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Redemption #4
Guilty Pleasure
The only thing worse than living in a town where everyone hates you is having to work for the man who broke your heart.
Redemption, Tennessee held nothing but painful memories that Lark Ashton had no desire to rehash. After the only man she’s ever loved crushed her soul and spirit, and all her friends turned their backs on her, she swore to herself she’d never go back. But when her aunt calls, asking a favor she can’t possibly refuse, Lark finds herself, public enemy, number one . . . again.
Clay Morrison has spent seven years trying to convince himself he’s no longer in love with Lark Ashton. But when the woman he thinks betrayed him and his family returns, she brings with her a whole slew of feelings he’s worked hard to ignore. Now he can’t get the bane of his existence out of his head.
She’s in desperate need of a job. He can’t resist the chance to have her at his mercy.
And they’re both about to discover what happens when the most intense passion they've ever felt is with a person they hate.
Redemption, Tennessee held nothing but painful memories that Lark Ashton had no desire to rehash. After the only man she’s ever loved crushed her soul and spirit, and all her friends turned their backs on her, she swore to herself she’d never go back. But when her aunt calls, asking a favor she can’t possibly refuse, Lark finds herself, public enemy, number one . . . again.
Clay Morrison has spent seven years trying to convince himself he’s no longer in love with Lark Ashton. But when the woman he thinks betrayed him and his family returns, she brings with her a whole slew of feelings he’s worked hard to ignore. Now he can’t get the bane of his existence out of his head.
She’s in desperate need of a job. He can’t resist the chance to have her at his mercy.
And they’re both about to discover what happens when the most intense passion they've ever felt is with a person they hate.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2021
About the author
Jessica Prince
72 books2,356 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
Shelved as 'nope-nope-nope'
January 10, 2021Always the nemesis in this authors dumb books. For once I would like to see the heroine sleep with the heros nemesis, but noooo she prob just gets bad sex while he had his fun. This author is so sexist, borderline misogynist by how pathetic her heroines usually are. Always the woman who gets punished and tortured for lies the hero chooses to believe, while he never suffers for believing them, no he gets sex and success.
January 12, 2021
*deep sigh.*
Ok, so you all know that Jess is one of my favorite authors, and I'm usually gaga for everything she writes, and I was so excited for this one since she was saying all over her social media how this is the best/her favorite book she's ever written.. But just no. I was bored throughout most of it, and honestly wished Lark would give Pope a chance. (I have a thing for badass bikers apparently.) But I couldn't STAND Clay at all. The dude needs to be junk - punched repeatedly. With a rusty needle.
So the premise is that Lark and Clay were heads over heels in love when they were younger, and she finally felt like she was where she belonged in her life. She has had a really tough life -- mom died when she was so young that she barley remembers her, and her dad made it clear every chance she got that he never loved or wanted her, and dropped her the second he could. So Lark was accepted with open arms in Clay's family and friends, but since they both had problems in their families, mainly his brother Callum and her cousin, their lives were stressful. But Lark always thought they would be able to get past all of that because Clay was the one for her.. until Callum is thrown in prison because of his own choices (I honestly think he did it for good reasons, but he was still a grown man and new what he was doing) and somehow this dude that NOBODY liked said that it was Lark who turned Callum in and then everyone just accepted it? All of Clay's friends, his mom, and Clay himself never bothered to ask her what really happened, just shoved her out of all their lives really cruelly and told her to never come back.
You all with me so far? I know that was a lot, but there's even more. Hang tight!
So after ALLLLL that mess, seven years has passed and poor Lark is still trying to piece her heart back together. She lost almost everyone that she thought was in her corner, and was just absolutely crushed. The last thing she wants to do is come back, but her Aunt Sissy (who raised her after her dad dumped Lark at her doorstep) is really sick so she needs the help.. And Lark is basically in the lions den yet again. The townspeople are rude as hell, when she needs her car detailed and has to go to Cannon (which is Clay's bff, but used to be her close friend as well) he's the biggest dickwad to her too. The only saving grace this woman has is her Aunt, her best friend Rora (whom is fabulous) and Farrah, Cannons wife. And since the universe can't stop screwing with her, Lark needs a job asap, and the only one that will hire her is nobody other than Clay. *another deep sigh.*
I don't think I've hated one of this authors heroes as much as I hate Clay. The man is despicable. So he blatantly accepts the word of someone he doesn't like (which I don't understand at all) and is so fucking cold to Lark. And what REALLY gets me?! He sleeps with her nemesis basically as soon as she leaves town. So not only did he not believe the supposed love of his life, but he slept with the woman who actively hated her all because she was with Clay to begin with. He did it hurt Lark even more, so obviously I'm swooning so hard right now. And OF COURSE the few times Lark has had sex in the past seven years, it has all sucked. But this dude didn't have that problem at all! The misogyny is high in this one.🙄
Annnddddd Clay does this ridiculous back and forth game with her. He's nice to her, and then suddenly reminds himself that he's supposed to hate her, so he crushes her even more. Lark helped Clay in a pretty big way with his job, so he thanked her by sleeping with her.. And then immediately said it was a mistake. Somehow Lark is able to forgive all of this, but when his mom finds out that they are back together, all hell breaks loose. She demands Clay to stand up for her, and begs him to believe her yet again, and he STILL DOESN'T DEFEND HER. *bangs head against the wall repeatedly*
Callum himself often says he doesn't blame Lark, and that it was his own decisions that landed him in jail in the first place. So at least there's one rational person here..
I was just so pissed off while reading this. Clay would be super dick, then at all surprised when Lark didn't fall at his feet when he wanted her too. Granted she didn't put up that much of a fight, but COME ON. Leave behind the dude that obviously doesn't respect you and jump on that swoony, hot, NICE biker man and actually have a healthy relationship.
Another thing that made me roll my eyes so hard waa that Clay never bothered to ask questions about what happened back then. He just blindly accepted that Lark had betrayed him and his entire family and that was it. But now that he's on the verge of losing her AGAIN, now he's a full on investigator? Puh-lease.
It's also grating on my nerves the way this author deals with other women. The name calling, the way the 'heroes' talk to them... It's nowhere near acceptable. I didn't like Lyndsey (the girl that Clay slept with to get back at Lark) but she had real feelings for him, and he used that to get off, and then shoved her aside. She wasn't the greatest woman in regards to Lark, even after Lark moved back, but I'm so tired of it always being the other woman who is vilian-ized. The heroes don't mind sleeping with them, but as soon as they are done, they turn into evil succubuses. I'm just so done with it. And it's in EVERY single book.
This is obviously a no from me, and I hope that when the day finally comes for Stones book (I have loved him since Ravage!!) And hopefully does a spin-off of Pope's MC, Jess just takes a breather and stops all the freaking double standards and gives us a hero who is actually worthy of the MFC's devotion.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
Ok, so you all know that Jess is one of my favorite authors, and I'm usually gaga for everything she writes, and I was so excited for this one since she was saying all over her social media how this is the best/her favorite book she's ever written.. But just no. I was bored throughout most of it, and honestly wished Lark would give Pope a chance. (I have a thing for badass bikers apparently.) But I couldn't STAND Clay at all. The dude needs to be junk - punched repeatedly. With a rusty needle.
So the premise is that Lark and Clay were heads over heels in love when they were younger, and she finally felt like she was where she belonged in her life. She has had a really tough life -- mom died when she was so young that she barley remembers her, and her dad made it clear every chance she got that he never loved or wanted her, and dropped her the second he could. So Lark was accepted with open arms in Clay's family and friends, but since they both had problems in their families, mainly his brother Callum and her cousin, their lives were stressful. But Lark always thought they would be able to get past all of that because Clay was the one for her.. until Callum is thrown in prison because of his own choices (I honestly think he did it for good reasons, but he was still a grown man and new what he was doing) and somehow this dude that NOBODY liked said that it was Lark who turned Callum in and then everyone just accepted it? All of Clay's friends, his mom, and Clay himself never bothered to ask her what really happened, just shoved her out of all their lives really cruelly and told her to never come back.
You all with me so far? I know that was a lot, but there's even more. Hang tight!
So after ALLLLL that mess, seven years has passed and poor Lark is still trying to piece her heart back together. She lost almost everyone that she thought was in her corner, and was just absolutely crushed. The last thing she wants to do is come back, but her Aunt Sissy (who raised her after her dad dumped Lark at her doorstep) is really sick so she needs the help.. And Lark is basically in the lions den yet again. The townspeople are rude as hell, when she needs her car detailed and has to go to Cannon (which is Clay's bff, but used to be her close friend as well) he's the biggest dickwad to her too. The only saving grace this woman has is her Aunt, her best friend Rora (whom is fabulous) and Farrah, Cannons wife. And since the universe can't stop screwing with her, Lark needs a job asap, and the only one that will hire her is nobody other than Clay. *another deep sigh.*
I don't think I've hated one of this authors heroes as much as I hate Clay. The man is despicable. So he blatantly accepts the word of someone he doesn't like (which I don't understand at all) and is so fucking cold to Lark. And what REALLY gets me?! He sleeps with her nemesis basically as soon as she leaves town. So not only did he not believe the supposed love of his life, but he slept with the woman who actively hated her all because she was with Clay to begin with. He did it hurt Lark even more, so obviously I'm swooning so hard right now. And OF COURSE the few times Lark has had sex in the past seven years, it has all sucked. But this dude didn't have that problem at all! The misogyny is high in this one.🙄
Annnddddd Clay does this ridiculous back and forth game with her. He's nice to her, and then suddenly reminds himself that he's supposed to hate her, so he crushes her even more. Lark helped Clay in a pretty big way with his job, so he thanked her by sleeping with her.. And then immediately said it was a mistake. Somehow Lark is able to forgive all of this, but when his mom finds out that they are back together, all hell breaks loose. She demands Clay to stand up for her, and begs him to believe her yet again, and he STILL DOESN'T DEFEND HER. *bangs head against the wall repeatedly*
Callum himself often says he doesn't blame Lark, and that it was his own decisions that landed him in jail in the first place. So at least there's one rational person here..
I was just so pissed off while reading this. Clay would be super dick, then at all surprised when Lark didn't fall at his feet when he wanted her too. Granted she didn't put up that much of a fight, but COME ON. Leave behind the dude that obviously doesn't respect you and jump on that swoony, hot, NICE biker man and actually have a healthy relationship.
Another thing that made me roll my eyes so hard waa that Clay never bothered to ask questions about what happened back then. He just blindly accepted that Lark had betrayed him and his entire family and that was it. But now that he's on the verge of losing her AGAIN, now he's a full on investigator? Puh-lease.
It's also grating on my nerves the way this author deals with other women. The name calling, the way the 'heroes' talk to them... It's nowhere near acceptable. I didn't like Lyndsey (the girl that Clay slept with to get back at Lark) but she had real feelings for him, and he used that to get off, and then shoved her aside. She wasn't the greatest woman in regards to Lark, even after Lark moved back, but I'm so tired of it always being the other woman who is vilian-ized. The heroes don't mind sleeping with them, but as soon as they are done, they turn into evil succubuses. I'm just so done with it. And it's in EVERY single book.
This is obviously a no from me, and I hope that when the day finally comes for Stones book (I have loved him since Ravage!!) And hopefully does a spin-off of Pope's MC, Jess just takes a breather and stops all the freaking double standards and gives us a hero who is actually worthy of the MFC's devotion.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions.**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
Re-read 3-31-22
This story was just as awesome the second time through!
I adore a story about a heroine who is totally misjudged by her Hero, and then that Hero rudely casts her out of his life for good, devastating this heroine beyond belief. This story ticked every one of those boxes for me. Lark was deeply and madly in love with Clay, but a lie tore them apart, and Clay hated Lark based on this evil little lie. Clay and all of his friends and family turned against Lark, and she was forced to move away to a new town start her life all over again. There was plenty of angst in this story to keep me happy. I loved Clay and Lark so much, and I enjoyed them finding their way back to each other all over again. I enjoyed every second of this story and I'm absolutely going back to the beginning of this series so I can get to know these awesome secondary characters a little better as well.
This story was just as awesome the second time through!
I adore a story about a heroine who is totally misjudged by her Hero, and then that Hero rudely casts her out of his life for good, devastating this heroine beyond belief. This story ticked every one of those boxes for me. Lark was deeply and madly in love with Clay, but a lie tore them apart, and Clay hated Lark based on this evil little lie. Clay and all of his friends and family turned against Lark, and she was forced to move away to a new town start her life all over again. There was plenty of angst in this story to keep me happy. I loved Clay and Lark so much, and I enjoyed them finding their way back to each other all over again. I enjoyed every second of this story and I'm absolutely going back to the beginning of this series so I can get to know these awesome secondary characters a little better as well.
March 30, 2022
The heroine has a pretty witty POV and there is some great internal dialogue. I really liked her with the exception of her choice in heroes. How can you love and forgive a guy who is stupid enough to believe all the gross, lowlife people in your stupid, petty, small-minded town and not believe his soul mate?
Alternate ending:
She and Lumpy jump on the back of hunky bad boy Pope aka Tack's motorcycle, and they vroom off into the sunset after riding over the human speed bumps of Clay, his mother and Rina. And half the town.
Alternate ending:
She and Lumpy jump on the back of hunky bad boy Pope aka Tack's motorcycle, and they vroom off into the sunset after riding over the human speed bumps of Clay, his mother and Rina. And half the town.
April 11, 2024
Guilty Pleasure is a second-chance romance between former sweethearts Lark and Clay. I read this over a week ago, so I’m not positive on all the details, but the gist is that Lark had a crappy upbringing (mom died young & dad was hateful) when she went to live with her aunt in Redemption when she was 18-ish. There she met a 22-ish year old Clay and it was love at first sight. They had mad love and she was very close to his family when it all fell apart roughly 6-ish years later when she was falsely accused of turning his brother in to the cops. This resulted in Clay and his family dumping her, and the entire town HATING her. (I can’t find exact dates skimming, but I know she was around 18 and they met when he returned from college. Also, I think her and the bro were the same age and he went to jail when he was 24.) The story picks up 7-ish years later with Lark returning to Redemption to help out her aunt.
I’m a sucker for a second-chance romances. I LOVE the potential for angst and feels, but they aren’t great for readers looking for a swoony fairytale-esque romance. Mainly because someone (usually the H) has to screw up the first chance and needs to be forgiven. My problem was I had a hard time connecting to the story which got in the way of my feels and getting invested in the couple. For me, Clay’s screw up wasn’t unforgivable it was unrelatable. I can get behind a lot in Pretend-Land, but it needs to make sense/be logical especially in these types of stories, and I couldn’t wrap my head around this scenario.
It made no sense to me that
My very favorite part of the book was her BFF Aurora who was absolutely awesome. I loved how her character was supportive/overprotective without being judgey, bitchy, or overbearing. (I hate the overstepping sidekick) Everyone should have a “ride or die” bestie like her.
Bottom Line- I went into this with my “serious” reading cap on when I needed my “soapy” cap, and no matter how hard I tried… I couldn’t get them switched. I know if I could’ve gotten past the “why” I would’ve enjoyed it more, but sometimes my brain is a stickler for the details. I just felt like the author could’ve spent a smidge more time on the conflict to make it more believable. Other than that, IMO the ending/resolution was a little rushed, and I wish more page time would’ve been designated to groveling and tying up ends… like making amends with his mom. I would’ve LOVED to see the mom part drug out a bit with Clay in the middle of them… she let them all off too easy. But, this is free to read with KU, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a second chance romance.
I’m a sucker for a second-chance romances. I LOVE the potential for angst and feels, but they aren’t great for readers looking for a swoony fairytale-esque romance. Mainly because someone (usually the H) has to screw up the first chance and needs to be forgiven. My problem was I had a hard time connecting to the story which got in the way of my feels and getting invested in the couple. For me, Clay’s screw up wasn’t unforgivable it was unrelatable. I can get behind a lot in Pretend-Land, but it needs to make sense/be logical especially in these types of stories, and I couldn’t wrap my head around this scenario.
It made no sense to me that
My very favorite part of the book was her BFF Aurora who was absolutely awesome. I loved how her character was supportive/overprotective without being judgey, bitchy, or overbearing. (I hate the overstepping sidekick) Everyone should have a “ride or die” bestie like her.
Bottom Line- I went into this with my “serious” reading cap on when I needed my “soapy” cap, and no matter how hard I tried… I couldn’t get them switched. I know if I could’ve gotten past the “why” I would’ve enjoyed it more, but sometimes my brain is a stickler for the details. I just felt like the author could’ve spent a smidge more time on the conflict to make it more believable. Other than that, IMO the ending/resolution was a little rushed, and I wish more page time would’ve been designated to groveling and tying up ends… like making amends with his mom. I would’ve LOVED to see the mom part drug out a bit with Clay in the middle of them… she let them all off too easy. But, this is free to read with KU, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a second chance romance.
February 11, 2021
❤️EVERY FREAKING STAR for this FABULOUS story❤️
It's a record, I've found one of the best books of this year so far by reading the consecutive books by the same author!!
The previous Jessica Prince book I read and loved was 'One Knight stand'. I never thought the next one 'Guilty Pleasure ' will be this amazing ❤️
Fantabulous :
◾ Characters
◾ Storyline
◾Side characters
◾Angst
◾ Chemistry
◾ EVERYTHING!!
I'm in love with the relationship Lark and Clay share. Believe me they're true soulmates!!
Though Clay did behave like a complete dumbass by doubting Lark but he came back to his senses....also he realised that love is more important than anything else.
Lark is one of the MOST strong women I've seen by far❤️❤️
I've my exams from this very week and all I've been doing is completing this story coz I couldn't help myself not knowing what's gonna happen. So yeah... I'm behind my exam preparation but know true love do exist😂❤️
It's a record, I've found one of the best books of this year so far by reading the consecutive books by the same author!!
The previous Jessica Prince book I read and loved was 'One Knight stand'. I never thought the next one 'Guilty Pleasure ' will be this amazing ❤️
Fantabulous :
◾ Characters
◾ Storyline
◾Side characters
◾Angst
◾ Chemistry
◾ EVERYTHING!!
I'm in love with the relationship Lark and Clay share. Believe me they're true soulmates!!
Though Clay did behave like a complete dumbass by doubting Lark but he came back to his senses....also he realised that love is more important than anything else.
Lark is one of the MOST strong women I've seen by far❤️❤️
I've my exams from this very week and all I've been doing is completing this story coz I couldn't help myself not knowing what's gonna happen. So yeah... I'm behind my exam preparation but know true love do exist😂❤️
June 11, 2021
This is very good.
Well written.
It has the angsty split, The other woman drama, Girl posse.
The heroine was 'chased' out of town, accused of something she didn't do.
Spoiler...
The Hero's brother is reported to the police for doing drugs and he gets arrested and ends up in prison, everyone thinks the heroine reported it.
The Hero is pretty nasty and cold to her when he sees her again.
There is a bit of mills and boon style, can't resist your touch.
I wish the second time she'd told him no.
Separation of 7 years.
During separation, both have been with others.
The Hero slept with the heroine's nemesis.
The heroine, it is mentioned was with other men.
'I was heartbroken and hurting, and because of that, I felt the need to act out. Lark had hated Lynsey almost as much as Lynsey hated her, so in an effort to hurt her as badly as she’d hurt me—even though she was already long gone from my life and would probably never know—I’d made the mistake of taking Lynsey to bed.
And I kept repeating that mistake for months.'
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero gets jealous of another man showing interest in the heroine, she isn't interested but the other man would have been.
No flirting or messing with anyone else.
The heroine's nemesis, the Hero's ex turns up and there is a scene, so ex drama.
The ex was hoping to get back together.
Hero is not interested in the ex.
I did have an issue with the fact the Hero didn't believe her.
“I already told you,” she gritted out. “It. Wasn’t. Me. The fact you believed Ronny f****** Culpepper’s word over mine, after how long we were together, what we were to each other . . .” She shook her head like she was disappointed in me. “That’s more of a reflection on you than it is on me.”
The whole town hates her.
I would have given it 4 stars but I knocked it down 1 as I felt the grovelling by everybody in her defense was missing.
The Hero goes around telling everyone what a raw deal she had after she's vindicated but I don't know they all treated her so badly.
The Hero does become suspicious it isn't her and he struggled to defend her in front of his mother's accusations after she returns but does then investigate to get to the truth.
There was a clever play on a conversation between the Hero and heroine where they get back together before the final bust up and he hasn't actually said he believes she is telling the truth about her denial and she doesn't realise that.
She doesn't actually say she's glad he believes her and they think it's okay.
The way things are worded is subtle but well thought out on the author's part.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Lots of extra characters that could have future stories.
Best to read series in order but as previous couples appear there is a brief explanation of their backstory, though not much detail if it's not read in order.
Well written.
It has the angsty split, The other woman drama, Girl posse.
The heroine was 'chased' out of town, accused of something she didn't do.
Spoiler...
The Hero's brother is reported to the police for doing drugs and he gets arrested and ends up in prison, everyone thinks the heroine reported it.
The Hero is pretty nasty and cold to her when he sees her again.
There is a bit of mills and boon style, can't resist your touch.
I wish the second time she'd told him no.
Separation of 7 years.
During separation, both have been with others.
The Hero slept with the heroine's nemesis.
The heroine, it is mentioned was with other men.
'I was heartbroken and hurting, and because of that, I felt the need to act out. Lark had hated Lynsey almost as much as Lynsey hated her, so in an effort to hurt her as badly as she’d hurt me—even though she was already long gone from my life and would probably never know—I’d made the mistake of taking Lynsey to bed.
And I kept repeating that mistake for months.'
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero gets jealous of another man showing interest in the heroine, she isn't interested but the other man would have been.
No flirting or messing with anyone else.
The heroine's nemesis, the Hero's ex turns up and there is a scene, so ex drama.
The ex was hoping to get back together.
Hero is not interested in the ex.
I did have an issue with the fact the Hero didn't believe her.
“I already told you,” she gritted out. “It. Wasn’t. Me. The fact you believed Ronny f****** Culpepper’s word over mine, after how long we were together, what we were to each other . . .” She shook her head like she was disappointed in me. “That’s more of a reflection on you than it is on me.”
The whole town hates her.
I would have given it 4 stars but I knocked it down 1 as I felt the grovelling by everybody in her defense was missing.
The Hero goes around telling everyone what a raw deal she had after she's vindicated but I don't know they all treated her so badly.
The Hero does become suspicious it isn't her and he struggled to defend her in front of his mother's accusations after she returns but does then investigate to get to the truth.
There was a clever play on a conversation between the Hero and heroine where they get back together before the final bust up and he hasn't actually said he believes she is telling the truth about her denial and she doesn't realise that.
She doesn't actually say she's glad he believes her and they think it's okay.
The way things are worded is subtle but well thought out on the author's part.
HEA.
Epilogue.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
Lots of extra characters that could have future stories.
Best to read series in order but as previous couples appear there is a brief explanation of their backstory, though not much detail if it's not read in order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 11, 2021GUILTY PLEASURE IS LIVE!
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Grab your copy HERE
March 22, 2024
Just no. The book has not a bad writing style but it’s bad all the rest. The reason why the hero dumped the heroine and all the town hated her is, hear hear, because she told the cops that the hero’s brother was a drug dealer. Dunn Dunn dunnnnnn…
Aaannnddd it was true. wtf! I mean, I’m Italian and all that stuff, and this kind of things could happen in a mafia controlled town if someone talk about it to the cops… but this is a town in USA, and no mafia around! Why should anyone hate a citizen who tells that someone is a drug dealer?
Oh btw, the heroine didn’t do it. So the hero treats her like shit, after dumping her, only because someone told him that she did, and she is the one that has to deal with shit? Please, spare me this stuff.
Nope. I don’t even want to start it.
And honestly no matter how much he could grovel, it would never be enough for me to take him back. I wish the heroine came back with a good and faithful husband and three children to rub the hero’s nose in it.
Aaannnddd it was true. wtf! I mean, I’m Italian and all that stuff, and this kind of things could happen in a mafia controlled town if someone talk about it to the cops… but this is a town in USA, and no mafia around! Why should anyone hate a citizen who tells that someone is a drug dealer?
Oh btw, the heroine didn’t do it. So the hero treats her like shit, after dumping her, only because someone told him that she did, and she is the one that has to deal with shit? Please, spare me this stuff.
Nope. I don’t even want to start it.
And honestly no matter how much he could grovel, it would never be enough for me to take him back. I wish the heroine came back with a good and faithful husband and three children to rub the hero’s nose in it.
July 4, 2021
A lot of reviewers have summed it up well but I needed more grovelling and a stronger heroine who just wanted to leave the past behind her.
November 29, 2022
This didn't even deserve one star but here you go.
Bleurgh this was the worse H so far. Clay was just an absolute sorry excuse of a man. 😫 What is it with Authors and their inability to do some good grovelling. Like cmon 🙄 fix uppp. The H definitely did not deserve 😤 the h. Lark 💯 deserved better. Also everyone in this book besides Lark's best friend, pissed me off.
I don't understand how the authors allow their Hero's to do so much shit and get away with it, without apologising at least. Is this really how we want men to treat us. 😭 God forbid any man treats me like that in rl.
Also I despise when the H and h break up and Clay just happens to "fall" into bed with the Lark's nemesis. Like what's up with that, and he claimed to "love" the h. 🤨 AND does the h have no self respect, like pls. 🤚😐
Anyways I believe I'm done with this series. 😬👍👋
Bleurgh this was the worse H so far. Clay was just an absolute sorry excuse of a man. 😫 What is it with Authors and their inability to do some good grovelling. Like cmon 🙄 fix uppp. The H definitely did not deserve 😤 the h. Lark 💯 deserved better. Also everyone in this book besides Lark's best friend, pissed me off.
I don't understand how the authors allow their Hero's to do so much shit and get away with it, without apologising at least. Is this really how we want men to treat us. 😭 God forbid any man treats me like that in rl.
Also I despise when the H and h break up and Clay just happens to "fall" into bed with the Lark's nemesis. Like what's up with that, and he claimed to "love" the h. 🤨 AND does the h have no self respect, like pls. 🤚😐
Anyways I believe I'm done with this series. 😬👍👋
Read
March 31, 20210 - DNF 24%
Be happy the heroine is happy! Nope!
Be happy the heroine is happy! Nope!
Then everything had changed. One moment I’d been blissfully happy, and the next, my whole world had crashed down around me.
He hadn’t just thrown my love out like garbage. He’d taken a goddamn flame thrower to it, reducing it to ash.
I knew all too well how it felt to be unwanted. But what had happened here was so much worse. There was a big difference between never feeling loved and finally feeling it only for it to be ripped away by almost every person I’d come to care about.
I’d made the mistake of taking Lynsey to bed. And I kept repeating that mistake for months.
March 24, 2022
Guilty pleasure: JP's books. Her heroines have walls around their hearts made of marshmallows. They are treated like utter crap yet forgive at the drop of a hat. But I can't stop reading. The grocery clerks smash her eggs and squash her bread, townfolk knock her down and run over her hand with a baby stroller, all for something she *didn't* do, but she is all about forgiveness and letting the past be. I want some backbone! I want a heart fortified by steel not marshmallows!
Shelved as 'avoid'
March 22, 2022Self note avoid:
The H dumped the h believing lies, the whole town turned on her.
Seven years apart.
Both not celibate.
H slept with the h nemesis in anger shortly after, then continue to sleep with the ow for months. I guess she was that good in bed?🙄 I can understand once,but months?
No way would I ever forgive a H like this.
The H dumped the h believing lies, the whole town turned on her.
Seven years apart.
Both not celibate.
H slept with the h nemesis in anger shortly after, then continue to sleep with the ow for months. I guess she was that good in bed?🙄 I can understand once,but months?
No way would I ever forgive a H like this.
January 11, 2021
***5 ‘Team Lark’ Stars***
The epilogue to Bittersweet had me crossing my toes and Lark and Clay’s book would be up next because I NEEDED to what their deal was and I had a blossoming girlcrush on Lark. So, to say I was all kinds of excited that the next book (aka this book) would be theirs is an understatement...and boy, lemme tell you, this baby took me on one hell of a ride. It pushed all the right buttons for me and then some and has me wanting to spend more time in Redemption.
I ADORED Lark. ADORED. She’s got all kinds of moxie and a huge heart. This woman shined throughout the entire book and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. Clay. It’s not that I didn’t adore Clay, because despite his “issues” with Lark, the man is a real good man ~ and he’s a good daddy to Lumpy, so that kicked his likability up a few notches prior to him pulling his head out of a certain part of his anatomy.
As for their second chance journey to their HEA, it was a lot of fun to experience. The chemistry between Lark and Clay was intense and sparks flew everytime they were together ~ good or bad and it was obvious they truly cared for each other when everything was said and done. Now, as this is a lovers to enemies to lovers/second chance journey, there were a lot of ups and downs and I was firmly Team Lark the entire time, but that last roadblock was a doozy and I totally side with Lark on how she reacted, but I gotta say Clay totally stepped up because his grovelling game/being sneaky was exceptional!
I truly love this series, as well as the Hope Valley series, because it always feels like I’m coming home when I get to dive into one of the books, and this one was no exception ~ though I was quite pissy with a few of the characters for a bit ~ but I love the small town feel and how everyone knows everyone else’s business. As for the reason for the enemies thing...It made sense, I got and could understand why people got so up at arms, but once a little more info is given about the relationships Lark had, not only with Clay but many of the people of Redemption I was truly offended for her and am happy with how that all worked itself out. Now for the characters that bring this town to life ~ I loved catching up with Cannon and Farrah and Poppy, but it’s the newbies that totally stole the show for me. Sissy, Willow, Stone, Pope, Aurora and Callum were awesome and I’m crossing my toes that we’ll get to hang out with them more and that a few will get their own HEA’s ~ and I’m crossing my toes for one possible couple already because I think they’d have an amazing story!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
The epilogue to Bittersweet had me crossing my toes and Lark and Clay’s book would be up next because I NEEDED to what their deal was and I had a blossoming girlcrush on Lark. So, to say I was all kinds of excited that the next book (aka this book) would be theirs is an understatement...and boy, lemme tell you, this baby took me on one hell of a ride. It pushed all the right buttons for me and then some and has me wanting to spend more time in Redemption.
I ADORED Lark. ADORED. She’s got all kinds of moxie and a huge heart. This woman shined throughout the entire book and I loved how she handled everything that was thrown at her. Clay. It’s not that I didn’t adore Clay, because despite his “issues” with Lark, the man is a real good man ~ and he’s a good daddy to Lumpy, so that kicked his likability up a few notches prior to him pulling his head out of a certain part of his anatomy.
As for their second chance journey to their HEA, it was a lot of fun to experience. The chemistry between Lark and Clay was intense and sparks flew everytime they were together ~ good or bad and it was obvious they truly cared for each other when everything was said and done. Now, as this is a lovers to enemies to lovers/second chance journey, there were a lot of ups and downs and I was firmly Team Lark the entire time, but that last roadblock was a doozy and I totally side with Lark on how she reacted, but I gotta say Clay totally stepped up because his grovelling game/being sneaky was exceptional!
I truly love this series, as well as the Hope Valley series, because it always feels like I’m coming home when I get to dive into one of the books, and this one was no exception ~ though I was quite pissy with a few of the characters for a bit ~ but I love the small town feel and how everyone knows everyone else’s business. As for the reason for the enemies thing...It made sense, I got and could understand why people got so up at arms, but once a little more info is given about the relationships Lark had, not only with Clay but many of the people of Redemption I was truly offended for her and am happy with how that all worked itself out. Now for the characters that bring this town to life ~ I loved catching up with Cannon and Farrah and Poppy, but it’s the newbies that totally stole the show for me. Sissy, Willow, Stone, Pope, Aurora and Callum were awesome and I’m crossing my toes that we’ll get to hang out with them more and that a few will get their own HEA’s ~ and I’m crossing my toes for one possible couple already because I think they’d have an amazing story!
~ Copy provided by LAwF & voluntarily reviewed ~
December 30, 2022
There was a lot to like about this book and a lot not to like. Clay and Lark were together for five years, then because he believed she'd betrayed his family (by reporting his drug dealing brother, Callum, to the cops -- which, um, for the record, I wouldn't have totally blamed her for even if she had done it. It wasn't like it would have been a lie), he ended their (it must be stressed) five year relationship and he and the rest of the town ran her out on a rail.
Let me set that scene here. Supposedly, over the course of five years, his family has become her family, his brother is her BFF, and his mother is like a second mother to her. And then because she allegedly reports said brother committing a crime that actually happened, he and his mother saw it as a betrayal enough to end a whole relationship and the town saw it as a betrayal enough to run her out of town. And then, putting aside my issues with what she was accused of, Clay really should have given Lark some credit seven years ago. I mean at the end of the day, he's going to believe "guy who used to play football at my high school" over "girl I've been in love with for five flipping years."
Like, what?
Make it make sense.
Anyway, now Lark is back to help her ailing aunt. Said aunt is the mother to one of the villains in the previous book, the odious Rina, who no one seems to like, but who the town also hasn't run out of town. So according to this town, skanky, lazy, jobless, lying, drug-abusing, stealing, cheating crack-ho > person who (allegedly) reported a crime to the police.
Got it.
Phew, I feel bad for anyone who tries to get a Neighborhood Watch going in this town.
When Lark can't find a freaking job to help her aunt with the bills because of this town's bias against her, Clay takes pity on her and offers her one at his company. Only it isn't really pity because he fucks with her a lot. And then fucks her a lot. (And here's where I'll say, while I've been pretty honest about my lack of interest in on-page smut the last few years, the sex scenes here were pretty decent. Lots of desk and wall sex. Maybe it just caught me on a good day.)
Romance ensues. And, yes, we have a decent grovel here. Lark really makes Clay work when he screws up, and he does screw up a lot.
But you know who didn't have to work for Lark's forgiveness? Even the guy Lark allegedly wronged, Callum, said repeatedly that he was the one who committed a crime, so reporting it wasn't actually wrong.
[One more (minor) issue came up during Lark's big speech at the meeting with the potential client. During that time she talks about civil suits brought against the company for lack of wages, work not being done, etc, then talks about criminal cases against the company brought by employees who had been hurt. I desperately wish authors would understand the difference between civil and criminal cases. An individual does not "bring" a criminal case against a company. They report it to the proper authorities and the state (hopefully) presses charges, then the individual can potentially bring a civil lawsuit against the company (and depending on the state, get punitive damages). This wasn't on the level of Can't Forgive You in terms of clueless legalese, but really, what is?]
Will I keep reading? Meh, I dunno. I'll probably skip Stone's book because I thought he was a jackass in the third book, and I'm not in the mood for the "shy ingénue meets big bad protective man" trope. I think I'm more interested in sequel-bait biker Pope, who at least showed some sense in this book (although I don't delude myself that he would be as awesome in his own book because great supporting characters are almost never great main characters). Although the Aurora/Callum pairing in the last book could be fun. I liked Cal. He was the only Morrison, other than Lumpy the dog, who seemed to have any sense.
Let me set that scene here. Supposedly, over the course of five years, his family has become her family, his brother is her BFF, and his mother is like a second mother to her. And then because she allegedly reports said brother committing a crime that actually happened, he and his mother saw it as a betrayal enough to end a whole relationship and the town saw it as a betrayal enough to run her out of town. And then, putting aside my issues with what she was accused of, Clay really should have given Lark some credit seven years ago. I mean at the end of the day, he's going to believe "guy who used to play football at my high school" over "girl I've been in love with for five flipping years."
Like, what?
Make it make sense.
Anyway, now Lark is back to help her ailing aunt. Said aunt is the mother to one of the villains in the previous book, the odious Rina, who no one seems to like, but who the town also hasn't run out of town. So according to this town, skanky, lazy, jobless, lying, drug-abusing, stealing, cheating crack-ho > person who (allegedly) reported a crime to the police.
Got it.
Phew, I feel bad for anyone who tries to get a Neighborhood Watch going in this town.
When Lark can't find a freaking job to help her aunt with the bills because of this town's bias against her, Clay takes pity on her and offers her one at his company. Only it isn't really pity because he fucks with her a lot. And then fucks her a lot. (And here's where I'll say, while I've been pretty honest about my lack of interest in on-page smut the last few years, the sex scenes here were pretty decent. Lots of desk and wall sex. Maybe it just caught me on a good day.)
Romance ensues. And, yes, we have a decent grovel here. Lark really makes Clay work when he screws up, and he does screw up a lot.
But you know who didn't have to work for Lark's forgiveness? Even the guy Lark allegedly wronged, Callum, said repeatedly that he was the one who committed a crime, so reporting it wasn't actually wrong.
[One more (minor) issue came up during Lark's big speech at the meeting with the potential client. During that time she talks about civil suits brought against the company for lack of wages, work not being done, etc, then talks about criminal cases against the company brought by employees who had been hurt. I desperately wish authors would understand the difference between civil and criminal cases. An individual does not "bring" a criminal case against a company. They report it to the proper authorities and the state (hopefully) presses charges, then the individual can potentially bring a civil lawsuit against the company (and depending on the state, get punitive damages). This wasn't on the level of Can't Forgive You in terms of clueless legalese, but really, what is?]
Will I keep reading? Meh, I dunno. I'll probably skip Stone's book because I thought he was a jackass in the third book, and I'm not in the mood for the "shy ingénue meets big bad protective man" trope. I think I'm more interested in sequel-bait biker Pope, who at least showed some sense in this book (although I don't delude myself that he would be as awesome in his own book because great supporting characters are almost never great main characters). Although the Aurora/Callum pairing in the last book could be fun. I liked Cal. He was the only Morrison, other than Lumpy the dog, who seemed to have any sense.
March 10, 2023
Spoilers ahead
Seven years ago Lark left the small town of Redemption in the dust after a lie caused not only her boyfriend and his family to turn against her but the entire town. In present day however Lark's beloved aunt needs her so she returns to Redemption and the man she once loved.
Clay thought he'd found his soulmate, until shortly after his dad's death while trying to pull his family's company out of debt, his brother is arrested and Lark seems to be the one who ratted him out. Seven years spent hating her disappears as he's once again faced with the love of his life
Eh this was pretty ok.
Things I could've done without
1)Ok so I know him believing the lie about her in the past was obviously necessary for the plot, I kinda even get why he might believe it(not why he didn't question it tho😑) given all he was dealing with etc BUT how are you gonna make up, be all "I love you baby" and fail to clear up that little matter 🙄 I get that lack of communication is a plot device or sumn but as a reader it frustrating and just makes me want to start sharing slaps all around when stuff like this happens
2)The back and forth....listen y'all already wasted 7 damn years get it together will ya!
3)Him sleeping with her enemy.... What are we teenagers?
4)The rapid turnaround... Ain't no damn way a switch flips and suddenly y'all are back in love, as a matter of fact y'all never stopped loving each other when 2 pages ago you didn't even wanna be in the same town much less the same room....now it's I love you baby. Bitch 2 pages ago ain't none of that was happening! Let the line between forgiveness and new love blur smoothly please
5) The attitude of the townfolk. Maybe it's me because I can't relate to all these ppl hating on this girl for something she supposedly did to get one of their own arrested. I'm from the Caribbean we cuss ppl out and come straight with it where I'm from....none of this passive aggressive bs. At least that way all of this would've been cleared up 7 years ago....but we wouldn't have a plot now would we😂. Anywhos back to the town ppl including the H's mom....I needed some groveling from these ppl, just as we lived through them acting the fool towards her I needed to see the apologies
6) The sex🙄 sumn this author usually delivers fairly well on but I didn't feel it in this one idk
What I did like
The h, now she did her fair share of running off into the night, crying and falling back into the idiot's arms too easily but she was actually a decent h. Showed some strength and had a decent get fucked attitude... I like her
Secondary characters I liked Aurora the bestie and Pope the biker who I actually hoped was the mmc 🤷🏽♀️👀 hopefully he gets a book sometime.
The plot/writing.....Ion like second chance romances... That's just me and my main reason is because the reason given for the breakup is usually pretty dumb. In this case I understand the H was dealing with a lot, and actually heard the words out of the h's mouth but still....couldn't he have stormed off then come back and ask questions later? But then again there'd be no book. Writing was pretty solid,though I much preferred the book Before they actually got back together
Why's this review so dang long 😂😂😂 I talk too much in real life too 😂😂😂😂😂
Second chance
No cheating
In the years between they'd both been with other ppl with the H sleeping with the enemy
Slight OM drama from the very delicious Pope
Slight OW drama from the very annoying ex hookup
Seven years ago Lark left the small town of Redemption in the dust after a lie caused not only her boyfriend and his family to turn against her but the entire town. In present day however Lark's beloved aunt needs her so she returns to Redemption and the man she once loved.
Clay thought he'd found his soulmate, until shortly after his dad's death while trying to pull his family's company out of debt, his brother is arrested and Lark seems to be the one who ratted him out. Seven years spent hating her disappears as he's once again faced with the love of his life
Eh this was pretty ok.
Things I could've done without
1)Ok so I know him believing the lie about her in the past was obviously necessary for the plot, I kinda even get why he might believe it(not why he didn't question it tho😑) given all he was dealing with etc BUT how are you gonna make up, be all "I love you baby" and fail to clear up that little matter 🙄 I get that lack of communication is a plot device or sumn but as a reader it frustrating and just makes me want to start sharing slaps all around when stuff like this happens
2)The back and forth....listen y'all already wasted 7 damn years get it together will ya!
3)Him sleeping with her enemy.... What are we teenagers?
4)The rapid turnaround... Ain't no damn way a switch flips and suddenly y'all are back in love, as a matter of fact y'all never stopped loving each other when 2 pages ago you didn't even wanna be in the same town much less the same room....now it's I love you baby. Bitch 2 pages ago ain't none of that was happening! Let the line between forgiveness and new love blur smoothly please
5) The attitude of the townfolk. Maybe it's me because I can't relate to all these ppl hating on this girl for something she supposedly did to get one of their own arrested. I'm from the Caribbean we cuss ppl out and come straight with it where I'm from....none of this passive aggressive bs. At least that way all of this would've been cleared up 7 years ago....but we wouldn't have a plot now would we😂. Anywhos back to the town ppl including the H's mom....I needed some groveling from these ppl, just as we lived through them acting the fool towards her I needed to see the apologies
6) The sex🙄 sumn this author usually delivers fairly well on but I didn't feel it in this one idk
What I did like
The h, now she did her fair share of running off into the night, crying and falling back into the idiot's arms too easily but she was actually a decent h. Showed some strength and had a decent get fucked attitude... I like her
Secondary characters I liked Aurora the bestie and Pope the biker who I actually hoped was the mmc 🤷🏽♀️👀 hopefully he gets a book sometime.
The plot/writing.....Ion like second chance romances... That's just me and my main reason is because the reason given for the breakup is usually pretty dumb. In this case I understand the H was dealing with a lot, and actually heard the words out of the h's mouth but still....couldn't he have stormed off then come back and ask questions later? But then again there'd be no book. Writing was pretty solid,though I much preferred the book Before they actually got back together
Why's this review so dang long 😂😂😂 I talk too much in real life too 😂😂😂😂😂
Second chance
No cheating
In the years between they'd both been with other ppl with the H sleeping with the enemy
Slight OM drama from the very delicious Pope
Slight OW drama from the very annoying ex hookup
January 10, 2021
It truly doesn't matter how long or short a Jessica Prince story is...I devour it in hours. Once again I loved this with my whole romance reading loving heart. I don't know what it is about Ms Prince and her ability to completely capture me heart and soul with EVERY DAMN STORY but she does. The heart, loyalty, friendship, guilt and complete utter heartbreak you experience within the pages of this grabbed me and NEVER LET GO. I couldn't move, do laundry, eat until I knew how these two stubborn love sick fools would figure their shit out. And I wasn't let down, they led me through all the angst and feels that I have come to expect from a Jessica Prince tale. I LOVE THEM ALL. Thank you Ms Prince, and I have got to find me a town filled with alphas. xo
July 13, 2021
Angst at it's best
Reading the blurb I already knew this would be a tear jerker. Lark has been gone for seven years and has to come back to the small town because of her sick aunt. Clay had been betrayed by Lark seven years ago and still holds a grudge.
I gave this four stars because I feel that Lark caves in too easily to Clay. And what's up with all the small-minded townspeople being so mean to one young woman? It doesn't seem like a town I would NOT want to live in. I felt that Lark forgave them too easily as well.
Reading the blurb I already knew this would be a tear jerker. Lark has been gone for seven years and has to come back to the small town because of her sick aunt. Clay had been betrayed by Lark seven years ago and still holds a grudge.
I gave this four stars because I feel that Lark caves in too easily to Clay. And what's up with all the small-minded townspeople being so mean to one young woman? It doesn't seem like a town I would NOT want to live in. I felt that Lark forgave them too easily as well.
June 17, 2021
4.5* Lark and Clay were together for some years; she belonged in Clay's life, in his family and they all received her with open arms. She had a really tough life: her mom died when she was younger, and her dad abandoned her and dropped her at her aunt so she has some abandonment issues.
They both have problems in their life: Clay with his brother, Callum, involved with drugs and trafficking, and Lark, with her cousin, a real pain in the ass. Lark was always positive and she always said that they will be able to get past all of that together, knowing that Clay was the one for her.
When Callum, Clay's brother, ends up in jail after Lark told him she is going to call the police on him, if he still uses, Clay throws Lark out from his life, thinking that she betrayed the family, not giving Callum time to get cleaned.
Seven years later, Callum is still in jail but is going to get out soon, Lark's aunt has some health trobles so she needs to come home, and she is not well received. The townspeople are rude, her friends are no longer her friends and she cannot find a job because nobody wants to hire her in that small little town, knowing about her betrayal. Clay offers her a job because he knows that she needs one to sustain her sick aunt, and from there they begin a game of cat and mouse, with a lot of push and pull and OW drama when her nemesis wants to insert herself in Clay's life.
In the end, we find out the truth about the betrayal, the hero grovels a little, and the OW knows that Clay doesn't want her in his life. Lark finds the power to forgive Clay's behavior and also his family's and they have their HEA.
They both have problems in their life: Clay with his brother, Callum, involved with drugs and trafficking, and Lark, with her cousin, a real pain in the ass. Lark was always positive and she always said that they will be able to get past all of that together, knowing that Clay was the one for her.
When Callum, Clay's brother, ends up in jail after Lark told him she is going to call the police on him, if he still uses, Clay throws Lark out from his life, thinking that she betrayed the family, not giving Callum time to get cleaned.
Seven years later, Callum is still in jail but is going to get out soon, Lark's aunt has some health trobles so she needs to come home, and she is not well received. The townspeople are rude, her friends are no longer her friends and she cannot find a job because nobody wants to hire her in that small little town, knowing about her betrayal. Clay offers her a job because he knows that she needs one to sustain her sick aunt, and from there they begin a game of cat and mouse, with a lot of push and pull and OW drama when her nemesis wants to insert herself in Clay's life.
In the end, we find out the truth about the betrayal, the hero grovels a little, and the OW knows that Clay doesn't want her in his life. Lark finds the power to forgive Clay's behavior and also his family's and they have their HEA.
January 12, 2021
Really fucking dumb.
January 10, 2021
I have a new favorite!
I'm trying so hard to find the right words about this book, but nothing seems good enough.
I was barely halfway through the book and my heart was in shambles already. There were so much grief, resentment, misplaced guilt, betrayal, but also hope and love that I almost couldn't keep up with so many emotions.
And I loved every minute of it.
After finally knowing what is like to truly love and be loved by a wonderful man, an amazing family and an adorable community, Lark is wronged so deeply that she is forced to leave everything behind after everyone turns their back on her. Including the love of her life.
That is until she is needed back in the town she swore to never set foot in again.
Lark and Clay are both bearing a deep sense of betrayal, a burden so heavy and cruel that all it does is drain them and force them apart, when all their souls crave is to be together.
The heaviest burden of the aftermath falls solely on Lark's shoulder, who is harassed time after time by the people who had her back once.
But both of them carry the pain of losing the wonderful love they lived and still harbor for each other.
And even though Lark and Clay fight so hard to keep their emotional distance, to keep their walls up and insurmountable, their kind of love is one that can't be ignored, let alone overcome.
Some might say this is an enemies-to-lovers romance. But I don't see it that way. For me, this was a second chance through and through.
I didn't sense hate coming from them. It was even stronger than that. I felt profound resentment, deep pain, unspeakable grief, blooming hope, unwavering loyalty, all-consuming love.
There wasn't a place for hatred between Clay or Lark.
And for me, that made everything even more intense and earth-shattering than any enemies-to-lovers could have possibly done.
This book had everything I love in a book and even more.
Truly, this was an unputdownable masterpiece.
I'm trying so hard to find the right words about this book, but nothing seems good enough.
I was barely halfway through the book and my heart was in shambles already. There were so much grief, resentment, misplaced guilt, betrayal, but also hope and love that I almost couldn't keep up with so many emotions.
And I loved every minute of it.
After finally knowing what is like to truly love and be loved by a wonderful man, an amazing family and an adorable community, Lark is wronged so deeply that she is forced to leave everything behind after everyone turns their back on her. Including the love of her life.
That is until she is needed back in the town she swore to never set foot in again.
Lark and Clay are both bearing a deep sense of betrayal, a burden so heavy and cruel that all it does is drain them and force them apart, when all their souls crave is to be together.
The heaviest burden of the aftermath falls solely on Lark's shoulder, who is harassed time after time by the people who had her back once.
But both of them carry the pain of losing the wonderful love they lived and still harbor for each other.
And even though Lark and Clay fight so hard to keep their emotional distance, to keep their walls up and insurmountable, their kind of love is one that can't be ignored, let alone overcome.
Some might say this is an enemies-to-lovers romance. But I don't see it that way. For me, this was a second chance through and through.
I didn't sense hate coming from them. It was even stronger than that. I felt profound resentment, deep pain, unspeakable grief, blooming hope, unwavering loyalty, all-consuming love.
There wasn't a place for hatred between Clay or Lark.
And for me, that made everything even more intense and earth-shattering than any enemies-to-lovers could have possibly done.
This book had everything I love in a book and even more.
Truly, this was an unputdownable masterpiece.
January 11, 2021
Lark Ashton never planned to return to Redemption, Tennessee the town that turned their back on her and the betrayal of the man who broke her heart. For years Lark has kept herself incased in her glass walls she surrounds herself in, but when her Aunt calls needing help she makes the decision to go back home. Lark is greeted the way she expected with disdain and hate, but she is not going to let it break her but when she sees Clay Morrison again, she feels that sting and it is pushing her to her breaking point, will Clay finally see the truth or will he continue to hate every fiber of Lark's being.
There is so much to this story that I have not delved into. This was absolutely wonderful. Lark is such a beacon of courage, she has been dealt a bad hand and yet she persevered. Clay was pure alpha male and I was blown away by how this story unfolded. Amazing read, if your looking for a tear jerker second chance romance buy this one now.
There is so much to this story that I have not delved into. This was absolutely wonderful. Lark is such a beacon of courage, she has been dealt a bad hand and yet she persevered. Clay was pure alpha male and I was blown away by how this story unfolded. Amazing read, if your looking for a tear jerker second chance romance buy this one now.
January 11, 2021
Wow!! These two were steamy; their chemistry was oozing off the pages! Clay made me mad when he didn’t believe Lark. This was a great story on how trust or lack of can change your life. Poor Lark has some of the worst family, but the friends & family she has are wonderful. Aurora that girl is an amazing character & reminds me of my true besties. The love, the sexy alpha tendencies & the love/hate banter between these two will keep you highly entertained. I almost read this book in one sitting but I made myself go to bed because I had to get up early for work. Definitely another wonderful read by this wonderful author.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
April 2, 2022
I loved the angst in this book, but I wish Clay would’ve had to have suffered and groveled way more. Lark should’ve went for the hot biker! I thoroughly enjoyed this book though. It reminded me of a Kristen Ashley book. Lark was way too forgiving of Clay. Clay was a fucking idiot. I wished we had gotten an extended epilogue with marriage and babies. Clay better not waste time putting a ring on it after wasting 7 years!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
Omg another Absolutely great experience
I keep starting Jessicas books and not being able to put them down sometimes going till 3am. They are all addictive. I absolutely loved Clay and Larks story.
I keep starting Jessicas books and not being able to put them down sometimes going till 3am. They are all addictive. I absolutely loved Clay and Larks story.
March 1, 2021
Second chance, angsty read
Good plotline but there were so many things that didn't work for me
H and h breakup as he believes she sent his brother to prison
let's be clear; his brother was guilty of the crime he went to prison for
but h did not send him to jail
she becomes outcast, leaves town and returns to be the outcast again
She is poor as she is paying down her ill relatives loan
H is successful, hooked up with the woman who was ultra cruel to h and is generally a loser
I just don't see why the author makes h's character so doormatty
and why she couldn't write a decent grovel; which this book needed so badly
Good plotline but there were so many things that didn't work for me
H and h breakup as he believes she sent his brother to prison
let's be clear; his brother was guilty of the crime he went to prison for
but h did not send him to jail
she becomes outcast, leaves town and returns to be the outcast again
She is poor as she is paying down her ill relatives loan
H is successful, hooked up with the woman who was ultra cruel to h and is generally a loser
I just don't see why the author makes h's character so doormatty
and why she couldn't write a decent grovel; which this book needed so badly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2021
Guilty Pleasure is a second chance, love/hate romance full of emotion with some seriously hot office scenes that will have you saying yes please.
Lark's return to Redemption is met with nothing but hostility and from the get go I found myself angry on her behalf. Instead of running however she stands her ground and I'm immediately drawn to her strength. In fact the entire book I found myself Team Lark and at multiple times wished I could slap the ever loving crap out of some people in this book.
Now enter Clay, he is an alpha no doubt about that. And I love Jessica's alpha H's. They have this sexiness about them that tends to ooze from the pages with their demands and display's of protectiveness. Clay definitely should all those things. Clay also did make me a bit ragey I have to admit. Hot and cold at times I found myself wanting to also smack him upside the head, I found my feelings towards him up and down.
This story will gut you at times as you find out the circumstances surrounding Lark's departure from Redemption to begin with. My heart ached for her every time someone was nasty towards her, while at the same time cheered her on because she was so resilient.
And can we talk about the sexual tension between Clay and Lark. The back and forth jabs that seem to cut like a knife while at the same time that undeniable pull towards one another. I could feel the intensity pouring off the pages, especially in some of the office scenes. Yowzers.
Redemption was easily gobbled up, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I don't think I will ever stop reading books from Prince.
Lark's return to Redemption is met with nothing but hostility and from the get go I found myself angry on her behalf. Instead of running however she stands her ground and I'm immediately drawn to her strength. In fact the entire book I found myself Team Lark and at multiple times wished I could slap the ever loving crap out of some people in this book.
Now enter Clay, he is an alpha no doubt about that. And I love Jessica's alpha H's. They have this sexiness about them that tends to ooze from the pages with their demands and display's of protectiveness. Clay definitely should all those things. Clay also did make me a bit ragey I have to admit. Hot and cold at times I found myself wanting to also smack him upside the head, I found my feelings towards him up and down.
This story will gut you at times as you find out the circumstances surrounding Lark's departure from Redemption to begin with. My heart ached for her every time someone was nasty towards her, while at the same time cheered her on because she was so resilient.
And can we talk about the sexual tension between Clay and Lark. The back and forth jabs that seem to cut like a knife while at the same time that undeniable pull towards one another. I could feel the intensity pouring off the pages, especially in some of the office scenes. Yowzers.
Redemption was easily gobbled up, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I don't think I will ever stop reading books from Prince.
April 19, 2023
3.5 Stars
The feels were real in this one, and I wasn't really prepared for them. I figured it would be angsty, but I think I have decided that I'm never really ready for angst, it just isn't' my thing. That's not to say this wasn't a good book, it was. And the narration of the audiobook only made it that much better. But I didn't love it as much as I have with previous books by this author. I really appreciate that karma stepped up to those who need to get smacked in face by her, as that doesn't always happen. The book as a whole was good enough that I'd keep reading the series.
The feels were real in this one, and I wasn't really prepared for them. I figured it would be angsty, but I think I have decided that I'm never really ready for angst, it just isn't' my thing. That's not to say this wasn't a good book, it was. And the narration of the audiobook only made it that much better. But I didn't love it as much as I have with previous books by this author. I really appreciate that karma stepped up to those who need to get smacked in face by her, as that doesn't always happen. The book as a whole was good enough that I'd keep reading the series.
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