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socprofreads's review
5.0
The End
What a beautiful ending to this amazing series. This author and this series will wreck you for others!! The writing style is so engaging and enthralling and to finally get Zee's story?! Best cherry on a cake ever. I don't want to write a spoiler, but suffice it to say--there is one scene where the absolute beauty of the culmination of this story will have you gasping and cheering!!
What a beautiful ending to this amazing series. This author and this series will wreck you for others!! The writing style is so engaging and enthralling and to finally get Zee's story?! Best cherry on a cake ever. I don't want to write a spoiler, but suffice it to say--there is one scene where the absolute beauty of the culmination of this story will have you gasping and cheering!!
j_the_bookworm's review
5.0
Stand..must read!
“Don’t you know falling stars aren’t for wishing on? They’re a wish finally falling free. Somewhere out there…someone has a wish coming true.”
Stand is Zee's book in the bleeding stars series. Can be read as a stand alone but this series all the characters are interconnected. Zee is the drummer of Sunder, always felt like he was just on the edge of belonging. Always felt like he have to take care of everyone and keep secrets hidden from Hus family/ band. All seemed fine till he stumbled across a girl who needed help. As soon as he saw her he felt a need to protect also tight away.
Alexis just couldn't say no when her twin called needing help. This time she's fearing for her life and her sister doesn't help. When a stranger steps in and saves her , she feels safe for the first time ever. She can't get him out of her mind.
Two stars bleeding in this world and collide and find their mate. Zee and Alexis have a battle to fight to get to where their heart's and souls know they belong. Zee will have to decide if he is willing to put it all out in the open for what his heart is finally singing for again...finally hearing it's harmony! Can they get past the secrets and heartache??
A. L Jackson as usual writes a fantastic story and closes out this series beautifully. This will have you feeling all the feels!!
“Don’t you know falling stars aren’t for wishing on? They’re a wish finally falling free. Somewhere out there…someone has a wish coming true.”
Stand is Zee's book in the bleeding stars series. Can be read as a stand alone but this series all the characters are interconnected. Zee is the drummer of Sunder, always felt like he was just on the edge of belonging. Always felt like he have to take care of everyone and keep secrets hidden from Hus family/ band. All seemed fine till he stumbled across a girl who needed help. As soon as he saw her he felt a need to protect also tight away.
Alexis just couldn't say no when her twin called needing help. This time she's fearing for her life and her sister doesn't help. When a stranger steps in and saves her , she feels safe for the first time ever. She can't get him out of her mind.
Two stars bleeding in this world and collide and find their mate. Zee and Alexis have a battle to fight to get to where their heart's and souls know they belong. Zee will have to decide if he is willing to put it all out in the open for what his heart is finally singing for again...finally hearing it's harmony! Can they get past the secrets and heartache??
A. L Jackson as usual writes a fantastic story and closes out this series beautifully. This will have you feeling all the feels!!
pattyfgd's review against another edition
5.0
Heart wrenching, happy, hot..there are just too many adjectives that can be used to describe this culmination of the Bleeding Stars series. Here I thought Lyrik was my favorite, but he is nothing compared to this hero that AL Jackson has created. Zee is the outsider, the one that has taken the place of his brother after Mark overdosed. He has so many secrets, it's almost impossible to keep track of who he really is. But deep down, this tortured man is the most beautiful of the Sunder men. Alexis meets Zee under the most horrible circumstances, and immediately we see the true man that he is. And the instant connection that these to have is permanent. But will it be enough to get them through? So much has happened since the death of Mark, and so much guilt is carried by Zee. I couldn't imagine how it was going to all play out. Jackson has skillfully written a heart rendering story, with feelings of elation, sadness and of course off the charts heat and chemistry. She also brings in all the characters from the series in this book, bringing us back in the fold of this tight knit family and giving us the most incredible of endings. While it's a little sad to have it end, this series has been one of the most satisfying that I have listened to.
With the narration by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber, it was magnificently brought to life and brought all the emotional turmoil and happiness right to my heart.
With the narration by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber, it was magnificently brought to life and brought all the emotional turmoil and happiness right to my heart.
beckyrendon's review
4.0
Oh my, oh my, oh my!
Somehow I never got the significance of Bleeding Stars, maybe I missed the wrong books (I need to catch up), maybe it wasn't expressed before...but WOW!
As usual AL Jackson made sure that there is no possible way you can make it through this book without tears. No way you won't die a little bit on the inside. She made sure that you ached with loss, fear, and heartache. I may have suggested she was being mean, but really it's a gift.
My favorite stories are the ones you connect with, feel, and hurt with. When characters consume your thoughts long after their story is done, that is magic. The Bleeding Stars series is nothing but magic. Sunder feels like my home away from home...if I knew a bunch of ridiculously hot rock stars and hung out with them.
Stand is Zee's story. It's a convoluted mess of secrets, shame, and longing. I guess we should have expected nothing less from the straight and narrow addition. I was surprised. Zee was like my little brother and to see his flaws, faults, and shame. I just want to snuggle him more. I know you will too.
Before I go and mourn another ending and start up a petition for another Bleeding Stars book, I want to share a quote that made me want to hug my own insides. The whole scene would be spectacular to share but this line alone rocked me to my core...
"Maybe you've just forgotten how to wish."
It's a simple truth and a poignant one.
AL Jackson never forget how to wish...
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Somehow I never got the significance of Bleeding Stars, maybe I missed the wrong books (I need to catch up), maybe it wasn't expressed before...but WOW!
As usual AL Jackson made sure that there is no possible way you can make it through this book without tears. No way you won't die a little bit on the inside. She made sure that you ached with loss, fear, and heartache. I may have suggested she was being mean, but really it's a gift.
My favorite stories are the ones you connect with, feel, and hurt with. When characters consume your thoughts long after their story is done, that is magic. The Bleeding Stars series is nothing but magic. Sunder feels like my home away from home...if I knew a bunch of ridiculously hot rock stars and hung out with them.
Stand is Zee's story. It's a convoluted mess of secrets, shame, and longing. I guess we should have expected nothing less from the straight and narrow addition. I was surprised. Zee was like my little brother and to see his flaws, faults, and shame. I just want to snuggle him more. I know you will too.
Before I go and mourn another ending and start up a petition for another Bleeding Stars book, I want to share a quote that made me want to hug my own insides. The whole scene would be spectacular to share but this line alone rocked me to my core...
"Maybe you've just forgotten how to wish."
It's a simple truth and a poignant one.
AL Jackson never forget how to wish...
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
caseroo7's review
4.0
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
A.L. Jackson has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I have ever read. She is a truly gifted author, weaving words in a way that no one else does. I always look forward to reading something new from her, and if you haven't read anything by her you definitely need to. Stand was a book I had both been looking forward to and yet I was also kind of sad since this is the last Bleeding Stars book. This is a standalone story, but I definitely recommend the entire series. A.L. Jackson hit it out of the park again with this book, and I loved it!
This is Zee Kennedy's story, a character I have been anxious to get to know better. When Zee's brother died, Zee stepped up to take his brother's place in his band. Besides that though, Zee remained mostly a mystery, never letting anyone in. No one knew his secrets or what kept him so focused. But when Alexis Kensington entered his life, everything changed. While she needed someone to save her, she ended up saving Zee too. But can he let go of his past in order to truly move forward?
I loved these two. They really did need each other, and saved each other in every way. My heart broke for Zee at times, seeing all that he had kept a secret and been hiding from everyone around him. He had so much pain and hurt that he had shouldered alone, and he truly deserved so much more. Alexis brought him back to life in a way that he hadn't been for a long time. He had been surviving before her, but she helped him to actually live again. Zee and Alexis had such a strong connection and chemistry, and it felt as though they were always meant for one another.
Overall, this story was such a beautiful one. A.L. Jackson brought all the emotions here, and I loved it. This series has been fantastic from the start and I am really sad that this is the end. I thought that this one was such a great ending to the series though and I know I will read these books again. I have loved everything I have read from Jackson, but there is just something special about the Bleeding Stars series and Stand is one I think readers are going to love.
**ARC Provided by Author**
A.L. Jackson has one of the most beautiful writing styles that I have ever read. She is a truly gifted author, weaving words in a way that no one else does. I always look forward to reading something new from her, and if you haven't read anything by her you definitely need to. Stand was a book I had both been looking forward to and yet I was also kind of sad since this is the last Bleeding Stars book. This is a standalone story, but I definitely recommend the entire series. A.L. Jackson hit it out of the park again with this book, and I loved it!
This is Zee Kennedy's story, a character I have been anxious to get to know better. When Zee's brother died, Zee stepped up to take his brother's place in his band. Besides that though, Zee remained mostly a mystery, never letting anyone in. No one knew his secrets or what kept him so focused. But when Alexis Kensington entered his life, everything changed. While she needed someone to save her, she ended up saving Zee too. But can he let go of his past in order to truly move forward?
I loved these two. They really did need each other, and saved each other in every way. My heart broke for Zee at times, seeing all that he had kept a secret and been hiding from everyone around him. He had so much pain and hurt that he had shouldered alone, and he truly deserved so much more. Alexis brought him back to life in a way that he hadn't been for a long time. He had been surviving before her, but she helped him to actually live again. Zee and Alexis had such a strong connection and chemistry, and it felt as though they were always meant for one another.
Overall, this story was such a beautiful one. A.L. Jackson brought all the emotions here, and I loved it. This series has been fantastic from the start and I am really sad that this is the end. I thought that this one was such a great ending to the series though and I know I will read these books again. I have loved everything I have read from Jackson, but there is just something special about the Bleeding Stars series and Stand is one I think readers are going to love.
**ARC Provided by Author**
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
4.0
How do you capture all the feelings that A.L. Jackson’s Bleeding Stars novels leave you with? She has a special gift of leaving readers with an undefinable feeling that captures our hearts in a way that is unique and special to each of us.
Like the previous Bleeding Stars novels, Stand will deliver every emotion: heartbreak, suspense, drama, hope, love, family, swoon-worthy romance, laughter and smiles.
“The girl who’ll give up anything to save the world but won’t stop long enough to save herself.”
Jackson’s heartfelt, lyrical writing captures two people that would give up everything to protect the ones they love even if it means losing themselves. Zee will do anything to protect a secret from his past to protect what is most precious to him and Alexis will do anything to save her sister. Two people that never believed they deserved anything more that find each other in their darkest times.
“But what I’d been missing was someone to believe in me.”
I love Alexis and Zee’s sweet romance. Through each other they learn to trust one another – their family, and that it’s okay to want something for yourself. You don’t have to sacrifice everything to save someone else if it means you lose yourself or the one you love in the process. Sometimes it’s about finding the right person to believe in you, to take a chance on you.
“No fear. Just life.”
Stand is a beautiful ending to an amazing series where the Sunder boys’ story comes full circle. I only wish that the Sunder boys got to have a piece of who they lost. While Baz and Shea’s duet will always be my favorite, I can’t decide who gets the number two spot – Zee and Alexis or Ash and Willow.
I can’t wait for A.L. Jackson to create the next series for us to love as much as The Bleeding Stars series.
Like the previous Bleeding Stars novels, Stand will deliver every emotion: heartbreak, suspense, drama, hope, love, family, swoon-worthy romance, laughter and smiles.
“The girl who’ll give up anything to save the world but won’t stop long enough to save herself.”
Jackson’s heartfelt, lyrical writing captures two people that would give up everything to protect the ones they love even if it means losing themselves. Zee will do anything to protect a secret from his past to protect what is most precious to him and Alexis will do anything to save her sister. Two people that never believed they deserved anything more that find each other in their darkest times.
“But what I’d been missing was someone to believe in me.”
I love Alexis and Zee’s sweet romance. Through each other they learn to trust one another – their family, and that it’s okay to want something for yourself. You don’t have to sacrifice everything to save someone else if it means you lose yourself or the one you love in the process. Sometimes it’s about finding the right person to believe in you, to take a chance on you.
“No fear. Just life.”
Stand is a beautiful ending to an amazing series where the Sunder boys’ story comes full circle. I only wish that the Sunder boys got to have a piece of who they lost. While Baz and Shea’s duet will always be my favorite, I can’t decide who gets the number two spot – Zee and Alexis or Ash and Willow.
I can’t wait for A.L. Jackson to create the next series for us to love as much as The Bleeding Stars series.
gabbysreading's review
5.0
Chills. This books gave me chills. To say Zee intrigued me from the very beginning of this incredible series would be a massive understatement. I was so desperate to get the story behind the quiet and mysterious drummer of Sunder, Zee Kennedy. My goodness! What a story it is!! I was not disappointed. I am in awe of this book. I didn’t want to put it down. A.L. Jackson’s beautifully written words made me feel so many things. It made me smile. It broke my heart. I swooned and I cried (a lot). I fell completely in love with amazing characters and fiercely despised others. I felt everything!! Alexis and Zee’s story captured my heart and I’m ok if I never get it back. I loved loved loved Stand so very much!
We knew so little of Zee throughout the series. He was so quiet and reserved. He didn’t partake in the partying or drinking like his bandmates. Always stayed under the radar. We learned early in the series that he stepped in and became the drummer of the band after his brother Mark passed away. Well… it turns out the man has some major secrets. I was stunned. My heart wept for him. Torn between what he wants and what he feels he deserves and weighed down by guilt and obligation left him feeling so alone. Zee was living someone else’s life for such a long time. Gah! I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug. When he is with Alexis, it’s a beautiful and brilliant harmony and peace. They are magic together with undeniable chemistry. She’s so sweet, honest and innocent. I absolutely adore her!! Alexis, also with her own guilt and sense of obligations, is such a light for Zee and he’s a wish come true for her. These two …are just so perfect together. I can’t get over it.
Stand is the perfect conclusion to this amazing series. It tied up all the Sunder boys’ stories wonderfully. *sigh, I hate to see the Bleeding Stars series come to an end. It’s one of my favorite series of all time. The beautiful lyrical words of A.L. Jackson made me cry more tears than any other series. I’ve also found some of my favorite characters ever written. (Ash!!! I heart him so much!) I am grateful to have read all the Bleeding Stars books and I can’t wait to see what else A.L. Jackson has up her sleeves.
We knew so little of Zee throughout the series. He was so quiet and reserved. He didn’t partake in the partying or drinking like his bandmates. Always stayed under the radar. We learned early in the series that he stepped in and became the drummer of the band after his brother Mark passed away. Well… it turns out the man has some major secrets. I was stunned. My heart wept for him. Torn between what he wants and what he feels he deserves and weighed down by guilt and obligation left him feeling so alone. Zee was living someone else’s life for such a long time. Gah! I just wanted to wrap him up in a hug. When he is with Alexis, it’s a beautiful and brilliant harmony and peace. They are magic together with undeniable chemistry. She’s so sweet, honest and innocent. I absolutely adore her!! Alexis, also with her own guilt and sense of obligations, is such a light for Zee and he’s a wish come true for her. These two …are just so perfect together. I can’t get over it.
Stand is the perfect conclusion to this amazing series. It tied up all the Sunder boys’ stories wonderfully. *sigh, I hate to see the Bleeding Stars series come to an end. It’s one of my favorite series of all time. The beautiful lyrical words of A.L. Jackson made me cry more tears than any other series. I’ve also found some of my favorite characters ever written. (Ash!!! I heart him so much!) I am grateful to have read all the Bleeding Stars books and I can’t wait to see what else A.L. Jackson has up her sleeves.
aporter0522's review
5.0
I have been looking for to Zee's book for a while and AL didn't disappoint!! Zee was always doing what he thought was best and keeping his feelings on the back burner so to speak. When Alexis finds herself in a predicament, Zee comes to her rescue. Alexis is a brave woman who has her sisters best interest at heart. The two of them fit together perfectly. There was so much emotion and angst in Stand along with passion and love. I fell in love with Zee. I also love that all the other members of Sunder make appearances in Stand! This has definitely been one of my favorite rocker series.
briandthemoon's review
4.0
4.5 beautiful stars
I loved Zee since book 1 of this series. I adored Zee's story! I think Alexis may be my favorite heroine ever. Beautiful flowing story as always from AL Jackson. Highly recommended!
I loved Zee since book 1 of this series. I adored Zee's story! I think Alexis may be my favorite heroine ever. Beautiful flowing story as always from AL Jackson. Highly recommended!
thebookishattitude's review
5.0
Stand. Fight. Love. Concur.
"I fucking know it’s about the most selfish goddamned thing I could do…to ask you to stay when we aren’t playing for keeps"
•When your delt with a shit situation, the only thing to do is play the game till you win.
The final installment of Bleeding Stars.
I'm actually gonna miss the Sunder boys and their families.
But this story is about Zachary.
Zee has secrets, explosive secrets.
I wasn't expecting them but oh my it worked. Really well.
I guess if you look close enough you'll find the running theme that seems to be the heart of the series
& for Zee's book it's the devotion he holds to that theme that is heartwarming.
Alexis is definitely written from tough stuff. Even though she knew, she continued to fight for her sister, potentially at her own peril & thats what makes her my favorite Sunder lady. She lays everything bare and sacrifices so much.
Zee's story is probably my favourite in the Bleeding hearts series.
"I fucking know it’s about the most selfish goddamned thing I could do…to ask you to stay when we aren’t playing for keeps"
•When your delt with a shit situation, the only thing to do is play the game till you win.
The final installment of Bleeding Stars.
I'm actually gonna miss the Sunder boys and their families.
But this story is about Zachary.
Zee has secrets, explosive secrets.
I wasn't expecting them but oh my it worked. Really well.
I guess if you look close enough you'll find the running theme that seems to be the heart of the series
& for Zee's book it's the devotion he holds to that theme that is heartwarming.
Alexis is definitely written from tough stuff. Even though she knew, she continued to fight for her sister, potentially at her own peril & thats what makes her my favorite Sunder lady. She lays everything bare and sacrifices so much.
Zee's story is probably my favourite in the Bleeding hearts series.