You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
MF - contemporary romance - moderate steam - pov first dual - white MCs - child free - class gap - mental health rep (addiction) - found family (MMC) - opposites attract - good girl/bad boy - second chance - small town - virgin (FMC, in flashback when she's 18) - 5 stars.
After reading Bittersweet, which is fairly low-angst, this was a sucker punch. There is so much going on here -crooked cops, abusive parents, past death of a sibling, drug addiction, alcoholic parent - but also I was SO HOOKED.
It was great to see the Shipley family and watch Jude learn to lean on them and trust himself more. The way Sarina Bowen wrote his addiction felt very real.
After reading Bittersweet, which is fairly low-angst, this was a sucker punch. There is so much going on here -
It was great to see the Shipley family and watch Jude learn to lean on them and trust himself more. The way Sarina Bowen wrote his addiction felt very real.
The ONLY thing I didn't like about this book: frequent use of the word crazy and one instance of use of the word slave (in a trivializing manner ie sex slave)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Steadfast is the second book in the True North series by Sarina Bowen, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one after I finished the first in the series, Bittersweet. I have been a fan of Sarina's since I first read one of her books, but I have to say that this series is absolutely my favorite from her to date! I am loving this world that she has created and I never want to leave!
Sophie and Jude loved one another, but one incident changed everything. Jude vowed to stay away after the accident that killed a man and sent him to prison, but now that he is out he is an ex-con and is limited on where he can get a job. Sophie's heart was broken by Jude and she finds herself face to face with the man he has become and how much he has changed. Though no one wants them together, they find it impossible to let go of what they once had as well as the feelings that continue to grow.
I loved these two! I knew I was going to love Jude's book after reading Bittersweet, but I honestly didn't expect to love it more than the first in the series! My heart broke for these two and all that they had been through. Though I have never experienced anything like they did here, I found that I was so emotionally invested in these characters. I felt a connection not only between Sophie and Jude, but also between them and me as a reader. I just couldn't get enough of them, and the chemistry between them was something really rare and unique. It was something that couldn't be broken, and that undeniable love they had kept me captivated the entire way through this one.
Steadfast was such an emotional journey, and I will admit that there were some difficult parts to get through here. Reading about Jude and his addiction had me feeling so much, and that wasn't always easy. With that being said though, this story was so worth it and I really loved how things turned out. Sarina Bowen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I really can't say enough positive things about this series. While this one can be read as a standalone story, I highly recommend this entire series! They are fantastic books and I really think that there is something for everyone here. I already can't wait for the next book in this series and I am looking forward to whatever else Sarina Bowen writes in the future.
**ARC Provided by Bocci PR**
Steadfast is the second book in the True North series by Sarina Bowen, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one after I finished the first in the series, Bittersweet. I have been a fan of Sarina's since I first read one of her books, but I have to say that this series is absolutely my favorite from her to date! I am loving this world that she has created and I never want to leave!
Sophie and Jude loved one another, but one incident changed everything. Jude vowed to stay away after the accident that killed a man and sent him to prison, but now that he is out he is an ex-con and is limited on where he can get a job. Sophie's heart was broken by Jude and she finds herself face to face with the man he has become and how much he has changed. Though no one wants them together, they find it impossible to let go of what they once had as well as the feelings that continue to grow.
I loved these two! I knew I was going to love Jude's book after reading Bittersweet, but I honestly didn't expect to love it more than the first in the series! My heart broke for these two and all that they had been through. Though I have never experienced anything like they did here, I found that I was so emotionally invested in these characters. I felt a connection not only between Sophie and Jude, but also between them and me as a reader. I just couldn't get enough of them, and the chemistry between them was something really rare and unique. It was something that couldn't be broken, and that undeniable love they had kept me captivated the entire way through this one.
Steadfast was such an emotional journey, and I will admit that there were some difficult parts to get through here. Reading about Jude and his addiction had me feeling so much, and that wasn't always easy. With that being said though, this story was so worth it and I really loved how things turned out. Sarina Bowen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I really can't say enough positive things about this series. While this one can be read as a standalone story, I highly recommend this entire series! They are fantastic books and I really think that there is something for everyone here. I already can't wait for the next book in this series and I am looking forward to whatever else Sarina Bowen writes in the future.
**ARC Provided by Bocci PR**
Sarina Bowen’s True North series is a breath of fresh air. There are no millionaires, superstar athletes, models, or rock stars. You won’t find people returning from the dead, love triangles, or emotional roller coasters. It’s simply an enjoyable series with down-to-earth, working class characters that warm your heart. Steadfast moves into heavier territory with a believable story about drug addiction and second chances.
This is Jude’s story. He’s a recovering drug addict who has just served three years in prison for manslaughter while driving under the influence. After finding solace working on the Shipley farm for six months, the farming off-season has him returning to his hometown unemployed. It’s the last place on earth he wants to be. Temptations are around every corner, the police chief is out to get him, and he can’t stop wanting his ex-girlfriend/love of his life whose heart he broke.
Jude really brought out my maternal instincts. I just wanted to hug him throughout the entire story. He’s a truly decent man who is trying his best to stay clean and find hope in the midst of grim circumstances. Sarina Bowen turns a sympathetic light on the effects of drug addiction. I love how she gauges Jude’s mood by starting his chapters with a craving meter.
I also had a lot of admiration for Sophie. She and Jude are well matched and I enjoyed their star-crossed and forbidden second chance love affair.
Steadfast is a welcome addition to this sweet series. Zach’s book, [b:Keepsake|29087466|Keepsake (True North, #3)|Sarina Bowen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1461251855s/29087466.jpg|49321027], is up next. He’s the virgin farm hand with a controversial past. I’m excited to read more about life with the Shipleys.
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Forbidden love
Survivors
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
This is Jude’s story. He’s a recovering drug addict who has just served three years in prison for manslaughter while driving under the influence. After finding solace working on the Shipley farm for six months, the farming off-season has him returning to his hometown unemployed. It’s the last place on earth he wants to be. Temptations are around every corner, the police chief is out to get him, and he can’t stop wanting his ex-girlfriend/love of his life whose heart he broke.
Jude really brought out my maternal instincts. I just wanted to hug him throughout the entire story. He’s a truly decent man who is trying his best to stay clean and find hope in the midst of grim circumstances. Sarina Bowen turns a sympathetic light on the effects of drug addiction. I love how she gauges Jude’s mood by starting his chapters with a craving meter.
I also had a lot of admiration for Sophie. She and Jude are well matched and I enjoyed their star-crossed and forbidden second chance love affair.
Steadfast is a welcome addition to this sweet series. Zach’s book, [b:Keepsake|29087466|Keepsake (True North, #3)|Sarina Bowen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1461251855s/29087466.jpg|49321027], is up next. He’s the virgin farm hand with a controversial past. I’m excited to read more about life with the Shipleys.
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Forbidden love
Survivors
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my go to reread book. When I need a pick me up or want to revisit favorite characters, this is my book. Jude and Sophie broke my heart. I loved how they fought for their HEA. I can't say enough good things about this book and the light it shines on addiction.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loved, loved, LOVED this powerful story of redemption. I felt so much for Jude in the glimpses we got of him in Bittersweet and was thrilled that he was the focus of the next book in this series. I couldn't be any happier with his story. it was stellar and so well done.
He and Sophie took one hell of a journey to get to their HEA. They both go through an incredible amount both as a couple and individually. I'd love to see more of them....maybe a book for Denny?!?
He and Sophie took one hell of a journey to get to their HEA. They both go through an incredible amount both as a couple and individually. I'd love to see more of them....maybe a book for Denny?!?
That was an amazing emotional rollercoaster. It is a sad story with bright moments in between and a HEA. I started crying since page 1 and I kept going till the end. Sad and happy tears were mixed together during this read and I'm not shy to say it.
I loved the story and the characters. Their love was the thing that kept me reading and made me race to the end. My favorite book so far from this series.
I loved the story and the characters. Their love was the thing that kept me reading and made me race to the end. My favorite book so far from this series.