into a single novel. I feel it was rushed in many aspects and would be better if it would have been expanded or even made into a second book (college maybe).
April 26, 2021
Representation: Black Hero, Gay supporting characters, mlm side romance, Lesbian side character
Overall: 3-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 3-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
February 15, 2018
This was another cute story I first read in the Falling for Them Anthology. It did have some similarities to other stories I read but it had its differences too, still making it an interesting read. In this story you get to see some of the abuse the MC endures. The guys are all sweet and take to the MC pretty quickly. The story has some cute moments mixed in with the rougher moments but overall a nice read.
February 15, 2018
Just as good the second time
I originally read this contemporary RH in the Falling for Them Anthologies. I had never read anything by JL Akins and was happily surprised at her writing. This story has some variables from RH that you don't normally see (and some that you do as well.) This author took it a step farther with fighting what people suggest is "a normal" relationship. I look forward to seeing what else the author writes.
I originally read this contemporary RH in the Falling for Them Anthologies. I had never read anything by JL Akins and was happily surprised at her writing. This story has some variables from RH that you don't normally see (and some that you do as well.) This author took it a step farther with fighting what people suggest is "a normal" relationship. I look forward to seeing what else the author writes.
February 16, 2018
I adored this story. The relationships developed a little faster than I usually like, but this was probably the most real reverse harem as far as peoples reactions were. The characters trying to navigate a relationship with 6 people and the jealously was exactly like what one would expect from that many people trying to figure out how to make an unconventional relationship work. The guys were sweet and I need some dads like Daniel and Joshua. I look forward to reading more from JL Akins.
February 19, 2018
This is today's version of a RH. I was impressed with this very modern day story. JL addresses many of today's issues including lifestyle, bullying and abuse. I love that our MC is strong and confident in Her Reasons despite what anyone else wants to make her feel. She is willing to stand up to anyone trying to take her down. I suspect there is more in store for this group. Looking forward to more.
March 6, 2018
Whoa..this book was intense! I haven’t cried while reading in a while, and this one made me. Joey and her crappy life prior to meeting the guys was absolutely terrible. My heart aches for her. Then she meets these guys and then the parents (not ruining this part). The stuff they dealt with was not good at all, but to watch them all deal with it as a unit was so wonderful. If you have abusive triggers, take caution reading this book, but if you can push through, please pick this up!
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