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Red Maple Falls #10
Jaded Until Jax
Return to Red Maple Falls for this newest installment to the steamy small-town series where a wounded Marine and a grieving single mother help each other find light in the darkness.
Being a Marine is all Jax Marshall knows, but a tragic event has him honorably discharged from the service and back in the last place he wanted to be--his hometown. Struggling to come to terms with his injury while dealing with PTSD, his life is further rocked when his younger siblings are less than welcoming. Encouragement from his eldest sister provides him with the push he needs to give therapy one more shot. Not once expecting that decision to change his life.
Kristen Morgan never imagined she would be a single working mom, but a house fire left her widowed and grappling to rebuild life for her and her two boys. In the midst of a panic attack while waiting for her son to finish his therapy session,she strikes up a conversation with a handsome, brooding ex-Marine who turns out to be a complete jerk.
As their encounters become more civil and the attraction too hard to ignore, these two broken hearts begin to find comfort in each other. But when one of them ends up in danger, they have to decide if being together is worth the fight.
Being a Marine is all Jax Marshall knows, but a tragic event has him honorably discharged from the service and back in the last place he wanted to be--his hometown. Struggling to come to terms with his injury while dealing with PTSD, his life is further rocked when his younger siblings are less than welcoming. Encouragement from his eldest sister provides him with the push he needs to give therapy one more shot. Not once expecting that decision to change his life.
Kristen Morgan never imagined she would be a single working mom, but a house fire left her widowed and grappling to rebuild life for her and her two boys. In the midst of a panic attack while waiting for her son to finish his therapy session,she strikes up a conversation with a handsome, brooding ex-Marine who turns out to be a complete jerk.
As their encounters become more civil and the attraction too hard to ignore, these two broken hearts begin to find comfort in each other. But when one of them ends up in danger, they have to decide if being together is worth the fight.
Unknown Binding
About the author
Theresa Paolo
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Short bio:
Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.
Long bio:
Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.
She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.
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If you subscribe to Bookbub make sure to give me a follow: http://bit.ly/2voBXyF
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sDLm4v
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2uhOCa5
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2taVwy8
B&N: http://bit.ly/2u6lUcr
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2rmPYfl
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2pGF0E6
iBooks: http://apple.co/2qNthUA
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a FREE book: http://eepurl.com/_PwjL
Short bio:
Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.
Long bio:
Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.
She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.
For updates on upcoming releases and sales, sign up to receive Theresa's newsletter: http://www.theresapaolo.com/p/sign-up-fo...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaPaoloAut...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheresaMarieP
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theresamariep/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/71...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresamariep/
Blog: http://www.theresapaolo.com/
If you subscribe to Bookbub make sure to give me a follow: http://bit.ly/2voBXyF
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 9, 2020
Didn’t Fully Work for Me
I have read other books in the series, and in general, I enjoy this author’s books. However, I had a harder time getting into this story. I'm trying to figure out why precisely. I knew this would be a story of a wounded hero, which is normally a trope that I enjoy in both contemporary and historical romance. I really liked the heroine. The author made her constant quelling of panic attacks and nervous babbling so understandable and real, which was fantastic. The woman couldn't be more sympathetic, losing her husband, her home, and her hopes for the future when a fire consumed their house. Fifteen months later, she still sees danger everywhere—unseen danger she fears will take her from their two sons like their father was. Jax is a bit more of a prickly pear. I felt like I could understand him when he was with his family—which was more contentious than it should have been as his younger siblings didn’t appreciate what he did for them—but when he was with the heroine, especially at first, I just didn't like the way he treated her. Of course, that is worked out over the course of the book. But the first meeting just left a bad taste in my mouth. I also didn't appreciate all the profanity. I don't remember that being so much of an issue in the book about Mason, the last of the series that I read, but my memory could be faulty. I'm just not a fan of even low-level swearing in books at all. So I found it jarring when a swear word popped up; it took me right out of the romance or emotion. So, while I appreciated the heroine and her struggles—and even Jax’s struggles with PTSD and survivor’s guilt—I never really warmed to Jax, and for me, that is essential for me to enjoy a romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I have read other books in the series, and in general, I enjoy this author’s books. However, I had a harder time getting into this story. I'm trying to figure out why precisely. I knew this would be a story of a wounded hero, which is normally a trope that I enjoy in both contemporary and historical romance. I really liked the heroine. The author made her constant quelling of panic attacks and nervous babbling so understandable and real, which was fantastic. The woman couldn't be more sympathetic, losing her husband, her home, and her hopes for the future when a fire consumed their house. Fifteen months later, she still sees danger everywhere—unseen danger she fears will take her from their two sons like their father was. Jax is a bit more of a prickly pear. I felt like I could understand him when he was with his family—which was more contentious than it should have been as his younger siblings didn’t appreciate what he did for them—but when he was with the heroine, especially at first, I just didn't like the way he treated her. Of course, that is worked out over the course of the book. But the first meeting just left a bad taste in my mouth. I also didn't appreciate all the profanity. I don't remember that being so much of an issue in the book about Mason, the last of the series that I read, but my memory could be faulty. I'm just not a fan of even low-level swearing in books at all. So I found it jarring when a swear word popped up; it took me right out of the romance or emotion. So, while I appreciated the heroine and her struggles—and even Jax’s struggles with PTSD and survivor’s guilt—I never really warmed to Jax, and for me, that is essential for me to enjoy a romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 17, 2020
Grammar
Liked the story; hated the lack of grammar and punctuation.
Whatever amount was paid for editing needs to be refunded.
Liked the story; hated the lack of grammar and punctuation.
Whatever amount was paid for editing needs to be refunded.
November 21, 2019
A wonderful romance story that brings together two people who’ve gone through a lot. Heartwarming to the end.
November 19, 2019
Jaded Until Jax is a Red Maple Falls romance by Theresa Paolo. Jax Marshall has returned home from the service, albeit not by choice. His leg took a serious hit from an IUD that killed his best friend, and the Marines are no longer an option for him, partially because of his PTSD. His sister, Layla, is pretty happy to have him home, but his younger siblings, Chase and Brooke are less than thrilled. When he was off fighting a war and sending home money, they were missing their brother. With their parents being gone, Jax and Layla were all they had had and Jax had ditched them. Kristen Morgan is a young widow with two little boys. Her husband had been killed in a house fire fifteen months earlier and she was coping by staying busy. Far too busy; she was exhausted. Her elder son suffered from abandonment and grief issues, hence her being in the waiting room of the therapist at the same time Jax was there. He was inexplicably rude to her; she was simply trying to make small talk.
Both of these folks were damaged. Meeting one another was not going to cure the damage, but it could make life easier for everyone. Jax is a strong, if misguided character and Kristen is simply shattered. It shows in every move she makes. Her children are children, and often too much for her to manage. She is seriously deep in survivor's guilt. Both are pretty well-written characters, evoking sympathy from the reader. It is a relatively simple plot, with some interesting side trips but it is Red Maple Falls and to a fan, that is all that need be said. I urge all romance lovers to become fans of Red Maple Falls. This was a good book. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Jaded Until Jax from the author. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
Both of these folks were damaged. Meeting one another was not going to cure the damage, but it could make life easier for everyone. Jax is a strong, if misguided character and Kristen is simply shattered. It shows in every move she makes. Her children are children, and often too much for her to manage. She is seriously deep in survivor's guilt. Both are pretty well-written characters, evoking sympathy from the reader. It is a relatively simple plot, with some interesting side trips but it is Red Maple Falls and to a fan, that is all that need be said. I urge all romance lovers to become fans of Red Maple Falls. This was a good book. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of Jaded Until Jax from the author. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
November 20, 2019
Once I started reading Jaded Until Jax, I could not put it down. I absolutely loved the two main characters – Jax and Kristen. This is another in many Red Maple Falls novels written by Theresa Paolo. I love how once you have read one book, the characters reappear in future stories; however, this book can be read as a standalone novel.
