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The Other Daughter
Twenty-one year-old Scarlett Strohman has had to walk a difficult path thus far in her young life. Raised by a neglectful mother and an alcoholic grandmother before entering the foster care system, she's never met the father who abandoned her before birth. Scarlett is tough, embittered, and has a chip on her shoulder that's nearly as big as her goal to make something meaningful out of her life. She works three jobs to put herself through college, frequently goes to bed hungry, and is wary around most people, having been betrayed and let down far too many times to trust easily.
Jackson Gilmore has, by contrast, lived a life of privilege and comfort, the youngest child of a wealthy, prestigious family. He's always felt like something of an oddball in his family, though, the only one with enough guts to frequently stand up to and defy his controlling, dictatorial father. His desire to leave town and make a life of his own had to be put on hold, however, when his beloved niece fell seriously ill with a life threatening disease. And it is his overwhelming sense of obligation to do anything to help his niece that brings Jackson into Scarlett's life once he realizes the connection between the two girls.
Sparks instantly ignite when Scarlett and Jackson meet for the first time, and as they gradually come to know each other – reluctantly so on her part – he feels both admiration for what she's made of her life, compassion for all that she's suffered, and an emotional and physical attraction that is both powerful and entirely forbidden.
As long held secrets are revealed, and Scarlett comes face to face with unpleasant reminders of her past, will she be able to rely on Jackson to stand by her? Or will he be just one more in a long line of all those who have failed her?
Jackson Gilmore has, by contrast, lived a life of privilege and comfort, the youngest child of a wealthy, prestigious family. He's always felt like something of an oddball in his family, though, the only one with enough guts to frequently stand up to and defy his controlling, dictatorial father. His desire to leave town and make a life of his own had to be put on hold, however, when his beloved niece fell seriously ill with a life threatening disease. And it is his overwhelming sense of obligation to do anything to help his niece that brings Jackson into Scarlett's life once he realizes the connection between the two girls.
Sparks instantly ignite when Scarlett and Jackson meet for the first time, and as they gradually come to know each other – reluctantly so on her part – he feels both admiration for what she's made of her life, compassion for all that she's suffered, and an emotional and physical attraction that is both powerful and entirely forbidden.
As long held secrets are revealed, and Scarlett comes face to face with unpleasant reminders of her past, will she be able to rely on Jackson to stand by her? Or will he be just one more in a long line of all those who have failed her?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2021
25 people are currently reading
1259 people want to read
About the author
Janet Nissenson
17 books811 followersJanet is a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides on the northern California coast with her husband Steve and Golden Retriever Max. She worked for more than two decades in the financial services industry before turning her focus to producing running events. She is a former long-distance runner, current avid yoga practitioner, is addicted to Pinterest, likes to travel and read. She has been writing for more than three decades but Serendipity is her first official published work. There will be a total of six full-length books in the Inevitable series, plus one novella. Up next is the release of book one in the new Splendor trilogy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 9, 2021
I received this book in exchange for a review:
5 stars
This book has so many angles as far as happy, sad, pissed off, and down right terrifying when reading and getting to know the characters.
Jackson Gilmore is the youngest son of the dirt bag Barton Gilmore, the construction king of AZ so he thinks! Hes the only one who has the guts to talk back to his dad and do things on his own. His niece Hannah is his world and when she needs something, he will do whatever it takes to get it for her. When she gets sick with Leukemia and the chemo/radiation treatments don't work, her only option is a bone marrow transplant... but the issue is there isn't a match ( my heart just broke at this part!). Neil, Hannah's father and Jackson's brother in law, comes to Jackson with news that he never would have thought hes hear out of his mouth... he had another daughter... she may be a match.... he just has a lot more skeletons than Jackson expected and needs his help to find her and see if she is a match and of she will do it for a sister she never knew existed...
Scarlett is one hell of a spitfire and probably my fave character Janet has ever written... she is tiny but oh so terrifying... she has cursed her father for years and had images in her mind of what she'd do if she ever met him...
What neither she or Jackson expected was an unbreakable bond (only felt in the inside) and she did agree to help her sister as it was the right thing... see what happens and what bond is created in this journey for all sides involved...
LOVED THIS!
5 stars
This book has so many angles as far as happy, sad, pissed off, and down right terrifying when reading and getting to know the characters.
Jackson Gilmore is the youngest son of the dirt bag Barton Gilmore, the construction king of AZ so he thinks! Hes the only one who has the guts to talk back to his dad and do things on his own. His niece Hannah is his world and when she needs something, he will do whatever it takes to get it for her. When she gets sick with Leukemia and the chemo/radiation treatments don't work, her only option is a bone marrow transplant... but the issue is there isn't a match ( my heart just broke at this part!). Neil, Hannah's father and Jackson's brother in law, comes to Jackson with news that he never would have thought hes hear out of his mouth... he had another daughter... she may be a match.... he just has a lot more skeletons than Jackson expected and needs his help to find her and see if she is a match and of she will do it for a sister she never knew existed...
Scarlett is one hell of a spitfire and probably my fave character Janet has ever written... she is tiny but oh so terrifying... she has cursed her father for years and had images in her mind of what she'd do if she ever met him...
What neither she or Jackson expected was an unbreakable bond (only felt in the inside) and she did agree to help her sister as it was the right thing... see what happens and what bond is created in this journey for all sides involved...
LOVED THIS!
March 9, 2021
ALL THE FEELS! EMOTIONAL! First 10 Star read of 2021!! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Janet Nissenson writes a complex and addicting tale of the one chance for two lives to intersect and find their path together. I’m in awe of this story.
Scarlett and Jackson have so many things stacked against him. Scarlett is the unknown daughter of his brother in law and only under the most dire circumstances they have to find her too give the life back to another child. Jackson and Scarlett both try to ignore their feelings for each other. For Jackson he finally gets to the point where her wants he no matter the circumstances. Jackson is a fantastic guy too... Scarlett deserves to have the best in life and that includes Jackson.
This story will make your head spin in the BEST WAY!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10 Emotional Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Janet Nissenson writes a complex and addicting tale of the one chance for two lives to intersect and find their path together. I’m in awe of this story.
Scarlett and Jackson have so many things stacked against him. Scarlett is the unknown daughter of his brother in law and only under the most dire circumstances they have to find her too give the life back to another child. Jackson and Scarlett both try to ignore their feelings for each other. For Jackson he finally gets to the point where her wants he no matter the circumstances. Jackson is a fantastic guy too... Scarlett deserves to have the best in life and that includes Jackson.
This story will make your head spin in the BEST WAY!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10 Emotional Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2021
You know a book is beyond good if it can bring about certain emotions right from the start! This book had ALL the feels.
What can I say? Janet Nissenson has done it again! She created a heartfelt story of a hard-working, driven, tough as nails college student with a sad past, Scarlet and kind-hearted Jackson who was raised in a very posh environment.
A certain dire situation arises that brings these two characters together. Their journey from start to finish was a very enjoyable read!
What can I say? Janet Nissenson has done it again! She created a heartfelt story of a hard-working, driven, tough as nails college student with a sad past, Scarlet and kind-hearted Jackson who was raised in a very posh environment.
A certain dire situation arises that brings these two characters together. Their journey from start to finish was a very enjoyable read!
March 11, 2021
Wow. I boo hoo'd much of this book. The Other Daughter was fantastic. I had not read anything much like it. Freshing and quite good.
I love a book where the female has had so much thrown at her and she's stronger than most of the characters in the book....this includes her own father.
I guess my criticism was too many sexy scenes. I just skim over them.
I'll love to read another from this author!!
I love a book where the female has had so much thrown at her and she's stronger than most of the characters in the book....this includes her own father.
I guess my criticism was too many sexy scenes. I just skim over them.
I'll love to read another from this author!!
March 13, 2021
This is the first book of Janet Nissenson that I've read and it was AWESOME! I cried.. laugh and swoon over this book...
Loove Scarlett .... She's such a strong woman despite her hard past
At first I was so disappointed of Jackson..but then he paid his mistakes and wooow .... 💕💕
Loove Scarlett .... She's such a strong woman despite her hard past
At first I was so disappointed of Jackson..but then he paid his mistakes and wooow .... 💕💕
March 6, 2021
Amount of sex 2.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes 2.5 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
The Other Daughter is a fabulous contemporary romance that tells the story of Scarlett Strohman and Jackson Gilmore. Scarlett had a difficult childhood, but she’s become a strong and determined woman. She’s currently in school to be an architect and works three jobs just to make ends meet. So, when Jackson approaches her on her dead-beat dad’s behalf, it doesn’t go well. That is until he explains why he needs her help.
The Other Daughter is emotional and absolutely impossible to put down! I’m dying to fill you in about the whole storyline, but this is one book that you need to experience yourself! The storyline was amazing, but it was the characters that really made it even more incredible!
So, grab a drink, get comfy, and enjoy this unforgettable story!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
How explicit are the sex scenes 2.5 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
The Other Daughter is a fabulous contemporary romance that tells the story of Scarlett Strohman and Jackson Gilmore. Scarlett had a difficult childhood, but she’s become a strong and determined woman. She’s currently in school to be an architect and works three jobs just to make ends meet. So, when Jackson approaches her on her dead-beat dad’s behalf, it doesn’t go well. That is until he explains why he needs her help.
The Other Daughter is emotional and absolutely impossible to put down! I’m dying to fill you in about the whole storyline, but this is one book that you need to experience yourself! The storyline was amazing, but it was the characters that really made it even more incredible!
So, grab a drink, get comfy, and enjoy this unforgettable story!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
March 15, 2021
First I have to say that I was a huge fan of Janet Nissenson books and her writings but, it's been some years since I've read one of her novels. Her style of writing is unlike any other; you're drawn in from page one. This book did not disappoint. Scarlett is a young woman who had has a not so pleasant life. She's independent and determined and had no one to rely on; Jackson 's life has been the total opposite. These two are the true definition of "opposites attract" . I loved every moment of this book.
March 6, 2021
What a beautiful book it’s a 10 star read .
This is the first book I have read of Janet Nissenson and I was blown away .
The storyline is different .
It is a story of Scarlett and Jackson both from completely different backgrounds how they meet is unusual to say the least.
I don’t want to give any teasers because to go in knowing nothing is the best way.
Everything in this book is written perfectly, where I, as a reader was taken on an emotional journey that took me to completely different families with hate and love mixing freely .
It is a book I couldn’t put down , with fantastic story added with wonderful writing skills added with a story that rocks you to the hilt.
Such an amazing read .
This is the first book I have read of Janet Nissenson and I was blown away .
The storyline is different .
It is a story of Scarlett and Jackson both from completely different backgrounds how they meet is unusual to say the least.
I don’t want to give any teasers because to go in knowing nothing is the best way.
Everything in this book is written perfectly, where I, as a reader was taken on an emotional journey that took me to completely different families with hate and love mixing freely .
It is a book I couldn’t put down , with fantastic story added with wonderful writing skills added with a story that rocks you to the hilt.
Such an amazing read .
March 9, 2021
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. For me this author writes epic love stories that are unlike most books I read. Her characters are relatable, vulnerable and so well written. While this book is a love story, I truly feel like it is so much more. It is the story of overcoming severe adversity, learning to trust again and finding forgiveness no matter how difficult. I love Scarlett and Jackson's love story and how it was a slow burn filled with so many potential obstacles which with sheer determination they were determined to overcome. I cannot recommend this book enough you will not be disappointed after reading it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
The Other Daughter By Janet Nissenson is the story of Jackson Gilmore and Scarlett Strohman.
Scarlett is a young survivor who had to fight for everything she has. This life has lead her to trust very little and to be independent. Jackson grew up with the life of privilege that is expected from a rich family. But his family life has always seem to be off. Then life leads him to Scarlett and secrets start to unravel along with their feelings. I am a huge fan of this author's writing so this was a must read for me. I do recommend this book and of course this author's writing.
Scarlett is a young survivor who had to fight for everything she has. This life has lead her to trust very little and to be independent. Jackson grew up with the life of privilege that is expected from a rich family. But his family life has always seem to be off. Then life leads him to Scarlett and secrets start to unravel along with their feelings. I am a huge fan of this author's writing so this was a must read for me. I do recommend this book and of course this author's writing.
March 10, 2021
Ten heart tugging stars! Full review to come!
March 9, 2021
The Other Daughter drew me in, and kept me engrossed till the end. Scarlett is a strong lead character. Her life hasn't been easy, she works hard, says what she's thinking, and goes to college. But she doesn't let many people in, cause she knows she can only depend on herself. When she's gets a unexpected visitor, she just wants to walk away. But can't once she hears what the want from her. She has such a good heart. Jackson is the one who has to track Starlett down, and the moment he meets her he feels a connection with her. He works in his family construction business, and his family members sure are a piece of work. This is the first story I've read from this author, and I'm glad I did. She pens a good story, with characters you can connect with.
March 9, 2021
This book blew me away! I had no expectations going in as I have never read this author before but I will make sure she is on my TBR list in the future.
Scarlett straight up got the crap end of the stick in life. When Jackson approaches her to help save his niece she has no idea how much her life will change. Jackson doesn’t either.
They are the total opposites personality wise but they work beautifully together. She needs Jackson to bring warmth and goodness to her life. Jackson needs Scarlett to bring strength and courage to his.
I fell in love with Jackson during this book and was sad to see it end.
This book will pull you in different directions emotionally for a while but once Jackson is firm in his love you will be cheering them on until the end.
Scarlett straight up got the crap end of the stick in life. When Jackson approaches her to help save his niece she has no idea how much her life will change. Jackson doesn’t either.
They are the total opposites personality wise but they work beautifully together. She needs Jackson to bring warmth and goodness to her life. Jackson needs Scarlett to bring strength and courage to his.
I fell in love with Jackson during this book and was sad to see it end.
This book will pull you in different directions emotionally for a while but once Jackson is firm in his love you will be cheering them on until the end.
April 18, 2021
The blurb sold me, it has everything I love in a book. Sadly this was so badly let down by the poor execution and ridiculously OTT plot and weak characters. The feels, angst and drama was missing and ended up a huge disappointment, and don't even get me started on the insta that was so unbelievable or the over-done evil parent trope 🙄
May 6, 2021
Scarlet is 23 years old and has lived the life of someone twice her age. She had a horrendous childhood and was passed around the foster system until she found her safe home at 15 years of age. Her mother was a drug addict and she has never met her father. Despite all of this she is a resilient and street smart person. She has excelled at school and is close to finishing her degree in architecture. She has to work hard for everything she has and often goes without just to get by.
When Jackson Gilmore walks into the cafe she works at he is determined to talk to her. When he does get a quiet moment with her he drops a bombshell on her routined life. Not only can he tell her who her father is but someone she is related to is terminally ill and needs Scarlet’s help to survive. Scarlet is immediately on the back foot after years of not knowing anything about her father. Years of pent up anger and frustration spill out but after some serious consideration, Scarlet knows there really was nothing to consider when it comes to someone’s life. If she can help she will do it but she has conditions that must be met first.
Scarlet is nothing like Jackson expected her to be and he has so much admiration for everything she has been through and what she has achieved in her young life. He feels a true connection with her and it hasn’t escaped his noticed that she is a beautiful young woman. He is also determined to make up for all the years her birth father was not around by making her life a bit easier on her. Some people really do get dealt a shit hand in life but Scarlet has not let her circumstances define her future.
After meeting the Gilmores she begins to understand that Image is everything to this family. They may be rich in wealth but they are seriously poor when it comes to empathy and compassion. I was just as disappointed as Scarlet was when she met Neil, honestly, Scarlet’s father is a completely self centred flake. She is more grounded and socially aware than any of them. Well, apart from Jackson, in fact he is so different from them all you would be forgiven for wondering if he was a Gilmore.
The relationship between Scarlet and Jackson develops into so much more and despite knowing that there will be resistance, he is determined to carve out their own place in the world - together. Scarlet is fiercely independent and not used to having someone in her day to day that is truly on her side. She has been conditioned not to trust anything good for too long as it will eventually end. Jackson plans to show her that he is someone she can put her trust in and know her heart will be safe.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit of everything - family, loyalty, secrets, drama and a romance to anchor it all together.
When Jackson Gilmore walks into the cafe she works at he is determined to talk to her. When he does get a quiet moment with her he drops a bombshell on her routined life. Not only can he tell her who her father is but someone she is related to is terminally ill and needs Scarlet’s help to survive. Scarlet is immediately on the back foot after years of not knowing anything about her father. Years of pent up anger and frustration spill out but after some serious consideration, Scarlet knows there really was nothing to consider when it comes to someone’s life. If she can help she will do it but she has conditions that must be met first.
Scarlet is nothing like Jackson expected her to be and he has so much admiration for everything she has been through and what she has achieved in her young life. He feels a true connection with her and it hasn’t escaped his noticed that she is a beautiful young woman. He is also determined to make up for all the years her birth father was not around by making her life a bit easier on her. Some people really do get dealt a shit hand in life but Scarlet has not let her circumstances define her future.
After meeting the Gilmores she begins to understand that Image is everything to this family. They may be rich in wealth but they are seriously poor when it comes to empathy and compassion. I was just as disappointed as Scarlet was when she met Neil, honestly, Scarlet’s father is a completely self centred flake. She is more grounded and socially aware than any of them. Well, apart from Jackson, in fact he is so different from them all you would be forgiven for wondering if he was a Gilmore.
The relationship between Scarlet and Jackson develops into so much more and despite knowing that there will be resistance, he is determined to carve out their own place in the world - together. Scarlet is fiercely independent and not used to having someone in her day to day that is truly on her side. She has been conditioned not to trust anything good for too long as it will eventually end. Jackson plans to show her that he is someone she can put her trust in and know her heart will be safe.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a bit of everything - family, loyalty, secrets, drama and a romance to anchor it all together.
March 11, 2021
2.5 stars
It had potential but everything was extreme and over the top dramatic. Like worst case scenario for everything. Bingo card for a hard life for the h had everything checked off. Bingo card for rich, privileged, deadbeat dad had everything checked off. You get the idea. This applied to everything.
The h was hardened through her hard knocks in life. This meant that she didn’t mince words and was assertive and spoke her mind-but everyone, from the dr to the real estate agent would all remark on how they’d been warned to watch out for her fiery moods and temper. It was like a classic male line of telling a female to smile. It happened so often-and she would sheepishly smile and tone everything down.
I found myself skimming from half way.
It had potential but everything was extreme and over the top dramatic. Like worst case scenario for everything. Bingo card for a hard life for the h had everything checked off. Bingo card for rich, privileged, deadbeat dad had everything checked off. You get the idea. This applied to everything.
The h was hardened through her hard knocks in life. This meant that she didn’t mince words and was assertive and spoke her mind-but everyone, from the dr to the real estate agent would all remark on how they’d been warned to watch out for her fiery moods and temper. It was like a classic male line of telling a female to smile. It happened so often-and she would sheepishly smile and tone everything down.
I found myself skimming from half way.
April 21, 2021
I really liked Scarlett's spunky nature, she has an edge, and her life experiences are what make her the fiery but caring woman she is.
Her father is douchebag to put it politely, at their first meeting I wanted someone to slap him for me, he was more concerned about his other daughter, and yes she's not well but look at your other daughter!
Jackson, hmmm I wasn't sure at first but he grew on me. I felt they jumped into bed to quick, I would have preferred them to have had dinner out first and build up the sexual tension! He is a good bloke, he has money and apparently some style!
A slow start but once I got a little way in I was invested in Scarlett and hoping for a happy outcome. I enjoyed this book.
Her father is douchebag to put it politely, at their first meeting I wanted someone to slap him for me, he was more concerned about his other daughter, and yes she's not well but look at your other daughter!
Jackson, hmmm I wasn't sure at first but he grew on me. I felt they jumped into bed to quick, I would have preferred them to have had dinner out first and build up the sexual tension! He is a good bloke, he has money and apparently some style!
A slow start but once I got a little way in I was invested in Scarlett and hoping for a happy outcome. I enjoyed this book.
June 13, 2021
1 "I'ma be a dramatic mf about this" stars
This review is brought to you from beyond the grave—death by absinthe. I told myself I'd take a shot every time the author worked in the word "bitch" or "snooty", and I'm officially deceased.
That is of course a very roundabout way of me trying to work in a gif of Nick Miller absolutely trippin' on the 'sinthe:
Take me with you, Nick.
I'm gonna try and dial back the theatrics, because I want to seriously articulate why this was a 1-star read for me, without shaming the author in the process.
Most damning...this was a classic case of telling vs showing. We had quite a few heartstring-pulling plots going on here; the romance, the cancer-stricken niece, the seriously neglected and emotionally abused female lead. None of it stuck. I felt like those people that gawk at car accidents with zero emotional investment.
A close 2nd were the vibes I was getting from Scarlett.
The whole "bitch" and "snooty" phenomenon was straight up weird. I felt like Scarlet was a pretty blatant conduit for the author's kinda problematic views on women. I say that because there was this disconnect between her character being a self-proclaimed "big time feminist", meanwhile she was shaming other female characters at every turn.
There was no logic to it, it just felt super tone deaf. Scarlett routinely brought up how she was low-maintenance and couldn't care less about her appearance, etc. That's your M.O., cool. But she always turned it into this "unlike other girls" conversation. She critiqued women that care about their appearance, that exercise to maintain their figure, who wear makeup, who are "high-maintenance".
Girl, you are not the ally that you think you are. Nor are you the pinnacle of female authenticity that you're making yourself out to be.
I just got tired real quick of the judgment and hate, especially because she was so unaware of how hypocritical her whole world view was.
Honestly, if she was a self-aware asshole who fully acknowledged her behaviour I'd have been on board, but this chick's horse was so high it was a fuckin' giraffe.
Beyond that, I was disappointed by how clear-cut the good vs bad characters were. There was no grey area, no moral ambiguity...that's not very interesting to read about.
Now I'm off to join Nick on an absinthe fuelled hellscape to properly cleanse myself of this read.
This review is brought to you from beyond the grave—death by absinthe. I told myself I'd take a shot every time the author worked in the word "bitch" or "snooty", and I'm officially deceased.
That is of course a very roundabout way of me trying to work in a gif of Nick Miller absolutely trippin' on the 'sinthe:
Take me with you, Nick.
I'm gonna try and dial back the theatrics, because I want to seriously articulate why this was a 1-star read for me, without shaming the author in the process.
Most damning...this was a classic case of telling vs showing. We had quite a few heartstring-pulling plots going on here; the romance, the cancer-stricken niece, the seriously neglected and emotionally abused female lead. None of it stuck. I felt like those people that gawk at car accidents with zero emotional investment.
A close 2nd were the vibes I was getting from Scarlett.
The whole "bitch" and "snooty" phenomenon was straight up weird. I felt like Scarlet was a pretty blatant conduit for the author's kinda problematic views on women. I say that because there was this disconnect between her character being a self-proclaimed "big time feminist", meanwhile she was shaming other female characters at every turn.
There was no logic to it, it just felt super tone deaf. Scarlett routinely brought up how she was low-maintenance and couldn't care less about her appearance, etc. That's your M.O., cool. But she always turned it into this "unlike other girls" conversation. She critiqued women that care about their appearance, that exercise to maintain their figure, who wear makeup, who are "high-maintenance".
Girl, you are not the ally that you think you are. Nor are you the pinnacle of female authenticity that you're making yourself out to be.
I just got tired real quick of the judgment and hate, especially because she was so unaware of how hypocritical her whole world view was.
Honestly, if she was a self-aware asshole who fully acknowledged her behaviour I'd have been on board, but this chick's horse was so high it was a fuckin' giraffe.
Beyond that, I was disappointed by how clear-cut the good vs bad characters were. There was no grey area, no moral ambiguity...that's not very interesting to read about.
Now I'm off to join Nick on an absinthe fuelled hellscape to properly cleanse myself of this read.
December 27, 2023
Wow. I think I found another contender for the absolute WORST book I ever read... and I've actually inflicted quite a range of godawful crap on my poor self, so that's actually saying something.
Why do I do this to myself? /sigh
Also, please note that I'm hiding this review (i.e., using the spoiler warning) not only because of spoilers but because of ADULT CONTENT .
Point #1: Problematic quote the first...
“And what a ridiculous name - Scarlett. It’s not like her idiot of a mother would have ever read something as classic as Gone With The Wind, so it had to be because of the hair color.”
First of all, Gone With the Wind is actually a book (and film) that has (correctly IMO) been referred to as a "neo-confederate monument" and any mention of it needs to be put in its context, which should include an explanation of the myth of "The Lost Cause". (See also this reference.)
As one of the references I linked to just above states, "A revisionist history that gained popularity in the 1890s, the Lost Cause recast the Confederacy’s humiliating defeat in a treasonous war for slavery as the embodiment of the Framers’ true vision for America. Supporters pushed the ideas that the Civil War was not actually about slavery; that Robert E. Lee was a brilliant general, gentleman, and patriot; and that the Ku Klux Klan had rescued the heritage of the old South, what came to be known as “the southern way of life.”
In other words, it would have been nice if this book had at least mentioned that Gone With the Wind is not just a 'classic' piece of literature but also added a sentence or two to put it in context. You know, since the way in which the United States' own history is taught in its schools is often rather terrible.
In other words, it seems to me that writers can and should do better.
(For the record, I am Canadian and Canada is also really, really racist.)
Point #2: The characters jump from a simple acquaintance to being in love in about 5 seconds. At this point the book devolves into about 90% sex scenes and 10% unbelievable relationship moments (unbelievable mostly because the two main characters go from zero to 100% much too quickly).
Some choice quotes from those sex scenes, because I refuse to be alone in my pain:
Jackson growled warningly. “(...) Speaking of tight, if you were here beside me right now I’d be shoving my cock as deep inside of that pussy of yours as I could reach. Being inside all that tight, wet heat is like having a vise around my dick.”
Wow. That sounds actually...painful.
And I mean... are we talking something like this?
Or like this?
...'cause that shit doesn't sound sexy at all, man. That actually sounds like...
Here, have another quote, from our main male character:
Having gone without sex for nearly two weeks, he was intent on having his dick buried as deep inside that tight, juicy pussy of hers as possible when he came for the first time in twelve days.
I can't even at these descriptions.
I mean... maybe this refers back to the tackiness of decades past...
...Or maybe she's just really fruity down there?
Honestly these scenes are just ridiculous. Here is another quote...
He kissed her then, his tongue ravaging her mouth in the same way his cock continued to ram into her (...). “Yes you can,” he whispered. “You can take whatever I choose to give you, babe. You’re my wild woman, Scarlett. My wild, passionate, beautiful woman. Show me all that wildness now, all that passion.”
Again... 'ramming into' her?
Ouch.
Also, I'm sorry, but I just couldn't keep a straight face through this shit.
I'm really really sorry, but these sex scenes are truly AWFUL.
Oh well, I guess this is what passes for romance these days...
Why do I do this to myself? /sigh
Also, please note that I'm hiding this review (i.e., using the spoiler warning) not only because of spoilers but because of ADULT CONTENT .
Point #1: Problematic quote the first...
“And what a ridiculous name - Scarlett. It’s not like her idiot of a mother would have ever read something as classic as Gone With The Wind, so it had to be because of the hair color.”
First of all, Gone With the Wind is actually a book (and film) that has (correctly IMO) been referred to as a "neo-confederate monument" and any mention of it needs to be put in its context, which should include an explanation of the myth of "The Lost Cause". (See also this reference.)
As one of the references I linked to just above states, "A revisionist history that gained popularity in the 1890s, the Lost Cause recast the Confederacy’s humiliating defeat in a treasonous war for slavery as the embodiment of the Framers’ true vision for America. Supporters pushed the ideas that the Civil War was not actually about slavery; that Robert E. Lee was a brilliant general, gentleman, and patriot; and that the Ku Klux Klan had rescued the heritage of the old South, what came to be known as “the southern way of life.”
In other words, it would have been nice if this book had at least mentioned that Gone With the Wind is not just a 'classic' piece of literature but also added a sentence or two to put it in context. You know, since the way in which the United States' own history is taught in its schools is often rather terrible.
In other words, it seems to me that writers can and should do better.
(For the record, I am Canadian and Canada is also really, really racist.)
Point #2: The characters jump from a simple acquaintance to being in love in about 5 seconds. At this point the book devolves into about 90% sex scenes and 10% unbelievable relationship moments (unbelievable mostly because the two main characters go from zero to 100% much too quickly).
Some choice quotes from those sex scenes, because I refuse to be alone in my pain:
Jackson growled warningly. “(...) Speaking of tight, if you were here beside me right now I’d be shoving my cock as deep inside of that pussy of yours as I could reach. Being inside all that tight, wet heat is like having a vise around my dick.”
Wow. That sounds actually...painful.
And I mean... are we talking something like this?
Or like this?
...'cause that shit doesn't sound sexy at all, man. That actually sounds like...
Here, have another quote, from our main male character:
Having gone without sex for nearly two weeks, he was intent on having his dick buried as deep inside that tight, juicy pussy of hers as possible when he came for the first time in twelve days.
I can't even at these descriptions.
I mean... maybe this refers back to the tackiness of decades past...
...Or maybe she's just really fruity down there?
Honestly these scenes are just ridiculous. Here is another quote...
He kissed her then, his tongue ravaging her mouth in the same way his cock continued to ram into her (...). “Yes you can,” he whispered. “You can take whatever I choose to give you, babe. You’re my wild woman, Scarlett. My wild, passionate, beautiful woman. Show me all that wildness now, all that passion.”
Again... 'ramming into' her?
Ouch.
Also, I'm sorry, but I just couldn't keep a straight face through this shit.
I'm really really sorry, but these sex scenes are truly AWFUL.
Oh well, I guess this is what passes for romance these days...
March 8, 2021
3.5 Stars
A nice and quick read which kept me turning pages, with characters I could relate to, or were interesting. To be honest, the characters really make this book for me. They are vulnerable, realistic and endearing. The romance was a slow burn, light on drama. This author has a tried and tested formula that clearly works for me.
The book focuses on the life of independent protagonist Scarlett Strohman. As a young girl, she has known heartbreak, she was abandoned by her father and grew up in the foster care system. I admired her sense of resolve, her determination to succeed. Her story of strength and overcoming what life hands you was beautiful.
I did enjoy this book, it was a good story filled with moments of romance, long standing secrets and of course, that lovely happy ending! I do believe the ending needed more development, the conflicts were resolved too easily.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book.
A nice and quick read which kept me turning pages, with characters I could relate to, or were interesting. To be honest, the characters really make this book for me. They are vulnerable, realistic and endearing. The romance was a slow burn, light on drama. This author has a tried and tested formula that clearly works for me.
The book focuses on the life of independent protagonist Scarlett Strohman. As a young girl, she has known heartbreak, she was abandoned by her father and grew up in the foster care system. I admired her sense of resolve, her determination to succeed. Her story of strength and overcoming what life hands you was beautiful.
I did enjoy this book, it was a good story filled with moments of romance, long standing secrets and of course, that lovely happy ending! I do believe the ending needed more development, the conflicts were resolved too easily.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 23, 2024
I have to be honest. I didn't really care for this book, but I definitely think it's a me thing. I've read a couple of this author's books and I confess myself to be bored with the writing. It's thoroughly detailed. Almost too much. Some chapters just went on and on in their inner monologues, and it was thing's we already know and learned. The h is no pushover, but the instalove she felt for Jackson didn't at all feel authentic. The H even more so. I thought it would have a lot more angst, but no. The h Scarlet has a shitty father who abandoned her year's ago, and he was a grade A dick. Jackson the H was perfect. Too perfect if you ask me. But I get it. The h deserved a fairy tale ending and a rich knight in blue jeans, but I was seriously underwhelmed. Sorry
The plot is Hannah who is the half sister of Scarlet has leukemia. They're out of sources for finding a bone marrow donor until Neil, the father of both girls confesses to his BIL Jackson about a daughter he never told anyone about. That he abandoned before her birth. He leaves it to Jackson to find Scarlet and try to make her agree to help Hannah while offering money. Sound's good right? It failed for me though 🤷.
The plot is Hannah who is the half sister of Scarlet has leukemia. They're out of sources for finding a bone marrow donor until Neil, the father of both girls confesses to his BIL Jackson about a daughter he never told anyone about. That he abandoned before her birth. He leaves it to Jackson to find Scarlet and try to make her agree to help Hannah while offering money. Sound's good right? It failed for me though 🤷.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
What a beautiful love story.
The blurb of this story caught me right away! I was super intrigued and the beginning of this book I could not put down!!
I felt like Scarlett’s story was inspiring, heart breaking and amazing. I enjoyed her character though at times I felt her insecurity and lack of maturity.
“I think you’re going to be the best thing that ever happened to me, Scarlett.”
Jackson was an amazing male character. Any woman would be happy to have him. You really can’t even find a flaw within him. And the two of them together was beautiful.
My issue with this book is it dragged a lot and it would repeat quite a bit. I did start to get annoyed with Scarlett bringing up the girlfriend. It felt very high schoolish. I think if this book was thinned down and some of the excessive trimmed it would be a 5 star for sure. With all that said I still think this book had amazing bones. The beginning and the end are what did it for me!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
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March 12, 2021
Something about this book just didn’t set well with me. The tragic heroine is a trope I like but seeing her donor father and his wife not get their just deserts, blech
June 18, 2021
Literally a 5/5!! This book was so interesting and the story was pretty unique to me. I absolutely fell in LOVEEEE with Doctor Park!! Loved Scarlett and Jackson and pretty much the whole plot. I highly recommend this book.
July 4, 2021
Janet's writing reminds me of Christine Feehan, being that any book I read from her us never a disappointment. This one tugged on my heartstrings and what I also love is that she somehow ties in past books into new one, even small, brief mentions
March 26, 2021
Another book I picked based on a promising blurb and good reviews but turned out to be huge massive let down. I was bored to death reading this, or better said, skipping pages until the end waiting to see the end and how the family would find out about her.
There was no chemistry between the characters and an overly drama queen of a heroine. Yes, she suffered growing up. But making that the main focus of the book with endless monologues rather than developing the relationship between H and h was such a bore!
There was no chemistry between the characters and an overly drama queen of a heroine. Yes, she suffered growing up. But making that the main focus of the book with endless monologues rather than developing the relationship between H and h was such a bore!
April 18, 2021
2 stars ⭐️
I was really excited about this book for a few reasons.
I’ve not been reading much for almost a year now due to personal reasons. So, after taking a long break from this world, I was eager to read and this book sounded exciting. Plus, Serendipity, another book from this author is one of my favourite reads.
Unfortunately, I think I hyped myself up for this too much as it didn’t do much for me. It not like it was terrible. But I thought it could have been so much better.
I felt nothing between the main characters as a couple, or even as just friends to be honest. No real chemistry or feelings.
I thought Jackson was an overall flat character with no real personality. Don’t get me wrong, he was a good guy, but there was no depth to him in my opinion.
I did like Scarlett and felt more of a connection with her character. She’d been through a lot.
In saying that though, there was so many inner monologues and constant reminders of what she’d been through. I felt really bad for her, but at the same time, the constant mention of how hard her life had been I felt was unnecessary. If there had been more of that time building a bond between Scarlett and Jackson, that would’ve worked so much better for me personally.
Here is a quote from just 29% into the book where she was thinking about him.
“A man, she acknowledged with a sinking heart, she very much feared she had fallen hopelessly in love with.”
If there is one thing I really dislike in books, it’s when the L word is thrown in prematurely. There had been absolutely no build up between them for her to think that she loved him.
I think at that point there had been just two interactions. The first being where he initially meets Scarlett to tell her his family’s situation. And the second being where she meets her biological father for the first time and Jackson’s there not really saying much. So even though I could understand her possibly having some kind of warm feeling towards him. It’s very hard for me as a reader to believe that there could’ve been any feelings of love involved yet.
And then I started to get bored. I mean, by the time I reached to 50% of the book there had been hardly any interaction between the love interests.
Not a kiss. Hardly any conversations. Jackson didn’t even manage to see how she was doing whilst she was in the hospital for goodness sake!
Just wasn’t feeling it at all so it’s 2 stars for me.
I was really excited about this book for a few reasons.
I’ve not been reading much for almost a year now due to personal reasons. So, after taking a long break from this world, I was eager to read and this book sounded exciting. Plus, Serendipity, another book from this author is one of my favourite reads.
Unfortunately, I think I hyped myself up for this too much as it didn’t do much for me. It not like it was terrible. But I thought it could have been so much better.
I felt nothing between the main characters as a couple, or even as just friends to be honest. No real chemistry or feelings.
I thought Jackson was an overall flat character with no real personality. Don’t get me wrong, he was a good guy, but there was no depth to him in my opinion.
I did like Scarlett and felt more of a connection with her character. She’d been through a lot.
