Reviews

Beneath the Stars (Alternate Cover) by A.L. Jackson

linzreadz13's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I hated waiting for Rhys’ story but it was so worth it in the end!

While I was ready for Rhys' story, I was not expecting the journey he had with Maggie. I refused to go into this story knowing anything other that what I knew from the previous book in the series. I didn't even read the blurb before going in and boy, I loved this story!

Maggie has been through something unimaginable as we learned in her big brother, Royce's book. My heart completely broke for her though in how she was handling what she went through and others right along with her. Rhys was her perfect match and their journey was beautiful.

I love this author's writing style. The story pulls you in, completely immersing you in the story with the setting and characters feeling real and almost tangible.

Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.

rosielovesreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Beneath the Stars is a forbidden, older man Rockstar romance, set in the Falling Stars world. It’s only my second novel by Amy, but it will in no way be my last. Once again, I was captivated by her style of writing, so descriptive and so different, hooking you in with teases of what’s to come, enough to keep you interested and guessing, but playing the story out at the perfect speed.

This book is hard to summarise, because there is so much going on that I don’t want to give away. Even though it’s part of an interconnected series, I picked up everything very quickly and it can be read as a complete standalone, and unfortunately I haven’t had time to read books one and two in the series, I will definitely be going back, especially as to how some of the previous characters were such a big part of this book.

Rhys Manning is the last single member of Carolina George, the up and coming rock country band. The only woman who could tempt him away from his playboy ways is Maggie, twelve years his junior and his best friend’s sister-in-law, who is completely off limits, despite their insane chemistry. When Rhys accidentally puts her in danger, he goes off the grid, until 6 months later, they are suddenly living in the room next door to each other at a remote beach house whilst Carolina George records their first album. But it’s clear that Rhys is hiding something from his past which makes him scared of opening up to anyone, and very few people know the truth, on top of keeping his distance as per Maggie’s brother’s threats. Will Maggie be able to get him to open up, and in return, let him in on her own secrets?

Maggie and Rhys were clearly made for each other, but they had to fight external forces, such as Maggie’s brother Royce, as well as their own demons before they could even consider a happy ending. I loved how they could be their complete selves with one another, tell each other their deepest secrets, even if it took them some time, and understood each other on a level that no one else ever had. Their bond was deep, because whilst they helped save each other, they also showed how they could both save themselves.

Maggie had been through so much at such a young age, although it’s not really mentioned in this book, it’s implied. She wanted to do whatever it took to make it right, even though it was in no way her fault. She was so desperate to live her life the way she wanted, after being given what she saw as a second chance, and although she was afraid at some points, she never let that stop her. I loved how much she trusted Rhys, despite being told by everyone, including him, that she shouldn’t and how she let him in in a way she had never experienced with love. Her love for her brother, Royce, and sister-in-law, Emily was so great, and although at the beginning she felt like an outsider to the Carolina George group, by the end she was more than accepted as one of the family, something she had been craving for her whole life

Rhys was a broken soul with a heart of gold. He was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders harbouring guilt which many told him was misplaced, but that never stopped him from trying to atone for what he believed were his sins. He kept himself at a distance from Maggie for so long, despite the feelings he had for her, because he honestly believed whatever he loved, he ruined. My heart broke for this man, because he spent years putting out this jokey, playboy façade, when underneath he was broken. He kept everyone from his real turmoil by putting this mask on, but it was one that Maggie could see straight through, straight to the kind and good man he was, despite how much he tried to convince himself he wasn’t.

Beneath the Stars is a moving and twisted story which hooks you from the start. Amy’s writing is passionate, emotional, and so beautiful. Her descriptions were one of my favourite things about her writing, I could clearly picture every scene and feel every emotion. I devoured this book in one day, desperate to know what happens next. My only comment would be that the ending did feel quite quick and I maybe would’ve liked a bit more explanation, but that maybe just because I wanted to stay in this world and have more from these characters. I would highly recommend Beneath the Stars; Amy’s words are incredible, and she keeps you guessing the twists and turns of Maggie and Rhys’s story until the very last page.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. *

totis's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book did not disappoint! 5 STARS!!!
A.L. Jackson has the most amazing writing style.

nessreads11's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Oh my heart. I had a feeling Maggie and Rhys’ story was going to bring the emotions, but goodness I didn’t expect for the amount of heartache my heart would experience. I’m overcome with all these feelings and have yet to come down. Maggie and Rhys really did a number on me, but I’d go through it all again just to experience their emotionally charged story.

Maggie was such an amazing and strong character. She endured a horrific ordeal and my heart broke for her. All she wants is to move on, put the past behind her and live her life. She never expected that in doing so that Rhys would bulldoze right into her heart and change everything.

Rhys shook me to the core. He went and burrowed himself in my heart. I felt for him and everything he went through and was still harboring. He’s such a good and caring man even though he might not think so. And when he sets his eyes on Maggie he knows it won’t end well. Rhys is at war with what he feels. On one hand he knows he should stay far away from Maggie, and on the other he can’t deny that pull that calls to her. One thing is certain though, he can’t deny what his heart wants.

Maggie and Rhys were something magical. There’s no question they have this undeniable connection. They lit flames with their hot chemistry. These two both are fighting demons and trying to find the light. They both find solace in each other and entrust their hearts in one another. Maggie and Rhys were perfect together and their love was something kismet.

Beneath the Stars hit me right in the feels. This gripping and heartbreakingly beautiful story of love was soul-searing. Maggie and Rhys’ story was everything and more and it had me soaring. A.L. Jackson brought her signature touch to this phenomenal story. Yet another great addition to the Falling Stars Series.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*

kylerbooks14's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

1st book of the new year 1 star. I hope this isn't a sign for how 2023 will go.

At one point I contemplated throwing this book off my 3rd story balcony. The format of this book was one sentence per line and with extremely short sentence (some of them being only one word long) it made the book feel very clunky and that there was no flow to the story.  Then there was the plot.... I hate being told that there was a big bad secret that will destroy everything over and over and over and over again. Like either don't mention it or tell me already. I don't need you to tell me again and again. Then when the big secret isn't that bad or could be solved extra quickly it extra pisses me off. Like just talk to each other and all these "problems" would have been solved. I also didn't quite get the vibes/energy all the time. If Maggie was an empath sure but why would Rhys also feel things about energy and spirits. Like it just felt like an easy way to opt out of developing the relationship and just rely on that feeling. I wanted more out of the age gap, sister of my best friend romance. The angst just wasn't there. 

mysocalledaddiction's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

⭐Brother's Best Friend
⭐Age-Gap
⭐Friends-to-Lovers
.
“Look at that…a goddess beneath the stars looking down over me.”
.
Review: Amy has such a poetic way with words. I usually struggle to understand poetic writing but she does it absolutely perfectly. I honestly can't get enough. I can visualize everything she writes and it reaches in my chest and holds on! Amy kept me on the edge of my seat and hit me in all the feels. I didn't want to stop once I started this book and I truly believe she has helped heal my battered heart with this amazing story.
.
Maggie is sweet and innocent, but also a strong survivor trying to get her life back after enduring a horrible tragedy. Her older brother Royce wants nothing more than to protect her and help her heal.
.
Rhys is a beautifully broken broody man with so much mystery surrounding him. He is the funny one, known for a good time and nothing more. Walls so high, they can't be penetrated.
.
When Rhys and Maggie met, there was an instant connection and chemistry. Rhys has always kept Maggie at arms length not wanting to taint her goodness. Maggie can't help but be drawn to Rhys though. The pain and anguish that Rhys caries breaks your heart. I just want to hold him! This man has a beautiful heart of gold underneath all that hard bad boy exterior. The flashbacks of Rhys broke my heart and I was full blown crying. Maggie is such an amazing soul that loves and wants to help others no matter what that means for her. She is so selfless. The journey these two go on is so beautiful, heart warming and healing! I am so glad they found each other and Maggie can truly be treasured like she should. The added element of mystery was perfect. I loved getting peaks of Carolina George and well as the members of Sunder. I am so sad that this series is over, but Amy definitely saved the absolute best for last. Rhys and Maggie have forever stolen a piece of my heart! Do NOT miss this one!

ddalton's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

The writing in this was so hard to get through. Was not a fan. Do not recommend. There are other romance novels that have quality writing and storytelling.

mariammohsen's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5 stars.

fsmeurinne's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Rhys and Maggie's story is amazing, this is the fourth book in the series, and one I really wanted to read. Their chemistry is off the charts, I loved both characters, so many emotions, it was intense and so good. I think it might be my favorite one so far, the heartache had me reading it in no time, I really needed to get to the end. You will ride in a rollercoaster you want to finish but at the same time, you will enjoy every twist and turn. Your heart will struggle, but it will be so worth it. I am sad that the series is ending but I can't wait to see what AL Jackson comes up with next. I love her writing and her imagination. It's a 5-star blowing my mind!



Book Enticer
Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore