Say It's Forever

Redemption Hills #2

by A.L. Jackson

Jud Lawson found me stranded in the rain.

Broken down on the side of the road in a deserted neighborhood with my piece of crap car.

I wasn’t looking for a hero, and definitely not one who looks like him.

An obscenely hot, mountain-of-a-man who screams danger.

But I have little choice other than climbing onto the back of his bike.

One look at Salem Aguilar, and I’m hooked.

The girl is devastation wrapped in a black, seductive bow.

A knockout.

A dream.

Turns out, she needs a job, and I need the help.

Now I have a vixen strutting around my shop, and I’m the fool who’s itching to reach out and take what he can’t have.

But neither of us can ignore the burning attraction.

The fire that leads to a kiss.

A kiss that has us falling into my bed.

The connection that has me wanting the one thing I’d never thought I could have again.

Because monsters like me don’t deserve love.

Only Salem has a secret, too.

She’s been running for years, and her past just caught up to us…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Audiobook, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Dark

403 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2022

About the author

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, TIME RIVER, and MOONLIT RIDGE novels. Start your binge with the first book in her latest series, From Here to Eternity! A broody single dad, a heroine on the run, and all the steam and suspense!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE

Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
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Reviews

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 26%, but I have to write a review because I never want to accidentally pick up this book or author again. The majority of 4 and 5 star reviews for this confuse me.

First of all, the writing style is atrocious.
Sentence fragments.
Everywhere.
Infuriating.

Additionally, the "meet-cute" was completely unbelievable. #1, why is she wearing "Sky-high heels" to run to a pawn shop at 9 pm? Instead of giving Salem a ride to his shop/apartment, why didn't Jud just drive her home? Why didn't Salem ask to be dropped at the club to use the landline? If the rain was the issue, why didn't Jud offer to take her home in his truck that they parked next to?

The 5-year-olds spoke like Jar Jar Binks from Star Wars. I have actually worked with Kindergartners, and I have never met a single child that talked like that. In this story, there are 2 of them that speak this way. Has the author ever spent time with a human child?

This whole thing was a hot mess, and I couldn't continue.

[A.L. Jackson]

Say It's Forever is live!
Read Free with Kindle Unlimited

My loves! It is HERE! I am so excited to share SAY IT'S FOREVER with the world! I'm so in love with these beautiful characters, and I can't wait for you to fall in love with them, too!




Amazon and Kindle Unlimited: https://geni.us/SIFAmznOP

Audio – Narrated by Joe Arden and Andi Arndt: https://geni.us/SIFAudioOP

Signed Paperbacks & Hardbacks: https://geni.us/SIFPaperbackOP

Enter the release giveaway: https://geni.us/SIFReleaseGvwy

"Oh my heart and my soul......this book took both and I'm never getting them back!"
-Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic


Dark, gritty and undeniably sexy, this romance stole my heart and didn’t let go until the very end.
-Kelly, Goodreads Reviewer

[Andy ₊✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a second book in the series and while I wasn’t a fan of the first one I did have fun while reading this baby. Single mom and broody bearded MMC ? Count me IN !❤️❤️

The thing about A.L. JAckson is that you feel as if reading the same book on repeat only with different names. I swear that even the spicy scenes are the SAME 😀. I don’t mind since I never binge them. Just reading it as a palette cleanser one at the time🤷‍♀️.

Listen , this isn’t work of art it is just great relax and fun . So if you can glaze over the phrases such as “ those big BIG hands” , “his emerald gaze “ or “ her thunderbolt gaze “ , and don’t let me forget “ tight little body” you are fine 🙏😂.

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have you."
Three little words that hold so much in them. Something we've all wanted, and needed, to hear at least once in our lives. Something many of us never did.
I thought Trent, from the previous book in the series, was special, but Jud… Jud was everything, and more.

"Black-fuckin'-magic."
This book was magical for me. Black, or white, magic, I don't care. I didn't want to stop reading. I feel like Amy's books have some magic of their own, one that wraps you up and doesn't let you go, that breaks you and pulls you back together. I feel it every single time.
This is definitely on my top for 2022.

"Where I felt the world falling away and the steady beat of this man taking its place."
Jud is grumpy and growly. Violent and strong. Guarded and distant. Broken. Messed up. And swoony. Amazing. Protective. And oh-so-lovable. I was in love with this man from chapter one, and I fell deeper and deeper as the story went on. Regardless of how strong you look on the outside, you may still need saving. You may still need protection from the demons that come knocking from time to time.

"Since the moment I found you, you've been the only thing I could see."
Salem was nothing short of incredible. Maybe she's been beaten down, but she rises every time. She's brave, she's a survivor. But like many survivors, trust is not easy to come by for her. You need to earn her trust, break down her walls, and show her you're really there. And even there, there's a chance she won't believe you.
Can you blame her?

"We're a mess.
"A beautiful fuckin' mess"
I loved the way they met. I loved how fate seemed to play a part and pushed them together one fateful stormy night. Two people trying to outrun the demons from their pasts, and failing. Two people so deserving of love, who never really got it, who never had someone love them for who they really are, not who they could be. Not who anyone else wanted them to be.
I loved how they tiptoed around each other, trying to ignore what's there. 

"I will burn the world down for you.".
More than anything, I loved how they really saw each other. How they feel in love with each others' goodness, but also the bad things inside. The attraction between them, the tension, the stolen moments, the staring across the room… until they couldn't deny it anymore.
Until everything else faded away.
But what happens when the past comes back and tries to take away what they have? How far will they go to protect each other?

"And I kissed her as my heart found its rightful place. Kissed her hard. Kissed her fierce. Kissed her until she was the only thing I could see."
Jud and Salem were two souls lost in the darkness looking for the light, for redemption, for forgiveness. For love, the kind of love that's all-encompassing and makes everything better. That shows you you're worthy, real, that makes you feel seen and shows you you matter.
The kind of love that is its own kind of magic.

This was the perfect emotional ride, and I'm so happy to have been on it. Jud and Salem will be on my mind for a long time.

[Ashleyjo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the cover!

The book itself is okay if you don’t mind the second love niche + kids + slow, angsty revolving emo door niches.

Writing

🌦While the writing isn’t technically correct, it’s stylized to be snappy. Half sentences galore. One word expounds. There’s a lyrical feel to it that’s somewhat akin to pop song lyrics. Example:

Shield my heart from the call that screamed every bit as loud as the sirens that had blared through the building. As loud as the instinct that told me I had to go. That I could never stay. That for me, there was no such thing as home. But my spirit? It thrashed. A riot that gripped my insides. It ravaged the hollow space that could never be filled. “Go,” I whimpered, to him, to myself, to this feeling that welled up. But it only grew. Clouding judgement. Obliterating reason.

☔️Sometimes, it gets a little too frufru. Sometimes, the author is just doing too much…

She was reminded of it when Darius shot her another glare from across the throbbing room where…

^ The “throbbing” room. That’s a first for me 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️😳

☀️I liked that the flashbacks were in third person and the present tense was first person … I haven’t seen that done before, and I think it really set off the here vs then moods. That said, these could’ve, should’ve been much shorter and to the point. A good bit of it didn’t add anything to character development nor plot understanding.

⛈The meet in chapters one and two gets a little repetitive in thought. You have a line of dialogue followed by the shock, awe, lust, and denial. Another line of dialogue followed by the same thoughts. And so on and so on. He’s the shiznet, but you don’t know him…you’re attracted to him, but you won’t act on it. <—- Got it without that on repeat between each dialogue. Same with him… she’s bewitching, but she’s afraid, which means she’s a no-go. Got it without thinking it 3,000 times.

By the end, the whole black magic shit was just tiresome. Having the same thought, line over and over (21 times) isn’t entertaining nor developing.

Moving ON…

🌟 I think chapter three was my fav part. Cute. *Smirks* I wish all the chapters had this cute snappy flow to them.

🌊Something about his mantra … I have you, Salem. is very swoony. Repetitive… yes, but at least it’s kind of romantic. Simple, but it just conveys everything. Same with “Run to me,” .. it’s simple, yet, I feel the truth and emotion behind it.

🌬By the 30-40% mark, we are still on the repeat of ‘want you, but can’t have you/don’t deserve you.’ <—— That’s getting extremely stale.

Laced in is the suspense of why he thinks he’s such a bad guy -and- why the FMC spent four years running from something/someone. It’s basically a shitload of emo baggage, and it’s written okay - little pieces here and there.

The characters are just okay. They’re not annoying. They’re respectable. They have okay chemistry. But the characters seemed to be defined by events, not actual thought and feeling progression~

SPOILER…

At 45%, the curtain is starting to be pulled back on his past. ⚠️Spoiler⚠️- you learn he was/is madly in love with the mother of his child, who was also his wife. He grew up in a criminal element and tried to change his life for her. He slipped up and confessed to it, which caused her to run with their child. As he tells that to the FMC, it’s clear that a large part of his hesitation to move past friends (with or without benefits) is that he is waiting and hoping for his wife and child to return. Eek… second round love isn’t my jam.

HALFWAY into the book, I don’t want to read about a long lost OW love. It destroyed my enjoyment of this book, and this should have been labeled and/or blurbed as a “second love” so that readers like myself could avoid it. I hate wondering who was the greater love. I hate wondering if this is just his hero complex to make up for the past or if the connection is real.

Slowly, the OW thing just kinda fades into his mental background, making the OW and his child an almost forgotten thought. It came off like a replacement insta family. Didn’t like how that entire plot played out.

Same with the son… sure the twist was well done in that all the pieces made sense, but I just didn’t care for how it was all portrayed.

⚠️End SPOILER⚠️


By 70%, I’ve become bored. Emo is progressing to slow and steady acceptance that they’re more than friends 🙄 well duh~

50-70% also has a lot of kid scene times. It became a little too 🧀 for me. I mean… there’s 18 pages devoted to the FMC’s daughter getting a bike and racing with the MMC’s nephew. <——Overwriting, fluffy, boring.

The end is rather lackluster. There are a couple of surprises, but the climax is over just as fast as it begun. The Kye wrap up was also very ehhh, mehhh … afterthought.

OVERALL

I would NOT have started this had I known it was second-love.

MC angst via emo baggage. Slow burn.

Author makes twists believable, even if not likable.

Repetitive thoughts.

Heavily focused on kids. Too much for my taste.

End felt rushed and wasn’t emotionally moving.

Insta family felt like a substitute HEA, and I didn’t like how this part of the storyline progressed and ended.

Everything is a little too easy.

2.5 stars for the creativity. This isn’t a “bad” book, but it wasn’t a good book for me personally.

[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Black-fuckin’-magic' Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


I had the pleasure of reading my first full length book by A.L. Jackson at the end of last year. A few chapters into Give Me a Reason, I knew she would become one of my auto-buy authors and I was not mistaken. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of the second book in the series and it was PERFECTION from start to finish. Just as good as the first one and it made me fall in love all over again with this beautiful crew of characters. You are simply not ready for Jud and Salem and their intense chemistry!

So, as I mentioned, Say It’s Forever is the second installment in Jackson’s Redemption Hills series and it’s a closed proximity / single-parent romance. We met the Lawson brothers in the first one and now it’s time for Jud to have his happy ending. Enter Salem Aguilar and the cutest girl ever Juniper a.k.a. Juni-bee. Salem and her child need a new life, they’ve been hiding for a long time and it finally seems this is their place. Salem starts working for Jud and sparks start flying. Both broken by the past, they try to ignore their connection but it’s basically impossible. Is love enough to keep Salem from running again? Is love enough to heal Jud’s heartbreaking past?

I wanted her in a way that wasn’t right. In a way that slanted dangerous. In a way that was at odds with every damned thing I’d been living for.

I am seriously amazed. I knew this author would likely do a very good job following the first installment, but I got even more of what I was expecting. Say It’s Forever surely follows a different theme / troupe but it’s just as amazing as Give Me a Reason. This love story is so beautiful, so emotional, so sexy and oh-so-heartbreaking. Jud and Salem are not ready for the intense connection they feel for one another. They are still facing demons from their pasts and it’s not easy for either of them to open up. But that spark is stronger than they are. And with the help of an adorable cutie and a family that loves them both, it’s impossible not to act on their feelings. And when that happens? PURE FIRE. The chemistry between this couple burns the pages and it gets even better when they accept their fate. After so much hurt and secrets, Jud and Salem (and their families) can finally enjoy their relationship and their much-deserved happiness.

“I never expected you… to find someone who would make me dream beyond the hope of only surviving.”

Therefore, I am rating Say It’s Forever with 5 STARS because this book made me fall in love with these characters all over again. I love the Lawson brothers and their interactions as a family and, of course, I loved the new additions to the series. Salem and Juni-bee are so adorable, and I am so glad they melted Jud’s heart with their love. This love story is brilliant from start to finish and this crew of characters will definitely steal your heart. I cannot wait to read more of this series, and I am so excited Logan’s story is next!

[crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was EVERYTHING 😭🤍 i am obsessed. IN LOVE! jud and salem were the sweetest f*cking thing ever… this book gave all the safe haven but make it single mom vibes. i love these two so damn much. this book had me TEARING UP!

(actual review)
you guys, i just found a new favorite book of all time… i kid you not, i did not want this book to ever end😭 it’s the way the next day, after i had finished this book and i was at work, I CAUGHT MYSELF THINKING ABOUT THIS DANG BOOK! THATS HOW AMAZING IT IS TO ME.

aNyWAys! say it’s forever is the second book in the redemption hills series and i knew from reading give me a reason, that i was going to LOVEE jud’s book because my gosh, that man 😩 im literally fanning myself as i type this. THIS MAN. JUD FREAKING LAWSON, IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST MOST HOTTEST MEN I HAVE EVER READ ABOUT. the way he would insist on taking care of her, opening her doors, carrying her, being there for her 24/7… I COULD KEEP GOING. and my girl salem 🥺 the love i have for this woman. salem has went through the absolute worst things a person could go through and she still woke up every damn day, did her motherly duties and kept up with being the baddest b!tch. i am in loveee with jud and salem. these two will forever have my entire heart and writing this review is making me emo asf because i miss them and they deserve all the happiness in the world. TRULY. when two people who have been through such terrors come together and make each other happy just does something to me🥹🤍

[GigiReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- The writing is atrocious. Sentences written.
Like this.
Drive me insane.
And...
Make my eye.
Twitch.

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first AL Jackson book and it will not be my last!! Man do I love Judd so much. This book hit all the spots. Single mom. Bad boy with tats that rescues her in the rain🥺. Suspenseful storyline and hella sexy! This audio was fire! I wonder what my next ALJ book will be?

[Melissa ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart and my soul......this book took both and I'm never getting them back! AL has done it again, given us a couple that may be BROKEN but together is nothing but PERFECTION!

"Tangled in a beat. Held in a moment. Something powerful lit in my veins. Need. Possession. Girl was nothing but an enchantress. Black-fuckin’-magic. Because what she had me feeling wasn’t possible."

Jud Lawson has demons and he's vowed to hide them, keep them buried because they cost him what he loved most......his heart. Salem has been through hell from the one person who vowed to love her, she refuses to let that life touch her one and only purpose! These two broken souls had my heart breaking for what they had been through but when the sparks and explosive chemistry ignited, I was enthralled..... absolutely spellbound.

“Sometimes the scariest journeys are the ones where the lost finally find the right path to lead them home.”

“Some choose light in this life, Salem, others choose darkness. And some? Some get lost along the way, but inside of them, they burn with the fire of goodness.”

This story embedded it's way into my heart with the sweet Juni Bee, sassy Mimi and all the characters from Give Me A Reason. This was about learning to trust again when everything previously in life had broken that trust leaving you with walls in place. If you want a book that will wreck you in the best way possible than grab this UNPUTDOWNABLE, HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL story that will leave you with ALL THE FEELS!

“Say it’s forever. It’s forever, baby. Today, tomorrow, and always.”

I've LOVED everything that AL has written but there's something about this series, something that has grabbed me heart, mind and soul that just won't let go and will definitely stay with me for months to come. This is one story that will without a doubt be on my TOP READS list for 2022!

[Catherine Cowles]

There is no one who writes angst with an edge of suspense like A.L. Jackson. I was hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put this book down. Say It’s Forever is heartachingly emotional with chemistry that burns up the pages and the perfect punches of humor.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 43%
This was terrible. The writing, the characters, the meet-cute, so many plot holes, the dialogues, the run on sentences, the fragment sentences, the dramatic writing style. Did I mention the writing?

I'm not a fan of purple prose but depending on the romance subgenre I can tolerate it. In a contemporary romance though? Hard no. A biker type dude spewing nonsensical flowery mystical shit is not as cute or enticing or enigmatic as the author probably intended to make him. The fantasy related verbiage was plain ridiculous in this context. It could have been a thing, MAYBE, if the author hadn't made it a farce by using it so damn much.

I swear if I had to read Jud mutter one more time "black fuckin' magic" or "I have you" or call the female character his "enchantress" I would have gone mad.

The main character regurgitating over and over the same catch phrase pretty much had the opposite effect I assume the author intended it to have. It takes away any significance, it turns it into a joke, a gimmick.

I was lured by the promise of the single mom saved by the possessive alpha trope but was promptly chased away by the verbose and honestly ridiculous writing style. Writing aside, their meet cute and character development were severely lacking. I made it halfway through by skimming some.
I remember enjoying some of this author books some years back, long time ago. Not sure I'd want to try another one after reading this.

[Tia Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh... starting a new AL Jackson book is like curling up with a warm blanket in front of the fire. It's the promise of a swoony, sexy, unforgettable story, and a world you never want to leave... SAY IT'S FOREVER is no different.

This book is everything I love--a fierce, wounded alpha-protector, a cautious single-mother on the run, a touch of suspense and a ton of heat. I could not stop reading, and when I absolutely had to (darn sleep!), I couldn't wait to get back. Jud and Salem's story is EVERYTHING. I can't recommend it enough.

[Brie (briereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Thunderbolt Stars!!! RTC on this AMAZING read!

Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Next time you get scared? Next time you want to run? Promise me you'll run to me."

What a freaking fantastic book! I absolutely loved Jud & Salem's story, and this is my favorite in the series so far. This book deserves all the praise!

Jud is the absolute sweetest! He is caring, a fierce protector, and would do absolutely anything for those he loves. His interactions with his nephew Gabe were adorable. I love how his brother Trent and Eden, who I am happy we got to see what they're up to, welcomed Salem with open arms, and would protect her at all costs.

Jud and Salem are 100% made for each other. I loved how they met, their interactions and stolen moments together. He says the sweetest things to Salem and all his little nicknames for her are swoony 😍 They're on fire together.

Salem is feisty!! I loved when they first met and how feisty she was with him! She's hesitant about Jud, and not sure if she can trust him, which is understandable with everything she's gone through. But she's strong and a survivor. She's also a fierce protector and would do anything for those she loves.

As always, Amy does a fantastic writing in suspense, connecting her characters in a way that has you guessing the entire time! She writes beautifully poetic stories, and I can't get enough of them!

Cannot wait for the next two books!

ARC audio in exchange for honest review.

[Sara Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my little heart! I’m not crying, you are 😭😭

I’m LOVING this series so much and cannot wait for the next book already. Salem Aguilar and Jud Lawson really hooked me in from the first chapter. I mean they have such great piping hot chemistry and an unbelievable connection. Jud is such a great guy, no matter what he thinks of himself. He’s sweet, an unstoppable protector, sexy, and selfless. Salem, I just loved her from the get-go. She is one tough cookie, fierce, relentless and always trying to make the absolute best life for her daughter. I’m not the biggest fan of single parent romances, but with this series it seems to be just perfect. All of the characters so far in the series are all great. I want to know all of their backstories. These Lawson men really get your heart pumping. It’s a big old yep from me!!! And this audiobook?!?! AMAZING! It’s so delicious and heart pounding. If you’re looking for a book that you won’t be able to put down, will put you through an emotional ringer and is masterfully written, then this is a great book for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is without a doubt the best that AL Jackson has ever written! I've read and loved every single one of her books. I'm a complete fangirl and love her writing style immensely, so I'm not messing around with this statement. She brought it with this book.

I'm here for all things Redemption Hills! Gah, it was completely and totally amazeballs. These three brothers have got it going on. I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series. Is it too early to start stalking/begging for another book when this one literally just came out.

So, here's what you get:
A woman on the run
Instant attraction
Off the charts chemistry
Beyong gorgeous writing and storytelling
Always, cute kids who melt your heart
Family connections
And all the freaking feels and emotions
With a tiny side of gut punch

It is perfection! Grab it now!!

[Book Maniac Forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 "I Have You" Stars ⭐️
Wow! I have no words right now! I just finished reading Say It’s Forever and I’m still reeling from all the feels! Seriously, this story was mesmerizing and one of the best I've read from A.L. Jackson! It's always a great experience to read this author with her poetic writing style that delivers emotion with such efficiency and intensity! It gives me chills every single time!

Jud and Salem's story was so heartbreakingly beautiful and raw, but at the same time sweet and hopeful. The connection between this couple was so potent. Their first meeting had me hooked right away and all through my read I was captivated by these two broken souls.

Salem has been in hiding for years, always afraid for her and her daugther's safety. She hasn't been living, only surviving. Jud is still haunted by his dark and gruesome past. He's blaming himself for his deplorable decisions and doesn't think he deserves something good in his life. Both protagonists fight their growing feelings for each other, but their pull toward each other is undeniable. I loved every interaction between these two. I enjoyed that the heaviness in their shared moments was well balanced by the lightness of Juniper, Salem's daugther. That little cutie was adorable and had me smiling a lot. Her easy friendship with Gage was so endearing. It was really nice to get more of Trent and Eden too.

Beyond the high level of romance in this novel, the intrigue and suspense gripped me wholly. I was dying for more details about Salem and Jud's pasts to better understand them in the present and the threats planning on their lives. The big reveals at the end of the story were a real surprise.

This second novel in the Redemption Hills Series was another hit! Say It's Forever was compelling by it's complex characters, magnetic story line and elegant prose! I'm now so ready for Never Look Back, Logan's story!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!Amazon US * Amazon UK

I finished this book a day ago but needed some time to think on it because I have a lot to say but I don't know how to actually put my feelings into words. There were so many strong emotions in this book and I loved it and the journey Salem and Jud took me on. There were so many cute moments between them, some really hot swoony ones with Jud being all possessive, and then some twists that I didn't see coming. It was a lot and every part of their story was amazing to read. 

The connection between Salem and Jud is what I expected from Ms. Jackson who never fails to make me fall in love with her couples. They were definitely meant to be together but it wasn't an easy time they had which just made me like them more. Getting to see them fight for one another truly pointed out just how perfect they were for each other.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[magaly · Rating 2 out of 5]

my biggest issue with this book was the writing. i got major kevin from the office vibes and his whole “why waste time say lot word when few word do trick.” i genuinely don’t know how else to describe the writing 🥴 and the writing was also too pretty and poetic and i definitely didn’t like that 😐 this book would have also been much shorter if there weren’t so many one word paragraphs.

i also feel like the big thing revealed at the end was kind of glossed over, which was really disappointing.

another thing, how hard is it for authors to include how old each character is???? those are details i would actually like to know 😭

[Books Wine and Besties · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST FINISHED THE AUDIO. I AM IN AWE. THIS STORY WAS INCREDIBLE. INCREDIBLE.

AUDIOBOOKS LOVERS. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET IT!. I SERIOUSLY HAD TO PAUSE JUST BECAUSE MY HEART WAS BEATING SO FAST. I FELT LIKE I WAS IN A MOVIE THEATER AND THE SOUND WAS SO LOUD YOU FELT IT IN YOUR BODY. JACKSONS WORDS WERE JUST BOUNCING AROUND CAUSING ME TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE.

Hands down one of the best audios I have ever listened to. I went into this one blind. Do the same. Wow. Just wow.

[Susan Staudinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black. F*ck’n. Magic. That’s what A.L. Jackson spins with such exquisite finesse when she wields her artistic wand to create Jud and Salem’s wickedly sexy, spellbinding romance. Theirs is a magnificently bewitching tale that had my heart racing and goosebumps rising! Simply put, “Say It’s Forever” is pure perfection in all its sinful, seductive glory!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5, I have you, Stars!

“Attraction was something you couldn’t control. It was instant. Unstoppable. Awakened in a beat before you even knew what was happening.”

“All of us need someone on our side. Someone to lean on when times get tough.”

“Sometimes the scariest journeys are the ones where the lost finally find the right path to lead them home.”

“Some choose light in this life, Salem, others choose darkness. And some? Some get lost along the way, but inside of them, they burn with the fire of goodness.”

“Say it’s forever. ” “It’s forever, baby. Today, tomorrow, and always. “

Trying to find the words to articulate what I’m feeling right now and I’m coming up empty. I’m speechless. I’m in awe. I am totally blown away. Say It’s Forever is an instant favorite and top read. This story is fire. It’s romance. It’s the definition of true love. Jud and Salem and absolute magic.

Say It’s Forever is the kind of story that consumes you from the very first page. The characters will capture your heart and burrow themselves into your soul, making you connect with them on a deeper level that you just never saw coming.

There is something just incredibly special about an A.L. Jackson novel. When you pick it up, you know you’re about to go on a life-changing, soul-searing journey and this book is no exception. A.L. Jackson’s lyrical and spellbinding writing never disappoints and always leaves readers salivating for more.

There is so much I wish to say about this book. I want to shout from the rooftops what a beautiful and heartbreaking story this is. I’m crying all of the happy tears right now. This story was so beautiful and just so much more than I ever expected. I honestly never saw it coming. The characters are real and raw. They’re beautifully broken, unforgettable, and written with so much depth. Their story is so intense, it will consume every fiber of your being. In true A.L. Jackson fashion, she has written an incredible story that will stick with you long after you reach “The End”.

No good love story would be without its share of ups and downs, and boy do Jud and Salem get put through the wringer. Their story is tough. It will tug at your heart and at times, make you feel like your heart is being ripped out of your chest. But, I promise you, the journey is so worth it.

Say It’s Forever is a heartbreaking and beautiful second chance romance. It’s filled with pain, intensity, and love. The twists and turns will knock you off your feet and when the pieces of the puzzle finally come together, you’ll be left breathless. Al Jackson has really outdone herself with this book. This is a definite top read for 2022!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

[Vanessa (nessreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear lord what a ride, wow. I knew this was going to be an emotional one, but I didn’t know to what extent. What I do know is that I’d go through every emotion just to get to experience Salem and Jud’s journey all over again.

Salem was amazing and courageous and fierce. She’s loyal and would do anything and everything for the people who mean the most to her. She’s been through so much but that’s only made her tougher. She’s a fighter and a survivor and I loved her.

Jud ruined me. He was such an incredible man. In his eyes because of the things he’s done he knows he isn’t good, but my gosh he’s so wrong. Jud is so caring and selfless and a protector. He would put his life on the line for his loved ones in a second. He has a big heart and I fell so hard for him.

Salem and Jud were a force. The chemistry they had was explosive and downright electric. Two broken souls wandering and seeking a way out of the darkness and not knowing that in each other they’d find that light they so desperately needed. They both deserved a life full of happiness and never-ending love. They each stole a piece of my heart as did Juni Bee, I loved them so much.

Say It’s Forever brought all the emotions and then some. A heartbreakingly beautiful and all-consuming story about learning to trust again and having faith that one day love will heal and mend the broken parts the heart endured. An exceptional and phenomenal romance that I won’t soon forget.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Tenley]

DNF at 39%.

This book is free on KU and there are a lot of good reviews for it on GR. I got a bad feeling after page 4 but I decided to keep going based on these two factors. Finally, at 39% I had to call it. Right afterward, I searched for reviews with spoilers and realized I saved myself some misery.

Here’s the thing: I was willing to overlook the author’s attempts at lyricism in every other sentence but her sentence fragments and choppy dialog were causing me to itch.

The hero sounded like a moronic Neanderthal most of the time.

Exhibit A: “Want to paint you.”



K Tarzan, not only is that creepy, it also sounds ridiculous.

Like, I get it, Kristen Ashley has written five-hundred-page novels without ever using a personal pronoun but that doesn’t mean other authors should follow suit.

The plot is also a disaster. For a heroine with a secretive past who supposedly “trusts no one” and is ready to run over a shadow, she sure didn’t mind sharing her real name and photo with the hunky STRANGER. She also allowed her daughter, her only reason for living, to go have sleepover at a house with a couple she didn’t really know.



Also, the dialog between the H and h is cringe-y AF.

Sorry, I just can’t.

I mean I could… but I would need to be very drunk to do it.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Say It's Forever (Redemption Hills #2) by A L Jackson
Book two in the Redemption Hills series I and can be read as a stand alone. I was riveted from the first to the last chapter and had a hard time putting this one down when real life got in the way.
Say It’s Forever is Jud Lawson and Salem Aguilar’s story and these are characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into. The chemistry that sizzles between Jud and Salem was intense and there were times that he was totally swoon worthy. I loved how protective and caring he was of Salem. Offering Salem a job, although he knows she has secrets, he cannot help but be attracted to her. However what happens when her past comes back to haunt her?
There were also numerous twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat whilst reading. Although he wasn’t looking for love, Jud quickly realizes that he has serious feelings for the secretive Salem. What will happen when they are revealed? Will it bring them together or rip them apart?
One click and find out.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 or 3 ⭐️
I loved the first book, but this was one felt super repetitive. It also felt similar to the first book, the tropes were similar.

Loved the beginning of them meeting and then figuring out their feelings for each other.

Sometimes the writing kept over
emphasizing the world in my opinion and just seemed unnecessary. I was okay with Jud saying “black magic” for the first few chapters, but then it really started to annoying me. I swear it was said 20 times in each of his chapters.

I first started reading this one then switched over to the audiobook, and I swear children’s dialogues should not be read by an adult trying to do a child voice. It just sounds so unrealistic and the sentences and words the kids would say just threw me off.

Really wish I liked this one just as much as the first one…

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

***AVAILABLE NOW***

4 STARS

Says It’s Forever is your standard AL Jackson novel - woman who is fighting for survival, and broken man who wants to help her, and usually a cute kid.

I will say I wasn’t expecting the plot twist in this one. It made it really enjoyable overall.

Audiobook Review

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Jud and Salem's story...for the most part.

I think the parallel with the past storyline didn't work in this one. It gives away the 'mystery' the author is trying to go for.

I also get that these two both have tragic pasts if you will. BUT...do we have to always have the running away still??? Why can't they just find one another, they heal one another, he protects her, she accepts it, they deal with issue, and then live HEA?!?!? I hate the constant running from the FMCs in books.

But honestly, what really got under my skin in this book were the kids'. God, I feel like this author hasn't been around kids that are 5, because for the love of all that's holy, THEY DON'T TALK LIKE THIS!!!!! Gage and Juni both sound like they are no older than 3 in these books. I was really hoping the author would fix this from the first book, but she decided to make it worse by giving us 2 in this one. I'm crossing my fingers that the next book has zero children, because I just can't do that in these books anymore with this author.

I'm still going to continue with the series because I do enjoy some of the other parts of the books.

[Nihan D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sürekli tekrar eden kelimeler ve cümleler yüzünden okumakta zorlandım. Eğer hikaye akıcı olmasaydı bırakırdım herhalde. Ama bu seriyi seviyorum o yüzden okumaya devam edeceğim.

[alexa | bookishbabez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's forever, baby. Today, tomorrow, and always.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐|5
🌶️🌶️🌶️|5

GENRE: dark // suspense // former mc romance
TROPES: tortured hero/heroine // single parent // second chance // small town romance
POV: dual
TW: physical and mental abuse (not by H) // unaliving
CLIFFHANGER: no!
HEA: fuck yes

Easily one of my favorite books to ever exist. would give it an infinite amount of stars if I could. sweet baby fuckin' jesus. Jud and Salem's story had me in a chokehold. I loved this book with my whole heart and soul. Cried throughout and especially when it was over. I was reeling for a while 😫

What's funny to me is that I've been eyeing Give Me a Reason for a while now and when I requested this book for an ARC, I didn't even realize they were connected. so it was a pleasant surprise to see they were because now GMAR will be at the top of my TBR list.

It's really hard putting how much I love this book into words, so if I'm all over the place, blame AL JACKSON AND HER BLACK MAGIC.

Jud and Salem are broken. shattered. Both trying to escape their violent pasts and move on to something better. Jud because of the things he's done. Salem for her little five year old, Juniper aka Juni Bee 🖤

MC romances are my top three favorite genres, so I was loving Jud being raised in a motorcycle club with his brothers. After getting out, Jud and his brothers, Trent and Logan, moved to Redemption Hills where he bought his garage, Iron Side. Working on bikes puts him at peace and seeing it just made my heart happy.

The story starts with Salem's car breaking down in the rain and it just so happens that Jud is going home that way. Being the SWEET, GOOD MAN he is, he decides to stop and help her. The sparks fly immediately with them and it just builds from there.

I thought she could cast a spell with a glance. Hypnotize and mesmerize. Could feel it— some kind of magic that floated in the air. Enchantress.

As the story goes on we get all these little flashbacks from their past, which shows us why Salem is running and why Jud feels plagued and tormented by what he's done. Their pasts are messy. They're not ready to love. What they've been through is heart-wrenching and grim and hellish, but to watch them work through their traumas, lean on and heal one another was hauntingly, devastatinglyyyyyyyy and heartbreakingly beautiful. The way A.L. Jackson writes is almost poetic. It almost feels like you experience all these moments with them.

"We're a mess, Jud."
"Yeah, a beautiful fucking mess."

Can't forget to talk about the side characters. I cannot wait to go back and read book one, so that I can see how Trent and Eden came together. We love a broody, single dad over here! I also CANNOT wait to see where Logan ends up in all this and WHO he ends up with. Mimi, Salem's grandma is a peach. She is hilarious and sweet and loyal and gives Salem the push she needs to let our man in. Juni is an actual angel and I love her relationship with Trent's son, Gage in the Cage. DONCHA KNOW? Okay and Tessa, Eden's friend. I hope we get her book and I'm wondering if she ends up with a certain bouncer???

I will leave you with one of my favorite swoony things Jud says to Salem. Like, I legitimately get butterflies when he says it-
Asked the next time you felt the urge to run, that you would run to me. Run to me, baby.

I JUST CANNOT HANDLE THIS MOUNTAIN MAN. to think that he believes himself to be bad is comical. COMICAL. he is incredible in every way. okay, I'm done.


I truly hope we get at least five more books from the
Redemption Hills series because I NEED THEM like I need my next breath.


[I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions and words are my own.]