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Martha's Way #1
The Scale
Twenty-seven year old, African-American, Minka Greene has to endure watching her twin sister marry the man she loves. Her weight is up, and her confidence is down. Not exactly the ideal time to meet the real man of her dreams.
The Scale opens in Martha’s Vineyard with Minka attending Keely and Blake’s engagement party at Martha’s Way, the beautiful inn owned and operated by the tall, blond, tattooed man with the piercing blue eyes. It just so happens Jason Montgomery is also Blake’s childhood friend and the best man. Dealing with a whirl of emotions, Minka faints in Jason’s arms.
When she wakes up naked in Jason’s bed after a night of passion, the Vineyard confirmed bachelor struggling with his own demons and the woman filled with self-doubt and pining for another man are joined in an experience that will change their lives.
The Scale is book 1 of the Martha’s Way series. All the books in the Martha’s Way series can be read as a standalone.
The Scale opens in Martha’s Vineyard with Minka attending Keely and Blake’s engagement party at Martha’s Way, the beautiful inn owned and operated by the tall, blond, tattooed man with the piercing blue eyes. It just so happens Jason Montgomery is also Blake’s childhood friend and the best man. Dealing with a whirl of emotions, Minka faints in Jason’s arms.
When she wakes up naked in Jason’s bed after a night of passion, the Vineyard confirmed bachelor struggling with his own demons and the woman filled with self-doubt and pining for another man are joined in an experience that will change their lives.
The Scale is book 1 of the Martha’s Way series. All the books in the Martha’s Way series can be read as a standalone.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
1176 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Mika Jolie
35 books1,275 followersMika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up.
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie
Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
March 22, 2017
Honestly, if the author hadn't restated that the major players in this book were gainfully employed and in their late 20's/early 30's I would have sworn this was new adult.
Jason is a ripped, tattooed bad boy who sleeps his way through busty red heads and leggy blondes to hide from his pain. He used to drink, smoke and have threesomes to hide from his pain, but he has cut back because his friends were like "smoking is bad and won't dull the pain". Minka is an extremely insecure beauty who is self conscious and self involved due to her wretched pain (and her pain is often wretched).
They meet when she passes out in his arms at a party for her gorgeous former model sister and her best friend/love of her life. The next night they have wild sex (but not before he realizes she has only ever slept with one person) and the next day they become friends with benefits. By day six they are having inner soliloquy moments where they realize they are in love. Six days! Lots of sex, drama, angst and pain fill the last week and they part for three months. She comes to him in one last ditch effort to overcome the big painful misunderstanding and he pops the question. The end.
I was really looking forward to reading this and it was... painful. Literally and figuratively. The Scale is filled with overwrought prose about pain and love. I expected to find a lot about Minka's weight and insecurities, but that wasn't half as annoying as her self absorption. Meanwhile, every character seemed to be propping up the very one dimensional Jason (he's such a player... isn't he so gorgeous?... he's so rich and bad and tattooed).
There are few errors and it was a decent length, but I am glad it was a borrow.
Jason is a ripped, tattooed bad boy who sleeps his way through busty red heads and leggy blondes to hide from his pain. He used to drink, smoke and have threesomes to hide from his pain, but he has cut back because his friends were like "smoking is bad and won't dull the pain". Minka is an extremely insecure beauty who is self conscious and self involved due to her wretched pain (and her pain is often wretched).
They meet when she passes out in his arms at a party for her gorgeous former model sister and her best friend/love of her life. The next night they have wild sex (but not before he realizes she has only ever slept with one person) and the next day they become friends with benefits. By day six they are having inner soliloquy moments where they realize they are in love. Six days! Lots of sex, drama, angst and pain fill the last week and they part for three months. She comes to him in one last ditch effort to overcome the big painful misunderstanding and he pops the question. The end.
I was really looking forward to reading this and it was... painful. Literally and figuratively. The Scale is filled with overwrought prose about pain and love. I expected to find a lot about Minka's weight and insecurities, but that wasn't half as annoying as her self absorption. Meanwhile, every character seemed to be propping up the very one dimensional Jason (he's such a player... isn't he so gorgeous?... he's so rich and bad and tattooed).
There are few errors and it was a decent length, but I am glad it was a borrow.
September 27, 2018
When Minka is recruited into being the maid of honor for her sister, she is tormented by the very thought. The man Minka has been in love with for years is the groom and somehow she has to hide her feelings as the event approaches. Jason’s attention is supposed to be for one night but when one night turns into two weeks leading up to the wedding, Minka finds herself filled with self-introspection even as she falls in love with the one night-stand-man she’s involved with.
Wow, this was filled with quite a bit of angst as Minka struggles with not only her feelings for her sister’s fiancée but her own self-image. Add in the insecurities regarding Jason’s outlook on their relationship and this was a whole bag of deep, cutting emotions.
This felt very real to life as so many of us suffer in the same manner as the heroine. Many times throughout the story I saw myself in her. The resolution of the conflict within herself as well as between this couple was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved that Jason wanted only what was best for her and never forced his beliefs and concerns upon her.
This was a relatively fast paced read with great secondary characters which have their own stories. The heat level between the hero and heroine was flaming and I felt their chemistry was very well done. There were a few things that I felt had not been dealt with completely but they weren’t necessary to the whole of the book but I would have liked them to give me a fuller view of Minka and Jason individually and together. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and I’ll be moving forward to the next book soon.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Wow, this was filled with quite a bit of angst as Minka struggles with not only her feelings for her sister’s fiancée but her own self-image. Add in the insecurities regarding Jason’s outlook on their relationship and this was a whole bag of deep, cutting emotions.
This felt very real to life as so many of us suffer in the same manner as the heroine. Many times throughout the story I saw myself in her. The resolution of the conflict within herself as well as between this couple was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved that Jason wanted only what was best for her and never forced his beliefs and concerns upon her.
This was a relatively fast paced read with great secondary characters which have their own stories. The heat level between the hero and heroine was flaming and I felt their chemistry was very well done. There were a few things that I felt had not been dealt with completely but they weren’t necessary to the whole of the book but I would have liked them to give me a fuller view of Minka and Jason individually and together. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and I’ll be moving forward to the next book soon.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
October 10, 2020
The Scale by Mika Jolie is the first book in The Martha’s Way series. It tells the story of Minka, a beautiful young woman, who struggled with body image issues and as a result failed to accept herself. This led to her being unable to accept that when persons looked at her they saw a beautiful and sexy woman and not a fat and ugly person.
Minka in her own warped mind distanced herself from her twin sister and her parents because of the insecurities. To make matters worse, she believed her sister took away the man she loved because she was the better-looking twin. It didn’t help to know her sister was marrying said guy and she Minka would be the Maid of Honour. Not an ideal situation for Minka, not even the fact she would spend two weeks at Martha’s Vineyard could shake her despair. Then she meets the drop dead gorgeous and sexy best man, Jason, who she agreed to have two weeks of exclusivity with after one night of mind-blowing sex. Will two weeks be sufficient and will Minka allow her insecurities to impede her from finding love?
I loved this story. It shows how insecurities can prevent one from finding true happiness. Minka allowed her insecurities to dictate her life. Despite the interest Jason had in her and the great way he treated her; she couldn’t accept that a guy who could have any beautiful woman he wanted would want to be with her. She hid her insecurities well, but Jason saw through them.
As someone who struggled with weight in the past, I related to the reason for her insecurities and understood why she would feel that way, bur she disappointed me by her refusal to rise above it and instead allow it to rule her life.
Jason oozed sex appeal. Handsome, hardworking, and intelligent. He had no interest in a committed relationship, but that changed when he got involved with Minka. He had his share of issues, which made it easy for him to recognise Minka’s hang-ups. Despite this, he never gave upon her. He wanted the best for her.
The Scale delivered a captivating, poignant, sweet and romantic story. I found myself deeply invested in the story and the characters. It highlighted the importance of loving ourselves as that is the only way we be able to love others and appreciate the love they offer. Well-paced, the story featured great secondary characters, some of whom have their own stories.
Conclusion/Recommendation
The Scale turned out to be an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to fans of inter-racial contemporary romance.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Minka in her own warped mind distanced herself from her twin sister and her parents because of the insecurities. To make matters worse, she believed her sister took away the man she loved because she was the better-looking twin. It didn’t help to know her sister was marrying said guy and she Minka would be the Maid of Honour. Not an ideal situation for Minka, not even the fact she would spend two weeks at Martha’s Vineyard could shake her despair. Then she meets the drop dead gorgeous and sexy best man, Jason, who she agreed to have two weeks of exclusivity with after one night of mind-blowing sex. Will two weeks be sufficient and will Minka allow her insecurities to impede her from finding love?
I loved this story. It shows how insecurities can prevent one from finding true happiness. Minka allowed her insecurities to dictate her life. Despite the interest Jason had in her and the great way he treated her; she couldn’t accept that a guy who could have any beautiful woman he wanted would want to be with her. She hid her insecurities well, but Jason saw through them.
As someone who struggled with weight in the past, I related to the reason for her insecurities and understood why she would feel that way, bur she disappointed me by her refusal to rise above it and instead allow it to rule her life.
Jason oozed sex appeal. Handsome, hardworking, and intelligent. He had no interest in a committed relationship, but that changed when he got involved with Minka. He had his share of issues, which made it easy for him to recognise Minka’s hang-ups. Despite this, he never gave upon her. He wanted the best for her.
The Scale delivered a captivating, poignant, sweet and romantic story. I found myself deeply invested in the story and the characters. It highlighted the importance of loving ourselves as that is the only way we be able to love others and appreciate the love they offer. Well-paced, the story featured great secondary characters, some of whom have their own stories.
Conclusion/Recommendation
The Scale turned out to be an enjoyable read, and I recommend it to fans of inter-racial contemporary romance.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 20, 2019
DNF @ 34%. I had to rage quit this book. Spoilers ahead.
This book has all the ingredients of a book I'd usually love:
1. Plus size heroine
2. Heroine secretly in love with her best friend, who is marrying her twin sister.
3. ...leading to heroine hooking up with groom's best man, who is a player/total hottie
Minka is the most insecure heroine I have come across in recent memory. She's the curvier version of her perfect (fraternal) twin sister. And she's extremely resentful of this. I tried SO HARD to empathize with Minka, and I did, to a degree. I recently read a book with a plus size heroine who loved her body and it hit me then how much I wish this happened more often in books. But even if you're going to have the heroine work through issues with her weight, it shouldn't make the reader (who has dealt with SIMILAR ISSUES) want to chuck her Kindle out of a window. I understand having very low self-esteem and body image issues and that aren't just "fixed" by someone telling you that you're pretty. You have to learn to feel that way about yourself. But Minka is never going to learn this without therapy. I don't say that to be snarky. She is so insecure that it affects her entire life and it's incredibly difficult to read this book as a result.
I finally gave up after the exchange below. This is the day after Minka slept with the Jason, who has done nothing but tell her how sexy and beautiful she is since he met her (again, she needs to learn to feel this way about herself -- but she basically thinks everyone who tells her she's beautiful is lying!) Minka hasn't admitted to her sister that she and Jason hooked up and her sister is trying to get her to have a fling with him, but Minka is resistant to this and keeps implying or saying she's not his type and he isn't into her:
I'm sorry... what? Your sister just told you you're beautiful, this guy can't keep his eyes off you, etc. and threw in a cautionary note about him being a known player because she's your sister and she loves you and from that you infer she doesn't think you're pretty enough for Jason???? (Oh, and a few paragraphs later she asks her sister if SHE wants Jason for herself!)
I had to stop after that. Argh.
This book has all the ingredients of a book I'd usually love:
1. Plus size heroine
2. Heroine secretly in love with her best friend, who is marrying her twin sister.
3. ...leading to heroine hooking up with groom's best man, who is a player/total hottie
Minka is the most insecure heroine I have come across in recent memory. She's the curvier version of her perfect (fraternal) twin sister. And she's extremely resentful of this. I tried SO HARD to empathize with Minka, and I did, to a degree. I recently read a book with a plus size heroine who loved her body and it hit me then how much I wish this happened more often in books. But even if you're going to have the heroine work through issues with her weight, it shouldn't make the reader (who has dealt with SIMILAR ISSUES) want to chuck her Kindle out of a window. I understand having very low self-esteem and body image issues and that aren't just "fixed" by someone telling you that you're pretty. You have to learn to feel that way about yourself. But Minka is never going to learn this without therapy. I don't say that to be snarky. She is so insecure that it affects her entire life and it's incredibly difficult to read this book as a result.
I finally gave up after the exchange below. This is the day after Minka slept with the Jason, who has done nothing but tell her how sexy and beautiful she is since he met her (again, she needs to learn to feel this way about herself -- but she basically thinks everyone who tells her she's beautiful is lying!) Minka hasn't admitted to her sister that she and Jason hooked up and her sister is trying to get her to have a fling with him, but Minka is resistant to this and keeps implying or saying she's not his type and he isn't into her:
"You look gorgeous," Keely repeated with a proud smile. "You're my younger sister," she grinned, pointing out the seconds' delay of Minka's birth. Yes, even at birth Keely had come out first. "It's my job to look out for you. Jason is fun. He's rich, super good-looking, and I'm sure he's great in bed."
Oh boy, they were going there. Minka shifted her body with discomfort. "God, Keely, I wish you would stop talking about Jason."
Deep laughter escaped her sister's throat. She rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll stop. But, on a serious note, have fun with it. Enjoy the attention, but take it for what it is."
They stared at each other. Her sister was looking out for her and probably had every right to do so. She was part of their circle and used to Jason's ways. But Minka felt her sister was cutting her short. "You don't think I'm pretty enough for him, do you?"
I'm sorry... what? Your sister just told you you're beautiful, this guy can't keep his eyes off you, etc. and threw in a cautionary note about him being a known player because she's your sister and she loves you and from that you infer she doesn't think you're pretty enough for Jason???? (Oh, and a few paragraphs later she asks her sister if SHE wants Jason for herself!)
I had to stop after that. Argh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
My Review of The Scale by Mika Jolie
This is my first story by this author. This is Minka and Jason’s story.
Minka, like many other women is insecure about the way she looks and this impacts all other areas of her life, including her relationship with her twin sister and her parents. There were many of her insecurities I could identify with especially her body image and size issues.
Jason has his own issues and used to be a bit of man whore before he met Minka. There is something about her that arrests him. What I loved about him was that whenever he found out Minka was feeling insecure about anything in their relationship he went out of his way to address her insecurities, especially around all the other women he previously had in his life.
The story is a great romantic read and I enjoyed reading it very much.
My only negative point regarding the story is the vehicle by which Minka uses to say goodbye to the man she has had a crush for the last 5 years and who is marrying her sister. Minka is in a relationship with Jason and she wants to move on from her crush with Blake so she can give herself 100% to Jason. Why take the action that she did??? She could have simply spoken to Blake and told him how she felt (because he has no clue) and move on. Or better still she could have just come clean with Jason and tell him everything (like he did with her) and close that chapter of her life in that way. Blake did not even know she had said hello so how could what she did say goodbye? Any man worth his salt would read what she did as a betrayal as Jason did, which was totally understandable. Apart from this point I loved the story.
I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Very well written and engaging especially since this is the author first book.
Read
January 9, 2021DNF @ 18% story is not interesting enough to read about these 2 people. He is so cocky and confident but in a bad way. Maybe he is an Alpha maybe he is just an a*****e. And she is very insecure okay, I get It. Very. And doesnt know what she wants but how old is she? 27? I dont think so...
December 19, 2014
Unlikable characters lead a predictable story. Minka's isolation is self-inflicted and unwarranted. She's selfish and immature. I had to remind myself these are full-fledged adults and not some adolescents pretending to be grown ups. There is no growth in Minka until 95% into the book, and then the book is over. The chemistry between the MCs is lukewarm at best. If the next book is about Adam and Lily, it should be heads and shoulders more engaging.
It isn't a badly written book, but there is little to keep my interest. Prose is shaded too purple for my tastes. The book could have used a lot more refinement so Minka could pull her head out of her butt a lot sooner and not speed to the end with completely melodramatic conflict and contrived resolution.
Romance is fantasy, but I'm bored with women being down on themselves and then getting some super D from a tortured gazillionaire changes their self-image. Bull.
I also took issue with how closely the author's name was to the fMC, and the use of other variations of her name in the story.
As another reviewer said, I'm glad this was a borrow.
It isn't a badly written book, but there is little to keep my interest. Prose is shaded too purple for my tastes. The book could have used a lot more refinement so Minka could pull her head out of her butt a lot sooner and not speed to the end with completely melodramatic conflict and contrived resolution.
Romance is fantasy, but I'm bored with women being down on themselves and then getting some super D from a tortured gazillionaire changes their self-image. Bull.
I also took issue with how closely the author's name was to the fMC, and the use of other variations of her name in the story.
As another reviewer said, I'm glad this was a borrow.
September 19, 2014
Wonderful Read!
I love this book! this book had me laughing,crying,and hot all at the same time.Minka & Jason's love story while not unique,it was amazing,written beautiful,&will capture your attention.Minka was a sad,lonely slightly over weight woman who was insecure & jealous of her fraternal twin who was model thin & beautiful. Her twin Keely, was set to marry Minkas best friend Blake,who Minka "thought" she was in love with.While at their engagement party Blake's childhood friend Jason walks in a Minka falls into his arms,literally.Jason was just sexy and yummy,he was not your typical alpha male,but he was no wimp and he did not let Minka run from herself,and together they were explosive,can't wait for more from this author.More book reviews at
http://www.thebooklady.typepad.com
I love this book! this book had me laughing,crying,and hot all at the same time.Minka & Jason's love story while not unique,it was amazing,written beautiful,&will capture your attention.Minka was a sad,lonely slightly over weight woman who was insecure & jealous of her fraternal twin who was model thin & beautiful. Her twin Keely, was set to marry Minkas best friend Blake,who Minka "thought" she was in love with.While at their engagement party Blake's childhood friend Jason walks in a Minka falls into his arms,literally.Jason was just sexy and yummy,he was not your typical alpha male,but he was no wimp and he did not let Minka run from herself,and together they were explosive,can't wait for more from this author.More book reviews at
http://www.thebooklady.typepad.com
November 10, 2014
Debut Author!
Treat yourself to some great reading! WIN 1 of 3 eCopies or a SIGNED Print copy!
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We all have them, they’re called insecurities. How many times have you heard or thought, I need to lose weight, why did my sister, friend, frenemy, a total stranger get all of the looks, the hair, on and on ad nauseum? Imagine having a twin, the one YOU think got the looks, the personality, and THE guy, the one you have had a crush on for years, the one YOU introduced her to, and the one she is marrying.
Welcome to Minka’s world, or should we say the world she created for herself, alienating her parents and her sister. The wedding is moving forward, there will be two weeks of sun, fun and preparations at a beautiful hotel, not that Minka can appreciate it all. When Minka meets the Adonis that is the best man, the world fades as she looks in those inviting eyes, that he is flirting with her is beyond unbelievable. A few drinks, and a mind-blowing night of sex later, a deal is struck, two weeks of exclusive sex with Jason, then poof, the coach will turn into a pumpkin and it’s over, no strings, just a friendly goodbye. But do things ever go that easy? Why would this in demand bachelor want anything else? Why would he ever look twice at her?
Minka is in love, real love, but when she feels the misguided need for closure with her past, the damage she does will bring more pain and heartache than she ever imagined.
The Scale by Mika Jolie is the first in what promises to be a delightful, spicy, yet sweet and romantic series, Martha’s Way. Ms. Jolie has blended the heat and passion of romance with the mental anguish of a young woman who hasn’t learned to love herself as a person and therefore is not able to recognize and accept that someone sees below her exterior and into her heart of hearts. Minka is definitely troubled and Ms. Jolie has portrayed her character perfectly. Jason also becomes completely “human” once he drops his studly façade. A beautiful tale of love, need and learning to trust the real you with another. I read to enjoy the magic of the written word and Mika Jolie is another author to add to your must read list!
I received this copy from Mika Jolie in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Martha's Way Series - Book 1
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 301 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Treat yourself to some great reading! WIN 1 of 3 eCopies or a SIGNED Print copy!
Click on the Banner to Enter - Ends November 24, 2014
We all have them, they’re called insecurities. How many times have you heard or thought, I need to lose weight, why did my sister, friend, frenemy, a total stranger get all of the looks, the hair, on and on ad nauseum? Imagine having a twin, the one YOU think got the looks, the personality, and THE guy, the one you have had a crush on for years, the one YOU introduced her to, and the one she is marrying.
Welcome to Minka’s world, or should we say the world she created for herself, alienating her parents and her sister. The wedding is moving forward, there will be two weeks of sun, fun and preparations at a beautiful hotel, not that Minka can appreciate it all. When Minka meets the Adonis that is the best man, the world fades as she looks in those inviting eyes, that he is flirting with her is beyond unbelievable. A few drinks, and a mind-blowing night of sex later, a deal is struck, two weeks of exclusive sex with Jason, then poof, the coach will turn into a pumpkin and it’s over, no strings, just a friendly goodbye. But do things ever go that easy? Why would this in demand bachelor want anything else? Why would he ever look twice at her?
Minka is in love, real love, but when she feels the misguided need for closure with her past, the damage she does will bring more pain and heartache than she ever imagined.
The Scale by Mika Jolie is the first in what promises to be a delightful, spicy, yet sweet and romantic series, Martha’s Way. Ms. Jolie has blended the heat and passion of romance with the mental anguish of a young woman who hasn’t learned to love herself as a person and therefore is not able to recognize and accept that someone sees below her exterior and into her heart of hearts. Minka is definitely troubled and Ms. Jolie has portrayed her character perfectly. Jason also becomes completely “human” once he drops his studly façade. A beautiful tale of love, need and learning to trust the real you with another. I read to enjoy the magic of the written word and Mika Jolie is another author to add to your must read list!
I received this copy from Mika Jolie in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Martha's Way Series - Book 1
Publication Date: July 21, 2014
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 301 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 20, 2021
5 plus stars ⭐️
Wow this one is an emotional roller coaster. It touches a cord in all of us unhappy with our body image. It is such a lovely story, well written, and a tear jerker towards the end. But love conquers all.
Wow this one is an emotional roller coaster. It touches a cord in all of us unhappy with our body image. It is such a lovely story, well written, and a tear jerker towards the end. But love conquers all.
July 24, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: July 20, 2014
WOW!! Amazing! I loved this book! Minka is vacationing for two weeks on Martha's Vineyard for her fraternal twin sister, Keely's wedding. She is carrying a torch for Blake, her sister's fiance and feeling very sorry for herself while doing her best to pretend to be happy for the couple. Blake is part of a foursome of hot, rich guys. Enter Blake's best friend Jason. Right away there is a spark between Minka and Jason but her poor self image is holding her back, not to mention the heartache at losing Blake to her thinner, prettier, more likeable twin.
This story is about an amazing journey of self acceptance and courage. Minka is a woman filled with self doubt and definitely someone many women can relate to. I could not help but root for her when her feelings for Jason were starting to deepen yet she still lacked the confidence to put herself out there and go all in on the relationship. When she took the first tentative steps toward mending her relationship with her sister, I could almost feel how hard it was for her. Her transformation throughout the story gave the reader hope that she would be just fine whether she ended up with Jason or not.
Jason is HOT! Strong, sexy and self assured with just a touch of arrogance while at the same time he's not afraid to show his vulnerability. He has family issues of his own to deal with and when he shows Minka the pictures and tells the story about his mom, I just wanted to shake her for not instantly forgetting Blake in that moment and declaring her undying love for Jason.
This is an excellent book! I don't want to spoil any of the story but I have to say, when the "kiss" happened (if you read the story, you'll know what I mean as soon as you get to it) I found myself exasperated with Minka and had to put the book down for a minute. I was so immersed in the story that I had to remind myself that it was a work of fiction.
Lastly, I hope there is a book about Lily and Adam coming. I can't wait to see how that plays out.
Content: M/F, Oral Sex
Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy
Reviewer: Marchelle
Date: July 20, 2014
WOW!! Amazing! I loved this book! Minka is vacationing for two weeks on Martha's Vineyard for her fraternal twin sister, Keely's wedding. She is carrying a torch for Blake, her sister's fiance and feeling very sorry for herself while doing her best to pretend to be happy for the couple. Blake is part of a foursome of hot, rich guys. Enter Blake's best friend Jason. Right away there is a spark between Minka and Jason but her poor self image is holding her back, not to mention the heartache at losing Blake to her thinner, prettier, more likeable twin.
This story is about an amazing journey of self acceptance and courage. Minka is a woman filled with self doubt and definitely someone many women can relate to. I could not help but root for her when her feelings for Jason were starting to deepen yet she still lacked the confidence to put herself out there and go all in on the relationship. When she took the first tentative steps toward mending her relationship with her sister, I could almost feel how hard it was for her. Her transformation throughout the story gave the reader hope that she would be just fine whether she ended up with Jason or not.
Jason is HOT! Strong, sexy and self assured with just a touch of arrogance while at the same time he's not afraid to show his vulnerability. He has family issues of his own to deal with and when he shows Minka the pictures and tells the story about his mom, I just wanted to shake her for not instantly forgetting Blake in that moment and declaring her undying love for Jason.
This is an excellent book! I don't want to spoil any of the story but I have to say, when the "kiss" happened (if you read the story, you'll know what I mean as soon as you get to it) I found myself exasperated with Minka and had to put the book down for a minute. I was so immersed in the story that I had to remind myself that it was a work of fiction.
Lastly, I hope there is a book about Lily and Adam coming. I can't wait to see how that plays out.
December 5, 2015
I'm giving this book 3 stars because it was very well written and the story was quite good. That being said, Minka was awful. Insecurity, I understand. Longing for someone that you know you can never have, I also understand. But she was beyond selfish. She hates her sister because she has the man she wanted even though her sister never did anything but love and encourage her. Her jealousy was disgusting. Also I hated how this story made it seem like good sex translates into love. I also hated the message that someone can swoop into your life and fix all of your issues and insecurities. Minka needed help but it didn't need to come from Jason. She needed to learn to accept herself as she was and whatever she didn't like, she needed to get up and change it. There is nothing worse than a person who is full of self loathing who looks to others to make them feel worthy.
When the passion fizzles out of this relationship (which it will because two weeks of sex does not a life long love make) will Minka revert back to her old ways? Will she still accept Jason when their chemistry starts to die down and he no longer makes her heart flutter? When she discovers that her self esteem must always come from herself and not from a man desiring her? I know the author threw a chapter in at the end that made it seem like Minka addressed these issues but did she really change or was she just doing the things she felt she needed to present herself to Jason again? Can one really learn to love oneself and fix years worth of issues in a few months time? I don't know. Maybe I would have been more into this "love" if it spanned more than two weeks' time and if Minka's change was precipitated by something other than losing this "love".
When the passion fizzles out of this relationship (which it will because two weeks of sex does not a life long love make) will Minka revert back to her old ways? Will she still accept Jason when their chemistry starts to die down and he no longer makes her heart flutter? When she discovers that her self esteem must always come from herself and not from a man desiring her? I know the author threw a chapter in at the end that made it seem like Minka addressed these issues but did she really change or was she just doing the things she felt she needed to present herself to Jason again? Can one really learn to love oneself and fix years worth of issues in a few months time? I don't know. Maybe I would have been more into this "love" if it spanned more than two weeks' time and if Minka's change was precipitated by something other than losing this "love".
February 13, 2017
The Scale has many themes and sub - themes. Ms. Jolie tackles interracial love, loss, self - doubt, relationships and family dynamics all in one tight little buddle. Somehow, she made it work and all of the interwoven storylines morphed into a beautiful story that is identifiable and emotionally stunning. The most powerful subject matter tackled was that of self - image. The flawed and the flawless. That's how Minka saw herself and her twin sister. Her inferiority complex colors her relationship with herself and the outside world, nearly destroying her relationship with her sister in the process. Important messages abound in this story of love and self worth but the most important one in my eyes in order to get love you have to give love and the ability to love and accept yourself flaws and all is a deciding factor in how the world sees you.
July 12, 2015
Minka Greene has always been the "Ugly" twin. Her sister Keely, is tall, beautiful and the one everyone loves. And to make matters worse, Keely ends up engaged to her best friend from college, Blake.
Finding herself on Martha's Vineyard with the happy couple as they prepare for their upcoming wedding is proving to be too much. Minka needs to say goodbye to the love she has for Blake and try to salvage her relationship with her sister. Neither of them know of her infatuation...and she needs to get over it quick. Minka's best friend Lily, suggests a fling while she's on the island. Minka doesn't have the self confidence, from living in her sister's shadow, to even think about it until she meet Jason Montgomery.
Jason is one of Blake's best friends and seems to have a thing for Minka. After a night of drinking and dancing Minka ends up in Jason's bed. It was only meant to be a one night stand, but soon the two are finding feelings that neither of them even expected.
This was a great book on family, friendship and learning to love yourself,the way you are, flaws and all. Characters are well written and loveable. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Finding herself on Martha's Vineyard with the happy couple as they prepare for their upcoming wedding is proving to be too much. Minka needs to say goodbye to the love she has for Blake and try to salvage her relationship with her sister. Neither of them know of her infatuation...and she needs to get over it quick. Minka's best friend Lily, suggests a fling while she's on the island. Minka doesn't have the self confidence, from living in her sister's shadow, to even think about it until she meet Jason Montgomery.
Jason is one of Blake's best friends and seems to have a thing for Minka. After a night of drinking and dancing Minka ends up in Jason's bed. It was only meant to be a one night stand, but soon the two are finding feelings that neither of them even expected.
This was a great book on family, friendship and learning to love yourself,the way you are, flaws and all. Characters are well written and loveable. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
October 4, 2018
Beautiful
What a beautiful story of two flawed human beings. I loved the scale quotes at the beginning of each chapter; some were very profound.
Minka so reminds me of myself. I was ready to hate the beautiful twin and her parents on her behalf because I felt we were kindred spirits, but her sister really did love her and never felt she was more beautiful than Minka. Unfortunately, Minka suffers from low self-esteem and unrequited misplaced love but Jason sees her for what she really is....a beautiful soul. They help heal each other but not without some soul searching from Minka.
Nothing will ever replace my love for TRUE romance stories and this book ranks up there with the best of them. A definite must read and will read again and again!
What a beautiful story of two flawed human beings. I loved the scale quotes at the beginning of each chapter; some were very profound.
Minka so reminds me of myself. I was ready to hate the beautiful twin and her parents on her behalf because I felt we were kindred spirits, but her sister really did love her and never felt she was more beautiful than Minka. Unfortunately, Minka suffers from low self-esteem and unrequited misplaced love but Jason sees her for what she really is....a beautiful soul. They help heal each other but not without some soul searching from Minka.
Nothing will ever replace my love for TRUE romance stories and this book ranks up there with the best of them. A definite must read and will read again and again!
February 17, 2021
This book was very hard to read. As someone who has struggled with my body image my entire life, and still do, reading from Minka's pov was exhausting. This book focuses on 3 things: 1. Minka's issues with her body 2. Her hurt feelings over Blake not loving her 3. How she's not Jason's "usual type." Combine that with an out-of-character ending and the MCs making serious decisions when they can't even communicate, I couldn't enjoy this story.
December 11, 2019
This was a sweet story. Minka is the kind of character you feel protective of - although I might have also wanted to shake her at times. Jason was the right amount of manwh#re and the supporting characters rounded it out nicely.
Want to read
December 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/8/2019)! 🎁
September 25, 2020
4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 13 – Sep 19 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 13 – Sep 19 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
July 27, 2014
This is one of the of the best romances I've read in a LONG TIME. I loved it! It's brilliant and even writing a review will not give it justice, but I'll try. Just get it because it's that good, positive and uplifting with a good ending. It’s also funny at times.
About the story
Most women (or me) can all relate to Minka, the main female character,who like most of us , defines herself by her flaws/issues - a few pounds overweight, insecurity about her body, confidence issues (which thanks goodness doesn't stop her from jumping into bed with Jason) and loves her glass of wine with a nice dessert, and likes to feel sorry for herself at times. And she is supposedly in love with an old college crush - the one she thinks that got away (you’ll need to read the book for more details). So we can all relate to her in one way or another, including her stubbornness in clinging to those issues and using them as an excuse not to get on with her life or even make the way for true love.
The story starts when she goes for her 'perfect twin' sister's wedding where she meets the best man - the awesome Jason -, who can't get enough of her (I can't get enough of him either, the dude is so yummy!). Geez, this book is so hot that at times I had to fan myself to cool down. It's also very hard to put down! The writing is so seductive!
Alpha male Jason is hotness defined and he's really into Minka. He's ticked all the right boxes - handsome, great body, sexy, hardworking both physically and mentally. He's also respectful to women in a bad boy way. He has plenty of brains with brawn/muscles. He is the perfect – in that yummy hot bad boy way.
They do get it together, which is pretty explosive, but the road to true love is never easy. Minka like the rest of us likes to have her cake and eat.
Without giving much away, the question is will Minka cling on to her issues and flaws and let them continue to define her or will she will give Jason a chance? It sounds simple, but Minka is a stubborn and strong willed woman and so may need to learn some life lessons before that happens.
Overall Mika Jolie does a great job is telling this story and it’s well worth reading.
About the story
Most women (or me) can all relate to Minka, the main female character,who like most of us , defines herself by her flaws/issues - a few pounds overweight, insecurity about her body, confidence issues (which thanks goodness doesn't stop her from jumping into bed with Jason) and loves her glass of wine with a nice dessert, and likes to feel sorry for herself at times. And she is supposedly in love with an old college crush - the one she thinks that got away (you’ll need to read the book for more details). So we can all relate to her in one way or another, including her stubbornness in clinging to those issues and using them as an excuse not to get on with her life or even make the way for true love.
The story starts when she goes for her 'perfect twin' sister's wedding where she meets the best man - the awesome Jason -, who can't get enough of her (I can't get enough of him either, the dude is so yummy!). Geez, this book is so hot that at times I had to fan myself to cool down. It's also very hard to put down! The writing is so seductive!
Alpha male Jason is hotness defined and he's really into Minka. He's ticked all the right boxes - handsome, great body, sexy, hardworking both physically and mentally. He's also respectful to women in a bad boy way. He has plenty of brains with brawn/muscles. He is the perfect – in that yummy hot bad boy way.
They do get it together, which is pretty explosive, but the road to true love is never easy. Minka like the rest of us likes to have her cake and eat.
Without giving much away, the question is will Minka cling on to her issues and flaws and let them continue to define her or will she will give Jason a chance? It sounds simple, but Minka is a stubborn and strong willed woman and so may need to learn some life lessons before that happens.
Overall Mika Jolie does a great job is telling this story and it’s well worth reading.
June 29, 2015
THE SCALE is good women's fiction with a touch more steaminess. Although the intense and immediate attraction between Minka and Jason is passionate neither expects their attraction to lead more than a simple physical affair. Minka and Jason are both somewhat self destructive. Neither is willing to be vulnerable which causes each to make decisions that lead to frustrations, misunderstandings, and hardships that could have been avoided.
Minka is dealing with the unfortunate realization that her best friend and the man she loves is really going to marry her beautiful twin sister. Fraternal twins and very different in both appearance and personality Minka allows her insecurities to rule most of her relationships. Mika isn't close to her twin, she isn't able to forge a long term relationship with a man outside of Blake who only sees her as a close friend, but she also keeps herself at a distance with her parents. Many of Minka's issues are self imposed and she feeds her insecurities with a passion that if she turned around could make her a much more likable and happier person.
Jason has his own issues and lives his life never committing to any one woman. Long term relationships with emotional commitment are not on Jason's agenda and he makes no excuses for the way that he lives his life. Meeting Minka, who isn't his usual type of woman, Jason quickly finds himself bending his own rules.
THE SCALE is more than just a sexy read. Jolie offers realistically flawed characters along with plenty drama and depth to the story. Although the Martha's Way Series follow characters who are all connected they can each be read as standalone stories. I actually read THE SCALE after having read book 2 NEED YOU KNOW. I'm looking forward to reading much more from Mika Jolie in the future.
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Minka is dealing with the unfortunate realization that her best friend and the man she loves is really going to marry her beautiful twin sister. Fraternal twins and very different in both appearance and personality Minka allows her insecurities to rule most of her relationships. Mika isn't close to her twin, she isn't able to forge a long term relationship with a man outside of Blake who only sees her as a close friend, but she also keeps herself at a distance with her parents. Many of Minka's issues are self imposed and she feeds her insecurities with a passion that if she turned around could make her a much more likable and happier person.
Jason has his own issues and lives his life never committing to any one woman. Long term relationships with emotional commitment are not on Jason's agenda and he makes no excuses for the way that he lives his life. Meeting Minka, who isn't his usual type of woman, Jason quickly finds himself bending his own rules.
THE SCALE is more than just a sexy read. Jolie offers realistically flawed characters along with plenty drama and depth to the story. Although the Martha's Way Series follow characters who are all connected they can each be read as standalone stories. I actually read THE SCALE after having read book 2 NEED YOU KNOW. I'm looking forward to reading much more from Mika Jolie in the future.
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
January 26, 2020
Love yourself before you can let love in!
I don’t really write reviews but I felt strongly that the reviews that I saw were sorely mistaken. Before choosing this book I read a lot of the reviews and they were not favorable. In fact if I were to listen to them then I would have missed out on reading a book about how important it is to love yourself before you can love others.
I’m guessing that maybe the other reviewers have never struggled with self love or maybe even their weight. As a person who has struggled with both and can relate to the heroine in many ways, let me just say that this book made me take a deep look at myself. It’s hard to listen and believe someone say that you are beautiful if you don’t believe it yourself. It’s even worse if you feel as though your family can’t possibly love/like you either if you don’t love/like yourself.
I hope that if you read this review you give this book a chance and not believe the other reviews. It was beautifully written and had a deep message, I just wished that the author maybe has a part two to continue their story. Thank you Mika Jolie for writing this story.
I don’t really write reviews but I felt strongly that the reviews that I saw were sorely mistaken. Before choosing this book I read a lot of the reviews and they were not favorable. In fact if I were to listen to them then I would have missed out on reading a book about how important it is to love yourself before you can love others.
I’m guessing that maybe the other reviewers have never struggled with self love or maybe even their weight. As a person who has struggled with both and can relate to the heroine in many ways, let me just say that this book made me take a deep look at myself. It’s hard to listen and believe someone say that you are beautiful if you don’t believe it yourself. It’s even worse if you feel as though your family can’t possibly love/like you either if you don’t love/like yourself.
I hope that if you read this review you give this book a chance and not believe the other reviews. It was beautifully written and had a deep message, I just wished that the author maybe has a part two to continue their story. Thank you Mika Jolie for writing this story.
June 28, 2015
APB Perspective Review:
When I started reading this book I almost put it down , Minka Greene was so self absorbed I did not like her and I was not sure I wanted to know her , but as I kept reading I understood her better and I started to root for her. Jason was what she needed and the way he showed his love for her was the ultimate sacrifice for love ,and made me appreciated this book even more. When I read the last page of this book I was satisfied , I felt I had a complete understanding of Minka and Jason , I was also left with the feeling of wanting to know the stories of the other characters in the book . I want Keely's and Blake's story, Forrest and Clair and Adam and LilyI can not wait for the author to publish their stories. A book about a woman too self absorbed to consider other peoples feelings, not because she's selfish but has low self esteem : she could not accept the love of her twin sister, the love of her parents, or the love of Jason because , she did not think she was good enough
. The author did this story well.
When I started reading this book I almost put it down , Minka Greene was so self absorbed I did not like her and I was not sure I wanted to know her , but as I kept reading I understood her better and I started to root for her. Jason was what she needed and the way he showed his love for her was the ultimate sacrifice for love ,and made me appreciated this book even more. When I read the last page of this book I was satisfied , I felt I had a complete understanding of Minka and Jason , I was also left with the feeling of wanting to know the stories of the other characters in the book . I want Keely's and Blake's story, Forrest and Clair and Adam and LilyI can not wait for the author to publish their stories. A book about a woman too self absorbed to consider other peoples feelings, not because she's selfish but has low self esteem : she could not accept the love of her twin sister, the love of her parents, or the love of Jason because , she did not think she was good enough
. The author did this story well.
August 22, 2014
This was an amazing book, it taught the reader about self acceptance and love. As a person who struggles with my own self love and acceptance it opened my eyes to how I sound to my friends, because Minka was saying things I have repeated. Love we all want it but we first have to love our selfs first before another person can truly love us. I loved Jason and Minka's journey, he's a flawed man himself still dealing with his mothers suicide and fathers indiscretions. This book was also about forgiveness and letting go of the past, you see that with Jason. The book was worth the money. The author did a great job of reaching her readers, she spoke the truth about loving ones self and accepting yourself. The time line was on point, you could tell she either lives in Martha's Vineyard or she did her research about the town.
Happy Reading!!!!!
Happy Reading!!!!!
August 1, 2014
Awesome Read About Love and Finding Balance.
Awesome Read About Love and Finding Balance.
This is my first time reading a book by Mika Jolie. This story was well written with great depth and complexity in the characters. I found myself identifying with and being deeply moved by Minka's character. I love how she was able to learn to trust herself enough to love herself! I think in life things happen to us all that causes us to get off balance. In the case of Jason and Minka, LOVE intervened and created space for both of them to heal and gain balance in their lives. I look forward to reading many more of Ms. Jolie's books. After reading this awesome story she has gain a new fan!! Job Well Done!
Awesome Read About Love and Finding Balance.
This is my first time reading a book by Mika Jolie. This story was well written with great depth and complexity in the characters. I found myself identifying with and being deeply moved by Minka's character. I love how she was able to learn to trust herself enough to love herself! I think in life things happen to us all that causes us to get off balance. In the case of Jason and Minka, LOVE intervened and created space for both of them to heal and gain balance in their lives. I look forward to reading many more of Ms. Jolie's books. After reading this awesome story she has gain a new fan!! Job Well Done!
February 14, 2016
Reviewer: Sue
I give this book 5 stars! It is a great sexy romance with a happy ending! The main character, Minka, is a twin with a negative self-image and is infatuated with her sister's fiancé. Her love interest is a tattooed, rich playboy with his own issues who loses his heart to Minka in two weeks' time. There are enough hot sexy encounters, angst, and laughter to keep you turning the pages plus a wonderful happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance story.
Disclosure: This e-book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
I give this book 5 stars! It is a great sexy romance with a happy ending! The main character, Minka, is a twin with a negative self-image and is infatuated with her sister's fiancé. Her love interest is a tattooed, rich playboy with his own issues who loses his heart to Minka in two weeks' time. There are enough hot sexy encounters, angst, and laughter to keep you turning the pages plus a wonderful happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance story.
Disclosure: This e-book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
February 18, 2015
Minka. What can I say, I liked her. This was a really good read and I enjoyed the detail visual of Martha's vineyard. Jay made me swoon, I loved him. My one complaint with this story would probably be the fact that Minka rarely talked. A lot of times throughout. the book she "looked" or "just touched his face" or couldn't/wouldn't get her words out so she would end up looking down at her feet....that kinds got on my nerves after so many times. But overall I would read again and recommend for sure.
November 22, 2014
When a woman has to attend the wedding of her twin sister and the man she's secretly been in love with for years, she's forced to deal with her feelings about him and her own insecurities. While there she also meets the very sexy bestfriend of her brother in law to be. This is a sweet love story about an insecure woman forced to see who she really is and how she finds love in the process.
February 24, 2017
Nice surprise
I stumbled across this book while scanning Amazon one day. Since I'd never heard of the author, I only got a sample through Kindle Unlimited. By the time I got to the end of the sample, I knew I was going to buy it...lol. I'm not disappointed. Look forward to reading the others from the series.
I stumbled across this book while scanning Amazon one day. Since I'd never heard of the author, I only got a sample through Kindle Unlimited. By the time I got to the end of the sample, I knew I was going to buy it...lol. I'm not disappointed. Look forward to reading the others from the series.
March 10, 2015
I enjoyed the Scale. Jason saw Minka and not who she saw in the mirror or on the scale. He loved her for her. Looking forward to reading Adam and Lily's story.
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