The Whispering Pages Book Blog

Review

Come To Me Softly

(Closer to You Series #2)
by

A.L. Jackson

Release Date: June 24, 2014

Genre: New Adult Romance

 ~ Synopsis ~

A second chance at life…

A second chance at love…

  Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed? To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process. 

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~ Links to Buy ~
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~ Book Trailer ~
 

~ Review ~

This is the 2nd installment in the Closer to You Series and a continuation of Aly and Jared's story.  I was beyond excited to get my hands on this book.  I actually let it sit on my kindle for a few days before diving in because I knew that once I opened it I wouldn't be able to put it down.   I was absolutely correct.  I didn't think it was possible to fall any further for Jared Holt but apparently I was wrong.

A.L. Jackson once again has brought raw emotion to life between the pages. Emotionally I was all over the place, happy for their reunion, saddened by Jared's guilt and continued pain and joy for the impending bundle about to add another dimension to their love.  I honestly can say that there was a moment in the story that I was VERY angry with Aly for the way she treated Jared.  It actually took me by surprise but you get so caught up in the story that it's like you are living the experience right along with them.

The depth of the love between Aly and Jared knows no bounds.  Their reunion was all I was hoping for at the end of Come to Me Quietly that it was so easy to get caught up in their love for one another.  It was if the world fell away when they were together and their souls laid bare for each other to see.   No pretense needed, no chance to hide.

"Our first date huh?" I mumbled at her mouth. "Not sure what you'd call all those times I had you on the back of my bike.  How about all of those times in your room?"

"I'd call that us.....getting to know each other." she drew out.

"I'd say I got to know you pretty well," I murmured at her skin.  I felt her raspy laughter roll up her throat, "Yes, I'd say you definitely did."

However, we find that Aly and Jared's  declaration of their undeniable love will send tension and hostility throughout the family.  Testing the strength of relationships and building new ones.  I loved that Jared and Christopher were able to find common ground and touch upon their past connection to build upon.   Their sparring of insults was a welcomed release from the guilt and demons that weighed on Jared.

Although Jared and Aly are looking forward to a future, yes we get to see a lighter to side to Jared in some instances, the past is always there.  Lurking in the shadows, feeding on the guilt that Jared can't or won't let go of.   When forced to decide between facing his past or letting go of his future turmoil descends upon Jared and Aly.  Will they be strong enough apart to face the world together?  Can Aly's love be what finally sets Jared free?

"Jared had always been a risk I had to take.  Risks always involved danger.  But the only danger I felt where he was concerned was the possibility of him no longer being a part of me." ~ Aly

Now, I can't tell you those answers because it would ruin the story and this is an AMAZING series that should not be missed.  I will be eagerly awaiting the release of Christopher's story, Come to Me Recklessly, the 3rd installment in the Closer to You Series coming March 2015.

~ Rating ~

See where it all began......

~ Synopsis ~

Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside. Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain. Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own. Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate. Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night.  

~ Links to Buy ~ 

 Amazon ** Barnes & Noble 
iTunes ** Kobo

 ~ About the Author ~

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes. She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life. Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Look for Come to Me Quietly and Come to Me Softly coming soon.

~ Connect with A.L. Jackson ~

Facebook ** Goodreads ** Website