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Hometown #4
The Reason For it All
She’s Miss Independent. He’s the town’s biggest player. Will they make it out with their hearts intact?
JAXON
I knew it was a risk as soon as the words left my mouth.
“I’m marrying Tiana.”
She was gonna kill me.
After all, she’s my boy’s older sister.
And I was known around town for not settling down.
But when she asks me to help her out in exchange for marriage vows, I knew I could do it.
If there was one thing I could do, it was give it to her good.
But what happens when that’s not the only thing I’m giving away?
TIANA
Independent was my middle name.
I had a great job, great career, great life.
But I had one little problem that could only be solved by another person.
And I knew just the one: Jaxon James.
Jaxon was the town’s biggest player.
He was also my little brother’s best friend.
But when he asks me to help him out, and we get together, I start to wonder…
…will I escape this with my heart intact?
The Reason For it All is a brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience romance about a relationship born of unusual circumstances. It is the fourth full-length novel in the Hometown series and can be read as a standalone. Readers can expect lots of laughs, side eyes, and scenes that will burn up the pages.
JAXON
I knew it was a risk as soon as the words left my mouth.
“I’m marrying Tiana.”
She was gonna kill me.
After all, she’s my boy’s older sister.
And I was known around town for not settling down.
But when she asks me to help her out in exchange for marriage vows, I knew I could do it.
If there was one thing I could do, it was give it to her good.
But what happens when that’s not the only thing I’m giving away?
TIANA
Independent was my middle name.
I had a great job, great career, great life.
But I had one little problem that could only be solved by another person.
And I knew just the one: Jaxon James.
Jaxon was the town’s biggest player.
He was also my little brother’s best friend.
But when he asks me to help him out, and we get together, I start to wonder…
…will I escape this with my heart intact?
The Reason For it All is a brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience romance about a relationship born of unusual circumstances. It is the fourth full-length novel in the Hometown series and can be read as a standalone. Readers can expect lots of laughs, side eyes, and scenes that will burn up the pages.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
25 people are currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Marie
7 books92 followersCrisis handler by day and writer by night, Jessie often finds herself wrapped up in the tales of humanity. She cultivated an appetite for a good love story from the moment she read her first Sarah Dessen book, and it led to her desire to create some stories of her own.
When she’s not writing or providing resources for students at a small SoCal college, she can be found driving into the sunset while listening to the Foo Fighters, sinking her toes in the sand, or reveling in the beauty of a good meal. She also enjoys hanging out with her better half and her favorite tiny human.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, her website, Goodreads and Amazon.
When she’s not writing or providing resources for students at a small SoCal college, she can be found driving into the sunset while listening to the Foo Fighters, sinking her toes in the sand, or reveling in the beauty of a good meal. She also enjoys hanging out with her better half and her favorite tiny human.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, her website, Goodreads and Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 14, 2022
I don't even know how to write this review without gushing. But I'll try.
This book is definitely a contender for my favourite book ever. The setting, the characters, their interactions, and of course the romance was all amazing. Literally every piece of this book brought me closer to the characters and it was written so masterfully it pulled me right through the story. I never wanted to put it down. And when I did have to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.
The way with which the author exposes the history of the characters is so seamlessly done I barely realized it was happening. But the history these two characters had with each other, and the way that brought them together in this story, was both realistic and beautiful. I cannot get enough of "It's always been you" and this book was the perfect example of why.
Jaxton's player/dad vibes are impeccable and Tee's independent can-do attitude is challenged by his desire to love and help her. And the banter. The banter and teasing in this book is perfection. These two had everything.
If you like brother's best friend, very realistic marriages of convenience, that rivals-to-lovers style banter, or characters with a past, you will definitely love this book. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
Please note the content warnings as there are several heavy topics discussed. I thought they were all handled with great care, but they may still be difficult for some.
I received an advance copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary and honest review.
This book is definitely a contender for my favourite book ever. The setting, the characters, their interactions, and of course the romance was all amazing. Literally every piece of this book brought me closer to the characters and it was written so masterfully it pulled me right through the story. I never wanted to put it down. And when I did have to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.
The way with which the author exposes the history of the characters is so seamlessly done I barely realized it was happening. But the history these two characters had with each other, and the way that brought them together in this story, was both realistic and beautiful. I cannot get enough of "It's always been you" and this book was the perfect example of why.
Jaxton's player/dad vibes are impeccable and Tee's independent can-do attitude is challenged by his desire to love and help her. And the banter. The banter and teasing in this book is perfection. These two had everything.
If you like brother's best friend, very realistic marriages of convenience, that rivals-to-lovers style banter, or characters with a past, you will definitely love this book. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
Please note the content warnings as there are several heavy topics discussed. I thought they were all handled with great care, but they may still be difficult for some.
I received an advance copy of this book in order to facilitate my voluntary and honest review.
May 17, 2022
I received an ARC copy for an honest review. Jaxon and Tiana are high school class mates. Years later Tiana and Jaxon become a couple. They have great chemistry and are very compatible, but doubts and insecurities get in their way. Love isn’t worth having unless you fight for it with the right person. This story is very relatable for couples and relationships in general. Awesome story. I enjoyed reading this book. I definitely recommend this book and will be reading more from Jessie Marie.
April 28, 2022
Each time I open up a book by Jessie Marie I am blown away by her ability to put me so strongly inside every moment of the story, from both perspectives. The way she creates a bond between the reader and both genders, regardless of personality types or strengths, is absolutely magical. I find myself wishing she had more books out there that I could read, because I enjoy her work so much, and her latest novel is no different. Tiana and JJ are such real, charismatic, strong characters, I not only feel like I know them but I relate to them, I ache for them, I feel their joy and pain as my own. I LOVE watching empowered independent women find a true partner to share their burdens with, and Tiana is just amazing. And JJ, just *swoons* he is the epitome of patient, loyal, solid, single father goals, with sensitivity and emotions to boot. I love Jessie's ability to bring the characters to life, relatable and lovable, without making the reader feel guilty for identifying with the real life emotions and trials they face. I'm proud of being a dependable, independent woman, but that's a complex statement and so are many of the situations and emotions that arise because of that, and I related to her feelings without having to feel bad about them. This is such an incredibly well written, authentic love story. Her ability to relate and inspire across race lines, across gender, across so many self identifying categories, is incredible and possible because of the love, life, and realness this is written with.
February 23, 2023
Summary: Jaxon is Tiana’s brother’s best friend. He’s always given her a hard time—enjoying pushing her buttons. He’s also secretly had a crush on her for years. She’s secretly been crushing on him too. But it’s not until complicated legal family matters make it necessary for Jaxon to be married that they are in a situation where their real feelings can emerge.
Review: If you love stories with banter, you’ll love this book. Tiana and Jaxon’s back and forth is so much fun. I wanted them to be together from the first scene they shared because their chemistry was on fire.
It’s always going to be hard to come up with a plausible reason why people in the modern world would agree to a marriage of convenience, but Marie did a good job of grounding Jaxon’s reasoning in both his reality and his psychology. It’s clear why he thinks this is his best option. Why Tiana agrees feels less grounded. But this trope is a staple of the romance genre, so it’s easy enough to get wrapped up in the story and not pay too close attention to the logic.
I really like Tiana. She’s relatable and complex in a very human way—for instance, she’s super independent, and I don’t think she’d want to change that, but she also resents how everyone just assumes her independence and competence means they don’t need to worry about her and they can dump their burdens on her. At the same time, she loves her family deeply, so she wants to be there for them. That mix of emotions is so real.
Jaxon is great too. He’s perceptive, caring, and funny. He sees through Tiana’s armor and reaches out to her. It takes a while for her to allow herself to be vulnerable with him. He has his own issues to deal with, but ultimately, they are able to learn to be there for each other and it’s okay to be vulnerable and to be loved.
Review: If you love stories with banter, you’ll love this book. Tiana and Jaxon’s back and forth is so much fun. I wanted them to be together from the first scene they shared because their chemistry was on fire.
It’s always going to be hard to come up with a plausible reason why people in the modern world would agree to a marriage of convenience, but Marie did a good job of grounding Jaxon’s reasoning in both his reality and his psychology. It’s clear why he thinks this is his best option. Why Tiana agrees feels less grounded. But this trope is a staple of the romance genre, so it’s easy enough to get wrapped up in the story and not pay too close attention to the logic.
I really like Tiana. She’s relatable and complex in a very human way—for instance, she’s super independent, and I don’t think she’d want to change that, but she also resents how everyone just assumes her independence and competence means they don’t need to worry about her and they can dump their burdens on her. At the same time, she loves her family deeply, so she wants to be there for them. That mix of emotions is so real.
Jaxon is great too. He’s perceptive, caring, and funny. He sees through Tiana’s armor and reaches out to her. It takes a while for her to allow herself to be vulnerable with him. He has his own issues to deal with, but ultimately, they are able to learn to be there for each other and it’s okay to be vulnerable and to be loved.
June 19, 2022
This is the first book that I've read from Marie, and I am very impressed! One thing that I really dislike is the 'exposition dump', when authors start off the book by explaining everything that has happened to the characters, and why they are the way they are now. I loved how I learned a little bit more about the characters the more I read, and I just think that the small details and the thought that was put into this was wonderful. Overall, the plotline was great (to be fair, I'm a sucker for 'marriage of convenience' romances) and I loved the characters! I'm looking forward to reading more from Marie.
September 10, 2022
THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. I loved this story so much and found it so relatable. I have also found myself being miss independent but as I have grown in my life, I have begun to feel gratitude to share my feelings & my thoughts with the loving community in my life. And hoping one day to have a Jaxon of my own to share things with too. I loved these characters. This book made me cry, with tears of joy and love. I can’t wait to re-read this book and looking forward to checking out the rest of the series!
May 18, 2022
Tiana and Jaxon were dynamite together. Jaxon always loved Tiana since first meeting her in school. She was his best friend's sister. When Jaxon's father became ill and was dying, he needed to be married to take over custody of his mother who had mental issues. Jaxon asked Tiana for help, and she agreed. Deep in the back of her mind she knew that he was the one, even though she was trying to fight the feelings. I loved reading this story it was very well written.
May 22, 2022
I loved how well Tania and Jaxson’s characters were developed their connection and chemistry between them is awesome. The storyline has a great flow.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 12, 2022
The best in the series
This book flowed better than the other books. I didn't feel like there were a lot of unnecessary parts. I wish there was more about the specific details of the breakdown of her and Dre's relationship; maybe even a little interaction with baby mamas.
This book flowed better than the other books. I didn't feel like there were a lot of unnecessary parts. I wish there was more about the specific details of the breakdown of her and Dre's relationship; maybe even a little interaction with baby mamas.
March 11, 2023
I loved the premise of this book
The overall story was sweet and caring . I loved the characters and how they came to be. However the book felt mostly summarized. The parts where I wanted to really get into the book seemed to just pass by
The overall story was sweet and caring . I loved the characters and how they came to be. However the book felt mostly summarized. The parts where I wanted to really get into the book seemed to just pass by
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May 19, 2022**THE TIME HAS COME**
The Reason For it All is LIVE!!
Buy it now! Free in KU: https://tinyurl.com/4wxef85d
The Reason For it All is LIVE!!
Buy it now! Free in KU: https://tinyurl.com/4wxef85d
October 1, 2022
I'm freaking in love with JAXON! Oh my god, I love him. I love Tiana. I love the who freaking cast. This was an unexpectedly, great book, and now I have to finish the whole series.
February 4, 2023
Finding your way
It is the first time I’ve read anything from this author, and I enjoyed it. This couple took you on a journey of healing and self-discovery, I recommend.
It is the first time I’ve read anything from this author, and I enjoyed it. This couple took you on a journey of healing and self-discovery, I recommend.
November 3, 2023
Jaxon Was A Saint!!!
Wow, I truly did not like Tiana’s character. She was awful through and through. I don’t know how Jaxon dealt with her. She ruined the whole book for me.
Wow, I truly did not like Tiana’s character. She was awful through and through. I don’t know how Jaxon dealt with her. She ruined the whole book for me.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews