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The Forever Marked #2
Prodigal Son
When she was a little girl, Remy Archer fell in love with Hyde Fuller at first sight. In fact, he was the only thing she could see for a very long time. For Remy, it never mattered to her that Hyde was always too serious and always seemed so sad. To her, he was the very best, and the center of her entire world. She never dreamed he would let her down when she needed him the most.
Now Remy is a semi-reasonable adult, one with a better understanding of why her intense feelings scared Hyde away when she was at her lowest point. She’s moved on, and if anyone asks she's perfectly happy with the chaotic and hectic life she's built. She’s also really proud that she's still around to experience all the best and worst that surviving something deeply traumatic has to offer. The last thing she needs or wants, is Hyde coming back and taking over her every thought and feeling the way he once did. Unfortunately, they picked the exact same time to come home to search for a little redemption.
When he was a little boy, the instant they met, Hyde Fuller wanted nothing more than to protect Remy Archer from everything, including herself. She gleefully took up every moment of his free time, and every ounce of his patience, as they grew alongside one another. He was so intent on keeping her safe, he didn't realize how deeply Remy had worked her way into his heart.
Now that Hyde’s facing the biggest challenge and biggest change of his entire life, he deeply regrets walking away from Remy. She was always the one person who always had his back, no matter what. The way Remy loved him used to terrify him, but now, it’s the way he loves her that scares him to death.
Hyde knows he needs Remy in his life, so he can finally figure out how to be the man she always believed him to be. History has a bad habit of repeating itself, and Remy has a knack for turning even the most simple of situations end over end. This time Hyde is determined to stay by her side no matter what, even though his love for Remy is going to change more than his life this time around.
Now Remy is a semi-reasonable adult, one with a better understanding of why her intense feelings scared Hyde away when she was at her lowest point. She’s moved on, and if anyone asks she's perfectly happy with the chaotic and hectic life she's built. She’s also really proud that she's still around to experience all the best and worst that surviving something deeply traumatic has to offer. The last thing she needs or wants, is Hyde coming back and taking over her every thought and feeling the way he once did. Unfortunately, they picked the exact same time to come home to search for a little redemption.
When he was a little boy, the instant they met, Hyde Fuller wanted nothing more than to protect Remy Archer from everything, including herself. She gleefully took up every moment of his free time, and every ounce of his patience, as they grew alongside one another. He was so intent on keeping her safe, he didn't realize how deeply Remy had worked her way into his heart.
Now that Hyde’s facing the biggest challenge and biggest change of his entire life, he deeply regrets walking away from Remy. She was always the one person who always had his back, no matter what. The way Remy loved him used to terrify him, but now, it’s the way he loves her that scares him to death.
Hyde knows he needs Remy in his life, so he can finally figure out how to be the man she always believed him to be. History has a bad habit of repeating itself, and Remy has a knack for turning even the most simple of situations end over end. This time Hyde is determined to stay by her side no matter what, even though his love for Remy is going to change more than his life this time around.
342 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2022
151 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Jay Crownover
129 books14.6k followersJay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point and Breaking Point Series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.
GUYS!!! I finally have a newsletter, so if you want to sign up for exclusive content and monthly giveaways you can do that right here:
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GUYS!!! I finally have a newsletter, so if you want to sign up for exclusive content and monthly giveaways you can do that right here:
https://www.jaycrownover.com/subscribe
You can email me at: JayCrownover@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
March 1, 2025
I had a high expectation for Prodigal Son. I swear, I was super excitrd starting this book. But sadly, it was short of my expectation. Miss Crownover indeed handling the mental health issue delicately but neglect creating a chemistry for her characters.
I feel the banter and the character development is forced.
3 stars
I feel the banter and the character development is forced.
3 stars
December 31, 2022
If you're looking for an emotionally driven contemporary romance, look no further than Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover. This novel tells the story of Remy Archer and the love she has for Hyde Fuller and how even though she has never been able to have him , years later, her love for him has never gone away.
Remy has always struggled with her demons and although it has been a daily battle she has finally found some semblance of life when all of a sudden Hyde returns home. Both carry a heavy dose of baggage from their pasts, and it’s no surprise that things between them get complicated. Remy is a strong female character with great self-awareness and Hyde is the perfect combination of protector and gentleman. As you delve deeper into the story, tensions escalate and secrets are revealed as both Remy and Hyde attempt to make amends for their past.
Overall, this book will appeal to anyone looking for a read full of passion, forgiveness, and love. The Marked Men have always been an important group of characters on my shelf of love and it is no surprise that following up on the second generation just brings back all of the feels. I highly recommend Jay Crownover no matter what you are in the mood for because her characters are so well crafted they will carve a place in your heart and stay with you forever.
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January 24, 2022
Another amazing romance by Jay Crownover will all the feels.
Remy Archer loved Hyde Fuller since before she understood what romantic love was. But her feelings were too intense and after an unfortunate incident, Hyde thought that the best thing he could do to protect her was to remove himself from her life and thus left without a goodbye.
After eight years of living and learning, Remy has built a happy life and is hesitant to have Hyde back in her life. But not only does Hyde regret leaving Remy, he also has a tiny new life to take care of and needs his family’s help and support. He’s also matured and wants Remy in both his and his daughter’s life. Can they find their way as a couple and family?
What I love about PRODIGAL SON is that there is a fated, larger-than-life feel to Hyde and Remy’s romance. I was swept away by the initial heartbreak when the two were too young for their love to flourish, and then by Hyde’s longing to have Remy back in his life.
I was captivated by the passion, and depth of feelings conjured by Jay’s provocative prose. I loved Hyde and Remy’s surrender and was overwhelmed by their love and that of their friends and family. Since this is a second gen series, fans of previous interconnecting series are treated to appearances of dear characters who have sage advice for their offspring.
Prodigal Son is book #2 of the Forever Marked series by Jay Crownover. It is a standalone contemporary romance that is sweet, sexy, heartwarming and so full of all the feels. Told from two points of view with a happy ending. Tropes: second chance | friends to lovers romance | single parent | ex-military
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
Remy Archer loved Hyde Fuller since before she understood what romantic love was. But her feelings were too intense and after an unfortunate incident, Hyde thought that the best thing he could do to protect her was to remove himself from her life and thus left without a goodbye.
After eight years of living and learning, Remy has built a happy life and is hesitant to have Hyde back in her life. But not only does Hyde regret leaving Remy, he also has a tiny new life to take care of and needs his family’s help and support. He’s also matured and wants Remy in both his and his daughter’s life. Can they find their way as a couple and family?
What I love about PRODIGAL SON is that there is a fated, larger-than-life feel to Hyde and Remy’s romance. I was swept away by the initial heartbreak when the two were too young for their love to flourish, and then by Hyde’s longing to have Remy back in his life.
I was captivated by the passion, and depth of feelings conjured by Jay’s provocative prose. I loved Hyde and Remy’s surrender and was overwhelmed by their love and that of their friends and family. Since this is a second gen series, fans of previous interconnecting series are treated to appearances of dear characters who have sage advice for their offspring.
Prodigal Son is book #2 of the Forever Marked series by Jay Crownover. It is a standalone contemporary romance that is sweet, sexy, heartwarming and so full of all the feels. Told from two points of view with a happy ending. Tropes: second chance | friends to lovers romance | single parent | ex-military
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Candi Kane PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
January 14, 2022
When I envisioned the potential of a second generation of Marked Men, THIS was the story I was waiting for. Remy Archer- the first (and unexpected) baby of this motley crue of characters that I fell so madly in love with. Cora and Rome closely rivaled Rule and Shaw for my favorite Jay Crownover couple, and their book is probably the most emotive. The opposites attract, healing from trauma intensity, so much angst love story that had me going back again and again. I knew their child would be special- complicated, but magical. A dynamic combination of both of her parents. She had to be- because of the power of the name Jay bestowed upon her. Remy- the brother whose loss shaped the emotional journey of both of our Archer heroes.
And Jay does Remy justice. It’s poetic really. We never really met the namesake Remy, but his ghost looms heavy in the stories of her uncle and father. So it’s a beautiful nod to where this all began- even more so because heroine Remy has some of the struggles that the Remy we never knew struggled with. Our heroine is swimming in her own mental health challenges, lost in her feelings and needs, struggling to formulate an identity outside of her obsessions and challenges. And our story begins with the traumatic moment all those struggles come to a head and the equally traumatic and tragic way those around her try to support her- in ways well intentioned but destructive. In ways that harm in the short term to perhaps heal over time. And time we have- we catch up with her much later when she reconnects with the object of her obsession and one of those whose choices have left a lasting mark in her heart- Hyde Fuller.
I really appreciate the thoughtful and loving way Jay conveyed Remy. She’s truthful about her mental health challenges, about the perils and stigma of it all, but it’s not the defining trait of Remy- it’s not her weakness, the primary obstacle of this story, it’s just part of who she is. And the depiction of how she is responsible and openly learns to care for herself, how she checks in on her own mental health is a really power, and hopeful, depiction. While I may not have always understood Hyde’s choices, I also appreciated that he openly communicated with her about her need, sought to understand, never saw her just as her disorder. Theirs is a connection really intimidated and emotional- and Jay writes it so intensely that somehow we believe it even if we don’t always understand how easily they click. Because they only people who “get” their connection are each other. LIke the last book, I do wish we’d gotten more of the past- for characters with such a rich and complicated history, I wanted to better juxtapose the before and after, but I also get why we spend only a brief moment in the past- their story is the future.
Remy is perhaps Jay’s most compelling character ever- I said what I said. The emotional quality to her character journey is moving and heart-wrenching. She’s such a beautiful soul, and I adored watching her find her way. The sibling relationship between her and her brother was also quite touching, and it made me even more excited for his story (I do hope that’s the one we get next!). The secondary characters are perfectly sprinkled in this one- just enough to be nostalgic but not so much that they overshadow our primary leads. Like all Jay stories, the conflict and resolution ended up being nothing like I expected, plenty dramatic and gut wrenching, and an engaging way for these characters’ love and maturity to be challenged. The angst is dished out early, and then we get to watch these two grow together.
I have high hopes for the rest of this series- the other second generation cast already have distinctive personalities and stories I’m excited for Jay to tell, and while I didn’t know the Denver crew as well as the Marked Men, I’m falling in love with their kiddos too. More, Jay, more!
And Jay does Remy justice. It’s poetic really. We never really met the namesake Remy, but his ghost looms heavy in the stories of her uncle and father. So it’s a beautiful nod to where this all began- even more so because heroine Remy has some of the struggles that the Remy we never knew struggled with. Our heroine is swimming in her own mental health challenges, lost in her feelings and needs, struggling to formulate an identity outside of her obsessions and challenges. And our story begins with the traumatic moment all those struggles come to a head and the equally traumatic and tragic way those around her try to support her- in ways well intentioned but destructive. In ways that harm in the short term to perhaps heal over time. And time we have- we catch up with her much later when she reconnects with the object of her obsession and one of those whose choices have left a lasting mark in her heart- Hyde Fuller.
I really appreciate the thoughtful and loving way Jay conveyed Remy. She’s truthful about her mental health challenges, about the perils and stigma of it all, but it’s not the defining trait of Remy- it’s not her weakness, the primary obstacle of this story, it’s just part of who she is. And the depiction of how she is responsible and openly learns to care for herself, how she checks in on her own mental health is a really power, and hopeful, depiction. While I may not have always understood Hyde’s choices, I also appreciated that he openly communicated with her about her need, sought to understand, never saw her just as her disorder. Theirs is a connection really intimidated and emotional- and Jay writes it so intensely that somehow we believe it even if we don’t always understand how easily they click. Because they only people who “get” their connection are each other. LIke the last book, I do wish we’d gotten more of the past- for characters with such a rich and complicated history, I wanted to better juxtapose the before and after, but I also get why we spend only a brief moment in the past- their story is the future.
Remy is perhaps Jay’s most compelling character ever- I said what I said. The emotional quality to her character journey is moving and heart-wrenching. She’s such a beautiful soul, and I adored watching her find her way. The sibling relationship between her and her brother was also quite touching, and it made me even more excited for his story (I do hope that’s the one we get next!). The secondary characters are perfectly sprinkled in this one- just enough to be nostalgic but not so much that they overshadow our primary leads. Like all Jay stories, the conflict and resolution ended up being nothing like I expected, plenty dramatic and gut wrenching, and an engaging way for these characters’ love and maturity to be challenged. The angst is dished out early, and then we get to watch these two grow together.
I have high hopes for the rest of this series- the other second generation cast already have distinctive personalities and stories I’m excited for Jay to tell, and while I didn’t know the Denver crew as well as the Marked Men, I’m falling in love with their kiddos too. More, Jay, more!
January 10, 2022
What an emotional read this was and it couldn't have come in a better time. My younger boy is going through all the steps to be determined if he has ADHD, autism or something completely else and to be able to read how with the right support things can become better it was all I needed at the moment.
The way Remy knew how to set boundaries now that she's was in a better place and the way she knew how much she can be pushed made me feel so proud.
As for Hyde: his life was a hot mess. His childhood issues have caused him a lot of problems and he was rooming with no end place in sight. Enter Remy and his family and friends to make him realize that he and his little girl are surrounded with all the love and that they will never have to feel alone.
This story was nothing short of amazing. It was captivating and heartfelt and you can't help but love our MCs and their families that are always looking out for them. I'm not sure whose story I want more now but I'm gonna go with Daire's because I have a feeling that girl needs the HEA waaaay more than Remy's brother at the moment :)
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
The way Remy knew how to set boundaries now that she's was in a better place and the way she knew how much she can be pushed made me feel so proud.
As for Hyde: his life was a hot mess. His childhood issues have caused him a lot of problems and he was rooming with no end place in sight. Enter Remy and his family and friends to make him realize that he and his little girl are surrounded with all the love and that they will never have to feel alone.
This story was nothing short of amazing. It was captivating and heartfelt and you can't help but love our MCs and their families that are always looking out for them. I'm not sure whose story I want more now but I'm gonna go with Daire's because I have a feeling that girl needs the HEA waaaay more than Remy's brother at the moment :)
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Read
February 27, 2022DNF!
It didn’t matter how many times I told Remy Archer that I saw her as a little sister. I swore to her that I considered her my closest friend, and I would never jeopardize the rock-solid relationship we’d had since we were kids by adding anything romantic or sexual to the mix.
Sure, I loved her. She was honestly the most loveable person I’d ever encountered in my short life. But I loved her like she was part of my family.
Cora squeezed my arm and gave me a serious look. “I’m not blaming what Remy did on you, Hyde. I’m asking you to help me save my daughter.”
It’s something else altogether now that you’re both older, and you’ve clearly told her you don’t share her feelings.”
And Remy wanted me to be her everything. She never made that a secret, but I couldn’t do that.
However, I should’ve known that when I told her I wanted the chance to meet someone else, it was a step too far in making my point. I didn’t really want a girlfriend or to meet someone else, but I knew telling Remy I did would be the one thing to finally get her to back off a bit.
She was so certain I’d come to love her the way she loved me, and it shattered her belief in herself, and in me, when I told her that any love I had to give, I wanted to share with someone else.
I pushed a curly piece of blonde hair off my forehead and muttered, “Don’t you remember that the last time he came home when he had leave, he brought a girl with him? It’s not the same as when we were young, Zowen. We’re different people now.”
I was over Hyde, and I was over being the girl who had loved him with everything I had while getting nothing in return.
“Remy, the reason Hyde’s not making those plans any longer is because the girl he was seeing died a couple months ago. She was killed in a car crash.”
“The girl was pregnant when the accident happened. Hyde’s coming home because he has a newborn baby girl he doesn’t know how to handle. The baby has been in a NICU unit on base in Georgia for the last couple of months.
And he’d made it pretty clear ages ago that there was no place in his life for me.
There was the night the girl I’d been seeing, the daughter of a commanding officer, informed me she was pregnant right when I was on the verge of breaking up with her. While I’d been away for training, she’d taken comfort in the arms of a friend while I was gone. She wasn’t sure if the baby was mine or his, and she was more worried about her family finding out about the pregnancy than about how I would react to being cheated on.
I lost a girl whom I no longer loved but still cared about deeply. I lost a friend and fellow soldier whom I thought I could trust until his betrayal. I nearly lost my baby. She was mine in my heart already, regardless of what any test would reveal.
When he first brought me home from foster care after my Aunt Echo went out of her way to track him down and let him know he had a child my mother never told him about, it took a bit for both of us to adjust to each other.
I’d wondered during the long, lonely hours sitting next to my baby in an incubator, silently praying that she’d be okay, if Remy knew I’d met a girl and became a father.
I couldn’t love Remy the way she wanted… no, needed me to when I was younger. I didn’t know how. And I couldn’t be there physically for Hollyn’s mother because of work and my commitments to the Army.
“Talking to you makes me feel terrible, Hyde. Your voice hurts me. Do me a favor and think about that next time you have a midnight crisis.”
January 12, 2022
From the moment I started this book my emotions were being put through the wringer. I’ve come to expect it from this new generation from one of my favorite authors. And she warned us both as she was writing, as well as in the little Forward at the beginning of the book. Not to mention even with that little bit of warning she gave us, I didn’t see a certain plot point happening in the way it did. I love when an author keeps you on your toes! So much crying even from the start.
First of all, let’s talk about Hyde, oh my gosh. There was a scene when he came in and immediately went to check on his little girl that just was soooooooo sweet! From reading this I feel like I need to go back and re-read his mom and dad’s book when I get some time. But Hyde was discovering how much Remy really meant to him and how much he needed her, what he’d realized the longer he’d been away. Being with her, spending time with her, showed him things that he didn’t realize he had been doing and why he had been doing them. Honestly his love for his daughter, his dedication to her, all of it made him so wonderful and sexy and just perfect.
Then there was Remy. Yeah, she was a complicated woman with a lot going on. But I liked that we got to see her on the flip side, or having been through it and now at the point where she knew what she needed to do to be healthy, but had to decide how much to let go and how much to really hold on. I liked that she was able to keep doing what she knew she had to do for herself, but also able to think and realize when it was brought up the ways she might have to change or start to consider if she wanted to make things work with someone else. Knowing herself made it easier I think to be able to realize what she could and couldn’t handle.
And of course we have the whole family and group of friends that were the first generation of characters I know and love and that keep me reading and wanting more from this author. Between Remy’s spunky mother, even if I was upset for how she handled it at the beginning, and Hyde’s mother, it was hard not to feel all the love and support they really had. Of course there was Remy’s Aunt Shaw, Rule’s wife, gotta love her! Ah, so much love being back with these characters and seeing where else this world can go.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
First of all, let’s talk about Hyde, oh my gosh. There was a scene when he came in and immediately went to check on his little girl that just was soooooooo sweet! From reading this I feel like I need to go back and re-read his mom and dad’s book when I get some time. But Hyde was discovering how much Remy really meant to him and how much he needed her, what he’d realized the longer he’d been away. Being with her, spending time with her, showed him things that he didn’t realize he had been doing and why he had been doing them. Honestly his love for his daughter, his dedication to her, all of it made him so wonderful and sexy and just perfect.
Then there was Remy. Yeah, she was a complicated woman with a lot going on. But I liked that we got to see her on the flip side, or having been through it and now at the point where she knew what she needed to do to be healthy, but had to decide how much to let go and how much to really hold on. I liked that she was able to keep doing what she knew she had to do for herself, but also able to think and realize when it was brought up the ways she might have to change or start to consider if she wanted to make things work with someone else. Knowing herself made it easier I think to be able to realize what she could and couldn’t handle.
And of course we have the whole family and group of friends that were the first generation of characters I know and love and that keep me reading and wanting more from this author. Between Remy’s spunky mother, even if I was upset for how she handled it at the beginning, and Hyde’s mother, it was hard not to feel all the love and support they really had. Of course there was Remy’s Aunt Shaw, Rule’s wife, gotta love her! Ah, so much love being back with these characters and seeing where else this world can go.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
January 12, 2022
Prodigal Son continues the Marked Men/Saints of Denver second generation stories. Remy and Hyde will break your heart for sure, so bring tissues. One thing Crownover has always done exceptionally is bring real emotions and real life problems. Hyde is a new single dad with a premature baby. Remy is a woman who has struggled with mental health and an obsessive love of Hyde.
Remy's mental health plays a big part of the story, and I think Crownover handled it well. We see the impact on those around her and herself. Hyde struggles with his history with Remy and now that he is back in Denver, he can't avoid her. But, with a new baby and their past together, it could be a total disaster.
The emotions are raw and powerful. I think I cried at least once per chapter! If you like stories with deeply flawed characters, tough topics, and amazing supporting characters, Prodigal Son is a book you simply MUST add to your TBR. I am so excited for more in this series.
POV: dual 1st
Tears: yes
Trope: second chance (ish), single parent
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
emotional new adult stories like Fallen Royal by Rachel Van Dyken, It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, The Insiders by Tijan...then you will probably like Prodigal Son!
Prodigal Son
See full review on The Book Disciple
June 28, 2022
Este es el segundo libro de la serie The Forever Marked que es un spin off de los hijos de los Marked Man y Saints of Denver.
En este caso es Remy la hija de Cora y Rome y Hyde el hijo de Zeb y Sayer.
Ellos se conocen desde niños, ella siempre ha estado enamorada de él pero Hyde no corresponde sus sentimientos por lo que ella se empieza a obsesionar hasta que ya no es saludable y sólo se hacen daño por lo que él se aleja sin despedirse, ocho años después están de vuelta en Denver al mismo tiempo y él con una trágica historia y una niña recién nacida y ella al fin piensa que lo superó y quiere volver a reencontrare con su familia.
Es una historia que se lee rápido no es aburrida es single dad, sentí que le faltó desarrollo, sobre todo el presente el pasó de no quererla románticamente ha desearla y ella pues claramente nunca lo olvidó y le perdona el abandono( que no fue abandono y era lo más saludable para los dos que se alejara).
Por muchos momentos también lo sentí incongruente porque él decía que el amor no era correspondido en la adolescencia pero poco después dice que si la amaba pero que ella merecía algo mejor.
Y por el otro lado tenemos el problema de salud mental de ella que a causa de eso él se alejó y ella le guarda rencor por 8 años sabiendo que ella le hizo daño.
O sea la idea de la historia está bien pero mal manejada, y dejaron de lado la trama de single dad que sólo la usaron para drama.
En fin estuvo entretenido pero me quedo con el primer libro.
Obvio voy a seguir con la serie y preferiblemente que sea el libro de Darya.
En este caso es Remy la hija de Cora y Rome y Hyde el hijo de Zeb y Sayer.
Ellos se conocen desde niños, ella siempre ha estado enamorada de él pero Hyde no corresponde sus sentimientos por lo que ella se empieza a obsesionar hasta que ya no es saludable y sólo se hacen daño por lo que él se aleja sin despedirse, ocho años después están de vuelta en Denver al mismo tiempo y él con una trágica historia y una niña recién nacida y ella al fin piensa que lo superó y quiere volver a reencontrare con su familia.
Es una historia que se lee rápido no es aburrida es single dad, sentí que le faltó desarrollo, sobre todo el presente el pasó de no quererla románticamente ha desearla y ella pues claramente nunca lo olvidó y le perdona el abandono( que no fue abandono y era lo más saludable para los dos que se alejara).
Por muchos momentos también lo sentí incongruente porque él decía que el amor no era correspondido en la adolescencia pero poco después dice que si la amaba pero que ella merecía algo mejor.
Y por el otro lado tenemos el problema de salud mental de ella que a causa de eso él se alejó y ella le guarda rencor por 8 años sabiendo que ella le hizo daño.
O sea la idea de la historia está bien pero mal manejada, y dejaron de lado la trama de single dad que sólo la usaron para drama.
En fin estuvo entretenido pero me quedo con el primer libro.
Obvio voy a seguir con la serie y preferiblemente que sea el libro de Darya.
January 25, 2022
This book has a warning it deals with mental issues. Might not be for those who are triggered easily. Its crazy how much this book hits so close to home for me. Remy has always loved Hyde. Her love for him was all that mattered to her when she was young. Hyde didn't realize what they had until he left. The years apart helped both of them to mature and realized what they always wanted. It's a good story this series is missing the Jay Crownover intense drama for me. Half way its get some drama.
Arc read in a exchange for a honest review.
Arc read in a exchange for a honest review.
January 13, 2022
4 stars
An intense, emotional, and dramatic story with a childhood-friends-to-lovers, single dad romance between two soulmates that are absolutely meant to be. It has some pretty heavy themes such as mental health issues, suicide, grief and life-threatening childhood illness which are wonderfully written and beautifully explored, and Crownover does a great job handling some very sensitive topics, shining a light on very real issues, and wrapping them up in characters that you cannot help but love and root for.
This book is the lovechild of two of Jay Crownover’s series, featuring the daughter of Rome & Cora (from Rome, Marked Men, #3) and the son of Zeb & Sayer (from Built, Saints of Denver, #1). You don’t have to have read the earlier books to understand this one, but it will be a treat for Jay’s fans. If you’re curious how all of the players fit, Jay’s website has a very helpful family tree which helps you piece everybody together.
Remy and Hyde grew up together, and were the best of friends. Remy loved Hyde even from a very young age, and Hyde was always the one to protect Remy and be there for her whenever she needed him – which was all the time. Even as a child, Remy’s emotions were wild, and her feelings for Hyde became obsessive, and though he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, and never led her on, it only took one more rejection from him to send Remy spiralling, and that is the point where this book begins. Remy is at rock bottom, Hyde is encouraged to give her space, and for her own wellbeing, and with no idea what else to do, that’s exactly what he does, leaving town and not looking back.
Now, it’s years later. After receiving a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, pulling her life back together, working hard to learn how to live with her illness, and years of chaotic but healing travel and experiences, Remy has returned to her beloved home town to settle down. And now, Hyde is also on his way home. He’s just left the military and is suddenly a single father to a newborn baby girl, he’s coming home to create a comfortable life for the two of them where he can have the support of his family.
There’s no way Remy and Hyde can avoid each other. Their families and friends are so intertwined that it’s only a matter of time before they are reunited. And Remy, being the bold and forthright person that she is, dives right in, seeing no point in delaying the inevitable, and starting an open and honest reconnection between her and the boy she had loved and needed so madly.
This book is WAY more intense than I was expecting it to be! Both Remy and Hyde have dramatic backgrounds, and their relationship has such a complex dynamic. And watching them come together as adults, be upfront about everything and candidly explore how to be with each other after all they’ve been through is both fascinating and engaging. And what’s even better, is that Hyde finally starts to see something new in his childhood best friend, and he holds nothing back in putting himself out there for her.
Given their complicated and heartbreaking history, the reality of Remy’s life, and Hyde only just coming to terms with being a single father to an infant, it’s a terrifying situation to be in. But he approaches it sensitively, and his consideration of Remy’s struggles and her continuing journey to be well, is beautifully handled.
But while he’s being all gentle and swoony, he’s also a complete alpha, and as the two of them come to terms with their attraction and he fights for his shot, there is plenty of flirting, banter, teasing and sexual tension, and their passion for each other is fantastic!
Remy is a wonderful character. She’s fought so hard and come so far, and though she knows her vulnerabilities and limitations, she’s justifiably proud of herself and her journey, and I just loved her. She is bold and intense, and she holds nothing back, and together they are realistic about their issues and the struggles that they face, and I loved how functional they are about it all.
There is plenty drama and emotion, but at the heart of their journey is a beautiful story of reconnection and two soulmates finding their way back to each other. There is a lot of involvement from their family and friends, and there are some great relationships among the group. The theme of family is strong, and I loved getting to see old characters again, while getting to know new ones. There are some great set-ups there for future stories, and I’m really excited to continue on with this series.
This is a beautifully and sensitively written book that pulls on the heartstrings and delivers intensity, heartache and healing. The characters are fantastic, their love story is gorgeous, and I loved watching Remy and Hyde find their well-deserved happy ending together.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
An intense, emotional, and dramatic story with a childhood-friends-to-lovers, single dad romance between two soulmates that are absolutely meant to be. It has some pretty heavy themes such as mental health issues, suicide, grief and life-threatening childhood illness which are wonderfully written and beautifully explored, and Crownover does a great job handling some very sensitive topics, shining a light on very real issues, and wrapping them up in characters that you cannot help but love and root for.
This book is the lovechild of two of Jay Crownover’s series, featuring the daughter of Rome & Cora (from Rome, Marked Men, #3) and the son of Zeb & Sayer (from Built, Saints of Denver, #1). You don’t have to have read the earlier books to understand this one, but it will be a treat for Jay’s fans. If you’re curious how all of the players fit, Jay’s website has a very helpful family tree which helps you piece everybody together.
Remy and Hyde grew up together, and were the best of friends. Remy loved Hyde even from a very young age, and Hyde was always the one to protect Remy and be there for her whenever she needed him – which was all the time. Even as a child, Remy’s emotions were wild, and her feelings for Hyde became obsessive, and though he didn’t reciprocate her feelings, and never led her on, it only took one more rejection from him to send Remy spiralling, and that is the point where this book begins. Remy is at rock bottom, Hyde is encouraged to give her space, and for her own wellbeing, and with no idea what else to do, that’s exactly what he does, leaving town and not looking back.
I knew no-one in my life was ever going to treat me like I was the end-all and be-all of everything the way Remy Archer did. I honestly would’ve appreciated her devotion if it hadn’t scared the shit out of me. And if I had any clue what to do with any of it.
Now, it’s years later. After receiving a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, pulling her life back together, working hard to learn how to live with her illness, and years of chaotic but healing travel and experiences, Remy has returned to her beloved home town to settle down. And now, Hyde is also on his way home. He’s just left the military and is suddenly a single father to a newborn baby girl, he’s coming home to create a comfortable life for the two of them where he can have the support of his family.
There’s no way Remy and Hyde can avoid each other. Their families and friends are so intertwined that it’s only a matter of time before they are reunited. And Remy, being the bold and forthright person that she is, dives right in, seeing no point in delaying the inevitable, and starting an open and honest reconnection between her and the boy she had loved and needed so madly.
His vulnerability had always been my weakness, and I knew if he told me he needed me, I was toast. It was the one thing in life I always wanted more than anything: for him to rely on me the way I’d always had complete faith in him.
I wanted us to be equal. To be balanced. Because I’d always taken without being able to give back to him.
This book is WAY more intense than I was expecting it to be! Both Remy and Hyde have dramatic backgrounds, and their relationship has such a complex dynamic. And watching them come together as adults, be upfront about everything and candidly explore how to be with each other after all they’ve been through is both fascinating and engaging. And what’s even better, is that Hyde finally starts to see something new in his childhood best friend, and he holds nothing back in putting himself out there for her.
“You said I needed to find someone else to hold my hand while I figure out parenting, but the only hand I want to hold is yours. It’s always been that way.”
Given their complicated and heartbreaking history, the reality of Remy’s life, and Hyde only just coming to terms with being a single father to an infant, it’s a terrifying situation to be in. But he approaches it sensitively, and his consideration of Remy’s struggles and her continuing journey to be well, is beautifully handled.
“I may not have known what I wanted or who I was when we were younger, but I do now. You don’t want me to define you by who you used to be. Give the guy standing in front of you a chance to show you who he is and what he has to offer.”
“I just want the chance to get to know you again. I’ve screwed up a lot of things in my life, and I’m doing my best to make them right. I won’t tell you who to be, Remy. I just want you.
But while he’s being all gentle and swoony, he’s also a complete alpha, and as the two of them come to terms with their attraction and he fights for his shot, there is plenty of flirting, banter, teasing and sexual tension, and their passion for each other is fantastic!
I don’t know where this attraction and hunger came from since I’d known her most of my life, but whatever Remy awoke in my blood since I’d been back was insatiable, and I couldn’t get enough of her.
Remy is a wonderful character. She’s fought so hard and come so far, and though she knows her vulnerabilities and limitations, she’s justifiably proud of herself and her journey, and I just loved her. She is bold and intense, and she holds nothing back, and together they are realistic about their issues and the struggles that they face, and I loved how functional they are about it all.
“I’m always going to be a little bit too much and never be easy to handle.”
I leaned toward her, hating the big piece of polished wood that separated us. “I never asked for easy. All I asked for you is you.”
There is plenty drama and emotion, but at the heart of their journey is a beautiful story of reconnection and two soulmates finding their way back to each other. There is a lot of involvement from their family and friends, and there are some great relationships among the group. The theme of family is strong, and I loved getting to see old characters again, while getting to know new ones. There are some great set-ups there for future stories, and I’m really excited to continue on with this series.
This is a beautifully and sensitively written book that pulls on the heartstrings and delivers intensity, heartache and healing. The characters are fantastic, their love story is gorgeous, and I loved watching Remy and Hyde find their well-deserved happy ending together.
Hyde and I were bound to have a beautiful but chaotic life together. It was going to be an imperfect masterpiece.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
So this.would be the next generation of marked men but like the second spinoff or something like that.
Anyway, let me start with that the original series is one of my favorite series, and I've only read the first book in the first spin-off, and I've just read the second book in this series, don't know why I'm. explaining this, it's way too confusing to even for me haha!
Well with that said, it felt good coming back to the marked men world.
The author gives a trigger warning in the forward but it wasn't necessary, the characters weren't as complicated or angsty as expected.
The story itself was ok, not the rollercoaster page-turner as expected, I didn't really feel the chemistry over the top between the characters, to be honest I felt like Hyde just needed a mother for his child. His love( or stronger feelings) did not exist before he was enlisted, but when he saw Remy with his daughter he suddenly felt something?
Nah, he didn't convince me.
Anyway, let me start with that the original series is one of my favorite series, and I've only read the first book in the first spin-off, and I've just read the second book in this series, don't know why I'm. explaining this, it's way too confusing to even for me haha!
Well with that said, it felt good coming back to the marked men world.
The author gives a trigger warning in the forward but it wasn't necessary, the characters weren't as complicated or angsty as expected.
The story itself was ok, not the rollercoaster page-turner as expected, I didn't really feel the chemistry over the top between the characters, to be honest I felt like Hyde just needed a mother for his child. His love( or stronger feelings) did not exist before he was enlisted, but when he saw Remy with his daughter he suddenly felt something?
Nah, he didn't convince me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
5 SMOOCHES!
I’m a huge Jay Crownover fan, and her Marked Men series is where that love began. Jay’s writing style, her characters and their stories, and the way that Jay brings it all together into a complex and layered story that makes me feel and think. She never fails to draw me in with her characters’ edgy, gritty, deeply emotional tales entwined in steamy, hard-fought romances. Her stories command all of my attention when I’m reading one, her characters stay with me, and I sometimes feel like I’m in a constant state of anticipation of the next Crownover book. Jay absolutely guts me each time I pick up one of her books and enter her worlds. Her stories leave a mark on me, but I’m left content yet hungry for more.
I’m going to say right off the back that I don’t want to give a single word of this story away. This is Jay Crownover at her absolute best, and it deserves to be an unspoiled reading experience for anyone who ventures into these pages. These second book in the Forever Marked series, Prodigal Son is a second generation story rooted in Crownover’s Marked Men and Saints of Denver series. Jay tackles some pretty heavy topics in this book with her usual care, attention to detail and honesty. There is a trigger warning at the front of the book, but if you’re a reader who is affected by these types of difficult topics, please know that Jay has approached this one with respect.
This is a gut-wrencher for sure. Crownover created some wonderfully flawed characters in Remy and Hyde, and their story is nothing short of beautiful. The thing with beauty, though, is that sometimes you have to cut through a bit of pain to get to the beauty. This is where those trigger warnings come into play. Crownover told this character’s story with an authentic voice, she captured the essence and struggles and voice of this character in vivid, heartbreaking detail. Hyde and Remy’s love story spans many years and several phases of life, and Crownover did a brilliant job taking readers along on their ride.
Prodigal Son was a moving, deeply emotional story of young love between two imperfect characters. Filled with highs and lows, Remy and Hyde’s love story was not simple or easy, but it was well worth every bump and bruise along the way. Five smooches from me for Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover!
~Danielle Palumbo
I’m a huge Jay Crownover fan, and her Marked Men series is where that love began. Jay’s writing style, her characters and their stories, and the way that Jay brings it all together into a complex and layered story that makes me feel and think. She never fails to draw me in with her characters’ edgy, gritty, deeply emotional tales entwined in steamy, hard-fought romances. Her stories command all of my attention when I’m reading one, her characters stay with me, and I sometimes feel like I’m in a constant state of anticipation of the next Crownover book. Jay absolutely guts me each time I pick up one of her books and enter her worlds. Her stories leave a mark on me, but I’m left content yet hungry for more.
I’m going to say right off the back that I don’t want to give a single word of this story away. This is Jay Crownover at her absolute best, and it deserves to be an unspoiled reading experience for anyone who ventures into these pages. These second book in the Forever Marked series, Prodigal Son is a second generation story rooted in Crownover’s Marked Men and Saints of Denver series. Jay tackles some pretty heavy topics in this book with her usual care, attention to detail and honesty. There is a trigger warning at the front of the book, but if you’re a reader who is affected by these types of difficult topics, please know that Jay has approached this one with respect.
This is a gut-wrencher for sure. Crownover created some wonderfully flawed characters in Remy and Hyde, and their story is nothing short of beautiful. The thing with beauty, though, is that sometimes you have to cut through a bit of pain to get to the beauty. This is where those trigger warnings come into play. Crownover told this character’s story with an authentic voice, she captured the essence and struggles and voice of this character in vivid, heartbreaking detail. Hyde and Remy’s love story spans many years and several phases of life, and Crownover did a brilliant job taking readers along on their ride.
Prodigal Son was a moving, deeply emotional story of young love between two imperfect characters. Filled with highs and lows, Remy and Hyde’s love story was not simple or easy, but it was well worth every bump and bruise along the way. Five smooches from me for Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover!
~Danielle Palumbo
June 14, 2024
The second book in the series spinoff and I've found the whole vibe of the series to be very reminiscent of the parent series, as little bits and pieces of the parents come back to me!!!! The book felt short....or in other words I didn't feel like there was enough time to really fall in love with the romance of it. But the characters are fun and I always love a big family brotherhood!!! It was good, not as good of a story as book 1 though. 3 stars!
February 10, 2023
3.5 stars because JC kept repeating how Remy has borderline personality disorder over and over again, by name. Gah! it's a pet peeve of mine.
The story's good, just not great because it was a little like a copy and paste from Hyde's father's story from Built, minus drilling you of her mental illness.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: Second chance/ Friends to lovers/ Single Dad/ Mental illness
HEA
The story's good, just not great because it was a little like a copy and paste from Hyde's father's story from Built, minus drilling you of her mental illness.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Tropes: Second chance/ Friends to lovers/ Single Dad/ Mental illness
HEA
April 13, 2022
The words use and overall review shouldn’t reflect personally on the author or any other of her series and books.
An intense emotional second chance romance.
A female lead that had a strong character growth. A female lead that had to learn to grow to learn to value herself. I just wish she had made him grovel more, but she didn't. We all know the moment the h answers a phone call or gives excuses of why she is letting herself be near the H is the doom of her. A h that said she didn't know nothing about babies at the first meeting she is already bonding with H girl. Praise the little girl like there's no tomorrow. Love her name, she is one of the most beautiful babies. I get it she has to love the little girl because she will end up with the H but why not make that bond and love grow.
A male lead that had to grow not necessary because he wanted too but because he have to. He couldn't just think of himself anymore. An alpha male lead that I know a lot will love. Okay my problem was that he was selfish, calling the girl once he was back it wasn't a week in. NOo it was right away. Why not give her space! Already getting into her life to control her. Ohh he always said he never felt nothing for the h nothing romantically until he saw her carrying the baby like whatttt, what he needed was a mother for her baby.
The plot! The topics! Mental health, Suicide, Single Father just to name a few. And yes you have the sexual tension and the sex scenes.
September 30, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
Didn’t believe their love at all, h had the puppy love, obsessive love where in prologue she even did self-harm because he rejected her, she was BORDERLINE OBSESSIVE and that’s fucking toxic and H kept constantly rejecting her because he just saw her as his little sister so I did not believe when he supposedly loved her when he saw her as his little sister
Didn’t believe their love at all, h had the puppy love, obsessive love where in prologue she even did self-harm because he rejected her, she was BORDERLINE OBSESSIVE and that’s fucking toxic and H kept constantly rejecting her because he just saw her as his little sister so I did not believe when he supposedly loved her when he saw her as his little sister
January 12, 2022
Amazon US / Universal
Remy is not prepared for her former best friend, first (only) love, to come back to their hometown, and insert himself back into her life. Since that night all those years ago when he left town without a word to her, the night she needed him most, she has come to terms with her mental health and how to maintain it, has come to terms with Hyde not being the center of her world. So the last thing she needs or wants is for him to keep calling her, trying to be in her orbit again. She barely survived him as a teen, there's no way she can survive him now, even as she's grown and is more self aware and better adjusted.
Hyde has come back home, needing to be surrounded by his family, needing help raising his new baby. But one glimpse at the woman he's never let out of his thoughts, and he's thinking how best to get her to forgive him and join him in caring for his daughter. Will Remy be able to find a balance between maintaining her mental well-being, working, and being with the only man she's ever loved? Will Hyde be able to figure out how to love Remy for who she is, how she is, and the way she'll need to always put her mental health first?
I think what I loved most about Prodigal Son and Remy and Hyde together, is that they are realistic in a raw way, without artifice. Their struggles not only within themselves, but with their circumstances and with their own inner demons, and their struggle to nurture their relationship, were handled in a sensitive way, without being overly dramatic or too heavy either. I know when about to start anything by Crownover that I'm going to get something that might be a bit gritty and painful in parts, but will have so much heart that I can't help but to fall in love with the characters and their story, and that's exactly what happened here. I love Remy, I love Hyde, and I honestly wish I could read many, many stories just about them and the love they fought so hard to first begin, then to maintain and grow.
ARC provided by Candi Kane PR for an honest review.
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January 9, 2022
PRODIGAL SON
2nd Gen Marked Men, Forever Marked Series #2
Jay Crownover
Releases 12th Jan
Candi Kane PR
POV:Dual
Remy and Hyde
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #nextgen #forevermarkedseries #prodigalson #singledad #childhoodfriendstolovers #destinedlovers #comingsoon #emotional #allthefeels
Remy's loved Hyde since before she understood what love was. It was an obsessive love, until it consumed her and led her into a downward spiral. Hyde cared, or even loved Remy too in his own way. He brushed off her advances. Until that day, he turned his back on her and left.
Years later Remy has rebuilt her life without Hyde. Moving on the best way she could, and it's worked. She no longer has those feelings for Hyde. She's back home, after being on the move from place to place, a whole array of different jobs.
Hyde's back to make a better life for himself. He's been through some life changing experiences lately. He's always wondered about what Remy's been up to over the years.
Now he's back, can they reconnect and have the friendship they had when they were younger? He feels horrible about how her treated her all those years ago.
Will she forgive him?
Will she let him back into her life?
What obstacles will come their way?
This is such an emotional read.
*Arc provided for an honest review*
2nd Gen Marked Men, Forever Marked Series #2
Jay Crownover
Releases 12th Jan
Candi Kane PR
POV:Dual
Remy and Hyde
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #nextgen #forevermarkedseries #prodigalson #singledad #childhoodfriendstolovers #destinedlovers #comingsoon #emotional #allthefeels
Remy's loved Hyde since before she understood what love was. It was an obsessive love, until it consumed her and led her into a downward spiral. Hyde cared, or even loved Remy too in his own way. He brushed off her advances. Until that day, he turned his back on her and left.
Years later Remy has rebuilt her life without Hyde. Moving on the best way she could, and it's worked. She no longer has those feelings for Hyde. She's back home, after being on the move from place to place, a whole array of different jobs.
Hyde's back to make a better life for himself. He's been through some life changing experiences lately. He's always wondered about what Remy's been up to over the years.
Now he's back, can they reconnect and have the friendship they had when they were younger? He feels horrible about how her treated her all those years ago.
Will she forgive him?
Will she let him back into her life?
What obstacles will come their way?
This is such an emotional read.
*Arc provided for an honest review*
Currently reading
January 8, 2022
January 12, 2022
Right from page one Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover had me drowning in feelings. Start to finish this was an emotional story about personal healing, forgiveness, love and family.
What I loved most was how honest and real her characters are and the portrayal of mental illness. It's a constant battle but you can't let it define you. The importance of take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of those you love. Also I won't ever be forgetting how precious Hyde and his daughter were 🥰
Content Warnings: attempted suicide, Mental Illness, and infant health issues.
What I loved most was how honest and real her characters are and the portrayal of mental illness. It's a constant battle but you can't let it define you. The importance of take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of those you love. Also I won't ever be forgetting how precious Hyde and his daughter were 🥰
Content Warnings: attempted suicide, Mental Illness, and infant health issues.
August 19, 2023
Sugary sweet, cute read. I was hoping for some real unrequited angst to happen here so I’m disappointed. It’s cute though, the way they both loved each other, just not what I was wanting. I wanted out of control, emotional hot mess, obsessive Remy. It’s great to see her well adjusted and mentally healthy but just does not make as fun of a read lol.
June 1, 2022
4 stars
February 12, 2022
My heart broke for Remy and Hyde. This book had me crying, smiling, and every other emotion! I just love these characters and their families so much! The story was so important, and so well done. Another second-generation book from this author done right!
January 11, 2022
Review by Trinette Dungee
What do I love about Jay Crownover’s books, aside from the amazing writing, and characters? I love how flawed her characters are. Let’s face it, most of us read romance/love stories for the HEA and the desire to go to La-La Land, but every once in a while, La-La Land needs a dose of reality and that’s what Jay gives us. She shows us that happily ever after doesn’t mean the characters ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand and live perfect lives. They may ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand, but they encounter bumps and bruises along the way. Sometimes major ones. Her characters are not just flawed, but beautifully so. Such is the case with Hyde and Remy who are the offspring of characters from her Saints of Denver and Marked men series, respectfully. While their parents’ stories may have ended happily, the lives of their children have been challenging, especially for Rome’s and Cora’s daughter Remy.
Growing up Remy was obsessed with Hyde Fuller, on both a romantic and friend level. When her obsessive behavior leads to almost fatal results her mother encourages Hyde to move on and move away from her daughter which leads Remy to be heartbroken by Hyde’s sudden departure from her life. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) shortly after Hyde leaves, Remy spends the next eight years putting her life back together. She leaves home and lives from place to place before returning home shortly before Hyde does. She returns not as a better version of herself, but as a version who better understands herself. Now she has to decide if this version was meant for Hyde.
It had taken a long time, and the road was often dark and treacherous, but I found my way home…And so had the prodigal son.
Hyde Fuller left home to find himself, leaving behind heartbroken parents, and a love-stricken Remy Archer. Eight years have passed, and Hyde is returning home, but he’s not alone. He is now the single father of baby girl whose life is almost mirroring his as a child. He is returning home to the welcoming arms of his parents and friends, the arms he’d like more than anything to return to are those of Remy’s but leaving Remy the way he did, broken and without a goodbye doesn’t make him someone Remy is eager to reconnect with.
While Remy wasn’t eager to reconnect with him, Hyde was determined to have Remy back in his life, he understood that it would take time for her to completely trust him again and he was patient enough to wait. “I’m working on leaving the house in increments. I start my new job in a little under two weeks. I’m going to call you to meet for lunch. Then I’m going to call you and ask you out to dinner. If you agree to either of those, I’m going to call and ask you to dinner and to spend the night with me. I can’t take steps and leave Hollyn alone for that ling unless the person I’m spending time with matters to me as much as she does. It has to be work it to be away. You are worth it, Remy”.
While she considers letting Hyde back into her life, Remy is still struggling with trusting him. This time around, it’s not just Hyde she has to consider, it’s his daughter. She also worries that he won’t be able to “handle” the part of her that is still “too much”. She’s given some sound advice from her best friend Bowe. “He had a lot of opportunities to kiss you back when you guys were younger, but he waited until the time was right… Hyde has always been the bad guy, so you never had to be”. My favorite advice Bowe gives her, “Sometimes you have to fail before you find the right one. If you don’t, how are you going to know the difference between something that’s just kinds of good, and something that has the potential to be great?”
Remy is not the only one struggle with demons, Hyde himself is struggle with abandonment issues from his childhood, and betrayals from those close to him. Both of which makes him wonder if he’s enough. The truth was, I was worried she might finally see me for who I was not that she no longer viewed me through the filter of her youthful obsession. The real me was far from perfect and pretty clueless when it came to making someone else happy, but I was willing to do the work to be the kind of guy who deserved to have Remy in his life.
Just like Jay Crownover’s other characters Hyde and Remy are not relieved of their flaws at their stories end, they acknowledge them, accept them and prepare to for battles ahead.
“You do understand there is no guarantee I’m always going to have it as together as I appear to have it now, don’t you? Who I was then and who I am now all inhabit the same body and mind. It isn’t one or the other. I’m always going to be a little bit too much and never be easy to handle” ….”I never asked for easy. All I asked for is you.” I love how Remy accepts her diagnosis as a part of who she is, and not what she is.
I’ve read pretty much every Jay Crownover book, and what I appreciate most about her is the rawness and the grit she writes with. Her ability to take real-life issues and not “glam” them up but write them for what they are and show us that it’s okay for life to be messy and beautiful at the same time is amazing. Her writing is personal and relatable.
Eight years ago, I picked up my first Jay Crownover book and fell in love with a couple of series about a group of men who didn’t play by the rules, were rough around the edges, were unapologetically themselves, and who managed to fall in love. Now eight years later I’m just as enamored with the next generation.
My favorite line in this book-
Who would’ve ever guessed that the one time I was brave enough to try and grab a handful of stars, I was lucky enough to catch the whole damn sky?
What do I love about Jay Crownover’s books, aside from the amazing writing, and characters? I love how flawed her characters are. Let’s face it, most of us read romance/love stories for the HEA and the desire to go to La-La Land, but every once in a while, La-La Land needs a dose of reality and that’s what Jay gives us. She shows us that happily ever after doesn’t mean the characters ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand and live perfect lives. They may ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand, but they encounter bumps and bruises along the way. Sometimes major ones. Her characters are not just flawed, but beautifully so. Such is the case with Hyde and Remy who are the offspring of characters from her Saints of Denver and Marked men series, respectfully. While their parents’ stories may have ended happily, the lives of their children have been challenging, especially for Rome’s and Cora’s daughter Remy.
Growing up Remy was obsessed with Hyde Fuller, on both a romantic and friend level. When her obsessive behavior leads to almost fatal results her mother encourages Hyde to move on and move away from her daughter which leads Remy to be heartbroken by Hyde’s sudden departure from her life. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) shortly after Hyde leaves, Remy spends the next eight years putting her life back together. She leaves home and lives from place to place before returning home shortly before Hyde does. She returns not as a better version of herself, but as a version who better understands herself. Now she has to decide if this version was meant for Hyde.
It had taken a long time, and the road was often dark and treacherous, but I found my way home…And so had the prodigal son.
Hyde Fuller left home to find himself, leaving behind heartbroken parents, and a love-stricken Remy Archer. Eight years have passed, and Hyde is returning home, but he’s not alone. He is now the single father of baby girl whose life is almost mirroring his as a child. He is returning home to the welcoming arms of his parents and friends, the arms he’d like more than anything to return to are those of Remy’s but leaving Remy the way he did, broken and without a goodbye doesn’t make him someone Remy is eager to reconnect with.
While Remy wasn’t eager to reconnect with him, Hyde was determined to have Remy back in his life, he understood that it would take time for her to completely trust him again and he was patient enough to wait. “I’m working on leaving the house in increments. I start my new job in a little under two weeks. I’m going to call you to meet for lunch. Then I’m going to call you and ask you out to dinner. If you agree to either of those, I’m going to call and ask you to dinner and to spend the night with me. I can’t take steps and leave Hollyn alone for that ling unless the person I’m spending time with matters to me as much as she does. It has to be work it to be away. You are worth it, Remy”.
While she considers letting Hyde back into her life, Remy is still struggling with trusting him. This time around, it’s not just Hyde she has to consider, it’s his daughter. She also worries that he won’t be able to “handle” the part of her that is still “too much”. She’s given some sound advice from her best friend Bowe. “He had a lot of opportunities to kiss you back when you guys were younger, but he waited until the time was right… Hyde has always been the bad guy, so you never had to be”. My favorite advice Bowe gives her, “Sometimes you have to fail before you find the right one. If you don’t, how are you going to know the difference between something that’s just kinds of good, and something that has the potential to be great?”
Remy is not the only one struggle with demons, Hyde himself is struggle with abandonment issues from his childhood, and betrayals from those close to him. Both of which makes him wonder if he’s enough. The truth was, I was worried she might finally see me for who I was not that she no longer viewed me through the filter of her youthful obsession. The real me was far from perfect and pretty clueless when it came to making someone else happy, but I was willing to do the work to be the kind of guy who deserved to have Remy in his life.
Just like Jay Crownover’s other characters Hyde and Remy are not relieved of their flaws at their stories end, they acknowledge them, accept them and prepare to for battles ahead.
“You do understand there is no guarantee I’m always going to have it as together as I appear to have it now, don’t you? Who I was then and who I am now all inhabit the same body and mind. It isn’t one or the other. I’m always going to be a little bit too much and never be easy to handle” ….”I never asked for easy. All I asked for is you.” I love how Remy accepts her diagnosis as a part of who she is, and not what she is.
I’ve read pretty much every Jay Crownover book, and what I appreciate most about her is the rawness and the grit she writes with. Her ability to take real-life issues and not “glam” them up but write them for what they are and show us that it’s okay for life to be messy and beautiful at the same time is amazing. Her writing is personal and relatable.
Eight years ago, I picked up my first Jay Crownover book and fell in love with a couple of series about a group of men who didn’t play by the rules, were rough around the edges, were unapologetically themselves, and who managed to fall in love. Now eight years later I’m just as enamored with the next generation.
My favorite line in this book-
Who would’ve ever guessed that the one time I was brave enough to try and grab a handful of stars, I was lucky enough to catch the whole damn sky?
January 7, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover is the second book in The Forever Marked series featuring the second generation of the Marked Men and Saints of Denver. Remy Archer has always been a lot and it took years of intensive soul searching and medical/psychological intervention to find a happy place. When one of her most significant triggers, Hyde Fuller, returns to Denver she knows she will need to find new coping mechanisms to deal with the surge of memories he brings back. Hyde’s return to Denver is shrouded in sadness as he returns after the death of a girlfriend and the premature birth of his daughter. He hopes that surrounding himself with the support of his family will help with the overwhelming weight of the world on his shoulders. He knows he should stay away from Remy after their difficult past but he finds himself wanting to pull her close rather than push her away as he did for so many years. The two will need to decide if being part of each other’s lives will help or hurt.
Remy Archer has lived a life of extreme highs and lows. After her mental illness was diagnosed and she was able to identify triggers she has spent years traveling trying to find herself balance. Her return to Denver is meant to help rebuild relationships that suffered but she never expects one of those to be with Hyde. She realizes she may not be able to control herself around him and decides that minimal interaction is best and tries to set boundaries. Hyde manages to break down her carefully set boundaries when he reaches out with such brutal honesty and vulnerability. She still tries to keep things just physical but those lines blur as she realizes she’s not just falling for Hyde again but also for his precious daughter Hollyn.
“This kiss wasn’t a tool to pull me closer like in the old days; this was a weapon she was using to try and drive me away. Unfortunately for her, I didn’t plan on going anywhere now that everything in my life felt like it was finally falling into place.”
Hyde Fuller has struggled since childhood to feel secure in his place in the world. He thought that leaving to enlist would help him establish the security that comes with life in the military. He returns not only struggling himself but with a child who needs so much from him. Hollyn is a bright spot in his life that he is so worried about not being enough for her. He returns to Denver wanting to pull the only person he’s ever been able to be one hundred percent himself with close. But Remy is reluctant to trust his newfound openness to the idea of them together and fights him at every turn. He refuses to give up on them though, knowing how much he and Hollyn need her brightness. He allows himself to be engulfs in their heated connection and struggles to slow down to a pace that is comfortable for Remy.
“It had taken a long time, and the road was often dark and treacherous, but I found my way home… And so had the prodigal son.”
The premise of this book pretty much guaranteed an emotional ride and this book did not disappoint. Mental illness can be difficult to present in a story without biases or stereotypes and I felt that Crownover took the time to approach the subject with respect and acknowledged in her foreword that the representation in this book was based on personal experiences. This book took on additional heavy subjects but never failed to keep you engaged in the ongoing romance between Hyde and Remy. It was nice watching their relationship evolve. As always this book left you dying for the next story whether it be Zowen chasing his future to California or Daire and her enemy who may be a little more than that (can’t wait because Campbell’s sketchy history has my NEEDING MORE).
5 stars for Hyde and Remy’s bumpy and emotional road back to each other.
Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover is the second book in The Forever Marked series featuring the second generation of the Marked Men and Saints of Denver. Remy Archer has always been a lot and it took years of intensive soul searching and medical/psychological intervention to find a happy place. When one of her most significant triggers, Hyde Fuller, returns to Denver she knows she will need to find new coping mechanisms to deal with the surge of memories he brings back. Hyde’s return to Denver is shrouded in sadness as he returns after the death of a girlfriend and the premature birth of his daughter. He hopes that surrounding himself with the support of his family will help with the overwhelming weight of the world on his shoulders. He knows he should stay away from Remy after their difficult past but he finds himself wanting to pull her close rather than push her away as he did for so many years. The two will need to decide if being part of each other’s lives will help or hurt.
Remy Archer has lived a life of extreme highs and lows. After her mental illness was diagnosed and she was able to identify triggers she has spent years traveling trying to find herself balance. Her return to Denver is meant to help rebuild relationships that suffered but she never expects one of those to be with Hyde. She realizes she may not be able to control herself around him and decides that minimal interaction is best and tries to set boundaries. Hyde manages to break down her carefully set boundaries when he reaches out with such brutal honesty and vulnerability. She still tries to keep things just physical but those lines blur as she realizes she’s not just falling for Hyde again but also for his precious daughter Hollyn.
“This kiss wasn’t a tool to pull me closer like in the old days; this was a weapon she was using to try and drive me away. Unfortunately for her, I didn’t plan on going anywhere now that everything in my life felt like it was finally falling into place.”
Hyde Fuller has struggled since childhood to feel secure in his place in the world. He thought that leaving to enlist would help him establish the security that comes with life in the military. He returns not only struggling himself but with a child who needs so much from him. Hollyn is a bright spot in his life that he is so worried about not being enough for her. He returns to Denver wanting to pull the only person he’s ever been able to be one hundred percent himself with close. But Remy is reluctant to trust his newfound openness to the idea of them together and fights him at every turn. He refuses to give up on them though, knowing how much he and Hollyn need her brightness. He allows himself to be engulfs in their heated connection and struggles to slow down to a pace that is comfortable for Remy.
“It had taken a long time, and the road was often dark and treacherous, but I found my way home… And so had the prodigal son.”
The premise of this book pretty much guaranteed an emotional ride and this book did not disappoint. Mental illness can be difficult to present in a story without biases or stereotypes and I felt that Crownover took the time to approach the subject with respect and acknowledged in her foreword that the representation in this book was based on personal experiences. This book took on additional heavy subjects but never failed to keep you engaged in the ongoing romance between Hyde and Remy. It was nice watching their relationship evolve. As always this book left you dying for the next story whether it be Zowen chasing his future to California or Daire and her enemy who may be a little more than that (can’t wait because Campbell’s sketchy history has my NEEDING MORE).
5 stars for Hyde and Remy’s bumpy and emotional road back to each other.
January 13, 2022
4 stars. This was really good! Prodigal Son is book two in the Forever Marked series by Jay Crownover, which is the next generation spin-off series from the Marked Men series. This is Remy, Cora and Rome's daughter and Hyde, Shaw and Zeb's son's story. Remy and Hyde were best friends and inseperable growing up. But Remy was also in love with Hyde and she really thought they were meant to be together. Hyde did not see her like that at the time, although he did love her as a best friend, and cared about her. Remy had mental health difficulties as a teenager. At eighteen, Hyde had trouble coping with that and seeing her in crisis, as well as trouble deciding on a future job course after high school. When he told her that he was going to join the military, Remy had a break down, wound up hospitalized and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Remy's mother advised him to cut ties with her because she thought it would be the best way for Remy to heal. Now, eight years later, Remy is stable with medication and doing really well. She and Hyde have seen each other a few times over the years, but have not really talked much. Remy has moved back to Denver for good. Hyde too is now out of the military and is moving back to town, with his orphaned newborn daughter in tow. The time is right for Remy and Hyde to become friends again, resolving their past hurt, and realizing they are meant to be.
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked Remy and Hyde. I was a bit worried that Remy's mental health issues would be hard to read about, but in the present she is in a good spot and healthy. I definitely felt like Remy and Hyde were truly meant to be together. They were the only people who ever truly "got" each other and were each other's only loves. I enjoyed the fact that Remy was the one who chased Hyde as a kid, but that as an adult, he realized how great she was pretty quickly and was the persuer romantically. This was a good story with good writing, great characters with lots of depth, and lots of chemistry. I liked Hollyn, Hyde's daughter, and her part in the story, too.
Overalll, this was a really good book. I think I even liked it a bit more than book one and I am definitely enjoying this series. I look forward to more to come from Ms. Crownover in the future!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked Remy and Hyde. I was a bit worried that Remy's mental health issues would be hard to read about, but in the present she is in a good spot and healthy. I definitely felt like Remy and Hyde were truly meant to be together. They were the only people who ever truly "got" each other and were each other's only loves. I enjoyed the fact that Remy was the one who chased Hyde as a kid, but that as an adult, he realized how great she was pretty quickly and was the persuer romantically. This was a good story with good writing, great characters with lots of depth, and lots of chemistry. I liked Hollyn, Hyde's daughter, and her part in the story, too.
Overalll, this was a really good book. I think I even liked it a bit more than book one and I am definitely enjoying this series. I look forward to more to come from Ms. Crownover in the future!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
January 20, 2022
Prodigal son is the second book in the second generation of Marked Men/Saints of Denver series and this one was an emotional rollercoaster. Remy Archer has loved Hyde Fuller her entire life and one particular incident made him leave Denver for the military. For the next several years, Remy lived life as a nomad, going from city to city, trying out several different jobs, living carefree. When Remy finally decides to come back home and reconnect with her family, Hyde is also back in Denver with a baby in tow. In the first book, Remy was described as the wild Archer, the one who always did her own thing and never let anyone get in her way and in this book we discover that she has some mental health issues. While her mental health issue was a big part of the book and a big part of who she was, Remy didn't let it define her. Hyde was always a quiet kid and even as an adult he was still quiet but he now had a daughter, Hollyn to care for and being back in Denver, Remy was the one person he wanted back in his life. When they were young, Remy was always the one chasing after Hyde and now as adults, the tables had turned. At times I was frustrated with Hyde being reckless with Remy's feelings and what she might be going through with him just barging back into her life. But as I read the book, I realized that Remy was always it for Hyde, even though when he was younger he didn't know it yet. Both Remy and Hyde had to go through all that hurt, they had to reach rock bottom in order to build themselves back up and find their way back to each other. Zeb and Sayer made their appearances and they were still amazing parents to Hyde and even better grandparents to Hollyn. I was happy that Cora and Remy were able to fix what was broken in their relationship. I loved the relationship that Remy had with Zowen, they were the best siblings and had each other's backs. Cora and Rome did an amazing job with Remy and Zowen and they supported them no matter what they wanted to do. Daire was still going through it after the events of Fortunate Son and introducing Campbell into the mix was very interesting. I hope that we get more of him and Daire. Remy and Hyde's growth throughout the book was beautiful to read and they were a perfect fit because they've seen each other at their worst and they've found each other at a better time in their lives. I'm happy with the first two books so far and I can't wait for the rest in this series.
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