Veena’s review of Come To Me Softly (The Closer to You, Book 3) by A.L. Jackson
New Adult Romance published by NAL 24 Jun 14
Apparently this is the continuation of Jared and Aly’s story from an earlier book, a fact that I actually did not realize until I went to grab the covers for the other books in the series for this review. Jared is a train wreck, thanks to actions with far-reaching consequences from when he was a teenager. Aly is his salvation, but he definitely sends her close to the edge, including leaving her pregnant as he runs off to deals with his own demons. The style of this book does not appeal to me with the really short paragraph-like pages, and the repetition of Jared’s anguish and what he’s dealing with totally made me batty and I ended up abandoning the book after a few chapters.
I definitely get that Jared has issues for which he’s punishing himself by defacing his body, amongst other things, to demonstrate visibly and publicly his shame and remorse. It’s kind of hard to get away from that fact, given that the author seems to repeat that prose in many different ways every few pages.
Aly is the only good thing to happen to him and he’s determined, at the beginning of the book, to take responsibilities for her happiness and well being. Given his earnestness and how early it is in the story and that he’s been substance abuser, it’s only inevitable that his good intentions will be derailed at the first hint of trouble. I do give him credit for trying to stand firm and trying hard for the first few chapters.
There is just too much angst and darkness, despite Aly’s valiant efforts, to make this story appealing to me. This story and author are definitely not a good fit for the expansion of my horizons.
Grade: DNF
Summary:
A second chance at life…A second chance at love…
Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed?
To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process.
Other books in this series:
