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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5+ stars!
Beneath the Stars is an absolute dream. In more ways than one. I’m constantly in awe of A.L. Jackson’s words. However, Beneath the Stars is on another level. I’m madly, desperately, wholeheartedly in love with this story. From the magnificent storytelling to the beautiful broken characters and the undeniable connection between Rhys and Maggie, this book was nothing short of perfection. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
The fourth standalone in the Falling Stars series is a gorgeous forbidden, age gap, friends-to-lovers, rockstar romance featuring Carolina George’s sexy bassist, Rhys Manning and Maggie Fitzgerald who also just happens to be Royce’s - from Catch Me When I Fall - little sister.
Full of sweet touches, secrets, heartbreak, suspense and healing, A.L. Jackson does a great job drawing in you and keeping you at the edge of your seat.
Both these characters have my heart. I looove Rhys and Maggie soo sooo much. My favorite thing about them is how they just felt it when one needed the other. They’re just so connected to each other. Talk about swoony. I had a feeling, as I read the other books in the series, Rhys was going to rock my world. Oh my goodness. I didn’t expect to fall so hard for this beautiful man who was really just a scared little boy with a world of guilt on his shoulders. He hid behind his easy going smirk, cocky attitude and player ways. There were so many times where I wanted to reach in and wrap him up and heal his hurt. But alas, only Maggie could heal him and feel him. Maggie is such a pure soul. Innocent and sweet but also dealing with demons of her own. God, what she went through as a teenager is just so heartbreaking. Still, the risks she is willing to take to help others are inspiring. Hands down my favorite heroine in the series.
The forbidden element added another layer of tension that I just ate up. There was a really great push and pull. Wanting to be together but also fearing they would hurt one another if they did get together. Throw in a protective older brother who would not approve, gah! So good!! I'll say it a thousand times more. I loved this book. I can pretty much guarantee that Beneath the Stars will be in my top reads of the year list.
Beneath the Stars is an absolute dream. In more ways than one. I’m constantly in awe of A.L. Jackson’s words. However, Beneath the Stars is on another level. I’m madly, desperately, wholeheartedly in love with this story. From the magnificent storytelling to the beautiful broken characters and the undeniable connection between Rhys and Maggie, this book was nothing short of perfection. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
The fourth standalone in the Falling Stars series is a gorgeous forbidden, age gap, friends-to-lovers, rockstar romance featuring Carolina George’s sexy bassist, Rhys Manning and Maggie Fitzgerald who also just happens to be Royce’s - from Catch Me When I Fall - little sister.
Full of sweet touches, secrets, heartbreak, suspense and healing, A.L. Jackson does a great job drawing in you and keeping you at the edge of your seat.
Both these characters have my heart. I looove Rhys and Maggie soo sooo much. My favorite thing about them is how they just felt it when one needed the other. They’re just so connected to each other. Talk about swoony. I had a feeling, as I read the other books in the series, Rhys was going to rock my world. Oh my goodness. I didn’t expect to fall so hard for this beautiful man who was really just a scared little boy with a world of guilt on his shoulders. He hid behind his easy going smirk, cocky attitude and player ways. There were so many times where I wanted to reach in and wrap him up and heal his hurt. But alas, only Maggie could heal him and feel him. Maggie is such a pure soul. Innocent and sweet but also dealing with demons of her own. God, what she went through as a teenager is just so heartbreaking. Still, the risks she is willing to take to help others are inspiring. Hands down my favorite heroine in the series.
The forbidden element added another layer of tension that I just ate up. There was a really great push and pull. Wanting to be together but also fearing they would hurt one another if they did get together. Throw in a protective older brother who would not approve, gah! So good!! I'll say it a thousand times more. I loved this book. I can pretty much guarantee that Beneath the Stars will be in my top reads of the year list.
Another great story. Originally not who I wanted paired with Rhys, but I can understand why it was Maggie he was meant to be with. Definitely think the 3rd book in the series is my favorite though.
This book was stupid. The entire time Rhys is dealing with a problem that would be solved immediately if he just told people and stopped guilting himself for something that happened when he was like 9. Spoiler: he accidentally ran over his dad in a tractor and he was dealing with guilty 20+ years later and he thought his dad committed suicide and his girlfriend was scared of him because "she knew what he did." Stupid. Then he was being blackmailed for... i guess "stealing" someone else's fiance even though she didn't want to be with the guy to begin with? I don't really know what he was paying for.
Maggie. Maggie was abused by a guy and her father was a gross guy that manipulated people and enslaved people. Maggie felt guilty and paranoid but she had a right to be paranoid (her condo was burned down, she was almost run over, etc) and yet she still tried to act like she was fine and just accident-prone? Turn out she found a stash of money her dad left behind ($5 million) and was trying to give it to victims of her dad. Her mom knew she had the money and was after it. All of the issues they had- okay, many of their issues- could have been solved by just TELLING EACH OTHER/OTHERS. Oh Maggie, you want to give the money to the victims and are being watched? Let us help you do that and we will also ensure you are safe. Oh, Rhys, you think you are responsible for your dad and his suicide? No, you were a kid he was the adult. You think you have to pay for genny or something? No, you didn't do anything wrong. let's check up on her or the fiance. Solve the problem?
Ugh, this book was so frustrating. Maggie and her gaslighting (constantly reminding her brother she wasn't a kid and didn't need his protection but she actually was in danger and needed his protection but for some reason didn't want to add to his plate?)
Normal issues: age gap, little sister of his best friend, etc etc. that would have been plenty of drama with clear communication.
Maggie. Maggie was abused by a guy and her father was a gross guy that manipulated people and enslaved people. Maggie felt guilty and paranoid but she had a right to be paranoid (her condo was burned down, she was almost run over, etc) and yet she still tried to act like she was fine and just accident-prone? Turn out she found a stash of money her dad left behind ($5 million) and was trying to give it to victims of her dad. Her mom knew she had the money and was after it. All of the issues they had- okay, many of their issues- could have been solved by just TELLING EACH OTHER/OTHERS. Oh Maggie, you want to give the money to the victims and are being watched? Let us help you do that and we will also ensure you are safe. Oh, Rhys, you think you are responsible for your dad and his suicide? No, you were a kid he was the adult. You think you have to pay for genny or something? No, you didn't do anything wrong. let's check up on her or the fiance. Solve the problem?
Ugh, this book was so frustrating. Maggie and her gaslighting (constantly reminding her brother she wasn't a kid and didn't need his protection but she actually was in danger and needed his protection but for some reason didn't want to add to his plate?)
Normal issues: age gap, little sister of his best friend, etc etc. that would have been plenty of drama with clear communication.
“But sometimes brokenness went so deep it was hard to reach the bottom of it ...”
So much of me wanted to give @aljacksonauthor ‘s #beneaththestars five stars instead of four. I loved Rhys and Maggie - two survivors fighting their attraction to each other and their circumstances. It was a quick-moving story that never left me bored or tired. The passion and the feeling felt real.
But ... I had such a tough time with the writing. It was so choppy and disjointed. I get using sentence fragments for effect, but halfway through so was just dying for a grammar edit. I understand the author was trying to give the characters a distinct voice, but I just kept getting distracted and trying to figure out what she meant.
Four stars is still great and you will fall for the characters. If poor grammar causes you issues - be prepared to overlook the writing to enjoy this fully.
So much of me wanted to give @aljacksonauthor ‘s #beneaththestars five stars instead of four. I loved Rhys and Maggie - two survivors fighting their attraction to each other and their circumstances. It was a quick-moving story that never left me bored or tired. The passion and the feeling felt real.
But ... I had such a tough time with the writing. It was so choppy and disjointed. I get using sentence fragments for effect, but halfway through so was just dying for a grammar edit. I understand the author was trying to give the characters a distinct voice, but I just kept getting distracted and trying to figure out what she meant.
Four stars is still great and you will fall for the characters. If poor grammar causes you issues - be prepared to overlook the writing to enjoy this fully.
Emotional and sweet. I absolutely loved this book and its characters.
I was rooting for Rhys and Maggie. Their story was so beautiful, difficult yet amazing.
The author wrote it beautifuly, I was hooked from the first chapter. I enjoyed the relatable characters and I fell in love with Rhys.
This was hands down one of my favorite books of the year so far. Do not miss it.
I was rooting for Rhys and Maggie. Their story was so beautiful, difficult yet amazing.
The author wrote it beautifuly, I was hooked from the first chapter. I enjoyed the relatable characters and I fell in love with Rhys.
This was hands down one of my favorite books of the year so far. Do not miss it.
Every single one of the members of Carolina George owns a piece of my heart, but I've been waiting for this book from the get-go. I knew that Rhys Mannings had a story to tell, and, y'all, A.L. Jackson did not disappoint. Angst, passion, danger, forbidden love, yep, it's all in this beautiful beautiful story, and I am here for it. With Maggie Fitzgerald as Rhys's Goddess Girl, there was no way in the world that this book was not going to consume me, and, boy, did it.
Here's the thing...I don't think that Amy could write a story that wasn't basically alive with every one of the feelings if she had to. So, when I pick up one of her books, I know. I know that it will be an emotional experience, one that will be as uncomfortable at times as it is beautiful, and I'm okay with that.
I think that Richard said it the best towards the end of the book, and, to paraphrase him, how do these beautiful souls keep ending up in these adrenaline pumping, heart in the throat, epic race that has us, the readers, right there with them, on the edge of our seats, desperate to see how everything will unfold. I'm telling you, I am wrung out when I finish one of these books, but in the most wonderful way.
I am so sorry to see the end of this series, because with it comes an end to characters that I've known and loved since Amy kicked off the Bleeding Stars books. It truly is like saying goodbye to some really great friends, but I can't think of a better way to wrap things up.
This is the kind of book that will stay with me for a very long time, and I cannot recommend BENEATH THE STARTS or any of them enough. Readers that love a book that will turn you inside out in the best possible way ought to have every one of these books on their TBR. I have no doubt that you will absolutely fall in love. ❤️
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Meghan "Maggie" Fritzgerald is the sister of Royce, leader of the band, A Riot of Roses, and is the husband of Emily of Carolina George.
Rhys Manning is part of a band called Carolina George and is the best friend of Emily, Maggie's sister-in-law. He is the big, bad "playboy" and even has a hashtag for his female fans.
Maggie and Rhys are just friends. They also know that there is something undeniable between them. BUT nothing is to happen - so they stayed away, kept to themselves, and focus on their endeavors. Except, this summer, with everything that happened to Maggie and a band collaboration between Carolina George and A Riot of Roses, Maggie and Rhys will be orbiting each other in very close proximity.
Beneath the Stars is my first time reading one of the author's works.
Initially, this book was a challenging read for me. Don't get me wrong - The writing is excellent and relatable (to a point), but coming midway into a series is tougher. I had to learn so many characters to at one go and run with what they say, so even backstories would have been assumed. I got hold of myself and had a crash course on who was who quickly. I had to catch up fast to overcome all the information because the other characters were already living their HEA stories in the book.
If you plan to start the series, I would say to start from Book 1 since spoilers would have been out by this book. I was slightly overwhelmed because of not reading the previous books. There were many implied secrets that the book tackled, especially about what Maggie went through. For those who want to push through, do not fear, readers! Everything will become apparent and will slowly unravel in about 1/3th of the way. By then, I was relieved to be on the "same page" as everyone.
Both main characters have dark pasts that are not immediately disclosed in the book, unless maybe if you read the series from the beginning. Maggie and Rhys' pasts' is filled with blackmail, threats, traumatic pasts, and tragedy to themselves and their loved ones. There was little love or hope between them, so their reaction to relationships in general - familial or otherwise is not in the best states. These pasts made them put up brave fronts for all to see as they are the opposite inside. Maggie and Rhys prefer to keep it within themselves than ask for help outside. They believe they are protecting each other and their loved ones but taking on and deciding without consulting anyone. Both act "normal," though Rhys puts a braver front - a joker, carefree but broken man.
As things try to get sorted out within Rhys and Maggie, something big, separate and sinister is brewing and threatening to destroy each individual. There are other backstories related to their pasts - secrets that torn families apart and will bring in the suspense that readers will thoroughly enjoy to balance out the gut-wrenching emotions inside the main characters.
If you thought Rhys' and Maggie's internal conflicts would stay in the past, readers - nope. It becomes more significant than anticipated - the flashbacks, the revelations, and the ending. It all climaxed into unprecedented proportions that my head is still reeling with what happened. It will "blow your mind!"
I love Maggie's character development from her "victimized past" to the strong fighter at the end of this book. She rose from her past and did not let it stop her from seeking justice for herself and the "womenkind."
Rhys has his own "alpha-protector" phase that I enjoyed seeing though it was a lot later - closer to the end that his purpose and intentions were more apparent. There was a lot to take in when the secrets came out. Rhys discovers what he thought was the truth is all a lie, and harboring this "supposed truth" wrecked him for close to a decade, but he did good in the end. The ending was epic - full of suspense. I was gaping, but it all made so much sense!!!
The humor/cute moments were great! I laughed during the parts that little Daisy Mae is around to infuse humor, especially her language and her banter with Uncle Rhys. She undoubtedly got the accent down and have everyone "wrapped around" her cute fingers. A great addition to a suspenseful book.
Overall, I highly recommend Beneath the Stars (and most definitely the Fallen Stars series) to readers who love their "full of feels," broken leads, strong female protagonists, and some family ties banter/humor.
Readers need this book! It has electrifying romance, powerful connections, and mystery/suspense elements that will make you revisit the book even after you closed out the last chapter. It will make you re-read critical chapters to see if you missed out on any of the clues that could have prepared you for the revelations.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Meghan "Maggie" Fritzgerald is the sister of Royce, leader of the band, A Riot of Roses, and is the husband of Emily of Carolina George.
Rhys Manning is part of a band called Carolina George and is the best friend of Emily, Maggie's sister-in-law. He is the big, bad "playboy" and even has a hashtag for his female fans.
Maggie and Rhys are just friends. They also know that there is something undeniable between them. BUT nothing is to happen - so they stayed away, kept to themselves, and focus on their endeavors. Except, this summer, with everything that happened to Maggie and a band collaboration between Carolina George and A Riot of Roses, Maggie and Rhys will be orbiting each other in very close proximity.
Beneath the Stars is my first time reading one of the author's works.
Initially, this book was a challenging read for me. Don't get me wrong - The writing is excellent and relatable (to a point), but coming midway into a series is tougher. I had to learn so many characters to at one go and run with what they say, so even backstories would have been assumed. I got hold of myself and had a crash course on who was who quickly. I had to catch up fast to overcome all the information because the other characters were already living their HEA stories in the book.
If you plan to start the series, I would say to start from Book 1 since spoilers would have been out by this book. I was slightly overwhelmed because of not reading the previous books. There were many implied secrets that the book tackled, especially about what Maggie went through. For those who want to push through, do not fear, readers! Everything will become apparent and will slowly unravel in about 1/3th of the way. By then, I was relieved to be on the "same page" as everyone.
Both main characters have dark pasts that are not immediately disclosed in the book, unless maybe if you read the series from the beginning. Maggie and Rhys' pasts' is filled with blackmail, threats, traumatic pasts, and tragedy to themselves and their loved ones. There was little love or hope between them, so their reaction to relationships in general - familial or otherwise is not in the best states. These pasts made them put up brave fronts for all to see as they are the opposite inside. Maggie and Rhys prefer to keep it within themselves than ask for help outside. They believe they are protecting each other and their loved ones but taking on and deciding without consulting anyone. Both act "normal," though Rhys puts a braver front - a joker, carefree but broken man.
…sometimes brokenness went so deep it was hard to reach the bottom of it, and I was sure Rhys was terrified to dig around in the gaping ravine of his past.
— Beneath the Stars, A.L. Jackson
As things try to get sorted out within Rhys and Maggie, something big, separate and sinister is brewing and threatening to destroy each individual. There are other backstories related to their pasts - secrets that torn families apart and will bring in the suspense that readers will thoroughly enjoy to balance out the gut-wrenching emotions inside the main characters.
…squinting more in the bare light when I saw the lettering on the back.
I’m already yours.
— Beneath the Stars, A.L. Jackson
If you thought Rhys' and Maggie's internal conflicts would stay in the past, readers - nope. It becomes more significant than anticipated - the flashbacks, the revelations, and the ending. It all climaxed into unprecedented proportions that my head is still reeling with what happened. It will "blow your mind!"
I love Maggie's character development from her "victimized past" to the strong fighter at the end of this book. She rose from her past and did not let it stop her from seeking justice for herself and the "womenkind."
Rhys has his own "alpha-protector" phase that I enjoyed seeing though it was a lot later - closer to the end that his purpose and intentions were more apparent. There was a lot to take in when the secrets came out. Rhys discovers what he thought was the truth is all a lie, and harboring this "supposed truth" wrecked him for close to a decade, but he did good in the end. The ending was epic - full of suspense. I was gaping, but it all made so much sense!!!
The humor/cute moments were great! I laughed during the parts that little Daisy Mae is around to infuse humor, especially her language and her banter with Uncle Rhys. She undoubtedly got the accent down and have everyone "wrapped around" her cute fingers. A great addition to a suspenseful book.
Overall, I highly recommend Beneath the Stars (and most definitely the Fallen Stars series) to readers who love their "full of feels," broken leads, strong female protagonists, and some family ties banter/humor.
Readers need this book! It has electrifying romance, powerful connections, and mystery/suspense elements that will make you revisit the book even after you closed out the last chapter. It will make you re-read critical chapters to see if you missed out on any of the clues that could have prepared you for the revelations.
And my heart – it got molded into a new shape. It got mended into the shape of you.
— Beneath the Stars, A.L. Jackson
DNF @ 32%
The writing style just wasn't for me. There were a lot of super short sentences and each was their own line. I really like that style if it is used only as an emphasis, but a lot of the pages in this book almost ended up looking like poems with so many of these very short lines. As a result, my brain just skimmed right over them.
The rest of the story was fine and I did like the characters but it just wasn't intriguing enough to read over 400 pages of a style I wasn't loving.
The writing style just wasn't for me. There were a lot of super short sentences and each was their own line. I really like that style if it is used only as an emphasis, but a lot of the pages in this book almost ended up looking like poems with so many of these very short lines. As a result, my brain just skimmed right over them.
The rest of the story was fine and I did like the characters but it just wasn't intriguing enough to read over 400 pages of a style I wasn't loving.