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Something Like Love #2
I Love You, I Need Him
Brooklyn
I learned early in life to build walls around my heart.
After my mother died.
Before my father went to jail.
“I’d give anything to make sure the people I love know it…”
So when my boss hires a tall, tattooed Irishman to work alongside me,
I vow to keep things professional.
Especially when I find out he’s a widower.
But when my violent past threatens my future,
I find myself closer to Declan than I planned to be.
“...you want to sleep in my bed?”
The walls around my heart are high…
but the arms around my body are strong.
And I’ve convinced myself he can save me from the coming storm.
Declan
I escaped New York for Tennessee to have a clean slate.
From my vices.
From my ghosts...
But my new boss has the kind of eyes you can’t look away from.
And the kind of laugh that threatens to pull you from the dark.
“It’s just chemical, what you’re feeling right now…”
I tell myself I’m just being a good friend when I let her stay in my room.
But the lies we tell ourselves are the hardest to overcome.
“I thought I knew what it was like to be haunted by someone.
I was wrong. I don’t know shit…”
My attempt at starting over has led me to my greatest fear.
Love can never make me weak again.
And I can’t fall for a girl who looks like the sun when I’m the goddamn storm.
I learned early in life to build walls around my heart.
After my mother died.
Before my father went to jail.
“I’d give anything to make sure the people I love know it…”
So when my boss hires a tall, tattooed Irishman to work alongside me,
I vow to keep things professional.
Especially when I find out he’s a widower.
But when my violent past threatens my future,
I find myself closer to Declan than I planned to be.
“...you want to sleep in my bed?”
The walls around my heart are high…
but the arms around my body are strong.
And I’ve convinced myself he can save me from the coming storm.
Declan
I escaped New York for Tennessee to have a clean slate.
From my vices.
From my ghosts...
But my new boss has the kind of eyes you can’t look away from.
And the kind of laugh that threatens to pull you from the dark.
“It’s just chemical, what you’re feeling right now…”
I tell myself I’m just being a good friend when I let her stay in my room.
But the lies we tell ourselves are the hardest to overcome.
“I thought I knew what it was like to be haunted by someone.
I was wrong. I don’t know shit…”
My attempt at starting over has led me to my greatest fear.
Love can never make me weak again.
And I can’t fall for a girl who looks like the sun when I’m the goddamn storm.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2020
About the author
J.R. Rogue
61 books855 followersJ.R. Rogue first put pen to paper at the age of fifteen after developing an unrequited high school crush and has never stopped writing about heartache. She has published multiple volumes of poetry and novels. Her work has been recognized with three Goodreads Choice Awards nominations, a testament to the impact of her work on readers.
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
In addition to her writing, J.R. Rogue is a certified yoga teacher with additional certification in Yoga Nidra and Trauma-Informed Yoga. She is passionate about mindfulness and meditation, and currently studying Foundations in Meditation. Furthermore, J.R. Rogue has been sober from alcohol since January 1st, 2020, a personal achievement that she is proud of and that has strengthened her commitment to mindfulness and wellness.
J.R. Rogue resides in a small town in the Midwest with her family, where she enjoys a peaceful life reading and telling stories
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 22, 2020
"Sometimes a place sticks with you, is a part of you, and you never get over it. Almost the way you can love a person."
Sometimes a book can stick with you, such as this one.
There's something about Rogue's writing that haunts you, stays with you long after you turn the last page. Brooklyn and Declan's story is no different. The whirlwind romance between this city boy and country girl will captivate you until the very last word.
"I came here to find something. It wasn't supposed to be you."
He's looking for work, for an escape, certainly not love.
The city boy that shows up in the Smoky Mountains is unwanted at first, in many ways. Brooklyn doesn't want a coworker, nor does she want him to complicate things in her life.
However, the relationship that unfolds is life-changing, for both of them.
"She shivers, and I want to write it down; the words I said and the way she reacted. This is one of those moments. The kind my mother tells me to look for. In the small details, the story is there. In the seconds you feel the air leave the room."
With a romance author for a mother and a father who taught him right, the swoon-worthy Irishman's upbringing was a stark difference from Brooklyn's. She's trying to escape something of her own: her father and the hell that comes with him.
This romance is gripping, a page-turner that will have you needing to know what happens next. Five stars for another beautiful story from J.R. Rogue.
Sometimes a book can stick with you, such as this one.
There's something about Rogue's writing that haunts you, stays with you long after you turn the last page. Brooklyn and Declan's story is no different. The whirlwind romance between this city boy and country girl will captivate you until the very last word.
"I came here to find something. It wasn't supposed to be you."
He's looking for work, for an escape, certainly not love.
The city boy that shows up in the Smoky Mountains is unwanted at first, in many ways. Brooklyn doesn't want a coworker, nor does she want him to complicate things in her life.
However, the relationship that unfolds is life-changing, for both of them.
"She shivers, and I want to write it down; the words I said and the way she reacted. This is one of those moments. The kind my mother tells me to look for. In the small details, the story is there. In the seconds you feel the air leave the room."
With a romance author for a mother and a father who taught him right, the swoon-worthy Irishman's upbringing was a stark difference from Brooklyn's. She's trying to escape something of her own: her father and the hell that comes with him.
This romance is gripping, a page-turner that will have you needing to know what happens next. Five stars for another beautiful story from J.R. Rogue.
October 10, 2020
There aren’t many books I have read that I find myself actually holding conversations with myself while reading, but I Love You, I Need Him, was one that I laughed, held my tears, got angry and most of all, I swoon.
Jen has this way when you read her words that give you this connection with the characters and with Brooklyn and Declan, it’s there - instantly. It felt like I was there amongst friends. There is an innocence and loyalty that is fierce throughout this book as glimpse to what shadows their lives. There is hope and sorrow that follows them but doesn’t drown them. There is a strength in the two of them that is courageous and shows this determination that leaves you speechless. This book shows you how to face your fears and grow from with them.
I Love You, I Need Him will stay with me, it’s a book you need to read to just understand people better. I love that about Jen’s writing her way of letting us see people and understand them and see all the way it creates the world around them.
Jen has this way when you read her words that give you this connection with the characters and with Brooklyn and Declan, it’s there - instantly. It felt like I was there amongst friends. There is an innocence and loyalty that is fierce throughout this book as glimpse to what shadows their lives. There is hope and sorrow that follows them but doesn’t drown them. There is a strength in the two of them that is courageous and shows this determination that leaves you speechless. This book shows you how to face your fears and grow from with them.
I Love You, I Need Him will stay with me, it’s a book you need to read to just understand people better. I love that about Jen’s writing her way of letting us see people and understand them and see all the way it creates the world around them.
October 18, 2020
"Grief is ugly as shit, but streetlights always looked beautiful when my eyes couldn't focus." Oh, Declan. As soon as he was announced, I was giddy for this book. I love knowing that I can count on Jen (and Kat!) for writing a totally different kind of hero- the ones with soft hearts and beautiful minds and warm souls. There is something so comforting and swoony about reading guys like Declan. He felt like being wrapped in a cozy blanket with my favorite book after a long day. The man is a poem in and of himself. I loved his devotion, his timidity, how he opened his heart. He is currently giving Hunter and Sloane a run for their money. I didn't realize how badly I needed Brooklyn's story, how I had underestimated her in Blind Melody. There is such depth to her character, perhaps more than any other Jen has written, and if you know her, you know her characters are layered, flawed, and so multidimensional that they leap off the pages. She is fierce and steadfast, unwavering in her loyalty to the people she loves. I could feel her strength, her perseverance in trying to shake the darkness that someone else tried to drown her in. I admired her all throughout the book. The love that she and Declan found was luminous, lighting the way through when neither of them was sure how to proceed, and it warmed me to my core. This is why I will always read anything that Jen puts out. This is why I own everything she's ever published. It's magic.
November 3, 2020
Beautiful love story with strong characters in Brooklyn and Declan. The author once again brings a well written story and takes you on an emotional roller coaster while reading. She deals with loss, grief and anger as well as the love they find together. She brings her story to life with her descriptive and detailed writing and delivers another heartwarming story. Loved and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 13, 2020
I Love You, I Need Him is a beautiful, quirky story and I completely fell in love with quirky Brooklyn and beautiful Declan. Declan's past brings him to Brooklyn, and neither of them can begin to suspect where their meeting will find them in the end. Their journey is filled with loss, anger, sorrow and finally a love that was totally unexpected. This is truly a beautiful read and a journey I'm so glad I went on.
June 18, 2023
Trauma has the tendency to linger for some. It can be all consuming and you end up an adult feeling like where you are in life is it. This. Is. It. Such is the case for Brooklyn and Declan. Both have experienced very different forms of trauma and both seem to be settled with what they’ve been handed.
That is until their meeting. This isn’t a fluttery Insta romance but there is a clear familiarity they see in one another’s spirit and Rogue beautifully carries us through their story, their hurts and demons.
That is until their meeting. This isn’t a fluttery Insta romance but there is a clear familiarity they see in one another’s spirit and Rogue beautifully carries us through their story, their hurts and demons.
October 22, 2020
I loved this book. Declan... sigh... just fell completely in love with him. And Brooklyn, I loved her. I was so excited to get her story, and I think this is my favorite one yet. I feel this deep need to go to Tennessee and see it. I just wish the retreat was real. I would go and stay there for as long as I could. I absolutely loved this story. I felt the feels with this one.
October 22, 2020
Another good one from Rogue. I have to admit I didn't like this one quite as much as I Like You, I Love Her. Because, well moth flutters but it was still a good book to sit down to. I love that Rogue is never afraid to shy away from serious topics in her books. It's one of my favorite things about her writing. This is another book I'll be adding to my shelf.
October 12, 2020
Brooklyn and Declan are such diverse and colorful characters that you cannot help but to fall in love with them immediately. You become so invested in their stories, individually and together. J. R. Rogue's characters are so relateable and I found myself cringing reading of Brooklyn's father as it was too similar to my own.
January 11, 2021
This was a beautiful, emotional read.
November 13, 2020
Brooklyn and Declan are amazing! They are brought together due to work but he is still mourning his wife. Their journey is filled with bumps and sorrow but you are riveted to them until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Another heart-wrenching story of two broken souls that meet under odd circumstances. Rogue does it again with giving balance of obvious chemistry and the problem when loss and grief get in it's way. You can't help but fall for these two and see how they will manage all the blocks that come their way.
Can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2020
The Rocky Mountains are the perfect place to get away. Brooklyn has been hiding there. Declan is there to try and find himself. This is a story of 2 people who are suffering and how they find back.
Enjoyed how each of the characters are strong (how they have survived the trauma) and how they still have hope. The emotions of everyone is captured with great detail and it touches you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyed how each of the characters are strong (how they have survived the trauma) and how they still have hope. The emotions of everyone is captured with great detail and it touches you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2020
A well-written and well-developed storyline filled with emotions and gorgeous, caring characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I love the chemistry and bond between Declan and Brooklyn. I'd love to read more about them and their families.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2020
I anticipated this book! I anticipated it so much and I was itchy to finally have it in my hands but then I started reading...
Brooklyn's character is like looking in a mirror and seeing so many parts of myself. She is strong and selfless and regardless of everything she's been through, she strives on being kind and not letting other people feel the pain she's become accustomed to. So, naturally meeting Declan becomes a tumultuous point in her life. She could sense his pain but, she never expected him to be the healing she needs.
"Love comes whether you’re ready for it or not"
This story took many twists, from being light hearted, to ripping your heart out. From happiness and love to anger and pain and I suppose that's Rogue's gift, capturing the essence of a person in words. Like any of her previous books this one was something special, the characters felt real and it helps that the book was set in my favourite location from her previous book Blind Melody.
This story of hurt, love and finding yourself will grip you from the beginning! I should know I finished reading it in one day! I could not put it down!
Brooklyn's character is like looking in a mirror and seeing so many parts of myself. She is strong and selfless and regardless of everything she's been through, she strives on being kind and not letting other people feel the pain she's become accustomed to. So, naturally meeting Declan becomes a tumultuous point in her life. She could sense his pain but, she never expected him to be the healing she needs.
"Love comes whether you’re ready for it or not"
This story took many twists, from being light hearted, to ripping your heart out. From happiness and love to anger and pain and I suppose that's Rogue's gift, capturing the essence of a person in words. Like any of her previous books this one was something special, the characters felt real and it helps that the book was set in my favourite location from her previous book Blind Melody.
This story of hurt, love and finding yourself will grip you from the beginning! I should know I finished reading it in one day! I could not put it down!
November 3, 2020
Oh my goodness!! I just finished reading I Love You, I Need Him by J. R. Rogue and it was such a wonderful story about Brooklyn and Declan. Each of them has had heartache in their lives. Brooklyn was living in fear and Declan was closed off from love due to a tragedy. I loved Brooklyn character. She hardly swore and each chapter that included her point of view had funny titles. Declan's character was quiet and he was slowly healing. Each of them needed each other in order to heal. There was a lot of drama that was going on on the sidelines, but there was also love and steamy scenes as well. I highly recommend reading this wonderful book. It has healing, love, comedy and the great makings of a wonderful book all in one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2020
This book was not what I was expecting and I love it because it was even better. We meet two broken people and how they deal with their brokenness is so different. Brooklyn has had the hardest life and its been holding her back but she is still a breathe of fresh air. Declan is devastated by his wife's death and has become someone he no longer recognizes. Starting as friends they try to navigate a new future. Reading anything by JR Rogue is like reading poetry. I fall in love with her words and her characters. She takes me on a journey that just makes me happy.
November 4, 2020
I fell in love with both Declan and Brooklyn! She went through so much with her family and managed to stay sane and keep things together, especially for her sisters. I love how took care of her sisters despite how they came into her life. Ahhh, Declan. Broken since his wife died three years ago, he really needed what Brooklyn had to offer. I just loved this story and hated for it to end. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
Declan and Brooklyn are both people in need of something. She wants him and he has not been able to heal from the loss of his wife. They are co-workers and must spend a lot of time together but there is a limit to what he will accept from her and she has decided that she is worth more. Complex, emotional and moving and another engaging story in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
This is the story of Brooklyn and Declan. Brooklyn has had some bumps in the road. Declan also has had tragedy in his life. The are co-workers and Brooklyn knows that Declan is still greiving his wife. Then something happens. Can two people repair themselves to move on with life? This is a great story and you can feel for the characters. I laughed and cried, and totally enjoyed the book. Great story!
November 6, 2020
Very well written book. Very entertaining and enjoyable but emotional rollercoaster.
The story of Brooklyn and Declan.
Both of them have some tragedies in their lives. Brooklyn knows that Declan is grieving his wife, they work together.
Fortunately their emotions taking over and they starting to move forward.Can this two have happiness and love ?
This is a great story and you will be rooting for them.
I received a free copy of this book and I’am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Brooklyn and Declan.
Both of them have some tragedies in their lives. Brooklyn knows that Declan is grieving his wife, they work together.
Fortunately their emotions taking over and they starting to move forward.Can this two have happiness and love ?
This is a great story and you will be rooting for them.
I received a free copy of this book and I’am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2020
A heartbreaking, beautiful read with two main characters - Brooklyn & Declan who i absolutely loved. Having read I like you, I love her where i couldnt connect with the characters this book i loved wholeheartedly. My god though does this story take you through the gambit of emotions - Love & Loss being the major ones. I genuinely wanted these two characters to get their HEA ending. Touching & endearing with a lot of emotion too. A lovely read
March 31, 2021
If you're looking for a realistic contemporary romance, this is the one! The dual points of view is pulled off flawlessly (which is difficult!). The situation Brooklyn is in grows and blows up, but still grows with the tall, dark and Irishman. Sometimes with romance novels if it gets too stereotypical and I find myself skipping. Not a single skipped page. Brooklyn is a quirky, strong-willed and interesting character. Not the typical Mary Sue that finds her Gary Stu.
November 6, 2020
J.R. Rogue did a good job on I Love You, I Need Him. The plot was strong, so wasn't the characters, Brooklyn and Declan.
Declan and Brooklyn may have had a few bumps along their journey but they were strong. They were good for each other, their connection was strong, the chemistry between them was sexy, they were good together.
I enjoyed this story, it was good. Thanks, J.R. Rogue. Good work :)
Declan and Brooklyn may have had a few bumps along their journey but they were strong. They were good for each other, their connection was strong, the chemistry between them was sexy, they were good together.
I enjoyed this story, it was good. Thanks, J.R. Rogue. Good work :)
November 6, 2020
While I am not the biggest fan of chapters having titles, I don't see why authors have the need to do that, I loved the first person point of view, which makes or breaks the story for me. The story had a lot of funny moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Two broken people come together to heal themselves. Declan and Brooklyn are strong characters despite their past trauma.The story is captivating and filled with emotions of loss and sorrow of which their love is born.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2020
It was an interesting story of broken people trying to heal themselves. The point where their lives meet and interact is crucial for both of them. The way they find the strength to keep going is something to admire.
I liked that the points of view alternated too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked that the points of view alternated too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2020
I enjoyed this new book but it wasn't a favorite. There was drama, emotional aspects and love/romance, but it wasn't as complex of a story as other books from this author. I am voluntarily reviewing this ARC after receiving a free copy.
October 24, 2020
LOVED Him!
Head over heels in love with him. What an amazing story that was told with an abundance of emotions and engrossing twists that although a quick read it was everything and more. A heck of a rollercoaster ride with a beautiful love story that I enjoyed very much.
Head over heels in love with him. What an amazing story that was told with an abundance of emotions and engrossing twists that although a quick read it was everything and more. A heck of a rollercoaster ride with a beautiful love story that I enjoyed very much.
October 30, 2020
3.5 Stars
While I enjoyed this book and think that the character work and story line made this a good read, I was unable to connect to the male lead character no matter how hard I tried.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While I enjoyed this book and think that the character work and story line made this a good read, I was unable to connect to the male lead character no matter how hard I tried.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews