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rellimreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book in Synithia Williams’ Jackson Falls series. I spotted this on Karen Grey’s goodreads and it has some of my favorite tropes: second-chance, friends-to-lovers, & best friend’s sister/brother’s best friend. It was over the top soap-opera-ey. Secret pregnancies, arranged marriages, controlling patriarchs, political aspirations, attempted murder, affairs*, and more. If there was an angsty theme it was in here or was hinted at and will obviously be in the series at some point.
It was glorious!
I loved India, the baby of the family just trying to get out and get away from her long-time crush on her sister’s ex-husband. Travis, despite not being a Robidoux, still finds his life being manipulated and controlled by the patriarch, Grant. Add in India’s siblings, Byron & Elaina, each with their own grand aspirations and secrets. This is like getting a season’s worth of daytime television in an easy to listen to audiobook.
I’m definitely looking forward to The Promise of a Kiss.
*No cheating by MC’s
I enjoyed Adenrele Ojo’s narration. She did a good job with all the voices and emotions. She captures the southern accent perfectly without feeling overdone.
It was glorious!
I loved India, the baby of the family just trying to get out and get away from her long-time crush on her sister’s ex-husband. Travis, despite not being a Robidoux, still finds his life being manipulated and controlled by the patriarch, Grant. Add in India’s siblings, Byron & Elaina, each with their own grand aspirations and secrets. This is like getting a season’s worth of daytime television in an easy to listen to audiobook.
I’m definitely looking forward to The Promise of a Kiss.
*No cheating by MC’s
I enjoyed Adenrele Ojo’s narration. She did a good job with all the voices and emotions. She captures the southern accent perfectly without feeling overdone.
thart3's review against another edition
3.0
Romance is not my favorite genre, but it was an interesting read.
erinlarkk's review against another edition
4.5
A little bit slow at times but overall a sweet story with a soap opera feel to it
hasearie's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Narration is a bit redundant
aquariusunbound's review against another edition
This was a total cover buy. I should have read the synopsis. I'm not into incestuous or incestuous adjacent romance. Romantic relationships with n'laws falls into the latter category for me. I don't find having sex with someone your sibling or parent also had sex with sexy or romantic. It's an immediate no for me.
jigsawgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I think I am going through a low angst phase. If that is what you are looking for, this book is not for you.
Now that I am writing this review, I realize that I did not get a sense of chemistry between Travis and India. There were the long, hungry looks, but I wasn't feeling it. For a second chance romance, after a 4 year separation, with all the complications associated with said romance, I really was expecting to feel more heat.
This family put the "D" in dysfunctional. The father threatened and coerced his children into doing what he wanted them to do. The brother wanting to win at any cost to his own happiness. The older sister being angry, cold, and bitter as well as having a little issue with alcohol, the ex husband hated by his family, and the prodigal sister returning home in the midst of chaos.
These people, both individually and collectively, held so many secrets, it was ridiculous. To top it off, NONE of them were happy. The bit of happiness I encountered didn't occur until about 50%, maybe 55% into the book. Throughout the book, the secrets slowly start to be revealed.
Travis and India ultimately get their HEA. I wish there had been an epilogue showing them being together and being happy. I also listened to the audiobook. The narrator is one of my favorites, but that audiobook really needed a male narrator for the male parts. The narration did nothing to enhance the book. I was very surprised.
Now that I am writing this review, I realize that I did not get a sense of chemistry between Travis and India. There were the long, hungry looks, but I wasn't feeling it. For a second chance romance, after a 4 year separation, with all the complications associated with said romance, I really was expecting to feel more heat.
This family put the "D" in dysfunctional. The father threatened and coerced his children into doing what he wanted them to do. The brother wanting to win at any cost to his own happiness. The older sister being angry, cold, and bitter as well as having a little issue with alcohol, the ex husband hated by his family, and the prodigal sister returning home in the midst of chaos.
These people, both individually and collectively, held so many secrets, it was ridiculous. To top it off, NONE of them were happy. The bit of happiness I encountered didn't occur until about 50%, maybe 55% into the book. Throughout the book, the secrets slowly start to be revealed.
Travis and India ultimately get their HEA. I wish there had been an epilogue showing them being together and being happy. I also listened to the audiobook. The narrator is one of my favorites, but that audiobook really needed a male narrator for the male parts. The narration did nothing to enhance the book. I was very surprised.
whatebonyreads's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chandlerainsley's review against another edition
3.0
melodramatic, definitely not the best developed romance, but ultimately fun. i like some good rich people drama and a Black southern family made it all the sweeter. i'd recommend this to anyone looking for a a forbidden romance and lots of emphasis on family. brother with political aspirations, sister trying to take over the family company... read like a soap. and i'm not complaining.
she_is_2_fond_of_books's review against another edition
3.5
This was drama drama drama. Miscommunication and secrets where very frustrating, but I totally shipped our main couple. Loved the small town setting. Definitely want to read on in the series.
Side note: their Dad is the WORST. I don’t think he can redeem himself.
Side note: their Dad is the WORST. I don’t think he can redeem himself.