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Brighter #2
Brightest
Alina Wright is back on St. Croix, and this time it's for good. Between grad school - island style - and her relationship with Jude, life seems pretty sweet. But adulting can be hard, even in the tropics. When the storms come, will she and Jude be able to weather them?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2018
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Allison
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Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
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Sign up for my newsletter-
https://rochelleallisonwrites.com/lan...
Follow me on:
Bookbub -
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/roche...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/rochell...
Facebook - www.facebook.com/rochelleallisonwrites
***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
Subscribe to her newsletter - be the first to know about new releases, sales, early chapters & free short stories!
https://rochelleallisonwrites.com/lan...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 24, 2018
In "Brighter," romance maestro Rochelle Allison introduced us to Alina Wright, a soon-to-be grad student whose detailed five-year plan is interrupted by a beautiful boy on the isle of St. Croix. But Jude Larsen proved more than a summer fling, and by the end of her vacation, Alina found herself on track for school but off island and away from the one who stole her heart.
Now in "Brightest," the novella-length sequel to "Brighter," Alina has decided to satisfy both her head and her heart—she is moving back to St. Croix to continue her studies at the University of the Virgin Islands and solidify her relationship with Jude. After surviving the year apart—thanks to phone calls, surprise visits, and heavy sexting—the young lovers cannot wait for the chance to be truly together again.
And once Alina is back on island, being with Jude is just like old times: busy days at the bar, happy reunions with friends, steamy nights between the sheets. It’s exactly what Alina missed while she was in the states, and everything she wants in her life going forward.
But life also brings Alina things she doesn't want: Jude’s thirsty ex-girlfriend Ariel, for example. She too is back on island and has an irritating knack for being exactly where Alina does not want her to be. Alina’s estrangement from her father is another such thing, especially as Alina has no idea how to fix it. And the challenge of being in school and being in love is the biggest thing of all. She hates disappointing Jude, even if her studies demand it, but she cannot be in two places at once.
What’s a girl to do?
Well, Alina is a girl in a Rochelle Allison novel, so you can bet she’ll figure it out. Because Rochelle Allison believes in young love and she writes it like no other. She’s rooting for Alina and Jude—that they will survive their storms with their bond intact—and that hope shines through her evocative, thoughtful writing. "Brightest" is a tidy, fulfilling follow-up to "Brighter" and the perfect conclusion to this lush, feel-good love story.
But that doesn’t surprise me. Because again, this is Rochelle Allison, and feel-good love is what she does.
Now in "Brightest," the novella-length sequel to "Brighter," Alina has decided to satisfy both her head and her heart—she is moving back to St. Croix to continue her studies at the University of the Virgin Islands and solidify her relationship with Jude. After surviving the year apart—thanks to phone calls, surprise visits, and heavy sexting—the young lovers cannot wait for the chance to be truly together again.
And once Alina is back on island, being with Jude is just like old times: busy days at the bar, happy reunions with friends, steamy nights between the sheets. It’s exactly what Alina missed while she was in the states, and everything she wants in her life going forward.
But life also brings Alina things she doesn't want: Jude’s thirsty ex-girlfriend Ariel, for example. She too is back on island and has an irritating knack for being exactly where Alina does not want her to be. Alina’s estrangement from her father is another such thing, especially as Alina has no idea how to fix it. And the challenge of being in school and being in love is the biggest thing of all. She hates disappointing Jude, even if her studies demand it, but she cannot be in two places at once.
What’s a girl to do?
Well, Alina is a girl in a Rochelle Allison novel, so you can bet she’ll figure it out. Because Rochelle Allison believes in young love and she writes it like no other. She’s rooting for Alina and Jude—that they will survive their storms with their bond intact—and that hope shines through her evocative, thoughtful writing. "Brightest" is a tidy, fulfilling follow-up to "Brighter" and the perfect conclusion to this lush, feel-good love story.
But that doesn’t surprise me. Because again, this is Rochelle Allison, and feel-good love is what she does.
July 23, 2018
I'm a serious lover of anything Rochelle Allison writes, so when she offered up ARCs of her latest release, I jumped at the chance. This book is a sequel to Brighter, and picks up Alina and Jude's relationship just as Alina returns to St. Croix.
As usual with Ro's stories, you feel like you've been taken out of your comfy reading chair and placed in the setting of the book. I've never been to St. Croix but the descriptions are vivid enough that I actually FELT like I was there with Alina and Jude and the rest of the crew. And speaking of feelings, no one is better at putting emotions on the page. Ro makes me feel every feeling her characters do. She evokes that feeling of new and exciting love like no one else.
I got so wrapped up in this book that all of a sudden I realized I was at the end. I love a book that's so good, you barely even realize you're reading it.
Big thanks to Rochelle for the opportunity to read this one, and for her magical story-telling.
As usual with Ro's stories, you feel like you've been taken out of your comfy reading chair and placed in the setting of the book. I've never been to St. Croix but the descriptions are vivid enough that I actually FELT like I was there with Alina and Jude and the rest of the crew. And speaking of feelings, no one is better at putting emotions on the page. Ro makes me feel every feeling her characters do. She evokes that feeling of new and exciting love like no one else.
I got so wrapped up in this book that all of a sudden I realized I was at the end. I love a book that's so good, you barely even realize you're reading it.
Big thanks to Rochelle for the opportunity to read this one, and for her magical story-telling.
July 28, 2018
I fell in love with these characters and this place (St. Croix!) when I read the first book in the series, Brighter, so I have been waiting for this sequel for what feels like forever! I scooped it up right away and was not disappointed!
I really enjoyed the progression we see in this book. The characters are older and a bit more settled and that shows in the way they approach each other, their situation and their future. Still, they are "on island" and St. Croix has not changed: gorgeous, laid back, and full of adventures. It's the perfect setting for Alina and Jude to move their relationship forward and make a commitment to each other while experiencing all of those "settling in" moments that couples go through.
I loved this story and feel like I just spent a lovely vacation "on island" as well!
I really enjoyed the progression we see in this book. The characters are older and a bit more settled and that shows in the way they approach each other, their situation and their future. Still, they are "on island" and St. Croix has not changed: gorgeous, laid back, and full of adventures. It's the perfect setting for Alina and Jude to move their relationship forward and make a commitment to each other while experiencing all of those "settling in" moments that couples go through.
I loved this story and feel like I just spent a lovely vacation "on island" as well!
July 28, 2018
Disclaimer-I received an advanced copy in return for an honest review. Additionally, I have read the previous FF version.
That being said: Rochelle took the heart of the FF and created a more real and honest story.
The continuation of the story is everything you hoped it would be.
If you want a angst free happily ever after, that is what you will get. I love that Alina doesn't put her life on hold to follow a guy. Like real adults, they navigate they're way through the ups and downs of the choices they've made while still working on the relationship. As my 25 yr plus relationship started as long distance, I can relate and appreciate what they go through.
Rochelle continues to say so much with less and gets to the heart of the matter in all her stories. This is no exception. If you loved the first half-Brighter- you will love Brightest.
That being said: Rochelle took the heart of the FF and created a more real and honest story.
The continuation of the story is everything you hoped it would be.
If you want a angst free happily ever after, that is what you will get. I love that Alina doesn't put her life on hold to follow a guy. Like real adults, they navigate they're way through the ups and downs of the choices they've made while still working on the relationship. As my 25 yr plus relationship started as long distance, I can relate and appreciate what they go through.
Rochelle continues to say so much with less and gets to the heart of the matter in all her stories. This is no exception. If you loved the first half-Brighter- you will love Brightest.
September 3, 2018
If these books by Rochelle Allison don't make you fall in love with island life and learning to appreciate building your best life, I cannot say what would.
Back again to St Croix with Jude and Alina. If you watch a movie and it says at the end... "and they lived happily ever after", this is the story you'd see.
Rochelle"s writing shows the reader what it looks like to love, love. The ins and outs and delicate family ties or bonds unbreakable. It was a fairly easy read. My only critique, if you could call it that, is the book felt very level, not any kind of drama or tension. It just barely works for a novella of this size as I found myself becoming less interested in their journey toward the end.
Rochelle is a great writer and I suspect every new story will improve as time goes on. Overall, if you're looking for an easy, warm fuzzy read, this fits the bill nicely.
Book copy: thanks to the author
Opinions: all my own
Back again to St Croix with Jude and Alina. If you watch a movie and it says at the end... "and they lived happily ever after", this is the story you'd see.
Rochelle"s writing shows the reader what it looks like to love, love. The ins and outs and delicate family ties or bonds unbreakable. It was a fairly easy read. My only critique, if you could call it that, is the book felt very level, not any kind of drama or tension. It just barely works for a novella of this size as I found myself becoming less interested in their journey toward the end.
Rochelle is a great writer and I suspect every new story will improve as time goes on. Overall, if you're looking for an easy, warm fuzzy read, this fits the bill nicely.
Book copy: thanks to the author
Opinions: all my own
July 23, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading Brightest the sequel to Rochelle Allision’s Brighter!
It was so great to be back in St Croix(even with the tropical storms!) with Jude and Alaina. The story picks up where the couple left off and continues on with the struggles of life choices of following your heart or mind and how to find the perfect balance. It also explores the complicated relationships between grown children and parents.
I fell in love with Jude even more. He lets his guard down and you see the romantic, caring and vulnerable man beneath.
As usual Rochelle’s words bring you to the islands and delivers our couple to the happiest of ever afters!
I would recommend re-readng Brighter first and then enjoy!
It was so great to be back in St Croix(even with the tropical storms!) with Jude and Alaina. The story picks up where the couple left off and continues on with the struggles of life choices of following your heart or mind and how to find the perfect balance. It also explores the complicated relationships between grown children and parents.
I fell in love with Jude even more. He lets his guard down and you see the romantic, caring and vulnerable man beneath.
As usual Rochelle’s words bring you to the islands and delivers our couple to the happiest of ever afters!
I would recommend re-readng Brighter first and then enjoy!
July 30, 2018
Perfect
There’s just something about the way Rochelle Allison writes, and especially about this island. It’s become my happy place, and I’ve never even been there! This was the perfect conclusion to Jude and Alina's story. They’re just so adorable, and I was worried this would have some kind of major stress pulling them apart. But see, this is the sweetest kind of romance, where the reason they’re together isn’t lost. I hope we can have another book in this universe soon, maybe their friends. I just don’t feel ready to leave them yet!
There’s just something about the way Rochelle Allison writes, and especially about this island. It’s become my happy place, and I’ve never even been there! This was the perfect conclusion to Jude and Alina's story. They’re just so adorable, and I was worried this would have some kind of major stress pulling them apart. But see, this is the sweetest kind of romance, where the reason they’re together isn’t lost. I hope we can have another book in this universe soon, maybe their friends. I just don’t feel ready to leave them yet!
July 30, 2018
As always Rochelle gives us another great story. What a great way to send off Jude and Alina.
She makes me want to pack a bag and go on a month long vacation to St Croix, her details on the island are fantastic.
I couldn’t have asked for a better sequel/ending for Jude and Alina. There were a few times where I was frustrated with Jude for trying to guilt trip Alina into choosing him over her presentation which he knew she was working so hard on. Other times I was annoyed with Alina for not going off on Ariel sooner. Either way, everything worked out in the end. I loved the added epilogue. It felt like an extra treat for all of us!
She makes me want to pack a bag and go on a month long vacation to St Croix, her details on the island are fantastic.
I couldn’t have asked for a better sequel/ending for Jude and Alina. There were a few times where I was frustrated with Jude for trying to guilt trip Alina into choosing him over her presentation which he knew she was working so hard on. Other times I was annoyed with Alina for not going off on Ariel sooner. Either way, everything worked out in the end. I loved the added epilogue. It felt like an extra treat for all of us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2018
Brighter #2 by Rochelle Allison is sexy, suspenseful, story of love and devotion. It’s entertaining but also heartfelt and emotionally charged. The story of believing what your heart and soul is telling you and not settling for anything other than your perfect HEA. Perfect ending for a perfect couple
July 24, 2018
Brightest
British the sequel to Brighter about a young woman who travels to the island of St. Croix. She finds herself and love. Brightest continues Alina’s journey with Jude and the island. I love how she grows throughout the novel. Ms. Allison’s writing is beautiful and her characters are endearing. Great ending to the story.
British the sequel to Brighter about a young woman who travels to the island of St. Croix. She finds herself and love. Brightest continues Alina’s journey with Jude and the island. I love how she grows throughout the novel. Ms. Allison’s writing is beautiful and her characters are endearing. Great ending to the story.
August 12, 2018
A sweet ending to a very sweet story.
Brightest is the follow-up to Rochelle’s ‘Brighter’, and is more of a wrapping up, or expansion of Jude and Alina’s ending than anything. SPOILER: it’s their happy ending!
Yet again, I spent the whole book wishing I was lying on a sun-drenched St Croix beach instead of a grey Melbourne winter.
Brightest is the follow-up to Rochelle’s ‘Brighter’, and is more of a wrapping up, or expansion of Jude and Alina’s ending than anything. SPOILER: it’s their happy ending!
Yet again, I spent the whole book wishing I was lying on a sun-drenched St Croix beach instead of a grey Melbourne winter.
January 5, 2019
Great Story!
I absolutely loved this story. Or was a great sequel to Brighter. I loved that Atkins didn't give up her goals and dinking a way to make gar relationship with Jude work and go to school. And Jude is still just as dreamy as he was in Brighter. If you're looking for a cute love story, I definitely recommend Brighter and Brightest!
I absolutely loved this story. Or was a great sequel to Brighter. I loved that Atkins didn't give up her goals and dinking a way to make gar relationship with Jude work and go to school. And Jude is still just as dreamy as he was in Brighter. If you're looking for a cute love story, I definitely recommend Brighter and Brightest!
July 22, 2018
A great continuation of the first book. As always her description of places, things, people and feelings gives you a sense of being there. It's such a sweet story of a sweet couple. I'm anxiously awaiting to see if there is another one! If you haven't read the first one, go get and then read this!
September 1, 2018
loved it! could not put it down
August 22, 2023
Amazing read….I loved this hard, so good with just the right amount of drama. If I’m living in the Caribbean I want that dreamy ‘perfect’ life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews