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The Price Family #3
Conceal
From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a billionaire romance full of witty banter and a jaw-dropping twist!
I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.
I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.
I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.
Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.
He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....
My heart.
I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.
I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.
I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.
Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.
He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....
My heart.
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2020
3950 people are currently reading
2708 people want to read
About the author
Ava Harrison
43 books3,680 followersAva Harrison is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
January 28, 2020
4 STARS
This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you slowly. It's not an in your face, slam bam sort of suspense and romance. It's a slow burn, with plenty of layers, incredible character development, and a romance that's as intense as it is satisfying.
I've been waiting for Jaxson's book for what feels like ages. He was the light tempered, easy to laugh, and first to joke sort of man. But beyond the easy smiles and good-natured temperament, you just knew there's another layer to this man. Conceal shows us those layers, and let me just tell you, they're deep. There's so much more to Jax than meets the eye. He's desperate for his siblings approval. His older brother seems to think he's more of a party boy that never took running the family business seriously. And while the Price empire isn't his passion, he's determined to prove to them he can do it.
But more than that. Max has a heart of gold. This is a man that's always ready to help those in need, even if he gets nothing out of it. So when he stumbles into a beautiful woman that seems to be running from something. He's determined to learn her secrets as much as he's determined to get to her heart. What starts an unlikely friendship soon begins to turn into something so much more.
Willow is on the run, but you don't know from who or from what. She keeps her secrets well hidden, but her fear is obvious. Admittedly, it took me a bit to get into this story. It's definitely a slow burn sort of read. It has many different layers that take time to unravel. And while I wasn't exactly bored, I also wasn't riveted to the pages. Then when the puzzle pieces began to come together, I was completely sucked in.
This is my second Ava Harrison book and I'm definitely hooked on her brand of story telling.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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He tells me with no words, I’m his. That he owns me with every move of his hips. He tells me he will make sure I’m okay. I feel the truth in it. And I believe him.
This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you slowly. It's not an in your face, slam bam sort of suspense and romance. It's a slow burn, with plenty of layers, incredible character development, and a romance that's as intense as it is satisfying.
I've been waiting for Jaxson's book for what feels like ages. He was the light tempered, easy to laugh, and first to joke sort of man. But beyond the easy smiles and good-natured temperament, you just knew there's another layer to this man. Conceal shows us those layers, and let me just tell you, they're deep. There's so much more to Jax than meets the eye. He's desperate for his siblings approval. His older brother seems to think he's more of a party boy that never took running the family business seriously. And while the Price empire isn't his passion, he's determined to prove to them he can do it.
But more than that. Max has a heart of gold. This is a man that's always ready to help those in need, even if he gets nothing out of it. So when he stumbles into a beautiful woman that seems to be running from something. He's determined to learn her secrets as much as he's determined to get to her heart. What starts an unlikely friendship soon begins to turn into something so much more.
Willow is on the run, but you don't know from who or from what. She keeps her secrets well hidden, but her fear is obvious. Admittedly, it took me a bit to get into this story. It's definitely a slow burn sort of read. It has many different layers that take time to unravel. And while I wasn't exactly bored, I also wasn't riveted to the pages. Then when the puzzle pieces began to come together, I was completely sucked in.
This is my second Ava Harrison book and I'm definitely hooked on her brand of story telling.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
January 16, 2020
3 🤔❤️🤔⭐️s
I would have liked this story more if Willow’s secret didn’t take so many pages to be revealed. The story behind hiding her identity had quite a few holes that made it hard to believe.
It was suspenseful, with a couple of great twists and turns, dual pov, slow burn.
I would have liked this story more if Willow’s secret didn’t take so many pages to be revealed. The story behind hiding her identity had quite a few holes that made it hard to believe.
It was suspenseful, with a couple of great twists and turns, dual pov, slow burn.
January 13, 2020
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 Black Sheep CROWNS
Jaxson has been the black sheep among his family since the beginning of this standalone series. Never one to take life seriously, be entrenched in the family business, Jax has lived in the world of dark net, being the silent and underappreciated sibling,
Jax's character is just as flawed and broken as the heroine; his brokenness just comes in a different form and from a less severe source. His family structure, especially the relationship we see with his siblings, is fractured. Through his relationship with Willow, he heals and becomes a better man, and I love that he cares enough about her to change his ways when he courts her. Through his relationship with Willow, readers get to see below the surface of this seemingly uncaring man, and what is below the surface is fantastic.
Willow is a woman on the run. Her part of the story is what lends itself to the suspense part of the plot line, and I love the build up of the story. The obvious conflict that would come from their story based on her past wasn't there, and I enjoyed their moments of getting to know each other and genuinely getting the feeling of watching these two fall in love with each other.
Conceal hits the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Readers get to see Jax and Willow fall in love from their funny first meeting to their "I love you" moments. All the while, the build up to the impending danger always plays in the background, leaving the reader with a heightened anticipations as to when the inevitable climax will arrive. And I will say that I loved the ending, as I am partial to a heroine that takes control of her own life and faces danger.
Jax’s story may just be my favorite!! I love him, and I loved how Ava took his best parts to make him the hero of this story while simultaneously having the heroine save herself!! It is definitely a must read.
Beta read.
5 Black Sheep CROWNS
Jaxson has been the black sheep among his family since the beginning of this standalone series. Never one to take life seriously, be entrenched in the family business, Jax has lived in the world of dark net, being the silent and underappreciated sibling,
Jax's character is just as flawed and broken as the heroine; his brokenness just comes in a different form and from a less severe source. His family structure, especially the relationship we see with his siblings, is fractured. Through his relationship with Willow, he heals and becomes a better man, and I love that he cares enough about her to change his ways when he courts her. Through his relationship with Willow, readers get to see below the surface of this seemingly uncaring man, and what is below the surface is fantastic.
Willow is a woman on the run. Her part of the story is what lends itself to the suspense part of the plot line, and I love the build up of the story. The obvious conflict that would come from their story based on her past wasn't there, and I enjoyed their moments of getting to know each other and genuinely getting the feeling of watching these two fall in love with each other.
Conceal hits the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Readers get to see Jax and Willow fall in love from their funny first meeting to their "I love you" moments. All the while, the build up to the impending danger always plays in the background, leaving the reader with a heightened anticipations as to when the inevitable climax will arrive. And I will say that I loved the ending, as I am partial to a heroine that takes control of her own life and faces danger.
Jax’s story may just be my favorite!! I love him, and I loved how Ava took his best parts to make him the hero of this story while simultaneously having the heroine save herself!! It is definitely a must read.
Beta read.
February 26, 2020
Review coming soon...
October 30, 2019
What an amazing story to read. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I was enthralled by these characters and their story. The suspense is real and will keep you turning the page wanting to know what happened. The sexual tension is palpable and the buildup is pure perfection, it makes that first kiss explosive. And of course, once they give in to those feelings it’s hard to ever imagine them fighting it. The banter between them is brilliant and balances the suspense fantastically.
Jaxson Price is sweet. Yes, I said sweet. And you know what? He was just what I needed. He was charming, funny, and would literally give the shirt off his back to help someone. I adored him and I want to marry him.
Willow is ALL the things. Heck, Ava is a goddess at writing strong heroines and she didn’t fail with Willow. Although she has some stuff going on she’s able to take control of her life and save herself, and I just loved that. I was mentally high-fiving my girl!
Ava’s writing is smooth, enjoyable and easy to read. As always she handles a sensitive subject with such grace and beauty that it is difficult not to get lost in her world and have empathy for the characters. The final couple of chapters and epilogue to this book are everything. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t shed some tears...just a handful.
Jaxson Price is sweet. Yes, I said sweet. And you know what? He was just what I needed. He was charming, funny, and would literally give the shirt off his back to help someone. I adored him and I want to marry him.
Willow is ALL the things. Heck, Ava is a goddess at writing strong heroines and she didn’t fail with Willow. Although she has some stuff going on she’s able to take control of her life and save herself, and I just loved that. I was mentally high-fiving my girl!
Ava’s writing is smooth, enjoyable and easy to read. As always she handles a sensitive subject with such grace and beauty that it is difficult not to get lost in her world and have empathy for the characters. The final couple of chapters and epilogue to this book are everything. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t shed some tears...just a handful.
January 15, 2021
كان هذا ثاني كتاب أقرأه لهذه الكاتبة و قد حان أن نفترقا.
آڤا هاريسن... إلى اللِّقا .
آڤا هاريسن... إلى اللِّقا .
January 16, 2022
Ok I’m going to be honest here: that was boring and a waste of my time.
When I tell you it was the same emotions of this woman who is on the run, and a man who is almost 30 who has this “I’ll prove I’m good enough” attitude over and over and over again. Literally that was the book.
The characters were written in a bland way. Nothing surprising or even spectacular about these characters.
The plot could have been so good. Literally had the bones of a great book, but nope. It was the same punchline until maybe 75% in the book, and THEN something changed. But still didn’t change until maybe 90% in the book.
You know, that quick - all the climatic parts at the end type of book. Even the climatic parts was blah.
You know what I was thinking? Maybe the author needed another book out there and she was like “fine, I’ll write something.” With no effort. Yup. This was a no effort type of book.
I gave it 2 stars because I continued to read. Just in actuality I really want to give it a 1.5 star rating. An “eh” rating for an “eh” book I guess. Maybe this book was a fluke? I’ll read something else by Ava just to give her another chance.
When I tell you it was the same emotions of this woman who is on the run, and a man who is almost 30 who has this “I’ll prove I’m good enough” attitude over and over and over again. Literally that was the book.
The characters were written in a bland way. Nothing surprising or even spectacular about these characters.
The plot could have been so good. Literally had the bones of a great book, but nope. It was the same punchline until maybe 75% in the book, and THEN something changed. But still didn’t change until maybe 90% in the book.
You know, that quick - all the climatic parts at the end type of book. Even the climatic parts was blah.
You know what I was thinking? Maybe the author needed another book out there and she was like “fine, I’ll write something.” With no effort. Yup. This was a no effort type of book.
I gave it 2 stars because I continued to read. Just in actuality I really want to give it a 1.5 star rating. An “eh” rating for an “eh” book I guess. Maybe this book was a fluke? I’ll read something else by Ava just to give her another chance.
May 25, 2020
And I ran. I Ran So Far Away.
*self-purchased on Amazon. No need of sugar daddies called promo teams*
What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
She ran away, far from the danger. She landed in New York City without any help. And then she meets Jaxson Price. She doesn’t want to ask for help. She doesn’t want to give him her heart. But we don’t always get what we want.
This is my second Ava Harrison read. I enjoyed it very much! The dedication already had me on my toes. There are a lot of aspects that I liked in this story: the leading heroine, the hero, the constant consumption of food, the messages the story sent… I loved every single part of that.
Jax was loveable from the start, in his misunderstood ways. He was hilarious and heartfelt. He’s a fine MF with his rich people attitude LOL.
Willow was a fighter. She was a mystery wrapped in a person and she made us work hard for her secrets. I’m not going to say that I didn’t like that because I did LOL. When Willow brought the claws out to defend a person’s honor… You’ll understand what I mean when you read it. IT WAS GLORIOUS. She didn’t need a man to rescue her, FACTS.
Jax and Willow’s chemistry was on fire. They were cute together.
I recommend this story to lovers of misfits, strong women and food. There’s lots of food in this story.
Original comment: Almost as good as Entice. Lovely book.
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May 11, 2020I couldn’t get into this book. To be fair , I’m reading as a standalone and maybe I should have read the series but it’s a very slow pace and I wasn’t keen on the hero. Lots of great reviews out there so don’t let mine put you off. (May 2020)
February 14, 2020
First time reader of this author and not sure I’ll pick up another book because I was bored to death and none of the other characters seemed intriguing. This was a miss. It dragged and never picked up. The mystery around Willow didn’t unfold until the very end and that was even a letdown. The connection between the MCs was slowww and boring resembling friendship and no romance. And frankly I wasn’t that engaged with the H’s siblings.
January 19, 2020
4 black sheep stars
I was so excited to find out more about Jaxson Price after reading his older brother’s (Grayson) story in Entice. Well, even though Grayson does remain my favourite, I still really enjoyed Jaxson and Willow ’s story. Without giving too much away, Willow is literally running for her life when she meets Jaxson. They are both broken in their own way which makes them quite similar. They start out as friends but soon can’t deny their attraction.
Yes, I know, I’m not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers romances to begin with, but I truly enjoyed this story. You can’t help but want them to end up together. I genuinely cared for Jaxson and Willow and wanted them to have their happy ending. So bad.
Overall, Conceal is a romantic, angsty, mysterious, friends-to-lovers romance filled with passion, suspense, intrigue, twists and swoony, dreamy moments.
I recommend this book.
“The devil came out to play, bargaining lives for a price, sending those to hell who crossed him.”
I was so excited to find out more about Jaxson Price after reading his older brother’s (Grayson) story in Entice. Well, even though Grayson does remain my favourite, I still really enjoyed Jaxson and Willow ’s story. Without giving too much away, Willow is literally running for her life when she meets Jaxson. They are both broken in their own way which makes them quite similar. They start out as friends but soon can’t deny their attraction.
Yes, I know, I’m not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers romances to begin with, but I truly enjoyed this story. You can’t help but want them to end up together. I genuinely cared for Jaxson and Willow and wanted them to have their happy ending. So bad.
“His voice is husky and decadent like warm chocolate dripping over me. I want to reach out and grasp it, but I can’t.”
Overall, Conceal is a romantic, angsty, mysterious, friends-to-lovers romance filled with passion, suspense, intrigue, twists and swoony, dreamy moments.
I recommend this book.
January 20, 2020
Suspense, Intrigue & Sizzling Chemistry!
Off-the-charts chemistry and gripping suspense will have you immersed in a friends-to-lovers romance and make you believe that timing is everything!
Willow is scared for her life. She’s run from everything and everyone she knows. Not a clue of what to do next, she re-connects with her childhood friend Maggie in NY.
Maggie not only gives her shelter, but she gives her a job and keeps her secrets. She’s the friend that Willow needs right now.
Willow’s waitressing gig for exclusive private poker parties for the wealthy, brings her into contact with Jaxson. He’s that man she accidentally ran into at the gas station. Obviously, he comes from money or he wouldn’t be there. She does her best to avoid him, but he makes himself unavoidable.
He knows right away that she’s running from something. She looks like someone who could use a friend. He’d not a man who befriends a woman, but for her he’s willing to try it out.
Willow is hiding her secrets, but she needs help. So making friends with Jaxson is her way of finding out if she can trust him with her secrets.
A story of suspense and intrigue. Willow may seem weak at times, but she is a fighter. She wants to find out the truth and take her life back. Jaxson seems like a carefree playboy, but looks can be deceiving. He cares and he’s willing to put everything on the line for Willow.
They started out as friends, but soon neither one of them could turn off their attraction. The tension and build up is butterflies in your belly and turn on the fan HOT! They had a natural progression from friends to more. It happened organically as they spent time together. And once Willow bared her soul, they were both all in. A great read with wonderful characters and a storyline that will keep you invested.
Off-the-charts chemistry and gripping suspense will have you immersed in a friends-to-lovers romance and make you believe that timing is everything!
Willow is scared for her life. She’s run from everything and everyone she knows. Not a clue of what to do next, she re-connects with her childhood friend Maggie in NY.
Maggie not only gives her shelter, but she gives her a job and keeps her secrets. She’s the friend that Willow needs right now.
Willow’s waitressing gig for exclusive private poker parties for the wealthy, brings her into contact with Jaxson. He’s that man she accidentally ran into at the gas station. Obviously, he comes from money or he wouldn’t be there. She does her best to avoid him, but he makes himself unavoidable.
He knows right away that she’s running from something. She looks like someone who could use a friend. He’d not a man who befriends a woman, but for her he’s willing to try it out.
Willow is hiding her secrets, but she needs help. So making friends with Jaxson is her way of finding out if she can trust him with her secrets.
A story of suspense and intrigue. Willow may seem weak at times, but she is a fighter. She wants to find out the truth and take her life back. Jaxson seems like a carefree playboy, but looks can be deceiving. He cares and he’s willing to put everything on the line for Willow.
They started out as friends, but soon neither one of them could turn off their attraction. The tension and build up is butterflies in your belly and turn on the fan HOT! They had a natural progression from friends to more. It happened organically as they spent time together. And once Willow bared her soul, they were both all in. A great read with wonderful characters and a storyline that will keep you invested.
January 19, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
I can't lie. At the beginning of this book, I struggled a little with it. I didn't really feel engaged in it until about 20% in, and I connected with Willow before I texted with Jaxson. It's a slow burn, friends to lovers, but I wasn't really feeling the connection between them. I did, however, believe in the genuineness of the friendship. And, well, by the end of the book, the importance of the beginning, of them having the friendship and genuinely liking one another, was clear.
But, then there was a part in this that was worthy of being a cliffhanger (don't worry, it's not) and all of a sudden I was totally drawn in to the story. I was engaged, I felt for both of them. Willow for the things she was trying to put behind her, and escape from and Jaxson for the expectations he was trying to rise above.
By the end, I loved their connection and I think I want to read this one again, to really pay attention to the character and wold building at the beginning that seem even more important once I know where the story is going.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
I can't lie. At the beginning of this book, I struggled a little with it. I didn't really feel engaged in it until about 20% in, and I connected with Willow before I texted with Jaxson. It's a slow burn, friends to lovers, but I wasn't really feeling the connection between them. I did, however, believe in the genuineness of the friendship. And, well, by the end of the book, the importance of the beginning, of them having the friendship and genuinely liking one another, was clear.
But, then there was a part in this that was worthy of being a cliffhanger (don't worry, it's not) and all of a sudden I was totally drawn in to the story. I was engaged, I felt for both of them. Willow for the things she was trying to put behind her, and escape from and Jaxson for the expectations he was trying to rise above.
By the end, I loved their connection and I think I want to read this one again, to really pay attention to the character and wold building at the beginning that seem even more important once I know where the story is going.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Want to read
January 20, 2020Conceal: A Standalone Romance
by Ava Harrison
He's here and he is FREE in Kindle Unlimited and $2.99! NOW AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLER!
Blurb:
I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.
I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.
I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.
Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.
He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....
My heart.
Grab your copy now! FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
https://amzn.to/30DqlsA
by Ava Harrison
He's here and he is FREE in Kindle Unlimited and $2.99! NOW AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLER!
Blurb:
I ran.
Escaped the man who wanted to hurt me.
I got in my car and drove.
No destination. No direction. No help.
I hid in the one place I would never be found.
Now in New York with no job, I didn't know what to do.
Then I met him.
Jaxson Price.
The enigmatic devil who wasn't only above the law, but played it like a puppet.
He might be the answer to all my problems.
Too bad he's asking for something in return for his help....
My heart.
Grab your copy now! FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
https://amzn.to/30DqlsA
January 14, 2020
An absolutely gripping story. I could not put this book down, and as a matter of fact devoured in a few hours. Ava Harrison is a master storyteller that just draws you in no matter what. I really enjoyed Jax and Willow's story, and I have waited patiently for it. Like with all Ms. Harrison's books there is bound to be twists and turns. This book is no exception.
February 22, 2020
“She’s like sunshine, and he’s like rain, but in the end, I guess they make a rainbow.”
This has been sitting in my Kindle library in “sample” form since the day it came out.... though I didn’t pay it a ton of attention. I’ve only read one book by Ava and it wasn’t a fav, but I loved the couple enough to look out for new releases from her. Yet I kept putting this one off....it took me realizing that my favorite narrator Zachary Webber was involved in the Audible version to actually download the full book to read. It was time to start this book, and it dawned on me......
THIS IS A BOOK I WAS DESPERATELY WAITING ON! How in the hell did I not read the blurb? How did I miss the name Jaxson Price? He was my favorite character in Entice and I had HIS story on my Kindle for a month unread.....I’m disappointed in myself. Damn you Jenn, damn you.
I got over it, wanting to get to Jax (& Zachary’s amazing narration) as soon as possible. This had the possibility of being a top fav of 2020. So how did it stack up? Had I overhyped & placed unrealistic expectations on yet another book? The answer to that is simple yet complex at the same time. It definitely rated higher than Entice, however it didn’t come close to top read material which slightly broke my heart....but more on that later.
Overall Plot/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Plot Pace/Speed: ⭐️⭐️
Jax: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Willow: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Steamy Scale: 🔥🔥1/2
Book Facts:
POV: Dual
About: An “interconnected” stand-alone, this features fan fav from Entice Jaxson Price. Willow has fled to NYC with a dangerous secret, one that will cost her life if caught. She doesn’t need to get anyone involved, can’t afford to form any connections/relationships. But Jax could be the very person who could help set her free from danger forever. Jax is tired of his family not taking him seriously yet relying on him anytime they need information. He intends to prove to them he has what it takes, but when Willow comes storming in his focus changes....he will help her, but he is also determined to make her his.
How does it end (HEA/HFN/Cliffy)?
My Thoughts:
Negatives: If I had to pick one single thing to “complain” about (which I’m not BTW), the biggest issue is the pace of the romance side of things. This is my 2nd book by Ava and both were incredibly slow & not in that sizzling way that gives you just enough to keep you satisfied. This one has not one ounce of romance until 64%.....
....I wish I were kidding. I like slow building love stories, BUT I need something to make it worth the wait. Maybe this is just her writing style, I guess I need to read her next release to find out.
The only other issue I had worth mentioning has to do with Willow. She is the reason the romance part DRAGS, which in most ways is understandable. What frustrated me was the fact that the entire hang up came from her being overly cautious and mistrusting almost the entire book....the big baggy clothes were seriously RIDICULOUS, but everything else she does is OCD-level careful. Yet to further the plot to where it needed to go, she conveniently does something so out of character it is eye-roll worthy.
Positives: What I loved most about the story is a part of their ending. Instead of it being all about them together, I appreciated that they both had something individually that contributed to their HEA (something professionally or personally). It gets old when the epilogues solely focus on the couple and the happiness together without anything outside of that.
Despite the fact that the romance side was almost miserably slow, their individual stories were captivating enough to keep my attention. In fact, there were a few times I didn’t even care the love story hadn’t progressed.
The last thing I have to mention is the sole reason I wanted to read this book in the first place, Jax himself. In Entice, I loved his humor, carefree attitude, and party/playboy ways. That’s what I expected in this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that while his humor stayed in tact, he was much more of a “grown up” than I expected. I loved both versions of him, but I adored his commitment to prove himself and recognize just how important his role was.
My Verdict:
Its not going on my top reads lists, but it won’t be making it on the duds list either. Sure I expected more, well at least I hoped for more, but it was a solid read with a couple that I believed in. If you are okay with a book that won’t enter the “romance” phase until the last 40%, this one tells a good story with nicely developed characters. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse at the next hottie being given a book & let me just tell y’all, Cyrus Reed is going to be one heck of an antihero!
“I’m safe. Protected. Loved and cherished. I have a family again. It’s not the family I was born with, but it’s mine.”
This has been sitting in my Kindle library in “sample” form since the day it came out.... though I didn’t pay it a ton of attention. I’ve only read one book by Ava and it wasn’t a fav, but I loved the couple enough to look out for new releases from her. Yet I kept putting this one off....it took me realizing that my favorite narrator Zachary Webber was involved in the Audible version to actually download the full book to read. It was time to start this book, and it dawned on me......
THIS IS A BOOK I WAS DESPERATELY WAITING ON! How in the hell did I not read the blurb? How did I miss the name Jaxson Price? He was my favorite character in Entice and I had HIS story on my Kindle for a month unread.....I’m disappointed in myself. Damn you Jenn, damn you.
I got over it, wanting to get to Jax (& Zachary’s amazing narration) as soon as possible. This had the possibility of being a top fav of 2020. So how did it stack up? Had I overhyped & placed unrealistic expectations on yet another book? The answer to that is simple yet complex at the same time. It definitely rated higher than Entice, however it didn’t come close to top read material which slightly broke my heart....but more on that later.
Overall Plot/Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Plot Pace/Speed: ⭐️⭐️
Jax: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Willow: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Steamy Scale: 🔥🔥1/2
Book Facts:
POV: Dual
About: An “interconnected” stand-alone, this features fan fav from Entice Jaxson Price. Willow has fled to NYC with a dangerous secret, one that will cost her life if caught. She doesn’t need to get anyone involved, can’t afford to form any connections/relationships. But Jax could be the very person who could help set her free from danger forever. Jax is tired of his family not taking him seriously yet relying on him anytime they need information. He intends to prove to them he has what it takes, but when Willow comes storming in his focus changes....he will help her, but he is also determined to make her his.
How does it end (HEA/HFN/Cliffy)?
My Thoughts:
Negatives: If I had to pick one single thing to “complain” about (which I’m not BTW), the biggest issue is the pace of the romance side of things. This is my 2nd book by Ava and both were incredibly slow & not in that sizzling way that gives you just enough to keep you satisfied. This one has not one ounce of romance until 64%.....
....I wish I were kidding. I like slow building love stories, BUT I need something to make it worth the wait. Maybe this is just her writing style, I guess I need to read her next release to find out.
The only other issue I had worth mentioning has to do with Willow. She is the reason the romance part DRAGS, which in most ways is understandable. What frustrated me was the fact that the entire hang up came from her being overly cautious and mistrusting almost the entire book....the big baggy clothes were seriously RIDICULOUS, but everything else she does is OCD-level careful. Yet to further the plot to where it needed to go, she conveniently does something so out of character it is eye-roll worthy.
Positives: What I loved most about the story is a part of their ending. Instead of it being all about them together, I appreciated that they both had something individually that contributed to their HEA (something professionally or personally). It gets old when the epilogues solely focus on the couple and the happiness together without anything outside of that.
Despite the fact that the romance side was almost miserably slow, their individual stories were captivating enough to keep my attention. In fact, there were a few times I didn’t even care the love story hadn’t progressed.
The last thing I have to mention is the sole reason I wanted to read this book in the first place, Jax himself. In Entice, I loved his humor, carefree attitude, and party/playboy ways. That’s what I expected in this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that while his humor stayed in tact, he was much more of a “grown up” than I expected. I loved both versions of him, but I adored his commitment to prove himself and recognize just how important his role was.
My Verdict:
Its not going on my top reads lists, but it won’t be making it on the duds list either. Sure I expected more, well at least I hoped for more, but it was a solid read with a couple that I believed in. If you are okay with a book that won’t enter the “romance” phase until the last 40%, this one tells a good story with nicely developed characters. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse at the next hottie being given a book & let me just tell y’all, Cyrus Reed is going to be one heck of an antihero!
“I’m safe. Protected. Loved and cherished. I have a family again. It’s not the family I was born with, but it’s mine.”
August 20, 2021
I have read 60%of the book and still don’t know anything about who Willow is and what she is running from. This is taking too long in my opinion and it’s quite frustrating (feel like I am wasting my time).It’s a shame because the plot has potential.
January 16, 2020
Ava Harrison has become one of my favorite authors. i love her characters, i love they are not perfect, that their love stories are not instant - they take time and they learn to appreciate and accept each other for what they are and i love that in this stand alone series, each book has his own niche - for example - Entice had taboo in it and in Conceal we have suspense.
Jaxon has his own issues. he is not that carefree -don't care about nobody but himself- don't like to make an effort - that his siblings take him for. He is actually a caring person who helps all in need whenever he can, many times with no reward asked and is actually very good in his work. he also has issues with feelings he is not appreciated, not accepted for who he is and a big brother who tries to discipline him. he has a need to prove himself.
willow is a woman on the run. we know very little of her and we don't know what scares her so much we meet her (actually both of them) in a pretty low place in life and i love to see how they learn to trust and support each other and from there they grow into strong people who know how to help themselves rather than rely on others.
I loved the way the suspense was built - the confidence willow gains along with the danger she is in, her doubting herself because of her need to feel "normal".
loved that Jaxon could find out all about willow but he chooses not to , and let her trust him lo tell him herself. and than when things finally happen - they are on fire!! because it is their soul as much as their bodies.
i love that willow takes measures in defending herself which prove to be useful
and i just love how AH let N.Y city be such a big part of the story. i actually went site seeing with them and i looked the places up.
The notion that you need to be strong, you do not need saving - you can save yourself, but than you need to find those special ones that support you and have your back because love and trust are important and you need to be accepted for who you truly are and than anything is possible.
September 16, 2020
This book was highly addictive! It was sooo good! Lots of suspense, especially around Willow who finds herself in a very dangerous situation, trying to outrun her demons. I couldn't help but love Willow from the first moment - she is very vulnerable but also strong and determined to find her freedom. She meets Jax under rather unusual circumstances but she definitely got his attention straight away. And oh boy, did she turn Jax into a super swoony guy! His over-protective instincts also kick in. He really shows his caring side, he is considerate, kind and has a big big heart.
Right from the beginning, the attractions between them is clear. They have chemistry, they have a connection and it develops even further as they romance begins to blossom. It was beautiful and scary at the same time, reading as they fall in love together. Through the book, Ava made it seems like Willow's demons could jump from behind the corner any moment...will they though? My lips are zipped.
This was a total 5 star read - I reaaally recommend this book!
Right from the beginning, the attractions between them is clear. They have chemistry, they have a connection and it develops even further as they romance begins to blossom. It was beautiful and scary at the same time, reading as they fall in love together. Through the book, Ava made it seems like Willow's demons could jump from behind the corner any moment...will they though? My lips are zipped.
This was a total 5 star read - I reaaally recommend this book!
February 17, 2020
DNF @ 25%. Oh my God, this book is not good & I have no idea how it got so many 5 star ratings. I can only assume the readers were given a copy for an "honest" review.
It has poorly written characters and a story line i couldn't get into. At some point the author needed to let the reader know why Willow left her home. The constant innuendo without the reveal got on my last fricken nerve.
Dual POV can be tricky for a lot of authors, this author was no different. Both male and female MC's sounded too similar, I need to see definite differences and this author just couldn't pull it off. Book would have been WAY better if it were one POV.
I struggle with insta-attraction and lame internal dialog.
I wondered if the main male MC was mentioned in another book because there are a few side characters the author seemed to think we should have some knowledge about.
It has poorly written characters and a story line i couldn't get into. At some point the author needed to let the reader know why Willow left her home. The constant innuendo without the reveal got on my last fricken nerve.
Dual POV can be tricky for a lot of authors, this author was no different. Both male and female MC's sounded too similar, I need to see definite differences and this author just couldn't pull it off. Book would have been WAY better if it were one POV.
I struggle with insta-attraction and lame internal dialog.
I wondered if the main male MC was mentioned in another book because there are a few side characters the author seemed to think we should have some knowledge about.
January 20, 2020
I am a big fan of Ava’s. I love her books and I devoured Conceal. I just love Ava’s writing style and her words.
Conceal had me glued to my seat reading and reading. It was had twists and turns and suspense. It had romance. It had a male character that was HOT. And protective. Jax and Willow took me on a ride and I enjoyed every minute. Go one click- you won’t regret it!
An arc was provided for an honest review
Conceal had me glued to my seat reading and reading. It was had twists and turns and suspense. It had romance. It had a male character that was HOT. And protective. Jax and Willow took me on a ride and I enjoyed every minute. Go one click- you won’t regret it!
An arc was provided for an honest review
January 13, 2020
5 FREAKING FANTASTIC STARS!! Here we go again with a beautifully written book by this author....I could not put it down. Jaxson and Willow take us on a ride with their fantastic story. I absolutely loved it...you will definitely need this book in your life.
Read
January 19, 2020Sadly, got a little bored around 32%. Might pick it back up later. On to another!
February 4, 2020
Lacked romance and I didn’t connect with the characters.
January 13, 2020
A dreamy swoony suspenseful romance.
I’m rounding up to 5 stars because I was so soft for Jaxson and Willow. They have this gentle way about their love.
I think there’s an underlying theme of being careful when someone you know or love has been a victim of abuse. Willow had walls around her that were thicker than steel. Her fear ruled her life and escaping the source of it was probably the only reason she survived.
I enjoyed that she connected with an old friend in Maggie. I felt that was really important in at least giving her some roots to hold onto to feel safe. It shows how sometimes friends don’t need to be a constant to be important.
Now Jaxson. Beautiful and in a sense, alone. He follows his own path, but then takes on his family’s company because he wants to prove himself. We all know how that works out.
Here’s the thing with this book, Jaxson and Willow got to know each other and build a base of trust. This is something a lot of victims never have a chance to do on their terms and I really liked how Ava wrote Jaxson to be so understanding of Willow.
Now, the HEA was a little too perfect and that’s just a personal thing, but it also made me cry, so I am my own issue. I really enjoyed this story. I love a swoony hero. I adore a heroine that overcomes pain. And they both find love.
I’m rounding up to 5 stars because I was so soft for Jaxson and Willow. They have this gentle way about their love.
I think there’s an underlying theme of being careful when someone you know or love has been a victim of abuse. Willow had walls around her that were thicker than steel. Her fear ruled her life and escaping the source of it was probably the only reason she survived.
I enjoyed that she connected with an old friend in Maggie. I felt that was really important in at least giving her some roots to hold onto to feel safe. It shows how sometimes friends don’t need to be a constant to be important.
Now Jaxson. Beautiful and in a sense, alone. He follows his own path, but then takes on his family’s company because he wants to prove himself. We all know how that works out.
Here’s the thing with this book, Jaxson and Willow got to know each other and build a base of trust. This is something a lot of victims never have a chance to do on their terms and I really liked how Ava wrote Jaxson to be so understanding of Willow.
Now, the HEA was a little too perfect and that’s just a personal thing, but it also made me cry, so I am my own issue. I really enjoyed this story. I love a swoony hero. I adore a heroine that overcomes pain. And they both find love.
March 10, 2020
Whew. My heart is racing.
This is one of those stories where you felt like you were looking over your shoulder waiting for the boogeyman to jump out and get you. That suspenseful story where you don't quite know if you can keep going but you can't stop either.
Willow is on the run but you aren't quite sure why until you get into the story. The reveal of her past is sprinkled throughout and adds to the suspense. Jax is an interesting character and it takes you awhile to get to see the real man. The two of them together helped fill voids in each others' lives. I love how they start with a friendship until it becomes more. They were just perfect together.
I listened to this story on audio and it was narrated by two powerhouses in Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber. Listening to them perform it, just added to the suspense that much more.
This is one of those stories where you felt like you were looking over your shoulder waiting for the boogeyman to jump out and get you. That suspenseful story where you don't quite know if you can keep going but you can't stop either.
Willow is on the run but you aren't quite sure why until you get into the story. The reveal of her past is sprinkled throughout and adds to the suspense. Jax is an interesting character and it takes you awhile to get to see the real man. The two of them together helped fill voids in each others' lives. I love how they start with a friendship until it becomes more. They were just perfect together.
I listened to this story on audio and it was narrated by two powerhouses in Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber. Listening to them perform it, just added to the suspense that much more.
December 26, 2021
This definitely wasn’t my favorite book of the series but it was decent.
Jaxson comes of kind of childish in some parts and others he’s totally swoon worthy. The youngest of the Price children he has to prove himself to his family and really struggles with expectance. Willow is running from her past and finds herself in New York. These two cross paths multiple times and eventually becomes friends who lean on each other. This book is about over coming their pasts and growing into who they are meant to be.
Well written with decent spice.
Jaxson comes of kind of childish in some parts and others he’s totally swoon worthy. The youngest of the Price children he has to prove himself to his family and really struggles with expectance. Willow is running from her past and finds herself in New York. These two cross paths multiple times and eventually becomes friends who lean on each other. This book is about over coming their pasts and growing into who they are meant to be.
Well written with decent spice.
May 11, 2020
Interesting.
This was probably a 4.5. Enjoyed this. Didn’t guess what was happening like in the other book. This had more suspense. Tight control on what was able to be found out by the reader. A good story, will the blessing of less gratuitous sex. Not a fan favorite of sex ‘just because they can’. Should be a story, this has a story.
This was probably a 4.5. Enjoyed this. Didn’t guess what was happening like in the other book. This had more suspense. Tight control on what was able to be found out by the reader. A good story, will the blessing of less gratuitous sex. Not a fan favorite of sex ‘just because they can’. Should be a story, this has a story.
January 23, 2020
This was a great story and kept me guessing on what Willow was hiding. The fun, discovery and learning to grow and be strong was some of the unique aspects of this story.
February 5, 2020
Promising, but fall apart in the end.
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