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caseroo7's review
4.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Jack is the second book in Juliana Stone's the Family Simon series. Each book in this series can easily be read as a standalone, and I hadn't read the first book when I read Jack. I had no problems getting into Jack or understanding anything. I really liked the Simons in this book though, and I will definitely be going back and reading the first book as I await the next in the series. Jack was different that what I had recently read, and I really enjoyed the story a lot.
The last thing Jack Simon needs while campaigning to become a Senator is to be around his famous singer ex-girlfriend. When she shows up at his fundraiser he is shocked and angry. Although the pull between them is still there, Jack is determined to stay away from her. But when he decides to go on vacation to clear his head, he finds out that his meddling sister has set him up yet again. His ex Donovan is also staying at the same beach house in Belize courtesy of his sister Grace. Jack and Donovan end up falling into familiar patterns of arguing and before long they are giving into the passion between them. But when Donovan runs leaving only a note like the last time they were together, Jack is not willing to let her end things so easily again. When Jack shows up and surprises Donovan, he strong arms her into going to his family's home away from the prying public. Can Jack and Donovan have a second chance together? Or will secrets from their past and new obstacles in their present keep them from having a future together?
I had my moments with Jack. I understood where he was coming from with his anger towards Donovan. He had been kept in the dark and didn't have a clue what all had happened. Donovan had never opened up to him and had ran. But I also thought at times that he was a bit harsh and rude to her, especially when she was laying her heart out on the line for him. But I liked that he was finally able to admit his feelings had never gone away no matter how hard he had tried to bury them, and I loved that he was still protective of her. You could tell that he was putting up a front and trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. Donovan had been put in a bad position by several people, and honestly I can understand why she made the choices that she did. She might not have done what was best for everyone, but she did what she thought was right. She had never quit loving Jack though, and I hated that she felt like she didn't deserve him. It was good to see her decide to go after what she wanted with him and to stop settling because of what others thought and said. I thought that Jack and Donovan had really great chemistry, and their bickering was just proof of their passion and feelings.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I thought that there was chemistry and attraction between Jack and Donovan, but the heat level on this one was pretty minor. Even thought the sex is implied, most of the physical action is behind closed doors. While I normally like more steam than that, this book was really good and I didn't end up missing it too much. I thought that Jack and Donovan's second chance at love was interesting, and I couldn't wait for everything to be out in the open so that they could finally move forward. I really loved the secondary characters in this story, and I can't wait to read more in this series and get to know them all better. I am super curious about Jack's cousin Maverick, and I really liked his friendship with Donovan. I can't wait to see what Juliana Stone has in store for him and the rest of the Simons. I definitely recommend this series if you are a fan of Contemporary romance stories, especially if you like reading books in a series with interconnected characters. I look forward to reading more from Juliana Stone and can't wait for Maverick.
**ARC Provided by Author's Taproom**
Jack is the second book in Juliana Stone's the Family Simon series. Each book in this series can easily be read as a standalone, and I hadn't read the first book when I read Jack. I had no problems getting into Jack or understanding anything. I really liked the Simons in this book though, and I will definitely be going back and reading the first book as I await the next in the series. Jack was different that what I had recently read, and I really enjoyed the story a lot.
The last thing Jack Simon needs while campaigning to become a Senator is to be around his famous singer ex-girlfriend. When she shows up at his fundraiser he is shocked and angry. Although the pull between them is still there, Jack is determined to stay away from her. But when he decides to go on vacation to clear his head, he finds out that his meddling sister has set him up yet again. His ex Donovan is also staying at the same beach house in Belize courtesy of his sister Grace. Jack and Donovan end up falling into familiar patterns of arguing and before long they are giving into the passion between them. But when Donovan runs leaving only a note like the last time they were together, Jack is not willing to let her end things so easily again. When Jack shows up and surprises Donovan, he strong arms her into going to his family's home away from the prying public. Can Jack and Donovan have a second chance together? Or will secrets from their past and new obstacles in their present keep them from having a future together?
I had my moments with Jack. I understood where he was coming from with his anger towards Donovan. He had been kept in the dark and didn't have a clue what all had happened. Donovan had never opened up to him and had ran. But I also thought at times that he was a bit harsh and rude to her, especially when she was laying her heart out on the line for him. But I liked that he was finally able to admit his feelings had never gone away no matter how hard he had tried to bury them, and I loved that he was still protective of her. You could tell that he was putting up a front and trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. Donovan had been put in a bad position by several people, and honestly I can understand why she made the choices that she did. She might not have done what was best for everyone, but she did what she thought was right. She had never quit loving Jack though, and I hated that she felt like she didn't deserve him. It was good to see her decide to go after what she wanted with him and to stop settling because of what others thought and said. I thought that Jack and Donovan had really great chemistry, and their bickering was just proof of their passion and feelings.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I thought that there was chemistry and attraction between Jack and Donovan, but the heat level on this one was pretty minor. Even thought the sex is implied, most of the physical action is behind closed doors. While I normally like more steam than that, this book was really good and I didn't end up missing it too much. I thought that Jack and Donovan's second chance at love was interesting, and I couldn't wait for everything to be out in the open so that they could finally move forward. I really loved the secondary characters in this story, and I can't wait to read more in this series and get to know them all better. I am super curious about Jack's cousin Maverick, and I really liked his friendship with Donovan. I can't wait to see what Juliana Stone has in store for him and the rest of the Simons. I definitely recommend this series if you are a fan of Contemporary romance stories, especially if you like reading books in a series with interconnected characters. I look forward to reading more from Juliana Stone and can't wait for Maverick.
**ARC Provided by Author's Taproom**
romancejunkie1025's review
5.0
wow that packed a lot of drama and heartbreak into a tiny package, not to mention sweetness, sexiness, love, and forgiveness... who could want more?
nakburke's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
joyousreads132's review
4.0
If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of in romance books (plot-wise), it is the forbidden element of a politician and a character with a shady past. This book featured a Democrat senator well on his way to a presidential nomination and a country singer who may or may not be involved in a scandal that will prove disastrous for Jack Simon. And because she loves him dearly, she’ll do anything to prevent that from coming out.
SHARED PAST
Jack Simon and Donovan James has had a tumultuous, albeit, brief past together. Their fights were epic, but the making up was just as explosive. Jack never figured out why Donovan just up and left him years ago. Because of that, he’s considered Donovan as an unfinished business, and someone he hated and loved in the same breath.
ISLAND FOR TWO
When Jack’s sister conspired to leave them stranded in an island in Belize, they have no choice but to face the the past that have haunted them for years. Or at least, confront their feelings for each other. Either way, Jack is determined to get the answers that Donovan hid from him. Because then maybe, just maybe he’ll finally be able to move on after all these years.
FAVOURITE SIMON
If I had to choose, I have to say that Jack is my favourite Simon. I may have a thing for politicians (has to have a Liberal platform, though). I love the palpable chemistry between him and Donovan. They both knew they were one fight away from a romp in the bedroom so they’ll try to get into each other’s nerves. They just can’t help themselves.
There were times though, when I want to strangle Jack. He could be an unbearable ass, and poor Donovan – a feisty character herself – couldn’t really tell him what she was hiding at first. Which was frustrating at times. I was a little disappointed with how little grovelling Jack did at the end though. I wanted him to suffer just a bit more than he deserves.
I’m really glad I re-discovered Juliana Stone’s Simon Family series. Nowadays, I’m always on the look out for easy, fun reads. The type that makes me feel more than it makes me think. Her books are the perfect prescription if you’re in need of a reprieve from back-breaking reads.
SHARED PAST
Jack Simon and Donovan James has had a tumultuous, albeit, brief past together. Their fights were epic, but the making up was just as explosive. Jack never figured out why Donovan just up and left him years ago. Because of that, he’s considered Donovan as an unfinished business, and someone he hated and loved in the same breath.
ISLAND FOR TWO
When Jack’s sister conspired to leave them stranded in an island in Belize, they have no choice but to face the the past that have haunted them for years. Or at least, confront their feelings for each other. Either way, Jack is determined to get the answers that Donovan hid from him. Because then maybe, just maybe he’ll finally be able to move on after all these years.
FAVOURITE SIMON
If I had to choose, I have to say that Jack is my favourite Simon. I may have a thing for politicians (has to have a Liberal platform, though). I love the palpable chemistry between him and Donovan. They both knew they were one fight away from a romp in the bedroom so they’ll try to get into each other’s nerves. They just can’t help themselves.
There were times though, when I want to strangle Jack. He could be an unbearable ass, and poor Donovan – a feisty character herself – couldn’t really tell him what she was hiding at first. Which was frustrating at times. I was a little disappointed with how little grovelling Jack did at the end though. I wanted him to suffer just a bit more than he deserves.
I’m really glad I re-discovered Juliana Stone’s Simon Family series. Nowadays, I’m always on the look out for easy, fun reads. The type that makes me feel more than it makes me think. Her books are the perfect prescription if you’re in need of a reprieve from back-breaking reads.
rlp78's review
5.0
I have to say I really loved this book. I enjoyed Tucker's book a lot but Jack blew me away. I kept noticing my heart hurting while I was reading. I felt so much for Donovan. What an awful situation. There was just so much emotion in this book. The writing was superb and the story and characters excellent.
Can't wait to read the next book. Cooper? Rick?
Can't wait to read the next book. Cooper? Rick?
casseyt's review
3.0
More of a 2.5, but given how a series is a favourite of mine, bonus points for this read.
bananatricky's review
3.0
This was better than the first book.
Jack Simon is an aspiring politician. Five years ago he was madly in love with Donovan, a feisty singer from Arkansas, it went south after a massive row but deep down he has never forgotten her, or found anyone like her.
Six months ago Jack rescued Donovan in a club in Miami when she was rip-roaring drunk and about to do something stupid - the trouble is the press got the wrong impression and thought they spent the night together.
Donovan has never stopped loving Jack, but she knows he would never forgive her if he found out that she had slept with Derek, his best friend (and political manager), that night five years ago. Derek blackmailed her to stay away from Jack with photos and a video of that night.
The book is very focussed on Jack and Donovan to the exclusion of pretty much everything else - most of the other characters have very little airplay and we see nothing of either Jack or Donovan's lives outside their relationship. As a consequence it felt a bit lightweight.
I would say that the "reveal" was entirely predictable and a total cop-out - I would much have preferred to have seen Jack and Donovan dealing with a real situation.
Jack Simon is an aspiring politician. Five years ago he was madly in love with Donovan, a feisty singer from Arkansas, it went south after a massive row but deep down he has never forgotten her, or found anyone like her.
Six months ago Jack rescued Donovan in a club in Miami when she was rip-roaring drunk and about to do something stupid - the trouble is the press got the wrong impression and thought they spent the night together.
Donovan has never stopped loving Jack, but she knows he would never forgive her if he found out that she had slept with Derek, his best friend (and political manager), that night five years ago. Derek blackmailed her to stay away from Jack with photos and a video of that night.
The book is very focussed on Jack and Donovan to the exclusion of pretty much everything else - most of the other characters have very little airplay and we see nothing of either Jack or Donovan's lives outside their relationship. As a consequence it felt a bit lightweight.
I would say that the "reveal" was entirely predictable and a total cop-out - I would much have preferred to have seen Jack and Donovan dealing with a real situation.
bookdarling1987's review
5.0
This book was a fantastic addition to the Simon Boys Series. Jack was so much more intense than I imagined him and I loved it.....and how could you not just love and feel for Donovan. She was so misunderstood by so many people. I loved reading there about their journey back to each other. If you have not read Juliana Stone you do not know what you are missing. I love a book that can make you go from laughing to crying within it's pages. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!!!