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The Maine Stay #1
State of Grace
Casey- Ten years ago, I ran from not only my hometown, but from Damion. I couldn’t stand to look him in the eyes knowing what I’d done. I never planned to come back, but here I am. He wants answers. Answers I should have given him ten years ago. Can I tear open those old wounds without completely turning my life upside down? Can I resist falling back in love with him? Damion- Ten years ago, without a single word or explanation, Casey left me. I’ve spent every moment since hoping for the opportunity to redeem myself. Now she’s back and this is my chance to apologize for the pain I caused her. What I hadn’t anticipated, was for the same feelings to come roaring back, even fiercer than before. Will she be willing to forgive me? And most importantly, can I convince her to stay?
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
11 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Grice
20 books478 followersMy name is Jenni and I love to write! For as long as I can remember, I have loved creating my own little world and telling stories. I always find myself growing attached to these fictional characters to the point that they feel like my family.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for over eight years and we have two gorgeous daughters and one incredibly handsome, rambunctious little boy. I grew up with five brothers and a sister, so quiet has never been anything I’m used to. Though, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing I prefer more than spending time with my family, then ending the evening with a good glass of wine and an even better book.
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for over eight years and we have two gorgeous daughters and one incredibly handsome, rambunctious little boy. I grew up with five brothers and a sister, so quiet has never been anything I’m used to. Though, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing I prefer more than spending time with my family, then ending the evening with a good glass of wine and an even better book.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2021
More than just a romance
For anyone interested in romance and drama, READ THIS BOOK! The love story will bring you in, and the twists, turns, and suspense will have you staying up past bedtime to finish just one more chapter. I’m so glad i have four more books to read after State of Grace, since I’m not ready to say goodbye to the residents of Channing!
For anyone interested in romance and drama, READ THIS BOOK! The love story will bring you in, and the twists, turns, and suspense will have you staying up past bedtime to finish just one more chapter. I’m so glad i have four more books to read after State of Grace, since I’m not ready to say goodbye to the residents of Channing!
September 30, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and is completely voluntary.
Now for the good stuff. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read this. Contemporary romance is not usually my thing, although I'm happy to read anything good. Well, State of Grace is good. It's more than good. Ms. Grice has woven together a compelling story with depth and history and all the feels, and created a world of interesting and very real characters who you feel you know. Casey and Damien's story is tender and painful and heartwrenching all at once, and the HEA, when it comes, is as welcome as sweet rain after a drought. Even better are the hints at future relationships in future books between the couple's friends. JJ Grice is an author to watch!
Now for the good stuff. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read this. Contemporary romance is not usually my thing, although I'm happy to read anything good. Well, State of Grace is good. It's more than good. Ms. Grice has woven together a compelling story with depth and history and all the feels, and created a world of interesting and very real characters who you feel you know. Casey and Damien's story is tender and painful and heartwrenching all at once, and the HEA, when it comes, is as welcome as sweet rain after a drought. Even better are the hints at future relationships in future books between the couple's friends. JJ Grice is an author to watch!
October 6, 2020
Thiis book is an absolute page turner. Once you pick it up, you will instantly connect with each of the characters and by the time you are done, you'll be begging for more.
July 7, 2022
Book one in The Maine Stays series
I absolutely love a second chance romance. This story was absolutely amazing. The friendships were so fun to read and see. Damion and Caseys story was so sad and still heartwarming to read. The emotion from both sides felt so real and definitely sucked me in. I can not wait to read Ally and Brady’s story.
-Second Chance
-Childhood friends
-Small-town
-Coming home again
-Suspenseful
Casey left 10 years ago and never looked back. Her past isn’t something she wants to visit, but when her mom needs help after an accident she has no choice. Back home, she reconnects with old friends and she learns quickly that old feelings can’t be ignored anymore.
Damion has no idea why Casey really left him 10 years before. His heart has been broken ever since and now he wants answers. When he sees she’s back in town, he knows he will get what he deserves.
When the truth comes out, the heartbreak is reopened and they both can’t help but face it.
I absolutely love a second chance romance. This story was absolutely amazing. The friendships were so fun to read and see. Damion and Caseys story was so sad and still heartwarming to read. The emotion from both sides felt so real and definitely sucked me in. I can not wait to read Ally and Brady’s story.
-Second Chance
-Childhood friends
-Small-town
-Coming home again
-Suspenseful
Casey left 10 years ago and never looked back. Her past isn’t something she wants to visit, but when her mom needs help after an accident she has no choice. Back home, she reconnects with old friends and she learns quickly that old feelings can’t be ignored anymore.
Damion has no idea why Casey really left him 10 years before. His heart has been broken ever since and now he wants answers. When he sees she’s back in town, he knows he will get what he deserves.
When the truth comes out, the heartbreak is reopened and they both can’t help but face it.
August 6, 2023
Loved this book so much! I can honestly say I’m so disappointed that I waited so long to start this series! JJ is a phenomenal author and the way she brings stories to life just amazes me. I’m absolutely in love with the small town of Channing. The romance and drama was written so well, I’m addicted. I made some predictions early on but I was definitely wrong about some of them! The plot twists were great and kept me hooked. These characters and the bonds they all have is beautiful. I was laughing and ugly crying throughout this book. I loved all the emotions that this book made me feel and I can’t wait to continue this series.
April 8, 2022
Loved it
New author for me and I loved this book. Nothing quite like a small town romance
Friends since kindergarten and finally high school sweethearts, all their plans fall apart when tradegy hits and Cassie runs away.
10 years later she is back helping in her families bakery. Damion and Cassie realise that under all that heartache they still love each other. There is also insane other woman drama.
New author for me and I loved this book. Nothing quite like a small town romance
Friends since kindergarten and finally high school sweethearts, all their plans fall apart when tradegy hits and Cassie runs away.
10 years later she is back helping in her families bakery. Damion and Cassie realise that under all that heartache they still love each other. There is also insane other woman drama.
February 19, 2023
4.5 stars
This book handled a difficult situations/ sometimes hated trope with the best writing, care, and realness. It did not put on rose colored glasses and it was beautifully mature.
This book handled a difficult situations/ sometimes hated trope with the best writing, care, and realness. It did not put on rose colored glasses and it was beautifully mature.
June 13, 2023
Oh gosh, I just love Casey and Damion.
There were some very difficult topics discussed in this book, but they are handled beautifully.
Ally, Brady, Casey and Damion have been best friends since they were young. Casey and Damion have loved each other for years, but after one night together, Casey disappears to college... on the other side of the country without so much as a word to Damion. Now, ten years later, Casey is back helping at her parent's bakery and things are awkward. They haven't seen or spoken in ten years. Casey knows she owes Damion an explanation and he wants one. Throw in Damion's crazy "girlfriend" and we're in for some fun complications.
I loved watching Casey and Damion's story unfold. Their past is devastating for high schoolers. I can't imagine going through what they did and then someone just running off. But... the love that Damion has for the people in his life is unmatched, the way he takes care of Casey's parents as if they're his own was so heartwarming. I also adored Casey and Ally's friendship. Girlfriends like that are a one in a million.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like small town romance. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately picked up book 2. JJ's writing style is really awesome and as I said before, she approaches delicate subjects perfectly.
There were some very difficult topics discussed in this book, but they are handled beautifully.
Ally, Brady, Casey and Damion have been best friends since they were young. Casey and Damion have loved each other for years, but after one night together, Casey disappears to college... on the other side of the country without so much as a word to Damion. Now, ten years later, Casey is back helping at her parent's bakery and things are awkward. They haven't seen or spoken in ten years. Casey knows she owes Damion an explanation and he wants one. Throw in Damion's crazy "girlfriend" and we're in for some fun complications.
I loved watching Casey and Damion's story unfold. Their past is devastating for high schoolers. I can't imagine going through what they did and then someone just running off. But... the love that Damion has for the people in his life is unmatched, the way he takes care of Casey's parents as if they're his own was so heartwarming. I also adored Casey and Ally's friendship. Girlfriends like that are a one in a million.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like small town romance. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately picked up book 2. JJ's writing style is really awesome and as I said before, she approaches delicate subjects perfectly.
September 30, 2020
***I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
I’m quite awed by this book, especially a debut novel by J.J. Grice. It really felt like an accomplished author wrote this story, especially since I couldn’t stop reading it. This second chance/friends to lovers romance had a little of everything in it that wove a beautiful love story told with both Casey and Damion’s POV’s. The supporting characters were also so interesting that I hope Grice decides to create amazing stories with their own happy endings. Of course, even the setting made me want to live there with its small town charm.
My favorite part about this book that you don’t find in a lot of books, is the absolute love and connection I felt between Casey and Damion. Most flashbacks don’t do much for the story, but in State of Grace, the reader gets sucked into every pivotal moment in their lives that connects the two main characters into a love so strong and beautiful.
State of Grace is a story that’s strong in character development, setting, plot, and dialogue, making it a wonderful and very well written book. So, I hope J.J. Grice creates more amazing books to go with this series and much more, because she’s going to be on my list of favorite authors.
I’m quite awed by this book, especially a debut novel by J.J. Grice. It really felt like an accomplished author wrote this story, especially since I couldn’t stop reading it. This second chance/friends to lovers romance had a little of everything in it that wove a beautiful love story told with both Casey and Damion’s POV’s. The supporting characters were also so interesting that I hope Grice decides to create amazing stories with their own happy endings. Of course, even the setting made me want to live there with its small town charm.
My favorite part about this book that you don’t find in a lot of books, is the absolute love and connection I felt between Casey and Damion. Most flashbacks don’t do much for the story, but in State of Grace, the reader gets sucked into every pivotal moment in their lives that connects the two main characters into a love so strong and beautiful.
State of Grace is a story that’s strong in character development, setting, plot, and dialogue, making it a wonderful and very well written book. So, I hope J.J. Grice creates more amazing books to go with this series and much more, because she’s going to be on my list of favorite authors.
October 11, 2020
A good start to the series:
Casey and Damion were childhood friends yet had been estranged for the past decade. When Casey surprisingly returned to town, old feelings were resurrected. It took me a while but I came to care for Casey and Damion and was so happy that they were able to work through their issues.
This book felt more like of a young adult, coming of age novel as a lot of the chapters were set in the past or focused on what happened back then. I honestly got frustrated with all of the flashbacks and felt they held the story line back as there was also a lot of repetition. I would have liked a bit more information regarding how Casey's mother got injured, especially in the beginning of the book, but overall I enjoyed the slight mystery and drama in this book. Overall this was a fairly good effort for a debut novel and the author does a good job of introducing this group of friends who are likely to be featured in upcoming books which I look forward to hopefully reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Casey and Damion were childhood friends yet had been estranged for the past decade. When Casey surprisingly returned to town, old feelings were resurrected. It took me a while but I came to care for Casey and Damion and was so happy that they were able to work through their issues.
This book felt more like of a young adult, coming of age novel as a lot of the chapters were set in the past or focused on what happened back then. I honestly got frustrated with all of the flashbacks and felt they held the story line back as there was also a lot of repetition. I would have liked a bit more information regarding how Casey's mother got injured, especially in the beginning of the book, but overall I enjoyed the slight mystery and drama in this book. Overall this was a fairly good effort for a debut novel and the author does a good job of introducing this group of friends who are likely to be featured in upcoming books which I look forward to hopefully reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2020
State of Grace is the debut novel from JJ Grice and I hope it is not the only. This story hit all the right notes of an epic second chance/friends to lovers romance. I’m sad I’m limited to only five stars because I would throw in the moon, the planets, and a few galaxies to express how wonderful I thought this story was. There was a bit of mystery/suspense woven in the romance and it enhanced the story without overpowering it. Told in a combination of present-day and flashback first-person narrative, it is a balanced, compelling tale. I can’t wait for the next story in the Maine Stay Series, there appears to be a number of couples (former and potential) who need stories and characters I’d love to know more about. I can’t believe this is a debut novel, with this story JJ Grice is high on my favorite authors list.
* I was fortunate to read a copy of this book prior to publication, this is my honest review.*
* I was fortunate to read a copy of this book prior to publication, this is my honest review.*
April 7, 2021
What an amazing story of Casey and Damion! Considered A, B, C, and D-Ally, Brady, Casey, and Damion grew up together and were best friends. I loved following them on their journey and how it was obvious Casey and Damion belonged together from the beginning. An unfortunate event sends Casey running and getting a job elsewhere. Ten years later and she’s back because of another unfortunate event. I absolutely loved the flashbacks and how Casey and Damion fall in love. It’s evident even after 10 years apart-Ally and Brady have visited her but Damion hasn’t or has he, that the love is still there. The suspense of whether or not a second chance was possible was well worth the wait in the end. I shed some tears at what happens because of a crazy event that happens while Casey was working at the bakery for her mom. Will Damion and Casey be together in the end or will their love be destroyed forever? You’ve got to read this book to find out. I didn’t want to put it down.
November 21, 2020
[1.5 star] wasn't terrible but wasn't good either. was a little bored out at the 2nd half of the book.
didn't like the switch between past and present, especially when the past was all over the place. like it was 10years ago, then 12years ago, suddenly 5years ago then jump back to 13years ago. i get that the author is trying to link something that happen in the past to the present but i felt it's really messy and confusing.
also, i felt annoyed when the hero and heroine keep saying they gonna talk, have to talk about what happen blah blah blah~ they either end up fighting and leaving, or fucking each other within just a few sentences of "talking".
additionally, the sex scenes felt kinda long-winded, so i was skimming them in general.
overall, i think there is a lot to improve on the whole execution.
didn't like the switch between past and present, especially when the past was all over the place. like it was 10years ago, then 12years ago, suddenly 5years ago then jump back to 13years ago. i get that the author is trying to link something that happen in the past to the present but i felt it's really messy and confusing.
also, i felt annoyed when the hero and heroine keep saying they gonna talk, have to talk about what happen blah blah blah~ they either end up fighting and leaving, or fucking each other within just a few sentences of "talking".
additionally, the sex scenes felt kinda long-winded, so i was skimming them in general.
overall, i think there is a lot to improve on the whole execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
I was fortunate enough to beta read this book prior to its release. JJ Grice has written a suspenseful love story that will keep you running through the pages and even when it’s over, hoping for more!
Told through multiple perceptives from Casey and Damion, as well as flashbacks, were able to piece together why Casey left Damion years ago.
Our main villain is absolutely devious and made my heart pound. This book is very realistic, and very well written. There is so many emotions that will hit you, including sorrow, happiness, anxiety, and hope.
Very well done, very well written and very addicting. I typically reach for young adult novels, but I found myself loving this book in a way I never expected! It was beautiful! The blend of genres makes it a must read!
Told through multiple perceptives from Casey and Damion, as well as flashbacks, were able to piece together why Casey left Damion years ago.
Our main villain is absolutely devious and made my heart pound. This book is very realistic, and very well written. There is so many emotions that will hit you, including sorrow, happiness, anxiety, and hope.
Very well done, very well written and very addicting. I typically reach for young adult novels, but I found myself loving this book in a way I never expected! It was beautiful! The blend of genres makes it a must read!
September 30, 2020
What a great debut novel from JJ Grice. State of Grace is a small town second chance romance. The main story is based around a life long friendship of 4 people with the spotlight on 2 of the friends Casey and Damion. They had a past that tore them apart 10 years ago, with Casey’s mother being in an accident she has come home to help. Throw in a side dose of crazy ex hook up and it makes for a page turning story.
The support character development has me wanting to know their stories and with this being the first in a series I can’t wait.
I found myself unable to stop reading and it balanced the telling from both character sides, throw in some flashbacks to explain key parts better and it made for a flowing read.
The support character development has me wanting to know their stories and with this being the first in a series I can’t wait.
I found myself unable to stop reading and it balanced the telling from both character sides, throw in some flashbacks to explain key parts better and it made for a flowing read.
November 28, 2020
4
This book is not for the feint of heart. There’s so much emotion pouring through this book from anger, to sadness, to happiness.
Damion and Casey have a lot to work through after ten years of pain, but they’re ready. I loved watching their romance reblossom.
Some of the flashbacks got confusing for me, but they were important to the character and I caught on.
The little twists I could predict but barely, so that was nice!
I’d recommend this HEA with a box of tissues.
Second chance, small town romance, best friends to lovers,
This book is not for the feint of heart. There’s so much emotion pouring through this book from anger, to sadness, to happiness.
Damion and Casey have a lot to work through after ten years of pain, but they’re ready. I loved watching their romance reblossom.
Some of the flashbacks got confusing for me, but they were important to the character and I caught on.
The little twists I could predict but barely, so that was nice!
I’d recommend this HEA with a box of tissues.
Second chance, small town romance, best friends to lovers,
April 2, 2021
I loved the story of Casey Grace and David Conrad.
Two people who grew up together being best friends as kids, being a little more than friends as teenagers. Certain circumstances arose and Casey up and left the town she grew up in of Channing without any explanation to Damion.
Ten years later she returned due to her mother was in an accident. Will things between Casey and Damion work out?
Many twist and turns to the story and amazing characters
You will grow to love. Thanks J.J. Grice for an amazing story.
Two people who grew up together being best friends as kids, being a little more than friends as teenagers. Certain circumstances arose and Casey up and left the town she grew up in of Channing without any explanation to Damion.
Ten years later she returned due to her mother was in an accident. Will things between Casey and Damion work out?
Many twist and turns to the story and amazing characters
You will grow to love. Thanks J.J. Grice for an amazing story.
February 20, 2021
I loved loved loved this book so much! I wish I could give it more then 5 stars! This was my first book by this author that I have read. It was amazing! Pulled me right in and I didn't stop reading until I was done! I can't wait to read more! This author has definitely become one of my favorite authors 💜
October 5, 2020
ARC COPY-If you love small town second chance romance, than this book is for you! It was heartwarming and sweet, just the right amount of spice, and some intrigue. Well done debut novel by JJ Grice
November 2, 2020
Sweetest love story with enough heat, a HEA and enough feels to keep you tingly all over.
September 10, 2021
This book will have u not wanting to put it down. First book ive read by J.J. Grice. Your an awesome author. Cant wait to read more of ur books
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews