Reviews

Stay by A.L. Jackson

akristinab's review against another edition

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3.0

This series has become so predictabl.
Usually I have more to say about a book I don't like, but I think that about covers it.
Willow and Ash are cute together. Even though they skirt around the fact for most of the book. I'm glad they are able to put the past behind themso they can move on.
But really were they never going to just keep big secrets from each other. If new information didn't come to light would they have just hid it when they both deserved to know the truth?

maferg01's review against another edition

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5.0

Just when I think that A.L. Jackson can't possibly make me love another character more than the last, she kills me with another amazing story. Ash is right up there with Lyrik and Rhys as my favorite characters so far.

We begin the story with Ash getting the beatdown of a lifetime and left for dead. Willow stumbles upon him outside her shop and saves his life. They are struck with each other even under these circumstances. After he is out of the hospital, he pays Willow a visit to repay her kindness. They are instantly struck with each other. Insta-lust. What follows is a beautiful dance until they collide. This story shows a side of Ash, we have yet to see. Beneath the brash and flirty exterior, is a man in hiding. And when the truth comes out it will sideswipe you out of left field.

You will not want to miss the next in this amazing series, one of my favorite series I have ever read. Angsty stories with characters you can't help but love. Broody boys hiding deep sorrows and girls with hearts of gold who rise above the heartache and trauma of their pasts. With twists and turns that will leave you reeling, you will binge the whole series!

kdaskewich's review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing!

Love love this series and this book did not disappoint! Love Ash’s character and Willow is his perfect match! Just Amazing!

shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition

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This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

Oh, the ANGST! AL Jackson is always a good source of angsty reads, but this one ripped right at the heartstrings. Ash and Willow. The connection between them was almost instantaneous and I wondered, right from the very beginning, exactly what was going to be their downfall. AL Jackson made it one that I wasn't expecting and wondered how they were going to work past it.

Ash and Willow met when both of their lives were at a low point. Both of them needed something or someone to help them turn things around. And you just knew that when Ash suggested they pretend to be in a relationship for Willow's upcoming class reunion that things were going to get much deeper than either of them expected.

I enjoyed both characters. Ash was lovable and liked to make everyone believe he was the life of the party. But the man had a tortured soul. He was full of regret and remorse and couldn't figure out a way to work through all of it. His method was to not let anyone into his heart again, but he learned he'd break all his rules for the right person.

Willow was broken down by heartache and loss. But what I liked most about her was she wasn't willing to give up. Even when she knew what she was doing with Ash would likely cause her more pain, she wasn't willing to give up on him. She protected him when he needed it and showed him he was worth it.

This was another great entry into the Bleeding Stars series. Ash was more than his fun-loving manwhorish ways and I loved seeing that side of him.

bibliophile90's review against another edition

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4.0

**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**

description

"We bled with the stars. Where they streaked and wept across the endless sky. Infinite. Burning bright right before they quickly burned out. Ashes."

I have been following this author and reading her books since the beginning of 2013. She is one of the few authors whose books I automatically one-click without even reading the blurb, which is a huge deal for me. AL Jackson writes like a poet, and her words feel magical to me. It always makes me want to read as slow as possible to savor each and every word. I can trust that she will deliver a beautiful story that will touch me deeply. I love the Bleeding Star series, and every member of Sunder has a special place in my heart. However I had been waiting a long time on Ash's book.

"Love is never cut and dry. It's messy. Confusing. Sometimes it's ugly and sometimes it;s the most beautiful thing you've ever seen."

Ash is this happy-go-lucky, easy-going guy who is always making everyone laugh and messing with them. I should've guessed that he had demons. He was broken and didn't think he deserved happiness. He had been punishing himself for so long that it became second nature to him. Reading the flashbacks were really heartbreaking and I couldn't contain my tears. He wanted to stay in the darkness, however the moment he met Willow she became his ray of sunlight. Willow was a perfect match for Ash. I loved how they met and how their relationship developed. She is shy, sweet and selfless. She never pushed Ash and he never pushed her. Like Ash, Willow had gone through some really traumatic incidents as well. She lost everyone that was dear to her. Ash and Willow were two broken people who healed and completed each other.

"I want to own you, Peaches. I want to awaken what's been lying dormant. Bring it to life. Watch you glow."

Stay is a great addition to the Bleeding Stars series. I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing Ash and Willow heal. I especially enjoyed seeing Willow come out of her shell. I also loved seeing what the rest of the gang were up to. Now I can't wait to see who Zee wil end up in Stand. He is the most mysterious character of them all and I have no idea what to expect. His story is a second-chance romance so that has me even more excited.

amandamarie793's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a good book, I hadn’t read any of the others in the series and this book was able to stand on its own.

1_romance_reader's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it

I love this series so much. Each book has been so good. I was most anxious and excited to read Ash's story. I'm so glad it's finally here. I loved it I couldn't l it it down.

shellysbookcorner's review against another edition

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4.0

Willow has been taking care of her sick mother and living a very safe and boring life.

Ash is the “live in the moment” type and that's how he got himself in this current situation. Beaten and left for dead in an alley.

Willow and Ash’s paths cross after she gets him the medical attention that he needs. Ash wants to meet the woman who saved his life. After they meet they agree upon a business agreement (not what you're thinking) even though Willow wants nothing to do with him. As time progresses they can't fight their growing attraction. They finally give in and everything is right in the world. Until a secret comes out and threatens to destroy everything.

When this secret was revealed my heart literally squeezed. I felt so bad for Willow because she was in a horrible position. I mean how do you make the right decision? Do you choose loyalty over love? Or love over loyalty? I honestly didn't expect this bombshell and Jackson gutted me. Willow is able to make her decision but I know for myself I would always wonder. I love stories that you can envision yourself as the character. I felt Willow’s pain and struggle. My heart also hurt for Ash because he didn't mean for this happen.

I've been a long time fan of Jackson and her emotional stories such as “When We Collide” and “Take This Regret" Even though I enjoyed “Wait”, I didn't have that emotional feeling while I was reading. With this book I was happy to report that I got my old school Jackson feeling while reading. You could feel the characters pain and i just wanted to reach in give them a hug and make everything better for Willow and Ash. Fans of Jackson’s older novels will enjoy this story!

*an arc was given for an honest review*

For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com

jenrich26's review against another edition

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4.0

In this series I have only read Wait and now Stay. I enjoyed Stay more, Willow in particular was a character I related to and I really enjoyed reading her story and seeing her get a happy ending after all she had been through. The author writes in this poetic way and while very beautiful at times I felt like the beginning of the book was a slow start because of it but it did pick up and the ending was jammed packed full and left the reader satisfied!

gvharlamert's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh my. I always thought Baz would be my favorite of the asunder bad boys. But it is now Ash Evans. What a great read. I laughed, swooned and cried throughout this book. A beautiful story