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From NYT & USA Today bestselling author comes a new Bleeding Stars stand-alone novel…
She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.
Edie Evans is gorgeous.
Sexy.
Kind.
She’s also the definition of off-limits.
But that didn't stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.
But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.
The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.
Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.
Austin Stone is dangerous.
Alluring.
Tempting.
He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.
It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.
Our desire is overpowering.
Our need unrelenting.
She is my hope.
He is my weakness.
We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.
She is his strength and he is her weakness. And this time he won’t let her go.
Edie Evans is gorgeous.
Sexy.
Kind.
She’s also the definition of off-limits.
But that didn't stop me from sneaking into her room to comfort her at night.
But guys like me? We destroy everything, so it should have been no surprise when I destroyed us, too.
The night I sent her running, I thought I’d never see her again.
Until I saw her standing like a vision in the crowd.
Austin Stone is dangerous.
Alluring.
Tempting.
He broke my heart and I refused to give him the chance to do it again.
It’s been years since I’ve seen him, and now I can’t do anything but stare at the gorgeous, tattooed man playing onstage. I should run. I know I should. But like a fool, I run straight back to him.
Our desire is overpowering.
Our need unrelenting.
She is my hope.
He is my weakness.
We should have known a passion this intense would burn us right into the ground.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2016
About the author
A.L. Jackson
78 books12.9k followersA.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, and TIME RIVER novels. Be on the lookout for her upcoming brother's best friend, single mom, small town romance DON'T FORGET ME TOMORROW, coming October 10th!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
I have book specific playlists on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/user/1255231879
Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, REDEMPTION HILLS, and TIME RIVER novels. Be on the lookout for her upcoming brother's best friend, single mom, small town romance DON'T FORGET ME TOMORROW, coming October 10th!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
GET TO KNOW ME EVERYWHERE
Website: www.aljacksonauthor.com
Facebook: facebook.com/aljacksonauthor
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: aljacksonauthor
Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Text "aljackson" to 33222 for special updates!
Want to know what music inspires my books?
I have book specific playlists on Spotify!
https://open.spotify.com/user/1255231879
Represent by Brower Literary & Management
subrights@browerliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 712 reviews
August 16, 2016
“The truth is, I gave my heart away a long time ago. My whole heart. And I never really got it back.” ~Sweet Home Alabama
Have you ever read a story that has stolen your soul? Has a book broken your heart, hitting it so hard, that even after it’s mended, its pieces are still stuck in the story? I gave my heart to Wait where it still remains long after I turned the last page. I gave my soul to this story—as if I had a choice—for it to be sucked in like a song, dragging me in, pulling me under, like a big wave. Wait is the newest roller coaster of a rock star romance from AL Jackson’s Bleeding Stars series, and oh did my heart bleed.
I devoured Wait in small doses to give my heart time to slow its beating, my body time to slow its breathing, and my brain time to process all of the feelings floating around in my head. I did not want to put Wait down, yet I had to calm my emotions from this story’s sensory storm.
By just the second page of the book—the Prologue—my emotions engulfed me, soaring like soldiers ready for battle. This battle was one of feels; a fight I would not win. A fight I did not want to win. I knew this story starring Baz’s little brother, Austin, a broken boy who is now a broken man would break me. I just did not know that Edie, an equally broken girl and now a wounded woman, would break me just as hard.
“I trusted this broken boy. So I whispered my secret. Offered it up to him. To hold it. Protect it. Until the day he crushed it in his hands.”
Baz’s little brother, Austin, left four years ago at age 17 to treat the wounds that were embedded so deep into him, making him bleed for the past that held him prisoner. One where he still feels unworthy. Tall, muscular, inked, brown-haired and grey-green eyes, Austin could be older brother Baz’s twin. While not the lead singer for Sunder like Baz, he could easily be Sunder's front man, but plays in smaller venues on the West Coast.
“I felt that fragmented piece inside stretching out its fingers. Searching for all that had been lost. For that piece I could never reclaim.”
Damn if Baz’s little brother didn’t burrow right next to Baz in my heart.
Just one chapter in and my heart was breaking. WAIT…I had to catch my breath as my lungs breathed in every wondrous and wielding word. The words quickly became flames, lighting me up. A fire that burned me inside, guiding me to its flames, to the light that I needed to see. Needed to feel when darkness tried to hijack my head and heart.
“His voice…that unforgettable voice that washed over me exactly the way it once had. With comfort and joy and an aching hope. I hadn’t seen him since the night this broken boy had crushed the fragile piece of myself I’d given to him. Only Austin Stone was no longer a boy.”
The past collides with the present when beautiful blonde and aqua-eyed Edie Evans, Ash’s little sister, and Austin’s best friend and love of his life stumbles into the bar where he is playing one night after four years apart. Secrets and lies destroyed them but each has always held the other’s heart.
“He’d been my safety. My haven. Until he dragged me right back into hell.”
Two chapters in and I broke as I bled for both the hero and the heroine. Two broken souls who should be one. WAIT…I had to catch my tears as I willed them not to fall. Tears that teased the dam of waterworks waiting to burst from the words that clutched my soul, extracting every emotion. Beckoning me. Binding me. Becoming me.
“The girl was the only one who shed a light strong enough to pull me from the dark…that girl had given me air. A reprieve from the unending storm.”
Austin is rough around the edges but light lingers through that dark exterior, ready to burst and break free. Edie is the angel who saves him from the dark. Austin is the comfort in Edie’s raging storm. Two broken souls who have been through hell find their way back to each other, hoping for redemption. A second-chance. One where their hearts will resume beating as one.
“Because I’d known it since the moment he’d crawled into my bed and whispered his ease. Since the moment his spirit had sank into my soul.”
These broken beauties need to be together. Austin and Edie’s pain is mine and only they can pick up each other’s shattered pieces.
“He was anchored to me so deeply I could feel him pulling at me from every angle. We were magnets in opposition. Trembling lures.”
I swooned so much. My heart was hit so hard, it spun right into my soul. This broken boy and this broken girl…they broke me. Again and again.
“This girl was the only thing I could see…Did she get it yet? Did she know she was always going to belong to me?”
I could not help but smile a grin filled with hope as I was sucked into a wave of passion, one of soulmates, one of love as deep as the ocean.
“I should have known it would always be him.”
One third into this soul-searing story and the tears trickled, harder and harder, as that dam of waterworks started to break. Permanent tears became etched into my eyes. I sighed. Wait filled my lungs, words filtering into my very core. WAIT…I had to catch my heart that this story so forcefully claimed.
“He kissed me…as if I was the center of his world. And I knew without a doubt, this boy was the eye of the storm. The eye of my storm.”
Their chemistry is passion. Their chemistry is pure. Austin and Edie are perfect together, dark mixed with light with a love that has never died. Oh do I LOVE THEM so!
“She kissed me so deep I was sure this girl managed to touch my soul.”
An angel, Edie is Austin’s light. Like he needs her, she needs her dark knight, the one who has rescued her from hell as she has pulled him from the darkness.
Three-fourths into the book and I was broken ... gutted ... unglued. Wait pulled me into the dark; I was drowning in tears mixed with hope and heartbreak. My soul screamed for mercy, so lost it may never be found. WAIT…I had to take another breath as this book buried itself so deep into my soul that it may never leave.
“How do you both break my heart and heal it at the same time?”
“I don’t want to break you.”
“You broke me a long time ago.”
Wait, oh did it break me. This book…it’s EVERYTHING!!! An intense, intoxicating, and incredible story of epic love, Wait hit my heart hard and fast like lightning, scorching my soul while my emotions poured like a rain storm.
I felt every word I read in Wait where I was left gasping for air, drowning to breathe in a sea of emotions so deep that they stole every feel and every thought in a book that owned every piece of me. I lived Wait. I breathed Wait. I was bound to Wait. I became Wait.
AL Jackson writes from the heart and you can tell her heart is poured into every beautiful and brilliant word. Her heartfelt writing hits my heart hard like a hurricane in every single story of this Bleeding Stars series. EVERY WORD MATTERS. Meaningful. Mesmerizing. Magnificent.
Everything AL Jackson pens is paint to a canvas, so vivid and valuable. Stories that steal your soul and stay with you forever. Oh did Wait sing to my soul so very much in a beautifully broken story of epic love that was so worth the wait.
5 but should be 10 beautiful, broken, brilliant, and imperfectly perfect stars
Have you ever read a story that has stolen your soul? Has a book broken your heart, hitting it so hard, that even after it’s mended, its pieces are still stuck in the story? I gave my heart to Wait where it still remains long after I turned the last page. I gave my soul to this story—as if I had a choice—for it to be sucked in like a song, dragging me in, pulling me under, like a big wave. Wait is the newest roller coaster of a rock star romance from AL Jackson’s Bleeding Stars series, and oh did my heart bleed.
I devoured Wait in small doses to give my heart time to slow its beating, my body time to slow its breathing, and my brain time to process all of the feelings floating around in my head. I did not want to put Wait down, yet I had to calm my emotions from this story’s sensory storm.
By just the second page of the book—the Prologue—my emotions engulfed me, soaring like soldiers ready for battle. This battle was one of feels; a fight I would not win. A fight I did not want to win. I knew this story starring Baz’s little brother, Austin, a broken boy who is now a broken man would break me. I just did not know that Edie, an equally broken girl and now a wounded woman, would break me just as hard.
“I trusted this broken boy. So I whispered my secret. Offered it up to him. To hold it. Protect it. Until the day he crushed it in his hands.”
Baz’s little brother, Austin, left four years ago at age 17 to treat the wounds that were embedded so deep into him, making him bleed for the past that held him prisoner. One where he still feels unworthy. Tall, muscular, inked, brown-haired and grey-green eyes, Austin could be older brother Baz’s twin. While not the lead singer for Sunder like Baz, he could easily be Sunder's front man, but plays in smaller venues on the West Coast.
“I felt that fragmented piece inside stretching out its fingers. Searching for all that had been lost. For that piece I could never reclaim.”
Damn if Baz’s little brother didn’t burrow right next to Baz in my heart.
Just one chapter in and my heart was breaking. WAIT…I had to catch my breath as my lungs breathed in every wondrous and wielding word. The words quickly became flames, lighting me up. A fire that burned me inside, guiding me to its flames, to the light that I needed to see. Needed to feel when darkness tried to hijack my head and heart.
“His voice…that unforgettable voice that washed over me exactly the way it once had. With comfort and joy and an aching hope. I hadn’t seen him since the night this broken boy had crushed the fragile piece of myself I’d given to him. Only Austin Stone was no longer a boy.”
The past collides with the present when beautiful blonde and aqua-eyed Edie Evans, Ash’s little sister, and Austin’s best friend and love of his life stumbles into the bar where he is playing one night after four years apart. Secrets and lies destroyed them but each has always held the other’s heart.
“He’d been my safety. My haven. Until he dragged me right back into hell.”
Two chapters in and I broke as I bled for both the hero and the heroine. Two broken souls who should be one. WAIT…I had to catch my tears as I willed them not to fall. Tears that teased the dam of waterworks waiting to burst from the words that clutched my soul, extracting every emotion. Beckoning me. Binding me. Becoming me.
“The girl was the only one who shed a light strong enough to pull me from the dark…that girl had given me air. A reprieve from the unending storm.”
Austin is rough around the edges but light lingers through that dark exterior, ready to burst and break free. Edie is the angel who saves him from the dark. Austin is the comfort in Edie’s raging storm. Two broken souls who have been through hell find their way back to each other, hoping for redemption. A second-chance. One where their hearts will resume beating as one.
“Because I’d known it since the moment he’d crawled into my bed and whispered his ease. Since the moment his spirit had sank into my soul.”
These broken beauties need to be together. Austin and Edie’s pain is mine and only they can pick up each other’s shattered pieces.
“He was anchored to me so deeply I could feel him pulling at me from every angle. We were magnets in opposition. Trembling lures.”
I swooned so much. My heart was hit so hard, it spun right into my soul. This broken boy and this broken girl…they broke me. Again and again.
“This girl was the only thing I could see…Did she get it yet? Did she know she was always going to belong to me?”
I could not help but smile a grin filled with hope as I was sucked into a wave of passion, one of soulmates, one of love as deep as the ocean.
“I should have known it would always be him.”
One third into this soul-searing story and the tears trickled, harder and harder, as that dam of waterworks started to break. Permanent tears became etched into my eyes. I sighed. Wait filled my lungs, words filtering into my very core. WAIT…I had to catch my heart that this story so forcefully claimed.
“He kissed me…as if I was the center of his world. And I knew without a doubt, this boy was the eye of the storm. The eye of my storm.”
Their chemistry is passion. Their chemistry is pure. Austin and Edie are perfect together, dark mixed with light with a love that has never died. Oh do I LOVE THEM so!
“She kissed me so deep I was sure this girl managed to touch my soul.”
An angel, Edie is Austin’s light. Like he needs her, she needs her dark knight, the one who has rescued her from hell as she has pulled him from the darkness.
Three-fourths into the book and I was broken ... gutted ... unglued. Wait pulled me into the dark; I was drowning in tears mixed with hope and heartbreak. My soul screamed for mercy, so lost it may never be found. WAIT…I had to take another breath as this book buried itself so deep into my soul that it may never leave.
“How do you both break my heart and heal it at the same time?”
“I don’t want to break you.”
“You broke me a long time ago.”
Wait, oh did it break me. This book…it’s EVERYTHING!!! An intense, intoxicating, and incredible story of epic love, Wait hit my heart hard and fast like lightning, scorching my soul while my emotions poured like a rain storm.
I felt every word I read in Wait where I was left gasping for air, drowning to breathe in a sea of emotions so deep that they stole every feel and every thought in a book that owned every piece of me. I lived Wait. I breathed Wait. I was bound to Wait. I became Wait.
AL Jackson writes from the heart and you can tell her heart is poured into every beautiful and brilliant word. Her heartfelt writing hits my heart hard like a hurricane in every single story of this Bleeding Stars series. EVERY WORD MATTERS. Meaningful. Mesmerizing. Magnificent.
Everything AL Jackson pens is paint to a canvas, so vivid and valuable. Stories that steal your soul and stay with you forever. Oh did Wait sing to my soul so very much in a beautifully broken story of epic love that was so worth the wait.
5 but should be 10 beautiful, broken, brilliant, and imperfectly perfect stars
August 28, 2016
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”That first night you came to me I was so lost. I was terrified to live, Austin. Terrified to feel. But you broke through all those barriers. You made me remember what it felt like to hope. What it felt like to believe.”
This is the fourth installment of the Bleeding Stars series and each book can be read as a standalone. The series revolves around the lives of each member of the band called SUNDER. I have never read anything by A.L. Jackson but I’ve always wanted to and since WAIT is a second chance romance with a Rock Star I just had to give this one a try. I really struggled with this book. I had been reading it for three nights and honestly for the first 60%, I was so disconnected and unhappy with the story, I almost gave up. I even contemplated skipping to the last two chapters and putting this behind me. Something told me to proceed on and I am so grateful that I listened to that little voice in my head. From the 60% mark and on, WAIT became an entirely different book for me and my enjoyment of it increased ten times over!! I actually am looking forward to the next book!!
Austin Stone and Edie Evans are the younger siblings to a couple of the members of the rock band, SUNDER. They were romantically involved a few years back but when Austin accidently reveals a secret that he swore to keep for Edie, she is so disillusioned that she ends up leaving town. Edie was the only one who was able to bring light into Austin’s life and without her, there is nothing to keep him from sliding back into the horrible depths of depression and guilt. Early on we learn what Edie’s secret is and are only given bits and pieces of what is haunting Austin. I was trying so hard to figure out what could possibly be tormenting him because for more than half of the story it was a struggle for me to feel anything for Austin. What I hypothesized barely even scratched the surface!!
When the haunting and painful pasts of both Austin and Edie are finally revealed, I started to connect with these characters and this story. My heart opened up wide to the both of them and it was from that moment on that their actions made perfect sense to me. I also fell in love with the author’s lyrical writing style. It felt like the story was being told to us through a beautiful song.
WAIT is definitely a slow building story of love, loss, and second chances. I promise that once the story picks up, it will be virtually impossible to put down. You will be rooting for these characters to finally have their HEA!!
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2bIEOcK
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
”That first night you came to me I was so lost. I was terrified to live, Austin. Terrified to feel. But you broke through all those barriers. You made me remember what it felt like to hope. What it felt like to believe.”
This is the fourth installment of the Bleeding Stars series and each book can be read as a standalone. The series revolves around the lives of each member of the band called SUNDER. I have never read anything by A.L. Jackson but I’ve always wanted to and since WAIT is a second chance romance with a Rock Star I just had to give this one a try. I really struggled with this book. I had been reading it for three nights and honestly for the first 60%, I was so disconnected and unhappy with the story, I almost gave up. I even contemplated skipping to the last two chapters and putting this behind me. Something told me to proceed on and I am so grateful that I listened to that little voice in my head. From the 60% mark and on, WAIT became an entirely different book for me and my enjoyment of it increased ten times over!! I actually am looking forward to the next book!!
Austin Stone and Edie Evans are the younger siblings to a couple of the members of the rock band, SUNDER. They were romantically involved a few years back but when Austin accidently reveals a secret that he swore to keep for Edie, she is so disillusioned that she ends up leaving town. Edie was the only one who was able to bring light into Austin’s life and without her, there is nothing to keep him from sliding back into the horrible depths of depression and guilt. Early on we learn what Edie’s secret is and are only given bits and pieces of what is haunting Austin. I was trying so hard to figure out what could possibly be tormenting him because for more than half of the story it was a struggle for me to feel anything for Austin. What I hypothesized barely even scratched the surface!!
When the haunting and painful pasts of both Austin and Edie are finally revealed, I started to connect with these characters and this story. My heart opened up wide to the both of them and it was from that moment on that their actions made perfect sense to me. I also fell in love with the author’s lyrical writing style. It felt like the story was being told to us through a beautiful song.
WAIT is definitely a slow building story of love, loss, and second chances. I promise that once the story picks up, it will be virtually impossible to put down. You will be rooting for these characters to finally have their HEA!!
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2bIEOcK
February 15, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Beautiful, Yet Tormented Austin Gets His Second Chance!
Three years, Austin. Three years gone. I gave my life to you, and then I gave you the space you asked for. Now I need you. It's time."
I have been on a wonderful journey with the boys of the rock band "Sunder" and anxiously awaited reading Austin's story. The boy who always wears a hoodie to try to hide his guilt, his fears, his misery. He is the younger brother of the band's lead singer, Sebastian Stone, who was introduced in the first book of this series, "A Stone in the Sea." Since the age of eight, Austin was basically raised by Sebastian, on the heels of a mistake of epic proportions for which Austin will never forgive himself and Sebastian tells the ultimate lie, setting them both on a toxic road of destruction. They experienced the chaos together .... the arrests, the drug overdoses, even the death of one of their best friends.
Three years ago Austin walked out on Sebastian, desperately wanting to make it on his own, to get clean, to take full responsibility for his actions, past and present. Guilt and pain consume the emptiness of his soul and he is still not ready to go back home, but Sebastian needs him.
Before Austin left L.A. and his old life behind, he met Edie Evans, his everything, his perfect fantasy. Of course he knew he would do something to screw up their relationship at some point, it is just what he does best. 'Ruin' is his constant companion. He was supposed to have protected her, protected her secret, because God knew, he had enough secrets of his own. One unforgivable evening, unable to hold his rage in check, Austin exposes Edie's secret. So distraught over his betrayal, Edie leaves LA., never letting anyone know where she is.
After years of being apart, Austin and Edie's lives have crossed paths once again, but the deep line she drew in the sand after he betrayed her and crushed her heart, is still evident, still forbidding him to come anywhere near her. But in all those years, in all those cities since L.A., and through all the countless women Austin had in his bed ..... he never forgot Edie, never got over her, never wanted anyone more than he wanted her.
This is Austin's "second chance" to win back Edie's trust and love, to make things right with Sebastian and to free himself from the guilt and grief of that fateful day.
This is told in dual POV style (my personal favorite) between Austin and Edie. The storyline goes back and forth between the present and past, which is very easy to follow and is compelling.
Beautiful, Yet Tormented Austin Gets His Second Chance!
Three years, Austin. Three years gone. I gave my life to you, and then I gave you the space you asked for. Now I need you. It's time."
I have been on a wonderful journey with the boys of the rock band "Sunder" and anxiously awaited reading Austin's story. The boy who always wears a hoodie to try to hide his guilt, his fears, his misery. He is the younger brother of the band's lead singer, Sebastian Stone, who was introduced in the first book of this series, "A Stone in the Sea." Since the age of eight, Austin was basically raised by Sebastian, on the heels of a mistake of epic proportions for which Austin will never forgive himself and Sebastian tells the ultimate lie, setting them both on a toxic road of destruction. They experienced the chaos together .... the arrests, the drug overdoses, even the death of one of their best friends.
Three years ago Austin walked out on Sebastian, desperately wanting to make it on his own, to get clean, to take full responsibility for his actions, past and present. Guilt and pain consume the emptiness of his soul and he is still not ready to go back home, but Sebastian needs him.
Before Austin left L.A. and his old life behind, he met Edie Evans, his everything, his perfect fantasy. Of course he knew he would do something to screw up their relationship at some point, it is just what he does best. 'Ruin' is his constant companion. He was supposed to have protected her, protected her secret, because God knew, he had enough secrets of his own. One unforgivable evening, unable to hold his rage in check, Austin exposes Edie's secret. So distraught over his betrayal, Edie leaves LA., never letting anyone know where she is.
After years of being apart, Austin and Edie's lives have crossed paths once again, but the deep line she drew in the sand after he betrayed her and crushed her heart, is still evident, still forbidding him to come anywhere near her. But in all those years, in all those cities since L.A., and through all the countless women Austin had in his bed ..... he never forgot Edie, never got over her, never wanted anyone more than he wanted her.
This is Austin's "second chance" to win back Edie's trust and love, to make things right with Sebastian and to free himself from the guilt and grief of that fateful day.
This is told in dual POV style (my personal favorite) between Austin and Edie. The storyline goes back and forth between the present and past, which is very easy to follow and is compelling.
July 13, 2016
I'm super excited to bring you WAIT!
November 16, 2017
After starting this series with A Stone in the Sea, I couldn't wait to get Austin's story most. The lost, troubled, beautiful boy. But he ain't no boy anymore though in this story.
This story is full of sadness, pasts full of horrific events, heartbreaking circumstances. It's a story of two lost souls, about a love so strong it can overcome and heal anything and anyone.
Austin has lived with losing his other half of his soul, his twin brother in a tragic accident. He's carried the blame on him for several very long years and there is only one person in this world that has allowed him to breathe freely. But he loses her...... Again....
Edie, a beautiful soul that has carried the weight of the greatest loss on her shoulders for years. She has herself locked up tight in all aspects, her heart, her body, her soul, everything about her is locked. She once could breathe freely, she lost that ability with the loss of trust, what would she do with a chance to have it again?
Yes this is a sad story, yes it was hard at times to read, yes I wanted to squeeze my kindle to just hurry up already I wanted this over, but it was beautiful, it was sweet, and oh man these Sunder boys are down right lovable❣️
This story is full of sadness, pasts full of horrific events, heartbreaking circumstances. It's a story of two lost souls, about a love so strong it can overcome and heal anything and anyone.
Austin has lived with losing his other half of his soul, his twin brother in a tragic accident. He's carried the blame on him for several very long years and there is only one person in this world that has allowed him to breathe freely. But he loses her...... Again....
Edie, a beautiful soul that has carried the weight of the greatest loss on her shoulders for years. She has herself locked up tight in all aspects, her heart, her body, her soul, everything about her is locked. She once could breathe freely, she lost that ability with the loss of trust, what would she do with a chance to have it again?
Yes this is a sad story, yes it was hard at times to read, yes I wanted to squeeze my kindle to just hurry up already I wanted this over, but it was beautiful, it was sweet, and oh man these Sunder boys are down right lovable❣️
September 18, 2016
****4 Stars****
“I wished upon every damned star in the sky for a second chance. For something I could do to truly make it right when I’d done her so fucking wrong. To be good enough for this girl who was so obviously created for me.”
“Wait” is the first book I have read by A. L. Jackson and I really enjoyed it. “Wait” is book four in the “Bleeding Stars” series but can be read as a standalone. I found it to be very well written and quite emotional. It is a story about love, loss and unimaginable tragedy. This story at times literally broke my heart and I really felt for the two characters, for all the pain they had to endure; losing the one person who is your whole world. If you love emotional, poignant second chance love stories then this is definitely a book for you.
Edie has a deep dark secret. A secret which means everything to her, which she has kept buried away, until one day when she shared this secret with Austin. Austin completely shattered and devastated Edie when his actions caused her secret to be exposed, one she had tried to keep hidden for so long.
Fast forward four years and fate has brought them together again. It’s not easy. There are still a lot of hurt feelings and heartbreak. They both will need to overcome all the damage that has been caused to give in to their intense love for each other. For both of them they are the one; there will never be anyone else.
Edie and Austin both have heartbreaking stories that will utterly destroy you, but they are such strong characters I felt I had no doubt they would have the ability to overcome anything.
“Wait” is certainly not a light-hearted read, but it is definitely worth the emotional rollercoaster to read something so profound, intense and apprehensive with characters you will fall in love with. I would most definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves a great second chance romance story.
August 27, 2016
5 INTENSE STARS
"He's been my safety.
My haven.
A.L. Jackson delivers one of the most intense, poetic, beautiful, emotional and sweet stories I have ever read! I was emotional while I was reading it aching for both characters needing to see them happy. From the very first moment I felt connected to the characters.8
"But you gotta know I've never wanted anything..anyone..the way I want you."
I was excited and anxious for Austin's story not sure what to expected but OMG it was everything. I loved him, he was mysterious, sweet, protective and broken. He suffered a lot and Eddie was the one to save him. She was the light to his darkness, she was everything to him. Fate brought them together, giving them a second chance!!
"We've always been an us,Edie.Now we've gotta figure out how to keep that us together.
I highly recommend this beautiful story to all the lovers of second chance romances!
"He's been my safety.
My haven.
A.L. Jackson delivers one of the most intense, poetic, beautiful, emotional and sweet stories I have ever read! I was emotional while I was reading it aching for both characters needing to see them happy. From the very first moment I felt connected to the characters.8
"But you gotta know I've never wanted anything..anyone..the way I want you."
I was excited and anxious for Austin's story not sure what to expected but OMG it was everything. I loved him, he was mysterious, sweet, protective and broken. He suffered a lot and Eddie was the one to save him. She was the light to his darkness, she was everything to him. Fate brought them together, giving them a second chance!!
"We've always been an us,Edie.Now we've gotta figure out how to keep that us together.
I highly recommend this beautiful story to all the lovers of second chance romances!
July 5, 2016
I will admit, for the first time in my reading relationship with AL Jackson, I was a little apprehensive about the story I knew she planned to write ... because I knew who it was about. I knew I didn't much care for the hero she had in mind...
He wasn't someone who had been awful and needed to redeem himself, I had just never cared for him and was more than happy to never have to see him again. Not that that would stop me from reading something of AL's.
And then she threw him in my face by writing his story...
And then he burrowed himself so deeply in my heart that I think I walked around like a teenage girl in love whenever I'd gotten done reading bits and pieces of the utterly swoon-worthy, broken man that was Austin.
I should've known that AL would never give us a hero who was less than incredible, that Austin and Edie's story would be equally beautiful and devastating, and that I would crave every word, and every piece of their story, even after the words had ended.
He wasn't someone who had been awful and needed to redeem himself, I had just never cared for him and was more than happy to never have to see him again. Not that that would stop me from reading something of AL's.
And then she threw him in my face by writing his story...
And then he burrowed himself so deeply in my heart that I think I walked around like a teenage girl in love whenever I'd gotten done reading bits and pieces of the utterly swoon-worthy, broken man that was Austin.
I should've known that AL would never give us a hero who was less than incredible, that Austin and Edie's story would be equally beautiful and devastating, and that I would crave every word, and every piece of their story, even after the words had ended.
September 27, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Wait is a second chance romance featuring a hot musician and a broken woman. Austin and Edie were the best of friends when they were younger and shared everything with each other. But when Austin betrayed her trust Edie ran and the two remained separated for years. Now Austin has also left home and a chance encounter brings these two together once again when they end up in the same town. But Austin broke her trust once and Edie isn't sure she can give him that again.
I did enjoy this story and getting to know some about these characters. I liked that Austin never lost his feelings for Edie and when he found her again he was ready to get her back. Both characters had their reasons for not wanting to jump into a friendship/relationship again but their connected was just so strong that they couldn't deny how the other made them better.
My three star rating mostly comes from how rushed I felt this story was. There seemed to be a lot going on in both Edie and Austin's lives and it kind of took away from them as a couple. I found them to be believable together it was just that I wanted more of them.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Wait is a second chance romance featuring a hot musician and a broken woman. Austin and Edie were the best of friends when they were younger and shared everything with each other. But when Austin betrayed her trust Edie ran and the two remained separated for years. Now Austin has also left home and a chance encounter brings these two together once again when they end up in the same town. But Austin broke her trust once and Edie isn't sure she can give him that again.
I did enjoy this story and getting to know some about these characters. I liked that Austin never lost his feelings for Edie and when he found her again he was ready to get her back. Both characters had their reasons for not wanting to jump into a friendship/relationship again but their connected was just so strong that they couldn't deny how the other made them better.
My three star rating mostly comes from how rushed I felt this story was. There seemed to be a lot going on in both Edie and Austin's lives and it kind of took away from them as a couple. I found them to be believable together it was just that I wanted more of them.
February 2, 2024
3.5 stars
Wait is the fourth book in AL Jackson’s ‘Bleeding Heart’ series, and though it says it can be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. I hadn’t read any of the other books in this series and I felt a little lost and disconnected at times. Edie and Austin’s romance is emotional, second chance, and friends to lovers. I enjoyed a lot about it (including Jackson’s writing) but for some reason, the connection to the characters just wasn’t there.
Wait is the fourth book in AL Jackson’s ‘Bleeding Heart’ series, and though it says it can be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it. I hadn’t read any of the other books in this series and I felt a little lost and disconnected at times. Edie and Austin’s romance is emotional, second chance, and friends to lovers. I enjoyed a lot about it (including Jackson’s writing) but for some reason, the connection to the characters just wasn’t there.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Zachary Webber
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 9h
September 2, 2016
Sadly I didn't like this one at all. You know I love my second chances, and Take This Regret is one of my favorites ever, but not Wait. First I started and stopped too many times, for some reason I couldn't deal with the writing style even though I've read and loved some of this author's books before. There was so much inner dialogue and some much purple prose. And Edie, I just couldn't connect with her one bit, not that I didn't feel sorry for her hard life, I just couldn't connect with her and her actions. I also failed to see what made her so special to Austin. I think she was just underdeveloped? There's zero indications of what even her life aspirations were... I dunno, this is probably a its me and not the book case but this one was a total disappointment :(
August 28, 2016
“I’ll wait. I've been waiting for you forever.”
With every new A.L. Jackson novel that I read, I become more and more accustomed to surrendering all control over my own heart to the sheer power of her sublime prose—letting myself just float on the gentle waves of her words, towards the crest of an angsty swell or the calm, quiet horizon of hope—her every sentence capable of evoking an emotion. And this book stands as further proof that her prose remains ever-changing, ever-transforming, as it constantly adapts to the story she is telling, yet never fails to affect the reader on an almost visceral level. This was a story I could not look away from as the hypnotic beauty of this author’s writing style takes us on a journey of second chances and forgiveness, persuading our senses to feel everything.
Continue reading this review...
October 14, 2016
3.75/5 stars
Wait Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=canLK...
It's no secret I love my NA books, so when the publicity manager of A.L. Jackson got in contact with me asking if I was interested in reading and reviewing this book I, of course, said yes. Now this is the fourth book apart of the Bleeding Stars series which is an NA companion series. Sadly, I haven't read the others or any other book by A.L. Jackson BUT after finishing Wait. I now want to read her other works since I had such a pleasant reading experience with this book.
Pros:
A.L. Jackson has this poetic way of weaving her story which made it more unique and emotional to read, especially when it came to the more tender intense moments. Continuing on, another thing I enjoyed was the romance. With this being an NA romance book I would've been disappointed if I didn't enjoy the romance. Also going along with that although these characters aren't some of my new favorites I enjoyed getting to follow them and not only our main characters but even the secondary ones.
Now, this NA book has more intense moments. What I mean by that is A.L. Jackson is dealing with more personal situations. Even though I said I didn't find this characters to be my all time favorites I felt for them and with them. I respected them and cared for them and as the story progressed I found I connected with them more and more.
I wish I did read the others apart of the companion series prior to reading this one BUT I am looking forward to going back and reading the others apart of the series that are already out.
"Con":
The minor "con" I had with this book was first reading it, I felt thrown off a bit. Almost like I jumped into the story half way through it. As I got to around 20 pages that feeling went away but honestly it was probably only me who felt this way so this isn't even really a "con".
Overall, highly recommend picking this up if you are looking for an emotional NA romance. Even though it is the fourth book apart of a companion series you don't have to read the others if you just want to read this one.
***was sent this in exchange for an honest review***
Wait Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=canLK...
It's no secret I love my NA books, so when the publicity manager of A.L. Jackson got in contact with me asking if I was interested in reading and reviewing this book I, of course, said yes. Now this is the fourth book apart of the Bleeding Stars series which is an NA companion series. Sadly, I haven't read the others or any other book by A.L. Jackson BUT after finishing Wait. I now want to read her other works since I had such a pleasant reading experience with this book.
Pros:
A.L. Jackson has this poetic way of weaving her story which made it more unique and emotional to read, especially when it came to the more tender intense moments. Continuing on, another thing I enjoyed was the romance. With this being an NA romance book I would've been disappointed if I didn't enjoy the romance. Also going along with that although these characters aren't some of my new favorites I enjoyed getting to follow them and not only our main characters but even the secondary ones.
Now, this NA book has more intense moments. What I mean by that is A.L. Jackson is dealing with more personal situations. Even though I said I didn't find this characters to be my all time favorites I felt for them and with them. I respected them and cared for them and as the story progressed I found I connected with them more and more.
I wish I did read the others apart of the companion series prior to reading this one BUT I am looking forward to going back and reading the others apart of the series that are already out.
"Con":
The minor "con" I had with this book was first reading it, I felt thrown off a bit. Almost like I jumped into the story half way through it. As I got to around 20 pages that feeling went away but honestly it was probably only me who felt this way so this isn't even really a "con".
Overall, highly recommend picking this up if you are looking for an emotional NA romance. Even though it is the fourth book apart of a companion series you don't have to read the others if you just want to read this one.
***was sent this in exchange for an honest review***
June 3, 2017
3 stars
To me, this is one of those books that are pretty good while reading it, but next week I won't be able to tell you what it was about. That's how I've felt with the whole Bleeding Stars series. And I can't pinpoint what my problem is. But I just can't seem to really connect with the characters.
There is no doubt that this is a talented author. I've always been a fan of her work. The storyline is heartbreaking and the characters are passionate, well fleshed out and quite likeable.
Maybe it was the fact that the reason behind their conflict/separation was so drawn out that I lost interest. Or maybe I became a bit detached when the focus kept changing from the h's issues to the H's. I couldn't quite keep up with who's problems we were dealing with now. One minute he was the strong supporting character and the next he was breaking down. I lost focus a bit and maybe that's why I didn't feel so much for them..
But since I can't really be sure, I conclude that this must be a very rare case of it's not you it's me.
To me, this is one of those books that are pretty good while reading it, but next week I won't be able to tell you what it was about. That's how I've felt with the whole Bleeding Stars series. And I can't pinpoint what my problem is. But I just can't seem to really connect with the characters.
There is no doubt that this is a talented author. I've always been a fan of her work. The storyline is heartbreaking and the characters are passionate, well fleshed out and quite likeable.
Maybe it was the fact that the reason behind their conflict/separation was so drawn out that I lost interest. Or maybe I became a bit detached when the focus kept changing from the h's issues to the H's. I couldn't quite keep up with who's problems we were dealing with now. One minute he was the strong supporting character and the next he was breaking down. I lost focus a bit and maybe that's why I didn't feel so much for them..
But since I can't really be sure, I conclude that this must be a very rare case of it's not you it's me.
October 12, 2016
This is the continuation of the romances for the boy's from the band Sunder and this one follows lead singer Sebastian's little brother Austin who has always carried the guilt of the death of his twin brother Julien when they were kids then he collides with Eadie, his childhood love who carries her own scars some that were unintentionally inflicted by Austin himself. Can they find each other again and heal the pain? Can they have a future together?. I would have to admit it was a little slow in the beginning but with a great story line and lovable characters you can't help but love the rock stars of Sunder.Narrated by the brilliant Andie Arndt and the sexy, emotional and wonderful Zachary Webber.
August 25, 2016
Wait (Bleeding Stars #4) by AL Jackson
3.5 stars!!!
AL Jackson always delivers an emotional read and this was no different. As usual AL Jackson’s writing style was stunning, beautiful poetic prose that totally consumes you with every word you read, that draws you into the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. Two broken characters that had both had more than their fair share of hurt and it seemed that life wasn’t done with them yet.
Throughout the Bleeding Hearts series, we have come to learn a little about Austin. While this book could be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series because the history and back story of Austin is touched upon and it was this early connection to him that really had me intrigued for his story from the beginning.
Austin Stone is Baz’s little brother, a musician and singer in his own right but never seemingly been able to hold himself together long enough to make it with the band “Sunder.” Having left to “find himself” we catch up with him three years after and finally we get to know the story that has maketh the man. Guilt is mental torture and Austin is one tortured soul, it seems both Stone brothers are taking the hit for this one but both have lost more than they ever anticipated…each other.
Edie, Edie, Edie… Edie is Ash’s little sister, I wanted to love her so bad but I found myself having trouble connecting to her for some reason and I truly cannot put my finger on why. Edie too has her own issues and it seems fate has a way of making you confront them and her confrontation came in the form of Austin Stone.
Austin and Edie were the best of friends until one mistake ripped them apart. They were each other’s confidantes, they were each other’s anchor, they felt safe and complete together. Being young feelings grow and these two really did love each other, but that is as far as it got. Never consummated, just a bone deep love and a soul mate connection…until it wasn’t.
It is this split that was my biggest issue with this book and it is purely a personal issue. When I read about these big splits, where impenetrable friendships are broken I expect something huge, something so unimaginable that you understand why, and for me I just didn’t get that. Yes, I could understand to a certain extent, but there would have been understanding on both sides and for me these two never took the opportunity, they just went their separate ways. While the reuniting wasn’t instant, it was close and for a friendship to have been torn apart so severely to get back together so quick just didn’t ring true. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and these are my personal issues and preferences.
Austin and Edie’s story is emotional, yet beautiful, sad yet uplifting. This is a story of forgiveness in so many ways, from Austin to Edie, to Austin and Baz and Edie to Ash. Brothers, sisters and soul mates all estranged because of decisions made on a whim and emotion. Where mistakes are recurrent and talking could solve a lot, where a problem shared is definitely a problem halved.
It was great to catch up with the other band members too, it seems our Sunder men are being paired off one by one and I cannot wait for the next one. I hope it is Ash because our prolific playboy needs someone to save his ass. He has a heart of gold underneath that manho personality.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!!
“All the years we lost still belonged to you.”
AL Jackson always delivers an emotional read and this was no different. As usual AL Jackson’s writing style was stunning, beautiful poetic prose that totally consumes you with every word you read, that draws you into the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. Two broken characters that had both had more than their fair share of hurt and it seemed that life wasn’t done with them yet.
Throughout the Bleeding Hearts series, we have come to learn a little about Austin. While this book could be read as a standalone I would highly recommend reading this series because the history and back story of Austin is touched upon and it was this early connection to him that really had me intrigued for his story from the beginning.
“It was a good day. A damned good day.”
Austin Stone is Baz’s little brother, a musician and singer in his own right but never seemingly been able to hold himself together long enough to make it with the band “Sunder.” Having left to “find himself” we catch up with him three years after and finally we get to know the story that has maketh the man. Guilt is mental torture and Austin is one tortured soul, it seems both Stone brothers are taking the hit for this one but both have lost more than they ever anticipated…each other.
Edie, Edie, Edie… Edie is Ash’s little sister, I wanted to love her so bad but I found myself having trouble connecting to her for some reason and I truly cannot put my finger on why. Edie too has her own issues and it seems fate has a way of making you confront them and her confrontation came in the form of Austin Stone.
“The first time I touched you was the first time I breathed.”
Austin and Edie were the best of friends until one mistake ripped them apart. They were each other’s confidantes, they were each other’s anchor, they felt safe and complete together. Being young feelings grow and these two really did love each other, but that is as far as it got. Never consummated, just a bone deep love and a soul mate connection…until it wasn’t.
“You’re the one who ran, Edie, and you took what was left of my heart with you when you did.”
It is this split that was my biggest issue with this book and it is purely a personal issue. When I read about these big splits, where impenetrable friendships are broken I expect something huge, something so unimaginable that you understand why, and for me I just didn’t get that. Yes, I could understand to a certain extent, but there would have been understanding on both sides and for me these two never took the opportunity, they just went their separate ways. While the reuniting wasn’t instant, it was close and for a friendship to have been torn apart so severely to get back together so quick just didn’t ring true. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and these are my personal issues and preferences.
“…I wasn’t sleeping with her. I was falling in love with her.”
Austin and Edie’s story is emotional, yet beautiful, sad yet uplifting. This is a story of forgiveness in so many ways, from Austin to Edie, to Austin and Baz and Edie to Ash. Brothers, sisters and soul mates all estranged because of decisions made on a whim and emotion. Where mistakes are recurrent and talking could solve a lot, where a problem shared is definitely a problem halved.
“Loving her might be the best mistake I ever made.”
It was great to catch up with the other band members too, it seems our Sunder men are being paired off one by one and I cannot wait for the next one. I hope it is Ash because our prolific playboy needs someone to save his ass. He has a heart of gold underneath that manho personality.
www.theromancecover.com
August 21, 2016
ARC kindly provided by InkSlingerPR in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! Just wow! I'm speechless...
I think I'm broken after reading this. Can someone please fix me?
A.L. Jackson is an amazing storyteller and this was an amazing emotional journey from the beginning to the end. I was hooked from the prologue.
It took me a few days to read it because I had to process some of the parts of the book.
I kept thinking about it during the day, and that is always a good sign.
Her writing style is so much more... it is poetry. Her words are powerful and they just flow.
Pure perfection.
Unique, beautiful, refreshing and truly moving love story.
She kept my attention and I can honestly say that I was captivated.
I absolutely loved the characters and the story and I can openly say that this is one of the best second chance romances I have ever read.
Yep, I'm a sucker for second chance romance, and good ones are usually hard to find, but this one... damn! Definitely one of my favourites.
Emotional roller coaster at its best. Heartbreak, love, angst... all combined together.
This is an incredible story of two wounded people with deep scars, Edie and Austin.
They have this indescribable bond and chemistry that is quite hard to express in words.
Edie and Austin can't be together, but they also can't live without each other.
They are so intense together. You can just feel it while reading.
They both went through a great deal of pain in the past and they were trying to overcome their insecurities and move forward in their lives.
This is not a hearts and flowers romance story... this is real,intense, raw, full of angst and emotional.
Can they overcome their inner demons? Can they leave their pasts behind? Can they finally find their happy ever after?
This one will stay with me for a long time. I went through so many emotions while reading it.
I highly recommend this to all lovers of second chance romance!
Don't waste your time and put this on your TBR list!
Genre: Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 3/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 9/10
Extra book Details: Second chance romance
Wow! Just wow! I'm speechless...
I think I'm broken after reading this. Can someone please fix me?
A.L. Jackson is an amazing storyteller and this was an amazing emotional journey from the beginning to the end. I was hooked from the prologue.
It took me a few days to read it because I had to process some of the parts of the book.
I kept thinking about it during the day, and that is always a good sign.
Her writing style is so much more... it is poetry. Her words are powerful and they just flow.
Pure perfection.
Unique, beautiful, refreshing and truly moving love story.
She kept my attention and I can honestly say that I was captivated.
I absolutely loved the characters and the story and I can openly say that this is one of the best second chance romances I have ever read.
Yep, I'm a sucker for second chance romance, and good ones are usually hard to find, but this one... damn! Definitely one of my favourites.
Emotional roller coaster at its best. Heartbreak, love, angst... all combined together.
This is an incredible story of two wounded people with deep scars, Edie and Austin.
They have this indescribable bond and chemistry that is quite hard to express in words.
Edie and Austin can't be together, but they also can't live without each other.
They are so intense together. You can just feel it while reading.
They both went through a great deal of pain in the past and they were trying to overcome their insecurities and move forward in their lives.
This is not a hearts and flowers romance story... this is real,intense, raw, full of angst and emotional.
Can they overcome their inner demons? Can they leave their pasts behind? Can they finally find their happy ever after?
This one will stay with me for a long time. I went through so many emotions while reading it.
I highly recommend this to all lovers of second chance romance!
Don't waste your time and put this on your TBR list!
Genre: Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 3/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 9/10
Extra book Details: Second chance romance
August 27, 2016
4.5 stars
‘In the instant that you love someone, in the second that the hammer hits, reality runs up your spine and the pieces finally fit’ – The One by Elton John
That song was playing in my head when I was reading this story. Austin and Edie are two people whose lives are a jigsaw with missing pieces, pieces that need to be found so that they can fit back together in the life they were meant to have together.
Austin has been carrying guilt and regret around with him since he was 8 years old. A tragic accident tore his family apart and he will never forgive himself for the part he played in what happened. The only shining light since that fateful day was when he met Edie. A girl who had grief that parelled his, they were kindred spirits if you like, he recognised the pain in her eyes, he saw it every day in himself when he looked in the mirror. He was able to offer her comfort and in doing that he also found love. Until he betrayed her.
Edie has been on the run for the past three years after Austin broke his promise. The truth is that she has been running for years, from the memories of her past. A past filled with regret. To be fair, she has been through a lot of shit, really heavy, life changing shit. Although she feels broken, she is stronger than she realises. She is tired though, emotionally exhausted and now her past is catching up with her.
Austin cannot believe his eyes when he spots Edie in a crowded bar one night. The girl he loves, the girl who ran from him, the girl he betrayed so badly. She is even more beautiful now but he can see the weight of sadness in her eyes, her sorrow cloaks her. Edie is just as stunned to lock eyes with Austin, the only man she has ever loved. All the memories coming flooding back to her like a tidal wave and she just needs time to deal.
What they slowly begin to realise is that they are the missing pieces in the jigsaw of their lives and the answer to their healing is with each other. They hold each others secrets and they may have to open a few wounds if they are ever going to find peace in their lives. This means facing their past, instead of running from it they need to face it head on. It’s the only way to sever it once and for all.
‘I’ll wait. I’ve been waiting for you forever.’
This was such an intense, heart breaking but beautiful story. I love the way Amy writes, it is like reading poetry, every sentence is beautifully composed and I get completely caught up in the emotion’s of the characters. She doesn’t just tell a story, she puts you in a front row seat and I felt EVERYTHING.
‘In the instant that you love someone, in the second that the hammer hits, reality runs up your spine and the pieces finally fit’ – The One by Elton John
That song was playing in my head when I was reading this story. Austin and Edie are two people whose lives are a jigsaw with missing pieces, pieces that need to be found so that they can fit back together in the life they were meant to have together.
Austin has been carrying guilt and regret around with him since he was 8 years old. A tragic accident tore his family apart and he will never forgive himself for the part he played in what happened. The only shining light since that fateful day was when he met Edie. A girl who had grief that parelled his, they were kindred spirits if you like, he recognised the pain in her eyes, he saw it every day in himself when he looked in the mirror. He was able to offer her comfort and in doing that he also found love. Until he betrayed her.
Edie has been on the run for the past three years after Austin broke his promise. The truth is that she has been running for years, from the memories of her past. A past filled with regret. To be fair, she has been through a lot of shit, really heavy, life changing shit. Although she feels broken, she is stronger than she realises. She is tired though, emotionally exhausted and now her past is catching up with her.
Austin cannot believe his eyes when he spots Edie in a crowded bar one night. The girl he loves, the girl who ran from him, the girl he betrayed so badly. She is even more beautiful now but he can see the weight of sadness in her eyes, her sorrow cloaks her. Edie is just as stunned to lock eyes with Austin, the only man she has ever loved. All the memories coming flooding back to her like a tidal wave and she just needs time to deal.
What they slowly begin to realise is that they are the missing pieces in the jigsaw of their lives and the answer to their healing is with each other. They hold each others secrets and they may have to open a few wounds if they are ever going to find peace in their lives. This means facing their past, instead of running from it they need to face it head on. It’s the only way to sever it once and for all.
‘I’ll wait. I’ve been waiting for you forever.’
This was such an intense, heart breaking but beautiful story. I love the way Amy writes, it is like reading poetry, every sentence is beautifully composed and I get completely caught up in the emotion’s of the characters. She doesn’t just tell a story, she puts you in a front row seat and I felt EVERYTHING.
October 5, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Cosa succede quando un’anima spezzata incontra un’altra anima danneggiata? Austin Stone è il fratello di Baz, il cantante dei Sunder che abbiamo conosciuto nel primo volume della serie. La vita di Austin era perfetta fin quando si è consumata una terribile tragedia che gli ha portato via la voglia di vivere. Da allora Austin si è spinto alla deriva in una distesa di dolore e rimpianto, sembra scivolare sempre più in fondo, negli abissi più oscuri del mare e non riesce più a trovare la luce per poter risalire verso la superficie. Ma improvvisamente nella sua vita piomba Edie Evans, la sua luce, il raggio di sole che dopo una tempesta illumina il suo cuore e lo riscalda come una calda coperta. Con lei è come ritornare a respirare, a sentire le emozioni e il cuore battere forte contro la gabbia toracica, come se stesse per schizzare fuori dal petto. Ma per un maledetto errore lei fugge via lontano. Così Austin decide di seguire la sua strada, di allontanarsi per un po’ da tutti per capire se stesso e trovare la pace nell’anima. Come suo fratello Baz la musica gli scorre nelle vene fin da quando ne ha memoria. Durante una delle sue esibizioni si imbatte nell’ultima persona che si sia mai aspettato di rivedere: Edie. E in quel preciso istante il passato si scontra con il presente. Edie ha portato per troppo tempo il peso di un dolore incancellabile. Dopo aver cercato per anni di seppellire i suoi sentimenti, vedere Austin di punto in bianco è un pugnale alla barriera che protegge il suo cuore. Si è chiusa a chiave in tutti gli aspetti: cuore, corpo e anima. Non riesce a respirare, ha perso quell’abilità di fidarsi degli altri e non è più sicura di poterla dare ancora. Per Austin avere una seconda possibilità di rimediare ai suoi errori con l’unica persona che lo ha capito veramente e che ha portato luce nella sua vita, è un’occasione che non può di certo lasciarsi fuggire per riconquistare la fiducia e il cuore di lei. Mentre si avvicinano nuovamente, tutti i sentimenti del passato affiorano in superficie e il passato torna nel presente per riscuotere il suo prezzo. Solo insieme, uniti dal più forte dei legami possono riuscire a sconfiggere i demoni e a lasciare entrare la luce. Austin è oscurità, ha i suoi demoni interiori da combattere. Edie invece è l’angelo che lo salva dalla dannazione. Due anime spezzate che attraversano l’inferno e sperano nella redenzione. Solo insieme riescono a raccogliere i pezzi infranti dei loro cuori. All’inizio della storia ci vengono rivelati solo pochi frammenti di ciò che ossessiona Austin e ciò che tormenta Edie. Quando poi quel doloroso passato di Austin e Edie viene finalmente svelato, sono entrata interamente nella storia e mi sono connessa con le loro emozioni. I flashback si rivelano perfetti per capire il loro passato e di come i loro cuori sono stati danneggiati. Lo stile semplice dell’autrice senza troppe pretese arriva al cuore del lettore e sembra quasi che la storia ci viene raccontata attraverso una canzone d’amore sulle note dei sentimenti dei due protagonisti. È stato bellissimo ritrovare anche gli altri membri della band e le loro metà e assistere alla loro evoluzione e alle loro nuove vite. "Aspettami" è una storia sulle seconde possibilità della vita, di un passato legato ad eventi dolorosi, di errori e di sensi di colpa, di buio e di luce. È la storia di due anime perdute e del loro amore così grande in grado di sconfiggere le paure e guarire ogni ferita…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Cosa succede quando un’anima spezzata incontra un’altra anima danneggiata? Austin Stone è il fratello di Baz, il cantante dei Sunder che abbiamo conosciuto nel primo volume della serie. La vita di Austin era perfetta fin quando si è consumata una terribile tragedia che gli ha portato via la voglia di vivere. Da allora Austin si è spinto alla deriva in una distesa di dolore e rimpianto, sembra scivolare sempre più in fondo, negli abissi più oscuri del mare e non riesce più a trovare la luce per poter risalire verso la superficie. Ma improvvisamente nella sua vita piomba Edie Evans, la sua luce, il raggio di sole che dopo una tempesta illumina il suo cuore e lo riscalda come una calda coperta. Con lei è come ritornare a respirare, a sentire le emozioni e il cuore battere forte contro la gabbia toracica, come se stesse per schizzare fuori dal petto. Ma per un maledetto errore lei fugge via lontano. Così Austin decide di seguire la sua strada, di allontanarsi per un po’ da tutti per capire se stesso e trovare la pace nell’anima. Come suo fratello Baz la musica gli scorre nelle vene fin da quando ne ha memoria. Durante una delle sue esibizioni si imbatte nell’ultima persona che si sia mai aspettato di rivedere: Edie. E in quel preciso istante il passato si scontra con il presente. Edie ha portato per troppo tempo il peso di un dolore incancellabile. Dopo aver cercato per anni di seppellire i suoi sentimenti, vedere Austin di punto in bianco è un pugnale alla barriera che protegge il suo cuore. Si è chiusa a chiave in tutti gli aspetti: cuore, corpo e anima. Non riesce a respirare, ha perso quell’abilità di fidarsi degli altri e non è più sicura di poterla dare ancora. Per Austin avere una seconda possibilità di rimediare ai suoi errori con l’unica persona che lo ha capito veramente e che ha portato luce nella sua vita, è un’occasione che non può di certo lasciarsi fuggire per riconquistare la fiducia e il cuore di lei. Mentre si avvicinano nuovamente, tutti i sentimenti del passato affiorano in superficie e il passato torna nel presente per riscuotere il suo prezzo. Solo insieme, uniti dal più forte dei legami possono riuscire a sconfiggere i demoni e a lasciare entrare la luce. Austin è oscurità, ha i suoi demoni interiori da combattere. Edie invece è l’angelo che lo salva dalla dannazione. Due anime spezzate che attraversano l’inferno e sperano nella redenzione. Solo insieme riescono a raccogliere i pezzi infranti dei loro cuori. All’inizio della storia ci vengono rivelati solo pochi frammenti di ciò che ossessiona Austin e ciò che tormenta Edie. Quando poi quel doloroso passato di Austin e Edie viene finalmente svelato, sono entrata interamente nella storia e mi sono connessa con le loro emozioni. I flashback si rivelano perfetti per capire il loro passato e di come i loro cuori sono stati danneggiati. Lo stile semplice dell’autrice senza troppe pretese arriva al cuore del lettore e sembra quasi che la storia ci viene raccontata attraverso una canzone d’amore sulle note dei sentimenti dei due protagonisti. È stato bellissimo ritrovare anche gli altri membri della band e le loro metà e assistere alla loro evoluzione e alle loro nuove vite. "Aspettami" è una storia sulle seconde possibilità della vita, di un passato legato ad eventi dolorosi, di errori e di sensi di colpa, di buio e di luce. È la storia di due anime perdute e del loro amore così grande in grado di sconfiggere le paure e guarire ogni ferita…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
August 24, 2016
Please note: We had two reviewers read this book, and their opinions differed a little. Our star rating is a approximate average of the two, so read on to see what they had to say. That's books, right?!
I'm still trying to get my emotions in check after reading Austin and Edie's story. They had me going from crying to laughing, then on to begging, hoping they would be able to find their happiness. I'll be honest, when I read the prologue I knew this was going to be an emotional read, and I really wondered if I would be able to read it through.
Well, I did and I SURVIVED! It was not an easy read but it was a powerful one.
Told in both of POV’s, it really helped me to see this story through their eyes, and to truly grasp the emotions they were going through. I kept hoping they would find the peace they both so desperately needed, as well as the happiness they both deserved.
Be ready to have your emotions go on a roller coaster; one that will have you gripping on for dear life. ~ Kara, 5 Emotional stars
~~~
Oh, AL Jackson, Queen of Angst. That title is so well deserved. My heart is all wrung out from the intensity of this story. And it is intense—there's a lot of raw emotion, high drama, and sizzling chemistry. Edie and Austin's story is fascinating, heartbreaking, and it sugarcoats nothing.
While I enjoyed this latest offering in the Bleeding Stars series, it was not without some bumps in the road for me. I sometimes had trouble connecting with Edie and Austin. Full disclosure: this is only the second AL Jackson book that I have read (the first was Where Lightning Strikes) and I wonder if it would have been easier for me to invest if I'd been on this ride from the very beginning. That said, I don't necessarily think it didn't work as a standalone; I just wasn't sure if I'd have attached to the characters easier if I'd had their full history. It took a long time for me to warm to them, and even then I found myself frequently frustrated with them. They had the same problems over and over again—I wanted to shake them until they learned from their mistakes!
I did warm to them in the end, and hung on for every emotional punch Ms. Jackson threw at me. It was a little bit unbalanced for me, but it's overall lovely. And the love that Edie and Austin have for each other (and the history they share) is a beautiful (if sometimes frustrating) thing.
I loved catching up with Tamar and Lyrik a bit, and possibly one of the most rewarding parts about this book were the resolutions between siblings. Both Edie and Austin have these huge gaping wounds, and the way their relationship with their siblings is written was nearly equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I also enjoyed the time we got to spend with the band, and the turns that storyline took. There's a whole bunch packed into this book, and the result is a pretty epic rollercoaster ride. One you don't want to miss! ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars
I'm still trying to get my emotions in check after reading Austin and Edie's story. They had me going from crying to laughing, then on to begging, hoping they would be able to find their happiness. I'll be honest, when I read the prologue I knew this was going to be an emotional read, and I really wondered if I would be able to read it through.
Well, I did and I SURVIVED! It was not an easy read but it was a powerful one.
Told in both of POV’s, it really helped me to see this story through their eyes, and to truly grasp the emotions they were going through. I kept hoping they would find the peace they both so desperately needed, as well as the happiness they both deserved.
Be ready to have your emotions go on a roller coaster; one that will have you gripping on for dear life. ~ Kara, 5 Emotional stars
~~~
Oh, AL Jackson, Queen of Angst. That title is so well deserved. My heart is all wrung out from the intensity of this story. And it is intense—there's a lot of raw emotion, high drama, and sizzling chemistry. Edie and Austin's story is fascinating, heartbreaking, and it sugarcoats nothing.
While I enjoyed this latest offering in the Bleeding Stars series, it was not without some bumps in the road for me. I sometimes had trouble connecting with Edie and Austin. Full disclosure: this is only the second AL Jackson book that I have read (the first was Where Lightning Strikes) and I wonder if it would have been easier for me to invest if I'd been on this ride from the very beginning. That said, I don't necessarily think it didn't work as a standalone; I just wasn't sure if I'd have attached to the characters easier if I'd had their full history. It took a long time for me to warm to them, and even then I found myself frequently frustrated with them. They had the same problems over and over again—I wanted to shake them until they learned from their mistakes!
I did warm to them in the end, and hung on for every emotional punch Ms. Jackson threw at me. It was a little bit unbalanced for me, but it's overall lovely. And the love that Edie and Austin have for each other (and the history they share) is a beautiful (if sometimes frustrating) thing.
I loved catching up with Tamar and Lyrik a bit, and possibly one of the most rewarding parts about this book were the resolutions between siblings. Both Edie and Austin have these huge gaping wounds, and the way their relationship with their siblings is written was nearly equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I also enjoyed the time we got to spend with the band, and the turns that storyline took. There's a whole bunch packed into this book, and the result is a pretty epic rollercoaster ride. One you don't want to miss! ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars
August 16, 2016
5.0 "FIRELIGHT" STARS
"She is his strength and he is her weakness.
This time he wont let her go."
Wait by A.L Jackson is one of the most intense, emotional and beautiful story I have ever read. It held too much power and emotion that I was lost in the story devouring every word and savoring every moment. Words per words..lines per lines shows evidence how the story will grab you and pull you right into the book gripping your heart and making you feel every pain they went through. It is far one of those stories that you thought you knew where it will lead you but unfortunately the turn of the events and the secrets unfolding never cease to shock the hell out of you.
Yes, that's how Wait made me feel. I couldn't even put the book down the moment I started reading it. Even now hours later after I finish reading, I am still dumbfounded. I am still in pain and I am left gutted. These two broken souls really just got me and my heart bleeds for them. I don't know but it really fucked me up and to think the book was supposed to be sexy and rock star romance right? Sure I read a gripping out there but no warning of "too much heart gripping". But what the hell happened??? I was reading with tears in my eyes and I feel like my heart's gonna burst.And the angst! Oh my... I thought I couldn't take it but man, it was a good angst and it kept me going.
"I took one step deeper into the ocean, and turned to face him.
The eye of my storm.
This beautiful, broken boy was lost for one more day."
Really, I highly recommend this book. It was written brilliantly and the characters growth throughout the story is great. It was not dragging and no unnecessary turn of events or any boring chasing. But what's more beautiful about it too is how the pain, trust , healing and love for each other was flawlessly delivered it feels so REAL.
And their hearts. They tumbled and spunned.
Swelled and grow.
Overflowed.
Two empty lives that had been so hollow.
Two lives that now brimmed so full.
Great work A.L Jackson!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.*
"She is his strength and he is her weakness.
This time he wont let her go."
Wait by A.L Jackson is one of the most intense, emotional and beautiful story I have ever read. It held too much power and emotion that I was lost in the story devouring every word and savoring every moment. Words per words..lines per lines shows evidence how the story will grab you and pull you right into the book gripping your heart and making you feel every pain they went through. It is far one of those stories that you thought you knew where it will lead you but unfortunately the turn of the events and the secrets unfolding never cease to shock the hell out of you.
Yes, that's how Wait made me feel. I couldn't even put the book down the moment I started reading it. Even now hours later after I finish reading, I am still dumbfounded. I am still in pain and I am left gutted. These two broken souls really just got me and my heart bleeds for them. I don't know but it really fucked me up and to think the book was supposed to be sexy and rock star romance right? Sure I read a gripping out there but no warning of "too much heart gripping". But what the hell happened??? I was reading with tears in my eyes and I feel like my heart's gonna burst.And the angst! Oh my... I thought I couldn't take it but man, it was a good angst and it kept me going.
"I took one step deeper into the ocean, and turned to face him.
The eye of my storm.
This beautiful, broken boy was lost for one more day."
Really, I highly recommend this book. It was written brilliantly and the characters growth throughout the story is great. It was not dragging and no unnecessary turn of events or any boring chasing. But what's more beautiful about it too is how the pain, trust , healing and love for each other was flawlessly delivered it feels so REAL.
And their hearts. They tumbled and spunned.
Swelled and grow.
Overflowed.
Two empty lives that had been so hollow.
Two lives that now brimmed so full.
Great work A.L Jackson!
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.*
August 24, 2016
AL Jackson is notorious for her emotion-laden storylines, her descriptive prose, her captivating characterization. Her stories are heavy with inner monologue and vivid imagery, demanding the reader be swept away by every crackle of attraction, held captive by every ounce of heartbreak. Jackson's immersive storylines consistently grip me from early on and Wait is no exception. This standalone novel in the Bleeding Stars series is an unpredictable shock to the senses. AL Jackson delivers an unputdownable page turner with Wait that forced me to see and taste and feel every bit of this poignant journey.
I remember Austin from A Stone in the Sea as the brooding younger brother of Sunder's Sebastian Stone. Austin was the quiet, troubled teenager who seemed as if he was one swift breeze away from falling over the precarious cliff he was barely hanging on to. Now, three years later, he seems to have a more solid hold on his footing, but all it takes is the unexpected reemergence of his long lost love, Edie, to send him spiraling. I love a second chance love story, but it took a good long while to discover if that's what Wait actually is. The truth of what Edie and Austin really were to each other as broken teenagers is a bit of a mystery until the story unfolds. True to form, AL Jackson peels back the layers of this story and these characters painstakingly, so the past is unearthed in its meticulously crafted rightful time. Austin and Edie reveal themselves, their past, their heartbreak, their profound truths to each other and to the reader in a series of flashbacks and alternating chapters told from each of their points of view. No one tells such an emotional, multidimensional story quite like this author does.
This story is about second chances. It's about forgiveness and healing and loss. It's very sad. But it's also hopeful and joyful at times despite how heavy and difficult it is. I really love this series, each book resonated with me in very different ways. Austin and Edie's book is beautiful. I can't say that it's quite as angsty as Lyrik's book, or that it packs an emotional punch as strong as Sebastian's did, but Austin's story definitely falls in line with the haunting, emotional painful books that came before it. Wait is a superbly written, gripping novel that cracked my heart wide open and then glued it back together. And after the turn of the last page, I've never been more ready for Ash's story!
I remember Austin from A Stone in the Sea as the brooding younger brother of Sunder's Sebastian Stone. Austin was the quiet, troubled teenager who seemed as if he was one swift breeze away from falling over the precarious cliff he was barely hanging on to. Now, three years later, he seems to have a more solid hold on his footing, but all it takes is the unexpected reemergence of his long lost love, Edie, to send him spiraling. I love a second chance love story, but it took a good long while to discover if that's what Wait actually is. The truth of what Edie and Austin really were to each other as broken teenagers is a bit of a mystery until the story unfolds. True to form, AL Jackson peels back the layers of this story and these characters painstakingly, so the past is unearthed in its meticulously crafted rightful time. Austin and Edie reveal themselves, their past, their heartbreak, their profound truths to each other and to the reader in a series of flashbacks and alternating chapters told from each of their points of view. No one tells such an emotional, multidimensional story quite like this author does.
This story is about second chances. It's about forgiveness and healing and loss. It's very sad. But it's also hopeful and joyful at times despite how heavy and difficult it is. I really love this series, each book resonated with me in very different ways. Austin and Edie's book is beautiful. I can't say that it's quite as angsty as Lyrik's book, or that it packs an emotional punch as strong as Sebastian's did, but Austin's story definitely falls in line with the haunting, emotional painful books that came before it. Wait is a superbly written, gripping novel that cracked my heart wide open and then glued it back together. And after the turn of the last page, I've never been more ready for Ash's story!
August 26, 2016
‘I trusted this broken boy. So I whispered my secret. Offered it to him. To hold it. Protect it. Until the day he crushed it in his own hands.’
This was my very first book by A.L. Jackson (I know, I know I completely read this book out of order but trust me this can completely be read as a standalone.) I do not usually read a lot of books in a series, especially one I have been wanting to read, out of order but I simply did not have the time to read the others before this one but I will tell you that after encountering the phenomenal writing of A.L. Jackson I completely intend to go back and catch up on all the other stand alones in the series.
‘The girl was my own perfect torment.’
Austin and Edie’s story is that of time, pain and devastation. Both were broken beyond belief when they met four years prior and both found solace in each other. They became best friends, only able to fight off their demons when together. But then a massive betrayal drove them apart and now four years later they are thrust back into each other lives. Unable to deny the pull they have other each other or the since of calm neither has truly felt in the four years apart that only shows its face when in the arms of the other. Now they must learn how to trust and love each other again, but how can you move on from the past when the past is determined to hunt you down and drag it all back out.
‘It was unavoidable. Inevitable. Because Edie and me? We were always gonna be.’
My little black heart gets off on angst and drama and being broken and put back together again and again. Sometimes I shy away from books I know will break me simply because when I hurt I hurt deeply. Wait hit me at just the moment that I needed the ache. The pain hurt hard but the rise up from the burn healed me completely. Austin and Edie’s story is not easy but it completely fulfilling and beautiful. A.L. Jackson is a master with words. Her phrasing is flowery but not cheesy. Poetic but not overkill. I held on to each word and was anxious to devour the next. Whether you are reading this in the series (which now I am dying to read) or as a standalone like me I promise this is a book you will not regret starting.
~miranda
This was my very first book by A.L. Jackson (I know, I know I completely read this book out of order but trust me this can completely be read as a standalone.) I do not usually read a lot of books in a series, especially one I have been wanting to read, out of order but I simply did not have the time to read the others before this one but I will tell you that after encountering the phenomenal writing of A.L. Jackson I completely intend to go back and catch up on all the other stand alones in the series.
‘The girl was my own perfect torment.’
Austin and Edie’s story is that of time, pain and devastation. Both were broken beyond belief when they met four years prior and both found solace in each other. They became best friends, only able to fight off their demons when together. But then a massive betrayal drove them apart and now four years later they are thrust back into each other lives. Unable to deny the pull they have other each other or the since of calm neither has truly felt in the four years apart that only shows its face when in the arms of the other. Now they must learn how to trust and love each other again, but how can you move on from the past when the past is determined to hunt you down and drag it all back out.
‘It was unavoidable. Inevitable. Because Edie and me? We were always gonna be.’
My little black heart gets off on angst and drama and being broken and put back together again and again. Sometimes I shy away from books I know will break me simply because when I hurt I hurt deeply. Wait hit me at just the moment that I needed the ache. The pain hurt hard but the rise up from the burn healed me completely. Austin and Edie’s story is not easy but it completely fulfilling and beautiful. A.L. Jackson is a master with words. Her phrasing is flowery but not cheesy. Poetic but not overkill. I held on to each word and was anxious to devour the next. Whether you are reading this in the series (which now I am dying to read) or as a standalone like me I promise this is a book you will not regret starting.
~miranda
August 29, 2016
Okay, I love this author. One of
my all time fav series is her "Take
This Regret".
This book was boring. I mean I
was about to fall asleep boring. The
writing was just so flowery. The
flowery detail just went on and on
and on. I really didn't even remotely
connect to the characters until about
33% of the book, and at that point,
I did not even care about them.
Austin was a complex character, but
I just didn't get enough of him. Edie
was cast in such mystery, and her
story was worded with such fluff,
that I just wanted this to end.
This book was a disappointment, and
I don't know if I will continue with
this series.
my all time fav series is her "Take
This Regret".
This book was boring. I mean I
was about to fall asleep boring. The
writing was just so flowery. The
flowery detail just went on and on
and on. I really didn't even remotely
connect to the characters until about
33% of the book, and at that point,
I did not even care about them.
Austin was a complex character, but
I just didn't get enough of him. Edie
was cast in such mystery, and her
story was worded with such fluff,
that I just wanted this to end.
This book was a disappointment, and
I don't know if I will continue with
this series.
December 21, 2016
4 stars!
AL Jackson has once again reduced me to a blubbering mess only to put me back together, falling in mad love along the way. This is a story of love, loss, tragedy, grief and healing, and mostly, it’s an achingly beautiful love story and OMG, the feels!
Austin Stone is the younger brother of Sebastian (Baz), lead singer of rock band, Sunder and hero of the first two books of this series. From the series so far we know that Austin has been through hell and is struggling to cope with his reality, and he took off on his own in an effort to find himself and figure out what he wants from his life. For three years he has been travelling up and down the West coast of the US, singing in bars and living a life free of entanglements, but while performing a regular gig in a bar one night, and his whole world stops when Edie walks into the bar.
Edie is the only girl Austin has ever loved. They met as teenagers – a broken boy and a broken girl who were each other’s solace, and who became the only light in the darkness that was their lives at that point.
Edie has been through her own hell and is also running from her past, and never expected to see a huge part of it standing on stage and singing. She lives in with a constant ache in her heart over all that she has endured, and has spent the last years avoiding anything that could take her back to that place again, but her fear of being hurt battles with the emotion that comes flooding back when she lays eyes on Austin once again. And though she desperately wants to protect her heart from the boy who once broke it, they both see their reunion for what it is – a second chance to have what they have both so desperately wanted.
The progression of this relationship is beautiful. Austin and Edie are both struggling with the pain of their pasts, but their shared history means that they know each other’s secrets, they know what the other is still dealing with, and they know when to push and when to take things gently. Their relationship is natural, sweet and functional, yet full of the intensity of all that they are feeling, and the emotion is absolutely beautiful!
But can they ever overcome the pain of their pasts to be free to love each other and live the life they want? And can they survive the evil of Edie’s past and the heartache of long-held secrets when all is revealed?
I loved this story! It’s so beautifully written – emotional and heartfelt and swoonily romantic. These two damaged souls are so perfect for each other, and I happily lost myself in their love story. Their backstories are utterly, utterly tragic, and I was in tears when the full extent of everything they have been through was revealed. I could feel their torment and devastation, and my heart ached for the both of them. Their story isn’t easy, but they acknowledge that, and they acknowledge that there are still things they need to deal with before they can move forward, but I love that they found the strength in themselves, and in each other, to try to find happiness. Their journey is a testament to the strength of their love for each other and the depth of their connection, and it is absolutely gorgeous!
The Sunder boys all make an appearance and there is some fantastic story progression for them. Again, I love seeing the boys all together in a group, and there were some really amazing scenes with the whole band, and I love the way that Austin is included in the family that they have created together.
I’m loving this series, and looking forward to Ash’s story coming up next.
4.5 stars.
AL Jackson has once again reduced me to a blubbering mess only to put me back together, falling in mad love along the way. This is a story of love, loss, tragedy, grief and healing, and mostly, it’s an achingly beautiful love story and OMG, the feels!
Austin Stone is the younger brother of Sebastian (Baz), lead singer of rock band, Sunder and hero of the first two books of this series. From the series so far we know that Austin has been through hell and is struggling to cope with his reality, and he took off on his own in an effort to find himself and figure out what he wants from his life. For three years he has been travelling up and down the West coast of the US, singing in bars and living a life free of entanglements, but while performing a regular gig in a bar one night, and his whole world stops when Edie walks into the bar.
Edie is the only girl Austin has ever loved. They met as teenagers – a broken boy and a broken girl who were each other’s solace, and who became the only light in the darkness that was their lives at that point.
The girl was the only one who shed a light strong enough to pull me from the dark. The one who held the power call me from the blackened waters where my lungs were filled. At the cusp of succumbing.
But that girl…that girl had given me air.
Edie has been through her own hell and is also running from her past, and never expected to see a huge part of it standing on stage and singing. She lives in with a constant ache in her heart over all that she has endured, and has spent the last years avoiding anything that could take her back to that place again, but her fear of being hurt battles with the emotion that comes flooding back when she lays eyes on Austin once again. And though she desperately wants to protect her heart from the boy who once broke it, they both see their reunion for what it is – a second chance to have what they have both so desperately wanted.
I wished upon every damned star in the sky for a second chance.
For something I could do to truly make it right when I’d done her so fucking wrong.
To be good enough for this girl who was so obviously created for me.
The progression of this relationship is beautiful. Austin and Edie are both struggling with the pain of their pasts, but their shared history means that they know each other’s secrets, they know what the other is still dealing with, and they know when to push and when to take things gently. Their relationship is natural, sweet and functional, yet full of the intensity of all that they are feeling, and the emotion is absolutely beautiful!
“You think you don’t still affect me the same? That I don’t look at you and just about come undone? I get your boundaries, Edie. Respect them. But you gotta know I’ve never wanted anything…anyone…the way I want you.”
But can they ever overcome the pain of their pasts to be free to love each other and live the life they want? And can they survive the evil of Edie’s past and the heartache of long-held secrets when all is revealed?
He would be my ruin. My utter demise. My chaotic, blissful end.
I loved this story! It’s so beautifully written – emotional and heartfelt and swoonily romantic. These two damaged souls are so perfect for each other, and I happily lost myself in their love story. Their backstories are utterly, utterly tragic, and I was in tears when the full extent of everything they have been through was revealed. I could feel their torment and devastation, and my heart ached for the both of them. Their story isn’t easy, but they acknowledge that, and they acknowledge that there are still things they need to deal with before they can move forward, but I love that they found the strength in themselves, and in each other, to try to find happiness. Their journey is a testament to the strength of their love for each other and the depth of their connection, and it is absolutely gorgeous!
“You’re safe. Nothing can hurt you. I won’t let it.”
The Sunder boys all make an appearance and there is some fantastic story progression for them. Again, I love seeing the boys all together in a group, and there were some really amazing scenes with the whole band, and I love the way that Austin is included in the family that they have created together.
I’m loving this series, and looking forward to Ash’s story coming up next.
4.5 stars.
March 24, 2018
Perfection...that is definitely one word used to describe this beautiful, haunting, and compelling story that simply consumes the reader from the beginning...AL Jackson brings her exquisite dialogue to these deeply damaged and broken characters, Austin and Edie, leading the reader on a heartbreaking journey that is filled with despair, hope, and love...all of this beauty is brought forth in the forum of rock and roll in only the way AL Jackson can bring this genre to life...stories that shine forth with courage and faith hold a special place in my heart...once again a brilliant addition to this unforgettable series....5 stars lit in the spotlight of rock and roll:)
December 14, 2016
***LIVE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5+ RUIN ME CROWNS
If I could, I would rate this book 5 MILLION CROWNS. It has absolutely everything I love in a great romance novel: flawed and broken characters, redemption story line with some suspense, chemistry that is off the charts, and phenomenal writing. It is the epitome of excellence!
The boys of Sunder have stolen my heart, and I don’t want it back! Each of them is complex and broken in some way, paying a self-inflicted penance for some atrocity he feels he has committed. And while I love all the boys, especially Lyrik, I couldn’t wait to get Austin’s story, and it was completely worth the WAIT. What I love most about these boys, and, of course, Austin is they are good down to their core, even if they don’t see it. His protective nature and need to care for Edie is one of his best qualities, and his acts throughout the book truly exemplify his love for Edie. His road to redemption is also very heartbreaking. If you read the series, you know what he is seeking atonement for, and seeing him struggle makes the reader just want to take care of him. The reader roots from him to see his true self-worth, and we desperately want Edie to get him there. Even though Edie is Austin’s light, she is fighting her own darkness. The trials this girl has gone through make her empathetic to Austin and more sympathetic for the reader. At the end of the story, I truly admired this heroine’s fortitude to face her demons. These two characters fit together perfectly. The chemistry physically and intellectually is portrayed authentically, creating complete buy-in from the reader and an acute desire in the reader for these two characters to get their happy ending together
The plot of this story will suck you in, so be prepared to put all other aspects of your life on hold when you begin this book. It is perfectly paced, providing the reader the opportunity to see their relationship develop. The flashbacks to the time period when they first met are beautifully utilized to develop not only the characters but also the relationship between Austin and Edie. And the climax of the story is action packed, sending me into a state of panic and anxiousness over how the event was going to play out. Additionally, the excellence of this story-line only continues with the epilogue, leaving the reader with a smile on his/her face as she shows us a tiny glimpse into the future.
The last element of the story that I would like to touch upon is the writing style of the author. It is refreshing and beautiful. Her words make me feel as though I am living the story with the characters. Their pain and heartache and their joy is written so vividly that I felt as though I could reach into my Kindle and touch it, and, at times, as though I was experiencing their journey with them. Ultimately, the conclusion I drew after binge reading this whole series is that A.L. Jackson is truly a one-of-a-kind writer.
This whole series is great, and I feel like each book just keeps getting better and better. So, if you haven’t picked up Wait, make sure you do. You will absolutely fall in love with Austin and Edie, as well as their story.
============
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other books news, check out Musings of Modern Belle (modernbellebooks.com)
5+ RUIN ME CROWNS
If I could, I would rate this book 5 MILLION CROWNS. It has absolutely everything I love in a great romance novel: flawed and broken characters, redemption story line with some suspense, chemistry that is off the charts, and phenomenal writing. It is the epitome of excellence!
The boys of Sunder have stolen my heart, and I don’t want it back! Each of them is complex and broken in some way, paying a self-inflicted penance for some atrocity he feels he has committed. And while I love all the boys, especially Lyrik, I couldn’t wait to get Austin’s story, and it was completely worth the WAIT. What I love most about these boys, and, of course, Austin is they are good down to their core, even if they don’t see it. His protective nature and need to care for Edie is one of his best qualities, and his acts throughout the book truly exemplify his love for Edie. His road to redemption is also very heartbreaking. If you read the series, you know what he is seeking atonement for, and seeing him struggle makes the reader just want to take care of him. The reader roots from him to see his true self-worth, and we desperately want Edie to get him there. Even though Edie is Austin’s light, she is fighting her own darkness. The trials this girl has gone through make her empathetic to Austin and more sympathetic for the reader. At the end of the story, I truly admired this heroine’s fortitude to face her demons. These two characters fit together perfectly. The chemistry physically and intellectually is portrayed authentically, creating complete buy-in from the reader and an acute desire in the reader for these two characters to get their happy ending together
The plot of this story will suck you in, so be prepared to put all other aspects of your life on hold when you begin this book. It is perfectly paced, providing the reader the opportunity to see their relationship develop. The flashbacks to the time period when they first met are beautifully utilized to develop not only the characters but also the relationship between Austin and Edie. And the climax of the story is action packed, sending me into a state of panic and anxiousness over how the event was going to play out. Additionally, the excellence of this story-line only continues with the epilogue, leaving the reader with a smile on his/her face as she shows us a tiny glimpse into the future.
The last element of the story that I would like to touch upon is the writing style of the author. It is refreshing and beautiful. Her words make me feel as though I am living the story with the characters. Their pain and heartache and their joy is written so vividly that I felt as though I could reach into my Kindle and touch it, and, at times, as though I was experiencing their journey with them. Ultimately, the conclusion I drew after binge reading this whole series is that A.L. Jackson is truly a one-of-a-kind writer.
This whole series is great, and I feel like each book just keeps getting better and better. So, if you haven’t picked up Wait, make sure you do. You will absolutely fall in love with Austin and Edie, as well as their story.
============
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other books news, check out Musings of Modern Belle (modernbellebooks.com)
February 23, 2021
#review #Wait #bleedingstarsseries @aljacksonauthor
QueenZany 5 Star Review
Wait
by A.L Jackson
How do I write this review without ripping out a piece of my soul out?
I have no fucking clue!
I'm still a well of guttural emotions!
My heart feels as though it has been ripped out with “Wait,”
lord knows I’ve gone through multiple variations of this review.
“Wait” A beautiful symphony of musical words, depth, heart, broken, fractured, and a storm of betrayal!
Yet, seductive and life-changing all at the same time.
If two souls are destined to be one. Can they then be saved from their demons? From their unknown past? From their lost and hidden lost secrets? Is this fate? Can it be destiny?
There is no force in nature that can stop the truth from being revealed!
It all consuming! When you find healing and meaning. It’s everlasting!
Yes, all these terms and lost promises describe “Wait”!
These are some of the questions running through my mind!!
“I wished upon every damned star in the sky for a second chance.
For something I could do to truly make it right when I’d done her so fucking wrong.
To be good enough for this girl who was so obviously created for me.”
A.L. Jackson lead me on this guttural emotional journey. Where I became unglued, unhinged, and fractured beyond repair.
Where I seemed to leave my heart in fragmented pieces. I’m literally crying this is so fucking brilliant! Where I needed a soul engulfing hug. Just to make sure I was still real! That I was not a character from “Wait”! To lose myself in a book is simply not me!! But fuck it happened!! I’m still not myself days later.
A beautiful symphony of elegant words, depth, and heart.
I truly do not know how A.L. Jackson does it.
Her writing just seems to grow leaps and bounds with every new creation.
She has this unique quality That brings poetry, lyrics, and filmic narrative to life! All while seducing you with every neuron in your body. Every fiber of your being. Leaves you captivated, hypnotized, and seduced with every hypnotic word. Then you're dying for the next word to come forward. Almost like a movie sequence, that is all occurring in your mind.
JUST BRILLIANT!!!!!
QueenZany 5 Star Review
Wait
by A.L Jackson
How do I write this review without ripping out a piece of my soul out?
I have no fucking clue!
I'm still a well of guttural emotions!
My heart feels as though it has been ripped out with “Wait,”
lord knows I’ve gone through multiple variations of this review.
“Wait” A beautiful symphony of musical words, depth, heart, broken, fractured, and a storm of betrayal!
Yet, seductive and life-changing all at the same time.
If two souls are destined to be one. Can they then be saved from their demons? From their unknown past? From their lost and hidden lost secrets? Is this fate? Can it be destiny?
There is no force in nature that can stop the truth from being revealed!
It all consuming! When you find healing and meaning. It’s everlasting!
Yes, all these terms and lost promises describe “Wait”!
These are some of the questions running through my mind!!
“I wished upon every damned star in the sky for a second chance.
For something I could do to truly make it right when I’d done her so fucking wrong.
To be good enough for this girl who was so obviously created for me.”
A.L. Jackson lead me on this guttural emotional journey. Where I became unglued, unhinged, and fractured beyond repair.
Where I seemed to leave my heart in fragmented pieces. I’m literally crying this is so fucking brilliant! Where I needed a soul engulfing hug. Just to make sure I was still real! That I was not a character from “Wait”! To lose myself in a book is simply not me!! But fuck it happened!! I’m still not myself days later.
A beautiful symphony of elegant words, depth, and heart.
I truly do not know how A.L. Jackson does it.
Her writing just seems to grow leaps and bounds with every new creation.
She has this unique quality That brings poetry, lyrics, and filmic narrative to life! All while seducing you with every neuron in your body. Every fiber of your being. Leaves you captivated, hypnotized, and seduced with every hypnotic word. Then you're dying for the next word to come forward. Almost like a movie sequence, that is all occurring in your mind.
JUST BRILLIANT!!!!!
August 26, 2016
I've been a big fan of Jackson since When We Collide. I've been hearing good things about this series and had to check it out! Austin and Edie have endured so much heartbreak as teenagers. It seems only right they would find each other. They were together until a misunderstanding tears them apart. They spend several years just going through the motions. One night they are reunited and they pick back up where they left off. During this time they learn things about each other and are able to break down their walls. We do have some angsty moments and I wasn't sure how it would work out in the end. One thing about Jackson is that she knows how to write a story. The words just flowed and her storytelling is flawless. As a fan of her older works I was expecting my heart to be completely ripped out and gutted but with this book I came out unscathed. With that being said I still enjoyed this book. Long time fans of Jackson will enjoy the story. I will be sure to check the other books in this series.
*arc was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
*arc was given for honest review*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
August 29, 2016
{*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*}
First time reading anything from this author and I was not disappointed.
Poetic and emotional, Wait is a book about second chances in love. I absolutely loved the way the author brought her characters back together.
Austin and Edie are two lost souls, trying to find themselves. Edie is hiding a big secret that has forced her away from her only family, her brother.
Austin is the one person she trusted but he betrayed that trust. When they meet again, can they mend what is broken? Can Edie ever trust Austin again? Will their love prevail?
If you love this author and epic love stories then I highly recommend this one.
4 Stars
First time reading anything from this author and I was not disappointed.
Poetic and emotional, Wait is a book about second chances in love. I absolutely loved the way the author brought her characters back together.
Austin and Edie are two lost souls, trying to find themselves. Edie is hiding a big secret that has forced her away from her only family, her brother.
Austin is the one person she trusted but he betrayed that trust. When they meet again, can they mend what is broken? Can Edie ever trust Austin again? Will their love prevail?
If you love this author and epic love stories then I highly recommend this one.
4 Stars
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