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Soft and Low
Everything changes on that cold January night…"A stranger knelt in front of me. 'Are you ok?' he asked."Rebecca has been afraid for a long time—afraid and isolated. It’s totally by chance that she meets someone, and she can't quite is he an angel, or a devil in disguise? She takes a chance herself when she tracks him down, shows up at his garage, and opens up her heart to him.Digger Brody lives by his own rules, and he isn’t afraid of anything. Can he help save Rebecca from the deception and danger of her life? Can she find the courage within herself to break free and really live?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 18, 2022
I don’t think I can fall harder for both MCs ♥️
I was expecting another slowburn but this time Jaime Bennett wanted to surprise us all and gave us some romance from the beginning, (she gave us plenty more than romance with this story, to be honest).
It was perfect.
I always love her writing style, and this time was no exception, and although I thought I was going to hate Rebecca from the first few pages, she ended up being a resilient, strong heroine. And of course Digger couldn’t be more perfect, I mean… can a man like that exist? Asking for a friend… 🫣
I won’t give away the plot, but I loved how we don’t get a super strong heroine getting over everything and sorting things out straight away, but we get a real person with insecurities and needing help, it was realistic and I loved every page of this book.
I was expecting another slowburn but this time Jaime Bennett wanted to surprise us all and gave us some romance from the beginning, (she gave us plenty more than romance with this story, to be honest).
It was perfect.
I always love her writing style, and this time was no exception, and although I thought I was going to hate Rebecca from the first few pages, she ended up being a resilient, strong heroine. And of course Digger couldn’t be more perfect, I mean… can a man like that exist? Asking for a friend… 🫣
I won’t give away the plot, but I loved how we don’t get a super strong heroine getting over everything and sorting things out straight away, but we get a real person with insecurities and needing help, it was realistic and I loved every page of this book.
October 17, 2022
5 stars
Wow, I have no idea how this author came on my radar, but I'm so glad she did. This was excellent, I couldn't put it down! In fact, I was only going to read the first chapter, and then of another book, to pick which one to read, and before I knew it I finished the whole thing.
Sure, I could have knocked half a star off for some minor issues that bothered me (a few editing misses, not having a clear idea of how the hero looked like or how old he was etc.), but I'm feeling generous now that I discovered a good new-to-me author.
I LOVED the hero, total book boyfriend material (if you follow my reviews, you probably know that I don't take that term lightly - just check my book boyfriend tag). He was 100 % confidence and reliability. "Alpha" (I hate that term) but not an asshole. Took charge when needed (and it was needed often), but was not once overbearing. Handyman.
Although, I have to say that due to author's vagueness (and the fast pace with the heroine), at first he creeped me out a bit and I was worried he would turn out to be a psychopath/rapist/something like that and I couldn't relax during their first scenes.
I loved heroine's personal growth. And for some reason I loved that she was a huge baker in her free time.
Things between them moved fast, or better said casually, but it felt pretty true to real life.
I liked that even though the heroine , it was never a big deal between them and the sex scenes felt natural.
I loved that they never broke up.
The book deals with some heavy issues, such as controlling parents, abuse, disability etc., but not to the point of being overdramatic.
I'm going to check the author's other books right now!
ETA: Reread October 2022. Still good!
--------------
POV: 1st person (h)
story: 5
writing: 4.5
heroine: Rebecca (Wreck), 24y, intern at her father's company. 4.5 stars. I liked her and how she grew along the story. Even though she was afraid, she never acted as a "TSTL heroine".
hero: Digger, early 30s(?), mechanic. 5 stars. LOVED HIM.
secondary characters: 4
couple/romance: 4.5
instalove? Instant attraction, but feelings develop gradually.
steam: Moderate.
angst: High.
enjoyment: 5
ending:
Wow, I have no idea how this author came on my radar, but I'm so glad she did. This was excellent, I couldn't put it down! In fact, I was only going to read the first chapter, and then of another book, to pick which one to read, and before I knew it I finished the whole thing.
Sure, I could have knocked half a star off for some minor issues that bothered me (a few editing misses, not having a clear idea of how the hero looked like or how old he was etc.), but I'm feeling generous now that I discovered a good new-to-me author.
I LOVED the hero, total book boyfriend material (if you follow my reviews, you probably know that I don't take that term lightly - just check my book boyfriend tag). He was 100 % confidence and reliability. "Alpha" (I hate that term) but not an asshole. Took charge when needed (and it was needed often), but was not once overbearing. Handyman.
Although, I have to say that due to author's vagueness (and the fast pace with the heroine), at first he creeped me out a bit and I was worried he would turn out to be a psychopath/rapist/something like that and I couldn't relax during their first scenes.
I loved heroine's personal growth. And for some reason I loved that she was a huge baker in her free time.
Things between them moved fast, or better said casually, but it felt pretty true to real life.
I liked that even though the heroine , it was never a big deal between them and the sex scenes felt natural.
I loved that they never broke up.
The book deals with some heavy issues, such as controlling parents, abuse, disability etc., but not to the point of being overdramatic.
I'm going to check the author's other books right now!
ETA: Reread October 2022. Still good!
--------------
POV: 1st person (h)
story: 5
writing: 4.5
heroine: Rebecca (Wreck), 24y, intern at her father's company. 4.5 stars. I liked her and how she grew along the story. Even though she was afraid, she never acted as a "TSTL heroine".
hero: Digger, early 30s(?), mechanic. 5 stars. LOVED HIM.
secondary characters: 4
couple/romance: 4.5
instalove? Instant attraction, but feelings develop gradually.
steam: Moderate.
angst: High.
enjoyment: 5
ending:
February 17, 2022
This is a sweet read! I loved the plotline and the characters. Rebecca’s nickname is “Wreck” because she’s just that–a wreck. She has low self esteem, she isn’t particularly talented at anything (except baking!) and she is a bit of a doormat. That said, she quickly gets over her doormat tendencies, and while her burgeoning relationship with Digger helped with that, I really liked her determination and perseverance in the main plotline, and how she ends up defending and protecting herself. (Intentionally being vague here, but I think I got the point across!)
The beginning could have used a bit more editing, and there were quite a few typos that pulled me out of the story. Either the grammar improved, or I got sucked into the story as I turned the pages, because after the first chapter, I didn’t notice this anymore! So, if you do decide to read this, push past the first few glaring errors, because it’s worth the read!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book whose title begins with the last letter of your previous read (Limits by Susie Tate)" category.
The beginning could have used a bit more editing, and there were quite a few typos that pulled me out of the story. Either the grammar improved, or I got sucked into the story as I turned the pages, because after the first chapter, I didn’t notice this anymore! So, if you do decide to read this, push past the first few glaring errors, because it’s worth the read!
POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2022: This book fulfills the "A book whose title begins with the last letter of your previous read (Limits by Susie Tate)" category.
July 26, 2022
CW for domestic abuse, toxic relationships, and ableist language. There was way too much abuse in here for me to completely enjoy it. Dad? Piece of shit. Mom? Victim but still someone who didn’t even kind of try to protect her children. BFF? Literally not a single redeeming quality. Idk why the epilogue tried to act otherwise. Sister? Didn’t treat her well. Brother? Young and innocent but still had a lot of on page not treating her well. Her new friends? Didn’t treat her well when they were mad. The love interest. Treated her well but they really didn’t have any on page conversations to explain why they were falling for each other. The love interest’s mom? Didn’t treat her well. His sister? Didn’t treat her well. Like why could we literally not have ANYONE treating her like a decent human being? Obviously this really frustrated me. All of that being said the writing was compelling and did suck me in and keep me reading. The main character was deaf in one ear and had a hearing aide. People didn’t know how to treat her, and there were some ableist slurs used.
March 8, 2019
**3.5**
This is my third book by Bennett and each of her heroines have really tragic histories. But I'm loving her writing and the single person narratives. I should probably slow down so I don't finish them all too fast.
This is my third book by Bennett and each of her heroines have really tragic histories. But I'm loving her writing and the single person narratives. I should probably slow down so I don't finish them all too fast.
October 28, 2022
TW for domestic abuse!
Ah I expected a much lighter story. I appreciate the writing style and the world building, but I was not able to understand the main heroine. She was weak and damaged and I got so frustrated at times because of how she behaved and what she allowed others to do to her. Maybe her behaviour would make more sense if she was 16 instead of 24?
Ainhoa, don’t kill me. I still think the story was good (well I read it in one sitting😃) and I’m surely going to continue reading other books by this author, but this one was just not my favourite.
Ah I expected a much lighter story. I appreciate the writing style and the world building, but I was not able to understand the main heroine. She was weak and damaged and I got so frustrated at times because of how she behaved and what she allowed others to do to her. Maybe her behaviour would make more sense if she was 16 instead of 24?
Ainhoa, don’t kill me. I still think the story was good (well I read it in one sitting😃) and I’m surely going to continue reading other books by this author, but this one was just not my favourite.
March 7, 2019
SPOILERS
SPOLIERS
This book was all over the place.
It wasn’t consistent with her other books which have been better than this one; If someone said to me who wrote it I would not have said Jamie Bennett.
I mean I read it all, but in no way was I ever feeling this book.
Right from the beginning it was a bit lame, the introduction of the two main characters to each other?
The feelings between these two love birds was palpable……..NOT.
In no way was there any sizzle or burn between them (well maybe a burn for the heroine via STDs she caught from him……. Ok that was unfair, but he just came across as dirty). One minute they met the next they were a couple yet I never knew why the guy would be into the women. I don’t even mean on a superficial basis, they hadn’t even talked to each other much and yet he was chasing her down. Nope not buying it.
Just like they hadn’t been together for more than a shake of a lambs tail and he was all “you’re moving in” and she was “oh yeah yeah” ????
All the characters in this book especially bad people were exaggerated to the point of exhaustion, quite unbelievable . Tracey would have been jet rocketed years ago, I read the epilogue and was like WHAT that biatch ended up with one of Digger friends. Fuck right off.
NOW that brings me to the absolute shit feast that was the naming of the characters.
You don’t want to know what “diggers” real name is, I read it and was like “the authors taking the piss isn’t she?”.
Wreck???
The book needed some editing, I had to reread a few paragraphs over to figure out what was going on, it kind of jumped around a bit and there were some spelling mistakes (not that I am the spelling bee queen, normally I couldn’t care but there were enough for me to notice).
There are some quite heavy topics covered in this book, I don’t dispute they occur but the lady in this book is 24. Again I felt it was just piled on too thick , along with the deafness and constant referral to the hearing aid .
I had no idea what “wreck” looked like, the same with “digger”. I was told he was good looking, dark but that was about it. There was a lack of depth as a whole, book felt it lacked direction, I never got to know the characters so when they hooked up it felt empty and I actually got the creeps. Seemed Digger was taking advantage of Wreck .
It’s like this book had all the ingredients of a good slow burn romance, the family problems of the heroine where the hero saves her. The impairment that is overcome, the broodiness of the make lead , the happy ending but it just wasn’t baked properly.
I am sorry to leave such a depressing review; I liked a previous book this author has written and just expected more. I would have had this book pegged for an earlier piece but apparently not ?
SPOLIERS
This book was all over the place.
It wasn’t consistent with her other books which have been better than this one; If someone said to me who wrote it I would not have said Jamie Bennett.
I mean I read it all, but in no way was I ever feeling this book.
Right from the beginning it was a bit lame, the introduction of the two main characters to each other?
The feelings between these two love birds was palpable……..NOT.
In no way was there any sizzle or burn between them (well maybe a burn for the heroine via STDs she caught from him……. Ok that was unfair, but he just came across as dirty). One minute they met the next they were a couple yet I never knew why the guy would be into the women. I don’t even mean on a superficial basis, they hadn’t even talked to each other much and yet he was chasing her down. Nope not buying it.
Just like they hadn’t been together for more than a shake of a lambs tail and he was all “you’re moving in” and she was “oh yeah yeah” ????
All the characters in this book especially bad people were exaggerated to the point of exhaustion, quite unbelievable . Tracey would have been jet rocketed years ago, I read the epilogue and was like WHAT that biatch ended up with one of Digger friends. Fuck right off.
NOW that brings me to the absolute shit feast that was the naming of the characters.
You don’t want to know what “diggers” real name is, I read it and was like “the authors taking the piss isn’t she?”.
Wreck???
The book needed some editing, I had to reread a few paragraphs over to figure out what was going on, it kind of jumped around a bit and there were some spelling mistakes (not that I am the spelling bee queen, normally I couldn’t care but there were enough for me to notice).
There are some quite heavy topics covered in this book, I don’t dispute they occur but the lady in this book is 24. Again I felt it was just piled on too thick , along with the deafness and constant referral to the hearing aid .
I had no idea what “wreck” looked like, the same with “digger”. I was told he was good looking, dark but that was about it. There was a lack of depth as a whole, book felt it lacked direction, I never got to know the characters so when they hooked up it felt empty and I actually got the creeps. Seemed Digger was taking advantage of Wreck .
It’s like this book had all the ingredients of a good slow burn romance, the family problems of the heroine where the hero saves her. The impairment that is overcome, the broodiness of the make lead , the happy ending but it just wasn’t baked properly.
I am sorry to leave such a depressing review; I liked a previous book this author has written and just expected more. I would have had this book pegged for an earlier piece but apparently not ?
December 15, 2018
To be honest, I didn't have the highest expectations going into this book and I am happy to admit I was completely mistaken. This book was definitely an enjoyable, smooth ride that made me tear up and melt throughout. It was emotional, sweet and heart-wrenching.
Reading from Rebecca's viewpoint was fascinating and she is definitely a heroine to root for! In spite of all her hardships - the constant emotional, mental, physical abuse and her loss of hearing - she's one of the most bravest, strongest, kindest and loveliest characters that I've ever read. Reading her character develop into a stronger person who stands up for herself was beautiful.
I think the author portrayed abuse and disability incredibly well, especially showing that not all scars are physical and that there are more scars on the inside.
The romance was so sweet and fluffy but I did feel it was rushed into. Though the lack of romantic drama felt like a breath of fresh air. Digger was so good to Rebecca in the sense he was a protective and supportive partner, but also a caring and generous person. I am just wondering how someone like Digger was single in the first place but whatever.
I will definitely read more of the author's work but I am really hoping we get a book on Rebecca's "best friend" Tracey. She was a self absorbed bitch, a complete train-wreck and I really disliked her. And she managed to turn it around, though we never get to see the actual development on page. Would love her book, please!
Reading from Rebecca's viewpoint was fascinating and she is definitely a heroine to root for! In spite of all her hardships - the constant emotional, mental, physical abuse and her loss of hearing - she's one of the most bravest, strongest, kindest and loveliest characters that I've ever read. Reading her character develop into a stronger person who stands up for herself was beautiful.
I think the author portrayed abuse and disability incredibly well, especially showing that not all scars are physical and that there are more scars on the inside.
The romance was so sweet and fluffy but I did feel it was rushed into. Though the lack of romantic drama felt like a breath of fresh air. Digger was so good to Rebecca in the sense he was a protective and supportive partner, but also a caring and generous person. I am just wondering how someone like Digger was single in the first place but whatever.
I will definitely read more of the author's work but I am really hoping we get a book on Rebecca's "best friend" Tracey. She was a self absorbed bitch, a complete train-wreck and I really disliked her. And she managed to turn it around, though we never get to see the actual development on page. Would love her book, please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
3.5 stars
I liked it but I wish Rebecca had stood up for herself more. To her dad, to Digger, to Tracey, to Digger’s mom, to everyone. I don’t usually mind a weaker h, but man she really just let everyone walk all over her. I wanted Digger to be more serious in telling his mom to fuck off with her shit talk about Rebecca. I also didn’t like how it was kind of obv he was a man whore.
I liked it but I wish Rebecca had stood up for herself more. To her dad, to Digger, to Tracey, to Digger’s mom, to everyone. I don’t usually mind a weaker h, but man she really just let everyone walk all over her. I wanted Digger to be more serious in telling his mom to fuck off with her shit talk about Rebecca. I also didn’t like how it was kind of obv he was a man whore.
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October 29, 2019
I love Kindle Unlimited!
October 2019 -- 4 Stars
My first book by this author. I loved the characters and the storyline. I'll read others by her now. I never would tried her, if not for KU.
Happy Reading!!
October 2019 -- 4 Stars
My first book by this author. I loved the characters and the storyline. I'll read others by her now. I never would tried her, if not for KU.
Happy Reading!!
September 7, 2021
TW domestic abuse, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, negligence
It was like watching a train wreck, literally. ( wreck is the h’s name)
I had absolutely no clue her the H and the h looks like, and both were highly unrelatable.
Terrible terrible females characters all over.
It was like watching a train wreck, literally. ( wreck is the h’s name)
I had absolutely no clue her the H and the h looks like, and both were highly unrelatable.
Terrible terrible females characters all over.
February 4, 2019
3.5 Stars
October 9, 2022
Second try by this author. Didn't like it as well as some of the others. The heroine was pretty beat down after years of mental and physical abuse by her father. The hero was a mechanic.
Why do I like mechanic heroes so much? So he might have a star just for himself. He was nice to the heroine but almost no one else was. I don't know why his family was so nasty to her. I guess some mothers just don't like anyone who their children bring home? Anyway her family were all super worthless except her younger brother. And even he failed me just a tad on how he treated the heroine but I will give him a young and thoughtless pass. The hero treated her well though and was all in pretty quickly. He did stand up for her against his mother though so points for that. Her BFF was worthless though. It might have been nice to see her change and grow in her own book but the author fixed her all up in the epilogue which was really too good for her.
Why do I like mechanic heroes so much? So he might have a star just for himself. He was nice to the heroine but almost no one else was. I don't know why his family was so nasty to her. I guess some mothers just don't like anyone who their children bring home? Anyway her family were all super worthless except her younger brother. And even he failed me just a tad on how he treated the heroine but I will give him a young and thoughtless pass. The hero treated her well though and was all in pretty quickly. He did stand up for her against his mother though so points for that. Her BFF was worthless though. It might have been nice to see her change and grow in her own book but the author fixed her all up in the epilogue which was really too good for her.
July 10, 2023
The main girl had the depth of a piece of cardboard. Every character had like one character trait and that is all they were. It was a book of traits interacting. Also what even is Digger??? I got to the end of the book and was still thinking of him as that stranger at the bar. Why does he have a large gaggle of friends that only joined the story once to prove that Dig was a sociable guy? Why is he renovating a house? We never had that explained in detail. Also BABY GIRL?! gag. Ur not mafia. Shut up. Go hang out with all ur NPC friends and ur NPC girlfriend. Ugh.
December 17, 2018
Awesome read! So many secrets so much love!
Another great read by Ms. Beckett who is now singlehandedly obliterating my weekends as I devour her books. She gets the feels just right! The heroine is transformed and as always the supporting characters are needed and treated with the utmost care and respect to develop the story. You really love come to London be them all. Ms. Beckett thank you for the great read and the epilogue!!!
Another great read by Ms. Beckett who is now singlehandedly obliterating my weekends as I devour her books. She gets the feels just right! The heroine is transformed and as always the supporting characters are needed and treated with the utmost care and respect to develop the story. You really love come to London be them all. Ms. Beckett thank you for the great read and the epilogue!!!
April 3, 2022
This author is such a gifted storyteller, and not in a flashy way, but in a comforting way, with real-world stories and characters. This particular book had a heart-wrenching plot with heroine Rebecca living in an abusive situation her entire life, but it was simultaneously heartwarming as she learned to fight for herself and fell in love with mechanic Digger, and he her. The more I read the harder it will be for me to remember but I think this one might be my favorite one by this author yet.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
April 12, 2021
Another great one. This author can't do one wrong.
This was a masterpiece.
What I liked:
- Rebecca is a heroine that I can admire. She went through so much on and off page that my heart ached for her. Sometimes I wanted to cry reading about how she was treated and how she saw herself.
- How the support characters felt real and believable as well.
- Digger was just a sweetheart.
- The sibling relationship. Ian was precious.
- I loved, really loved the hearing disability in this book. Hands down one of the best I've read.
What I didn't like:
- That the relationship was a bit too fast. Almost insta-love. It didn't bother me while I was reading but thinking back it happened really fast.
- The friend Tracey. She was simply an horrible friend. I always felt like punching her.
CW: domestic violence off the page.
This was a masterpiece.
What I liked:
- Rebecca is a heroine that I can admire. She went through so much on and off page that my heart ached for her. Sometimes I wanted to cry reading about how she was treated and how she saw herself.
- How the support characters felt real and believable as well.
- Digger was just a sweetheart.
- The sibling relationship. Ian was precious.
- I loved, really loved the hearing disability in this book. Hands down one of the best I've read.
What I didn't like:
- That the relationship was a bit too fast. Almost insta-love. It didn't bother me while I was reading but thinking back it happened really fast.
- The friend Tracey. She was simply an horrible friend. I always felt like punching her.
CW: domestic violence off the page.
February 19, 2019
Strong characters
A well-written story of a family destroyed by an abusive dad. Rebecca has been emotionally & physically damaged by her father. Digger is the perfect boyfriend to appear & inspire Rebecca to start living her own life.
The violence is mostly off the page, so it doesn’t focus on the violence, but you do feel the tension of being in her parents house.
It’s a perfect story of an abused family getting a happy ending.
A well-written story of a family destroyed by an abusive dad. Rebecca has been emotionally & physically damaged by her father. Digger is the perfect boyfriend to appear & inspire Rebecca to start living her own life.
The violence is mostly off the page, so it doesn’t focus on the violence, but you do feel the tension of being in her parents house.
It’s a perfect story of an abused family getting a happy ending.
April 8, 2019
I'm on a Jamie Bennett binge right now. Soft and Low is a little more serious than her other books. This is not a slow burn but more of insta-like to love. Rebecca and Digger's love story is a good one and Rebecca's journey to happiness is hard but very satisfying. Jamie Bennett has become a fast favorite of mine.
January 14, 2019
I went between 3-4, 4-5 then back to 4.
I’m new to this author but the blurb of this book hooked me. What a great book. It had flaws, probably just my own, I didn’t get bored but did shake my head a couple times and shrug my shoulders. The ending was a great wrap up.
I’m new to this author but the blurb of this book hooked me. What a great book. It had flaws, probably just my own, I didn’t get bored but did shake my head a couple times and shrug my shoulders. The ending was a great wrap up.
May 1, 2019
I really enjoyed Soft and Low. I liked how Rebecca slowly became more confident and comfortable with who she was. I liked how her relationship with Digger developed and that he remained inscrutable as the story was from Rebecca’s viewpoint.
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars
digger calls rebecca ‘cinderella’, which is apt as this book had some serious fairytale vibes going on; bennett effectively constructs a very vivid fictional world in which we root for the hero&heroine to triumph against the villainous jerks.
in fact, there was no shortage of assholes in this story. the only person who consistently treated the fmc well was the mmc, digger.
rebecca’s ‘best friend’ tracey was a raging, manipulative bitch with no redeeming qualities, and yet all was forgiven & tracey even got her own HEA, marrying one of digger’s friends?! no thanks. rebecca’s dad was pure evil; her mum was a victim but also majorly neglected all parental duties & actively refused to help her kids when offered ways out. her own sister margot completely failed her, ratting rebecca out after she helped margot escape the family, & then abandoning her to her father’s wrath. her younger brother was admittedly largely decent & innocent but he still had insensitive moments. even her new friend treated her poorly in a misplaced burst of anger. oh and of course, digger’s mum treated her badly, and so did digger’s sister. literally, this girl couldn’t catch a break.
that said, i loved digger as the hero and rebecca underwent some satisfying character growth (even if her continued friendship with tracey annoyed me.) digger&rebecca had a really endearing relationship and although their connection was instant, it never felt rushed or superficial.
there was a lot of parental abuse that was quite heavy at times & which i skimmed over, but ultimately the romance was very sweet & the storytelling utterly compelling. what’s more, the writing flowed seamlessly & the plot was well-paced and absorbing. all the characters felt very real and i was wholly invested in digger&rebecca finding their HEA.
digger calls rebecca ‘cinderella’, which is apt as this book had some serious fairytale vibes going on; bennett effectively constructs a very vivid fictional world in which we root for the hero&heroine to triumph against the villainous jerks.
in fact, there was no shortage of assholes in this story. the only person who consistently treated the fmc well was the mmc, digger.
rebecca’s ‘best friend’ tracey was a raging, manipulative bitch with no redeeming qualities, and yet all was forgiven & tracey even got her own HEA, marrying one of digger’s friends?! no thanks. rebecca’s dad was pure evil; her mum was a victim but also majorly neglected all parental duties & actively refused to help her kids when offered ways out. her own sister margot completely failed her, ratting rebecca out after she helped margot escape the family, & then abandoning her to her father’s wrath. her younger brother was admittedly largely decent & innocent but he still had insensitive moments. even her new friend treated her poorly in a misplaced burst of anger. oh and of course, digger’s mum treated her badly, and so did digger’s sister. literally, this girl couldn’t catch a break.
that said, i loved digger as the hero and rebecca underwent some satisfying character growth (even if her continued friendship with tracey annoyed me.) digger&rebecca had a really endearing relationship and although their connection was instant, it never felt rushed or superficial.
there was a lot of parental abuse that was quite heavy at times & which i skimmed over, but ultimately the romance was very sweet & the storytelling utterly compelling. what’s more, the writing flowed seamlessly & the plot was well-paced and absorbing. all the characters felt very real and i was wholly invested in digger&rebecca finding their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2021
4.5 stars
Really liked this one!
At first I thought Rebecca was a doormat but then when I got to know more of her story and her family I started to understand why she acted the way she did. She spent her whole life being treated as less so she internalised that.
Sometimes I wanted to cry reading about how she was treated and how she saw herself.
I loved Digger (and LOVED his real name revealed at the end), he was a sweetheart.
I also liked Ian and how his relationship with Rebecca seemed real. They weren’t gushy nor at odds all the time, but they went back and forth (well mostly Ian), more like a real sibling relationship.
What I didn’t like:
Tracey was a HORRIBLE so called friend. Her treatment of Rebecca was appalling and she was just an annoying, incredibly rude and selfish friend. I felt like her turn around at the end was too quick and forced. I’d rather see her and Rebecca have a strained relationship slowly on the mend.
Another thing that I didn’t like was that descriptions were missing. I like to know how old a character is, how they look, how they’re dressed. Not all the time of in detail, but it helps to get a feeling of the character and picture the action. We finish the book without a clue how old Digger is. I think it’s mentioned once that he has brown hair and eyes, and that’s it.
Really liked this one!
At first I thought Rebecca was a doormat but then when I got to know more of her story and her family I started to understand why she acted the way she did. She spent her whole life being treated as less so she internalised that.
Sometimes I wanted to cry reading about how she was treated and how she saw herself.
I loved Digger (and LOVED his real name revealed at the end), he was a sweetheart.
I also liked Ian and how his relationship with Rebecca seemed real. They weren’t gushy nor at odds all the time, but they went back and forth (well mostly Ian), more like a real sibling relationship.
What I didn’t like:
Tracey was a HORRIBLE so called friend. Her treatment of Rebecca was appalling and she was just an annoying, incredibly rude and selfish friend. I felt like her turn around at the end was too quick and forced. I’d rather see her and Rebecca have a strained relationship slowly on the mend.
Another thing that I didn’t like was that descriptions were missing. I like to know how old a character is, how they look, how they’re dressed. Not all the time of in detail, but it helps to get a feeling of the character and picture the action. We finish the book without a clue how old Digger is. I think it’s mentioned once that he has brown hair and eyes, and that’s it.
February 5, 2019
This is the second book I've read by Jamie Bennett and I am loving her romances.
Soft and Low does have some really sad and serious elements to it. But I never felt bogged down or overwhelmed by it (I'm emotionally unstable, so I can't take too much sadness in a book). This book isn't a tearjerker or manipulative in its tragedy. It's just a story about overcoming the bad and choosing the good that life deals you.
I loved our hero Digger, immediately forgiving him for having a really stupid name. Rebecca (our heroine) had a normal name but a tough life. This is not an insta-love book, but I felt that they belonged together from almost the beginning of the book.
The secondary characters were well written and believable as well.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
Soft and Low does have some really sad and serious elements to it. But I never felt bogged down or overwhelmed by it (I'm emotionally unstable, so I can't take too much sadness in a book). This book isn't a tearjerker or manipulative in its tragedy. It's just a story about overcoming the bad and choosing the good that life deals you.
I loved our hero Digger, immediately forgiving him for having a really stupid name. Rebecca (our heroine) had a normal name but a tough life. This is not an insta-love book, but I felt that they belonged together from almost the beginning of the book.
The secondary characters were well written and believable as well.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance.
January 5, 2025
I had real problem with this book
Starting with the characterisation of both H and h along with secondary characters then the writing it wasn't to my liking(Yea i know am sounding like a bitch!).
Plus i hated the h just kinda let people walk over her and then later on forgive them. I mean why not let people be responsible for their action??
Why not ask for forgiveness from the h?
Starting with the asshole father to the bitch of the mother the sister who ran away and made sure that the sister life is in hell(never even tried to check on her).
Even the brother was not sure of what was happening to her in the house. The ungrateful and bitch 3 best friend.
And for these selfish people she kept on suffering.
H was ok.
Starting with the characterisation of both H and h along with secondary characters then the writing it wasn't to my liking(Yea i know am sounding like a bitch!).
Plus i hated the h just kinda let people walk over her and then later on forgive them. I mean why not let people be responsible for their action??
Why not ask for forgiveness from the h?
Starting with the asshole father to the bitch of the mother the sister who ran away and made sure that the sister life is in hell(never even tried to check on her).
Even the brother was not sure of what was happening to her in the house. The ungrateful and bitch 3 best friend.
And for these selfish people she kept on suffering.
H was ok.
May 1, 2023
The heroine is deaf in one ear and suffers mental and physical abuse from her father. She meets the hero when she tries to save a prostitute from her pimp.
The hero notices and then tries to protect her.
The heroine suffers insecurities from the abuse of her father. The hero is very j/p. Once he falls for her, that is it.
The story was a bit wordy. The story was missing something. I just cannot put my finger on it. I did not like how the heroine kept giving in to her BFF, Tracey, all the time. Tracey treated her poorly, but the heroine kept going out with her. However, you can understand the insecurities of the heroine.
The hero notices and then tries to protect her.
The heroine suffers insecurities from the abuse of her father. The hero is very j/p. Once he falls for her, that is it.
The story was a bit wordy. The story was missing something. I just cannot put my finger on it. I did not like how the heroine kept giving in to her BFF, Tracey, all the time. Tracey treated her poorly, but the heroine kept going out with her. However, you can understand the insecurities of the heroine.
December 1, 2020
Amazing!
I have to say, no matter how hard I try not to binge read the author's books, I can't seem to stop myself. Im amazed at the array of well crafted characters in every book. I fall in love with them every time. After stroke by stroke, this is by far the best story. I loved how Rebecca character builds. I also gained so much knowledge on domestic abuse and hearing loss. I'm so glad I found you, Ms. Jamie❤️❤️
I'm also in love with how every book connects to the previous one. I'm a big fan of finding past characters in New books! Keep them coming!
I have to say, no matter how hard I try not to binge read the author's books, I can't seem to stop myself. Im amazed at the array of well crafted characters in every book. I fall in love with them every time. After stroke by stroke, this is by far the best story. I loved how Rebecca character builds. I also gained so much knowledge on domestic abuse and hearing loss. I'm so glad I found you, Ms. Jamie❤️❤️
I'm also in love with how every book connects to the previous one. I'm a big fan of finding past characters in New books! Keep them coming!
October 10, 2022
I like this author. This is the second book of hers I’ve read. Her main female characters have damsel in distress situations but they actually are secretly badass and sort it out on their own while being supported by good men. This book was no different. There’s less swoon factor than I would like from romance books but chemistry is there. There’s lots I liked in regards to the plot details to this book…. I liked the mix of characters, the deaf detail, the crazy friend, the kindness of Rebecca, etc. Everything moved quickly and the story was just addicting. Solid good read.
October 29, 2022
This is a new author to me, and I was pleasantly surprised with this story. The main characters were very likable and had great chemistry. The highlight was definitely the hero, Digger. Horrible name but fantastic character, he was incredibly sweet with Rebecca.
This could do with an update, there were some typos and missing words which was a little distracting. That said, I enjoyed this story. I'm interested in reading more from this author.
4.25 Stars
This could do with an update, there were some typos and missing words which was a little distracting. That said, I enjoyed this story. I'm interested in reading more from this author.
4.25 Stars
September 4, 2023
I truly love the author's writing style and storytelling prowess. What stands out to me is her remarkable talent for creating a diverse range of characters and weaving complex, distinct storylines in each of her books. Unlike some authors who tend to recycle similar characters and plot developments, this author consistently delivers fresh and captivating narratives. It makes each reading experience a delightful journey into a new world of storytelling.
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