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WHY NOT GOODBYE?
FIRST STANDALONE IN THE WHY NOT SERIES Heartbroken and betrayed on a bathroom floor; eighteen-year-old, Kendall Brooks was found by her own personal hero... Jayson Stone swooped in with his strong arms and made her feel like more than just his best friend’s little sister. After crushing on Jayson for years Kendall was all too willing to fall into his arms, and his bed. The next morning, he was gone. He left her, without a goodbye and without her virginity. Not even a smack on the butt, or a good job. Four years later Kendall is living her best life. She seems to have it all; white picket fence, loving marriage, adorable three-year-old twins, future politician husband.... Kendall’s perfect world scatters like a tilted box of Legos when Jay shows up on her brother’s door step. With his mouthwatering abs and tantalizing eyes popping up around every corner, will Kendall be able to resist him? Or, will she risk everything for one more taste? After four years in the Army all Jayson wants to do is reconnect with the one woman that made life worth living. Only to realize he’d pushed her into the arms of a monster. The Golden Couple may have the rest of the town fooled but Kendall can’t hide her secrets from him. She’s always been Jayson’s girl in his eyes. No amount of time, a last name, or wedding ring can change that. Or so he thought... When secrets and betrayals come to light, will Jayson get passed his anger in time to save Kendall from her monster? Or, will the unspoken truths tear them apart forever? **Trigger warning** This book contains strong domestic violence and adult content. WHY NOT GOODBYE is not your average love story. It’s real and heart-wrenching. Not only does Kendall and Jayson have to face their betrayals and secrets; they also have to face scandal, black mail, and domestic violence. This story follows Kendall as she faces her own truths that she's avoided for years. Her feelings about abuse and what she has to do to protect herself and her children. This story contains struggles women face every day, while also following a story of lifelong love and second chances.
362 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2020
174 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Arika Maxwell
3 books49 followersArika Maxwell is new to the author community, with her debut novel WHY NOT GOODBYE? RELEASE DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
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"I love you to me is a story... Whether it be a tragedy, heart-warming, heart breaking, or HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
There is always a STORY; before I LOVE YOU!"
-Arika Maxwell
www.facebook.com/authorarikamaxwell
www.instagram.com/authorarikamaxwell
"I love you to me is a story... Whether it be a tragedy, heart-warming, heart breaking, or HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
There is always a STORY; before I LOVE YOU!"
-Arika Maxwell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 10, 2020
I can't possibly get into everything I loved about this story here. If I tried, you'd be reading for an hour at the very least! Romance, heartbreak, a touch on cheating and domestic violence, and oh, so much more. And did I mention some steamy sex?
The entwined storylines are intense, boiling hot, and even that so needed touch of humor. As for the characters: Oh, boy, do I want to see more of every one of them, even if it's just so I can see them get what they've got coming! And I can't wait for each one of the featured characters to have their own book!
Then there's the depth of this story and the main characters, not to mention the writing... Talk about a debut. Here, my friends is a new author you will definitely want to follow!
The entwined storylines are intense, boiling hot, and even that so needed touch of humor. As for the characters: Oh, boy, do I want to see more of every one of them, even if it's just so I can see them get what they've got coming! And I can't wait for each one of the featured characters to have their own book!
Then there's the depth of this story and the main characters, not to mention the writing... Talk about a debut. Here, my friends is a new author you will definitely want to follow!
October 22, 2020
Meh..
I can't find one good thing about this. Not the plot, not the characters ..
I can't find one good thing about this. Not the plot, not the characters ..
May 13, 2020
The subject of spousal abuse makes this book a hard read. Such a young couple with young children makes it even that much more so. The author got her message out there and well-done in this regard.
But that's where this story just kind of dried up and blew away. There was so much potential for fully developed characters and plot line. Nothing felt fully defined. A heroine who was supposed to be a strong and fully functional woman seemed to shrivel up and change right before our eyes. The hero, in my opinion, was sort of a jerk in many ways from beginning to ending. For such a pronouncement of love, he sure ran the other way more often than not. And the third party involved (yes, there's that issue of a triangle) -- well, he was just a despicable creep from start to finish.
There's a mixture of childhood friendship to lovers to enemies and a second chance with a third-party involved and small children, too. It's a mess of a story. I really got tired of the "doll baby" sticker attached to our female lead. And there were a lot of dangling threads to this story and an ending that didn't quite get readers over the hump and into happy-ever-after. That's a big no-no in my books. Everything was whim-wham-bam & thank you ma'am and we're done.
So, what started out as a story with real potential fizzled fast and became somewhat of a dud.
But that's where this story just kind of dried up and blew away. There was so much potential for fully developed characters and plot line. Nothing felt fully defined. A heroine who was supposed to be a strong and fully functional woman seemed to shrivel up and change right before our eyes. The hero, in my opinion, was sort of a jerk in many ways from beginning to ending. For such a pronouncement of love, he sure ran the other way more often than not. And the third party involved (yes, there's that issue of a triangle) -- well, he was just a despicable creep from start to finish.
There's a mixture of childhood friendship to lovers to enemies and a second chance with a third-party involved and small children, too. It's a mess of a story. I really got tired of the "doll baby" sticker attached to our female lead. And there were a lot of dangling threads to this story and an ending that didn't quite get readers over the hump and into happy-ever-after. That's a big no-no in my books. Everything was whim-wham-bam & thank you ma'am and we're done.
So, what started out as a story with real potential fizzled fast and became somewhat of a dud.
October 29, 2020
Very Slow moving
I expected this book to pull you in an grip you from the reviews, however it doesn't do either. It a very slow and tortuous.
I expected this book to pull you in an grip you from the reviews, however it doesn't do either. It a very slow and tortuous.
February 15, 2020
This is a beautiful story. I cannot believe it is a debut novel. The writing is excellent and I didn't spot spelling or gramatical mistakes which I normally see easily. Jay was the wonderful hero of the book and I felt a connection between him and Kendall. Read this in half a day. I would definitely recommend.
February 15, 2020
Wonderful read! Heartbreaking, romantic and inspiring. Well written and worth every page turn.
February 16, 2020
I love it... Waiting to see what's next from Ms. MAXWELL. YOU ARE AN EXTREMELY TALENTED WRITER. I really enjoyed this book.
May 15, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Uh this book was such a great read. My emotions were all over the place. This is the first book I read from this author and I plan on looking for more 😊
Uh this book was such a great read. My emotions were all over the place. This is the first book I read from this author and I plan on looking for more 😊
February 28, 2020
This book hit me in ALL THE FEELS. To an outsider (aka my poor husband) I probably looked like a total crazy person because my emotions ran the gamut in this DEBUT book from author Arika Maxwell.
Please note that this review may contain spoilers. As one of the topics in this book is rather sensitive, please note this may be a trigger for victims of domestic violence.
The Story
Kendall Brooks best friend and crush Jayson Stone is being deployed and in an attempt to avoid the pain of facing him leaving, attempts to run into the arms of her on-again, off-again boyfriend Drew. But upon arriving at his dorm, finds him in bed with her cousin and ex-best friend. With no one to help her nurse her pain, she goes to the party Jayson is hosting and drowns her sorrows in a bottle of Crown.
Jayson finds Kendall in the bathroom, and after swooping in to save the day, the two confess their feelings for one another
Four years later, and not a peep from Jay, Kendall finds herself in “domestic bliss” with her husband Drew – a future politician – and her twins. She seems to have it all, but things aren’t always what they seem.
Jay’s stint in the army is over just in time for his best friends engagement party and after landing, he goes immediately to his house for the celebration. His reappearance into Kendall’s life triggers a series of events that force her to face her fears and escape from lies she’s buried for over four years.
The Characters
Jayson, aka Jay, Stone: I liked Jay because he did have a keen sense of right and wrong, but some things really bothered me about the choices he made regarding Kendall. I feel like a lot could have been resolved between these two with just a simple conversation.
He definitely wore his heart on his sleeve and wasn’t afraid to confront those feelings in the present. One thing that bothered me about him was he didn’t quite respect that Kendall wasn’t in a place where she could explore intimate feelings for him. He wasn’t willing to go out on a limb for her when she was available, but now that she’s unavailable, he’s willing to take that step, which I don’t think is fair to Kendall. I get that him seeing her again stirred all these feelings, but I just think some of his actions put her in a really tough spot.
Kendall Brooks: I liked Kendall a lot. I thought she had some spunk and that first chapter made me CRACK UP with laughter. She was super feisty and adorable. I think Maxwell did an amazing job of taking you through her journey “into the void”. Not only is Kendall being pushed into feeling 4 years worth of guilt from Drew, she’s also put herself into that guilt spiral and can’t seem see through to the otherside.
She wants to do what is best for her family and that means she’s willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. At times, the experiences she faces almost make you feel sick to your stomach and you want to yell “JUST LEAVE”, but Maxwell does such a job of provoking empathy that you understand her “need” to stay.
Character Honorable Mention
Phoebe: So I’ve never done a feature on a supporting character but PHOEBE F*CKING DESERVES IT. I’m obsessed with this character and I want to be her friend. She’s Kendall’s BFF and she’s un-apologetically promiscuous, super charming, and was just f*cking hilarious. Loved her.
Let’s Talk About (the) Sex, Baby!
Racy Reader - Medium Rating
Call my dentist because I have a sweet tooth! This book had some sweet love scenes that were described really well and just made your heart warm. Very intimate, very vulnerable – just plain sweet.
While there is a pretty harsh scene in here, Maxwell protects the reader from experiencing too much of the “scary” side of the situation. But overall, the scenes were very sweet and delicate.
The Writing
In this book, Maxwell delicately guides you through the cycle of domestic abuse. While some of us who haven’t experience anything like this may not understand how someone can stay in an environment that’s abusive, it’s important to understand that the control doesn’t happen overnight. Throughout the book, you get glimpses of the past where Drew has been grooming his control over Kendall, and then you get to experience his escalation first-hand from Kendall’s perspective.
Jay’s return, and the return of Drew’s perceived betrayal, is the catalyst that pushes Drew to physical abuse. Little by little, Kendall’s shame and guilt get in the way of her rational thinking, and she can’t seem to get out from drowning from Drew’s control.
THIS BOOK IS A DEBUT BOOK. Seriously, it’s really good. That being said, I just have a few comments and notes. I wish we could have seen more of the relationship between Jay and Kendall from when they were kids – like maybe pepper in a few “when we were young” chapters so you can see the full extent of their love leading up to their conflict. It’s not that the book is “missing” anything, I just find these two so endearing that I want to see more about where they came from and how their long relationship developed.
I also wish I could have seen more of Drew and Kendall’s backstory. Young marriage is a bizarre concept to me and I personally needed more context to understand the why of that.
I think if Jay’s backstory had a little bit more about his time in the military, his experience seeing other families torn apart, or some kind of context that would have helped you understand his side of the story, it would have been easier to understand his choice to leave her alone.
Listen, this is me working to PICK THIS BOOK APART because I thought the writing was phenomenal. Not often do I actually have an outward reaction to comedy or pain within a book, but Arika Maxwell was able to run me through my spectrum of emotions.
PLEASE GIVE US MORE, ARIKA!
Please note that this review may contain spoilers. As one of the topics in this book is rather sensitive, please note this may be a trigger for victims of domestic violence.
The Story
Kendall Brooks best friend and crush Jayson Stone is being deployed and in an attempt to avoid the pain of facing him leaving, attempts to run into the arms of her on-again, off-again boyfriend Drew. But upon arriving at his dorm, finds him in bed with her cousin and ex-best friend. With no one to help her nurse her pain, she goes to the party Jayson is hosting and drowns her sorrows in a bottle of Crown.
Jayson finds Kendall in the bathroom, and after swooping in to save the day, the two confess their feelings for one another
Four years later, and not a peep from Jay, Kendall finds herself in “domestic bliss” with her husband Drew – a future politician – and her twins. She seems to have it all, but things aren’t always what they seem.
Jay’s stint in the army is over just in time for his best friends engagement party and after landing, he goes immediately to his house for the celebration. His reappearance into Kendall’s life triggers a series of events that force her to face her fears and escape from lies she’s buried for over four years.
The Characters
Jayson, aka Jay, Stone: I liked Jay because he did have a keen sense of right and wrong, but some things really bothered me about the choices he made regarding Kendall. I feel like a lot could have been resolved between these two with just a simple conversation.
He definitely wore his heart on his sleeve and wasn’t afraid to confront those feelings in the present. One thing that bothered me about him was he didn’t quite respect that Kendall wasn’t in a place where she could explore intimate feelings for him. He wasn’t willing to go out on a limb for her when she was available, but now that she’s unavailable, he’s willing to take that step, which I don’t think is fair to Kendall. I get that him seeing her again stirred all these feelings, but I just think some of his actions put her in a really tough spot.
Kendall Brooks: I liked Kendall a lot. I thought she had some spunk and that first chapter made me CRACK UP with laughter. She was super feisty and adorable. I think Maxwell did an amazing job of taking you through her journey “into the void”. Not only is Kendall being pushed into feeling 4 years worth of guilt from Drew, she’s also put herself into that guilt spiral and can’t seem see through to the otherside.
She wants to do what is best for her family and that means she’s willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. At times, the experiences she faces almost make you feel sick to your stomach and you want to yell “JUST LEAVE”, but Maxwell does such a job of provoking empathy that you understand her “need” to stay.
Character Honorable Mention
Phoebe: So I’ve never done a feature on a supporting character but PHOEBE F*CKING DESERVES IT. I’m obsessed with this character and I want to be her friend. She’s Kendall’s BFF and she’s un-apologetically promiscuous, super charming, and was just f*cking hilarious. Loved her.
Let’s Talk About (the) Sex, Baby!
Racy Reader - Medium Rating
Call my dentist because I have a sweet tooth! This book had some sweet love scenes that were described really well and just made your heart warm. Very intimate, very vulnerable – just plain sweet.
While there is a pretty harsh scene in here, Maxwell protects the reader from experiencing too much of the “scary” side of the situation. But overall, the scenes were very sweet and delicate.
The Writing
In this book, Maxwell delicately guides you through the cycle of domestic abuse. While some of us who haven’t experience anything like this may not understand how someone can stay in an environment that’s abusive, it’s important to understand that the control doesn’t happen overnight. Throughout the book, you get glimpses of the past where Drew has been grooming his control over Kendall, and then you get to experience his escalation first-hand from Kendall’s perspective.
Jay’s return, and the return of Drew’s perceived betrayal, is the catalyst that pushes Drew to physical abuse. Little by little, Kendall’s shame and guilt get in the way of her rational thinking, and she can’t seem to get out from drowning from Drew’s control.
THIS BOOK IS A DEBUT BOOK. Seriously, it’s really good. That being said, I just have a few comments and notes. I wish we could have seen more of the relationship between Jay and Kendall from when they were kids – like maybe pepper in a few “when we were young” chapters so you can see the full extent of their love leading up to their conflict. It’s not that the book is “missing” anything, I just find these two so endearing that I want to see more about where they came from and how their long relationship developed.
I also wish I could have seen more of Drew and Kendall’s backstory. Young marriage is a bizarre concept to me and I personally needed more context to understand the why of that.
I think if Jay’s backstory had a little bit more about his time in the military, his experience seeing other families torn apart, or some kind of context that would have helped you understand his side of the story, it would have been easier to understand his choice to leave her alone.
Listen, this is me working to PICK THIS BOOK APART because I thought the writing was phenomenal. Not often do I actually have an outward reaction to comedy or pain within a book, but Arika Maxwell was able to run me through my spectrum of emotions.
PLEASE GIVE US MORE, ARIKA!
Read
April 28, 2020Beautiful read! I loved the characters and the strength and love they showed for each other. I can’t wait to read more from this author and more about the beautiful characters she created.
July 15, 2020
Liked the story. Hated the characters.
The story kept me engaged and eager to see what would happen next. Kudos to the author for that. Unfortunately she gave us characters that were truly awful. Kendall (Doll) is the best of them but she does cheat on her husband and is constantly leaving her kids with someone so she can go out and drink. Not the end of the world but it just felt odd when the author tells us that she never goes out but then Doll spends a lot of time drunk. Her best friend, Phoebe, seemingly only exists to encourage Doll to drink and sleep with men who aren't her husband. Her husband, Drew, is as awful and abusive as I expected him to be and of course he ultimately gets away with it. Gross. The major disappointment comes in the form of our hero, Jay. I should be used to it by now but I thought since we had an over the top villain in Drew that Jay would be his opposite. He isn't. He's only slightly less of a garbage human than Drew. Jay takes advantage of Doll when he finds her drunk in his bathroom. After taking her virginity he leaves for the army without so much as a goodbye. So right away he shows how selfish he is and he never stops. As soon as returns he immediately begins stalking and harassing Doll. He is aware that she is married with 2 young children but he doesn't care. He sees her as his property so he takes every opportunity to corner her, kiss her, brush up against her, rub himself on her and smell her. He is disgusting. I just wanted to scream. Why the author would create a "hero" who would go to such lengths to break up a family with absolutely no concern for anyone else, not even her children, is beyond me. He knows she is being abused but he simply doesn't care enough to leave her alone. All of his actions directly lead to Doll being abused. His selfishness is unlike anything I've ever seen. I hated that Doll only had these 2 garbage men to choose from. Jay may not hit Doll but he is abusive as well. Harassing her. Grabbing her. Blocking her path when she tries to get away from him. Refusing to leave when she is screaming at him to get out of her home. These are all abusive situations. Then when the big twist is revealed (which was painfully obvious) the way he reacts his truly disgusting. Throwing things. Screaming in her face. Then in true abuser fashion, he has her convinced that it's her fault. Jay is every bit the villain that Drew is. Relentlessly pursuing a married woman with 2 young kids will forever be 1st ballot hall of fame disgusting. Jay is trash from beginning to end in this book. Speaking of the end of this book, it is really disappointing. There is no clear result given. Things are kind of left up in the air as to how things ultimately work out for the 3 main characters. Like I said. Decent story but truly awful characters.
The story kept me engaged and eager to see what would happen next. Kudos to the author for that. Unfortunately she gave us characters that were truly awful. Kendall (Doll) is the best of them but she does cheat on her husband and is constantly leaving her kids with someone so she can go out and drink. Not the end of the world but it just felt odd when the author tells us that she never goes out but then Doll spends a lot of time drunk. Her best friend, Phoebe, seemingly only exists to encourage Doll to drink and sleep with men who aren't her husband. Her husband, Drew, is as awful and abusive as I expected him to be and of course he ultimately gets away with it. Gross. The major disappointment comes in the form of our hero, Jay. I should be used to it by now but I thought since we had an over the top villain in Drew that Jay would be his opposite. He isn't. He's only slightly less of a garbage human than Drew. Jay takes advantage of Doll when he finds her drunk in his bathroom. After taking her virginity he leaves for the army without so much as a goodbye. So right away he shows how selfish he is and he never stops. As soon as returns he immediately begins stalking and harassing Doll. He is aware that she is married with 2 young children but he doesn't care. He sees her as his property so he takes every opportunity to corner her, kiss her, brush up against her, rub himself on her and smell her. He is disgusting. I just wanted to scream. Why the author would create a "hero" who would go to such lengths to break up a family with absolutely no concern for anyone else, not even her children, is beyond me. He knows she is being abused but he simply doesn't care enough to leave her alone. All of his actions directly lead to Doll being abused. His selfishness is unlike anything I've ever seen. I hated that Doll only had these 2 garbage men to choose from. Jay may not hit Doll but he is abusive as well. Harassing her. Grabbing her. Blocking her path when she tries to get away from him. Refusing to leave when she is screaming at him to get out of her home. These are all abusive situations. Then when the big twist is revealed (which was painfully obvious) the way he reacts his truly disgusting. Throwing things. Screaming in her face. Then in true abuser fashion, he has her convinced that it's her fault. Jay is every bit the villain that Drew is. Relentlessly pursuing a married woman with 2 young kids will forever be 1st ballot hall of fame disgusting. Jay is trash from beginning to end in this book. Speaking of the end of this book, it is really disappointing. There is no clear result given. Things are kind of left up in the air as to how things ultimately work out for the 3 main characters. Like I said. Decent story but truly awful characters.
April 16, 2020
Love is never goodbye
I just loved the book. There were times it was heart breaking it teaches us something that could benefits some people. It is a very good book that everyone should read.
I just loved the book. There were times it was heart breaking it teaches us something that could benefits some people. It is a very good book that everyone should read.
April 9, 2020
Enjoyed it!
I liked that the writer didn't follow the same pattern as so many books today. Very well written and l look forward to reading more books by this author.
I liked that the writer didn't follow the same pattern as so many books today. Very well written and l look forward to reading more books by this author.
April 7, 2021
The rating could have been higher since the trope and the plot were good...
Except:
1. It's bordering cheating for the heroine. Even though she was taking a break after she caught him cheating, they weren't legally separated; hence, cheating. We should not romanticize cheating (in any form). We cannot justify it. JUST CAN'T.
2. The hero has no bad hair in his body. Granted he left - it doesn't make him bad. He was head over heels with the heroine. Too much sweets for the heroine. Nothing bad about it though. A lot of books were like that. The delivery was just a little sweet for him.
3. It could have been better if the heroine had married a guy who wasn't her ex. The chapter saying that she should forgive him because he forgave her is just so wrong. It just returns to issue #1 - it bordered cheating for the heroine.
4. A lot of lines were repetitive. I am not sure if it is the author's way to show emphasis. It may be a way of writing.
This was a good book for someone who started writing it in her phone.
Except:
1. It's bordering cheating for the heroine. Even though she was taking a break after she caught him cheating, they weren't legally separated; hence, cheating. We should not romanticize cheating (in any form). We cannot justify it. JUST CAN'T.
2. The hero has no bad hair in his body. Granted he left - it doesn't make him bad. He was head over heels with the heroine. Too much sweets for the heroine. Nothing bad about it though. A lot of books were like that. The delivery was just a little sweet for him.
3. It could have been better if the heroine had married a guy who wasn't her ex. The chapter saying that she should forgive him because he forgave her is just so wrong. It just returns to issue #1 - it bordered cheating for the heroine.
4. A lot of lines were repetitive. I am not sure if it is the author's way to show emphasis. It may be a way of writing.
This was a good book for someone who started writing it in her phone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2020
Ugggg all the feels!!! I dont want it to end!!
Let me start off by saying I read ALOT of books and it's been a while since one has captured me the way WHY NOT GOODBYE did! I both laughed and teared up over this one...I COULD NOT put it down! I love how jay loved doll and how she never stopped fighting for what she loved! I would love to see what the future holds for them because i didnt want it to end!!! Please tell me this will not be a standalone!!!
If you want a great read this is it!
Congrats!
Let me start off by saying I read ALOT of books and it's been a while since one has captured me the way WHY NOT GOODBYE did! I both laughed and teared up over this one...I COULD NOT put it down! I love how jay loved doll and how she never stopped fighting for what she loved! I would love to see what the future holds for them because i didnt want it to end!!! Please tell me this will not be a standalone!!!
If you want a great read this is it!
Congrats!
May 19, 2020
I dont even know where to begin with this story! It popped up as a suggestion on my kindle, gave the blurb a quick once over and thought I'd give it a go. Holy cow! If this is the author's first book, I cant wait to read more she brings out! This story hit a little close to home, but it was still a very beautiful tale, and I just couldnt put it down. The words just flowed off the pages, and I felt every emotion Kendall and Jay felt, and from both perspectives. Brilliant job writing this one! If I could give a higher rating, I would!
February 15, 2020
This is a beautiful story. I cannot believe it is a debut novel. The writing is excellent and I didn't spot spelling or gramatical mistakes which I normally see easily. Jay was the wonderful hero of the book and I felt a connection between him and Kendall. Read this in half a day. I would definitely recommend.
February 23, 2020
An emotional read
Lots of emotions and tough scenes written. Some really strong characters that were relatable and I look forward to seeing more of them hopefully.
Lots of emotions and tough scenes written. Some really strong characters that were relatable and I look forward to seeing more of them hopefully.
March 26, 2020
Love this story
I loved the story I love a good young love, the characters I love. I wish she had written more stories.
I loved the story I love a good young love, the characters I love. I wish she had written more stories.
June 8, 2020
“Did you ever think about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t left that next morning?”
“Only every hour since the moment I walked out of my bedroom that day.”
Aria Maxwell has made a statement in the book world with the story of Jay and Kendall or should I say, Doll. She tackles a sensitive subject in a respectful way. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors of a marriage. No one knows how decisions made impact others. Their journey isn't easy to read at times, but it's one you will connect with from beginning to end.
Jay makes a decision that ultimately affects Kendall's life. Now he is back and discovers his feelings for her haven't changed. One look at Jay and Kendall knows she needs to stay away. She is a married woman. On the outside they appear to be the picture perfect family but the truth slowly is revealed.
I love the group of secondary characters that rally around Kendall. I hope they get their stories as well. This would give us another look at Jay and Kendall too! I hated to see their story end so I would love to see how their life unfolds!
“Only every hour since the moment I walked out of my bedroom that day.”
Aria Maxwell has made a statement in the book world with the story of Jay and Kendall or should I say, Doll. She tackles a sensitive subject in a respectful way. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors of a marriage. No one knows how decisions made impact others. Their journey isn't easy to read at times, but it's one you will connect with from beginning to end.
Jay makes a decision that ultimately affects Kendall's life. Now he is back and discovers his feelings for her haven't changed. One look at Jay and Kendall knows she needs to stay away. She is a married woman. On the outside they appear to be the picture perfect family but the truth slowly is revealed.
I love the group of secondary characters that rally around Kendall. I hope they get their stories as well. This would give us another look at Jay and Kendall too! I hated to see their story end so I would love to see how their life unfolds!
July 11, 2020
Good story, close to the heart.
I don't write very many reviews but this story touched my life. I was in a abusive relationship and it took me 12 years to finally had enough to leave it. I had a very loving family but hid the abuse from them all that time and my bruises was always on my body where they could not see them also. When I finally left I had to move to another city to get away from him but I went to work and had to work two or three jobs to support my three boys but I had a lot of support from my mom and dad because they moved later with me. It was hard but soon realized I had choices that I could pick even back then. I ended with a good life wished I could of had a "Jay" to help me but I have my family and that's all I need. Going to keep this book in my library so I could read it over and over! Good job Arika!!!!!!
I don't write very many reviews but this story touched my life. I was in a abusive relationship and it took me 12 years to finally had enough to leave it. I had a very loving family but hid the abuse from them all that time and my bruises was always on my body where they could not see them also. When I finally left I had to move to another city to get away from him but I went to work and had to work two or three jobs to support my three boys but I had a lot of support from my mom and dad because they moved later with me. It was hard but soon realized I had choices that I could pick even back then. I ended with a good life wished I could of had a "Jay" to help me but I have my family and that's all I need. Going to keep this book in my library so I could read it over and over! Good job Arika!!!!!!
November 30, 2021
Very emotional love story
I honestly was not expecting something so emotional and raw going into the book. The story starts off when Kendall finds out her long time boyfriend cheated on her. She gets drunk and hides away in the bathroom of her brothers best friend Jay's house. Jay interrupts her bathroom drinking and she confesses what she caught her ex doing. One thing leads to another and Kendall ends up giving her virginity to Jay.
Jay leaves the next morning for deployment without even a goodbye. Returns over 4 years later to find Kendall married to her cheating ex with twins.
This story has trigger warnings, so please keep that in mind when reading. There were some intense moments of domestic abuse. I thought the author told a love story and endured a lot of hardships.
I loved Jay's and Kendall's story. It wasn't perfect but no real love story is.
I honestly was not expecting something so emotional and raw going into the book. The story starts off when Kendall finds out her long time boyfriend cheated on her. She gets drunk and hides away in the bathroom of her brothers best friend Jay's house. Jay interrupts her bathroom drinking and she confesses what she caught her ex doing. One thing leads to another and Kendall ends up giving her virginity to Jay.
Jay leaves the next morning for deployment without even a goodbye. Returns over 4 years later to find Kendall married to her cheating ex with twins.
This story has trigger warnings, so please keep that in mind when reading. There were some intense moments of domestic abuse. I thought the author told a love story and endured a lot of hardships.
I loved Jay's and Kendall's story. It wasn't perfect but no real love story is.
September 18, 2021
Method: ebook
Rating: 2/5 stars
H rating: 3/5 - Jay
h rating: 2/5 - Dollie
Drama: 3/5
Thoughts: Somehow this one failed me..it's my favorite trope but man these characters were terrible..first and most likely last from this author. She was too selfish and I am sorry, but cheating is not ok. The bad guy was a bad guy, I expected his shit behaviour, but Jay, was like a dog with a bone and for someone who was supposed to be our Hero, he really seemed like a dog. They just didn't work for me.
July 16, 2020
Legos....
Loved this book so much. I felt sorry for Kendall. I mean just turning 18 and having to make grown up decisions. Never dreamed that the harsh reality of them decisions would turn out so wrong.
Really liked Jay's character. The reasons behind of NEVER saying goodbye to Kendall melted my heart.
Would love to read HEA'S for the supporting family members too...hint, hint and wink PLEASE!!
This was my first read by this author and hope to get more.
I highly recommend this book.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Loved this book so much. I felt sorry for Kendall. I mean just turning 18 and having to make grown up decisions. Never dreamed that the harsh reality of them decisions would turn out so wrong.
Really liked Jay's character. The reasons behind of NEVER saying goodbye to Kendall melted my heart.
Would love to read HEA'S for the supporting family members too...hint, hint and wink PLEASE!!
This was my first read by this author and hope to get more.
I highly recommend this book.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
September 29, 2020
Great 1st book! One of my pet peeves is grammar errors and misspelled words. I did not find any. I really enjoyed her writing style and the story. It has all the feels, laughing, crying, and everything in between.
This story does have triggers. Physical abuse. This new author developed this storyline exceptionally well. She showcased how a strong young woman can become an abused wife.
A very good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a nontraditional story. I look forward to reading her future books
This story does have triggers. Physical abuse. This new author developed this storyline exceptionally well. She showcased how a strong young woman can become an abused wife.
A very good book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a nontraditional story. I look forward to reading her future books
March 19, 2021
What a roller coaster! This story had it all, some comedy, drama, angst, steamy romance... Got a bit teary there for a while, but the ending was worth it. Strength comes in a lot of forms and you get to see that here, along with the vulnerability. Highly recommend!!! There are triggers, abuse- physical, mental and emotional, as well was what can only be classified as rape, but a happy ending awaits!
August 4, 2020
OMG I absolutely loved this book. The love between Dollie and Jay was so sweet. It was a very good plot. The chemistry was amazing. I couldn't put it down, read it in less than a day's time. I didn't want it to end, I wanted more of their love story and more of the twins interaction with them. The love Jay had for Kendall was everything any woman could ever want.
August 6, 2020
Legos!!!!
Omg this book!!! I really don't see why people left such negative reviews!!! This book was really good!! Jay and Doll were such a power "couple"!!! If you read this, you will understand!!! My emotions were all over the place!!! I can't tell you how many times I wanted to cry... With tears of joy and hurt! Such a good book!
Omg this book!!! I really don't see why people left such negative reviews!!! This book was really good!! Jay and Doll were such a power "couple"!!! If you read this, you will understand!!! My emotions were all over the place!!! I can't tell you how many times I wanted to cry... With tears of joy and hurt! Such a good book!
November 11, 2020
Great first book
Good handling of a sensitive subject. Well written and the story flows rant well. The only criticism I have is put the lego away, the constant reference to the toy I found a little annoying and I think the author is talented enough to find another way to describe the situation. Aside from that nitpick a really good read.
Good handling of a sensitive subject. Well written and the story flows rant well. The only criticism I have is put the lego away, the constant reference to the toy I found a little annoying and I think the author is talented enough to find another way to describe the situation. Aside from that nitpick a really good read.
July 5, 2023
This book is one of my favorite books of all time. After reading the kindle version, I went out and bought two physical copies, one to keep my annotations in and one to gift to people I deem would enjoy it, which I’ll be replacing again and again every time I gift it. I love everything about this book and the author is incredibly talented.
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