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The unexpected death of her father brings her back home. Ali remembers the life she grew up with and all that she loved in the country, where everything happens at a slower pace and is less glamorous. She realizes there is more to life than focusing solely on oneself. While in her hometown, Ali meets a handsome yet mysterious man named Luke, who had a secret friendship with her father.

As she deals with the loss of her only parent and becomes enamored by a man full of secrets, a passionate love story unfolds. Luke helps Ali see life just as her father did, one in which she begins to find herself—her true self. Ali is torn between staying in her hometown or going back to her life in the city—the one she worked so hard to achieve. Amid her self-discovery, she undergoes thrilling and deranged obstacles. When issues arise, chaos ensues, and the relationship between Ali and Luke is compromised.

Or is it?


Author Note
This novel contains mature content and sensitive situations not suitable for some audiences.

394 pages, ebook

Published November 30, 2020

13 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Elliott

9 books547 followers
J. M. Elliott is a new indie author who writes steamy contemporary romance (smut). Her love stories include various subgenres and tropes. Dark Romance and Romantic Suspense too.

She is from a little town in Northern, Minnesota. Loves chocolate, the great outdoors, turtles, and fictional bad boys.

Find her at linktr.ee/jmelliott2020

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5 stars
21 (56%)
4 stars
7 (18%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
3 (8%)
1 star
4 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Allyson.
4 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2020
I like the plot. You can tell the author is passionate about the setting because of the descriptive details and specific names of places, especially in Milwaukee. However, some of the description seems to have no point but to prove that the author was writing about a place that they knew very well. There was a lot of “telling” but not “showing”.

The dialogue is lacking. Almost every piece of dialogue ends in an exclamation point and seems unnatural. Luke’s past and what has shaped him as an individual (which is dumped on you all at once) doesn’t seem to contribute to his happy-go-lucky, cheesy attitude or or shallow/corny one-liners.

The editing was shoddy. There was actually a page where Ali hung up a towel from her shower twice...the exact same sentence two paragraph straight. Between that kind of thing coming up a lot, and the random commas thrown in left and right, it was hard to not be distracted what is still a very sweet storyline.

My biggest issue of all is the rape scene and the moments after. The scene happens so quickly and is over. I truly felt what was happening, and I felt sick to my stomach because the scene was so descriptive. But then the entire focus of Ali after her rape was about her deciding to tell Luke or not. So much emphasis on whether or not she should tell Luke because of how he would react and almost nothing about how she felt or was changed or was processing everything.

I guess I just feel like Ali seems as though she is growing as a character because of explicit thoughts she has that almost remind us she is supposed to grow and change, but in reality, Ali just keeps reacting to all of these crazy traumas in a shallow, superficial way.

Having said all that, I couldn’t put the book down and needed to finish it to find out what happened. And then I was disappointed to see that I’d have to read a whole other book to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JLynn.
Author 29 books56 followers
January 1, 2021
"Him" is a debut novel from a J.M. Elliott and beginning of a new series. It's important to go into the book knowing that it is the first book in a series because you do not get a conclusive ending at the end of book one.

I liked the plot, and the character development. You can tell that the author is describing places that she is either familiar with, or created in her mind with great detail. If you are a reader who loves descriptive detail within books, this is the book for you.

There are times that I wish that the dialogue was more developed versus the description being developed. I felt like there was times that we were being told things versus being shown things.

Overall for a debut novel and the first book in his series It was well done and it does leave me wanting to know more of what happens to these characters which is always the purpose of book one in a series.
1 review
December 6, 2020
A must read. This book is not your typical fictional romance book. It has so much more!! You feel like you become part of the book, the community. The Author throws in little details that leave you wanting more. You may think you know what will happen next but your wrong. I feel there is suspence, romance, emotion, excitement, & definitely real life going on. It's not your typical ending either. It's so worth reading. Trust me if I start reading something and the author looses me I'm out. That did not happen here. I applause J.M. Elliot!! Keep them coming girl.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
January 16, 2024
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/6/2022)! 🎁
5 reviews
December 20, 2020
This book is a must read!
I really liked this book, it was a page turner and I could not put it down, I read it in a day. I disagree with the 1 star and 2 star reviews whole heartedly. I must give this book a shout out for how it held my attention and I felt I needed to finish it or I would spend the rest of my day wondering what was to happen next. So much suspense. I thought I knew what was going to happen then boom, not what I was expecting.
The author was very descriptive throughout the entire book, I felt like I was there. I felt every scene. I laughed, I cried, I had so many emotions. I felt it was well written and scenes were easy to relate to. Yes, there were some grammar errors as there are in any book but not to the extent I wasn't able to finish or was distracted.
I loved the main character, Ali, everything about her character was amazing. So much of her I could relate to. I really liked Ris, her personality was kick ass and hilarious. Her raunchy comments and care free attitude made the book fun and exciting. I like the mystery throughout the book about Luke, learning the very little you do about him makes you want to know more and about Ali's dad. I want to know more about Jason and I strongly dislike Brady.
I am excited to see the author is writing another book continuing the story from his perspective. It's different than sticking with one character throughout series. I really want to learn more about Luke and see what comes of him and Ali.
I don't know what else to say about this book, other than it hits all the feels. I've read it a few times now and it gets better every time. READ IT!
Profile Image for The Independent Book Reviewer.
116 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2021
Ali and her father were close before he passes away, but she finds out about a secret he kept from her. As the story moves on, she endures something very painful in more ways than one. This book focuses on Ali. Book 2 “Her” has not yet been released.
Luke is quiet and reserved in his own way due to his past. He has his own demons to move past which is provided through conversations between the characters.
Fantastic book and I can't wait to read more books by this first-time author!!
The heartbreak, pain, and love shown so far is enough to make you feel so many emotions and at times you feel different ones at the same time. J.M. Elliott has a definite knack for writing and getting you involved in the characters from the get-go.
Profile Image for Marcelle Valentine.
Author 27 books35 followers
January 31, 2022
Nice read

Having just lost her dad in a tragic accident, Ali has to come home to settle his estate. Upon arriving, her only desire is to wrap everything up as quickly as possible so she can return to her career, that is, until she meets Luke. Luke is the mechanic from her dad’s shop. With a past of his own, his only desire was to find a peaceful life. Him is a love story told mainly from Ali’s point of view, which proceeds J.M. Elliott’s next book Her. Enjoyable romance with enough steam to keep you warm on these cold winter days.
Profile Image for Denise Reynolds.
132 reviews
January 5, 2021
This book gives great detail and character background that you feel like you really know the main character, Ali, and her family and friends. Ali meets and falls for the mystery man who helped her dad while she was away. Their relationship blossoms, and you really get a good insight of Ali’s thoughts and feelings. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster and gets you hooked.

Overall, I liked this debut book and look forward to reading what happens in Her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aimee.
407 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2021
I wanted to love this story, and I do love the plot. What I can't get past is how slow it is. There is so much description of things that, imo, don't need to be described. I don't need to watch the h get dressed everyday.

However, my number one complaint about this book is the rape of the h. I understanding things like this for plot development. What I don't understand is describing them in detail. As a rape victim myself this made me ill. I still want to vomit.

I DNF'd at 70 percent.
220 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2020
Good beginning series

This is Ali’s point of view of what she goes through when her father dies. She finds out about a mysterious person whom her father took in. But she doesn’t know a lot about him. They grow closer but something bad happens to her at her job in another city & Luke takes off. Now to see what happened while he was away and will they survive this. Can’t wait for the next part. Give this author a chance
Profile Image for Anthony Di Angelo.
10 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2021
I don’t want to give any spoilers. This book is not a typical story I read but was pleasantly surprised at how the story grabbed my attention. The characters are well developed and the storyline is quite engaging. It was a great read! I will definitely read more from this author.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
November 7, 2021
Great

This was a fabulous book. The relationship between these rwo is brilliant. The characters are full and dynamic and the sweet story suddenly turns quite dark which takes this story up another level.
Profile Image for Chey Carner.
Author 1 book8 followers
February 11, 2021
Good story with a lot of emotion

This book definitely kept me interested and kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime! I would recommend for young adults. 18+
Profile Image for Rhea Mikulich.
1 review3 followers
February 22, 2021
Great book JM

Thoroughly enjoyed! Excited for HER and the excitement it is goi g to bring. HIM was a page turner for sure
Profile Image for Must read Romance.
Author 12 books631 followers
February 2, 2021
I loved this debut from JM Elliott! It was a very original story and had me wondering what would happen next the entire time. I love the chemistry between Ali and Luke and can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Naomi McDonald.
5 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2021
An intriguing tale of love and loss.

If you like steamy romance, this book is for you. A realistic story of friendship, jealousy, growth, and the pitfalls many of us encounter.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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