In saying that though, there was so many inner monologues and constant reminders of what she’d been through. I felt really bad for her, but at the same time, the constant mention of how hard her life had been I felt was unnecessary. If there had been more of that time building a bond between Scarlett and Jackson, that would’ve worked so much better for me personally.
Here is a quote from just 29% into the book where she was thinking about him.
“A man, she acknowledged with a sinking heart, she very much feared she had fallen hopelessly in love with.”
If there is one thing I really dislike in books, it’s when the L word is thrown in prematurely. There had been absolutely no build up between them for her to think that she loved him.
I think at that point there had been just two interactions. The first being where he initially meets Scarlett to tell her his family’s situation. And the second being where she meets her biological father for the first time and Jackson’s there not really saying much. So even though I could understand her possibly having some kind of warm feeling towards him. It’s very hard for me as a reader to believe that there could’ve been any feelings of love involved yet.
And then I started to get bored. I mean, by the time I reached to 50% of the book there had been hardly any interaction between the love interests.
Not a kiss. Hardly any conversations. Jackson didn’t even manage to see how she was doing whilst she was in the hospital for goodness sake!
Just wasn’t feeling it at all so it’s 2 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
I don't usually do reviews, but I decided to do one for this book as it disappointed me so much. When I read the blurb, it gave me the impression it was going to be really good, as well as the high reviews it got. I was really exited to read it, only to be left down. The main character who is supposed to be strong and have the personality of a survivor came across more as a whiner. To every person she met, she told what a terrible life she led and how she's skinny because she's poor. I'm not and expert, and I can't talk for anyone who actually went trough something like this, but I don't think they would talk about it as lighthearted as Scarlet does. I won't even mention the other characters, they were all so poorly execute and two dimensional, they did not have any backstory whatsoever and felt as if their only purpose is to be either the bad guy or the good guy, no in-between. And let's not forget how she fell in love 5 chapters in (or something, don't remember exactly) there was barely any real communication between the two main leads, barely any growth, they just fell in love. For me personally it was a painful read, others might like it and I have no problem with that, but if you're looking for a story with depth, this isn't it.
September 19, 2021
3 STARS
The story was really interesting which kept me reading the entire thing but the characters and the dialogue was a little off? I'm having a hard time quantifying it. All of the supporting characters were pretty unrealistic (very emotionally immature, no filter or impulse control, especially considering how successful they are in jobs where you literally have to have a minimal amount of these skills). This probably seems nitpicky but it's pretty central to the plot line.
the protagonist and M are okay characters that also have some weird/unrealistic dialogue but again, the story is interesting enough to push you through this.
The story was really interesting which kept me reading the entire thing but the characters and the dialogue was a little off? I'm having a hard time quantifying it. All of the supporting characters were pretty unrealistic (very emotionally immature, no filter or impulse control, especially considering how successful they are in jobs where you literally have to have a minimal amount of these skills). This probably seems nitpicky but it's pretty central to the plot line.
the protagonist and M are okay characters that also have some weird/unrealistic dialogue but again, the story is interesting enough to push you through this.
October 25, 2021
DNF at 46%.
I really tried to like this one but it felt like a bad soap opera. All the characters were 2 dimensional, either very good or awfully bad.
Spoilers*-ish
The heroine told anyone who would listen her sob story, and I wanted to feel bad for her, but it was her whole personality. She had no other character traits. In theory she's all alone in the world but in reality she does have people who love her and care about her. It just happens that they are not blood related so that's not good enough? There something along those lines that just didn't feel right to me.
The main hero was boring. He was there to be the good smart incredibly good looking guy.
The evil dad was really bad because some people are bad I guess? Because he could? Because sometimes men can be jack-asses? Any or all of the above?
In my opinion there was no chemistry for the main couple. He sees her and is instantly "incredibly attracted to her". And she's in love with him after all of TWO interactions. I kid you not.
I picked up the book because I liked the premise and it had mostly good reviews but it turned out to be a huge disappointment. BUT if you are a fan of oversold tropes (as in anything that's bad will happen to the heroine because it can, people will be awful with no motivation because they can) fast-burned love stories and like the whole tell but don't show thing, well then, please do enjoy! (I mean this BTW, have a lovely read if this is more to your taste ❤️)
Honestly it wasn't the worst book. It just wasn't the book for me. 1 star.
I really tried to like this one but it felt like a bad soap opera. All the characters were 2 dimensional, either very good or awfully bad.
Spoilers*-ish
The heroine told anyone who would listen her sob story, and I wanted to feel bad for her, but it was her whole personality. She had no other character traits. In theory she's all alone in the world but in reality she does have people who love her and care about her. It just happens that they are not blood related so that's not good enough? There something along those lines that just didn't feel right to me.
The main hero was boring. He was there to be the good smart incredibly good looking guy.
The evil dad was really bad because some people are bad I guess? Because he could? Because sometimes men can be jack-asses? Any or all of the above?
In my opinion there was no chemistry for the main couple. He sees her and is instantly "incredibly attracted to her". And she's in love with him after all of TWO interactions. I kid you not.
I picked up the book because I liked the premise and it had mostly good reviews but it turned out to be a huge disappointment. BUT if you are a fan of oversold tropes (as in anything that's bad will happen to the heroine because it can, people will be awful with no motivation because they can) fast-burned love stories and like the whole tell but don't show thing, well then, please do enjoy! (I mean this BTW, have a lovely read if this is more to your taste ❤️)
Honestly it wasn't the worst book. It just wasn't the book for me. 1 star.
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