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Claiming Amelia
Although I come from a family who talks with their fists, I rule the Southside of Boston more strategically... with brains, and a little brawn, if necessary. Mess with me, and I'll take you down.
What I don’t expect is to be taken to my knees by little Amelia Byrne, the blue-eyed goddess who’s swept back into my life. She was too young for me when she left the Southside. She isn’t too young anymore.
Amelia is quickly becoming my obsession. My addiction. And she’s got secrets she doesn’t want me to know. But I have secrets too.
The first one is that I plan to claim her. And when she’s mine, I’ll never let her go.
*** This is a full-length romance novel with an HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger. ***
What I don’t expect is to be taken to my knees by little Amelia Byrne, the blue-eyed goddess who’s swept back into my life. She was too young for me when she left the Southside. She isn’t too young anymore.
Amelia is quickly becoming my obsession. My addiction. And she’s got secrets she doesn’t want me to know. But I have secrets too.
The first one is that I plan to claim her. And when she’s mine, I’ll never let her go.
*** This is a full-length romance novel with an HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger. ***
- GenresRomanceM F Romance
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2018
1047 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Blake
140 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 17, 2018
Amelia is a young, sassy chef originally from Boston. She was working as a sous chef for a fancy resort. She was in a relationship with the head chef and mentor which this lasted for 3 years until she caught him messing around and in a compromising position with the hostess of their restaurant. Shortly after she was out of a job so she decided to regroup back at home and help her dad who is sick. She meets Declan whom she knew from school years before. They have this hot chemistry and you root for them to be together. Declan inherited an criminal empire, but, with his brothers, he changes the rules, where there are no people killed, and to safer business like hotels. Some aren’t happy that Declan is making these changes and danger is coming out; while Amelia is back she has family troubles that cause her grief. This has tons of drama, angst, intrigue, passion and romance. I love the cast of characters and it all makes for a fantastic romance read. This is a new author and I will definitely be on the lookout for her next read.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
May 13, 2018
Firstly let me say that this is simply my subjective opinion of the book and I'm convinced that a book, beyond a review, should always be read. This is a story set in Boston. The main characters, Declan and Amelia are an old acquaintance. Indeed when she was a teenager she threw herself at him and he completely rejected her. She, at a certain point, decides to move on and attend culinary school in Georgia. So after breaking up with her boyfriend of three years Amelia decides to leave Alabama and go back home to recover from her heartbreak and help her father briefly with his business. Declan, instead, has taken over the family business and is trying to become a legitimate businessman. When he meets Amalia again, he is completely entranced by her beauty and so he decides to court her until she gives in. The story will have a series of entanglements but it will have its happy ending. This was an ok read for me. I'm rating the book 3.5 star because the story initially had a lot of potential but I really didn't quite connect with the female character. Declan, in my opinion, is a stunning and very protective man. Unfortunately Amelia lacked of character, that is she didn't really stand out in the story. I received an advanced copy of the book.
May 10, 2018
This was a decent read. I rate it a 3.5 but of course will always round up to a solid 4 stars. I did feel like there was a lot of what I like to call filler words. Words to up the word count. Unnecessary information. Stuff we just really didn't need to know.
🦁I really loved Declan. He's as alpha male as it gets. He's badass with a side a sweet. And I really loved how he kept throwing in those surprise "titles" about Amelia.
🐩It was a little hard for me to connect with Amelia at first. But after a while I grew to love her.
🏳️The plot....I mean it's a really good and interesting plot. But, personally I'm not a big fan. This has nothing to do with the book itself. It has nothing to do with the writing or the characters. I just have a hard time getting into these types of stories, is all.
Again, that is a completely personal opinion about this type of storyline and not at all pertaining to the authors style of writing in any way, shape or form..
📘Let's look at it like this...
It's like an action/thriller book with a side of romance.
I prefer a romance book with a side of action/thriller
🤓📚💖 I was gifted with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 💖📚🤓
🕊️This review is simply the opinion of one woman who loves her books. My 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☄️ could be your 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Don't take my word for it, go find out for yourself.🦄
🦁I really loved Declan. He's as alpha male as it gets. He's badass with a side a sweet. And I really loved how he kept throwing in those surprise "titles" about Amelia.
🐩It was a little hard for me to connect with Amelia at first. But after a while I grew to love her.
🏳️The plot....I mean it's a really good and interesting plot. But, personally I'm not a big fan. This has nothing to do with the book itself. It has nothing to do with the writing or the characters. I just have a hard time getting into these types of stories, is all.
Again, that is a completely personal opinion about this type of storyline and not at all pertaining to the authors style of writing in any way, shape or form..
📘Let's look at it like this...
It's like an action/thriller book with a side of romance.
I prefer a romance book with a side of action/thriller
🤓📚💖 I was gifted with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 💖📚🤓
🕊️This review is simply the opinion of one woman who loves her books. My 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐☄️ could be your 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Don't take my word for it, go find out for yourself.🦄
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July 27, 2018Didn’t get past the first couple of chapters. A rare DNF for me.
July 23, 2018
Not a fan...
...of real-life mafia, crime families, cartels, or any of a variety of Scooby Doo mysteries, so many 'romance' writers employ to 'entertain' us.
I wish they could realize, for romance fans, 'romance' is enough. We don't need, or want murder, mayhem, pilliaging, and plundering. The only possible exception might be, if it is being perpetrating by a handsome pirate, on the open sea. And then, only in small doses please.
Otherwise, just give us romance, hold the Scooby Doo.
...of real-life mafia, crime families, cartels, or any of a variety of Scooby Doo mysteries, so many 'romance' writers employ to 'entertain' us.
I wish they could realize, for romance fans, 'romance' is enough. We don't need, or want murder, mayhem, pilliaging, and plundering. The only possible exception might be, if it is being perpetrating by a handsome pirate, on the open sea. And then, only in small doses please.
Otherwise, just give us romance, hold the Scooby Doo.
June 1, 2018
Great read, my favorite couple ever!
I absolutely knew I was going to love this book after the first few pages, especially when I fell in love with the main characters, Declan and Amelia. She’s recovering from a painful break up from her cheating ex when she returns to her home town to live with her parents until she’s ready to head to California. She’s dreamt of working as a chef under the tutelage of her favorite chef. Amelia runs into the handsome billionaire, Declan Casey at the hospital and gives him the cold shoulder for rejecting her advances some seven years ago when she’d just just graduated from high school. Considering that he’s seven years older than her, he knew the timing was off then and she was too young for a relationship, but that hadn’t stopped him from thinking of her sweet lips and body ever since. When Declan turns out to be her rescuer when her brother gets himself in over his head with a mafia type, it’s an opportune time for Declan to show Amelia just how serious he is about her. I don’t think I have enjoyed a couple more than these two. I was antsy for the story to move along in a few final chapters but I wasn’t anxious for their love story to end. I will be seeking out more books by Jessica Blake for sure!
I absolutely knew I was going to love this book after the first few pages, especially when I fell in love with the main characters, Declan and Amelia. She’s recovering from a painful break up from her cheating ex when she returns to her home town to live with her parents until she’s ready to head to California. She’s dreamt of working as a chef under the tutelage of her favorite chef. Amelia runs into the handsome billionaire, Declan Casey at the hospital and gives him the cold shoulder for rejecting her advances some seven years ago when she’d just just graduated from high school. Considering that he’s seven years older than her, he knew the timing was off then and she was too young for a relationship, but that hadn’t stopped him from thinking of her sweet lips and body ever since. When Declan turns out to be her rescuer when her brother gets himself in over his head with a mafia type, it’s an opportune time for Declan to show Amelia just how serious he is about her. I don’t think I have enjoyed a couple more than these two. I was antsy for the story to move along in a few final chapters but I wasn’t anxious for their love story to end. I will be seeking out more books by Jessica Blake for sure!
May 31, 2018
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters have a past with each other one that wasn't so great for Amelia. But once they see each other it all comes crashing back. But what I absolutely love about this book is Jessica didn't make this book all about the love story with the main characters. Nope she didn't. The characters have chemistry with each other but it isn’t over the top which is great. This story to me is more about family and watching out for each other while the main characters find each other again. Their story was the cherry on top for me. There is always bad with the good with these stories make no mistake but this was a pleasant read for me because it was a different type of story to be told. It wasn’t all about the main characters drooling all over each other all the time there was a story underneath it all that showed their strengths and weaknesses. I can’t remember the last time I gave a 5 star review but this one earned for me because it was different and captivated me throughout. What the characters in this book felt you did too. It was a great and an amazing read.
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters have a past with each other one that wasn't so great for Amelia. But once they see each other it all comes crashing back. But what I absolutely love about this book is Jessica didn't make this book all about the love story with the main characters. Nope she didn't. The characters have chemistry with each other but it isn’t over the top which is great. This story to me is more about family and watching out for each other while the main characters find each other again. Their story was the cherry on top for me. There is always bad with the good with these stories make no mistake but this was a pleasant read for me because it was a different type of story to be told. It wasn’t all about the main characters drooling all over each other all the time there was a story underneath it all that showed their strengths and weaknesses. I can’t remember the last time I gave a 5 star review but this one earned for me because it was different and captivated me throughout. What the characters in this book felt you did too. It was a great and an amazing read.
May 16, 2018
Loved it!
Oh my gosh, I loved Declan and Amelia's story! It was so good I was hooked from page one. I read the entire thing in one sitting. Declan was so sweet and so protective over Amelia it made my heart swoon and sigh throughout the entire book. Amelia has had a crush on Declan for as long as she can remember. When she finds herself moving back to her home town after her life took an unexpected turn; one of the first people she sees after being home is Declan. Amelia wants so badly to be independent but can't help but let Declan take care of her. Declan has loved Amelia since the very first time he laid eyes on her. He screwed up once with and never thought he would get another chance. He's waiting years for Amelia to come home and now that she finally is, he'll do everything he can for another chance with her. This is an amazing story of two people who always wanted each other but never thought they would be together. But fate had other plans. If you want a sexy, funny sweet romance then this book is for you. I loved every minute of it. Five stars all the way.
Oh my gosh, I loved Declan and Amelia's story! It was so good I was hooked from page one. I read the entire thing in one sitting. Declan was so sweet and so protective over Amelia it made my heart swoon and sigh throughout the entire book. Amelia has had a crush on Declan for as long as she can remember. When she finds herself moving back to her home town after her life took an unexpected turn; one of the first people she sees after being home is Declan. Amelia wants so badly to be independent but can't help but let Declan take care of her. Declan has loved Amelia since the very first time he laid eyes on her. He screwed up once with and never thought he would get another chance. He's waiting years for Amelia to come home and now that she finally is, he'll do everything he can for another chance with her. This is an amazing story of two people who always wanted each other but never thought they would be together. But fate had other plans. If you want a sexy, funny sweet romance then this book is for you. I loved every minute of it. Five stars all the way.
May 19, 2018
Ho hum
Good plot and storyline so the expectations for an amazing read is there. However the story just didn't reach its full potential. It just seemed flat! Even the drama and suspense wasn't dramatic or suspenseful. I lost count how many times I rolled my eyes at the stupidity of something said or done. I think of this book as a kinda spoof of a romantic suspense. Not bad just not good either! OH and what I hated most about this book....It ends at 26% and your "given" another book not related to the book you just finished!!! It's like they try to trick you into reading something you didn't want by putting it at the end of a book You did. A book you thought was longer than in reality it is just Pi$$3es me off!
Good plot and storyline so the expectations for an amazing read is there. However the story just didn't reach its full potential. It just seemed flat! Even the drama and suspense wasn't dramatic or suspenseful. I lost count how many times I rolled my eyes at the stupidity of something said or done. I think of this book as a kinda spoof of a romantic suspense. Not bad just not good either! OH and what I hated most about this book....It ends at 26% and your "given" another book not related to the book you just finished!!! It's like they try to trick you into reading something you didn't want by putting it at the end of a book You did. A book you thought was longer than in reality it is just Pi$$3es me off!
September 19, 2018
Just ok for me
## I loved the beginning of this story. The heroine started off strong and capable and the hero was confident and alpha. However, the story started to drag about 1\4 into it. Too much time devoted to the heroine 's parents. Yes, parents are important, but it was just so excessive. Not enough time devoted to Amelia and Declan as a couple. I wanted more dates, more getting to know each other, more dialogue between them instead of pages and pages of rival family information. If you took out 60% of the family drama, this could've been really something. The hero was sweet, and treated Amelia like a queen and the heroine was not only capable in the kitchen but in business as well. Just so-so for me.
## I loved the beginning of this story. The heroine started off strong and capable and the hero was confident and alpha. However, the story started to drag about 1\4 into it. Too much time devoted to the heroine 's parents. Yes, parents are important, but it was just so excessive. Not enough time devoted to Amelia and Declan as a couple. I wanted more dates, more getting to know each other, more dialogue between them instead of pages and pages of rival family information. If you took out 60% of the family drama, this could've been really something. The hero was sweet, and treated Amelia like a queen and the heroine was not only capable in the kitchen but in business as well. Just so-so for me.
August 20, 2018
Good grief...
This book was a joke. Auggie’s character wasn’t too bad in the very beginning of her story with Worth, but she became soooo annoying. She’s too wishy washy. Worth was just a POS the whole way through. Hawk was a bit psycho but I guess he redeemed himself some. The twin daughter, Marga, was an idiot. Mark and Liane were the only ones worth liking but Liane’s “abilities” are so far fetched it’s ridiculous.
I wanted to stop reading it after the first book but I had to keep going because it was like a train wreck. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment but oh well. It gave me a reason to laugh at some of the stupidity.
This book was a joke. Auggie’s character wasn’t too bad in the very beginning of her story with Worth, but she became soooo annoying. She’s too wishy washy. Worth was just a POS the whole way through. Hawk was a bit psycho but I guess he redeemed himself some. The twin daughter, Marga, was an idiot. Mark and Liane were the only ones worth liking but Liane’s “abilities” are so far fetched it’s ridiculous.
I wanted to stop reading it after the first book but I had to keep going because it was like a train wreck. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment but oh well. It gave me a reason to laugh at some of the stupidity.
May 21, 2018
So, this is the first book I've read by Jessica Blake. I discovered her through another author (Alice Ward) who I really like. Evidently they have co-authored in the past. Boy am I glad to have discovered her. I stayed up until 4:30 last night because I just couldn't put this book down. This book has a great sexy alpha male and a quirky strong female that have off the charts chemistry. And this book doesn't skimp. It's a full length book that just doesn't stop. Like I said, this is the first book that I've read by this author, but I can guarantee it won't be the last!
May 16, 2018
When I pick up a book to read I have high expectations and Claiming Amelia exceeded my expectations. Jessica Blake’s story made me laugh, love, hope, feel sad, safe, happy all while building a storyline that combines angst, mystery, and suspense. This is a love story that left me wanting more. Declan is a romantic and knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to face his own fears. Amelia is the girl next door. This book left me with the proverbial book hang over and Declan is my newest book boyfriend. This was a 5 star plus read.
July 13, 2018
A LITTLE, LOTS OF ROMANCE AND HAPPY EVER AFTER
An okay read. Story is about the younger members of an old time gangster family. Declan and his partners have a dream for a business section in their community and is trying to keep everything legal and above board. Although Amelia is younger, once she returns to town to tell her parents in their construction business, Declan States his claim and works to claim her affection. Some drama from a criminal element, but otherwise a pretty calm story
An okay read. Story is about the younger members of an old time gangster family. Declan and his partners have a dream for a business section in their community and is trying to keep everything legal and above board. Although Amelia is younger, once she returns to town to tell her parents in their construction business, Declan States his claim and works to claim her affection. Some drama from a criminal element, but otherwise a pretty calm story
May 20, 2018
Cute Romance
First read by this Author.
I found the H a bit of a dichotomy. A Mafioso by birth Whitehall was to keep his empire clean but self describes as not a good guy..However,he actually couldn't be sweeter or more caring .Not just to Amelia but in general.
Very sweet and vanilla with a few hot sex scenes.
Sorry,but I did grow a bit bored. Perhaps it's because I am used to walking on the darker more depraved side of erotic Romance.
First read by this Author.
I found the H a bit of a dichotomy. A Mafioso by birth Whitehall was to keep his empire clean but self describes as not a good guy..However,he actually couldn't be sweeter or more caring .Not just to Amelia but in general.
Very sweet and vanilla with a few hot sex scenes.
Sorry,but I did grow a bit bored. Perhaps it's because I am used to walking on the darker more depraved side of erotic Romance.
June 30, 2018
This was such an awesome adventure! This story has everything: lots of love, drama, suspense, and heart wrecking encounters between the characters.
It’s a long book. It was so much going on that took me 3 days to read it, because it was that overwhelming. But it was a great read, loved Amelia’s strength and independence and, Declan’s love for her.
I recommend this one.
I’m voluntarily reviewing a copy provided by author of this book.
It’s a long book. It was so much going on that took me 3 days to read it, because it was that overwhelming. But it was a great read, loved Amelia’s strength and independence and, Declan’s love for her.
I recommend this one.
I’m voluntarily reviewing a copy provided by author of this book.
May 16, 2018
I loved Declan and Amelia's romance. These two have great chemistry and a sizzling attraction. This book has a great storyline, fun characters, and lots of emotions. With drama, passion, family issues, past hurts, humor, and love blended into an entertaining mix. A great read. I'm posting a completely honest, voluntary review.
June 15, 2018
Not sure if I like the angle of thug guy gets really innocent girl who appears to also have thug family. It sounded like very stereotypical American Irish mob families. Even down to the catholic church.
This being sad it was a good read. Enjoyed the romance & her back story wish that had more focus.
This being sad it was a good read. Enjoyed the romance & her back story wish that had more focus.
June 21, 2018
Sexy and sweet
Amelia and Declan's story is complicated yet simple. These two have known each other since childhood, but we're seven years apart. Declan always liked Amelia but he thought of her as a kid until one day she changed his mind. These two have a sweet, sexy and complicated story.
Amelia and Declan's story is complicated yet simple. These two have known each other since childhood, but we're seven years apart. Declan always liked Amelia but he thought of her as a kid until one day she changed his mind. These two have a sweet, sexy and complicated story.
May 24, 2018
Well done!
Suspenseful and sexy. Declan and Amelia were quite a pair. I liked how she didn’t fall right into arms at the beginning due to their rocky beginning but when she did.... I loved every minute! Good suspense and action and I want a Brennan story too!! Thanks
Suspenseful and sexy. Declan and Amelia were quite a pair. I liked how she didn’t fall right into arms at the beginning due to their rocky beginning but when she did.... I loved every minute! Good suspense and action and I want a Brennan story too!! Thanks
May 26, 2018
Review on Claiming Amelia
I loved the story between Declan and Amelia. It was well written and I am definitely recommending it as a must read to friends. I loved that the story was about South Boston and Dorchester. I am from South Boston aka Southie is my hometown. Well done
I loved the story between Declan and Amelia. It was well written and I am definitely recommending it as a must read to friends. I loved that the story was about South Boston and Dorchester. I am from South Boston aka Southie is my hometown. Well done
July 6, 2018
Thank u, great story Jessica Blake!
I really enjoyed the character stories on this one. Irish, Boston, Catholic, chef, real estate community developer, and little bit tough guy. Great job, and friends to romance.
I really enjoyed the character stories on this one. Irish, Boston, Catholic, chef, real estate community developer, and little bit tough guy. Great job, and friends to romance.
May 18, 2018
Prince charming
Delcon is so hot Ameila is a very lucky girl I really enjoyed this story very well written I had to read the whole book at one time loved it
Delcon is so hot Ameila is a very lucky girl I really enjoyed this story very well written I had to read the whole book at one time loved it
May 19, 2018
Amazing
Love it, looking forward to reading some more books by Jessica blake, must read book, I love you sexy man
Love it, looking forward to reading some more books by Jessica blake, must read book, I love you sexy man
May 21, 2018
Amazing book!
I loved this book! I read it all in one day. Great twist and turns in it. I'm excited to see what happens with the rest of the Casey family
I loved this book! I read it all in one day. Great twist and turns in it. I'm excited to see what happens with the rest of the Casey family
November 22, 2018
Good read
Declan and Amelia
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that has charismatic characters and a intriguing plot. This story has a satisfying and complete HEA!!
Declan and Amelia
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that has charismatic characters and a intriguing plot. This story has a satisfying and complete HEA!!
May 24, 2018
Addicting
Great story. Recommend as it is a good read. If your looking for a dark love life this isn't it but it still grabs your attn.
Great story. Recommend as it is a good read. If your looking for a dark love life this isn't it but it still grabs your attn.
May 26, 2018
Good read
June 1, 2018
I love this one. It was too short!
June 3, 2018
Loved it. R. A
It was a really good love story with some action. It's a must read and there's a bonus book included.
It was a really good love story with some action. It's a must read and there's a bonus book included.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews