Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson

January 14th, 2014 Kimberly Review 75 Comments

14th Jan
Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson
Come to Me Quietly
by A.L. Jackson
Series: Closer to You #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Aleena Moore is content with her life. She has goals and dreams and an easy smile. She also has a secret she holds locked inside. Jared Holt believes he doesn’t deserve to love or be loved. He destroys everything he touches. Haunted by the mistake that shattered his life, he’s fled from the memory of that pain. Jared doesn’t know why he’s compelled to return, but finds himself drawn back to the place where it all began. The exact place where it ended. When he runs into his childhood best friend, Aleena’s older brother Christopher, he agrees to share Christopher and Aleena’s apartment while he looks for a place of his own. Aleena is no longer the little girl Jared remembers from his past and evokes feelings in him he never wanted to feel again. Terrified of destroying her, he fights to keep her away. But her touch is something he can’t resist—the touch that sealed his fate. Their pasts are intertwined and their futures uncertain. The only truths they know are the secrets they whisper in the night.

Come to Me Quietly is the first book in the new adult series Closer to You and my first read by author A.L. Jackson. I can assure you it will not be my last. Breathtaking beautiful I became swept up in this sweet, emotional read. Told from dual perspectives I fell in love with Jared and Aleena. Mini-review: beautiful and touching this friendship to lover’s romance held me spellbound.

Jared Holt is damaged by events that destroyed his family. He fled from his family and friends..but something calls him back to where it all began. When he arrives in town, his best friend Christopher and his little sister Aleena invite him to sleep on their couch. The three of them were neighbors and grew up together. Aleena is all grown up, and there are sparks but Jared is broken and vows to keep away from her so that he doesn’t destroy her..but fate has other plans.

Told from dual perspectives along with flashbacks we gain insight and become swept up in these beautiful, complicated characters. Jared wears his scars in the form of tattoos. As Jackson peeled back his layers, we see his vulnerability and experience his pain. He is filled with rage and guilt and each day is a challenge. Aleena is strong and sweet. She can still see the boy beneath the cold hard exterior, and she slowly and carefully rebuilds their friendship while holding tight to the feelings in her heart along with her secret. The waltz they danced was sweet, painful, soft and passionate. Christopher seems like your average college boy, but I think there is more to his story. I loved that Aleena had a close relationship to her parents and sought her mother out for advice. From keywords, Jared used it is clear he had some professional help, but I wish yet again that the characters recommended it…even if Aleena was able to get Jared to open up. Since this story will continue, it is my hope Jared gets additional help.

Come to Me Quietly was beautifully written, and the characters came to life allowing me to feel their emotions and become swept up in their relationship. I loved how Jackson wrote this, from the dual perspectives to the flashbacks. She slowly revealed the tragic event and the fallout that resulted in Jared leaving town. While this was an emotional read, it was relatively low on angst and unnecessary drama. I love the friendship to lover’s trope, and it added to the depth of their relationship. Through her powerful writing, I became connected to these characters, cheered their growth, mourned set-backs and desperately sought my HEA. The tale ended well, with a few reveals and developments that I am anxious to see unfold. A beautiful start to a powerful romance.

Come to Me Quietly will appeal to those who enjoyed Pushing the Limit, Beautiful Disaster and Sea of Tranquility. While this is New Adult, it is relativity low on heat but contains adult content. Come to Me Softly continues Aleena and Jared’s story and releases in July of 2014. I for one cannot wait to read it.

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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75 Responses to “Come to Me Quietly by A.L. Jackson”

  1. Berls

    Ohhh this does sound good. I’m a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope and how sweet that she’s close to her parents. I wish we saw more of that in books (why do parent relationships always seem to be bad?). Nice review Kimba.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was well written and the characters gave you the “feels”

  3. Lily B

    Aww lucky, its so wonderful to discover well written, beautiful new adult books <3 I want to meet them too!

  4. Ginny

    A lot of New Adult books haven’t worked for me but this one looks like it might be a little different. I like that you said she turned to her mother for advice and the low angst but tons of emotion sounds like a win. I think I will give this one a shot and hopefully it will get me back to liking NA. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This has a very realistic story line, all plausible and the writing is lovely.

  5. Michaela

    Oh this sound lovely! I can’t wait to read it. You need to read some not so good books, give me a chance to catch up. You’re making my list grow faster than I can read 🙂 Great review Kimba!!!!

  6. Stephanie

    This sounds like an excellent story and I love that it is beautifully written. It is great when a book is told well from dual perspectives. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I love the dual perspective in new adult, hope you enjoy it Stephanie 🙂

  7. Lauren

    Friendship to lover stories are always my favorite. They’re always sweeter and more emotional, and I feel like I can connect and invest in the characters better. I need to put this on my TBR list. And wow what a lovely cover! Beautiful review 🙂

  8. Christy

    Hmm … should I try it or not … that is the question. Troubled boys in NA seem to be a real hit-or-miss with me. It does sound good though … oh, the decisions!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes..he is so not a bad boy..trust me. Low angst and heartwarming.

  10. Braine Talk Supe

    I would read this because I love friends-to-lovers trope plus it’s low on angst and personally I’m over the stereotype NA where everyone is tortured! My heart can only take so much.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes this made you Feel but it was genuine and beautiful and no over the top drama and angst 🙂

  11. Stacy (StacyHgg)

    Great Review!
    I have read every single one of A.L. Jackson’s books and gave them ALL five stars. It’s the way she writes, it drags me into the story and I FEEL everything. All she writes is tear-you-heart-out novels so always have a box or two of tissues handy.
    But there was something about this one that made me live it even more than her others. I love New Adult but have been getting bored with it, so I guess this brings together fabulous writing with a NA storyline. Which is what made this one a 6 STAR read for me 🙂
    But A.L. Jackson could write about paint drying and I would read it. Her writing is just so powerful I’d probably like it too, lol 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was my first read by her Stacy and her writing is beautiful, and yes she makes you FEEL. If you are a long time fan and gave it 6 stars I am even more impressed. Thanks 🙂

  12. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Here you go again making me want another book! I’m going to have to stop coming here b/c you keep my wishlist TOO full! Darn it! 😉 Seriously, you compared it to my fave contemp NA books and so that even furthered my want for it. Stop with the great reviews!! 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      but, but, but those were good comparisons and I like your comments. Ha..who am kidding you will be back you’ll be afraid to miss an exciting new book..hands over pretty package.*bribes you with chocolate and coffee*

  13. Heidi

    Even though I am so over the whole NA trend, this is actually a book I might try. I love beautiful writing and character growth. I didn’t gather from your review that thsi was overly dramatic and full of angst either.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was really well done and yes the angst was low and any present made sense.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was lovely Brandi, I could see you really enjoying the story.

  17. Michele

    And my finger just went all one-clicky at Amazon. This is a beautiful review of what sounds like a beautiful and poignant book. Thanks so much for sharing, Kimba, and for feeding my Kindle this afternoon 😉

  18. Debbie Haupt

    Kimba, friends to lovers romance always has special storytelling problems for the author to overcome and it looks like by your rating that this author did it and did it well. I’m intrigued and it’s going on my list.
    thanks
    deb

  21. Liz

    I just loved loved loved this book. I can’t get it out of my head. Jared was definitely swoon worthy, and I even loved Aly. Terrific review, Kimberly! Now the long wait til summer!!!

  22. Nick

    This is the first time I’m hearing about this author and this series. I’m going to have to check it out since you know how much I love friends to lovers books. Jared sounds like he has a lot going on with him. I’m curious.
    Lovely review, Kim.

  23. Andrea

    Nothing about this blurb caught my attention, but your review did. I will definitely consider Come to Me Quietlu to my to-read list.
    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am glad I piqued your interest, this was beautifully written 🙂

  24. Lindsay

    I have yet to read anything from the New Adult genre but this looks so good!

  25. Jenny

    “While this was an emotional read, it was relatively low on angst and unnecessary drama.”

    Count me in then Kim! I love an emotional read, but so often they’re accompanied by the unnecessary drama, so I’m giddy over the fact that this one doesn’t fall into that trap. The story sounds absolutely gorgeous, the cover is stunning, and I pretty much need this one in my hands asap!

  26. Felicia The Geeky Blogger

    Where oh where is my contemporary romance mojo when all these good books are out there.

    This is why it is going on my wishlist “Told from dual perspectives along with flashbacks we gain insight and become swept up in these beautiful, complicated characters. ”

    I like flashbacks. They are always a great storytelling device!

  28. Jenea

    I really like the sounds of Jared, and Aleena sounds really good for him. I will be adding this one, and keeping an eye out for it. Wonderful review.

  29. Kristin

    This sounds really good! I haven’t heard of this series or author, either – probably b/c she’s with Penguin and I’m not on their list 😀 I’ve kind of become S&S and Harper’s bitch so I seem to miss everyone else’s stuff. I must fix that that!!!!!!!

    Any hooooooo… Great review! Thanks for opening my eyes!

      • Kristin

        “that that” – wtheck?? I can’t type on 5 hours of sleep!!

        Can I be a slut, too?!?! 😉 YOU crack ME up!!!!!

        • kimbacaffeinate

          Well you are already S&S and Harper’s Bitch so yeah you can be one too 🙂

  30. Franny

    Wow, this seriously looks intriguing! I wonder what happened to Jared in the past. Although contemporary romances are not my usual read, I’ll definitely keep an eye out for this one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Franny don’t laugh but for 30+ years I loathed contemporary romance..LOL Now I mix them in two or three times a month.

      • Franny

        Really?? I’m not laughing, but it makes me feel better. 🙂 It’s not that I loathe it, but sometimes I just find it… boring? Like at the end of the day, the stories are all the same.
        I have yet to find the one that really blows me away, but the ones I read were quite enjoyable!

  31. Mary

    NA just is not doing it for me for some reason. Sure, I’ve liked some of the books but the plotlines all sound the same to me. However, there’s something to be said about a beautifully written story — those take my breath away!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The writing makes all the difference, and this had a realistic vibe and depth to it then some lack in this genre.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah these were done really well and were clear. It added a little mystery as we began to piece together things, plus it added depth and understanding to their feelings.

  35. Lindy

    Oh! I love stories like this, that have broken characters and revelations. I love how the story was told through dual perspective and flashbacks. The fact that this story swept you up and made you feel so much tells me how good it was. This is definitely my type of book! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful review Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was beautiful Lindy and I hope you get the chance to read it.

  36. kindlemom1

    Is it shallow of me to say that I love all the covers of her books and would pick them up for that alone?

    Glad to know they are more than just a pretty cover.