People don’t understand how much power a name holds. Justin has been known as Trouble for as far back as he can remember. He’s never seen any other choice than to live up to his name so he can be able to take care of his younger brother. But then…he meets her, and his name begins to feel like a burden he no longer wants to bear.
The moment a handsome stranger walks into Lena’s office, she wants to know what story lays beneath his many tattoos and sexy grin. Putting a hard past behind her, she’s starting her future, but now she can’t help but wonder how Justin might fit into it. She couldn’t have imagined just how much he would change her life, how much he would change everything.
She only knows him as Justin. How long can Trouble stay hidden? When their worlds collide and the secrets between them are exposed, can they survive them?
Ari Reavis is a wife and mother of seven. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys staying in, devouring books and watching movies. Her kids are running around, her husband is trying to show her martial arts moves, and she's trying to write. Her day in a nutshell.
She publishes contemporary and fantasy romance. Her books, while filled with love, also deal with issues that affect many, from trauma and abuse, to mental illness and discrimination. With each book, she writes from the heart, because she feels that’s the way to capture the hearts of readers.
Justin knew what it was to struggle and survive. Abandoned by those who were supposed to care the most, he took on the responsibility of raising his little brother. However, with no education and no marketable skills, there was only one job he was qualified for in the hood. And thriving? He would leave that for his brother.
Lena knew what it was to struggle and survive. Alone and abandoned, she grew up in the system. Instead of taking the hard road, she was determined to succeed.
So different and yet so compatible. When they meet, they recognize something in the other that was necessary in their lives. Their relationship blossomed organically and beautifully and I was in love with the way they loved each other.
"I will always be here to help you see the best parts of yourself, Justin." - Lena
So beautiful!
My heart hurt for all that Justin had to go through, for all that his brother had to go through, but I loved how they powered through everything. I loved their dynamic and found myself rooting for their success. And can someone find me a Miss Lydia and/or a Miss Lou to come save a chick?
Oh and let's not forget the ending of this book... If I wasn't already going to rate it highly, the lump in my throat at the end as I forced myself not to cry made its five-star-worthiness quite clear. I can't recommend this author enough. She writes such authentic characters and heartwarming stories and everyone who loves romance should be reading her.
Unwavering Love series they can be read as standalones but why would you read just one when you can read all three Justin (know as Trouble) sexy as all get out protector of his little brother and will do what it takes to keep his brother (his family) safe and food on the table for his brother. Lena is sweet has been struggling most of her life and willing to work for a better future for herself when the most beautiful man walks into her office and into her life setting about a chain of reaction (in a really good way ) the chemistry is insanely intense from the moment he steps into her office. They both realize they more in common than they thought and they have both been through so much which is how he gained his name but will she accept him for who he is, will it be enough, will she help him with his brother also, allowing him to protect her and can they find happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"But just like you have to take steps to be like someone, you also have to take steps not to be like someone.
Was looking forward to reading this book after meeting 'Trouble' earlier in the series and he didn't disappoint. Justin is so used to drawing the short straw in his life that he doesn't think he deserves any better. Yet, he will do anything to make sure that Hudson, his younger brother, doesn't end up like him and is able to take all the chances he wasn't. After he meets Lena, a women who's had her own struggles in the past, his outlook slowly begins to shift and he starts to believe that just maybe, he's worth a second shot too. Trying to find ways off of the dead end street he's currently on proves more difficult though.
I adored Justin, and everytime he put himself down or thought he wasn't worthy of more my heart absolutely broke for him. Especially when it was related to Hudson. When Hudson says to him: "I know you want me to want more, but we both know I won't get it." OMG, cue all the emotional tears! The fact that they both think they'll never achieve their full potential is such a sad thought. And the worst part was how real that scenario was. There are so many people who are in the same place as these two, purely because people make assumptions based on their looks/background/location/education etc and don't take the time to actually work with them to help them achieve their full potential.
I liked that Lena was able to provide a more positive outlook for them though, alongside Liam and the others who helped them along the way. Including Mrs. Lou who was an absolute gem. There definitely needs to be more Mrs. Lou's in the world.
I must admit, I didn't 100% love Lena. I'm not really sure why, but I just didn't get as attached to her. However, I liked that regardless of her background, she'd managed to stand on her own two feet and was now a confident, independent women who knew what she was looking for and wasn't a doormat heroine. She reminded me of a little of Nia and Mariah, the two heroines from the previous two stories in this series.
And of course, I adored Hudson. He was such a sweetheart and his little graduation speech at the end brought another onslaught of tears lool.
Rated this 4.5* due to the realness of the storyline and characters. Although the relationship itself was very much an insta-love situation, is does fit with the name of the series and the rest of the storyline took on more of a slower pace. I did also like that this didn't end in a marriage either -I feel like a lot of story's which have one or more of the characters saying that they 'don't need a piece of paper' to prove they're committed, still end up having the main couple getting married at the end and it usually feels like it's done just because it's the expected thing. But in this, we see them carrying on without that expectation and even though I personally believe in marriage, I'm glad they stuck to what they'd said.
*ARC recieved in exchange for an honest review.
TW: past trauma, gun violence, drug use/mentions, abuse. Please heed any trigger warnings the author may have noted.
Trouble is book 3 in the 'Unwavering Love' series and can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading the series in order for a more enjoyable reading experience.
I absolutely loved this book. It was unexpected, sweet, romantic and steamy. Trouble (Justin) is the embodiment of Label Theory. From childhood he was labeled as, bad, not good enough, a delinquent, not going anywhere in live, so that is what he was in public. He dropped out of high school to raise his brother after his mother dies of an overdose, supports him the only way he can with no resources or education. When Lena comes into his life he finally meets someone who he doesn't want to be known as Trouble but Justin.
I am not sure what I expected when I started this book but I can say that it blew those expectations out of the water. I don't think I could have rooted harder for Justin and Hudson. People tend to look at someone like Justin and Hudson and think they bring the bad situations on themselves when they are actually a product of their environment. The police and social services were not there to help at all, they actively try to keep this little family from thriving because they are "trouble". I was so moved by Miss Lou and Miss Lydia.
I really can't say enough positive things about this book.
Trouble is so much more than what people think of him. He's a man who does what he has to do to survive and keep a roof over him and his brothers head. What I love about him is that he is so good to those he cares about. He wants more for himself and his brother but unsure how to overcome the stereotype of his nickname.
Lena is such a good woman for him. She loves with her heart and knows how hard the underdog has to fight. Her outlook on life is realistic and she is such a good woman.
Hudson is the reason these two had to see each other again and his way to ensure it was something I might try. He wants to be like his brother and seems to think the corner is the way to go.
A great romance that shows three people that have been handed the keys to a rough road that their ride could definitely handle the bumps. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
I don't know what I expected, but this book far exceeded that. What a well written, compelling book. Justin aka Trouble has raised his younger brother, Hudson since he was 4 years old. That in itself is pretty amazing. And while he is maneuvering outside the law, it's all to care for and protect Hudson, his only family. When Hudson is involved in a fight at school, Justin picks him up at the nurse's office and meets Lena, a strong, compassionate, but tough school nurse. There is an instant attraction, intense chemistry, but obstacles to overcome. The book is well paced, the characters interesting, and the perfect amount of steam and drama. Although this is the 3rd book in the Unwavering Love series and previous book's characters show up, this can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
loved it !!! love this series !!! love Justin and Lena... Hudson, too !!! this is their story... a fast paced drama... the love of brothers and that you would and have done anything to protect... it's a love at first sight story between Justin/Trouble and Lena the school nurse... Hudson gets into a fight and is hurt... Justin went to pick him up... meeting Lena... both have had a hard life and bad experiences and how it shaped them... the ups and downs... fighting for love... heart breaking and heart warming story...have your tissues ready...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book makes you stop and appreciate who you are and probably how you grew up. Justin had no guidance or help raising his kid brother. Lena was in the foster system.
Now they're adults trying to live and survive like adults, but pressure and stress come around every turn of their relationship. When Lena realizes who Justin is, their relationship takes a crash course for the worse.
But can the truth, when it's explained, make things better? Or has time run out on everybody for all good things. Deeply soulful and beautiful novel.
Trouble by Ari Reavis is a part of the Unwavering Love Series but can be read as a Standalone. The book features one of her most interesting heroes. Justin or “Trouble” lives a precarious existence. He is the sole provider for his younger brother and his way of providing is unorthodox and illegal. He also is having a difficult time keeping his brother away from his lifestyle. When his brother is involved in fight at school, Trouble has to pick him up from the nurse’s office. There he encounters, Lena, the lovely and desirable school nurse. He meets her as Justin and she is equally smitten not knowing that trouble has just come calling. I love Ms. Reavis’ prose and her ability to tell a heated story with heart stopping romance
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin & Lena had such a great book. It pulled me right into the pages. I felt for Justin. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Imagine if trouble was a person. Circumstances can determine how a person learns to deal with the hand life has dealt them. Throw in a chance encounter with someone who makes you think of the possibilities that changing old habits could bring. This is a HEA story that has some twists and turns, but the two main characters bring out the best in each other and those around them. Good read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin/Trouble has been dealt a bad hand at life, he is very smart but sold short by his teachers. Never really having much for parents, never knew dad and mom was an addict, there were time with no food in the house. His mother dies when he is a teenager, older sister takes off when he is eighteen, leaving him with his much younger brother to care for. He does what he has to in order to put a roof over their heads and to feed his brother, sells drugs on the corner, his corner. He feels that he deserves no better than what life has given him. Everyone calls him Trouble, except with Lena he is Justin again. He wants to be better but he is scared, not knowing if he can support them another way.
Lena had a different experience with the system, was in foster care while growing up and ended up in a group home as a teen, where she met her bestfriend. Lena is the school nurse that calls Justin when his brother is in a fight after being bullied. The attraction between Justin and Lena is strong from the beginning.
This is the third in the Unwavering Love Series, Justin was friends with Liam (Scarred) until he felt abandoned by him when Liam changed his path for his sister. Lena and Justin are so evenly matched but the road is never without bumps. Justin is not completely honest with her, what will she do when she finds out the truth? Will Justin be able to keep his brother off his path?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book three in The Unwavering Love Series and it is Justin and Lena's Story and it is a must read. Justin will do anything to keep his brother's safe and a roof over there heads and he doesn't care what people think of him and what they call him as they don't know the real Justin and that he is kind and cares about the people that are close to him. Lena hasn't had a easy life and she is doing everything that she can to give herself a good and better future and when Justin walks into her office she realised and can see that he has gone through a lot and she would like to get to know him as she can see that he is more than his past the name Trouble that everyone calls him but will be allow her into his life. The chemistry between Justin and Lena was off the charts hot and so intense that you could feel it sizzling of the pages of this book and I couldn't put it down and it was a real page turner that took you in to the story right from the start and kept your attention right throughout the whole book and it was so addictive. Ari Reavis is fast becoming one of my go to author's and I can't wait to read more of her books as they are always so well written and engaging and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin has grown up being named Trouble all his life, and has had it tough, and he also has taken responsibility for his little brother, for whom he will do anything he has must to keep them both safe. Lena knows all about struggling to survive and being alone, as she grew up in the foster care system. From the moment Lena and Justin meets there is an intense connection between them, and he starts to believe that he is worthy of being loved. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is heartwarming, emotionally charged, and with engaging and relatable characters, family, secrets, tension, and love, which leads to a riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We've come to part 3 of the Unwavering Love Series Trouble. I think it's a great series. Ari Reavis is my new favorite author with this series. This is the story and journey of Lena and Justin. The chemistry and attraction is clearly palpable between them.
Both have not had an easy time and have a backpack. It was great to follow Justin and Lena's journey. The road and journey they take is complicated and full of bumps. Actually, the story is that opposites can also find each other and feel attracted to each other. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this fantastic series. It is definitely recommended!!
I have received an Advance Review Copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trouble by Ari Reavis was my first introduction to this author and it won’t be the last. The journey of Justin and Lena was captivating! I was glued to every page from the beginning to the end. Their chemistry was off the charts and the story development was effortless. The relationship between the two main characters was a unique and complicated story! It is a story of opposites attract and a man with a complicated past! Will his past come between them when their worlds collide? Read Trouble to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a book following two brothers growing up in a bad area. Feeling hopeless, worthless and down trodden the eldest brother meets the school nurse after the younger brother is hurt. A relationship starts to develop but deception is at play and risks are high. Will the relationship grow? Will the brothers survive their home life?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Justin's and Hudson's relationship. Justin really loved his brother and was willing to sacrifice everything to give him the life he never had. Because of the events that led to his life choices Justin believes he is not worthy of love. Lena came into his life and showed him that he can be loved. She has her own life experiences that shaped her into who she is. She believes you cannot judge a person by the hard choices they have had to make or by have they have to live their life.
A young man trying to find his way through life and keeping himself and his young brother out of jail. A fight brings 'Trouble' to the attention of a assistant nurse- Lena at his brother's high school. What could these two possibly have in common? And is 'Trouble' really worth the trouble he may cause nurse Lena?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a beautifully written book. Was not expecting such a heart felt read. Absolutely love Trouble and his relationship with his brother. The love they portrayed throughout the book is heart warming. Love at first sight between Lena and Trouble. Absolutely enjoyed Lena’s straight-forth attitude. You feel the struggle from their childhoods. A must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Justin "Trouble" who takes care of his younger brother, Hudson, meets Lena who is his complete opposite. This book is an amazing read. Can they make it after the past comes into light?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was rammed full of confronting issues but that is what makes Justin and Lena perfect for each other. It can be hard going emotionally in many places but that is balanced by the positive ending
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.