by A.L. Jackson
Series: Closer to You #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
A second chance at life…
A second chance at love…
Jared Holt never thought he deserved either—until he found both in the arms of Aly Moore. Aly has loved Jared for as long as she can remember, and she’s more than ready for the future they’re making together. But Jared can’t help remembering his own family. And he’ll never forgive himself for what happened to them. How can he allow himself the very happiness he once destroyed? To live a life worthy of Aly, Jared knows he has to stop running and finally put his past to rest. But when he decides to face his demons head on, he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. And he’ll fight to protect her no matter what it costs…even if he destroys himself in the process
Earlier this year I consumed Closer to You by A. L. Jackson and fell hard for her characters. It was a beautiful, turbulent start to Jared Holt and Aly Moore’s relationship. I was anxious to see how things developed in Come to Me Softly. I was worried it would be drama filled, but Jackson gave her characters depth and allowed them to grow. I quickly became lost within the pages of Come to Me Softly. I laughed, felt their pain and shared in their joy. Beautifully written, I highly recommend the Closer to You series.
Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and lose yourself in Come to Me Softly:
1. Beautiful writing that allows you to feel without overdoing the drama or falling into the familiar tropes of New Adult. The events and situations have a raw, realistic quality. While Jared is flawed, his story is incredibly developed, and the characters take a realistic approach to addressing their issues. Families, friends, responsibilities and mutual respect are all present.
2. You are a fan of developed characters. Jared is a damaged man, who has lost his way and is fighting to atone but beneath it all lies this beautiful soul. In Jared, Jackson has created someone you will swoon over, fear, love and want to snuggle. Aly is strong, had a secure upbringing and is close to her family. She is not naïve, but loves Jared enough to fight for him. Christopher is Jared best friend, and Aly’s brother. He is supportive but does not hold back. I am very curious about him. Jackson teases us just enough to have me excited for his story.
3. Friends to Lovers, Jared, Christopher and Aly, were childhood friends. They were neighbors who shared holidays, and Fourth of July picnics. Aly has loved Jared since she was six, and I loved that she stood by him when his world crumbled..even if he did not realize she was there. Friendship plays a substantial role throughout this series. I adore that Jackson has given Jared stand-up friends who not only support him, but also suggest help when it is needed.
4. Come to Me Softly had a captivating storyline that allowed me to become wrapped up in the characters. I laughed, cried, swooned and cheered in search of my HEA.
5. Forgiveness, survivors’ guilt, family and finding peace so that you can move forward are key elements to this tale. Jackson did an excellent job of allowing us to experience not only Jared’s emotions, but also the effect they had on those around him. It was beautiful, and the romance between Jared and Aly only enhanced the experience.
If you are looking for a series and author similar to Jessica Sorenson, Colleen Hoover and J. Lynn then I suggest you try the Closer to You series. Come to Me Quietly and Come to Me Softly are beautifully written with characters you cannot help but love. Come to Me Recklessly will be released in 2015 and shares Christopher’s story.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Liz
I couldn’t agree more with all of your points. AL Jackson has certainly written a captivating story. I’m anxious for Christopher’s book too!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Liz, and now we wait!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I love your 5 reasons Kimba as well as the friends to more storyline, I think I’d enjoy this series especially since I adore the other authors you listed as being similar.
A great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you read it, i wish more NA was like this.
Tanya
sounds like a page turner for sure!! Can’t wait to read this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was well done, and Jackson made you connect with the characters.
Carrie
Fantastic review… You’re costing me money! This will be the 2nd or 3rd book I’m getting now because of your reviews. This one is 2 purchases because I have to start with the 1st book in the series. LOL
I don’t think I’ve heard of this series or this author. I’m loving the synopsis though.
kimbacaffeinate
Just call me the “book pusher” Carrie 🙂 cannot wait to see what you think!
Lori
Oh, I love the friends to lovers concept! I’m not a fan of insta-love, especially when the characters just met, so this sounds good. I’m glad to hear that this story isn’t your typical NA book that I try to steer clear of, I hate the unnecessary drama in this genre sometimes. I’ll definitely be adding A.L. Jackson to my reading list!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give it try Lori 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
A lot of the same troupes we see in adult, only toss in more angst and stupid decisions. This read more like an adult romance where the characters are in their early twenties.
Stephanie Faris
Since I’ve read ZERO new adult novels, I wouldn’t even know what the familiar tropes are in that genre. If I ever get time, I’m going to have to read a few.
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Angela 🙂
blodeuedd
I’ll grab tea then 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I have cookies…perfect!
Siiri
Oh, I wasn’t aware that this was a series, but I have seen the first book around quite a lot. Yay for gorgeous writing 🙂 And damaged guys who heal throughout the novel? JUST YES PLEASE! I love these best friend’s brother and brother’s best friend romances 😀 They’re so good! And yay for tears, laughs and swoons 🙂 Seems like this one is made of win! So glad you enjoyed, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you give it a go Siiri 🙂
Michelle
Hi Kimba,
I’m not getting your feedburner emails (not since sunday.) Is there an issue with them?
Just wanted to let you know
kimbacaffeinate
I and others have noticed that those with yahoo mail and aol, as well as smaller email servers have had issues. I subscribe and get them daily. It has something to do with changes with the actual email users site. Let me see if I can research the issue with your provider.
kimbacaffeinate
Michelle, I researched and it has to do with changes to the way AOL, Yahoo and other email servers handle spam. I tried changing my email address to my domain address to see if that slips through your filters.
Michelle
I’ll definitely enjoy reading developed characters. Sounds like a really good series!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Michelle, thanks!
Melliane
It sounds like a good one, it’s always interesting when the characters are that well developped and friends story is always great! I haven’t read a lot of NA but I should try more.
kimbacaffeinate
This is a great NA to try since it is so well developed and still give you the feels. Thanks Melliane
Candace
I’m glad this one worked so well and didn’t fall into that overly angsty, over the top NA category. You definitely make this one sound beautiful!
kimbacaffeinate
It is wonderful Candace 🙂
kindlemom1
Well crud, this is another one I seriously need to push up my TBR pile.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…you need to read these Ali!
Jenea
I love the ones that make you have all the feels right along with the characters. Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Jenea, and then this one has family and friends as well..it was lovely
Debbie Haupt
OMG Kimba, you’ve ticked off all my most important have to haves in a romance novel for me. Sign me up it’s going on my list
Thank you for your beautiful post on this novel
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, thanks Debbie!
Braine Talk Supe
I agree with Amir. I still don’t read much NA but the authors are maturing themselves by writing more stories with substance than just simple hook ups and falling in lust stories.
kimbacaffeinate
The only thinking really making this NA are the characters age..it is such a great story all around.
Jenny
A friends to lovers story that features a damaged man? YES PLEASE KIM! I’m a complete sucker for both of those things, so this is a book for me for sure. Thanks for putting it on my radar, this is the first I’m seeing of it. Here I come Jared! *pounces*
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo you will adore this series Jenny..now be sure and read book one first..it is a must
Amir
I feel like NA is actually developing into a more stable series. Less too angsty drama and morning sex scenes and more characters and and relationships you can root for because the drama isn’t too over the top. Jared and Aly sounds like awesome characters and I do enjoy a friends to lovers relationship! I will definitely be checking book 1 out now Kimba, lovely review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Amir. There have been several standout reads lately. I also love that we are finally seeing other genres emerge in the NA world.
Amir
LOL wow. My phone’s autocorrect function sucks ass. I mean stable genre (not a series) and PORNISH sex scenes. Morning sex scenes? Wth! I need to turn this autocorrect thjng off somehow.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..I am still nursing my morning coffee so it’s all good.
Katherine
I love childhood friends turned more. I’ll have to look for this one. I’ve never read any of this author before.
kimbacaffeinate
This series was my first encounter with her Katherine and she grabs you at page one. The flow is wonderful and the storyline developed.
Maddy
This book sounds amazing bit honestly what had me sold was the reference you made to JLA and Colleen Hoover at the end, Kim! Both have written amazing books and I can honestly tell you I am going to be adding this to my ever growing TBR pile! Thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I love that they all have depth to their tales, back-story and solid secondary characters in their stories as well.
Nick
Ah friends to lovers and Colleen Hoover fans? That’s hard to resist, Kim. I saw the first book on GR sometime earlier this week and I was curious about it. I’m glad you brought it to my attention because I like the sound of the characters and the lack of overwhelming amount of drama.
Lovely review, Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
You really need to try them Nick.
Rashika
I’ve heard some wonderful things about this author’s books but I’ve always been worried I won’t enjoy them because of the drama. I always feel like drama tends to go overboard in NA from time to time but I am really glad to hear that you did not feel that that was the case for this book! I might just have to give this one a shot! 🙂
Lovely review, Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love that there is no unnecessary drama, and has realistic discussions.
Silvia
I’ve been hearing so much talking about this book that I was already thinking about giving it a go, but your great review really sold it! It’s definitely on my TBR pile now, thanks Kimberly 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am enjoying them Silvia and hope you give them a go.
Amy
Friends to lovers? YES oh yes please!! I love these types of stories, and with the characters having known each other as friends, it feels like the romance is always so strong. I’m also a huge fan of character development, and feel it can sometimes be a little lacking in NA books lately, so it’s great to hear that it was really well done in this book. And the fact that you compare this to J Lynn & Sorenson, two of my fav authors…added to my TBR! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, it was wonderful the first two books center around Jared and Aly so it has well developed romance. I hope you enjoy them