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Magdalene #1
The Will
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2014)Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.
While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.
But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.
Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.
But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.
Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
595 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
About the author
Kristen Ashley
129 books39k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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April 8, 2014
**** FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED **** 5++ STARS!!
W-O-W!!! This book was EPIC. Absolutely PERFECT!!!
Before anything else, I just want to say that if you're already a Kristen Ashley fan, you'll understand when I say that this book is "Vintage KA" style -- PURE GOLD!!! And, if you've never read a KA book before, this would be an awesome book to start with!! It's a standalone romance and is since it's so fantabulous, it would be a wonderful introduction to this author's amazing books :)
A few things right off the bat....
✦ This might honestly be my favorite KA book. Or, gah, that's like choosing a favorite child, but it's definitely one of them. And without a doubt Jake and Josie are one of my favorite KA couples. This is coming from the perspective of someone who has read nearly every single book KA has written too!
✦ This book is looooong!!! It was 9568 "locations" on my Kindle and every single word in them was brilliant!! I am so happy that it wasn't edited down!
✦ EPIC FEELS. This book has them. In bucket loads. From the very first page to the gorgeous, heartfelt, tear-enducing epilogue at the end, this book made me feel.
✦ This is worth mentioning again: VINTAGE KA , guys. 'Nuff said ♥
Ok... on to the real review...
The pure joy felt when opening up a new KA book is just exhilarating. You just know that you're in for a wild ride filled with fantastic writing, Alpha males, and sexy romance... and this book had it all!!
Kristen Ashley truly is one of the most talented authors I've read. In my eyes, no one writes like her, and I really mean no one. If you've read her books, you know what I mean. Her descriptions and just the way she writes is so unique to her that it's almost like she has her own language. If you were to give me ten random paragraphs of writing from various authors, I'd be able to pick out which one she wrote in a heartbeat. You feel it so strongly. Every word just sinks into your heart and soul.
Less than two pages into this book and I already had shivers running through me and my heart was racing. There was this moment right at the beginning where their eyes meet across the cemetery and I didn't even know the characters yet but the feels just hit so strongly and I was hooked!!!
The story takes place in the town of Magdalene where Josie returns for the funeral of her beloved grandmother. Her work takes her traveling all over the world but her grandmother was everything to her and she takes some time off to come back and stay at her house after. When she goes in for the reading of the will, she find that her grandmother put into motion a very unusual request which brings Jake Spear into her life in a way she never expected.... and so begins one of the very best romances I have ever read ♥
I love all kinds of romance but lets be honest, a lot of them are about couples between 18-35 and I loved that this one was about a couple in their 40s. Jake actually had three kids (PS -- I adored them) and both him and Josie had a certain... stability (?) and no-nonsense attitude to their characters that I guess came with simply having made a lot of mistakes in their lives and (more importantly) having learned from them. I loved that this book basically acknowledged that not everyone finds their forever love early on and what it also meant was that having lived without it for so long, both Jake and Josie valued it so highly when they got it, they both knew how precious what they had was and that was just beautiful.
"Never keep anything from me, I don't give a shit how you think I'm gonna react. I'll react how I react. I will NEVER harm you doin' it. But I got enough experience with what doesn't work between a man and a woman to know that keeping' shit from each other is a big fuckin' part of that….. Every inch of you, outside and any way you can get inside, baby, physically or emotionally, is mine."
My heart felt full to bursting throughout the whole time I was reading this. There's just no other way to describe it. I was just so with the story that like the randomest little things would make me tear up (even if they weren't sad) just becauseI was feeling so much.
I love love loved Jake. Talk about ALPHA!!! He was bossy but in a loveable way with a total take-no-bullshit attitude. And yes, a few of you know already that he was a boxer but guys, he was so much more than that too. He had so many sides to him, so many roles, so many talents ( *winks* ) .... he was a great father and a gorgeous lover and yes, he was also one heckuva badass fighter, but at the end of the day, he was just a wonderful guy who cared for his loved ones more than anything else in the world and was willing to go to any lengths to bring them safety and happiness. He stole my heart.
"You good?" he asked into the top of my hair.
I stared at the shadowed wall of his chest.
"Josie?" he called when I didn't answer.
"I'm afraid," I admitted softly.
His arms pulled me closer and I felt his lips on my hair when he answered, "Beat that back, honey. No reason to be scared. Not with me."
Josephine was all kinds of cool!! She was... gah, it's hard to explain... she was a hoot! Very proper and she spoke in a very cultured manner -- and by that I mean that words like illuminating, alas, distressing, prowess, vociferous, fibbed, ungentlemanly, await, hence, irksome, and more were all part of her regular vocabulary. But while she had this very collected side to her, she also had the biggest heart and had such a beautiful personality. She was feisty and smart and fun and I loved the way she cared so deeply not only for Jake but also for his children. She was just awesome!!
And the dynamic of the two of them playing off each other was pure gold!!! With her being so proper and him being so chill... they were so different but yet they just fit perfectly together. It was brilliant!!!!!!
"What's next?" I queried.
"Don't know, Josie. Just know whatever it is I want you to be a part of it and I hope like fuck you want the same."
What I loved about them most though was how no matter what life threw at them, they didn't let themselves get dragged down the wrong path. There was just a refreshing lack of 'stupidity' from either of them in this book. Don't laugh, you know what I mean. Gosh, it was just such an amazing feeling to genuinely have that heartfelt respect for the characters. I not only liked them both as people but also agreed with and understood their decisions and the way they handled their lives, families, and relationships. They had each others' back, supported each other, and didn't let anything bring them down.
This book was one gorgeous, epic moment after another. I read so many scenes literally clutching at my heart or squeeing out loud with the hugest grin you can imagine on my face. I not only have whole paragraphs of text highlighted text but there are a few sections where I highlighted several pages on end.
Also, while Kristen Ashley is well known for her Alpha male characters, another thing that many of her fans will eagerly agree to is that she writes magical epilogues and I can say with full certainty that this was one of the most heartfelt, emotional, and deeply powerful epilogues she's ever written. Tears were pouring down my face. It was just so beautiful!!
On a bit of a random note, I think was makes KA's alphas so amazing is that they each perfectly ride that balance between dominant, possessive, caring, and badass -- they're family men, fighters, protectors, lovers, friends, everything. Some are a little 'safer', some are a little 'edgier', some more dangerous, others more swoony ... and each one of them has a slightly different mix of all these qualities that makes them unique. They each ride that line between almost too much and just absolutely right. It's like, they're extreme enough to make your heart race but they feel just real enough to make you accept them. They're not perfect people though, they have all kinds of flaws and vices and often even make us mad but we love them as they are. They really are the perfect Alpha males.
"To have what Jake had you had to be born the man he became. You couldn't want it. You simply were going to be it until you were it."
The Will is one of the most beautifully written and genuinely heart warming romances I have ever read. This is the kind of book you can lose yourself in. It had everything we have come to love from VintageKA -- a loooooooong story, oodles of details, phenomenal dialogue, family dynamics unlike any other, hot & passionate romance and that special and totally unique language style that carries the weight, meaning, and heartfelt power that only a Kristen Ashley book can ever deliver.
This book was perfection. I do not have a single complaint. Quite simply, this was KA at her best!!
“I never wanted anything but you, Jake… And I wanted you before I even knew you… You’re everything I ever wanted, darling.”
Rating: 5+++ STARS!!!
****************************
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May 25, 2017
Re-read 9/28/16: I woke up this morning and felt like re-reading this again for some reason...
5 Fancy Talking Stars
JOSIE
JAKE
5 Fancy Talking Stars
"Every girl who keeps a diary is going to be chronicling this story in pink ink with LOADS of hearts drawn around it."
JOSIE
JAKE
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
“I took one look at that picture and fell in love with you.”
February 24, 2015
This KA goodness is currently on sale for ONLY .99
(or a buck and a quarter if you are in Canada ;) LOL!)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
April 3, 2014
If ever there was a book that conveyed this message perfectly, this is the one.
*** Thank you to 'TheSubClubBooks' and Kristen Ashley for providing me with an ARC of this book for review.
(My review of "The Will" for The Sub Club Books HERE and below.)
“Why I love Kristen Ashley” by Irene
I started reading Kristen Ashley a few years ago. It all started with her “Dream Man” series, followed by “Rock Chick” series, then “Colorado Mountain” and finally “The ‘Burg”. The last two have remained my favorite series and “The ‘Burg” produced Joe Callahan, who proudly holds the title of “KA’s Ultimate Alpha” in my eyes. After having met Jake from “The Will”, I considered [several times!] stripping Joe of that title and handing it over to Jake. If you who know me and my devotion to Joe, that should tell you something about Jake and “The Will”.
What I love about Kirsten’s books is that they always make me feel. Be it happy, sad, angry, etc. the feels are always present and that’s one of the reasons I always look forward to Ms Ashley’s new releases.
One of the other reasons I enjoy her books is the message they tend to convey. Some of my favorite ones include “not everyone is perfect but that’s OK” and “life doesn’t end after 40″. If you are like me (in your 40s and love Kristen’s work), you’d know what I am talking about when I say her books to me now what John Hughes movies were to me back when I was growing up. You can relate to her characters because they deal with stuff most of us deal on a daily bases (moody kids, relationship issues, juggling work and home life, etc.) and they are ‘perfectly flawed’ (as I like to call them) because, let’s face it, perfection is boring!
“The Will” delivered all of the above and then some! Even though the series itself is new, it was good old Kristen doing what she does best! To say she knocked this one out of the ballpark would be an understatement! This book is an absolute perfection, as far as I am concerned. I tried (not that I look for it in a book but you know what I mean) to find something to complain about but couldn’t come up with one single thing!
We got an outstanding supporting cast that hopefully has a guy in it that will be the subject of the next book in the series, Mickey (crossing fingers and toes!!! Pleeeeeease, Kristen!!!). We got Gran who is the world of wisdom and ever present even though she isn’t (if that makes sense). We got one of the most adorable child characters ever written, Ethan. There is even a town douche (because every books needs one!) and an awesome BFF (or two) to take our sweet Josie’s back.
And then, of course, there is Jake … super daddy, ex-boxer, great friend and, last but absolutely NOT least, a SUPER Alpha, that ‘rough around the edges’ type of hero that we’ve grown to know and love, the kind that only Kristen can deliver.
The journey of Jake and Josie that Ms. Ashley takes us on is an emotional one but it’s worth every tear, happy and sad. And then, just when you thought this book couldn’t get any better, the woman delivers one of those awesome epilogues she is known for so don’t put that Kleenex box away just yet …
I am not going to talk about sex because, if you are familiar with Kristen’s men, you’d know that very few characaters do it better.
I’ve said it before in one of my earlier reviews of Kristen’s work but I am happy to repeat myself: I hope Kristen Ashley never stops writing because, if she does, I might have to stop reading.
Final verdict: 5+ glorious, knock out stars indeed ;)
P.S. Just in case you were wondering, Joe is still my #1 but Jake is now a VERY close second …
Favorite quote: "It hit him in that moment in a way he knew he'd never forget that he could take that hand and she could lead him anywhere."
Favorite character (aside from Jake): Ethan.
Favorite part: Jake & Josie's very first sexual encounter.
Re: epilogue - even though it wasn't my favorite of her epilogues, it was still really sweet and made me shed a tear (or two).
Cheers for now!
P.S. Join us for a BR of 'The Will' HERE on April 8, 2014.
P.P.S. My absolute FAVORITE review of this book: Wendy's review of 'The Will'. Talk about hitting the nail on the head!
February 11, 2015
It behoves me to write a review about this delectable novel. Perchance, bear with me, as I therefore strive to put into words my thoughts and feelings about dearest Josephine and Jake. Indeed it was an experience that alas had to end.
I have been a fan of KA for a number of years now. Sweet Dreams is one of my favourite books ever. Tate Jackson is my number one hero. I know a few of us bemoaned the fact that Kristen took up with a Publisher and some of those books that she released through said publisher were not really what we wanted. So when I heard this one was self-published, I was very happy, very happy indeed.
Josie Malone returns to Magdalene for the reading of her Grandmother’s will, hence the title, my dear friends. Her Grandmother has left a strange request in her will. At the reading of the will she meets Jake Spear. They don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning.
Lets just state that Josie does talk like she has a stick up her ass. In the beginning it really annoyed me. I mean who speaks like a Victorian maiden in the 21st Century. I felt I was back in Pemberly or Downton Abbey. But I got over myself and eventually ended up loving her.
Jake (swoon), is your typical alpha KA hero. He is brash, he is crude, he uses bad language, his form of employment isn’t exactly the best. But I loved him. Did he topple Tate or Joe from number one spot? Nope, but nearly, very nearly indeed.
They eventually do come round and end up liking each other.
I won’t say too much as you are better off just discovering the beauty of a KA novel all by yourself.
Josie is very prim and proper and I was so looking forward to her getting her knickers in a twist (and her getting her knickers off, I might add) and it was definitely worth the wait for that to happen.
Loved Jake and his dirty talk.
Yeah, Josie did lighten up a bit.
And I loved his kids. Normal kids.
And as for the ending and the epilogue… OMG, you will definitely shed a tear. I know I did.
Thanks to Irene for making sure this was on our radar for release date and the Canaries for the BR - sorry I ran ahead of you all. xxx
His black hair had a hint of silvery-gray in it. It was thick and clipped well but in a way that was not a nod to style, instead it was apparent he didn’t want to spend time on it so his style was wash and go.
This morning he had not shaved and he had a dark shadow of black and silver stubble on his jaw.
I have been a fan of KA for a number of years now. Sweet Dreams is one of my favourite books ever. Tate Jackson is my number one hero. I know a few of us bemoaned the fact that Kristen took up with a Publisher and some of those books that she released through said publisher were not really what we wanted. So when I heard this one was self-published, I was very happy, very happy indeed.
Josie Malone returns to Magdalene for the reading of her Grandmother’s will, hence the title, my dear friends. Her Grandmother has left a strange request in her will. At the reading of the will she meets Jake Spear. They don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning.
”Fuckin’ hell, you ever show Lydie how far that stick was shoved up your ass?”
Well!
I never!
Lets just state that Josie does talk like she has a stick up her ass. In the beginning it really annoyed me. I mean who speaks like a Victorian maiden in the 21st Century. I felt I was back in Pemberly or Downton Abbey. But I got over myself and eventually ended up loving her.
”DO NOT FUCKIN’ TELL ME WHAT MY LANGUAGE IS.”
Jake (swoon), is your typical alpha KA hero. He is brash, he is crude, he uses bad language, his form of employment isn’t exactly the best. But I loved him. Did he topple Tate or Joe from number one spot? Nope, but nearly, very nearly indeed.
”Maybe it has somethin’ to do with you bein’ a judgmental, stick up your ass bitch who’d react just the way you reacted about a minute ago if she told you about me.”
They eventually do come round and end up liking each other.
”You crack me right the fuck up, babe.”
I won’t say too much as you are better off just discovering the beauty of a KA novel all by yourself.
The area between my legs was pulsing.
My focus was riveted.
I was gone.
Josie is very prim and proper and I was so looking forward to her getting her knickers in a twist (and her getting her knickers off, I might add) and it was definitely worth the wait for that to happen.
”Wish like fuck I could strip you bare and fuck you on my couch right about now.”
Loved Jake and his dirty talk.
Thus, his fingers were not smooth … Thus, his fingers were calloused and abrasive
”You can pay for my assistance in orgasms.”
Yeah, Josie did lighten up a bit.
”You got one choice, you either suck me or I eat you. After that, I take over.”
And I loved his kids. Normal kids.
I’ll love you always…
And as for the ending and the epilogue… OMG, you will definitely shed a tear. I know I did.
Thanks to Irene for making sure this was on our radar for release date and the Canaries for the BR - sorry I ran ahead of you all. xxx
March 4, 2015
5 Lavender stars!
When I started seeing early reviews for The Will, I just knew it was going to be good. When it was compared to some of Kristen Ashley’s older stuff, I got all excited. This was a long book (perfect) and extremely descriptive (I love), not at all rushed and just gave me that feeling I get when I read a crazy good KA read. I am such a fan of hers. If someone told me I could only read books by one author ever again, I wouldn’t hesitate to answer. Kristen Ashley. That’s how much I love her stuff. This book was the best book she’s had out recently. A truly beautiful story.
Josephine Malone is used to being alone. She lives a life on the go, traveling with her boss of 23 years who is a famous photographer. She enjoys her life. She has her Gran and her boss/friend Henry. She is content with that. With being alone.
Josie’s Gran was the only good thing about her childhood. This is the reason she’s never let many people in. Her Gran never wanted that life for her. She wanted her to be with someone special. Someone who would love her passionately and always be there for her. Gran wanted her with Jake Spears.
Jake and Josie first see each other at the funeral of her Gran. He is there with his three children. Jake Spear hasn’t had an easy go either. He’s been in failed marriage after failed marriage. He has three beautiful children to show for them, but he’s never been able to pick the right girl. Josie’s Gran had been a godsend for him. As an ex-fighter struggling with his gym, Gran was able to help him, not only with that, but with his children. Gran was somthing special to the Spear bunch, just as she was to Josie.
When Josie goes to the reading of her Gran’s will, there is one other person there. Jake Spear.
Josie is thrown for a loop. Gran never mentioned this Jake. And she wants them to what, be together? in what complicity?
Although she is hesitant at first, Josie decides to give Jake a chance. For her Gran. Josie gets to know Jake, gets to know his children. Starts to look at her life differently. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to stay at the Lavender House. Set down some roots.
At first, I wasn’t so sure about Josie. She was so prim and proper, seemed to be judgmental etc. After some time, I started to love her. She is an amazing heroine. Although she talks like a proper lady, she isn’t completely stuck up. She is full of love, and she’s caring and compassionate. She’s klutzy and funny.
As Jake and Josie’s friendship develops, they both start to see what Gran wanted for them. Why she picked them for one another. Two completely different people from totally different worlds might just be the perfect match.
The Will is a beautiful, heart warming story about love, loss, family, friendship and showing that it’s never ever too late to believe in love. This book... Ah this book. It made my heart happy. I fell in love with Jake, Josie, Connor, Amber, Ethan, even boy Taylor and girl Taylor. And lets not forget the writing. Kristen Ashley knows how to write a book. Even though this was a very long book (twice the length of the average book I read), it didn’t feel that way. I never wanted it to end. I was moved to tears more than once, especially towards the end. That epilogue was just epic. I feel like I could go on and on and on about how wonderful this was and how much I loved it, but I think you get the hint. For all you KA lovers, this is one you won’t want to miss out on!
When I started seeing early reviews for The Will, I just knew it was going to be good. When it was compared to some of Kristen Ashley’s older stuff, I got all excited. This was a long book (perfect) and extremely descriptive (I love), not at all rushed and just gave me that feeling I get when I read a crazy good KA read. I am such a fan of hers. If someone told me I could only read books by one author ever again, I wouldn’t hesitate to answer. Kristen Ashley. That’s how much I love her stuff. This book was the best book she’s had out recently. A truly beautiful story.
Josephine Malone is used to being alone. She lives a life on the go, traveling with her boss of 23 years who is a famous photographer. She enjoys her life. She has her Gran and her boss/friend Henry. She is content with that. With being alone.
Josie’s Gran was the only good thing about her childhood. This is the reason she’s never let many people in. Her Gran never wanted that life for her. She wanted her to be with someone special. Someone who would love her passionately and always be there for her. Gran wanted her with Jake Spears.
Jake and Josie first see each other at the funeral of her Gran. He is there with his three children. Jake Spear hasn’t had an easy go either. He’s been in failed marriage after failed marriage. He has three beautiful children to show for them, but he’s never been able to pick the right girl. Josie’s Gran had been a godsend for him. As an ex-fighter struggling with his gym, Gran was able to help him, not only with that, but with his children. Gran was somthing special to the Spear bunch, just as she was to Josie.
When Josie goes to the reading of her Gran’s will, there is one other person there. Jake Spear.
“My most precious possession, the thing I treasure about anything else in this world, that being my granddaughter, Josephine Diana Malone, I hereby bequeath to James Markham Spear.”
Josie is thrown for a loop. Gran never mentioned this Jake. And she wants them to what, be together? in what complicity?
“I don’t understand what Gran wanted for you and me.”
“Maybe she wanted us to be friends? Maybe she wanted to know you got someone who cares, who’ll look out for you, listen to you, take your back when you need it and give a shit not just when you need it but all the time.”
Although she is hesitant at first, Josie decides to give Jake a chance. For her Gran. Josie gets to know Jake, gets to know his children. Starts to look at her life differently. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to stay at the Lavender House. Set down some roots.
At first, I wasn’t so sure about Josie. She was so prim and proper, seemed to be judgmental etc. After some time, I started to love her. She is an amazing heroine. Although she talks like a proper lady, she isn’t completely stuck up. She is full of love, and she’s caring and compassionate. She’s klutzy and funny.
“You are not a fool,” he whispered. “You can never be a fool. You’re total class from top to toe. You’re also a klutz. Own that, baby, because it’s cute and because it’s you. If you learn to accept yourself just as you are, learn to laugh at your quirks instead of hating them, show the world all that’s you without tryin’ to hide things that are not even a little unattractive, that makes you more attractive. What you got is a fuckuva lot. You own all of it and let it all hang out, you’ll go off-the-charts.”
As Jake and Josie’s friendship develops, they both start to see what Gran wanted for them. Why she picked them for one another. Two completely different people from totally different worlds might just be the perfect match.
“We have each other now.”Jake Spear stole my heart. He may be a strip club owner with three children and just as many ex-wives, but he was perfection. An ex-fighter, rough around the edges with the most fiercely protective and gentle heart. He was an amazing and devoted father. He was sweet, possessive and incredibly sexy. The perfect KA alpha. I loved how he was with Josie. He knew how to treat her, how to handle her. And watching Josie with his kids made me melt. You wouldn’t think she would be good with them, being this proper lady who’s never had children, but she was exactly what the Spear family needed. Maybe, just maybe Gran was on to something. Maybe this is the chance for true love and happiness both Jake and Josie have been waiting for.
“Thank you for taking care of me, darling.”
“My job, baby.” he replied.
“I’m glad your good at it.”
The Will is a beautiful, heart warming story about love, loss, family, friendship and showing that it’s never ever too late to believe in love. This book... Ah this book. It made my heart happy. I fell in love with Jake, Josie, Connor, Amber, Ethan, even boy Taylor and girl Taylor. And lets not forget the writing. Kristen Ashley knows how to write a book. Even though this was a very long book (twice the length of the average book I read), it didn’t feel that way. I never wanted it to end. I was moved to tears more than once, especially towards the end. That epilogue was just epic. I feel like I could go on and on and on about how wonderful this was and how much I loved it, but I think you get the hint. For all you KA lovers, this is one you won’t want to miss out on!
Forever and Completely.
November 20, 2015
People are calling this 'old school Kristen Ashley storytelling', and I agree. That's why I'm giving it...
...5 bright, passionate, sigh-worthy stars
“It hit him in that moment in a way he knew he’d never forget that he could take that hand and she could lead him anywhere. Just tip up her lips, turn those eyes to him and hold out her hand and he’d go straight to hell with her and do it smiling.”
Such a fun, romantic, sexy story!
It will come as no surprise to anyone that I’m a huge fan of Kristen Ashley’s writing, and it’s stories like The Will that, book after book, keep me coming back for more. This first in the new Magdalene series has that awesome small town setting we’ve come to love in her stories, and the coastal town of Magdalene introduces us to some fantastic characters with amazing stories to tell!
Description…
Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.My thoughts…
While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.
But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.
Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
Gotta say, I really am excited about this series. The town with its residents who have the same hopes and dreams, the same trials and triumphs as the rest of us, is a place I would love to call home, with people I’d love to call friends.
Josie is a woman I didn’t connect with right away. She was so aloof, so standoffish, holding herself apart from the world around her. The way she talked, the way she dressed, the way she carried herself… everything about her said, back off! But when she finally got her chance to shine, her shine was like a million bright, blinding lights, and that's when she won me over, heart and soul. This woman who stepped up and loved and, holding nothing back, loved in a way she would change lives... yes… heart and soul, she had me.
Jake. Wow. Just wow! What a great hero he is! A man who put his heart out there, time and time again, until he felt he had nothing left of his heart to give. A man devoted to his children. A man determined to take care of his own, and do it in his own way. I fell for Jake hard, and did it early on. Giving, caring, funny, accepting, and hell yeah, all kinds of sexy. Jake is a man to be respected, feared, but most of all, he’s a man to be loved.
And, as she always does, Kristen Ashley has created this world and filled it with amazing people. The supporting cast is made up of men and women whose stories need to be told, and I’ve no doubt each and every one will be amazing!
The bottom line…
What’s left to say? I love this new world filled with unending possibilities and can’t wait to see where Kristen Ashley takes us next!
My thanks to Kristen Ashley for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. As always, it has been such a treat!
If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!
April 2, 2024
-SAY WHAT? NOW KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!
5 Pulled an All-Nighter, Breaking the Facade, Letting Love in Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-But A Long Ass Review
This book knocked me to my mental knees...There were so many things to address, trying to come up with a way to present them all caused my head to spin.
First... the reader would either be able to connect with the main character Josie... or not. KA was fearless in her determination to stay true to what she felt this woman needed to be. This was a huge risk and for some readers, it may have been too much of a leap of faith for them... they had experienced recent books by her which for some reason or another were not totally true to the KA voice as they knew it...so to be hit from the first page by a fully formed character such as Josie could be a deal-breaker.
I get that... and to those who felt "Eh, WTH...", I understand and get that, too... no harm/no foul... and on to the next book...
But for me... I got something besides that...I sensed a whole undercurrent brewing and was hooked from the start... because...
From my life perspective, I have come to believe no matter where you live, what you believe politically or socially, whether you identify yourself as Blue or White Collar, Elite, Independent or Recluse... the driving force in life is to love and be loved. This statement may be very simplistic yet when we attempt to find it with others..... it can remain elusive.
Our lives are these lessons; whether we have them forced upon us brutally.... or learn them from more gentle teachers... we always remember them, and they can skew our understanding of this powerful force ... love... and learn to hide from it.
This brings me to Josie... Her developmental stages were riddled with lies, betrayal, fear, abandonment, and pain. These were the major lessons she learned from parents who were supposed to love her unconditionally. Instead, she saw with her young eyes the horrors of inflicted pain by her father; she survived to her teenage years by learning to hide anything which might give her happiness. She then paid the price of feeling happiness by physical pain at the hands of her father when he found out she had experienced anything without his approval. It was so severe she was hospitalized. This allowed her gran, Lydia to step in and remove her without any resistance from her father.
Her Gran was her only safe haven. What was critical for Josie was her understanding of Gran's own history of abuse and how she survived; this was a family steeped in it for generations. It had left its mark and her Gran had risen above it...so she was able to give the guidance Josie needed growing up. She enrolled Josie into a prestigious all-girls school which gave her education, literature, and friendship. It also was the type of place which exposed her to different types of life; cultured with the arts, fashion, and books as the central core.
She thrived and continued to college... and experienced life away from the safety net of the school she loved or her gran... thinking she deserved a little happiness now... only to have ugliness thrown back into her face again.
It was the final lesson that sealed the deal on her happiness/love lessons... it was not for her... the best case scenario, she might get to be content.
Now what does all of this have to do with the communication style of Josie... well my sense is she may have been sophisticated with all of the world travel, fashion hobnobbing, and celebrity... but as to real life and interpersonal relationships .... she really only had her Gran... who was proper, from another era and was the only real influence she trusted... which made her in many ways extremely bright, able to accomplish much ...which she did... but very naive, too... almost like she came from another planet on some things.
And this is the biggest key which I felt the most.... she had created a facade... a false persona of a calm, collected, sure of herself confidant woman who she presented 24/7 for all to know... but the real girl, the one which her Gran knew was still hiding all these years was deep down still there...needing to come out...
This brings me to Jake. Jake had his own facade... but it wasn't as clearly presented... he was this guy's guy; an accomplished professional fighter who had tasted fame and success. A man who also happened to have the capacity to love and love deeply. He had chosen poorly but still through all the hurt he had experienced... and it was deep... he had somehow left his heart open to love...but because of life... he wasn't clear he deserved it either. He not only was cut from the KA male template but he was a father too... and his love for all of his children was palpable through all of his actions. These kids were fully formed... and some of the best scenes in the book had to do with them.
But Gran knew... and she decided to intervene...
So here you have two people brought together through the love they had for the incredible force of Gran/Lydie... and by being respectful to her wishes... both Josie and Jake benefit.
There is too much to this love story for me to go into...KA structured this like all of her vintage KA books but without the side stories of explosions or fast-paced action. She held true to the vision she had about these two people and what it would be like for them to come together doing the KA mating dance. She did not disappoint at all.
She packed this book with so much sexual chemistry between these two, the combustion and power when they finally got together was epic.
I will briefly say the multiple characters in this book are all fantastic; humorous, smart, caring, and worthy of their own stories... whether combined with another or on their own... KA does not leave them out there floating around in our mind's eye wondering what is happening with them.
I will also say...as you all know, I can get a little long-winded about things I love... there are real, serious topics addressed in this book; teenage behavior, bullying, domestic abuse, parental abandonment, self-worth, and learning to believe in yourself and others. I could go into all types of details of how amazingly well done KA worked these topics into the story without us feeling overwhelmed.
Instead, I am just going to hope this review with my take on the main character, Josie might give those who couldn't connect another way to see her...or not.
Please read all of the terrific reviews out there... no matter the stars because I think all of them have something to say and take away...and then the best.....is you get to decide.
I must give a shout out to the Amazing Buddy Read by The Canaries... this was one of the most fun experiences I have had here on GR. This group of readers are accepting, passionate, hysterically funny, and downright terrific. Thank you so much... it was BEYOND :DDD
The Will (Magdalene, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Soaring (Magdalene, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Time in Between (Magdalene, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
5 Pulled an All-Nighter, Breaking the Facade, Letting Love in Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-But A Long Ass Review
This book knocked me to my mental knees...There were so many things to address, trying to come up with a way to present them all caused my head to spin.
First... the reader would either be able to connect with the main character Josie... or not. KA was fearless in her determination to stay true to what she felt this woman needed to be. This was a huge risk and for some readers, it may have been too much of a leap of faith for them... they had experienced recent books by her which for some reason or another were not totally true to the KA voice as they knew it...so to be hit from the first page by a fully formed character such as Josie could be a deal-breaker.
I get that... and to those who felt "Eh, WTH...", I understand and get that, too... no harm/no foul... and on to the next book...
But for me... I got something besides that...I sensed a whole undercurrent brewing and was hooked from the start... because...
From my life perspective, I have come to believe no matter where you live, what you believe politically or socially, whether you identify yourself as Blue or White Collar, Elite, Independent or Recluse... the driving force in life is to love and be loved. This statement may be very simplistic yet when we attempt to find it with others..... it can remain elusive.
Our lives are these lessons; whether we have them forced upon us brutally.... or learn them from more gentle teachers... we always remember them, and they can skew our understanding of this powerful force ... love... and learn to hide from it.
This brings me to Josie... Her developmental stages were riddled with lies, betrayal, fear, abandonment, and pain. These were the major lessons she learned from parents who were supposed to love her unconditionally. Instead, she saw with her young eyes the horrors of inflicted pain by her father; she survived to her teenage years by learning to hide anything which might give her happiness. She then paid the price of feeling happiness by physical pain at the hands of her father when he found out she had experienced anything without his approval. It was so severe she was hospitalized. This allowed her gran, Lydia to step in and remove her without any resistance from her father.
Her Gran was her only safe haven. What was critical for Josie was her understanding of Gran's own history of abuse and how she survived; this was a family steeped in it for generations. It had left its mark and her Gran had risen above it...so she was able to give the guidance Josie needed growing up. She enrolled Josie into a prestigious all-girls school which gave her education, literature, and friendship. It also was the type of place which exposed her to different types of life; cultured with the arts, fashion, and books as the central core.
She thrived and continued to college... and experienced life away from the safety net of the school she loved or her gran... thinking she deserved a little happiness now... only to have ugliness thrown back into her face again.
It was the final lesson that sealed the deal on her happiness/love lessons... it was not for her... the best case scenario, she might get to be content.
Now what does all of this have to do with the communication style of Josie... well my sense is she may have been sophisticated with all of the world travel, fashion hobnobbing, and celebrity... but as to real life and interpersonal relationships .... she really only had her Gran... who was proper, from another era and was the only real influence she trusted... which made her in many ways extremely bright, able to accomplish much ...which she did... but very naive, too... almost like she came from another planet on some things.
And this is the biggest key which I felt the most.... she had created a facade... a false persona of a calm, collected, sure of herself confidant woman who she presented 24/7 for all to know... but the real girl, the one which her Gran knew was still hiding all these years was deep down still there...needing to come out...
This brings me to Jake. Jake had his own facade... but it wasn't as clearly presented... he was this guy's guy; an accomplished professional fighter who had tasted fame and success. A man who also happened to have the capacity to love and love deeply. He had chosen poorly but still through all the hurt he had experienced... and it was deep... he had somehow left his heart open to love...but because of life... he wasn't clear he deserved it either. He not only was cut from the KA male template but he was a father too... and his love for all of his children was palpable through all of his actions. These kids were fully formed... and some of the best scenes in the book had to do with them.
But Gran knew... and she decided to intervene...
So here you have two people brought together through the love they had for the incredible force of Gran/Lydie... and by being respectful to her wishes... both Josie and Jake benefit.
There is too much to this love story for me to go into...KA structured this like all of her vintage KA books but without the side stories of explosions or fast-paced action. She held true to the vision she had about these two people and what it would be like for them to come together doing the KA mating dance. She did not disappoint at all.
She packed this book with so much sexual chemistry between these two, the combustion and power when they finally got together was epic.
I will briefly say the multiple characters in this book are all fantastic; humorous, smart, caring, and worthy of their own stories... whether combined with another or on their own... KA does not leave them out there floating around in our mind's eye wondering what is happening with them.
I will also say...as you all know, I can get a little long-winded about things I love... there are real, serious topics addressed in this book; teenage behavior, bullying, domestic abuse, parental abandonment, self-worth, and learning to believe in yourself and others. I could go into all types of details of how amazingly well done KA worked these topics into the story without us feeling overwhelmed.
Instead, I am just going to hope this review with my take on the main character, Josie might give those who couldn't connect another way to see her...or not.
Please read all of the terrific reviews out there... no matter the stars because I think all of them have something to say and take away...and then the best.....is you get to decide.
I must give a shout out to the Amazing Buddy Read by The Canaries... this was one of the most fun experiences I have had here on GR. This group of readers are accepting, passionate, hysterically funny, and downright terrific. Thank you so much... it was BEYOND :DDD
The Will (Magdalene, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Soaring (Magdalene, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Time in Between (Magdalene, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 9, 2014
5 KA has her magic back Stars
Oh yes!
God yes!
Fuck yes!
KA got her mojo back with this book. If I needed any further proof that the past releases lost the KA touch because of her publisher, this book was it. It was everything that I've been missing in her published books lately. And I do mean every-fucking-thing.
Who else but Kristen Ashley can take a heroine that talks like she's a Victorian maiden and not only make it so it doesn't irritate the living crap out of you, but actually endears her to you? No really? I ask you?
Well, yes I can. Because it was fantastic!
Miss Ashley takes a prim and proper heroine that by all intents and purposes conducts herself like she has a stick up her ass the size of a palm tree and makes you love her. Josie was everything I love in a heroine and even some things that I'd normally hate...yet loved here. Here you have a heroine that shows up in a town and it's like the woman has a catnip pussy...uhem. All she has to do is breathe and she draws men to her like a bitch in heat.
Normally, this would drive me batty. Here, I couldn't get enough. Such is the magic of KA.
Who else but KA can give you a hero that's equal parts sweet, slightly assholish, a dash domineering, a whole lot of jealous, with a twist of melt your panties dirty talker?
Oh and make him a sexy as sin former boxer and an amazing single father in his late 40s?
Who else but KA can give you a beautiful love story with the perfect burn of sexual tension all to explode in the most erotic way when they finally give into the inevitable?
Don't believe me? Just wait till that halfway mark and see for yourself what I mean.
And finally, who else but KA can give you an ending and an epilogue that will leave you an ugly crying, sniveling, kindle hugging in the middle of your room mess?
In case you're curious, those are rhetorical questions, because the answer to all those is NO ONE. Absolutely, positively NO ONE but Kristen Ashley.
I adored this book. I tried stretching it out as much as possible and yet couldn't find myself to put it down. I fell in love with Jake, I fell in love with his kids, I fell in love with the quirky Josie, and I completely and utterly fell in love with the story.
I won't give you a sum up of the book or what it's about since you can get the main gist of it from the book blurb. Giving you anything else will be an injustice to the KA reading experience. What I will tell you is that if you're anything like me and found her last few releases to be somewhat shy of lackluster, this will bring you out of that funk.
I know that I will only be sticking to her self-pubs from now on because she has definitely not lost her touch, it's simply been getting edited out by her publisher. And now I will be on pins and needles in pervy anticipation of Frankie and Benny's book.
Miss Ashley, I only have one thing to tell you after finishing this
For more reviews visit
It's never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it's never too late to find it.
Oh yes!
God yes!
Fuck yes!
KA got her mojo back with this book. If I needed any further proof that the past releases lost the KA touch because of her publisher, this book was it. It was everything that I've been missing in her published books lately. And I do mean every-fucking-thing.
Who else but Kristen Ashley can take a heroine that talks like she's a Victorian maiden and not only make it so it doesn't irritate the living crap out of you, but actually endears her to you? No really? I ask you?
Well, yes I can. Because it was fantastic!
Miss Ashley takes a prim and proper heroine that by all intents and purposes conducts herself like she has a stick up her ass the size of a palm tree and makes you love her. Josie was everything I love in a heroine and even some things that I'd normally hate...yet loved here. Here you have a heroine that shows up in a town and it's like the woman has a catnip pussy...uhem. All she has to do is breathe and she draws men to her like a bitch in heat.
Normally, this would drive me batty. Here, I couldn't get enough. Such is the magic of KA.
Who else but KA can give you a hero that's equal parts sweet, slightly assholish, a dash domineering, a whole lot of jealous, with a twist of melt your panties dirty talker?
Oh and make him a sexy as sin former boxer and an amazing single father in his late 40s?
Who else but KA can give you a beautiful love story with the perfect burn of sexual tension all to explode in the most erotic way when they finally give into the inevitable?
Don't believe me? Just wait till that halfway mark and see for yourself what I mean.
And finally, who else but KA can give you an ending and an epilogue that will leave you an ugly crying, sniveling, kindle hugging in the middle of your room mess?
In case you're curious, those are rhetorical questions, because the answer to all those is NO ONE. Absolutely, positively NO ONE but Kristen Ashley.
I adored this book. I tried stretching it out as much as possible and yet couldn't find myself to put it down. I fell in love with Jake, I fell in love with his kids, I fell in love with the quirky Josie, and I completely and utterly fell in love with the story.
I won't give you a sum up of the book or what it's about since you can get the main gist of it from the book blurb. Giving you anything else will be an injustice to the KA reading experience. What I will tell you is that if you're anything like me and found her last few releases to be somewhat shy of lackluster, this will bring you out of that funk.
I know that I will only be sticking to her self-pubs from now on because she has definitely not lost her touch, it's simply been getting edited out by her publisher. And now I will be on pins and needles in pervy anticipation of Frankie and Benny's book.
Miss Ashley, I only have one thing to tell you after finishing this
For more reviews visit
February 10, 2016
5 **lavender** STARS
*sigh*
Wonderful. Epic. Just really very sweet and moving. A fabulous addition to my favourite Kristen Ashley reads. Yes, this is quite formulaic and I can assure you in the grand scheme of things, nothing I read here was really new in the KA universe. But who the hell cares. It's escapism at its best and as my partner in crime would say 'crack on paper'.
For twenty-three years Josephine Malone has lead a very fast and fascinating life, working as the PA for a very well known and successful Photographer. She is content with what she has got. There are things in her past that made her choose this kind of unpredictable and uncommitted life. The only thing constant and dear to her her heart was her grandmother - Lydia Malone, the woman who saved her, who gave her a home in the small town of Magdalene in Maine and the only person who ever really loved her. Naturally the day Josie found out her anker had died her whole life was changed - in more than one way.
As the title of the book suggests a will plays a bigger role in the story. Lydia Malone was a beautiful soul and she always wanted the best for her granddaughter. The best thing she had to share was Jake Spears. In her will she not only bequeaths Lavender House and all her belongings to her, she also gave Josie to Jake. Somewhat unconventional and amusing, if you ask me.
Jake is a father of three kids, an ex-boxer and the owner of both a boxing gym and a strip club. The best part, Josie never even knew he existed in her grandmother's life. The big question is why they had such a big connection Josie didn't know about and why Jake is so determined to honor Lydia's wishes.
A carefully executed seduction and persuasion plan ensues. Josie is not an easy nut to crack, but it sure is worth it for Jake and his kids.
A grandmother who pulls the strings from the grave, a charming and yet rough around the edges hero, a cute bunch of kids and a very classy and slightly odd heroine. That's the kind of old school KA I love and always fall for. The family dynamics, the humour and the very sexy couple make this an exceptional piece of escapism. A beautiful little world, in a small town where people care about each other and bad situations get resolved rather swiftly. It's just so gosh darn cute, I still feel like smiling when I think about it.
But don't let the cheese fool you, The Will made me actually cry. Especially towards the end I was sniffling like a crazy person. I love the emotional intimacy between the characters. It really got to me. And that's all you can hope for in a book, right?
“Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall but when you refuse to stand again.”
*sigh*
Wonderful. Epic. Just really very sweet and moving. A fabulous addition to my favourite Kristen Ashley reads. Yes, this is quite formulaic and I can assure you in the grand scheme of things, nothing I read here was really new in the KA universe. But who the hell cares. It's escapism at its best and as my partner in crime would say 'crack on paper'.
“He’ll make you happy, my precious Josie.”
For twenty-three years Josephine Malone has lead a very fast and fascinating life, working as the PA for a very well known and successful Photographer. She is content with what she has got. There are things in her past that made her choose this kind of unpredictable and uncommitted life. The only thing constant and dear to her her heart was her grandmother - Lydia Malone, the woman who saved her, who gave her a home in the small town of Magdalene in Maine and the only person who ever really loved her. Naturally the day Josie found out her anker had died her whole life was changed - in more than one way.
As the title of the book suggests a will plays a bigger role in the story. Lydia Malone was a beautiful soul and she always wanted the best for her granddaughter. The best thing she had to share was Jake Spears. In her will she not only bequeaths Lavender House and all her belongings to her, she also gave Josie to Jake. Somewhat unconventional and amusing, if you ask me.
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
Jake is a father of three kids, an ex-boxer and the owner of both a boxing gym and a strip club. The best part, Josie never even knew he existed in her grandmother's life. The big question is why they had such a big connection Josie didn't know about and why Jake is so determined to honor Lydia's wishes.
A carefully executed seduction and persuasion plan ensues. Josie is not an easy nut to crack, but it sure is worth it for Jake and his kids.
“I wanted you before I even knew you. Someone handsome and strong and protective and fierce. You’re everything I ever wanted, darling.”
A grandmother who pulls the strings from the grave, a charming and yet rough around the edges hero, a cute bunch of kids and a very classy and slightly odd heroine. That's the kind of old school KA I love and always fall for. The family dynamics, the humour and the very sexy couple make this an exceptional piece of escapism. A beautiful little world, in a small town where people care about each other and bad situations get resolved rather swiftly. It's just so gosh darn cute, I still feel like smiling when I think about it.
But don't let the cheese fool you, The Will made me actually cry. Especially towards the end I was sniffling like a crazy person. I love the emotional intimacy between the characters. It really got to me. And that's all you can hope for in a book, right?
October 14, 2017
This was a really good book and while it didn't blow me away, it was highly enjoyable. I've been reading a lot of suspenseful, dark romance stories as of late. It was nice to change it up a bit with a nice, light and straightforward love story. Sometimes you just have to take a break from all those mysterious and emotionally traumatized romance-novel guys that always seem to lean towards bondage, etc. I love a bad boy, but it can be a bit overwhelming!
The characters and the storyline were very well-developed by Ms. Ashley, as is the norm for her. I also liked that the story of Josie and Jake seemed believable and not overdone in some fantastical way. The downside, is that sometimes the book did drag on. I did get bored a few times reading the detailed descriptions of mundane chores, etc. I think some of those details could have been skipped without taking anything from the story.
Despite a few lulls, I did enjoy this story a great deal and I do recommend it.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
The characters and the storyline were very well-developed by Ms. Ashley, as is the norm for her. I also liked that the story of Josie and Jake seemed believable and not overdone in some fantastical way. The downside, is that sometimes the book did drag on. I did get bored a few times reading the detailed descriptions of mundane chores, etc. I think some of those details could have been skipped without taking anything from the story.
Despite a few lulls, I did enjoy this story a great deal and I do recommend it.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
October 24, 2024
I like almost all KA heroines. Even the ones most people hate :D
But I couldn't stomach this one :( She ruined the book for me because the story was good and I liked the guy too but even that wasn't strong enough to keep me reading HER, her TALKING and her THINKING.
Oh well.
May 31, 2023
4 stars!
" If you learn to accept yourself just as you are, learn to laugh at your quirks instead of hating them, show the world all that’s you without tryin’ to hide things that are not even a little unattractive, that makes you more attractive. What you got is a fuckuva lot. You own all of it and let it all hang out, you’ll go off-the-charts.”
It's been a while since I've read a Kristen Ashley book. When I saw that pretty much all of my Goodreads friends were unanimous in loving this book, I decided to jump back in with this one.
The story begins with Josie at the funeral of her beloved grandmother. Josie hasn't been back to Magdalene in years, as she was trotting the globe as an assistant to a famous photographer. Losing her Gran meant she had lost what was left of her family.
At the reading of her Gran's will, Josie discovers that her Gran has left Josie to Jake Spear. The former boxer and town strip club owner. At first Josie is horrified, by the idea and by Jake's profession, but over time and by getting to know him, Josie discovers there is more to Jake than meets the eye.
“Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall but when you refuse to stand again.”
I was hesitant going into this book, as I'm in my mid-twenties and the main characters are in their forties. I was worried I wouldn't be interested in their romance or lives, but then I remembered how amazing Ashley's Sweet Dreams was, also about a couple in their forties, and decided to give this a chance. While this book does focus on issues that people in their forties face, like former lovers, ex wives, children and more, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book because it held strong themes of family, love, survival, and finding one's place in life when things change abruptly.
I loved the slow building romance between Josie and Jake, along with the little misunderstandings Josie had about Jake's interest. Josie's relationship with Jake's children was beautiful; she helped them without ever forcing her way in or being overbearing. She didn't try to be cool or someone different for their sakes, instead she was herself and showed constantly how much she cared about them and their well being.
The side plot with Henry made me kind of sad, I really hope he gets his own book or at least a mention of an HEA. I know he's the one who fucked things up with Josie, but come on. Men tend to not think things through all of the time. A lot of the time.
“You see, a woman who knows herself and her worth knows that her time is valuable and her heart is precious. She doesn’t give either to a man who can’t respect the gifts he’s being offered.”
****MINI SPOILER AHEAD THAT I'M NOT TAGGING****
I only had two things I didn't really like about this book. One was the side plot about Conner and his five high school girlfriends. It didn't really make sense to me that Kristen Ashley would develop Ellie just to have them break up, with Conner being less than understanding of Ellie's position her parents put her in, just to find another different girlfriend by the end. I would rather have had Ellie not exist and use Sophie instead. It just seemed like a waste of plot to me, but I guess I'm just being nit-picky.
The other thing I REALLY did not like was the way Josie talked. It drove me up the wall! She sounded like a pretentious snob and everyone was like, "oh you talk weird, that's cute". I'm over here like, "um, no. She sounds incredibly rude and condescending" but whatever. Despite the way she talked, I still really liked Josie mostly because she had a heart of gold and when you were someone she cared about, she took care of you.
This book really did feel like one of Kristen Ashley's older works, and was a great romance that was well developed and not cheesy, which worked perfectly for me. That friggin epilogue had me crying giant ugly tears. Damn you KA! Right in the damn feels.
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
" If you learn to accept yourself just as you are, learn to laugh at your quirks instead of hating them, show the world all that’s you without tryin’ to hide things that are not even a little unattractive, that makes you more attractive. What you got is a fuckuva lot. You own all of it and let it all hang out, you’ll go off-the-charts.”
It's been a while since I've read a Kristen Ashley book. When I saw that pretty much all of my Goodreads friends were unanimous in loving this book, I decided to jump back in with this one.
The story begins with Josie at the funeral of her beloved grandmother. Josie hasn't been back to Magdalene in years, as she was trotting the globe as an assistant to a famous photographer. Losing her Gran meant she had lost what was left of her family.
At the reading of her Gran's will, Josie discovers that her Gran has left Josie to Jake Spear. The former boxer and town strip club owner. At first Josie is horrified, by the idea and by Jake's profession, but over time and by getting to know him, Josie discovers there is more to Jake than meets the eye.
“Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall but when you refuse to stand again.”
I was hesitant going into this book, as I'm in my mid-twenties and the main characters are in their forties. I was worried I wouldn't be interested in their romance or lives, but then I remembered how amazing Ashley's Sweet Dreams was, also about a couple in their forties, and decided to give this a chance. While this book does focus on issues that people in their forties face, like former lovers, ex wives, children and more, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book because it held strong themes of family, love, survival, and finding one's place in life when things change abruptly.
I loved the slow building romance between Josie and Jake, along with the little misunderstandings Josie had about Jake's interest. Josie's relationship with Jake's children was beautiful; she helped them without ever forcing her way in or being overbearing. She didn't try to be cool or someone different for their sakes, instead she was herself and showed constantly how much she cared about them and their well being.
The side plot with Henry made me kind of sad, I really hope he gets his own book or at least a mention of an HEA. I know he's the one who fucked things up with Josie, but come on. Men tend to not think things through all of the time. A lot of the time.
“You see, a woman who knows herself and her worth knows that her time is valuable and her heart is precious. She doesn’t give either to a man who can’t respect the gifts he’s being offered.”
****MINI SPOILER AHEAD THAT I'M NOT TAGGING****
I only had two things I didn't really like about this book. One was the side plot about Conner and his five high school girlfriends. It didn't really make sense to me that Kristen Ashley would develop Ellie just to have them break up, with Conner being less than understanding of Ellie's position her parents put her in, just to find another different girlfriend by the end. I would rather have had Ellie not exist and use Sophie instead. It just seemed like a waste of plot to me, but I guess I'm just being nit-picky.
The other thing I REALLY did not like was the way Josie talked. It drove me up the wall! She sounded like a pretentious snob and everyone was like, "oh you talk weird, that's cute". I'm over here like, "um, no. She sounds incredibly rude and condescending" but whatever. Despite the way she talked, I still really liked Josie mostly because she had a heart of gold and when you were someone she cared about, she took care of you.
This book really did feel like one of Kristen Ashley's older works, and was a great romance that was well developed and not cheesy, which worked perfectly for me. That friggin epilogue had me crying giant ugly tears. Damn you KA! Right in the damn feels.
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
April 11, 2014
KA does it again and I liked it a fuckuva lot!
I did slightly miss being kidnapped/danger but this was still one kick ass story which totally tugged on my heartstrings!
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Great story of love and family. Thank you for remaining my alltime favorite author! You Rock!
I did slightly miss being kidnapped/danger but this was still one kick ass story which totally tugged on my heartstrings!
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Great story of love and family. Thank you for remaining my alltime favorite author! You Rock!
May 30, 2017
I loved it Fuckuva Lot!
This was my first from KA. I know, I know, shame on me... But what a way to start this journey. I must say, I am mad at myself for waiting so long. I loved everything. The writing was exquisite, the story captivating, the characters wonderful.
Josie is hands down the best heroine ever. She was so classy, wise and with a heart of gold. I adore Josie. I envy Josie. I wanna be Josie. This woman is pure perfection, not a thing I would change.
And Jake was as perfect as Josie was. "She thinks I'm the shit." Oh yes Jake, yes you are. He was rough on the outside with his foul language and boxing as a hobby, but so gooey, sweet, warm and tender on the inside. Good father, good friend, good man.
It was a beautiful, drama free story about second chances in life, about falling in love and finding happiness again, about finally having the family the main characters always dreamt of. Also, about the fact that being content is sometimes not enough in life, that you need to be happy and it's never too late to look for that happiness.
This book was pure perfection, nothing else to add. Now, if her other books are as good as this one, I'm gonna eat that shit up!
August 28, 2016
"Don't know,Josie."
"Just know whatever it is I want you to be
a part of it and I hope like fuck you want
the same."
+6 STARS <333
Wow AMAZING like the most books of Kristen Ashley...This woman whatever she wrote is fantastic!!!I was hooked from the beginning until the end!Such a beautiful,hot,emotional,sexy and completely sensual book!I really liked Josie and Jake and I was sucked in to their story!I am hopeful that this will be another great series by Kristen Ashley!!!
Josie is a 45 years old who has been traveling around the world as an assistant to a famous photographer.The last years she didn't have a serious relationship.The only people she loved so much now has passed away and she must go back for the funeral..This person was her grandmother..who was there for her when her father abused her...She is surprised when a man she doesn't know is the other person at the reading of the will.
Her grandmother gives Josie the family home and quite a bit of money. She gives some money to Jake for his kid's.Josie is surprised because her grandmother never told Josie about Jake and his family. ..
Jake and Josie start as friends..but soon they will become more...Jake and Josie’s relationship develops slowly and it was so sweet..
At the beginning I thought I will have problem because I'm 25 years old and I don't like to read about older people but this book was so beautiful that I didn't have problem with the ages!!Because the story was fantastic.. about two people finding love after life has given then only bad moments..
Josie was ok for me..I like how she was with Jake and his kids, my only complaint is about the way she was talking!Sometimes I need to re-read again what she said!Jake <3 I'm in love!He is the reason I give this book 6 STARS !!He is an ex-boxer who live with his kids!I loved his dirty mouth!!!He is such an alpha male!!Exactly what I need it!!Sexy,hot and .I also fell in love with his kids who where amazing!!He cares for them and he wants the best!!Absolutely he is one of the best male characters Kristen have wrote!!
"He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen in my life."
And the epilogue <3 *sigh* so beautiful!!Ican't wait for the next book!!
"Just know whatever it is I want you to be
a part of it and I hope like fuck you want
the same."
+6 STARS <333
Wow AMAZING like the most books of Kristen Ashley...This woman whatever she wrote is fantastic!!!I was hooked from the beginning until the end!Such a beautiful,hot,emotional,sexy and completely sensual book!I really liked Josie and Jake and I was sucked in to their story!I am hopeful that this will be another great series by Kristen Ashley!!!
Josie is a 45 years old who has been traveling around the world as an assistant to a famous photographer.The last years she didn't have a serious relationship.The only people she loved so much now has passed away and she must go back for the funeral..This person was her grandmother..who was there for her when her father abused her...She is surprised when a man she doesn't know is the other person at the reading of the will.
Her grandmother gives Josie the family home and quite a bit of money. She gives some money to Jake for his kid's.Josie is surprised because her grandmother never told Josie about Jake and his family. ..
Jake and Josie start as friends..but soon they will become more...Jake and Josie’s relationship develops slowly and it was so sweet..
At the beginning I thought I will have problem because I'm 25 years old and I don't like to read about older people but this book was so beautiful that I didn't have problem with the ages!!Because the story was fantastic.. about two people finding love after life has given then only bad moments..
Josie was ok for me..I like how she was with Jake and his kids, my only complaint is about the way she was talking!Sometimes I need to re-read again what she said!Jake <3 I'm in love!He is the reason I give this book 6 STARS !!He is an ex-boxer who live with his kids!I loved his dirty mouth!!!He is such an alpha male!!Exactly what I need it!!Sexy,hot and .I also fell in love with his kids who where amazing!!He cares for them and he wants the best!!Absolutely he is one of the best male characters Kristen have wrote!!
"He was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen in my life."
And the epilogue <3 *sigh* so beautiful!!Ican't wait for the next book!!
April 11, 2014
5--Kick Ass--Stars!!!
Hi, my name is J'Anne...aka J*Nookie and
I can't believe I let a page count get in the way of the wonderful story-telling of Kristen Ashley. I should kick my own ass.
So, yeah....this one was
I don't even know how to review it properly.
It all started with the death of Gran...which lead to the reading of the will...which brought Jake and Josie together.
I loved everything about this story. I loved the development of Jake and Josie's relationship. I loved Jake's kids. I loved the Taylor's. I loved Alyssa. I loved how prim and proper Josie was...it made me LMAO!
The sexual tension...
Jake, Jake, Jake....
He was the ultimate alpha male wrapped up in the sweetest, most caring package. Jake the man, Jake the dad, Jake the lover...
There are no words to do this book justice. I highly recommend this book. You'll get lost in the story of Jake and Josie. You'll fall in love with them. You won't want it to end.
The epilogue...sweet jeebus
That was one of the best epilogues ever!
Now, if you'll excuse me I have a shit ton of KA books to catch up on!
Hi, my name is J'Anne...aka J*Nookie and
I can't believe I let a page count get in the way of the wonderful story-telling of Kristen Ashley. I should kick my own ass.
So, yeah....this one was
I don't even know how to review it properly.
It all started with the death of Gran...which lead to the reading of the will...which brought Jake and Josie together.
"It's never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it's never too late to find it."
I loved everything about this story. I loved the development of Jake and Josie's relationship. I loved Jake's kids. I loved the Taylor's. I loved Alyssa. I loved how prim and proper Josie was...it made me LMAO!
The sexual tension...
Jake, Jake, Jake....
He was the ultimate alpha male wrapped up in the sweetest, most caring package. Jake the man, Jake the dad, Jake the lover...
There are no words to do this book justice. I highly recommend this book. You'll get lost in the story of Jake and Josie. You'll fall in love with them. You won't want it to end.
The epilogue...sweet jeebus
That was one of the best epilogues ever!
Now, if you'll excuse me I have a shit ton of KA books to catch up on!
September 10, 2017
I love Kristen Ashley. I do. I don't even care, you naysayers can naysay all you want, and I'll still love her.
But that's turning more and more into a cumulative thing . . .
B/c I have no idea what is going on here. This was like KA as seen through opaque glass: you can make out the staple features if you squint really hard, but mostly it's a big ol' blurry mess that only vaguely resembles the standard KA that sits out in the open. And I've come to expect that from anything we get from KA via a publisher (CHAOS series, the last couple of COLORADO MOUNTAIN installments . . .), but when BROKEN DOVE came out at Christmas time, AND ROCK CHICK REVOLUTION even before that, I breathed easier believing that independently published KA was still classic KA.
It would seem I breathed too soon.
So what was wrong with it?
1. Josie, Josie, Josie. I understand what KA was trying to do here, I really do, but she wayyyy over-shot. She was trying to create a false kind of hoity toity, high society type, a character who hides behind proper speech and big words. (Kind of like chicky-poo from FAIRYTALE COME ALIVE hid behind pretty clothes and decorous behavior.)
The problem with this is that readers will always have the largest vocabularies, b/c we read, it's what we do. And this:
is a real problem. A problem from which one can infer that we know what people talk like in real life.
And Josie does not speak like a real, live person. Not a real, live person in the year of our Lord, 2014 anyway. She refers to Jake as a "pugilist." No really. She does. And, though I have absolutely no idea how, I actually knew what a pugilist was (it's a boxer). But one of my favorite things about reading on a kindle is having the OED at my fingertips. For anyone who doesn't know, that means that not only can I define words as I'm reading, I can also trace the word origin, which means I know that the word "pugilist" hasn't been used colloquially since the mid-18th century. She also insists on referring to Jake's children's friends as "young, insert-name-here." This happens most often with "boy Taylor"<-----see, classic KA right-friggin'-there: Jake's daughter has two BFFs, girl Taylor and boy Taylor.
It's cute and quirky. Wanna know what's NOT cute and quirky?
"Alas, young Taylor . . . "
Over and over again. Not cute and quirky. Ridiculous. I had alternating images of Pierce (who lived 100(ish) years ago) from THE HOLLOWS "opining" this or that and an old Calvin & Hobbes comic:
2. Lack of villainous villains. (Non-paranormal) KA books are mostly romantic suspense. There's always a Bad Guy. A Bad Guy who's bad enough to need to be either killed, or imprisoned.
Not this time.
Oh sure, one dude is pretty smarmy, but mostly they're minor annoyances that don't even need Man-in-Uniform intervention<-----LAME. And by "lame" I mean BORING.
3. Overall the plot was just MEH. Maybe it's b/c this is straight-up contemporary romance instead of romantic suspense, but nothing really interesting happens in the book. Tough Guy was keeping a Secret from Josie, but the Secret was pretty guessable, and it was one of those Secrets that's not much more than an insight into Tough Guy's psyche, meant to endear him to you.
*rolls eyes*
And the characters and relationships read like a mash-up of previous KA novels (mostly from The 'Burg).
So, yeah. Blah.
But that's turning more and more into a cumulative thing . . .
B/c I have no idea what is going on here. This was like KA as seen through opaque glass: you can make out the staple features if you squint really hard, but mostly it's a big ol' blurry mess that only vaguely resembles the standard KA that sits out in the open. And I've come to expect that from anything we get from KA via a publisher (CHAOS series, the last couple of COLORADO MOUNTAIN installments . . .), but when BROKEN DOVE came out at Christmas time, AND ROCK CHICK REVOLUTION even before that, I breathed easier believing that independently published KA was still classic KA.
It would seem I breathed too soon.
So what was wrong with it?
1. Josie, Josie, Josie. I understand what KA was trying to do here, I really do, but she wayyyy over-shot. She was trying to create a false kind of hoity toity, high society type, a character who hides behind proper speech and big words. (Kind of like chicky-poo from FAIRYTALE COME ALIVE hid behind pretty clothes and decorous behavior.)
The problem with this is that readers will always have the largest vocabularies, b/c we read, it's what we do. And this:
is a real problem. A problem from which one can infer that we know what people talk like in real life.
And Josie does not speak like a real, live person. Not a real, live person in the year of our Lord, 2014 anyway. She refers to Jake as a "pugilist." No really. She does. And, though I have absolutely no idea how, I actually knew what a pugilist was (it's a boxer). But one of my favorite things about reading on a kindle is having the OED at my fingertips. For anyone who doesn't know, that means that not only can I define words as I'm reading, I can also trace the word origin, which means I know that the word "pugilist" hasn't been used colloquially since the mid-18th century. She also insists on referring to Jake's children's friends as "young, insert-name-here." This happens most often with "boy Taylor"<-----see, classic KA right-friggin'-there: Jake's daughter has two BFFs, girl Taylor and boy Taylor.
It's cute and quirky. Wanna know what's NOT cute and quirky?
"Alas, young Taylor . . . "
Over and over again. Not cute and quirky. Ridiculous. I had alternating images of Pierce (who lived 100(ish) years ago) from THE HOLLOWS "opining" this or that and an old Calvin & Hobbes comic:
2. Lack of villainous villains. (Non-paranormal) KA books are mostly romantic suspense. There's always a Bad Guy. A Bad Guy who's bad enough to need to be either killed, or imprisoned.
Not this time.
Oh sure, one dude is pretty smarmy, but mostly they're minor annoyances that don't even need Man-in-Uniform intervention<-----LAME. And by "lame" I mean BORING.
3. Overall the plot was just MEH. Maybe it's b/c this is straight-up contemporary romance instead of romantic suspense, but nothing really interesting happens in the book. Tough Guy was keeping a Secret from Josie, but the Secret was pretty guessable, and it was one of those Secrets that's not much more than an insight into Tough Guy's psyche, meant to endear him to you.
*rolls eyes*
And the characters and relationships read like a mash-up of previous KA novels (mostly from The 'Burg).
So, yeah. Blah.
April 14, 2014
★★★★★ 5+ stars!
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
Reading this book = being in KA Heaven!!!
And it made me soooo happy.
Really, it did.
I was torn between devouring it like crazy or savoring every chapter of it, but in the end the devouring part won and I ended up reading it in 2 days. The Will has everything the perfect, standard KA story should have: a strong but quirky heroine, a fierce and protective alpha male, a huge amount of loopy and unique side characters, an interesting and captivating plot, some drama, lots of sexual tension and a fantastic epilogue. ♥
Josephine Malone is a 45 year old assistant to the famous fashion photographer Henry Gagnon and she's perfectly content with her life the way it is. Travelling all over the world, meeting famous artists and supermodels, wearing the latest couture and fashion outfits, eating in the finest restaurants. Her life has all the luxury she could want. Events from her past however have made her pull up a disguise for the past 23 years that makes her come off as cold and aloof. To protect her own heart, she's built up a barrier and refuses to let anyone in. Relationships aren't her thing and she's decided she's perfectly fine with casuals flings. The only person truly close to her is her grandmother, Lydie Malone. And maybe her boss, Henry, whom she's been in (unrequited) love with for the past 23 years.
Now, she's lost one of those two people. Her grandmother Lydie has died and she has to return to the small town Magdalene in Maine to attend her funeral and hear her will being read. While she's there she stays in her grandmother's Lavender House, the one place she truly calls home and she meets the mysteriously handsome Jake Spear...
Jake Spear is an ex-boxer, strip club owner and father of three children. He's been married three times and each and every time those marriages have been a failure. Despite his bad choices in love, he's a respectable and upstanding citizen of the small town of Magdalene, a caring father to his children and he's been a close friend to Lydie for the past 7 years. Throughout these years Lydie has told him much about her granddaughter Josie and everything she's told has been good. So good even that, combined with the pictures she's shown him of her, he's come to care about her as well even though he's never met her in person.
When they meet shortly after Lydie's funeral, Josie has no idea who he is since her grandmother has never talked about him throughout the years she's known him and his family. But when Lydie's Will is read, Jake and Josie both find out how much Lydie thought the two of them would be a perfect match to each other.
"My most precious possession, the thing I treasure about anything else in this world, that being my granddaughter, Josephine Diana Malone, I hereby bequeath to James Markham Spear.”
Even though Josie finds it bizarre that her grandmother would "bequeath" her to a man she's never met, she and Jake start to hang out and get to know each other as friends.
"What's next?" I queried.
"Don't know, Josie. Just know whatever it is I want you to be a part of it and I hope like fuck you want the same."
Jake and Josie's love is like a slow burning candle. Even though they both have feelings for each other from the start, they both have their own reasons for taking things slow and letting the foundation of their relationship grow strong before taking the next step. With her being so proper and well spoken (which at first annoyed me but started to grow on me throughout the story) and him being so no-nonsense and rough, they couldn't have been more different but somehow they made perfect sense together and they complemented each other perfectly!
“I never wanted anything but you, Jake… And I wanted you before I even knew you… You’re everything I ever wanted, darling.”
Of course, there are some obstacles to overcome before they find their happiness. There's some drama and a bit of angst, but not a huge amount of it. And even though this book is a long one, I enjoyed every single page of it and when it was over all I could think was that I want more. Josie and Jake's story had me hooked from an it might even be one of my new favorite KA stories EVER. All in all, this was the PERFECT start to a new series and I'm already anxiously awaiting the next tale in the Magdalene series. :)
May 9, 2014
6 KA, Vintage, Dreamy Stars
Follow your heart
A house in lavender.
A woman that forgot to live.
A man with the courage to try his hand.
And the will of an old lady, that will bind them forever.
♪♫ I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life ♪♫
It's never to late to reach for love, to earn the happiness that life owes you.
I admire KA for her ability to create worlds. Not fantastic ones, though I adore them as well and I want to live in them. What I mean, is her ability to recreate a real world that we all dream about. She takes all our hopes and smiles, fantasies and memories and she builds entire lives. Lives, that each one of us would be glad to live in. She doesn’t exaggerate. Her characters are me, you, my best friend and my gran. People that you can relate to, talk to, laugh and cry with them. Perfect you said? No, certainly. They curse, they stumble, fall, make stupid choices and mistakes. That’s why they are fun to read about. Because at the end you realize that you read a story about you. And the Christian Louboutin shoes you always dreamt about having…. ;)
So I could say that this is Jake and Josephine’s story. A story about two people in their forties who have lived but not loved until they found each other. I could go on and tell you about Jake being a boxer and Josephine having an amazing taste in clothes and talking in elaborate words. I could start gossiping about Jake’s kids, their relationships, Alyssa, omelets in The Shack, the gym, the strip joint and photographers too proud and blind to admit to love. I could describe all these and gash about how much I loved it. I could also say that I understand some fellow reviewer's frustration about the inner-dialogues, the second-guessing, how the heroes somehow behaved like they were in their twenties instead of forties, but it's KA and I don't mind.
But I won’t. This is Jake and Josephine’s life and you deserve to read it on on your own, finish it with a sigh and left alone to daydream about what you need to do to fulfill your heart’s desire.
Waiting for the book...
New KA Series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait...
Follow your heart
A house in lavender.
A woman that forgot to live.
A man with the courage to try his hand.
And the will of an old lady, that will bind them forever.
♪♫ I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life ♪♫
It's never to late to reach for love, to earn the happiness that life owes you.
I admire KA for her ability to create worlds. Not fantastic ones, though I adore them as well and I want to live in them. What I mean, is her ability to recreate a real world that we all dream about. She takes all our hopes and smiles, fantasies and memories and she builds entire lives. Lives, that each one of us would be glad to live in. She doesn’t exaggerate. Her characters are me, you, my best friend and my gran. People that you can relate to, talk to, laugh and cry with them. Perfect you said? No, certainly. They curse, they stumble, fall, make stupid choices and mistakes. That’s why they are fun to read about. Because at the end you realize that you read a story about you. And the Christian Louboutin shoes you always dreamt about having…. ;)
So I could say that this is Jake and Josephine’s story. A story about two people in their forties who have lived but not loved until they found each other. I could go on and tell you about Jake being a boxer and Josephine having an amazing taste in clothes and talking in elaborate words. I could start gossiping about Jake’s kids, their relationships, Alyssa, omelets in The Shack, the gym, the strip joint and photographers too proud and blind to admit to love. I could describe all these and gash about how much I loved it. I could also say that I understand some fellow reviewer's frustration about the inner-dialogues, the second-guessing, how the heroes somehow behaved like they were in their twenties instead of forties, but it's KA and I don't mind.
But I won’t. This is Jake and Josephine’s life and you deserve to read it on on your own, finish it with a sigh and left alone to daydream about what you need to do to fulfill your heart’s desire.
Waiting for the book...
New KA Series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait...
January 30, 2015
FABULOUS!!!!!!!!
My Jake:
My Josie:
This woman does not stop writing ever!!! Which is perfect because my life is 10 times better with KA books in it :)
My Jake:
My Josie:
This woman does not stop writing ever!!! Which is perfect because my life is 10 times better with KA books in it :)
February 24, 2015
When, every once in a while, I encounter a book that is not engaging, I try to read it through, simply because my mild OCD won't allow me to leave it unread. Obviously, I hate DNFing a book.
And obviously there are books stronger than my mild OCD, meaning reading them would drive me ten times more crazy than not reading them.
The Will blew my mild OCD to smithereens.
I DNFed this sucker at 50%, and it's an accomplishment I made it that far.
The first book by Kristen Ashley I read was Mystery Man, and I hated it. Absolutely detested it. The hero and his manner of speaking along with the heroine and her behavior were rage inducing. But as annoying as they were, there was always something happening, always something going on. I gotta admit, it took me by surprise more than once. The Will reminds me of Mystery Man, minus the always something happening part. Because in this book nothing happens. You read about an every day routine of an unimportant person and you read about it in great detail. That's what the 50% I've read were about. That, and various descriptions of her attire, his attire, how's her house decorated and how did Jake decorate his house/strip club/gym. Usually, I don't mind reading about this, since I really like clothes and fashion and interior designing. But in this case I was extremely bored and I skimmed those parts. I never do this. Ever. Like I said, I like everything fashion.
Take the time Josie called a guy to get some tickets for example. I'm paraphrasing, but it went something like this:
If you already told me Josie got the tickets, I believe you, you don't need to show me how she got them!
Unless, of course, a lightning struck the house at the exact moment Josie picked up her phone and she got electrocuted. Now that would've been fun to read. Why? Because Josie and her manner of speaking will drive you soooo nuts, death by electrocution would be just the beginning on the list of painful things you'd want to do to her.
Josephine is a lady. Dresses like one, behaves like one, talks like she dropped out of a friggin' Austen novel. Seriously. A conversation between her and Jake, who again, can't say a sentence without adding fuck or shit wherever he can, is just ridiculous. You can't possibly know how annoying it is until you've seen it with your own two eyes. Don't get me wrong, I believe every girl/woman should act like a lady, and I too, do my best. But outdated, old-fashioned talk in casual conversations (and Josie had a normal, modern upbringing, mind you) is just taking it too far and it's not believable.
Josie is a grown woman, 45 years old, who traveled around the world, saw a great deal, but she is more naive than a six-year-old. Seriously, the woman is clueless. I've a feeling if a stranger in a van offered her candy, she'd take it.
Which is confusing, because she is, compared to other KA heroines, actually smart, knows what she wants. And it wants her back. But for the love of all that's holy, she wouldn't recognize it if it hit her in the face. She has a crush on her boss for twenty years and she doesn't realize he feels the same until he tells her. She holds hands with Jake, cuddles with him, he kisses her on the forehead and she thinks they're just friends. How clueless can you be?! Also, just like in Mystery Man, every eligible bachelor in the radius of 50 km around Josephine wants her. And just like with Gwen, I can't see why.
Jake... is a gem, that's for sure. Boxer/strip club owner, three times divorced, father of three. I'll let that sink in.
He is the exact copy of Hawk's personality. Overbearing, commanding, intrusive, crazy possessive, foul-mouthed, womanizer, brute... you name it, Jake's got it.
There are a lot of things wrong about him that KA tried to mask as thoughtful or wonderful, and I wanted to scratch my eyes out every time this was mentioned.
Exhibit 1. He owns a strip club. And this is presented like an honest to God good thing, the patrons there don't even pay attention to the naked girls dancing in front of them, for they only come there for a drink and a chat.
What I'm really having trouble grasping, and this haunted me for a long time, is the fact that the guy had like a shitload of money on his disposal to open any business he wants and he chose to open a strip bar.
Hey, but at least it's a classy one. Can't have a father of three having it any other way.
Exhibit 2.Some CEO of some company asked Josie out and Jake tells her he is going to cancel their meeting. Who the hell asked you to interfere?! He's not her father, brother, husband, boyfriend, anything at all, what gives him the right to do so?
And please, that will has no significance anywhere.
This happens several times through those 50% I've read.
Exhibit 3. Instead of breaking up with women he was involved with, this asshole proposed to them. Thus having three failed marriages and three kids to take care of. What kind of fucked up logic is that?
Exhibit 4. Until Josie shows up and actually tells him it's wrong, he was completely ok with his son seeing 5 girls at the same time. And there is even a scene where a cat fight almost breaks out because of Asshole Jr. Guess what? The girls were completely ok with him having relationships with 4 other girls, too. When I read that I just xkenkdndbajyj
Exhibit 5. Coming unannounced at six thirty am to Josie's house, going to her bedroom and waking her up for an unscheduled boxing training. She thinks it's hot. I think he ought to spend a night in custody for breaking and entering. I was milliseconds away from hurling my reader through the window. Actual milliseconds.
There is actually a whole lot more, but this review is already waaaaaay too long.
P.S. Every male character in this book speaks the same way. I counted 149x babe, 87x baby, 375x fuck/fucking, 316x shit, 43x alas (which is 43 too many).
And obviously there are books stronger than my mild OCD, meaning reading them would drive me ten times more crazy than not reading them.
The Will blew my mild OCD to smithereens.
I DNFed this sucker at 50%, and it's an accomplishment I made it that far.
The first book by Kristen Ashley I read was Mystery Man, and I hated it. Absolutely detested it. The hero and his manner of speaking along with the heroine and her behavior were rage inducing. But as annoying as they were, there was always something happening, always something going on. I gotta admit, it took me by surprise more than once. The Will reminds me of Mystery Man, minus the always something happening part. Because in this book nothing happens. You read about an every day routine of an unimportant person and you read about it in great detail. That's what the 50% I've read were about. That, and various descriptions of her attire, his attire, how's her house decorated and how did Jake decorate his house/strip club/gym. Usually, I don't mind reading about this, since I really like clothes and fashion and interior designing. But in this case I was extremely bored and I skimmed those parts. I never do this. Ever. Like I said, I like everything fashion.
Take the time Josie called a guy to get some tickets for example. I'm paraphrasing, but it went something like this:
I called Lavone to get us tickets for his show in Boston.
I did this by getting up and dusting off, since I was in the garden. I put my tools on the ground by the beautiful plants Gran and I planted the first summer I spent in Lavender House.
I made my way to the back door into the kitchen and to the phone. I picked up the phone and dialed Lavone.
If you already told me Josie got the tickets, I believe you, you don't need to show me how she got them!
Unless, of course, a lightning struck the house at the exact moment Josie picked up her phone and she got electrocuted. Now that would've been fun to read. Why? Because Josie and her manner of speaking will drive you soooo nuts, death by electrocution would be just the beginning on the list of painful things you'd want to do to her.
Josephine is a lady. Dresses like one, behaves like one, talks like she dropped out of a friggin' Austen novel. Seriously. A conversation between her and Jake, who again, can't say a sentence without adding fuck or shit wherever he can, is just ridiculous. You can't possibly know how annoying it is until you've seen it with your own two eyes. Don't get me wrong, I believe every girl/woman should act like a lady, and I too, do my best. But outdated, old-fashioned talk in casual conversations (and Josie had a normal, modern upbringing, mind you) is just taking it too far and it's not believable.
Josie is a grown woman, 45 years old, who traveled around the world, saw a great deal, but she is more naive than a six-year-old. Seriously, the woman is clueless. I've a feeling if a stranger in a van offered her candy, she'd take it.
Which is confusing, because she is, compared to other KA heroines, actually smart, knows what she wants. And it wants her back. But for the love of all that's holy, she wouldn't recognize it if it hit her in the face. She has a crush on her boss for twenty years and she doesn't realize he feels the same until he tells her. She holds hands with Jake, cuddles with him, he kisses her on the forehead and she thinks they're just friends. How clueless can you be?! Also, just like in Mystery Man, every eligible bachelor in the radius of 50 km around Josephine wants her. And just like with Gwen, I can't see why.
Jake... is a gem, that's for sure. Boxer/strip club owner, three times divorced, father of three. I'll let that sink in.
He is the exact copy of Hawk's personality. Overbearing, commanding, intrusive, crazy possessive, foul-mouthed, womanizer, brute... you name it, Jake's got it.
There are a lot of things wrong about him that KA tried to mask as thoughtful or wonderful, and I wanted to scratch my eyes out every time this was mentioned.
Exhibit 1. He owns a strip club. And this is presented like an honest to God good thing, the patrons there don't even pay attention to the naked girls dancing in front of them, for they only come there for a drink and a chat.
What I'm really having trouble grasping, and this haunted me for a long time, is the fact that the guy had like a shitload of money on his disposal to open any business he wants and he chose to open a strip bar.
Hey, but at least it's a classy one. Can't have a father of three having it any other way.
Exhibit 2.Some CEO of some company asked Josie out and Jake tells her he is going to cancel their meeting. Who the hell asked you to interfere?! He's not her father, brother, husband, boyfriend, anything at all, what gives him the right to do so?
And please, that will has no significance anywhere.
This happens several times through those 50% I've read.
Exhibit 3. Instead of breaking up with women he was involved with, this asshole proposed to them. Thus having three failed marriages and three kids to take care of. What kind of fucked up logic is that?
Exhibit 4. Until Josie shows up and actually tells him it's wrong, he was completely ok with his son seeing 5 girls at the same time. And there is even a scene where a cat fight almost breaks out because of Asshole Jr. Guess what? The girls were completely ok with him having relationships with 4 other girls, too. When I read that I just xkenkdndbajyj
Exhibit 5. Coming unannounced at six thirty am to Josie's house, going to her bedroom and waking her up for an unscheduled boxing training. She thinks it's hot. I think he ought to spend a night in custody for breaking and entering. I was milliseconds away from hurling my reader through the window. Actual milliseconds.
There is actually a whole lot more, but this review is already waaaaaay too long.
P.S. Every male character in this book speaks the same way. I counted 149x babe, 87x baby, 375x fuck/fucking, 316x shit, 43x alas (which is 43 too many).
April 11, 2014
5 Lavender Stars.
The only person Josie could trust and love unconditionally after being hurt in the past, just died. And with the death of her grandmother, Lydia, comes the most extraordinary will Josie could ever imagine.
And with that will, comes the even more extraordinaire, Jake Spear. He was Lydia protégée, and she loved him like he was her own son.
Jake had a few unhappy choices in love, but now that Josie is back on his town he’s decided to make one last good decision.
Their past and their future collides more than Josie realizes, and unfortunately, the only person who could answer all her questions, is playing matchmaking from the other side.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Amazing. But then again, you couldn’t expect less from Kristen Ashley. This was a slightly different storyline that her usual, with a slower action and slightly older (not that much) main characters than we were used, but not less beautiful for that. In fact, I believe this amazingly beautiful story, is probably one of her best books so far. And she has a lot of amazing books.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV but mostly female. Well, look at the author. Do I need to say more about the writing in this book?
Character Development: I loved both of them. Neither of them was perfect, and yet, they were perfect together. They became one of my favorite KA’s couples.
The supportive characters were great, as always, and I especially loved Ethan. That kid was awesome!!
Steam: Pretty hot moments.
HEA:
The only person Josie could trust and love unconditionally after being hurt in the past, just died. And with the death of her grandmother, Lydia, comes the most extraordinary will Josie could ever imagine.
And with that will, comes the even more extraordinaire, Jake Spear. He was Lydia protégée, and she loved him like he was her own son.
Jake had a few unhappy choices in love, but now that Josie is back on his town he’s decided to make one last good decision.
Their past and their future collides more than Josie realizes, and unfortunately, the only person who could answer all her questions, is playing matchmaking from the other side.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Storyline: Amazing. But then again, you couldn’t expect less from Kristen Ashley. This was a slightly different storyline that her usual, with a slower action and slightly older (not that much) main characters than we were used, but not less beautiful for that. In fact, I believe this amazingly beautiful story, is probably one of her best books so far. And she has a lot of amazing books.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV but mostly female. Well, look at the author. Do I need to say more about the writing in this book?
Character Development: I loved both of them. Neither of them was perfect, and yet, they were perfect together. They became one of my favorite KA’s couples.
The supportive characters were great, as always, and I especially loved Ethan. That kid was awesome!!
Steam: Pretty hot moments.
HEA:
March 14, 2019
5 'Sally Forth' Stars
I listened to the audio, this had both positives and negatives.
Positive: This was a long book and I'm pretty sure I would have got a little bored if I'd read it.
Negative: The narrator seemed too old and snooty for the heroine and it took a while to get used to.
I get Josephine is 45 and posh but this narrator reminded me more of a 65 year old. In saying that by the end of the book I thought she'd done a brilliant job.
This was a beautiful love story with a unique story line that really caught my attention.
As I said above it took me some time to warm to Josephine, as at first I thought she was an uppity bitch who looked down her nose at everyone thank god I was wrong! Really Josephine was hiding behind this facade making sure no one could get too close. When you learn about her childhood you can see why she is the way she is.
Jake is AWESOME!! He is a single dad of three kids, all of which are fantastic and I loved how Josephine made a personal connection with each child. Jake had been married three times and at first he came across as a bit of a ladies man/man whore but really he just fell for the wrong women. He owns a strip club and boxing gym and works really hard to keep them afloat to support his kids.
Jake boxes and I think I'd be like the other ladies and love 'fight night'.
When Jake and Josephine come together the chemistry is off the charts!!
I can honestly say I have never loved a character in a book that had died before the book had even started, but I fell hard for Gran in this one. It started with the reading of the Will and she shattered me at the end with her recorded message that had me needing a lot of tissues.
Jake and Josephine were just meant to be! They have an amazing story that everyone should read. A true timeless romance, I loved it!!
I listened to the audio, this had both positives and negatives.
Positive: This was a long book and I'm pretty sure I would have got a little bored if I'd read it.
Negative: The narrator seemed too old and snooty for the heroine and it took a while to get used to.
I get Josephine is 45 and posh but this narrator reminded me more of a 65 year old. In saying that by the end of the book I thought she'd done a brilliant job.
This was a beautiful love story with a unique story line that really caught my attention.
As I said above it took me some time to warm to Josephine, as at first I thought she was an uppity bitch who looked down her nose at everyone thank god I was wrong! Really Josephine was hiding behind this facade making sure no one could get too close. When you learn about her childhood you can see why she is the way she is.
Jake is AWESOME!! He is a single dad of three kids, all of which are fantastic and I loved how Josephine made a personal connection with each child. Jake had been married three times and at first he came across as a bit of a ladies man/man whore but really he just fell for the wrong women. He owns a strip club and boxing gym and works really hard to keep them afloat to support his kids.
Jake boxes and I think I'd be like the other ladies and love 'fight night'.
When Jake and Josephine come together the chemistry is off the charts!!
I can honestly say I have never loved a character in a book that had died before the book had even started, but I fell hard for Gran in this one. It started with the reading of the Will and she shattered me at the end with her recorded message that had me needing a lot of tissues.
Jake and Josephine were just meant to be! They have an amazing story that everyone should read. A true timeless romance, I loved it!!
April 10, 2014
**3.75 Lavender stars**
When I saw the cover of this book I felt it was calling my name to read it. It's so pretty!!! Yes, I judged a book by its cover.
At the reading of the will she learns that her grandmother has left her to a man. This unconventional request starts the ball rolling in the love story between a prim and proper, Mary Poppins type, Josephine, and a rough around the edges, Jake.
Jake is a parent of teenagers and so am I (three highschoolers). Teens can be handful at times and at this stage of child development we as parents are faced with a whole new set of worries: driving, dating, (teen) drama, etc. Sometimes just listening to my three teenagers I feel like I'm living in a young adult book. I like the dynamics Jake's children brought to the overall story.
SERIES:
The Magdalene Series is a new series starting in 2014. It will be a trilogy of romances set in the fictional town of Magdalene, Maine. To find out when the next two books will be released click here.
When I saw the cover of this book I felt it was calling my name to read it. It's so pretty!!! Yes, I judged a book by its cover.
The death of Josephine's grandmother, Lydie, has brought her back to the Lavender House. The only house that Josephine has ever felt like it was home to her.
At the reading of the will she learns that her grandmother has left her to a man. This unconventional request starts the ball rolling in the love story between a prim and proper, Mary Poppins type, Josephine, and a rough around the edges, Jake.
My man is going to be strong and tall and handsome and smart and protective and fierce, so very FIERCE, and wonderful and he's going to adore me.Josephine has the same problem that Gwen from Mystery Man encountered; a bunch of hot eligible guys wanting to date her. I'm going to predict that the next two books in this series will feature - Amond and Mickey. And like her Own the Wind series she might do a spin off with Jake's kids.
Jake is a parent of teenagers and so am I (three highschoolers). Teens can be handful at times and at this stage of child development we as parents are faced with a whole new set of worries: driving, dating, (teen) drama, etc. Sometimes just listening to my three teenagers I feel like I'm living in a young adult book. I like the dynamics Jake's children brought to the overall story.
SERIES:
The Magdalene Series is a new series starting in 2014. It will be a trilogy of romances set in the fictional town of Magdalene, Maine. To find out when the next two books will be released click here.
April 11, 2014
“My most precious possession, the thing I treasure about anything else in this world, that being my granddaughter, Josephine Diana Malone, I hereby bequeath to James Markham Spear.”
Another KA book that had me in tears...that epilogue - made the whole freaking book. Ethan has to be the cutest kid ever.
The first part lagged a bit for me, but the second half was awesome. Classy Josie all prim and proper falling for 'pugilist' Jake and finally finding what she has always wanted, love and family. It was a sweet read, but it really made me miss my grandma - :(
My girl know this and never forget. It's never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it's never too late to find it...Please Josie, take Jake's hand and let him guide you to happiness.
September 9, 2015
Written May 20, 2015.
4 1/2 Stars - Adorable, adorable and so touching sweet
Can you rightly call a book adorable? If it's possible this one is just that. An adorable, charming, heartwarming romance novel. A story about everything and nothing. A very long book (and even longer audiobook - freaking 23:30 hrs - imagine, it's a lot of time!!).
It's always with some angst I start a new book by Kristen Ashley — Will it be a winner or not?. I got this one (as an audiobook incl the kindle ebook) for just over $3 and was quite sure that it should turn out to be a bargain. So it was....of course.
*********************************************************
I liked, loved and enjoyed The Will from the first to the last page. Simply ADORABLE! ~ Terrific and wonderful well narrated by Hollis McCarthy.
The Will is a story about a strange gift in a will.
Josephine Malone, a 45 years old woman trotting the globe as an assistant to a famous fashion photographer. When her very beloved grandma Lydia pass away Josie is back in her grandma's beautiful old big Magdalene, Main house.
Already at the funeral is Josie watching a stunning goodlooking man. It is a, since long, retired boxer Jake Spear (47 and still attractive and über sexy). He is there with his three children (two teens and a younger boy) and later it turns out that Josie's grandmother felt very much for this man and his three children.
Grandma Lydia's will has a quite remarkable gift, or perhaps a kind of future hope for a woman and a man which yet has to find the "perfect right one". She had a wish about a perfect match.
I longed for that first kiss, and I had to wait, but when it come, and more with that, it was greeeaaat. Gosh, Ms Ashley for sure know how to "wake up" a slumbering lady. Then we got a bumpy ride —heartbreaking and heartwarming— to a nice grand (family) HEA end and a adorable sweet KA epilogue. ~ Awww, awesome as always.
*********************************************************
This had been a five stars review if at least 100 pages (or 5 hours) had been stripped away. Ms. Ashley is awesome, but sometimes she gets tedious. Finally are there pretty much text and story about nothing, and my patience is long but not infinite.
Enough.... I've spent so much time with these (adorable) characters and it's time to move on. You all knew I loved it by now. ~ Sincerely recommended as an audiobook listening (if you have a lot of free time) too.
I LIKE - sweet tales with mature grownups, interesting families and funny friends
4 1/2 Stars - Adorable, adorable and so touching sweet
‘It would be much easier if he was less wonderful.’
Can you rightly call a book adorable? If it's possible this one is just that. An adorable, charming, heartwarming romance novel. A story about everything and nothing. A very long book (and even longer audiobook - freaking 23:30 hrs - imagine, it's a lot of time!!).
It's always with some angst I start a new book by Kristen Ashley — Will it be a winner or not?. I got this one (as an audiobook incl the kindle ebook) for just over $3 and was quite sure that it should turn out to be a bargain. So it was....of course.
*********************************************************
I liked, loved and enjoyed The Will from the first to the last page. Simply ADORABLE! ~ Terrific and wonderful well narrated by Hollis McCarthy.
‘Handbags and shoes were my passion.’
The Will is a story about a strange gift in a will.
Josephine Malone, a 45 years old woman trotting the globe as an assistant to a famous fashion photographer. When her very beloved grandma Lydia pass away Josie is back in her grandma's beautiful old big Magdalene, Main house.
Already at the funeral is Josie watching a stunning goodlooking man. It is a, since long, retired boxer Jake Spear (47 and still attractive and über sexy). He is there with his three children (two teens and a younger boy) and later it turns out that Josie's grandmother felt very much for this man and his three children.
Grandma Lydia's will has a quite remarkable gift, or perhaps a kind of future hope for a woman and a man which yet has to find the "perfect right one". She had a wish about a perfect match.
“It’s never too late to reach for happiness and no matter what life has done to you, it’s never too late to find it.”
I longed for that first kiss, and I had to wait, but when it come, and more with that, it was greeeaaat. Gosh, Ms Ashley for sure know how to "wake up" a slumbering lady. Then we got a bumpy ride —heartbreaking and heartwarming— to a nice grand (family) HEA end and a adorable sweet KA epilogue. ~ Awww, awesome as always.
*********************************************************
This had been a five stars review if at least 100 pages (or 5 hours) had been stripped away. Ms. Ashley is awesome, but sometimes she gets tedious. Finally are there pretty much text and story about nothing, and my patience is long but not infinite.
“Stick with me,” he urged.
My voice was still trembling when I agreed, “All right.”
“All right, baby,” he said gently before he dipped his head and touched his mouth to mine.
And this time, having had him, having given him me, that touch was even sweeter.’
Enough.... I've spent so much time with these (adorable) characters and it's time to move on. You all knew I loved it by now. ~ Sincerely recommended as an audiobook listening (if you have a lot of free time) too.
I LIKE - sweet tales with mature grownups, interesting families and funny friends
October 12, 2017
MY FAVE KA IS GONNA BE A MOVIE!!! SO EXCITED!
5+++++ Amazingly, beautiful, heartfelt stars!
I'm way to emotional right now to write a full review. All I can say (through all my sniffling and tears) is that this book was beyond amazing and it touched the very depths of my soul. This is one of the sweetest, heartfelt stories I've ever read. Now if I can only stop crying...so need a kleenex and a hug!
5+++++ Amazingly, beautiful, heartfelt stars!
I'm way to emotional right now to write a full review. All I can say (through all my sniffling and tears) is that this book was beyond amazing and it touched the very depths of my soul. This is one of the sweetest, heartfelt stories I've ever read. Now if I can only stop crying...so need a kleenex and a hug!
December 5, 2014
5 Lovely Stars
In true Kristen Ashley fashion she gave us such a beautiful story of family, friends and love. This is my 28th book by KA and at the top of my absolute favorites list is Sweet Dreams, At Peace and Motorcycle Man. I have to say The Will is going to be added to that list. ❤
I really was in heaven while reading The Will. That might sound a bit corny but it’s true. It was like someone took hold of my hand and patiently guided me through the story of Josephine (Josie) Malone and Jake Spear.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think to fully enjoy their story you should go in with no more than what you read in the synopsis. To be truthful though, I read bits and pieces of some reviews just to appease my curiosity about a couple of things but that was about it.
One of the things I loved about this story was that both Josie and Jake were in their 40’s and had live life a bit. Josie was stunningly beautiful, spoke very graciously, and had a kind soul. Things that happened to Josie in the past has snuffed out her inner light. She led a good life though. She worked in high fashion, jetted off to beautiful countries and had all that material things she could want. But she truly wasn’t living the life she should be. Jake was warmhearted, caring and compassionate. He owned a boxing gym and a strip club that had him spread very thin but he didn’t care. He lived his life loving and providing for his three children. But when it came to matters of the heart Jake fell a bit short.
This just wasn’t Josie and Jake’s story it was very much Conner, Amber and Ethan’s story too. Conner is strong and handsome like his dad, Amber is beautiful inside and out but just didn’t realize it all the time and Ethan he was a darling (he was my favorite). They were all navigating through the things that were being thrown their way. Each of them growing and learning about life’s little and sometimes painful lessons. Josie was so naturally loving and protective to Jake’s kids and I loved that about her.
And I loved all the little things that happened in this book too. The funny moments at the dinner table or while watching TV, the forehead kisses Jake would give Josie, the girl conversations between Josie and Alyssa (a good friend) and Ethan thinking Jake and Josie kissing all the time was gross.
So if you have read books by Kristen Ashley before I know you will love this one too. If you haven’t then start by reading The Will. If you enjoy books about family, friends and a good love story, then you will truly enjoy this one!❤
In closing, though we didn’t get a chance to know Gran, she was certainly was a wise women. :)
~ Gran wanted her to have a good life, a happy life, safe with people she cared about and trusted. And she got that by having Jake.
In true Kristen Ashley fashion she gave us such a beautiful story of family, friends and love. This is my 28th book by KA and at the top of my absolute favorites list is Sweet Dreams, At Peace and Motorcycle Man. I have to say The Will is going to be added to that list. ❤
I really was in heaven while reading The Will. That might sound a bit corny but it’s true. It was like someone took hold of my hand and patiently guided me through the story of Josephine (Josie) Malone and Jake Spear.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think to fully enjoy their story you should go in with no more than what you read in the synopsis. To be truthful though, I read bits and pieces of some reviews just to appease my curiosity about a couple of things but that was about it.
One of the things I loved about this story was that both Josie and Jake were in their 40’s and had live life a bit. Josie was stunningly beautiful, spoke very graciously, and had a kind soul. Things that happened to Josie in the past has snuffed out her inner light. She led a good life though. She worked in high fashion, jetted off to beautiful countries and had all that material things she could want. But she truly wasn’t living the life she should be. Jake was warmhearted, caring and compassionate. He owned a boxing gym and a strip club that had him spread very thin but he didn’t care. He lived his life loving and providing for his three children. But when it came to matters of the heart Jake fell a bit short.
This just wasn’t Josie and Jake’s story it was very much Conner, Amber and Ethan’s story too. Conner is strong and handsome like his dad, Amber is beautiful inside and out but just didn’t realize it all the time and Ethan he was a darling (he was my favorite). They were all navigating through the things that were being thrown their way. Each of them growing and learning about life’s little and sometimes painful lessons. Josie was so naturally loving and protective to Jake’s kids and I loved that about her.
And I loved all the little things that happened in this book too. The funny moments at the dinner table or while watching TV, the forehead kisses Jake would give Josie, the girl conversations between Josie and Alyssa (a good friend) and Ethan thinking Jake and Josie kissing all the time was gross.
So if you have read books by Kristen Ashley before I know you will love this one too. If you haven’t then start by reading The Will. If you enjoy books about family, friends and a good love story, then you will truly enjoy this one!❤
In closing, though we didn’t get a chance to know Gran, she was certainly was a wise women. :)
~ Gran wanted her to have a good life, a happy life, safe with people she cared about and trusted. And she got that by having Jake.
September 29, 2014
amazon-->The Will (The Magdalene Series Book 1)
Indeed (76 occurrences).
Further (72).
Thus (101).
This woman does not snack. Ever. She doesn't enjoy sport. She doesn't like kids. She doesn't hug. She's never walked holding a man's hand. She's never had a home (she lived in her boss's pool house).
She's a cold fish.
It's a disguise, preventing people from getting close and hurting her.
I think she's not meant to be likable and the intended appeal is the softening heart of the fashion diva, like Wilhemena in Ugly Betty or Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada.
Her cluelessness and lack of life experience are meant to show her vulnerability. And your supposed to feel compassion for this fish out of water, lost, lonely girl.
Suffice it to say, I just did not buy it. I did not feel the magic. Except with Amond. I want some Amond Joy dark chocolate yummy love.
I liked Jake's pov, I liked the pillow talk and the sex.
But, I was turned off by Jake's three failed marriages, and the titty bar, regardless if it's "respectable".
I would have liked to see Josie helping them get real jobs instead of straightening their hair. Or even a modeling gig?
The intention here was that Jake is redeemed depite his shaky past, a sort of anti-hero theme. Similar to Knight, which I also didn't care for.
Jake is supposedly insecure of his worthiness of this chick, but his thoughts and actions are not consistent with that.
So both characters present this sort of ironic situation, that just didn't resonate with me.
A damaged Mary Poppins is rescued from her self imposed isolation by this insecure titty bar owner with a bad track record.
It's supposed to be polar opposites conquer all despite their circumstances, but the juxtaposition was too much here for me to believe it.
I also really disliked that the whole boxing arena knew about the locker room and cheered.
I didn't like her meddling in teen drama and her lying.
I didn't like the children being abandoned by their real mothers and substituting Josie.
I totally gave up when she kissed another guy, and Jake didn't go ballistic.
I may return to this when I'm in a less sour mood. But today ain't the day I'm gonna finish this behemoth.
I did change my mind on a second read of Golden Trail, which was very similar to this.
I personally like the new concise streamlined KA style, and do not need all the details from this chick's brain.
I would not rec this to KA virgins. Start with The Gamble, but Not This.
I still absolutely adore and respect KA's mad genius, this one I just didn't buy in.
*****************
Before release; People please dont rate til it comes out or you've read the arc.
And that is lavender on the cover. I thought it was lupine, but I was wrong. They have been photoshopped, but they are lavender. Lavandula angustifolia.
Indeed (76 occurrences).
Further (72).
Thus (101).
This woman does not snack. Ever. She doesn't enjoy sport. She doesn't like kids. She doesn't hug. She's never walked holding a man's hand. She's never had a home (she lived in her boss's pool house).
She's a cold fish.
It's a disguise, preventing people from getting close and hurting her.
I think she's not meant to be likable and the intended appeal is the softening heart of the fashion diva, like Wilhemena in Ugly Betty or Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada.
Her cluelessness and lack of life experience are meant to show her vulnerability. And your supposed to feel compassion for this fish out of water, lost, lonely girl.
Suffice it to say, I just did not buy it. I did not feel the magic. Except with Amond. I want some Amond Joy dark chocolate yummy love.
I liked Jake's pov, I liked the pillow talk and the sex.
But, I was turned off by Jake's three failed marriages, and the titty bar, regardless if it's "respectable".
I would have liked to see Josie helping them get real jobs instead of straightening their hair. Or even a modeling gig?
The intention here was that Jake is redeemed depite his shaky past, a sort of anti-hero theme. Similar to Knight, which I also didn't care for.
Jake is supposedly insecure of his worthiness of this chick, but his thoughts and actions are not consistent with that.
So both characters present this sort of ironic situation, that just didn't resonate with me.
A damaged Mary Poppins is rescued from her self imposed isolation by this insecure titty bar owner with a bad track record.
It's supposed to be polar opposites conquer all despite their circumstances, but the juxtaposition was too much here for me to believe it.
I also really disliked that the whole boxing arena knew about the locker room and cheered.
I didn't like her meddling in teen drama and her lying.
I didn't like the children being abandoned by their real mothers and substituting Josie.
I totally gave up when she kissed another guy, and Jake didn't go ballistic.
I may return to this when I'm in a less sour mood. But today ain't the day I'm gonna finish this behemoth.
I did change my mind on a second read of Golden Trail, which was very similar to this.
I personally like the new concise streamlined KA style, and do not need all the details from this chick's brain.
I would not rec this to KA virgins. Start with The Gamble, but Not This.
I still absolutely adore and respect KA's mad genius, this one I just didn't buy in.
*****************
Before release; People please dont rate til it comes out or you've read the arc.
And that is lavender on the cover. I thought it was lupine, but I was wrong. They have been photoshopped, but they are lavender. Lavandula angustifolia.
Want to read
March 8, 2014
March 8, 2014 Facebook Update
Happy Saturday!
And just to say, the release of THE WILL is a month away! Woo hoo!
To celebrate this awesomeness, I've put teaser chapters up on my website. Have a look, if you like, and hope you enjoy.
Don't forget, the book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Apple and B&N.
Have a GREAT weekend!
Rock on!
www.kristenashley.net
January 17, 2014 Facebook Update
Cover Reveal!
Here it is, Rock Chicks, the cover for THE WILL, the first in a new series called The Magdalene Series. This book will be released on the greatest day of the year, April 8, 2014, my birthday! YEE HA!
We're setting up pre-orders and they should be available across the board internationally very soon (already up on Smashwords).
I fah-ree-king LOVE this story and honestly cannot wait to unleash it!
I hope when you get it, you love it too!
Rock on!
Follow Kristen Ashley on Facebook and Twitter
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