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The Ruins of Emblem #2
Jedson
"This was all nuts. The way I wanted him. The ways we knew each other. And the ways we didn't..."
LEAH
When I was too young to know any better Ryan Jedson fascinated me.
After he went on the run I thought I'd never see him again.
I was wrong.
Now that he's back in town I realize it's a bad idea to catch his eye.
And yet I can't help it.
Sometimes you want the one you shouldn't want.
But there's a complication.
He has no idea that I'm the reason his life fell apart.
And I don't know what he'll do if he ever finds out.
RYAN
Back in the day when we were neighbors she was too young, not even worth a second look.
However, six years have gone by and now Leah Brandeis is fair game.
I see how she looks at me.
I understand she thinks her secret is safe.
And I'm playing along.
For now.
But soon the truth will come out and there will be hell to pay.
Because I know what she did.
I've always known.
**Stand alone. Enemies-to-lovers. Tons of angst, secrets and steamy vengeance.**
LEAH
When I was too young to know any better Ryan Jedson fascinated me.
After he went on the run I thought I'd never see him again.
I was wrong.
Now that he's back in town I realize it's a bad idea to catch his eye.
And yet I can't help it.
Sometimes you want the one you shouldn't want.
But there's a complication.
He has no idea that I'm the reason his life fell apart.
And I don't know what he'll do if he ever finds out.
RYAN
Back in the day when we were neighbors she was too young, not even worth a second look.
However, six years have gone by and now Leah Brandeis is fair game.
I see how she looks at me.
I understand she thinks her secret is safe.
And I'm playing along.
For now.
But soon the truth will come out and there will be hell to pay.
Because I know what she did.
I've always known.
**Stand alone. Enemies-to-lovers. Tons of angst, secrets and steamy vengeance.**
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
About the author
Cora Brent
79 books3,861 followersI'm a huge fan of insta-love , grunge era flannel, my vintage Kenmore sewing machine, embroidered dishcloths and absolutely everything that has to do with 1980s pop culture (i.e. leg warmers, scrunchies, big hair, early Madonna, boom boxes, wood paneled walls, stonewash jeans, etc).
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
If you believe in Happily Ever After and improbable love stories, chances are I'll love you too!!
Email: corabrentwrites@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
July 6, 2019
3 Stars!
What draws me into reading this is the blurb. I love revenge trope that usually caused by misunderstanding. It does deliver. However, only a pinch. I was expecting a whole lot of angst. So yeah, I was a bit disappointed.
I'm having difficulty in grasping the way of writing at first. Especially when she added a whole bunch of characters which was probably introduced at Tristan. But since I haven't read it, it's a bit hard digesting who is who. Some were actually not of importance. Throw in a drama that is not needed IMO.
Leah was pretty much in love with Ryan even when she was a teen, so in love that years later, she still felt the same... unfortunately, to the extent that she has NO SENSE OF SELF RESPECT the very first time she went to visit Ryan.
I don't know how Ryan came to a 360 degree from hatred and seeking revenge to falling for her in such a short span of time. Considering that they barely spent time together.
I really hoped the story revolved around them spending time together - hero using it as a bait for heroine to fall for him until he realize he is the one that is starting to fall but his plan for revenge has already took place and he cannot stop it until heroine finally realize his true motive.... that is how I expected this story to happen. 😔
What draws me into reading this is the blurb. I love revenge trope that usually caused by misunderstanding. It does deliver. However, only a pinch. I was expecting a whole lot of angst. So yeah, I was a bit disappointed.
I'm having difficulty in grasping the way of writing at first. Especially when she added a whole bunch of characters which was probably introduced at Tristan. But since I haven't read it, it's a bit hard digesting who is who. Some were actually not of importance. Throw in a drama that is not needed IMO.
Leah was pretty much in love with Ryan even when she was a teen, so in love that years later, she still felt the same... unfortunately, to the extent that she has NO SENSE OF SELF RESPECT the very first time she went to visit Ryan.
I don't know how Ryan came to a 360 degree from hatred and seeking revenge to falling for her in such a short span of time. Considering that they barely spent time together.
I really hoped the story revolved around them spending time together - hero using it as a bait for heroine to fall for him until he realize he is the one that is starting to fall but his plan for revenge has already took place and he cannot stop it until heroine finally realize his true motive.... that is how I expected this story to happen. 😔
June 21, 2019
I haven't read a lot of books by Cora Brent, but ever since I finished my first book by her, I've been itching to dive into her backlist. So when I got the chance to read an ARC of this book, and I found out it was enemies-to-lovers (to be more specific, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers), I was all in. I'm a HUGE sucker for this trope.
I was hooked from page 1. I loved seeing Leah and Ryan when they were younger, seeing the friendship they'd had, and how things exploded for them and fell apart.
Even though I knew this was ENEMIES-to-lovers, and that Ryan was going to have an agenda, I still felt that angst/anxiety over what he was going to do, and his plotting. And I kept (mentally) yelling at Leah to talk to him and tell him what happened that night things went so wrong.
But I shouldn't have worried because I'm coming to see that this author is a genius. There were definitely twists and turns as things were revealed and feelings developed. I literally couldn't put this book down, and pretty much read it in one sitting.
There was definite chemistry between Leah and Ryan. And it was off the charts. But even better than that was the connection between them. They had a history, and while that history wasn't all good, it was theirs. And even in the midst of his plans for revenge, and after they'd had a massive fight, that dint keep Ryan from being protective and caring and completely alpha when something happened to Leah.
This book was definitely amazing and I seriously can't wait to go back and immerse myself in this author's backlist!
I was hooked from page 1. I loved seeing Leah and Ryan when they were younger, seeing the friendship they'd had, and how things exploded for them and fell apart.
Even though I knew this was ENEMIES-to-lovers, and that Ryan was going to have an agenda, I still felt that angst/anxiety over what he was going to do, and his plotting. And I kept (mentally) yelling at Leah to talk to him and tell him what happened that night things went so wrong.
But I shouldn't have worried because I'm coming to see that this author is a genius. There were definitely twists and turns as things were revealed and feelings developed. I literally couldn't put this book down, and pretty much read it in one sitting.
There was definite chemistry between Leah and Ryan. And it was off the charts. But even better than that was the connection between them. They had a history, and while that history wasn't all good, it was theirs. And even in the midst of his plans for revenge, and after they'd had a massive fight, that dint keep Ryan from being protective and caring and completely alpha when something happened to Leah.
This book was definitely amazing and I seriously can't wait to go back and immerse myself in this author's backlist!
June 21, 2019
I was super excited to read Cora Brent's Jedson as I could not wait to read his story after seeing him in Tristan. This story was angsty and lovely. Ryan Jedson and Leah Brandeis were sexy and compelling and the tumultuous history between them was filled with secrets, lies and full of regret! I was hooked!
I enjoyed Leah and Jedson's banter and the connection they could not deny. The story had a delicious angsty edge where I was on the edge of my seat waiting for more shocking secrets to be revealed. While Jedson's ulterior motives and the reasons for his long-sought out revenge were revealed, in my heart I did wish that Leah was a bit sassier. I did understand the level of guilt she had, but she seemed almost meek at times which was frustrating.
Overall this was a great follow up to Tristan and Cadence's story. 4 stars! ~Ratula
I enjoyed Leah and Jedson's banter and the connection they could not deny. The story had a delicious angsty edge where I was on the edge of my seat waiting for more shocking secrets to be revealed. While Jedson's ulterior motives and the reasons for his long-sought out revenge were revealed, in my heart I did wish that Leah was a bit sassier. I did understand the level of guilt she had, but she seemed almost meek at times which was frustrating.
Overall this was a great follow up to Tristan and Cadence's story. 4 stars! ~Ratula
June 23, 2019
Ryan Jedson..... there was a glimpse of him in Tristan's book which had me intrigued to read his book and it definitely lured me in. Ryan and Leah had a tumultuous relationship because of lies, anger and a revenge plot that was exposed to bring down Leah. Their story was seductive, alluring and captivating that I inhaled page after page from the very beginning until the very end because I refused to put it down! If you're a fan of Cora's amazing words like myself then one-click this sexy as sin friends-to-lovers-enemies-to-lovers read now!
February 26, 2021
Where is this angst I heard about?
-M/F
- friends to enemies to lovers
- no cheating
- a little steamy
- low angst
- standalone
I’m going to give a quick overview of my thoughts and then go into more detail where there will be spoilers!
This is a standalone romance featuring Leah and Ryan Jedson (it took me a minute to remember their names if that tells you anything). This was supposed to be an angsty emotional read and I WAS HERE FOR IT.... but I was sadly let down. I honestly felt no connection to the characters at all and when I think back on it, there really was no development to them at all. Reading the blurb and then the first few chapters I REALLY expected an amazing read, but again, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. I will say that the writing style was good though.
Now for a little more detail: STOP reading if you don’t want any spoilers!!!
These two have a 5 year age difference and they grew up together. Ryan hung the moon in Leahs young eyes until a shocking revelation left Leah heartbroken and left Jedson on the run for 6 long years with revenge and hate in his heart/mind, que the supposed angst that really didn’t ever happen. The very beginning of the book tells you what happened 6 years ago, and then it comes back to present time when Ryan Jedson returns to Emblem. Keep in mind that while Leah was in love with Jedson, she does mention he never viewed her that way because she was younger than him, but he did care for her since they basically knew each other their whole lives. But let me just get it out there, there’s other things that happen that cause Ryan to go on the run, but what broke Leahs heart was her finding out that Ryan had been sleeping with her mother, who was a vile and cruel mother to Leah. Even goes so far to mention they had sex in leahs bed at some point! Things happen, false accusations and Ryan goes on the run. His name is cleared 6 years later and returns home with revenge on his mind since he believes Leah is the cause of everything wrong in his life. When they first see each other all these years later. Leah is nervous but automatically starts thinking about how much she still wants him, and he’s thinking about how her looks do absolutely nothing for him, ick. While he begins his revenge plan they end up hooking up... NOT ONCE does she think about the fact that HE SLEPT WITH HER DISGUSTING MOTHER. I’m sorry, but that would at least bother me a little bit and it’s never even mentioned. I understand that he was underage when it happened, BUT STILL, he knew what he was doing. And then without much conversation between them at all, they hook up and he immediately starts questioning his plans... dude is her love garden that amazing that even without really talking to each other you’re already over 6 years of life on the run without ever even having a conversation with her about it? The romance felt so forced because other than them hooking up, there was NO romance and even seeing how they could be falling for each other. And thennnnnn, when Leah finds out his plans and how he’s hated her all this time, she gets angry at first but then calms down and basically “understands” why he would do what he did and then tells him she’s open to then trying to work on a relationship. No angst. No romance. No true full discussion on their feelings of what Happened 6 years ago. Nothing. HE SHOULD GROVEL. Idk, I expected wayyy more angst and I expected her to put up more of a fight when she found out everything had been a lie from the beginning. I feel like if the author would have taken the time to add a little more detail and more interactions between the characters, this could have been an amazing book. Eh. Maybe you will enjoy it, I just didn’t, unfortunately.
-M/F
- friends to enemies to lovers
- no cheating
- a little steamy
- low angst
- standalone
I’m going to give a quick overview of my thoughts and then go into more detail where there will be spoilers!
This is a standalone romance featuring Leah and Ryan Jedson (it took me a minute to remember their names if that tells you anything). This was supposed to be an angsty emotional read and I WAS HERE FOR IT.... but I was sadly let down. I honestly felt no connection to the characters at all and when I think back on it, there really was no development to them at all. Reading the blurb and then the first few chapters I REALLY expected an amazing read, but again, it just didn’t live up to my expectations. I will say that the writing style was good though.
Now for a little more detail: STOP reading if you don’t want any spoilers!!!
These two have a 5 year age difference and they grew up together. Ryan hung the moon in Leahs young eyes until a shocking revelation left Leah heartbroken and left Jedson on the run for 6 long years with revenge and hate in his heart/mind, que the supposed angst that really didn’t ever happen. The very beginning of the book tells you what happened 6 years ago, and then it comes back to present time when Ryan Jedson returns to Emblem. Keep in mind that while Leah was in love with Jedson, she does mention he never viewed her that way because she was younger than him, but he did care for her since they basically knew each other their whole lives. But let me just get it out there, there’s other things that happen that cause Ryan to go on the run, but what broke Leahs heart was her finding out that Ryan had been sleeping with her mother, who was a vile and cruel mother to Leah. Even goes so far to mention they had sex in leahs bed at some point! Things happen, false accusations and Ryan goes on the run. His name is cleared 6 years later and returns home with revenge on his mind since he believes Leah is the cause of everything wrong in his life. When they first see each other all these years later. Leah is nervous but automatically starts thinking about how much she still wants him, and he’s thinking about how her looks do absolutely nothing for him, ick. While he begins his revenge plan they end up hooking up... NOT ONCE does she think about the fact that HE SLEPT WITH HER DISGUSTING MOTHER. I’m sorry, but that would at least bother me a little bit and it’s never even mentioned. I understand that he was underage when it happened, BUT STILL, he knew what he was doing. And then without much conversation between them at all, they hook up and he immediately starts questioning his plans... dude is her love garden that amazing that even without really talking to each other you’re already over 6 years of life on the run without ever even having a conversation with her about it? The romance felt so forced because other than them hooking up, there was NO romance and even seeing how they could be falling for each other. And thennnnnn, when Leah finds out his plans and how he’s hated her all this time, she gets angry at first but then calms down and basically “understands” why he would do what he did and then tells him she’s open to then trying to work on a relationship. No angst. No romance. No true full discussion on their feelings of what Happened 6 years ago. Nothing. HE SHOULD GROVEL. Idk, I expected wayyy more angst and I expected her to put up more of a fight when she found out everything had been a lie from the beginning. I feel like if the author would have taken the time to add a little more detail and more interactions between the characters, this could have been an amazing book. Eh. Maybe you will enjoy it, I just didn’t, unfortunately.
September 4, 2019
4 Patron Saint Stars
“Judson,” is the third book in, “The Ruins Of Emblem” series. This series is basically the third spin-off of “The Gentry Boys,” of which I’ve read every single one! Needless to say, I’m invested in these series.
The plot went in a direction I was somewhat surprised by, from this author. Leah, and Ryan had pretty much grown up together, living on the same property. Five years a part in age, he was more of an unrequited crush; he made an effort to be kind to her, because of their family dynamics and living situation. Although, he did see something unique in her when she was younger that sat her apart from the rest.
When Leah, was fifteen she discovered some horrifying information. From that point on their history became one of secrets, lies and regrets. Her mother, if you could call her that, made the situation profusely worse, by twisting and manipulating everything, being the vile character she was. It’s always hard to read about horrifying parents, and this one was right at the top of the list! My heart went out to Leah; she was so much stronger than she gave herself credit for.
My affection was a little more hard won for, Ryan. I felt for him as well, and what he too endured. I was relieved when it became clear where his intentions lied, and he turned into a likable character. Once he let himself fall for Leah, and believe in her, I was totally team, Ryan! I was glad to see her make him work for it in the end;)
It was nice to see him love the rundown, prison town he came from, and his mission to try and turn it into something much better.
Usually this author gives an indication of the next book in the series, but I didn’t really get any stand out clues. Looking forward to finding out, and reading that one too:)
“Judson,” is the third book in, “The Ruins Of Emblem” series. This series is basically the third spin-off of “The Gentry Boys,” of which I’ve read every single one! Needless to say, I’m invested in these series.
The plot went in a direction I was somewhat surprised by, from this author. Leah, and Ryan had pretty much grown up together, living on the same property. Five years a part in age, he was more of an unrequited crush; he made an effort to be kind to her, because of their family dynamics and living situation. Although, he did see something unique in her when she was younger that sat her apart from the rest.
When Leah, was fifteen she discovered some horrifying information. From that point on their history became one of secrets, lies and regrets. Her mother, if you could call her that, made the situation profusely worse, by twisting and manipulating everything, being the vile character she was. It’s always hard to read about horrifying parents, and this one was right at the top of the list! My heart went out to Leah; she was so much stronger than she gave herself credit for.
My affection was a little more hard won for, Ryan. I felt for him as well, and what he too endured. I was relieved when it became clear where his intentions lied, and he turned into a likable character. Once he let himself fall for Leah, and believe in her, I was totally team, Ryan! I was glad to see her make him work for it in the end;)
It was nice to see him love the rundown, prison town he came from, and his mission to try and turn it into something much better.
Usually this author gives an indication of the next book in the series, but I didn’t really get any stand out clues. Looking forward to finding out, and reading that one too:)
June 24, 2019
Cora Brent has done it again, another fantastic book to add to all the others.
I was pulled so far into this book, I was totally zoned out and was not aware of anyone or anything that was going on around me. I was like that until I had read every single word that was written, all the time I had my little mini movie playing out in my head and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This book is pack full of emotions and each and every one I felt, I actually went through some of what the characters went through at the same time as them. I cried more than the characters and there was a time or two I would of loved to have gotten hold of a couple of the characters and smack there heads together. But they redeemed themselves.
There are surprises all the way through, some you may see coming while others you won't. Some of the surprises are large and some are small, but each and everyone of them play there part in making the book a truly fantastic read. Each and every surprise is as important as the next.
I highly recommend Cora Brent as an author and all her books. I have read everything that she has written, most of them have been read several times. I even have the ones that are on audible and have listen to them more than once.
I really wish I could give more than 5 stars, but that is the most I can give, as her books are worth more.
I was pulled so far into this book, I was totally zoned out and was not aware of anyone or anything that was going on around me. I was like that until I had read every single word that was written, all the time I had my little mini movie playing out in my head and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This book is pack full of emotions and each and every one I felt, I actually went through some of what the characters went through at the same time as them. I cried more than the characters and there was a time or two I would of loved to have gotten hold of a couple of the characters and smack there heads together. But they redeemed themselves.
There are surprises all the way through, some you may see coming while others you won't. Some of the surprises are large and some are small, but each and everyone of them play there part in making the book a truly fantastic read. Each and every surprise is as important as the next.
I highly recommend Cora Brent as an author and all her books. I have read everything that she has written, most of them have been read several times. I even have the ones that are on audible and have listen to them more than once.
I really wish I could give more than 5 stars, but that is the most I can give, as her books are worth more.
June 23, 2019
Jedson is book 2 in The Ruins of Emblem series. This book was always going to keep me guessing but wow what a book full of so much emotion. Ryan Jedson left town to escape a prison sentence after a woman scored decided she was going to make him pay, six years later he’s back and he has his own plan for revenge. Leah is back in town to help her farther out after the death of her mother who she absolutely hated and was pleased she was dead. She’d heard the rumours Ryan was back and she was anxiously wait for him to turn up at the bar. This book is my favourite by far and left me feeling so much love for this pair. Definitely a 10 star read.
Did Not Finish
June 28, 2019The prologue turned me off.
One of these days I’m going to find something that holds my interest...
One of these days I’m going to find something that holds my interest...
March 21, 2020
2.25
I liked a lot about the story, it was well written the character development was on point. I just couldn’t really get past the fact that the fact that the hero had had a lengthy affair with the heroines mother. If I had known that’s what this was about I wouldn’t have picked it up in the first place. Then when I read the initial scenes that revealed it, his reactions kept me interested enough to continue and see where the story went. The problem is that I kept coming back to it and cringing. The characters, while focusing on what came after the night the heroine had discovered that her mom had previously had an affair with a teenaged boy that she herself fancied herself in love with, never seemed to have passing thoughts about it. Then I started to get annoyed. What kind of woman screws someone that her mother did and doesn’t have even a passing thought or two about the ick-factor? Unless the woman is depraved, it’s impossible but the author was too lazy to deal with that part of her story. Then I kept going farther down the rabbit hole, contemplating everything else that was revealed during that conversation. Yes the heroines mother was obviously deranged but why would he have agreed to have sex on the heroines bed? At the time she would have been probably around 11-13 ish, considering the other spots were open, it was pretty perverted. He was old enough to know better. The author did herself a disservice by having had the mother and the hero have a lengthy affair. By going on and on about the ways they had had sex (and the places) she cemented that that was the important take away from the entire conversation. It was all entirely pointless info anyway, because unless she was going for the taboo turn on, it didn’t add to the story in 1 single way. She could have accomplished the exact same book (and overall story line) with having had him only have hooked up with the mom 1 time as a drunken teenager. That would definitely have at least eased about 90% of the ick factor. The fact that she didn’t do that was lazy writing, or she really needs new beta readers. I will still probably give her another try because I did like the other parts to the story, and it didn’t have any of my other hard limits.
I liked a lot about the story, it was well written the character development was on point. I just couldn’t really get past the fact that the fact that the hero had had a lengthy affair with the heroines mother. If I had known that’s what this was about I wouldn’t have picked it up in the first place. Then when I read the initial scenes that revealed it, his reactions kept me interested enough to continue and see where the story went. The problem is that I kept coming back to it and cringing. The characters, while focusing on what came after the night the heroine had discovered that her mom had previously had an affair with a teenaged boy that she herself fancied herself in love with, never seemed to have passing thoughts about it. Then I started to get annoyed. What kind of woman screws someone that her mother did and doesn’t have even a passing thought or two about the ick-factor? Unless the woman is depraved, it’s impossible but the author was too lazy to deal with that part of her story. Then I kept going farther down the rabbit hole, contemplating everything else that was revealed during that conversation. Yes the heroines mother was obviously deranged but why would he have agreed to have sex on the heroines bed? At the time she would have been probably around 11-13 ish, considering the other spots were open, it was pretty perverted. He was old enough to know better. The author did herself a disservice by having had the mother and the hero have a lengthy affair. By going on and on about the ways they had had sex (and the places) she cemented that that was the important take away from the entire conversation. It was all entirely pointless info anyway, because unless she was going for the taboo turn on, it didn’t add to the story in 1 single way. She could have accomplished the exact same book (and overall story line) with having had him only have hooked up with the mom 1 time as a drunken teenager. That would definitely have at least eased about 90% of the ick factor. The fact that she didn’t do that was lazy writing, or she really needs new beta readers. I will still probably give her another try because I did like the other parts to the story, and it didn’t have any of my other hard limits.
June 23, 2019
Leah and Ryan...OMG and Holy Smokes this was hot. There's nothing quite like hate sex...or what starts out as that and then becomes something else entirely.
As with all of this author's books, there is a richly developed and often disturbing family history between the main characters and plenty of drama to keep things moving along. Misunderstandings, lies and bitter regret color this tale of childhood friends who reconnect after a horrible event tears them apart. I loved this book so much even as some parts were so upsetting I had to stop reading for a bit. But all the pain was worth it in the end because Ryan Jedson was so deliciously wonderful that I fell in love with him. Such a good book and I highly recommend it.
***** 5 ***** "she's not that little girl anymore" stars
As with all of this author's books, there is a richly developed and often disturbing family history between the main characters and plenty of drama to keep things moving along. Misunderstandings, lies and bitter regret color this tale of childhood friends who reconnect after a horrible event tears them apart. I loved this book so much even as some parts were so upsetting I had to stop reading for a bit. But all the pain was worth it in the end because Ryan Jedson was so deliciously wonderful that I fell in love with him. Such a good book and I highly recommend it.
***** 5 ***** "she's not that little girl anymore" stars
June 28, 2019
Book 2 of The Ruins of Emblem is Jedson by Cora Brent. It is an emotional rollercoaster romance ride deep with history between the main characters that is rife with drama that is bound to keep this story moving.
This is deep with angst and misunderstandings , of regrets and pain, of bitter lies and anger, of teenage love and a 2nd chance at romance, of love and forgiveness. This story has it all- hang on and get ready for the journey that Ms. Brent takes you on. Make sure to have tissues handy for this will , at times, bring the feels and the water works out. Ryan and Leah's story is full and deep yet oh so moving and sizzling. What a great read!!! Definitely a summer read!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
This is deep with angst and misunderstandings , of regrets and pain, of bitter lies and anger, of teenage love and a 2nd chance at romance, of love and forgiveness. This story has it all- hang on and get ready for the journey that Ms. Brent takes you on. Make sure to have tissues handy for this will , at times, bring the feels and the water works out. Ryan and Leah's story is full and deep yet oh so moving and sizzling. What a great read!!! Definitely a summer read!!
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
June 29, 2019
Jedson by Cora Brent is book Two in The Ruins of Emblem Series. This is the story of Ryan Jedson and Leah Brandeis. I have read the previous book, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Leah and Ryan were once young friends, although Leah had a crush on him. But then a misunderstand came to be that drove Ryan out of town and the cops on him. Now 6 years later he has return since everything has cleared up for him except one thing...Leah. Leah has put everything on hold to help her dad and then she hears that Ryan is back in town. Thinking that she needs to have a talk with him but puts it off when he starts talking to her like all is good...but is it?
Enjoyed their story!
Leah and Ryan were once young friends, although Leah had a crush on him. But then a misunderstand came to be that drove Ryan out of town and the cops on him. Now 6 years later he has return since everything has cleared up for him except one thing...Leah. Leah has put everything on hold to help her dad and then she hears that Ryan is back in town. Thinking that she needs to have a talk with him but puts it off when he starts talking to her like all is good...but is it?
Enjoyed their story!
June 23, 2019
Every return visit to Emblem makes me happy. This is no different. Well, it is in the way its one of the first books that have nothing but a passing connection to the Gentry's.
Not that I have a problem with that. Leah and Jedson have history. Mixed up and complicated history.
This is at its core a revenge story. There's guilt, there's angst a plenty and there's Cora Brent's amazing writing style pulling it all together.
Once again I'm grateful for the ARC and I swallow them every single time.
Not that I have a problem with that. Leah and Jedson have history. Mixed up and complicated history.
This is at its core a revenge story. There's guilt, there's angst a plenty and there's Cora Brent's amazing writing style pulling it all together.
Once again I'm grateful for the ARC and I swallow them every single time.
June 24, 2019
There is so much to say about this beautiful ride. But that would mean a review full of spoilers lol. My heart hurt for both of the mains in this book. But I am glad they got their Hea. One thing I love most about Cora’s creations is that they are real life. Not off the wall “that would never happen in the real world”. I feel like we are actually walking in the life of someone’s actual life. I really hope Pike gets at least a novella, my heart always holds onto to him after I finish. Ok probably because I’ve read both books in this series twice so far.
June 30, 2019
This is a very difficult book for me to review. There were so many parts and just such heartache. Life can be darn hard and loss and betrayal are the worse things to endure. I was glad to see our hero able to give our heroine the time she deserved to wrap her head around everything. Cora you are a master!
June 27, 2019
I really loved this one. Loved the updates with Tristan and Candace too. I hope we have more in this town!
June 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
A fantastic enemies to lovers romance. I easily devoured this angst story and loved every second of it. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
A fantastic enemies to lovers romance. I easily devoured this angst story and loved every second of it. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.
March 24, 2022
hard to stomach
SPOILER:
It’s kind of hard to see this story as a romance when the ML voluntarily slept with the FL’s mother for what was insinuated as a long period of time. And having the FL witness her own mother’s desperate attempt at keeping ahold of the boy the FL loved in such a vile and diabolical way only cemented the twisted tone that this story was going to take.
In the end Leah seemed to have suffered the brunt of the fallout considering she also had to bear Ryan’s misguided revenge plot. Ryan’s life turned out for the better in spite of everything that happened and yet he still chose the despicable path that he did. Clearly maturity was not a learned skill he managed to pick up during his time away.
Leah, for the lack of a better description, was your typical damsel in distress that had zero common sense. She and Ryan both were so easily tricked by Leah’s garbage excuse of a mother that it was unbearable to read the moment when they finally figured everything out. And once again RYAN HAD SEGGS WITH LEAH’S MOM FOR YEARS. They even did it ON LEAH’S BED for crying out loud! That’s borderline incéstuous! How Leah was still able to take him back without so much as a grand gesture grovel or self reflection on her part that “hey maybe this guy ain’t it?” even after all that plus the revenge plot he hatched up? It’s honestly a wonder how she managed not get roped into a cult at all with how gullible and naive she is.
Ryan did not deserve that HEA with Leah nor did he deserve to be let off so easily. There was absolutely no redemption on his part nor was there growth on Leah’s part. In the end she remained dependent on Ryan for her happiness instead of figuring out who she is on her own. Three weeks away from the guy who basically trampled on your dignity and self-respect is hardly passable as punishment especially if you were so quick to throw him a bone by saying “I’ll try” when asked for yet another chance. The whole thing was one big eyeroll. Cora Brent made it so easy to dislike Ryan and by god I’ve read some truly horrible romance male leads so that’s saying a lot.
SPOILER:
It’s kind of hard to see this story as a romance when the ML voluntarily slept with the FL’s mother for what was insinuated as a long period of time. And having the FL witness her own mother’s desperate attempt at keeping ahold of the boy the FL loved in such a vile and diabolical way only cemented the twisted tone that this story was going to take.
In the end Leah seemed to have suffered the brunt of the fallout considering she also had to bear Ryan’s misguided revenge plot. Ryan’s life turned out for the better in spite of everything that happened and yet he still chose the despicable path that he did. Clearly maturity was not a learned skill he managed to pick up during his time away.
Leah, for the lack of a better description, was your typical damsel in distress that had zero common sense. She and Ryan both were so easily tricked by Leah’s garbage excuse of a mother that it was unbearable to read the moment when they finally figured everything out. And once again RYAN HAD SEGGS WITH LEAH’S MOM FOR YEARS. They even did it ON LEAH’S BED for crying out loud! That’s borderline incéstuous! How Leah was still able to take him back without so much as a grand gesture grovel or self reflection on her part that “hey maybe this guy ain’t it?” even after all that plus the revenge plot he hatched up? It’s honestly a wonder how she managed not get roped into a cult at all with how gullible and naive she is.
Ryan did not deserve that HEA with Leah nor did he deserve to be let off so easily. There was absolutely no redemption on his part nor was there growth on Leah’s part. In the end she remained dependent on Ryan for her happiness instead of figuring out who she is on her own. Three weeks away from the guy who basically trampled on your dignity and self-respect is hardly passable as punishment especially if you were so quick to throw him a bone by saying “I’ll try” when asked for yet another chance. The whole thing was one big eyeroll. Cora Brent made it so easy to dislike Ryan and by god I’ve read some truly horrible romance male leads so that’s saying a lot.
November 9, 2020
A more difficult read than book 1. The blurp warns of angst. Of enemies to lovers. It is that. It isn’t the funny, sweet feel good story of Tristan but it does have a HEA ending.
The first 60% or so of the book was hard to read. A lot of internal monologues. A lot of lies and missed opportunities to talk. A lot of pain and ugly thoughts. The story of darkness grew but then it inexplicably evaporates. I was relieved, so don’t question it too much.
I couldn’t put the book down but it felt too drawn out and too tragic. The ending was too soppy for the people involved. But nevertheless, I just felt relieved that the book was finished.
The first 60% or so of the book was hard to read. A lot of internal monologues. A lot of lies and missed opportunities to talk. A lot of pain and ugly thoughts. The story of darkness grew but then it inexplicably evaporates. I was relieved, so don’t question it too much.
I couldn’t put the book down but it felt too drawn out and too tragic. The ending was too soppy for the people involved. But nevertheless, I just felt relieved that the book was finished.
October 15, 2025
Her forever love had an ongoing affair with her mother.
Her mother had his cock on her mouth at some point while FMC was there
The way Emblem is described, it's terrible, disgusting, whole of despair, a place that sucks you in and bleeds you dry; a dying prison town. And they want to live there.
Romance is dead 😭😕
Her mother had his cock on her mouth at some point while FMC was there
The way Emblem is described, it's terrible, disgusting, whole of despair, a place that sucks you in and bleeds you dry; a dying prison town. And they want to live there.
Romance is dead 😭😕
July 31, 2020
Jedson
I never could understand how much a person can truly hate themselves until they project that hate on others. This book brings lies, hate, pain, grief, mistrust, but also forgiveness and love. I love this book and I truly recommend it.
I never could understand how much a person can truly hate themselves until they project that hate on others. This book brings lies, hate, pain, grief, mistrust, but also forgiveness and love. I love this book and I truly recommend it.
June 17, 2021
A good story
I, as most women I suspect, love when a wealthy guy rescues a desolate woman and that’s what this story was for me. I loved the camaraderie shared in the little town because I’m from a little town and know how special those relationships are. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I, as most women I suspect, love when a wealthy guy rescues a desolate woman and that’s what this story was for me. I loved the camaraderie shared in the little town because I’m from a little town and know how special those relationships are. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
November 23, 2021
💯😍
Absolutely loved every single second of this book. While reading Tristan and Cadence’s book, we met Leah and I instantly wanted her story and Cira Brent DID NOT disappoint!!! I loved it!!!
Absolutely loved every single second of this book. While reading Tristan and Cadence’s book, we met Leah and I instantly wanted her story and Cira Brent DID NOT disappoint!!! I loved it!!!
October 25, 2020
My FAVORITE
I love all of Cora Brents book but this story is by far my favorite. Ryan and Leah’s story was complex and beautiful. I loved it!
I love all of Cora Brents book but this story is by far my favorite. Ryan and Leah’s story was complex and beautiful. I loved it!
March 18, 2024
This one was tricky. At the end of Tristan, Leah learns of Ryan’s release from prison. After reading, I was excited to read more about Ryan and Leah, but the plot fell short.
The book starts six years ago, with Leah finding out that Ryan was sleeping with her mom (one time in her bed). There are many events afterward that snowball into Ryan being falsely accused and then charged with murder.
Six years later, Leah is still attracted to Ryan, and Ryan is under the assumption that Leah is the reason for his prison sentence. Ryan begins to form a revenge plan against Leah.
Ryan doesn't have all the information about what happened six years ago, and slowly, as the pieces of that night and the abuse Leah endured come to light, he realizes that his hatred is misplaced.
I didn’t fully understand Ryan’s plan, and I don’t think he understood it either, even though his plan was already in motion when he got back into town.
Leah was visibly nervous to see Ryan again, but I don’t think she was cautious enough. Leah’s actions were so questionable, especially after seeing Ryan for the first time at the bar she works at. Ryan teases her, then rejects her, leaves, and then she drives to his house. Very confused by that chain of events and her going to him in the middle of the night after he purposedly rejected her.
Leah’s mom was emotionally and physically abusive and still carries emotional scars. I was very happy she wasn't around anymore in the present.
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ revenge
✨ age gap
✨ misunderstanding
✨ small town
✨ dual pov
The book starts six years ago, with Leah finding out that Ryan was sleeping with her mom (one time in her bed). There are many events afterward that snowball into Ryan being falsely accused and then charged with murder.
Six years later, Leah is still attracted to Ryan, and Ryan is under the assumption that Leah is the reason for his prison sentence. Ryan begins to form a revenge plan against Leah.
Ryan doesn't have all the information about what happened six years ago, and slowly, as the pieces of that night and the abuse Leah endured come to light, he realizes that his hatred is misplaced.
I didn’t fully understand Ryan’s plan, and I don’t think he understood it either, even though his plan was already in motion when he got back into town.
Leah was visibly nervous to see Ryan again, but I don’t think she was cautious enough. Leah’s actions were so questionable, especially after seeing Ryan for the first time at the bar she works at. Ryan teases her, then rejects her, leaves, and then she drives to his house. Very confused by that chain of events and her going to him in the middle of the night after he purposedly rejected her.
Leah’s mom was emotionally and physically abusive and still carries emotional scars. I was very happy she wasn't around anymore in the present.
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ revenge
✨ age gap
✨ misunderstanding
✨ small town
✨ dual pov
July 16, 2019
4 STARS
Leah was that cute, mildly awkward neighbor kid always tagging behind her boy crush Ryan Jedson. It's not like there was much else to do. Leah and Ryan were born and raised in Emblem—a middle nowhere prison town where hopes and dreams go to die.
Everything is in ruins in Emblem. Main Street is basically closed. Well, except for the Dirty Cactus—the hottest bar in town. And that's not saying much.
The rundown bar is Leah's father's pride of joy. Find her father's list of priorities and his ungrateful wife would be at the top of the list. Find his lower priorities and his children would be at the very bottom.
Leah was forced out of Emblem.
Rumors. Allegations. Murder. Lives were destroyed.
She goes to college, lands an accounting degree (or almost).
Leah's no-good-town-tramp of a mother dies. Leah packs her bags, her guilt, and drags her ass back to the town that raised her. The Dirty Cactus is not only falling apart physically, but financially her father drove the business into the ground.
Leah is living day to day, sleeping in a dusty trailer alone with her nightmares. Her father, overcome with the death of his wife, has completely checked out on life.
Leah will do what she always does....
make the best out of a shit situation...
things couldn't possibly be worse....right?
Leah's old crush turned enemy returns to Emblem. And the entire town can't stop talking about it. A reunion years in the making. All the lies, the rumors—all the hatred.
Enter Ryan Jedson— a serious negotiator, incredibly smart, and rough around the edges kinda guy. Ryan can rock a designer suit or worn pair of blue jeans. He can throw a punch if need be, all while taking care of an old friend and his Ma on the down low. That's Ryan Jedson.
He throws money around left and right and buys the mansion on the hill—Ryan Jedson who once had nothing, is back in Emblem to stay.
He's not around to simply rekindle the friendships he was forced to abandon or mend burned bridges. Oh no, Ryan has a plan that will rock the entire town of Emblem...And when he's done the Dirty Cactus won't be the only thing left in ruins...
Even the best rage filled plans have issues...
The truth is not always black and white.
You can't fix yourself by breaking someone else.
You can't break someone that's already been broken.
So Why not 5 Stars?
I gobbled this book up.
The words just flowed.
The author knows how to tell a story. Leah is the shining star of the book, but every single character played their role, and played it well—no stand-ins, no buffers FTW. The town of Emblem too. That place was alive, very much a character in this book.
As a small town girl, I love that.
The dialogue was meaningful and not cheesy. The relationships in this book had serious depth. Omggg it was amazing. No kiddie pools here. Same for the plot—well thought-out, full circle goodness. The book was realistic. The reason why Ryan Jedson left, why Leah had so much guilt, it all made sense. Same goes for the secondary characters.
They both made mistakes.
They were all very human-like.
Sexy time scenes were full of delicious dirty words and frantic clothes pulling.Time, distance and rage does wonders for the sexual stamina. Side note—the sexy time scene at the end Ryan asks one pantie melting question...Sweet baby Jesus...anyway!
The hatred early on in the book was serious. Frigid even. Didn't exactly put Ryan in the best light. His reasons were legit. Not that he didn't make up for it later....with his mouth. Leah's reaction to Ryan out the gate was meh...Leah did have a life long crush on Ryan, so it made sense.
In the end, it was a full circle small town revenge romance. Two people raised in shit circumstances, torn apart by other people's bullshit, only to find that they had to return to the town that ruined them, in order to put themselves back together again.
Leah was that cute, mildly awkward neighbor kid always tagging behind her boy crush Ryan Jedson. It's not like there was much else to do. Leah and Ryan were born and raised in Emblem—a middle nowhere prison town where hopes and dreams go to die.
Everything is in ruins in Emblem. Main Street is basically closed. Well, except for the Dirty Cactus—the hottest bar in town. And that's not saying much.
The rundown bar is Leah's father's pride of joy. Find her father's list of priorities and his ungrateful wife would be at the top of the list. Find his lower priorities and his children would be at the very bottom.
Leah was forced out of Emblem.
Rumors. Allegations. Murder. Lives were destroyed.
She goes to college, lands an accounting degree (or almost).
Leah's no-good-town-tramp of a mother dies. Leah packs her bags, her guilt, and drags her ass back to the town that raised her. The Dirty Cactus is not only falling apart physically, but financially her father drove the business into the ground.
Leah is living day to day, sleeping in a dusty trailer alone with her nightmares. Her father, overcome with the death of his wife, has completely checked out on life.
Leah will do what she always does....
make the best out of a shit situation...
things couldn't possibly be worse....right?
Leah's old crush turned enemy returns to Emblem. And the entire town can't stop talking about it. A reunion years in the making. All the lies, the rumors—all the hatred.
Enter Ryan Jedson— a serious negotiator, incredibly smart, and rough around the edges kinda guy. Ryan can rock a designer suit or worn pair of blue jeans. He can throw a punch if need be, all while taking care of an old friend and his Ma on the down low. That's Ryan Jedson.
He throws money around left and right and buys the mansion on the hill—Ryan Jedson who once had nothing, is back in Emblem to stay.
He's not around to simply rekindle the friendships he was forced to abandon or mend burned bridges. Oh no, Ryan has a plan that will rock the entire town of Emblem...And when he's done the Dirty Cactus won't be the only thing left in ruins...
Even the best rage filled plans have issues...
The truth is not always black and white.
You can't fix yourself by breaking someone else.
You can't break someone that's already been broken.
So Why not 5 Stars?
I gobbled this book up.
The words just flowed.
The author knows how to tell a story. Leah is the shining star of the book, but every single character played their role, and played it well—no stand-ins, no buffers FTW. The town of Emblem too. That place was alive, very much a character in this book.
As a small town girl, I love that.
The dialogue was meaningful and not cheesy. The relationships in this book had serious depth. Omggg it was amazing. No kiddie pools here. Same for the plot—well thought-out, full circle goodness. The book was realistic. The reason why Ryan Jedson left, why Leah had so much guilt, it all made sense. Same goes for the secondary characters.
They both made mistakes.
They were all very human-like.
Sexy time scenes were full of delicious dirty words and frantic clothes pulling.Time, distance and rage does wonders for the sexual stamina. Side note—the sexy time scene at the end Ryan asks one pantie melting question...Sweet baby Jesus...anyway!
The hatred early on in the book was serious. Frigid even. Didn't exactly put Ryan in the best light. His reasons were legit. Not that he didn't make up for it later....with his mouth. Leah's reaction to Ryan out the gate was meh...Leah did have a life long crush on Ryan, so it made sense.
In the end, it was a full circle small town revenge romance. Two people raised in shit circumstances, torn apart by other people's bullshit, only to find that they had to return to the town that ruined them, in order to put themselves back together again.
October 3, 2022
Tried a new genre. Didn't really like it. Maybe it's the setting (run-down village in the middle of nowhere in the US), maybe it's the characters (an indecisive female character who's a constant victim of everyone and everything or the shady/not-really-my-type tough boy) or the weird romance dynamic with a weird sexual tension (only the female character feels for the most part). Overall it was darker and more problematic than I expected, def not a sexy book in my eyes and not a feel good one either.
Almost didn't have it in me to finish this which surprised me bc every review I read on here was so positive.
Almost didn't have it in me to finish this which surprised me bc every review I read on here was so positive.
January 27, 2025
3 Stars
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