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Redemption #5
Wallflower
She’d spent her entire life as a wallflower, hiding from the rest of the world.
Willow Thorne had gotten really good at blending in with the wallpaper. The shy, quiet little mouse was more comfortable spending her days in her protective little bubble. Then she met a big, burly mechanic who looked really good on a motorcycle and made her feel things she’d never felt before.
Gavin “Stone” Hendrix didn’t do commitment, and love was completely out of the question. After spending the first half of his life taking care of everyone else, he was done being the responsible one. Then he met a shy, nervous brunette who knocked him off his feet and made him question everything he thought he believed.
Willow brought out his protective instincts. Stone made her want to step out of her shell.
No one in a million years expected the hard-as-stone biker to fall for the wallflower, but the small town of Redemption was in for a major surprise.
Willow Thorne had gotten really good at blending in with the wallpaper. The shy, quiet little mouse was more comfortable spending her days in her protective little bubble. Then she met a big, burly mechanic who looked really good on a motorcycle and made her feel things she’d never felt before.
Gavin “Stone” Hendrix didn’t do commitment, and love was completely out of the question. After spending the first half of his life taking care of everyone else, he was done being the responsible one. Then he met a shy, nervous brunette who knocked him off his feet and made him question everything he thought he believed.
Willow brought out his protective instincts. Stone made her want to step out of her shell.
No one in a million years expected the hard-as-stone biker to fall for the wallflower, but the small town of Redemption was in for a major surprise.
Unknown Binding
First published July 8, 2021
429 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Prince
106 books2,546 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
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Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
July 12, 2021
*deep sigh.*
I tried guys. I truly did. I have been looking forward to Stone's book ever since we were introduced to him in the Civil Corruption series, and what little we knew about him intrigued me to no end. There is nothing better than a growly, gruff of a man who falls to a pile of goo over the woman who finally captured his heart. But what we got here was so far from that, and quite honestly it's so disheartening how much I dislike the men in this series.
So here we have Willow, who doesn't like to draw attention to herself and has always preferred to blend into background. She has her sisters (although that's not really saying much) and has never really had close girlfriends. The only person she has in her life that genuinely cares about her is her dad, and he doesn't even recognize her half the time. She spends all of her free time outside of work being his main caretaker even though her sisters are supposed to share the load with her. Life is just weighing down on her and poor Willow needs to start truly living. But how will she do that when the one person who makes her feel alive turns her into a stuttering, awkward mess?
And then there's Stone. He's as inviting as a vibrating cactus, and has no desire to form any attachments whatsoever. He has supremo mommy issues and decides that love, family and all that jazz just isn't worth his time. Until he meets Willow. Right away he feels something for her he's never felt before, but knows that she is strictly a forever kind of woman, and he's just not. So he refuses to go there. But that doesn't stop him from kissing her senesless -- after she changes her wardrobe & starts doing her hair and makeup, does he realize that he's attracted to her (which honestly, makes me so ragey. She shouldn't have to wear tight fitting clothes to attract a man who should have seen her worth and good heart underwent her baggy shirts, but whatever) and then proceeds to insult her, ON HER FUCKING BIRTHDAY, and tells her that she's so far from his type it's laughable, and that she will never be the one he wants.
So swoony, amirite? I always want an uber asshole with commitment issues to insult me. But it's ok, because I'm going to make out with him a week later and all will be forgiven!! *heart eyes.*
I truly liked Willow, but dang this woman needed some self respect. I get that Stone was her fantasy, but the reality did not live up to the hype. What she should have done was run off with that hot, sweet MC dude who immediately had eyes for her instead of being insulted and pushed to the side regularly. I'm going to be salty about the have that I damn near hated Stone for 90% of this book for years to come.
And can we talk about Stones pet name for her for a minute? Look, there is nothing endearing or sweet about being called "mouse." Just hell no. That's not a compliment, it's not cute, and is actually really derogatory? Apparently Willow liked it, but all I could picture was Stone patting a furry head and feeding the thing cheese. Not sexy at all, but to each their own. If being called a mouse gets your motor running, who am I to judge?
There was just no spark here for me between the two of them. It took about 60% for them to even share their first kiss, and even though he devastated her with his vile words, she jumped into bed (or in this case on top of his car) with him soon after that. Nothing got resolved, there was absolutely no groveling, and Willow just accepted that this was as good as it gets for her, and convinced herself that this is what love is. I would be telling that man child "boy bye" and go bounce on a dick that respected me for more than my looks.
There were really only two and a half things I liked about this book: Willows father, the fact that there was no slut shaming/catty name calling at all (praise sweet baby Jesus) and Willow. Though she's the half of this equation because as much as I liked her, the girl just needed some self respect.
I'm just really sad and disheartened that one character I was looking forward to the most turned out like this. This entire series, save for Crazy Beautiful, has been a huge miss for me. I just wish I liked this more.
For once, I just wish the "hero" of these books wasn't a manwhore with women issues. Or have this trope be flipped on its head and have a woman who embraces her sexuality --without being shamed for it -- and falls for the shy virgin but still alpha male. Make it happen!!
I'm sure others will like this book, and based on the other reviews here I'm in the minority, but this just want for me.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
I tried guys. I truly did. I have been looking forward to Stone's book ever since we were introduced to him in the Civil Corruption series, and what little we knew about him intrigued me to no end. There is nothing better than a growly, gruff of a man who falls to a pile of goo over the woman who finally captured his heart. But what we got here was so far from that, and quite honestly it's so disheartening how much I dislike the men in this series.
So here we have Willow, who doesn't like to draw attention to herself and has always preferred to blend into background. She has her sisters (although that's not really saying much) and has never really had close girlfriends. The only person she has in her life that genuinely cares about her is her dad, and he doesn't even recognize her half the time. She spends all of her free time outside of work being his main caretaker even though her sisters are supposed to share the load with her. Life is just weighing down on her and poor Willow needs to start truly living. But how will she do that when the one person who makes her feel alive turns her into a stuttering, awkward mess?
And then there's Stone. He's as inviting as a vibrating cactus, and has no desire to form any attachments whatsoever. He has supremo mommy issues and decides that love, family and all that jazz just isn't worth his time. Until he meets Willow. Right away he feels something for her he's never felt before, but knows that she is strictly a forever kind of woman, and he's just not. So he refuses to go there. But that doesn't stop him from kissing her senesless -- after she changes her wardrobe & starts doing her hair and makeup, does he realize that he's attracted to her (which honestly, makes me so ragey. She shouldn't have to wear tight fitting clothes to attract a man who should have seen her worth and good heart underwent her baggy shirts, but whatever) and then proceeds to insult her, ON HER FUCKING BIRTHDAY, and tells her that she's so far from his type it's laughable, and that she will never be the one he wants.
So swoony, amirite? I always want an uber asshole with commitment issues to insult me. But it's ok, because I'm going to make out with him a week later and all will be forgiven!! *heart eyes.*
I truly liked Willow, but dang this woman needed some self respect. I get that Stone was her fantasy, but the reality did not live up to the hype. What she should have done was run off with that hot, sweet MC dude who immediately had eyes for her instead of being insulted and pushed to the side regularly. I'm going to be salty about the have that I damn near hated Stone for 90% of this book for years to come.
And can we talk about Stones pet name for her for a minute? Look, there is nothing endearing or sweet about being called "mouse." Just hell no. That's not a compliment, it's not cute, and is actually really derogatory? Apparently Willow liked it, but all I could picture was Stone patting a furry head and feeding the thing cheese. Not sexy at all, but to each their own. If being called a mouse gets your motor running, who am I to judge?
There was just no spark here for me between the two of them. It took about 60% for them to even share their first kiss, and even though he devastated her with his vile words, she jumped into bed (or in this case on top of his car) with him soon after that. Nothing got resolved, there was absolutely no groveling, and Willow just accepted that this was as good as it gets for her, and convinced herself that this is what love is. I would be telling that man child "boy bye" and go bounce on a dick that respected me for more than my looks.
There were really only two and a half things I liked about this book: Willows father, the fact that there was no slut shaming/catty name calling at all (praise sweet baby Jesus) and Willow. Though she's the half of this equation because as much as I liked her, the girl just needed some self respect.
I'm just really sad and disheartened that one character I was looking forward to the most turned out like this. This entire series, save for Crazy Beautiful, has been a huge miss for me. I just wish I liked this more.
For once, I just wish the "hero" of these books wasn't a manwhore with women issues. Or have this trope be flipped on its head and have a woman who embraces her sexuality --without being shamed for it -- and falls for the shy virgin but still alpha male. Make it happen!!
I'm sure others will like this book, and based on the other reviews here I'm in the minority, but this just want for me.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
July 27, 2021
Small town romance… sounds very… 😴😴😴😴
… Sorry. What was I saying?? I drifted off there…
Positives:
- the h is sweet - She’s an extremely shy klutz who dresses like a frump - Her family takes her for granted and are sometimes a little mean
- the H is gruff and grumpy and protective and jealous/possessive (eventually) - he fights his feelings pretty dang hard
- there’s a smidge of OW drama - nothing too intense or lengthy, but just enough to cause a tiny bit of conflict
- I like when he has a couple j/p freak outs. I think he backs down to her too often though. The author pulls back before it ever gets really good.
- she’s got a good group of friends
- dual POV
Negatives:
- the h is portrayed as this shrinking violet with what seems to be debilitating social anxiety. She can barely carry on a conversation with a male friend, much less a stranger. She rarely if ever “goes out”, except to have lunch with her friends. She dresses like a complete frump… I think we’re all assuming she’s a (ridiculous) 29 year old virgin… but nope. Turns out she’s had a few lovers. It’s never explained how that could be possible considering her pretty significant social struggles. I feel like this anomaly required some background info, because it didn’t really make sense.
- the h is the aggressor for every single significant thing that happens in their relationship. She always is the one kissing him. She’s the one who instigated sex. And even after she’s throws herself at him like a starving woman on Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, he still demands she gives her consent several times while getting down and dirty. {Dude.👀 She’s humping your leg. 👀 I think you’ve got a green light. 👍🏻 Man up.} She is even the one to say “I love you” first. 😑 Not out of desperation…he was just as into her… but a-f*cking-gain, he lets her take the lead. We don’t get to see his proposal, but I would not have been at all surprised that she’d have to ask herself. 😬
- this felt a little “Girls Gone Wild” to me. She’s so reserved and modest and sweet and shy and *innocent*… but she turned into an aggressively assertive porn star at first touch by the H. 😐 I find this trope silly. 🤷🏼♀️ It really takes me out of the moment.
- I really wish the H had given her the time of day BEFORE she received her makeover. I mean, I know the makeovers can make the H *see* the h for the 1st time, but I’d feel better about it if he found himself attracted by her despite her appearance first, and the makeover just solidifies it. The way this is written just makes the H and their “love” seem shallow.
- all the relationship conflict was wrapped up at 75%… I look down and see we have this yawning chasm of 25% left… this could go one of 2 ways… #1 we get one last relationship upheaval (this is my vote! 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️#imadramawhore 😅) or #2 it will be some sort of wimpy outside drama (#snoozefest) —- and she went with option #2. Booooorrrrinnnnnggg. 😅
- this book needed some real angst.
Bottom Line? Eh. I was kinda bored for the 1st 50%. Then it picks up 50 -75%… then I was so bored I skimmed to the end. I’m rounding up because the writing is ok and I liked the j/p scenes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- minor OW drama before they are together
- very minor OM drama before they are together
- no dubcon
… Sorry. What was I saying?? I drifted off there…
Positives:
- the h is sweet - She’s an extremely shy klutz who dresses like a frump - Her family takes her for granted and are sometimes a little mean
- the H is gruff and grumpy and protective and jealous/possessive (eventually) - he fights his feelings pretty dang hard
- there’s a smidge of OW drama - nothing too intense or lengthy, but just enough to cause a tiny bit of conflict
- I like when he has a couple j/p freak outs. I think he backs down to her too often though. The author pulls back before it ever gets really good.
- she’s got a good group of friends
- dual POV
Negatives:
- the h is portrayed as this shrinking violet with what seems to be debilitating social anxiety. She can barely carry on a conversation with a male friend, much less a stranger. She rarely if ever “goes out”, except to have lunch with her friends. She dresses like a complete frump… I think we’re all assuming she’s a (ridiculous) 29 year old virgin… but nope. Turns out she’s had a few lovers. It’s never explained how that could be possible considering her pretty significant social struggles. I feel like this anomaly required some background info, because it didn’t really make sense.
- the h is the aggressor for every single significant thing that happens in their relationship. She always is the one kissing him. She’s the one who instigated sex. And even after she’s throws herself at him like a starving woman on Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, he still demands she gives her consent several times while getting down and dirty. {Dude.👀 She’s humping your leg. 👀 I think you’ve got a green light. 👍🏻 Man up.} She is even the one to say “I love you” first. 😑 Not out of desperation…he was just as into her… but a-f*cking-gain, he lets her take the lead. We don’t get to see his proposal, but I would not have been at all surprised that she’d have to ask herself. 😬
- this felt a little “Girls Gone Wild” to me. She’s so reserved and modest and sweet and shy and *innocent*… but she turned into an aggressively assertive porn star at first touch by the H. 😐 I find this trope silly. 🤷🏼♀️ It really takes me out of the moment.
- I really wish the H had given her the time of day BEFORE she received her makeover. I mean, I know the makeovers can make the H *see* the h for the 1st time, but I’d feel better about it if he found himself attracted by her despite her appearance first, and the makeover just solidifies it. The way this is written just makes the H and their “love” seem shallow.
- all the relationship conflict was wrapped up at 75%… I look down and see we have this yawning chasm of 25% left… this could go one of 2 ways… #1 we get one last relationship upheaval (this is my vote! 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♀️#imadramawhore 😅) or #2 it will be some sort of wimpy outside drama (#snoozefest) —- and she went with option #2. Booooorrrrinnnnnggg. 😅
- this book needed some real angst.
Bottom Line? Eh. I was kinda bored for the 1st 50%. Then it picks up 50 -75%… then I was so bored I skimmed to the end. I’m rounding up because the writing is ok and I liked the j/p scenes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️FOR THE SAFETY SQUAD⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- minor OW drama before they are together
- very minor OM drama before they are together
- no dubcon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
Spoilers ahead
I'm still reading this but I had to pause for a minute to get my thoughts out.
This is a pretty typical trope by this author, the clumsy down on her luck wallflower h who has a transformation and the H is suddenly into her....I rolled my eyes but it wasn't as terrible as some of her others.
Here's my issue - Stone fully well knew that the blushing fumbling Willow was into him, he knew it but see he's had a traumatic childhood and so relationships aren't for him and Willow doesn't seem the one and done type 🙄 so he sticks to his biker bunnies etc. Then they have an encounter and he's drawn to her but he's fighting it, they actually have a pretty cute friendship going and I was digging it.... Until on her birthday that of course was going badly Willow walks into a bar and finds Stone with a woman on his lap! Another guy comes onto her but Stone intercepts that claiming her and saving her from the no good biker🙄 (side note I really hope Pope and his guys get their own stories....but then they'd probably be the grossest manwhores to ever go manwhoring😑) drags her outside, shouts at her and she.....SHE kisses him!!!!!!! There are no words man, no words.....anywhos continuing on.......
Stone 😤😡
I’d come to the bar tonight looking for any available pussy to sink my dick into in the hopes it would clear my head of images of Willow fucking Thorne. I thought I’d found the solution to my little—okay, not so little—problem when a blonde I’d seen around the bars here and in the neighboring towns came up and started hitting on me.
Stone....in an effort to push her away of course🙄
My traitorous dick didn’t so much as twitch. The chick’s tits were right up in my face and she was basically dry humping me right there in the middle of the bar. If anything, the erection I’d been sporting for the past few weeks thanks to Willow had deflated like a popped balloon.
She was wearing too much makeup. Her powdery perfume was suffocating me and didn’t smell anything like sunshine. Her clothes left too little to the imagination. Her hair was too . . . blonde
Ok so my final thoughts
This author's got some talent, her writing style is just my cuppa.... Her mmc's however are more often than not MANWHORES and Ion like that. We spent so much of this book with Stone hemming and Hawing that the couple didn't actually have much time together before the Ily were exchanged making it unbelievable. Had he manned up in the earlies and decided to give the relationship a try I'd have rated this much higher.
There were some cute and sweet moments when they finally got together that I enjoyed.... Not enough to get bitter taste of the first half out of my mouth tho 🤷🏽♀️
I'm still reading this but I had to pause for a minute to get my thoughts out.
This is a pretty typical trope by this author, the clumsy down on her luck wallflower h who has a transformation and the H is suddenly into her....I rolled my eyes but it wasn't as terrible as some of her others.
Here's my issue - Stone fully well knew that the blushing fumbling Willow was into him, he knew it but see he's had a traumatic childhood and so relationships aren't for him and Willow doesn't seem the one and done type 🙄 so he sticks to his biker bunnies etc. Then they have an encounter and he's drawn to her but he's fighting it, they actually have a pretty cute friendship going and I was digging it.... Until on her birthday that of course was going badly Willow walks into a bar and finds Stone with a woman on his lap! Another guy comes onto her but Stone intercepts that claiming her and saving her from the no good biker🙄 (side note I really hope Pope and his guys get their own stories....but then they'd probably be the grossest manwhores to ever go manwhoring😑) drags her outside, shouts at her and she.....SHE kisses him!!!!!!! There are no words man, no words.....anywhos continuing on.......
Stone 😤😡
I’d come to the bar tonight looking for any available pussy to sink my dick into in the hopes it would clear my head of images of Willow fucking Thorne. I thought I’d found the solution to my little—okay, not so little—problem when a blonde I’d seen around the bars here and in the neighboring towns came up and started hitting on me.
Stone....in an effort to push her away of course🙄
My traitorous dick didn’t so much as twitch. The chick’s tits were right up in my face and she was basically dry humping me right there in the middle of the bar. If anything, the erection I’d been sporting for the past few weeks thanks to Willow had deflated like a popped balloon.
She was wearing too much makeup. Her powdery perfume was suffocating me and didn’t smell anything like sunshine. Her clothes left too little to the imagination. Her hair was too . . . blonde
Ok so my final thoughts
This author's got some talent, her writing style is just my cuppa.... Her mmc's however are more often than not MANWHORES and Ion like that. We spent so much of this book with Stone hemming and Hawing that the couple didn't actually have much time together before the Ily were exchanged making it unbelievable. Had he manned up in the earlies and decided to give the relationship a try I'd have rated this much higher.
There were some cute and sweet moments when they finally got together that I enjoyed.... Not enough to get bitter taste of the first half out of my mouth tho 🤷🏽♀️
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April 30, 2023
Very Jessica Prince/Kristen Ashley.
If you like them, you'll like this.
If you like them, you'll like this.
August 1, 2021
2.5 stars
Not bad just wasn’t anything special and I didn’t care about the characters.
Not bad just wasn’t anything special and I didn’t care about the characters.
July 11, 2021
It's okay.
I have been disappointed at the number of man-whore Hero's in this series.
The heroine is shy, awkward and hides under baggy clothes.
The Hero is not into commitment.
He had a mother who had a revolving door of bad choices in men and she abandoned him to care for his baby sister.
There are no details of his previous sexual history, other than we are told several times by several people that the heroine is 'not his type.'
He knows she like him but he pushes her away.
Dual POV.
At 40%
I spotted Stone sitting at a clump of tables that had been pushed together. And he wasn’t alone.
My heart sank as I watched him pull a gorgeous blonde onto his lap, making her giggle at something he said.
My heart suffered a million tiny paper cuts as the woman bent to whisper something in his ear. But the pain grew to be too much when I saw her tongue peek out and run along the cord at the side of his neck.
I’d been just about ready to tell the chick it wasn’t going to happen, when I looked toward the bar and lost every bit of air in my lungs.
I hadn’t thought about it; I just reacted. I’d shot to my feet so damn fast that the girl in my lap nearly tumbled to the floor. Before I could blink, I was across the bar, going toe-to-toe with the asshole sitting next to Willow.
The Hero explains it as the other woman only needed a bit of encouragement and she was all over him, it did nothing for him.
Later pushing the heroine away.
“You aren’t my type,” I snapped, and before I could stop them, the words came pouring out. “You saw that woman I was with inside. That’s what gets me going, babe. Not some shy, quiet librarian type who blushes every time she makes eye contact with someone. Move on. Find some nice, unassuming guy who works as an accountant or some shit. But you need to get your head out of the clouds, because this here”—I waved my hand between us—“it’s never gonna happen.
To me they got together a bit quick and resolved everything.
Previous characters from series appear.
Hints at an MC series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
I have been disappointed at the number of man-whore Hero's in this series.
The heroine is shy, awkward and hides under baggy clothes.
The Hero is not into commitment.
He had a mother who had a revolving door of bad choices in men and she abandoned him to care for his baby sister.
There are no details of his previous sexual history, other than we are told several times by several people that the heroine is 'not his type.'
He knows she like him but he pushes her away.
Dual POV.
At 40%
I spotted Stone sitting at a clump of tables that had been pushed together. And he wasn’t alone.
My heart sank as I watched him pull a gorgeous blonde onto his lap, making her giggle at something he said.
My heart suffered a million tiny paper cuts as the woman bent to whisper something in his ear. But the pain grew to be too much when I saw her tongue peek out and run along the cord at the side of his neck.
I’d been just about ready to tell the chick it wasn’t going to happen, when I looked toward the bar and lost every bit of air in my lungs.
I hadn’t thought about it; I just reacted. I’d shot to my feet so damn fast that the girl in my lap nearly tumbled to the floor. Before I could blink, I was across the bar, going toe-to-toe with the asshole sitting next to Willow.
The Hero explains it as the other woman only needed a bit of encouragement and she was all over him, it did nothing for him.
Later pushing the heroine away.
“You aren’t my type,” I snapped, and before I could stop them, the words came pouring out. “You saw that woman I was with inside. That’s what gets me going, babe. Not some shy, quiet librarian type who blushes every time she makes eye contact with someone. Move on. Find some nice, unassuming guy who works as an accountant or some shit. But you need to get your head out of the clouds, because this here”—I waved my hand between us—“it’s never gonna happen.
To me they got together a bit quick and resolved everything.
Previous characters from series appear.
Hints at an MC series.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
*This is technically the fifth in a series, but I read it as a standalone and was not confused even a little bit. It’s truly a standalone book!*
This is such a sweet story! I love books where the wallflower or shy girl falls in love with her polar opposite, and this is one of those books (as you could probably tell from the title). Willow is shy and sweet and she’s had a crush on Stone for the few months he’s been back in town. Stone is a mechanic and he has no intention of ever falling in love, but when he sees Willow, he can’t stop the protective urges that compel him to help her–and spend time with her.
This is my second Jessica Prince book, and it follows a similar formula (Out of my League). Despite the trope-y topic, with both this book and the other one I read, it isn’t quite insta-love (at least not for both characters–for Willow it’s definitely insta-love). Stone gradually falls for her as he gets to know her. 4 stars!
This is such a sweet story! I love books where the wallflower or shy girl falls in love with her polar opposite, and this is one of those books (as you could probably tell from the title). Willow is shy and sweet and she’s had a crush on Stone for the few months he’s been back in town. Stone is a mechanic and he has no intention of ever falling in love, but when he sees Willow, he can’t stop the protective urges that compel him to help her–and spend time with her.
This is my second Jessica Prince book, and it follows a similar formula (Out of my League). Despite the trope-y topic, with both this book and the other one I read, it isn’t quite insta-love (at least not for both characters–for Willow it’s definitely insta-love). Stone gradually falls for her as he gets to know her. 4 stars!
October 24, 2021
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
=======================
I confess that I was undecided between 2 or 3 stars. I've read better books by the author and I was disappointed. I was curious about the MC members and expected more from the scene in which they appeared. But nothing came out.
=======================
I confess that I was undecided between 2 or 3 stars. I've read better books by the author and I was disappointed. I was curious about the MC members and expected more from the scene in which they appeared. But nothing came out.
He was big and bold; I was small and timid. He was sex on thick, athletic legs and I was the very definition of Plain Jane. He rode a motorcycle and I could barely keep my balance on a bicycle.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. You don’t do monogamy. You’re a lone wolf, or some shit like that.”
It wasn’t just about the fact she was so far from my type it wasn’t even funny. It was also that I didn’t want the responsibility of caring for another human being.
Lyla Keller had been like family to me for years when I lived back in San Francisco, and the reason we were so close was all because of her older brother, Will Tolliver.
For fuck’s sake, the goddamn woman wasn’t even my type!
I spotted Stone sitting at a clump of tables that had been pushed together. And he wasn’t alone.
My heart sank as I watched him pull a gorgeous blonde onto his lap, making her giggle at something he said.
She was all curves and long, wild hair.
And besides, Stone was currently sucking on some blonde’s tongue, probably without a single thought of me in his mind.
“Thought what?” I barked. “That I wanted you to shove your tongue down my throat in the middle of a goddamn parking lot?”
“It’s not gonna happen, Willow. You need to let this go.”
“But—”
“You aren’t my type,” I snapped, and before I could stop them, the words came pouring out.
“You saw that woman I was with inside. That’s what gets me going, babe. Not some shy, quiet librarian type who blushes every time she makes eye contact with someone. Move on.
July 14, 2021
I love Stone and Willow
This story is about Stone, a sexy tattooed mechanic biker, who is the older brother of Shane from Bittersweet. The female MC is Willow who is the extremely shy, awkward receptionist of Elite Security. Willow starts crushing on Stone when he comes into Elite Security to see his brother-in-law Jensen.
I love how Willow slowly comes out of her shy shell and starts living her life and Stone starts to realize how perfect she is for him. Some drama, but not as angsty as the previous book. Another book I'd recommend.
This story is about Stone, a sexy tattooed mechanic biker, who is the older brother of Shane from Bittersweet. The female MC is Willow who is the extremely shy, awkward receptionist of Elite Security. Willow starts crushing on Stone when he comes into Elite Security to see his brother-in-law Jensen.
I love how Willow slowly comes out of her shy shell and starts living her life and Stone starts to realize how perfect she is for him. Some drama, but not as angsty as the previous book. Another book I'd recommend.
July 2, 2021
Oh, I wasn’t prepared for the emotions this story would bring. Stone and Willow almost broke my heart because she put herself out there, only to be crushed by his insecurities more than once. And when she was done with being the nice girl, the world went up in flames around them. And those flames made Stone determined to push Willow into being HIS. After all, he was already hers, whether he admitted it or not. Stone just had to wrap his head (and hers) around why he’d done certain things to make Willow safe and to provide a physical reminder that he’d claimed her. But Willow gave as good as she got and she wasn’t about to just bend to Stone’s demands because he wanted her to. Oh, no. She needed a good reason because she was done with being trampled on or having her voice ignored by so many. And Willow finding herself was a glorious thing. Almost better than Stone’s realization that he could and did feel love for the one woman he never thought could match or best him.
So don’t expect high drama with this book. Instead, expect angst and anger and humor and sadness and some bittersweet times, but you’ll love every last feeling because they all contribute to the beauty that is Stone and Willow. They gave a wonderful ride from acquaintances to combatants to so much more. I only hope to find patience in waiting for the next book in this series, because I’m loving Redemption so far and I don’t see that changing soon.
So don’t expect high drama with this book. Instead, expect angst and anger and humor and sadness and some bittersweet times, but you’ll love every last feeling because they all contribute to the beauty that is Stone and Willow. They gave a wonderful ride from acquaintances to combatants to so much more. I only hope to find patience in waiting for the next book in this series, because I’m loving Redemption so far and I don’t see that changing soon.
July 3, 2021
First what you need to know is when this book landed on my kindle. I squealed, legit full on squealed out loud. I look forward to every book Jessica writes, I know that it's a book that I will pick up and not put down until it's done and Wallflower was no exception to this.
Wallflower hits all my boxes when it comes to what I look for in a romance, and especially in a small town romance. It gave me the butterflies, it had me giggling, it made me flustered and had me cursing from time to time.
I loved the female heroine, her awkwardness and shyness around her crush was soooo relatable and it made her completely adorable. She's one of those characters that you just want to take under your wing, you want to become friends with her. I love seeing her come out of her shyness as this book progressed.
Stone, well he's exactly the alpha male that I love to read about. Yes he's got that I am not a commitment type of guy with reason, but when the alpha possessiveness comes out of him well it's hawt hawt hawt.
I also think that Jessica has ramped up the spice level in this book cause my gawd there was some seriously sexy scenes that will be forever imbedded in my brain.
Sidenote: I also absolutely love Aurora, one of the side characters in this book. We need to be best friends immediately !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needless to say I completely devoured this read, it's small town romance filled with just the perfect amount of sexiness.
Wallflower hits all my boxes when it comes to what I look for in a romance, and especially in a small town romance. It gave me the butterflies, it had me giggling, it made me flustered and had me cursing from time to time.
I loved the female heroine, her awkwardness and shyness around her crush was soooo relatable and it made her completely adorable. She's one of those characters that you just want to take under your wing, you want to become friends with her. I love seeing her come out of her shyness as this book progressed.
Stone, well he's exactly the alpha male that I love to read about. Yes he's got that I am not a commitment type of guy with reason, but when the alpha possessiveness comes out of him well it's hawt hawt hawt.
I also think that Jessica has ramped up the spice level in this book cause my gawd there was some seriously sexy scenes that will be forever imbedded in my brain.
Sidenote: I also absolutely love Aurora, one of the side characters in this book. We need to be best friends immediately !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needless to say I completely devoured this read, it's small town romance filled with just the perfect amount of sexiness.
July 30, 2021
Nice with some bittersweet moments. The hero was sometimes infuriating and the heroine acted like a mouse but they were cute together. Predictable plot and ending
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July 4, 2021
I really liked this, cliché but then again not. Glad the angst was minimal and there was no outside force working against them. An enjoyable read.
July 7, 2021
***5 ‘In.F*cking.Awe’ Stars***
You know those memes that start off with “Just one more chapter…” and ends with the bookworm reading many more chapters or just finishing the book?
Weeeeelllll...that was this book for me because once I started, putting it down was not an option. I got totally sucked into Willow and Stone’s journey and loved every sweet, awkward, frustrating, smexy moment and really, REALLY wished it didn’t have to end.
I adored Willow with all her shy, awkward, flustered, sweet, quirky-ness and thoroughly enjoyed how she took the steps to become more ~ without totally losing the shy, awkwardness that made her who she was. Stone. After meeting him many moons ago in the Civil Corruption series, I was praying that he’d get his own story one day and despite wanting to Gibbs smack him a couplefew times, I adored the man. He may be a little rough around the edges, but actions definitely speak louder than words when it comes to him.
As for their journey to their HEA. Obviously it had it’s awkward and frustrating moments, but it was all kinds of fun to watch as they both got under each others skins and turned each other’s worlds sideways ~ in a good way of course. Their bantering was a lot of fun and there were a few surprises tossed in there that had me going “Heeeyyy” and despite a bit of push/pull, I loved how everything worked out for them in the end.
This was another great addition to the Redemption series. It was a quick read that gave me all the things I could have wanted and more. There is part of the story, a very important part, that definitely hit home and while it may be a bit tough for some to read, I thought it was handled with a lot of compassion. As for the Redemption crew, I loved catching up with all of them. Aurora is my fav as of right now (toes crossed that she gets her HEA sooner rather than later) and Laeth intrigues me, but it was fun to see them all rally around each other, even if “rallying” meant kicking some booty ~ or pulling someone’s head out of their booty and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
You know those memes that start off with “Just one more chapter…” and ends with the bookworm reading many more chapters or just finishing the book?
Weeeeelllll...that was this book for me because once I started, putting it down was not an option. I got totally sucked into Willow and Stone’s journey and loved every sweet, awkward, frustrating, smexy moment and really, REALLY wished it didn’t have to end.
I adored Willow with all her shy, awkward, flustered, sweet, quirky-ness and thoroughly enjoyed how she took the steps to become more ~ without totally losing the shy, awkwardness that made her who she was. Stone. After meeting him many moons ago in the Civil Corruption series, I was praying that he’d get his own story one day and despite wanting to Gibbs smack him a couplefew times, I adored the man. He may be a little rough around the edges, but actions definitely speak louder than words when it comes to him.
As for their journey to their HEA. Obviously it had it’s awkward and frustrating moments, but it was all kinds of fun to watch as they both got under each others skins and turned each other’s worlds sideways ~ in a good way of course. Their bantering was a lot of fun and there were a few surprises tossed in there that had me going “Heeeyyy” and despite a bit of push/pull, I loved how everything worked out for them in the end.
This was another great addition to the Redemption series. It was a quick read that gave me all the things I could have wanted and more. There is part of the story, a very important part, that definitely hit home and while it may be a bit tough for some to read, I thought it was handled with a lot of compassion. As for the Redemption crew, I loved catching up with all of them. Aurora is my fav as of right now (toes crossed that she gets her HEA sooner rather than later) and Laeth intrigues me, but it was fun to see them all rally around each other, even if “rallying” meant kicking some booty ~ or pulling someone’s head out of their booty and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 3, 2021
Hear ye, hear ye, the wizard of words has graced us with her presence again and taken pity on her humble readers. Wallflower by Jessica Prince is a continuation of The Redemption series, book five in this contemporary small town romance series.
From the moment I met Willow in the previous books, I was dying to get my hands on her story. Willow is like so many women out there, a wallflower waiting to blossom, but sometimes that flower needs something a little more than water and sunshine to blossom. For Willow, that something is Stone. Gavin “Stone” Hendrix, the gargantuan, tatted, motorcycle riding man that poor Willow has been crushing on since he walked back into his hometown.
Now I know what you’re thinking, big bad biker, sweet, bashful Willow isn’t going to be his type, right? *Grins* You know that saying it’s the quite ones you have to worry about? Well that saying was made for Willow Thorne. Under all the bashfulness, the shy-klutzy girl, with her two sizes too big clothes lives a fire breathing dragon.
Stone, from an early point in his life has decided that relationships are not for him. For most of his life, Stone has been taking care of everyone else, his sister and family, and love was out of the question. Having now settled back into his hometown of Redemption, Stone is content to live his life with his one-night stands, his dog, and his cars.
That was until he met a certain dark-haired land mermaid.
From beginning to end, Wallflower is a book you will not be able to put down after starting. With funny banter between friends to happy moments with family, to spicy moments on motorcycles, it has it all. Willow and Stone are matched so well as characters that they feel so alive when you read them. Stone is a manly man, all set up to fight Willow’s battles for her, to take care of her, but that’s not who she is. Stone comes to learn that just being there for her means more to her than having things done for her. Willow has to be one of my most favorite characters from any series or author. With a backbone of steel but covered in kitten fur, she comes into her own in this book. For someone that has always been a loner, to gaining true, loving friends-Rora is freaking hilarious and I love her!- and finding someone that loves her, wallflower and all, Willow is relatable. Get your pre-orders in now readers, it’s a five star review read!
From the moment I met Willow in the previous books, I was dying to get my hands on her story. Willow is like so many women out there, a wallflower waiting to blossom, but sometimes that flower needs something a little more than water and sunshine to blossom. For Willow, that something is Stone. Gavin “Stone” Hendrix, the gargantuan, tatted, motorcycle riding man that poor Willow has been crushing on since he walked back into his hometown.
Now I know what you’re thinking, big bad biker, sweet, bashful Willow isn’t going to be his type, right? *Grins* You know that saying it’s the quite ones you have to worry about? Well that saying was made for Willow Thorne. Under all the bashfulness, the shy-klutzy girl, with her two sizes too big clothes lives a fire breathing dragon.
Stone, from an early point in his life has decided that relationships are not for him. For most of his life, Stone has been taking care of everyone else, his sister and family, and love was out of the question. Having now settled back into his hometown of Redemption, Stone is content to live his life with his one-night stands, his dog, and his cars.
That was until he met a certain dark-haired land mermaid.
From beginning to end, Wallflower is a book you will not be able to put down after starting. With funny banter between friends to happy moments with family, to spicy moments on motorcycles, it has it all. Willow and Stone are matched so well as characters that they feel so alive when you read them. Stone is a manly man, all set up to fight Willow’s battles for her, to take care of her, but that’s not who she is. Stone comes to learn that just being there for her means more to her than having things done for her. Willow has to be one of my most favorite characters from any series or author. With a backbone of steel but covered in kitten fur, she comes into her own in this book. For someone that has always been a loner, to gaining true, loving friends-Rora is freaking hilarious and I love her!- and finding someone that loves her, wallflower and all, Willow is relatable. Get your pre-orders in now readers, it’s a five star review read!
July 12, 2021
Another fantastic read from our very own Queen of Alphas. Jessica Prince is back with the fifth book from her Redemption series, and as usual she doesn't disappoint. This time round there’s not so much intense drama going on, Wallflower is more of an emotional, angst filled read, there’s humour, sadness, anger and some bittersweet moments keeping us readers hooked throughout as we get to witness Willow, the lead female protagonist find her true self as she blossoms, going from wallflower to butterfly.
Time and time again Willow would put herself out there, only to be crushed in the end, her shyness and awkwardness had been the bane of her life for as long as she could remember, and when she was around Gavin “Stone” Hendrix, the towns big, burly mechanic who’s sexy and looks fantastic on a motorcycle, and who happens to be her crush… well let’s just say her shyness and awkwardness couldn’t be any more noticeable if she tried.
Stone was well aware of Willow’s crush on him, however she wasn’t his type, he didn't do commitment and she was a commitment type of woman, but when her car breaks down and he comes to her rescue he can’t help but be drawn towards her, she brings out his possessive, protective alpha tendencies and things begin to change, particularly after a few steamy kisses between the pair. Despite those few kisses and way he does certain things to ensure Willow’s safety, Stone’s still determined to push her away, then just as he decides Willow’s his, she’s decided she done being the nice girl, if Stone wants her he’s going to have to work for her, Willow’s done with being walked over and ignored.
Willow’s finally finding herself just as Stone’s realising commitment might not be so bad after all, especially with Willow.
Wallflower was hot, hot, hot, Jessica certainly spiced it up with this one, my kindle was melting (in a good way). Stone has taken poll position as being Redemptions No.1 Alpha, I look forward to seeing what’s in-store next for the folk of Redemption.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔚𝔥𝔦𝔰𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔯
ℭ𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔩'𝔰 𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴.
Time and time again Willow would put herself out there, only to be crushed in the end, her shyness and awkwardness had been the bane of her life for as long as she could remember, and when she was around Gavin “Stone” Hendrix, the towns big, burly mechanic who’s sexy and looks fantastic on a motorcycle, and who happens to be her crush… well let’s just say her shyness and awkwardness couldn’t be any more noticeable if she tried.
Stone was well aware of Willow’s crush on him, however she wasn’t his type, he didn't do commitment and she was a commitment type of woman, but when her car breaks down and he comes to her rescue he can’t help but be drawn towards her, she brings out his possessive, protective alpha tendencies and things begin to change, particularly after a few steamy kisses between the pair. Despite those few kisses and way he does certain things to ensure Willow’s safety, Stone’s still determined to push her away, then just as he decides Willow’s his, she’s decided she done being the nice girl, if Stone wants her he’s going to have to work for her, Willow’s done with being walked over and ignored.
Willow’s finally finding herself just as Stone’s realising commitment might not be so bad after all, especially with Willow.
Wallflower was hot, hot, hot, Jessica certainly spiced it up with this one, my kindle was melting (in a good way). Stone has taken poll position as being Redemptions No.1 Alpha, I look forward to seeing what’s in-store next for the folk of Redemption.
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 𝔚𝔥𝔦𝔰𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔯
ℭ𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔩'𝔰 𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴.
July 13, 2021
Gavin "Stone" Hendrix knew that Willow Thorne had a huge crush on him, he also knew he would never go there. Willow is shy, blushes easily and is not a one night stand type of gal and Stone knows that he will never be in a long term relationship with any women after his upbringing.
Willow has a huge crush on Stone but she also has a lot going on with her life and her ailing father. She has been picking up the slack for her sisters and not putting herself first, after a moment that has her realizing nothing will change if she doesn't she gets help from her new friends.
Stone doesn't know what has hit him but he is fighting himself where Willow is concerned and knows he needs to make a decision, but could he be too late?
Loved every moment of this book. Willow is a fantastic character and I thought Stone was like a brick wall who is struggling with memories from his past and denying himself a future. Love this series, every book has been spectacularly different.
Willow has a huge crush on Stone but she also has a lot going on with her life and her ailing father. She has been picking up the slack for her sisters and not putting herself first, after a moment that has her realizing nothing will change if she doesn't she gets help from her new friends.
Stone doesn't know what has hit him but he is fighting himself where Willow is concerned and knows he needs to make a decision, but could he be too late?
Loved every moment of this book. Willow is a fantastic character and I thought Stone was like a brick wall who is struggling with memories from his past and denying himself a future. Love this series, every book has been spectacularly different.
August 25, 2021
I love a good wall flower story and this one is pretty good. I didnt feel the dynamic of her family quite fit, with selfish sister and family sister both ignoring taking up their share of helping with their father's illness for so long then suddenly when she started a relationship they were there? Just seemed too easy of a resolution. Also the sudden bff's from previous novels (which I will confess to not reading.) who became her family seemed kinda rushed too.
I liked the romance (dang hot!) but about 85% in, I was satisfied with it. I set the book down and didnt pick it up until weeks later and honestly I didnt miss it. That pretty much sums it up for me.
Anyway if you like Kristen Ashley and need a filler, I would say this fits the bill.
I liked the romance (dang hot!) but about 85% in, I was satisfied with it. I set the book down and didnt pick it up until weeks later and honestly I didnt miss it. That pretty much sums it up for me.
Anyway if you like Kristen Ashley and need a filler, I would say this fits the bill.
December 14, 2022
Great start, but then it fell flat.
November 22, 2022
It was a good 'one-time' read. However, I didn't like the fact that the H started pursuing the h only after she had a makeover 😕.
January 29, 2024
Willow is not seen by anyone around her. Her sisters take advantage of her. The only one that sees her is her father and since he’s sick with Alzheimer's, she's losing him slowly. This story is gripping from the start. You wanna yell at Willow’s family to stop using her and be there for her when she needs it.
Stone is a tattooed badass mechanic, who has brooding down to a science! He is drawn to Willow and he can’t figure out why, so he does what all broody men do...push her away.
There is soo much emotion throughout their story. I was sucked in from the start! When Willow finally stood up for herself toward her sisters, it was a turning point. I was glad her sisters finally stepped up and did the right thing.
Stone kept doing things to protect and help Willow and he didn’t understand why, he and commitment didn’t work. When Willow had enough of him pushing her way, Stone realized he couldn’t let her go...she was his. I’m glad Willow made him work to show her that he truly cared for her.
Willow and Stone’s story is becoming one of my favorites. I love a good bad-boy who loves the shy quiet girl no one sees.
Stone is a tattooed badass mechanic, who has brooding down to a science! He is drawn to Willow and he can’t figure out why, so he does what all broody men do...push her away.
There is soo much emotion throughout their story. I was sucked in from the start! When Willow finally stood up for herself toward her sisters, it was a turning point. I was glad her sisters finally stepped up and did the right thing.
Stone kept doing things to protect and help Willow and he didn’t understand why, he and commitment didn’t work. When Willow had enough of him pushing her way, Stone realized he couldn’t let her go...she was his. I’m glad Willow made him work to show her that he truly cared for her.
Willow and Stone’s story is becoming one of my favorites. I love a good bad-boy who loves the shy quiet girl no one sees.
April 16, 2022
Bumped up a star on a reread.
She’s sweet, he’s clueless, she has great friends and her sisters suck until they don’t.
She’s sweet, he’s clueless, she has great friends and her sisters suck until they don’t.
July 13, 2021
Amazon US / Amazon Worldwide
Willow's not one to draw attention to herself. In fact, she prefers not be the focus of anyone's attention but her dad's, whose deteriorating health is causing him to not recognize her most of the time. There is one man she fantasizes about, but she's the opposite of his type, and he turns her into an awkward mess whenever she's near him. But what happens when an encounter causes him to turn his attention to her? Does she take the scraps he throws her? Or demand he give her all of him the way she deserves?
Stone's a commitment-phobe with serious issues (thanks mom) when a quiet woman captures his attention. He knows better than to mess with Willow, but something about her calls to him. Can he keep himself away from her for her own good, or will his attraction to her cloud his judgement?
Willow made this whole story for me - she's so sweet, and strong even though she doesn't think so, and knows her worth. I have to admit I didn't really think Stone was good enough for her, or to her, and don't think he redeemed himself enough to truly deserve her, but he sorta gets a pass because she loved him. Everything else about Wallflower was great, though, steamy, entertaining, and I love the relationships the women (and men) have formed in Redemption.
ARC via Love Affair With Fiction for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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July 5, 2021
Perfect!
This is definitely a go-to author for me, and this book is a clear example why.
I'm crazy about her small towns, the stories she builds and her characters. I also love the friendships she creates.
Inconvenient and rude people under the guise of honest and close friends are one of my huge pet peeves in books. But the friendships Jessica writes always manage to warm my heart.
The friends she creates are honest, loyal and completely supportive. Even the nosier ones know how to respect and support each other's life choices, making it just funny, but not annoying.
That being said, Stone and Willow were perfect in every sense. They seemed so different at first, but they complemented each other. One's weakness was the other's strength, and together they were so strong, so solid. They brought the best in the other and inadvertently helped the other get out of their comfort zone.
More than shy, Willow was an introvert. She could totally rock at her job, help her family, be there for their friends, but dealing with different people was exausting and a challenge. So being so close to Stone, the hot man she had a huge crush on, was borderline a nightmare (even though it could make her feel so alive).
Despite her ackwardness, she was so strong, and with the right help, with the right incentive (either from her dad, her close friends and even Stone), she started to aknowledge her own value.
Stone was hard as, well, stone. That nickname was right on point. After everything he's been through, being hard was his best defense. So getting so close to the sweet, full of love Willow was a huge risk to his sanity and his closed heart, willing as it was to give a huge leap of faith.
As Stone gave Willow confidence, she gave him the hability to be vulnerable, accept love and love unconditionally.
Their chemistry was so off the charts, their feelings were so all consuming, their connection was so intense that, by the end of the book, they were both blossoming beautifully.
This is definitely a go-to author for me, and this book is a clear example why.
I'm crazy about her small towns, the stories she builds and her characters. I also love the friendships she creates.
Inconvenient and rude people under the guise of honest and close friends are one of my huge pet peeves in books. But the friendships Jessica writes always manage to warm my heart.
The friends she creates are honest, loyal and completely supportive. Even the nosier ones know how to respect and support each other's life choices, making it just funny, but not annoying.
That being said, Stone and Willow were perfect in every sense. They seemed so different at first, but they complemented each other. One's weakness was the other's strength, and together they were so strong, so solid. They brought the best in the other and inadvertently helped the other get out of their comfort zone.
More than shy, Willow was an introvert. She could totally rock at her job, help her family, be there for their friends, but dealing with different people was exausting and a challenge. So being so close to Stone, the hot man she had a huge crush on, was borderline a nightmare (even though it could make her feel so alive).
Despite her ackwardness, she was so strong, and with the right help, with the right incentive (either from her dad, her close friends and even Stone), she started to aknowledge her own value.
Stone was hard as, well, stone. That nickname was right on point. After everything he's been through, being hard was his best defense. So getting so close to the sweet, full of love Willow was a huge risk to his sanity and his closed heart, willing as it was to give a huge leap of faith.
As Stone gave Willow confidence, she gave him the hability to be vulnerable, accept love and love unconditionally.
Their chemistry was so off the charts, their feelings were so all consuming, their connection was so intense that, by the end of the book, they were both blossoming beautifully.
July 12, 2021
Jessica Prince does it again, Wallflower is the 5th book in her contemporary romance series Redemption, based in a small town in a tight knit community. Prince knows her readers, she's a master at connecting each book to each other without the feeling of overwhelming us with so many characters, its always majorly focused on the main duo.
Wallflower follows Willow, the shy and sometimes awkward office assistant for Elite Security, a bunch of alpha males who have her back. But she has finally hit a low, not only is her car pretty much dead, her beloved father is ill, the medical bills are racking up and her sister are never there for support. Then the one and only Gavin Stone Hendrix, who works at the towns garage is the one to pick her up when her car breaks down. Even though Willow is her awkward self, he always treats her with kindness. Until the day all he starts thinking about is her...
Willow is the sweetest of sweet, super kind and will do anything for anyone, especially her father. A lot has been put on her plate and my heart just pulled for her. Thankfully the ladies from the past books see that she needs so intervention and help Willow see how awesome she is. I love the sisterhood in this series, very supportive and hilarious.
Stone is just like the rest of the alpha men in this town, the brother of Shane from Bitter Sweet, and the biker big guy who works at the local garage. He usually has a type, never wants to settle down but this guy is about to be taken to his knees by the local shy sweetheart. He's a pain in the butt stubborn guy but I liked that he just kept going against his thoughts, he knew deep down what he wanted.
Overall, great story, lots of family drama and watching a Wallflower bloom brighter than the rest. I cant wait to see what this small town brings out next in the romance.
Wallflower follows Willow, the shy and sometimes awkward office assistant for Elite Security, a bunch of alpha males who have her back. But she has finally hit a low, not only is her car pretty much dead, her beloved father is ill, the medical bills are racking up and her sister are never there for support. Then the one and only Gavin Stone Hendrix, who works at the towns garage is the one to pick her up when her car breaks down. Even though Willow is her awkward self, he always treats her with kindness. Until the day all he starts thinking about is her...
Willow is the sweetest of sweet, super kind and will do anything for anyone, especially her father. A lot has been put on her plate and my heart just pulled for her. Thankfully the ladies from the past books see that she needs so intervention and help Willow see how awesome she is. I love the sisterhood in this series, very supportive and hilarious.
Stone is just like the rest of the alpha men in this town, the brother of Shane from Bitter Sweet, and the biker big guy who works at the local garage. He usually has a type, never wants to settle down but this guy is about to be taken to his knees by the local shy sweetheart. He's a pain in the butt stubborn guy but I liked that he just kept going against his thoughts, he knew deep down what he wanted.
Overall, great story, lots of family drama and watching a Wallflower bloom brighter than the rest. I cant wait to see what this small town brings out next in the romance.
July 4, 2021
I love Jessica Prince’s small town romances, and not just for the usual things, but for the amazing connections between the characters through family, friendship, love or all three!
Painfully shy Willow and sexy, tattooed biker, Stone should never work...they’re too different. He’s her crush...the man she knows will never notice her. She’s not his type because he doesn’t do relationships, but the fact that he finds her awkwardness cute and she brings out all the protective alpha male in him, definitely unsettles him. Unsettles him so much, that he ends up causing a whole lot of hurt and heartbreak for Willow, however, this also ends up bringing out the feisty side of her!
When they finally get on the same page, they absolutely work...like the crazy hot, steamy kind of “work”. Stone may appear to be made of, well...stone, but when he’s around Willow, he’s sweet as pie and smooshy as a marshmallow. Willow certainly brings out all the good stuff in him!
Through Stone as well as her newfound friends, Willow evolves from reserved and timid to confident and bold, which was incredibly uplifting and touching to read.
I flew through this book and loved everything about it!
Painfully shy Willow and sexy, tattooed biker, Stone should never work...they’re too different. He’s her crush...the man she knows will never notice her. She’s not his type because he doesn’t do relationships, but the fact that he finds her awkwardness cute and she brings out all the protective alpha male in him, definitely unsettles him. Unsettles him so much, that he ends up causing a whole lot of hurt and heartbreak for Willow, however, this also ends up bringing out the feisty side of her!
When they finally get on the same page, they absolutely work...like the crazy hot, steamy kind of “work”. Stone may appear to be made of, well...stone, but when he’s around Willow, he’s sweet as pie and smooshy as a marshmallow. Willow certainly brings out all the good stuff in him!
Through Stone as well as her newfound friends, Willow evolves from reserved and timid to confident and bold, which was incredibly uplifting and touching to read.
I flew through this book and loved everything about it!
July 10, 2021
Stone and Willow’s story is exactly what I have been looking for. Willow the sweet, shy wallflower crushing on the broody and sexy mechanic, never seeing it going anywhere. She feels out of his league and is normally tongue-tied and awkward whenever she is around him. Stone, aware of her feelings towards him, cannot and will not go anywhere near that. It was not until she was put in a position where she needed his help that his fierce protective instinct towards her started to emerge. But he fought hard to stay away from her, to the point of breaking her heart. This crushed Willow and she took time to feel the pain, but this also lit a spark in her and did not let it keep her down.
I seriously wanted to smack Stone upside his head, he did have his reasons for his commitment issues and I tried to be sympathetic. It was not until his mounting guilt, a few talking to by his friends and family and Willow finally fed up with him and his uncontrollable need to protect her, that he finally realized she was his.
I absolutely loved the fed up Willow, she definitely let Stone have it, and it was the result of the confrontation that really turned up the heat in their story. And it was also the turning point for Stone, all that determination to keep Willow at arms length was gone, now it was to get her back and finally claim her.
Besides loving the unrequited love aspect and then the slow burn to scorching chemistry, there was the side story of Willow’s family that kept me so invested. I felt a wide range of emotions; heartache, frustration, anger and so much sympathy. But it also showcased the progression of Willow and then the strengthening of the relationship between Willow and Stone. All of this made Wallflower one of my favorites by this author and I cannot recommend it enough.
I seriously wanted to smack Stone upside his head, he did have his reasons for his commitment issues and I tried to be sympathetic. It was not until his mounting guilt, a few talking to by his friends and family and Willow finally fed up with him and his uncontrollable need to protect her, that he finally realized she was his.
I absolutely loved the fed up Willow, she definitely let Stone have it, and it was the result of the confrontation that really turned up the heat in their story. And it was also the turning point for Stone, all that determination to keep Willow at arms length was gone, now it was to get her back and finally claim her.
Besides loving the unrequited love aspect and then the slow burn to scorching chemistry, there was the side story of Willow’s family that kept me so invested. I felt a wide range of emotions; heartache, frustration, anger and so much sympathy. But it also showcased the progression of Willow and then the strengthening of the relationship between Willow and Stone. All of this made Wallflower one of my favorites by this author and I cannot recommend it enough.
September 20, 2021
❤~🌟~❤ 4.5 SWOONY STARS! ❤~🌟~❤
Absolutely adored WALLFLOWER by Jessica Prince! Chock full of breathtaking romance, swoony feels, hearttugging family drama and small town charm, it checked off all my boxes! Plus who can resist a grumpy, gorgeously tatted , dirty talking auto mechanic who brings a sweet, endearingly awkward, secretly smitten wallflower out of her shell? Stone and Willow were just the cutest couple with sparks galore and while at first Stone fought his feelings for Willow tooth and nail we knew it was only a matter of time before the pretty, love struck shyster would work her way into his heart of stone, arouse the caveman protector in him and bring his walls crashing down. And holy smokes were their erotic interludes SCORCHING HOT! The secondary cast was stellar, infusing this tale with warmth and wit and homespun whimsy and the storyline with a Willow’s ailing, Alzheimer-stricken dad really punched me in the gut.
I truly cannot say enough good things about this sweet, sexy, achingly tender tale and cannot wait for more from Jessica Prince!
Highly Recommend!
Absolutely adored WALLFLOWER by Jessica Prince! Chock full of breathtaking romance, swoony feels, hearttugging family drama and small town charm, it checked off all my boxes! Plus who can resist a grumpy, gorgeously tatted , dirty talking auto mechanic who brings a sweet, endearingly awkward, secretly smitten wallflower out of her shell? Stone and Willow were just the cutest couple with sparks galore and while at first Stone fought his feelings for Willow tooth and nail we knew it was only a matter of time before the pretty, love struck shyster would work her way into his heart of stone, arouse the caveman protector in him and bring his walls crashing down. And holy smokes were their erotic interludes SCORCHING HOT! The secondary cast was stellar, infusing this tale with warmth and wit and homespun whimsy and the storyline with a Willow’s ailing, Alzheimer-stricken dad really punched me in the gut.
I truly cannot say enough good things about this sweet, sexy, achingly tender tale and cannot wait for more from Jessica Prince!
Highly Recommend!
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