The dialogue between Kristen and Jax was fun from the very start, as Kristen tends to babble when she is having a panic attack. The characters sure started out on a rocky road, and it was enjoyable seeing them learn to understand each other and value their friendship. The chemistry between the two is steamy.
I found myself looking for opportunities to read whenever I could in order to find out what happens next in the story. That’s a sign of a good book for me. I breezed through the book in three days. I absolutely love the town of Red Maple Falls and the families who live and love there. Got to read them all!
The dialogue between Kristen and Jax was fun from the very start, as Kristen tends to babble when she is having a panic attack. The characters sure started out on a rocky road, and it was enjoyable seeing them learn to understand each other and value their friendship. The chemistry between the two is steamy.
I found myself looking for opportunities to read whenever I could in order to find out what happens next in the story. That’s a sign of a good book for me. I breezed through the book in three days. I absolutely love the town of Red Maple Falls and the families who live and love there. Got to read them all!
November 18, 2019
Jaded Until Jax is an emotional story of two people, each battling demons from their pasts. Jax is back from years in the service, haunted by flash-backs, survivor’s guilt, trying to fit back into a family he broke away from when he left to join the service. Despite the fact that he joined the military to provide for them financially, he still left and his brother and sisters felt abandoned. Kristen lost her husband in a house fire, and struggles with her own demons of survivor’s guilt and panic attacks as she struggles to move forward and raise her two young sons. Together they find understanding, hope, healing, and a reason to move on. This is a story filled with captivating characters, a delightful return to Red Maple Falls, emotion, family, friends, chemistry, and love. Heartwarming and compelling, well worth a read!
May 27, 2020
After hearing about Jax and never meeting him throughout the other Maple Falls books, it was nice to meet Jax. The story deals with difficult circumstances as he and Kristen are dealing with personal trauma - Jax's time in the Marines and the loss of Kristen's husband in a house fire. As they relate to each other over their grief, feelings form, but are either ready for a fresh start and happy ever after? I appreciate the thought that went into both characters and their behaviors and coping mechanisms. The ultimate HEA was probably easier than we would see in real life, but that's why we read, right?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
Jax has been discharged from the marines after his leg is injured from an IUD. He also suffers from PTSD. Kristen is a widow with two young boys to raise on her own after her husband was killed in a house fire. While waiting for her son to finish a therapy session, she starts to have a panic attack and starts a conversation with Jax in the waiting room. He’s kind of a jerk to her but as they meet again and again they start to become friends. They also start to feel an attraction for each other. I enjoyed following their journey to finding happiness. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2019
Jaded Until Jax is the next story is Theresa Paola's Red Maple Falls series. Jax Marshall comes home from the Marines after being away from his family for twelve years. He has both injuries to his leg and PTSD. Kristen and her two sons lost her husband, the boys father in a house fire. She is terrified something will happen to her sons and has severe anxiety and panic attacks. Kristen and Jax try to support each other through the trauma of their anxieties while Jax tries to deal with trying to reconnect with his siblings. This is a beautifully written story .
March 18, 2025
Loved it
Our military boys are tuff
as he'll but what they go through and see during there time there is devastating. The mind just won't let you forget after your home but if you can find that one person that's willing to go through it with you then hold onto them. Love of family and keep taking one day at a time will hopefully get you there. This was a heartbreaking story and tells the troubles of a broken man who returns from the service. Country boy at heart. now he just has to over come the mind play of his time in the service that he was in several war situations.
Our military boys are tuff
as he'll but what they go through and see during there time there is devastating. The mind just won't let you forget after your home but if you can find that one person that's willing to go through it with you then hold onto them. Love of family and keep taking one day at a time will hopefully get you there. This was a heartbreaking story and tells the troubles of a broken man who returns from the service. Country boy at heart. now he just has to over come the mind play of his time in the service that he was in several war situations.
November 25, 2019
What an emotional read...both Jax and Kristen have been through some extremely tough times and are dealing differently. Jax suffers from PTSD and has come home to recover, however not everyone is happy to see him. Kristen is a young widow, exhausted by the daily grind of life. A chance meeting at a therapist office begins them on a journey of discovery. This was a very emotional story written beautifully by Paolo
May 20, 2020
This is another great book in The Maple Falls Series. This is Jax and Kristens story with its twists and turns along with loss, pain, grief, love and emotional situations. I have read many books in this series but I I think this one could be my favourite. Theresa Paolo is a brilliant author and writer and I recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
May 27, 2020
A book in two series A Red Maple Falls Novel, #10/Marshall Family, #4, a well written story that held my interest until the end. Ex- Marine Jax Marshall and widow Kristen Morgan and her sons Noah and Travis. These two will have a lot from their pasts to get over so they can get a happy ending. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
Loved this sweet romance with Jax who at eighteen joined the Marines in order to support his siblings and stayed away for twelve years before having to retire due to a injury. Kristen lost her husband in a fire and is now struggling to raise her two sons when she meets Jax in the counselors office when her son goes. This is a well written story with a lovely plot and loved all the characters added to the story.
June 2, 2020
Jax is a wounded Marine who returns to his hometown, Red Maple Falls, to be with his brother and sisters. Because he has PTSD he doesn't believe he will fall in love. But he does- with another wounded person, Kristen, who has lost her husband in a fire, and has panic attacks.
I love this series and Red Maple Falls' elderly women who pinch handsome young men and flatter them outrageously. It is a hoot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this series and Red Maple Falls' elderly women who pinch handsome young men and flatter them outrageously. It is a hoot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2019
This was yet another beautiful story in the Red Maple Falls series. A heartwarming read that made me both laugh and cry, a tale of family, loss and grief, but also the ability for love to overcome the challenges that life puts in your path.
I highly recommend this book and this series for wonderful small town romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I highly recommend this book and this series for wonderful small town romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 2, 2020
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Theresa Paolo; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2020
Theresa Paolo is a new author yo me. I fell in love with her storyline and her characters immediately. Jax came home a broken Mareine. He just wanted to live quietly. Kristen had two young sons to care for. She wasn't looking for a man. But when these two meet its fireworks. no matter what they do to deny it. Love the sweetness and the not so sweet.
April 19, 2025
Tragic events encompassing both of our main focus.
These two people who experience tragic life events try to rise above the darkness and sorrows. You can feel their hurting, the struggles as they work out the strong attraction they both feel. This is a strong story and leaves you hoping they can survive and find love.
These two people who experience tragic life events try to rise above the darkness and sorrows. You can feel their hurting, the struggles as they work out the strong attraction they both feel. This is a strong story and leaves you hoping they can survive and find love.
May 25, 2020
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable heartwarming romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2020
This is a book in a multi book series though you can read it alone. Jax comes back from the Marines full of shrapnel and guilt at the loss of his best friend. He comes back to a single mother of two boys that lost their father in a terrible fire. These two wounded souls will heal each other.
May 28, 2020
Jax and Kristen are wounded and dealing with the consequences of it. It was a touching story, with good characters, a cute town.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2020
Overall a great book I enjoyed reading. I had a great time getting to know the well developed characters with plenty chemistry between them. The easy flow of the storyline kept me interested to the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2020
I loved everything about it - the characters, the plot, the emotion, the writing!
The author had a unique way of telling the story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author had a unique way of telling the story that had me wanting this book to go on and on.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
Not well written,sentences tend to ramble on and on with content seeming jumbled and thoughts running together. Repetitious themes/backstories. Main character Kristen a basket case, foolish and unappealing. Not enjoyable for me at all
March 12, 2025
It was cute. Nice to see both of the couple of problems with mental health etc. There were some spelling errors. It felt a little jumpy at times, but over all pretty good.
March 13, 2025
Good read
Read
March 22, 2025Emotional, heart-warming and enjoyable!
April 13, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ I really liked this book!!
May 9, 2025
family
Very heart warming. Tears will fall unexpectedly. The characters are all so real and are in our daily lives. Thank you
Very heart warming. Tears will fall unexpectedly. The characters are all so real and are in our daily lives. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews