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Aaren
Every small town has its secrets. The people of Penns Point, Kentucky, are no different. They've always protected their own. Aaren Robinson hadn't exactly run away—thrown out was more like it, when she was barely eighteen. From that day forward she turned her back on the past and constructed a perfect life for herself in New York City, one where she was in charge of her destiny. Now, she's returned home, to honor the father who'd never loved her, and lay him to rest alongside the mother she'd barely known. It will put her face to face with the secrets of the past, and also with Jarrod Pennington, the one she should have been warned about.
Aaren is the story of a woman's journey to understanding her own heart, and the powerful ties of first love.
Aaren is the story of a woman's journey to understanding her own heart, and the powerful ties of first love.
323 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2010
46 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Ford
4 books19 followersAlso writes under the pen name Sienna Mynx
T.A. Ford was born in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida and began writing at the early age of eight. The oldest of two children with a schoolteacher for a mother, she was taught the power of words and of the countless adventures that could be found between the pages of a book.
T.A. Ford was born in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida and began writing at the early age of eight. The oldest of two children with a schoolteacher for a mother, she was taught the power of words and of the countless adventures that could be found between the pages of a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 15, 2015
SUCH a great read! This was very much like any well written mainstream romance with a flgood murder mystery at its roots.
Aaren and Jarrod fell in love as teens. Their back story is told throughout the first half of the book and the history is given in plenty of time to give you an idea of who they were to each other and why their past is really an obstacle. We have a semi rural community that, even while race relations were ok, when shit hit the fan lines were drawn. All of this well before our two leads meet and fall in love, but the ripple effect of that night and its secrets have everything to do with what drove them apart.
This was nearly a five star for me but I didn't quite like some of the choices made in the last third of the book in regards to Aaren's first husband and how things shook out with him.
I liked the fact that for every seemingly obvious turn the story took, the author chose to have the leads make a different than expected choice- not the same old same when it comes to romance 101. I also loved that once we were introduced to Jarrod the man vs the teen, his love for Aaren was unquestionable and he didn't give a damn who knew it- ever. Aaren was likable in that she had walls that were understandable and a backbone whenever one was needed.
This book was on my radar for well over a year and it actually turned out to be engrossing enough to keep my attention while on vacation this week. I returned to it every chance I got between sight seeing and enjoulying the beach with 4 rowdy kids if that tells you anything. I will be looking for more novels by this author. Thanks to Taida for the loan!!
Aaren and Jarrod fell in love as teens. Their back story is told throughout the first half of the book and the history is given in plenty of time to give you an idea of who they were to each other and why their past is really an obstacle. We have a semi rural community that, even while race relations were ok, when shit hit the fan lines were drawn. All of this well before our two leads meet and fall in love, but the ripple effect of that night and its secrets have everything to do with what drove them apart.
This was nearly a five star for me but I didn't quite like some of the choices made in the last third of the book in regards to Aaren's first husband and how things shook out with him.
I liked the fact that for every seemingly obvious turn the story took, the author chose to have the leads make a different than expected choice- not the same old same when it comes to romance 101. I also loved that once we were introduced to Jarrod the man vs the teen, his love for Aaren was unquestionable and he didn't give a damn who knew it- ever. Aaren was likable in that she had walls that were understandable and a backbone whenever one was needed.
This book was on my radar for well over a year and it actually turned out to be engrossing enough to keep my attention while on vacation this week. I returned to it every chance I got between sight seeing and enjoulying the beach with 4 rowdy kids if that tells you anything. I will be looking for more novels by this author. Thanks to Taida for the loan!!
July 12, 2010
3.5 stars
Aaren Robinson is going back to her hometown on Penn's Point, KS to bury her father. It is a very bitter homecoming because years ago, her high school sweetheart, Jarrod Pennington, humiliated her in front of their friends and her father made her leave town and promise not to return.
At that time, angry, full of bitterness and rage, Aaren turns her back on all that she knew and throws herself into her new life. She becomes a successful lawyer and marries well. But she learns that the past has a much stronger hold on her than she ever realized.
Upon her return back home, she is immediately confronted with the idea that things are not always as they seem.
She finds out that her father and Jarrod had become solid friends in the last few years and that in his death he is able to reveal some things about his past that had a direct effect on the events that led to Aaren leaving town.
Soon both Aaren and Jarrod find themselves not only reconnecting with each other but confronting a past that goes back into their parent's generation that is shrouded in secrets and lies.
I waffled a bit with this book, but ultimately decided that it was a really strong read.
The plot is one that I've seen over and over again in romances. Small town girl has a fight with boyfriend, leaves town, makes good, comes back to confront old boyfriend, they make up and live HEA.
One of the reason I did not score the book higher is because the tone of the book seemed somewhat oppressive. The plot of the book leads inexorably to Aaren finding out the circumstances surrounding her mother's death. Her mother's death was an event that affected the entire town. The entire time I was reading the book, I kept waiting for the revelation to occur so we could find out what happened that was so terrible.
The genius of the author and the book is that the writing is very strong that while I was reading the book I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but become absorbed in the story. And I do have to admit that the central love story is wonderfully done. Aaren and Jarrod were a great couple with tons of chemistry and loads of angst. If you like a couple who are just it for each other and have been always, then Aaren and Jarrod are the pair for you. Also, I love the fact that while Aaren and Jarrod are an IR couple (she's black & he's white) racial issues have no bearing on their relationship and is only mentioned tangentially to give context to how conditions were in town surrounding the time of Aaren's mother's death.
But after I closed the book and had a day of reflection, I also had to admit that the book was just fraught with melodrama. There is a heaviness to the mood, a darkness to the tone that I wanted some levity, something to lighten it up a bit. I wanted the heroine to exhale and breathe a bit because she seemed unhappy throughout most of the book. Also, every page seemed to contain a secret and lie that had to be exposed. And the family drama was very over the top. Normally I am a stone sucker for family melodrama but this was done with such a heavy hand that, again, the only word I can think to describe it is oppressive.
There were also the times when I got really frustrated with the characters because they simply did not communicate. I can't even count the time when Jarrod says to Aaren 'We need to talk, I have to tell you the truth' only for her or someone else to interrupt. Or the time when Aaren resolves to confess to Jarrod something she's been holding back from him only to never find the right time.
And there were some other things that niggled at me as I thought about them more. But even so, I do have to say that this was a very well written book. I think this author is a very talented writer and I am glad to have stumbled across this author and this book.
Aaren Robinson is going back to her hometown on Penn's Point, KS to bury her father. It is a very bitter homecoming because years ago, her high school sweetheart, Jarrod Pennington, humiliated her in front of their friends and her father made her leave town and promise not to return.
At that time, angry, full of bitterness and rage, Aaren turns her back on all that she knew and throws herself into her new life. She becomes a successful lawyer and marries well. But she learns that the past has a much stronger hold on her than she ever realized.
Upon her return back home, she is immediately confronted with the idea that things are not always as they seem.
She finds out that her father and Jarrod had become solid friends in the last few years and that in his death he is able to reveal some things about his past that had a direct effect on the events that led to Aaren leaving town.
Soon both Aaren and Jarrod find themselves not only reconnecting with each other but confronting a past that goes back into their parent's generation that is shrouded in secrets and lies.
I waffled a bit with this book, but ultimately decided that it was a really strong read.
The plot is one that I've seen over and over again in romances. Small town girl has a fight with boyfriend, leaves town, makes good, comes back to confront old boyfriend, they make up and live HEA.
One of the reason I did not score the book higher is because the tone of the book seemed somewhat oppressive. The plot of the book leads inexorably to Aaren finding out the circumstances surrounding her mother's death. Her mother's death was an event that affected the entire town. The entire time I was reading the book, I kept waiting for the revelation to occur so we could find out what happened that was so terrible.
The genius of the author and the book is that the writing is very strong that while I was reading the book I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but become absorbed in the story. And I do have to admit that the central love story is wonderfully done. Aaren and Jarrod were a great couple with tons of chemistry and loads of angst. If you like a couple who are just it for each other and have been always, then Aaren and Jarrod are the pair for you. Also, I love the fact that while Aaren and Jarrod are an IR couple (she's black & he's white) racial issues have no bearing on their relationship and is only mentioned tangentially to give context to how conditions were in town surrounding the time of Aaren's mother's death.
But after I closed the book and had a day of reflection, I also had to admit that the book was just fraught with melodrama. There is a heaviness to the mood, a darkness to the tone that I wanted some levity, something to lighten it up a bit. I wanted the heroine to exhale and breathe a bit because she seemed unhappy throughout most of the book. Also, every page seemed to contain a secret and lie that had to be exposed. And the family drama was very over the top. Normally I am a stone sucker for family melodrama but this was done with such a heavy hand that, again, the only word I can think to describe it is oppressive.
There were also the times when I got really frustrated with the characters because they simply did not communicate. I can't even count the time when Jarrod says to Aaren 'We need to talk, I have to tell you the truth' only for her or someone else to interrupt. Or the time when Aaren resolves to confess to Jarrod something she's been holding back from him only to never find the right time.
And there were some other things that niggled at me as I thought about them more. But even so, I do have to say that this was a very well written book. I think this author is a very talented writer and I am glad to have stumbled across this author and this book.
October 26, 2010
T.A. Ford weaves an EMOTIONALLY charged story...it's a HEART WRENCHING and soul-stirring journey for Aaren and Jarrod...the characters, main and secondary are well developed and UNFORGETTABLE...the DRAMA, the SECRETS, and the LIES surrounding this couple and the people of this small town KEEPS me turning the pages to discover the WHOLE truth that has been kept buried for so long...this is the first book I've read by Ms. Ford, and it DEFINITELY won't be the last!
July 14, 2015
I love Loved this book it was one of those holy shit moments. I loved the relationship between Jarrod and Aaren. Amazing novel I would recommend it to everyone.
November 15, 2016
Did I get the wrong version of this book?
I've had this book on my kindle for a while and decided to read it. Aaren Robinson is a complicated woman and returning home to bury her father is about to make life even more complicated. Especially when her long time love Jarrod Pennington has to get mixed up in her matters.
I will say, I enjoyed the book, even though I found Aaren to be selfish throughout much of this book. What she and Jarrod's parents did was a hot mess and really did ruin their future.
I am not sure if I ended with the wrong book because I feel like the epilogue stopped abruptly. There was no, "The end", "until next time", nothing. Just ended....like this review lol
I've had this book on my kindle for a while and decided to read it. Aaren Robinson is a complicated woman and returning home to bury her father is about to make life even more complicated. Especially when her long time love Jarrod Pennington has to get mixed up in her matters.
I will say, I enjoyed the book, even though I found Aaren to be selfish throughout much of this book. What she and Jarrod's parents did was a hot mess and really did ruin their future.
I am not sure if I ended with the wrong book because I feel like the epilogue stopped abruptly. There was no, "The end", "until next time", nothing. Just ended....like this review lol
September 3, 2017
Intense Read
A beautifully told story that captivates you from the start. An amazing story line that flows easily and let's the reader understand fully the emotional battle the characters face.
An honest portrayal of an uplifting story. Well written and edited, to the point and completely relatable. The dialogue between the characters is clear and convincing. Definitely a feast of emotions resonates throughout, poignant and wonderfully heartfelt. I absolutely loved the author s style of writing. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book. A MUST Read. Thank You TAF 😁
A beautifully told story that captivates you from the start. An amazing story line that flows easily and let's the reader understand fully the emotional battle the characters face.
An honest portrayal of an uplifting story. Well written and edited, to the point and completely relatable. The dialogue between the characters is clear and convincing. Definitely a feast of emotions resonates throughout, poignant and wonderfully heartfelt. I absolutely loved the author s style of writing. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book. A MUST Read. Thank You TAF 😁
July 20, 2012
I liked this book but it was very emotional, there is almost too much . There is so many secretes and lies and anger in this book . I wondered if this was going there was going to be romance but when it the romance did come it was hot! This was a good love story but when you read it you need tissue and a glass of wine because you will me mad and sad.
September 30, 2014
Lies. Hatred. Pain. Confusion. Love..... It was all in here. Drama drama drama. Good read. I liked Jarrod and Aaren.
July 14, 2017
Loved It!
Great! Really enjoyed this story. Well written. Loved the characters. Felt this pan handover for one another,what a story. Sad however all the lives lost be cause of a yearning to know and experience love on the deepest but traffic magic level Chose this book on a whim. Glad I did. I'm a softy for a great romance.
Great! Really enjoyed this story. Well written. Loved the characters. Felt this pan handover for one another,what a story. Sad however all the lives lost be cause of a yearning to know and experience love on the deepest but traffic magic level Chose this book on a whim. Glad I did. I'm a softy for a great romance.
May 7, 2020
Wonderful!
I’m used to reading everything by Sienna Mynx and have always found her to be wondrous storyteller. T A Ford is just as extraordinary! Aaren and Jarrod are a new favorite couple among the others she has created. Love, loss, redemption, obsession, second chances, this story has it all. Another great story from this fabulous author.
I’m used to reading everything by Sienna Mynx and have always found her to be wondrous storyteller. T A Ford is just as extraordinary! Aaren and Jarrod are a new favorite couple among the others she has created. Love, loss, redemption, obsession, second chances, this story has it all. Another great story from this fabulous author.
February 14, 2022
Amazing 🤩
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time. I’m so glad I finally read it. I’m already missing Aaren and Jarrod. Their love story was filled with lies p, secrets, and betrayal. Love is not easy and there isn’t always black and white choices to make when falling in love hurts other people. Wish the epilogue gave more details of their future.
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time. I’m so glad I finally read it. I’m already missing Aaren and Jarrod. Their love story was filled with lies p, secrets, and betrayal. Love is not easy and there isn’t always black and white choices to make when falling in love hurts other people. Wish the epilogue gave more details of their future.
April 12, 2018
Finding your way back to love
Jarrod and Aaren are former sweethearts that are reunited after years apart. This couple went through it but it was a great read.
Jarrod and Aaren are former sweethearts that are reunited after years apart. This couple went through it but it was a great read.
April 18, 2020
Actually better than expected
So many secrets that span so many generations. Thought it was best to leave buried but they resurfaced again and again
So many secrets that span so many generations. Thought it was best to leave buried but they resurfaced again and again
May 1, 2012
Aaren is the story of a successful businesswoman who must come back to her small, Kentucky hometown to bury her father after he's died. What we don't know, we learn in flashbacks, including Aaren had a man, Jarrod, her first love, who still resides there and who she wants nothing to do with due to their awful demise over fourteen years ago.
I can understand how Aaren would be confused as she's just lost her remaining parent, but I can't understand how she takes everything to such an extreme when it comes to Jarrod. She treats the man like utter crap and won't hear anything he has to say to her and such bullheadedness makes me annoyed.
Then there was the whole "let's be PC and advocate condom usage". First of all, the people who read these novels should be adults and if said adults don't know they should practice safe sex, even with the "loves of their lives" then this book isn't going to set them straight.
I don't know, I am being a bit petty but there are two occasions my pettiness comes out: when a novel tries to get all preachy and sanctimonious, and when a romance novel tries to advocate safe sex. It is FICTION, a fantasy for Pete's sake, we don't need "he grabbed a condom" thrown in before every love scene is consummated.
Other than that, I love this author and think her books are fantastic but the whole "town secret" is anti-climatic to be honest (both my parents hail from Mississippi so this little itty bitty town secret included is nothing to some of the secrets I can tell about my own family) and throwing in the hubby to conjure up yet more drama towards the end was waste of time, space and the book could have ended about twenty pages earlier than it did instead of being dragged on for nothing at all.
I can understand how Aaren would be confused as she's just lost her remaining parent, but I can't understand how she takes everything to such an extreme when it comes to Jarrod. She treats the man like utter crap and won't hear anything he has to say to her and such bullheadedness makes me annoyed.
Then there was the whole "let's be PC and advocate condom usage". First of all, the people who read these novels should be adults and if said adults don't know they should practice safe sex, even with the "loves of their lives" then this book isn't going to set them straight.
I don't know, I am being a bit petty but there are two occasions my pettiness comes out: when a novel tries to get all preachy and sanctimonious, and when a romance novel tries to advocate safe sex. It is FICTION, a fantasy for Pete's sake, we don't need "he grabbed a condom" thrown in before every love scene is consummated.
Other than that, I love this author and think her books are fantastic but the whole "town secret" is anti-climatic to be honest (both my parents hail from Mississippi so this little itty bitty town secret included is nothing to some of the secrets I can tell about my own family) and throwing in the hubby to conjure up yet more drama towards the end was waste of time, space and the book could have ended about twenty pages earlier than it did instead of being dragged on for nothing at all.
July 8, 2019
I loved it! it had me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't wait to find out what had happened.
January 1, 2014
A very well written novel about Aaren and Jarrod, two people who met in grade school, live in the same small town but on "opposite sides of the track" so to speak, and develop a relationship that ultimately causes problems for their respective family members. The nature of small towns, secrets and gossip and the divisions between blacks and whites is captured nicely in Aaren. However, there is a little too much drama, some of it a bit over the top, particularly at the end. Just when you think you know everything that happens between Aaren and Jarrod's families, then along come something else to raise a ruckus. I had some difficulty connecting with Aaren. Her character was supposed to be cold and emotionless initially but when circumstances changed that would allow her to finally feel, I still found myself disliking her a bit. I connected more with Jarrod but did think he was a little cowardly in some of his actions. I was also rather thrown by Aaren's relationship with Gavin and was troubled by his actions. But all in all, I did enjoy the book and do recommend it as a solid IR read.
July 20, 2016
Can history really repeat itself??? Find out for yourself in this novel. Our title character has been living a life she doesn't favor in New York City, but when the death of her father influences her return to her home in Kentucky, she is faced with secrets, lies, and resurgence of romance with her first and only love. This has become one of my favorite books. I give a high recommendation to anyone and everyone.
October 15, 2015
Superb!
I loved it!l Could not put the book down. This is a 5 star plus book. It was like reading a movie. Love, jealousy, lies, deceit, adultery, pain confession and most of all breaking the taboos of generational curses and old patterns. Oh let's not forget racial discrimination and old mentality versus an updated lifestyle. One of the best books I've ever read.
I loved it!l Could not put the book down. This is a 5 star plus book. It was like reading a movie. Love, jealousy, lies, deceit, adultery, pain confession and most of all breaking the taboos of generational curses and old patterns. Oh let's not forget racial discrimination and old mentality versus an updated lifestyle. One of the best books I've ever read.
October 9, 2014
Love it!!!!!
There is really not too much to say a out this story except can I get a where are they now story. So much misunderstanding between people who should have been able to grow together. The love that they each preserved in their own way. It was just a damn good book.
There is really not too much to say a out this story except can I get a where are they now story. So much misunderstanding between people who should have been able to grow together. The love that they each preserved in their own way. It was just a damn good book.
February 15, 2018
Old country love
Childhood sweethearts, destined soul mates, deep dark secrets, forcing families and townsfolk. What more could a reader want. This book had it and all. A very good read that is worth the purchase.
Childhood sweethearts, destined soul mates, deep dark secrets, forcing families and townsfolk. What more could a reader want. This book had it and all. A very good read that is worth the purchase.
October 11, 2015
True Love Will Find A Way
I liked the twist and turns of this story. At one point I thought the lovers were going to be siblings. I was not disappointed in the writer's imagination, the story and characters were intriguing.
I liked the twist and turns of this story. At one point I thought the lovers were going to be siblings. I was not disappointed in the writer's imagination, the story and characters were intriguing.
November 29, 2015
It was a very sad story of how the love life of their parents affected their relationship and life together. I think it took too long to get to the main story of Aaren's mum. However, it was a very good plot. Nothing new.
Read
June 14, 2016Really Enjoyed
Well written story. Love. Soulmates. Murder and lies. So many lies. It all pulled me in and I enjoyed the ride. Would definitely read again and recommend to any and all that love a good love story with twists turns and happiness all in between.
Well written story. Love. Soulmates. Murder and lies. So many lies. It all pulled me in and I enjoyed the ride. Would definitely read again and recommend to any and all that love a good love story with twists turns and happiness all in between.
September 13, 2016
This story was not what I expected and that was a good thing. I most enjoyed the way the author made you feel just what the characters were feeling. Their pain was real and as a reader, you actually experienced it.
December 25, 2013
Review pending
October 10, 2015
Love it
Oh my yessssss this book is so so good it is loving and sweet so very hot and sexy I can't wait to read more from you you rock
Oh my yessssss this book is so so good it is loving and sweet so very hot and sexy I can't wait to read more from you you rock
October 24, 2015
Pleasantly surprised by this story. Loved the intrigue, suspense and secrets. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2015
Sad
I pray that some teen or unmarried adult doesn't read this and think real love is like this. What carp. No wonder our world is so messed up.
I pray that some teen or unmarried adult doesn't read this and think real love is like this. What carp. No wonder our world is so messed up.
June 20, 2016
Just an ok read
July 28, 2016
Great book! The struggles for a couple separated by lies and injustices - powerful story of how love can conquer all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews