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Constellation #2
Chaos
He’s older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets.
She’s intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb.
On the surface, advertising executive Jack Evans has it all. Blessed with striking good looks, a thriving career, a stylish wife, and an adoring daughter, he’s still struggling with personal turmoil. And when his wife abruptly leaves, it’s up to Jack to care for his child alone while picking up the pieces of his broken past.
While doing so, Jack is drawn to the up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton. She’s stunning and intuitive—and everything he needs now that the divorce is finalized. As he falls for his sexy colleague, Jack worries that Kathleen may not be able to handle the chaos of his life. Will Jack escape the mistakes of his past to capture the future he deserves?
She’s intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb.
On the surface, advertising executive Jack Evans has it all. Blessed with striking good looks, a thriving career, a stylish wife, and an adoring daughter, he’s still struggling with personal turmoil. And when his wife abruptly leaves, it’s up to Jack to care for his child alone while picking up the pieces of his broken past.
While doing so, Jack is drawn to the up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton. She’s stunning and intuitive—and everything he needs now that the divorce is finalized. As he falls for his sexy colleague, Jack worries that Kathleen may not be able to handle the chaos of his life. Will Jack escape the mistakes of his past to capture the future he deserves?
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2018
3 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Locklear
13 books975 followersJennifer Locklear was born on the Colville Indian Reservation in north central Washington state and is a descendant of the Okanogan band of the confederated tribes. She writes the “wildly erotic” Constellation series in addition to Exposure, a Hollywood based romantic comedy, co-written with her husband, Morgan Locklear.
Jennifer also works in fundraising and development for one of the Pacific Northwest’s top non-profit organizations and currently lives on the beautiful Oregon coast with her high school sweetheart, two children, and a 13-year-old cat.
Prior to publishing her first novel, she was a contributing reviewer for the Bookish Temptations book blog. She is also a founding moderator of Argyle Empire, an approved fan site for New York Times and International Best-Selling Author, Sylvain Reynard.
Jennifer also works in fundraising and development for one of the Pacific Northwest’s top non-profit organizations and currently lives on the beautiful Oregon coast with her high school sweetheart, two children, and a 13-year-old cat.
Prior to publishing her first novel, she was a contributing reviewer for the Bookish Temptations book blog. She is also a founding moderator of Argyle Empire, an approved fan site for New York Times and International Best-Selling Author, Sylvain Reynard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 4, 2018
What’s your definition of a great read? How about a book whose characters draw you in so strongly that you’re thinking of them days after you’ve turned the last page and you want to know more about them?
That’s exactly how I felt after reading Jennifer Locklear’s “Constellation,” the first book in her series of the same title. It was as if I knew Jack Evans and Kathleen Brighton and had walked the intimate, often difficult, yet lovingly erotic path to their relationship right along with them. I loved their story and read Jennifer’s words as if I was living in the world she wrote about, with Jack and Kathleen and the other characters that make up the story.
Now, Jennifer has written the second book in the series, “Chaos.” More than just a continuation, “Chaos” tells us Jack and Kathleen’s story from Jack’s point of view, and fills in some of the mysterious blanks that were left at the end of “Constellation.”
We first met Jack and Kathleen in “Constellation.” Jack Evans had moved his family to Bend, Oregon, to take a higher-level job with the prestigious Aurora Advertising agency. Robert Brighton, Aurora’s brilliant but difficult chief executive, brought Jack on for his talent and ability to cultivate clients. Kathleen is Robert’s daughter, an accomplished woman in her own right whose substantial contributions to the agency’s success are not always recognized by her father.
Early on, Jack detects the friction between father and daughter but tucks it away for future reference. More and more, he wants to defend Kathleen, even if it means overriding his own self-interest. In “Constellation,” we become aware of Kathleen’s attraction to Jack. In “Chaos,” we see more of how Robert felt in that time as his own appreciation for Kathleen’s deft skills deepens into affection, and then more.
It’s very fulfilling to see things through Jack’s eyes. Early on in “Chaos,” we learn about the disintegration of Jack’s marriage to Allison. He’s devoted to their daughter Heide but his relationship with his wife has been fractured beyond repair, in spite of his efforts. Jack is cautious about his growing attraction to Kathleen, but he wants her - more than any other woman he’s ever known. And when they finally come together, it’s explosive.
But like many explosions, there’s collateral damage. Kathleen and Jack have to work their way back from it, and to each other.
I love how Jennifer handles these delicate situations. She writes beautifully nuanced scenes where the desire is there, but so is caution and concern. Jennifer traces the arc of Jack’s and Kathleen’s relationship with a skilled and delicate paintbrush. I loved reading Jack’s thoughts in “Chaos.” He’s honest with himself about how much he physically desires Kathleen, but he knows he wants it to be much more than that and his quiet struggle to balance his desire with his need to be cautious can be heartbreaking.
I really enjoy a well-written romance with mature elements – not just the sex (though that’s lovely in this series too) but how adult situations are drawn in a believable and compelling way. That’s definitely part of Jennifer Locklear’s talents as a writer. Full disclosure: she is a dear friend, and she provided me with this ARC to review honestly. She would want and expect nothing less from me, so I can tell you that every word I’ve written here about “Chaos” is genuine.
May 16, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
He is older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets. She is intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb. On the surface advertising executive Jack Evans has it all. Blessed with striking good looks, a thriving career, a stylish wife, and an adorable daughter, he is still struggling with personal turmoil. And when his wife abruptly leaves, it is up to Jack to care for his child alone while picking up the pieces of his broken past. While doing so, Jack is drawn to the up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton. She's stunning and intuitive-and everything he need now that the divorce is finalized. As he falls for his sexy colleague, Jack worries that Kathleen may not be able to handle the chaos of his life. Will Jack escape the mistakes of his past to capture the future he deserves?
If you are looking for a book that will take you from laughing you head off to crying your eyes out then this is a book that you will love. Told from the male point of view this is one of my favorite points of view by the way, so I loved that. You will fall in love with Jack and my heart broke for him when his wife just ups and leaves him with a small child to raise. It was so much fun to see him and Kathleen fall in love. This is a love story that has a little something for everyone.
He is older, sophisticated, and harboring secrets. She is intelligent, beautiful, and emotionally numb. On the surface advertising executive Jack Evans has it all. Blessed with striking good looks, a thriving career, a stylish wife, and an adorable daughter, he is still struggling with personal turmoil. And when his wife abruptly leaves, it is up to Jack to care for his child alone while picking up the pieces of his broken past. While doing so, Jack is drawn to the up-and-coming executive, Kathleen Brighton. She's stunning and intuitive-and everything he need now that the divorce is finalized. As he falls for his sexy colleague, Jack worries that Kathleen may not be able to handle the chaos of his life. Will Jack escape the mistakes of his past to capture the future he deserves?
If you are looking for a book that will take you from laughing you head off to crying your eyes out then this is a book that you will love. Told from the male point of view this is one of my favorite points of view by the way, so I loved that. You will fall in love with Jack and my heart broke for him when his wife just ups and leaves him with a small child to raise. It was so much fun to see him and Kathleen fall in love. This is a love story that has a little something for everyone.
May 3, 2018
Very proud of Jennifer and her second book in her Connection series. I was enthralled with Chaos.
May 14, 2018
This is my first read by Jennifer Locklear and though the writing was done extremely well, I couldn't get into the story itself.
I will eventually go back to read the 1st book in this series because I think that is why I was disconnected from Jacks POV in Chaos.
I will eventually go back to read the 1st book in this series because I think that is why I was disconnected from Jacks POV in Chaos.
May 27, 2018
To be honest, I vaguely remember Constellation (no offense to Jennifer, my memory is just crap), but as soon as I started reading it all starting coming together.
I don't think there was a moment that I didn't love in this book. I love how deep and meaningful Jennifer writes. You can tell she writes it with her whole heart and soul. All of the words, thoughts, feelings and conversations are all so in depth.
I desperately love how this story is from Jack's perspective. I also really love how we got o see what lead to their relationship and how he got started with Aurora. The back and forth between the present day and the past was done so well! It was so methodical. It's always great to see a relationship from different perspectives; to see how different or alike a couple falls in love, it's so interesting.
Part of why I loved this book so much, other than the writing, was how raw we got to see Jack. He's so real and raw, we really got the full effect. We got to see how a man thinks of these things, women are so emotional that it was nice to see a mans perspective of a relationship and love. The love he feels for his daughter and Kathleen is so admirable! And his loss of Allison, it was so interesting to see their fall out and interactions after their divorce. We really didn't know too much about them before this book. The way we got to see how he fell in love with Kathleen, and how desperately he wanted to keep his life balanced. I also loved how we got to see a different side of Kathleen, it was neat to see her as an outsider.
I cannot wait to see what comes next. There are so many questions left unanswered. It was really the perfect ending, keeping us begging for more!
I don't think there was a moment that I didn't love in this book. I love how deep and meaningful Jennifer writes. You can tell she writes it with her whole heart and soul. All of the words, thoughts, feelings and conversations are all so in depth.
I desperately love how this story is from Jack's perspective. I also really love how we got o see what lead to their relationship and how he got started with Aurora. The back and forth between the present day and the past was done so well! It was so methodical. It's always great to see a relationship from different perspectives; to see how different or alike a couple falls in love, it's so interesting.
Part of why I loved this book so much, other than the writing, was how raw we got to see Jack. He's so real and raw, we really got the full effect. We got to see how a man thinks of these things, women are so emotional that it was nice to see a mans perspective of a relationship and love. The love he feels for his daughter and Kathleen is so admirable! And his loss of Allison, it was so interesting to see their fall out and interactions after their divorce. We really didn't know too much about them before this book. The way we got to see how he fell in love with Kathleen, and how desperately he wanted to keep his life balanced. I also loved how we got to see a different side of Kathleen, it was neat to see her as an outsider.
I cannot wait to see what comes next. There are so many questions left unanswered. It was really the perfect ending, keeping us begging for more!
May 16, 2018
Sequels are so complicated. If the first book is excellent you cannot seem to wait for the next book. Yet more often than not you are let down somewhat when you finally read it. Without telling you the premise of this book and therefore release spoilers, I can assure you that disappointment did not enter my experience at all until I read the last words...”to be continued”! It’s a never ending circle but one I’ll gladly ride with this author.
This entry in the Kathleen and Jack story is difficult to review without giving anything away! But Jennifer does an excellent job of allowing the reader to better understand Jack, his back story, his feelings for Kathleen, his strengths and his weaknesses, and understand some of his behaviors that in the beginning of book one looked fairly iffy on the surface! How she gets into the heads of all her characters so completely is a gift.
Jennifer truly is a weaver where storytelling is concerned. She tells this story from the perspective of two different timelines and yet they flow smoothly until they seamlessly connect to the present, guiding us toward a future. And yes, another book to look forward to. At the end of this sequel, I’m more in love with Jack, prouder of Kathleen and a little more anxious about what lies ahead for them.
At one point, Jack asks Kathleen:
“‘What do you like to read?’ Kathleen gave her answer some thought. ‘I’m not sure. It’s been so long. I’d like to read something that offers a bit of everything—good, evil, laughter, sadness, comfort, fear, love and hate. I’d like to be able to feel those things in one story.’”
Well, if Kathleen were to read this book, she wouldn’t be disappointed!!!
August 1, 2018
Chaos is the second book in The Constellation Trilogy by Jennifer Locklear. If I thought that I read Constellation quickly, well, Chaos was devoured even faster. The first book was from the point of view of Kathleen and it begins with the morning after her night of passion with Jack and then continuing on from there. The reader never finds out exactly what transpired on that evening to have Kathleen so perplexed with his confounding behavior the next morning. There are also so many unanswered questions that book one purposely did not satisfy. What went wrong in Jack’s marriage? What was he hiding? What kind of life did he have on the East Coast for him to decide to make such a huge move to Oregon? Because we only hear Kathleen’s side, Jack remains a man of mystery. Until book two – Chaos…
Chaos drifts back and forth in time. In a sense, it’s a prequel, because we see Jack’s life long before that infamous night with Kathleen. Yet, the story also moves forward. This time we are in Jack’s head. He’s a man who’s made mistakes, who’s had regrets and who has loved with all his heart. I really like this man. Even with all his flaws. He owns them and he aims for self-improvement.
All the pieces of the puzzle from book one finally fit together. All my questions were answered. The reader finally learns what transpired on Jack and Kathleen’s first night together, and was that ever hot! Beautifully written, emotional and very steamy.
There is one thing I didn’t like about this book. It left me hanging and wanting for more. The third book has not been released yet and I’m aching for this conclusion.
Chaos drifts back and forth in time. In a sense, it’s a prequel, because we see Jack’s life long before that infamous night with Kathleen. Yet, the story also moves forward. This time we are in Jack’s head. He’s a man who’s made mistakes, who’s had regrets and who has loved with all his heart. I really like this man. Even with all his flaws. He owns them and he aims for self-improvement.
All the pieces of the puzzle from book one finally fit together. All my questions were answered. The reader finally learns what transpired on Jack and Kathleen’s first night together, and was that ever hot! Beautifully written, emotional and very steamy.
There is one thing I didn’t like about this book. It left me hanging and wanting for more. The third book has not been released yet and I’m aching for this conclusion.
May 17, 2018
Insightful Story of Relationships
As you read about Jack, and the choices he makes for his career and family, you get a strong sense that the love for which he searches is just out of reach.
The words that create this novel are precise and take care to create an insular understanding that time is precious. There is a deepness to this story and the reader should take care to pay attention to the emotions that are addressed.
This is not an easy, fun loving story, but an intense and caring mirror to measure the feelings we have each had to resolve in our own lives. Truly a gift from Jennifer.
As you read about Jack, and the choices he makes for his career and family, you get a strong sense that the love for which he searches is just out of reach.
The words that create this novel are precise and take care to create an insular understanding that time is precious. There is a deepness to this story and the reader should take care to pay attention to the emotions that are addressed.
This is not an easy, fun loving story, but an intense and caring mirror to measure the feelings we have each had to resolve in our own lives. Truly a gift from Jennifer.
May 23, 2018
Fantastic
I loved this book. Jack and Kathleen are back. They have learned much. I can’t wait to read more! Bravo Jenn! I found myself lost in the story.
Jack has moved across country and many changes. His marriage has dissolved. His daughter has been in a horrific accident. He has secrets...
Kathleen is the daughter of his boss and they work together. She has her own secrets but when Jack’s ex wife goes west because of the accident, they need to face their secrets.
I loved this book. Jack and Kathleen are back. They have learned much. I can’t wait to read more! Bravo Jenn! I found myself lost in the story.
Jack has moved across country and many changes. His marriage has dissolved. His daughter has been in a horrific accident. He has secrets...
Kathleen is the daughter of his boss and they work together. She has her own secrets but when Jack’s ex wife goes west because of the accident, they need to face their secrets.
May 23, 2018
Jack Evans has it all - good looks, a career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife and a loving daughter. However when his wife suddenly leaves him he as to care for his daughter while he picks up the pieces of his life. Jack finds himself drawn to Kathleen Brighton who is everything he needs now he is newly divorced. She's sexy and intelligent however numb when it comes to emotions. Can Kathleen handle the chaos of his life and the mistakes of his past so they can have a bright future together?
This is a very emotional story where you get into the thoughts and emotions felt by Jack which is a refreshing change than the usual female centric POV that most books come from. The writing was good and I could definitely feel the thought and emotions experienced by the characters.
This is a very emotional story where you get into the thoughts and emotions felt by Jack which is a refreshing change than the usual female centric POV that most books come from. The writing was good and I could definitely feel the thought and emotions experienced by the characters.
May 17, 2018
As this is the second book Constellation series, I was a bit lost. I’m not exactly sure What happened with certain incidents, as I seemed to have missed out on the first book. I would like to read book 1 to better understand the story line.
I did enjoy reading Jack’s POV as it doesn’t happen often we get to know the man’s POV.
I did enjoy reading Jack’s POV as it doesn’t happen often we get to know the man’s POV.
May 17, 2018
This is the first book I've read from this author and I loved it. It definitely won't be the last book I read. I couldn't put it down it had me hooked from start to finish and now I will be going back and reading the first book in this series. You don't have to because they are standalone. I can't wait to see what's next from this author now.
May 19, 2018
Chaos is exactly what he has made of his life BUT it seams Jack Evan’s is trying to put his life on track when he moves to Bend, Oregon BUT throw a depression, anxiety attach into the mix by Allison and who knows where they or he will end up.
The flash backs and future thoughts made you see that Jack does understand his faults BUT when he meets Kathleen Brighton can he not make the same mistakes again. Even when a tragic in-cures for Heidi he becomes stringer for ALL of them !!
Can LOVE for the first time in his life heel all wounds or can all of the wrongs not be able to make this right !!
The flash backs and future thoughts made you see that Jack does understand his faults BUT when he meets Kathleen Brighton can he not make the same mistakes again. Even when a tragic in-cures for Heidi he becomes stringer for ALL of them !!
Can LOVE for the first time in his life heel all wounds or can all of the wrongs not be able to make this right !!
May 24, 2018
I am so glad to be able to say that I have found a new author, Chaos was my first book by Jennifer locklear and I loved it. Jack seems to have it all together wife daughter new job, that was until his wife decided she no longer wanted to be married, can Jack pick up the pieces and find his happy ever after? Kathleen is everything Jack needs, but with everything in his life would that be to much Chaos for her. i found this to be a enjoyable book and was happy that i got a chance to read it.
May 25, 2018
Chaos is told in Jack's point of view and if you didn't love him then, you will now.
There are so many different emotions flowing throughout the story and you will be able to feel them as you read.
This book is a standalone but in my opinion you must read book one in order to capture the whole effect.
I volunteerly review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
There are so many different emotions flowing throughout the story and you will be able to feel them as you read.
This book is a standalone but in my opinion you must read book one in order to capture the whole effect.
I volunteerly review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 26, 2018
I didn't realize that this was the second book in a series, so at first I was a little confused. The story tells Jack's POV and jumps from past to present. I had to give it my full attention. I feel I need to go back and read the first book to get the full effect. With that being said after I got caught up with the characters I did enjoy the book and looking forward to book three.
May 16, 2018
While this book was very well written and I enjoyed reading from the male POV, there was something missing. Parts of the book didn't make sense to me. I enjoyed reading about Jack and Kathleen, but there were gaps in the story that made it difficult for me to follow
May 17, 2018
4 STARS FOR CHAOS!! This story has all the feels and keep you turning pages. Jack and Kathleen's story is emotional and well written. This was my first book by Jennifer Locklear and I can't wait to read more. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 19, 2018
The road to love is never easy. This is a great look at the challenges of finding love and knowing how to truly embrace and appreciate it. Jack thought he found love when he married Allison but as he has learned in his life, he didn’t really know himself. To try to save his marriage, he decides to take a job in Oregon but as he embarks on this new phase with his wife Allison and daughter, Heide, he finds that these answers are never easy. There is a true honesty in the ups and downs of life as Jack, Allison and Kathleen face hard truths, deep emotions and harsh realities. A beautiful glimpse that the road to true happiness and love has many twists and turns. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
May 24, 2018
This is no 'boy-meets-girl, boy-falls-in-love-with-girl' book. This reads like real people with real lives and feelings and is refreshing in it's own way. It does look like Jack is one very lucky man with a good job, lovely girlfriend, sweet daughter and an understanding ex-wife but that is just the surface.
You really do need to read this one to appreciate the intricacies Jennifer has weaved into this story, there is more then you expect at first glance. I loved it! :-)
You really do need to read this one to appreciate the intricacies Jennifer has weaved into this story, there is more then you expect at first glance. I loved it! :-)
May 25, 2018
This story gives you a better understanding of Jack and Allison's marriage along with understanding Jack better. I loved seeing the past and present blend together the way the author told the story. It was a story that made me laugh, cry and be happy.
May 27, 2018
Wow, I absolutely love these characters and I love the way the author intertwined the paralleled father/daughter relationships throughout the story. It was also nice to read the story, as told from the guys perspective. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 15, 2018
Chaos by Jennifer Locklear is the second book in her Constellation series. I recommend to read the books in order, I didn´t and sometimes I was lost.
Chaos is written in the rare only male POV.
The story is captivating and the writing is great. I give 4 stars.
Chaos is written in the rare only male POV.
The story is captivating and the writing is great. I give 4 stars.
May 16, 2018
I loved Jack. He has a rough time after his wife leaves. it leaves him to raise his child all by himself. This story tugged at my heart strings some. loved it
May 17, 2018
I enjoyed his book, I did find it a bit difficult going back in time and then being in the present time. A nice read though.
May 18, 2018
I almost always love reading a story from the hero's point of view. This story did a really good job of finding Jack's voice and showing his struggles. We follow Jack as his marriage falls apart and hes's left raining his daughter on his own. Although Jack tries to be the best father he can, he feels like he's failing in everything. Then when Katherine comes along, he wants to get his life back together and start something new. But he's afraid Katherine won't want what he has to give nor the family he's already started. His life is in chaos and he wants to get things back together. Another cliff-hanger here, but it'll leave you ready to find out what happens with them next.
May 19, 2018
I was talking with a friend about the book and she was left confused by the story. So when I thought about I didn't want that confusion so I bought the first book so I could understand the story, I am so glad that I did because without the first you won't understand the second.
This is Jack's POV! This book was an emotional rollercoaster from everything he went through to get to where he is in life but the one thing he wants the most of all is Kathleen!
Will they get their happily ever after or will they lose everything?
This is Jack's POV! This book was an emotional rollercoaster from everything he went through to get to where he is in life but the one thing he wants the most of all is Kathleen!
Will they get their happily ever after or will they lose everything?
May 21, 2018
A very complicated story on a marriage that suffered. After his divorce, the guy seemed to have another complicated relationship. As the book is in a series with a cliffhanger we will have to wait and see what happens
May 13, 2018
This is my first book by Ms. Locklear and I can say it won’t be my last, that is for absolute sure! I can’t wait to dig in to more because I believe I am hooked from here on out!
May 18, 2018
This is the first time in reading this author. Wish not had missed first one but such is life in the mountain of yummy books. Nice to see a different perspective on raising a child alone being I was on that train once. You get to be both and here we follow Jack with him doing that. Life is unexpected at times with him getting that then in comes Kathleen then it changes to another ride. This author gives you a good read with following these two through the thing called life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews