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Happiness In Jersey

(The Prototype #1)

Jacinta Howard (Goodreads Author),

Wesleigh Siobhan (Narrator)

4.45 · Rating details · 651 ratings · 147 reviews

The only thing in Jersey Kincaid’s world that she has time for are keeping her grades up so that she doesn’t lose her scholarship to South Texas University, playing the bass in her band, The Prototype, and satisfying her coffee addiction. Oh, and the occasional random hook-up she indulges in to pass the time.

Love? Eh, not so much. Save that crap for a Katherine Heigl or N ...more

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Kindle Edition, 280 pages

Published August 29th 2014

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Average rating 4.45 ·

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· 651 ratings · 147 reviews

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Jul 11, 2014 Carol [Goodreads Addict] rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, music

Happiness in Jersey by Jacinta Howard is one of those books that your heart just wasn’t prepared for. It just grabs you and doesn’t let go. For me, the tell-tale sign is that when I wake up in the morning, my first thoughts are about the main character in the book, Jersey. I was worried about her. How is she? What’s going to happen next? Yes, in other words, I was obsessed.

photo tumblr_n6lv3sGHti1tzolqio1_500_zpsa9457c49.gif

Jersey Kinkaid doesn’t believe in love. The only thing inevitable in life is death, she believes. She tries to make pe ...more

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Feb 11, 2020 mina reads™️ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: about-poc, black-love, new-adult, contemporary, read-on-audio, romance

#blackloveathon prompt: simply read a black love story
Readathon vlog: https://youtu.be/m4DqdInKA8E

Sweet angsty college romance about two black musicians with a lot of intense feelings for each other that our narrator Jersey is scared to explore. Jersey and Zay were so cute together. Although Jersey was a great narrator, Zay was the star of the show for me. He was sweet, honest, caring and he made me swoon more than a few times. I loved Jersey’s emotional growth and character development over the ...more

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Oct 17, 2014 Delaney Diamond rated it it was amazing

Shelves: af-am-romance, contemporary-romance, new-adult

So, Jacinta Howard is two for two. I love her writing voice. She’s skilled at sucking you into a story, and after this one I’m looking forward to whatever else she writes. Despite the fact that these are young people, they’re very mature because of their life’s experiences, and I actually enjoyed Happiness in Jersey more than I did her first book – Better Than Okay. I didn’t even think that was possible.

This is another story about young love (Jacinta has me being all cougar-ish, falling in love ...more

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Aug 18, 2014 Deloris rated it it was amazing

This book is blues and love, the song of Zay and Jersey's relationship was like a well written song. The first time Zay lays eyes on Jersey I knew their story would be powerful and I was not disappointed. I was emotionally connected to these characters I cared and rooted for them even when they did not act as I wanted them to. They shared music and I could hear the music as the played on stage. The very first time Zay had a performance I was there too the author showed me and I loved the way he ...more

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Jan 22, 2015 Christina Jones rated it it was amazing

This was my first read from Jacinta,and will definitely not be the last! Jersey and Zay's story took. Me. Through. It! (it =emotional gauntlet. Jeez!) Jersey was funny without trying, and sympathetic without coming off as whiny. She was also tiresome,but understandably so. Her hard shell was formed to deal with some effed up things (that daddy of hers makes me stabby), but it was really sweet to watch Zay break through alladat to get down to the real Jersey. That boy had AWWWWWWW the patience in ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 Deja added it · review of another edition

I can't settle on a rating for this one just yet, but overall it was okay.

Happiness is Jersey felt like a slice of life story featuring a romance. And while there were some parts that I enjoyed, a large portion of the book left me confused as to what the *point* of the story was. There wasn't one central conflict or purpose that drove the plot, so a lot of time I was left aimlessly reading and waiting for something to happen. I don't mind stories that are more character driven, but since I didn ...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Jite rated it really liked it

Gorgeous.

I really enjoyed this music-based new adult romance by this new-to-me author and found it both gorgeous in its discussion of grief and loss and fear and hurt through music and lyrics and in its capacity to capture the emotions of two young hurting people. I usually actively avoid New Adult romances but when I saw someone in Instagram mention this, I knew I wanted to check it out.

The premise of this first book in The Prototype series is that Jersey is a college student and founding membe Gorgeous.

I really enjoyed this music-based new adult romance by this new-to-me author and found it both gorgeous in its discussion of grief and loss and fear and hurt through music and lyrics and in its capacity to capture the emotions of two young hurting people. I usually actively avoid New Adult romances but when I saw someone in Instagram mention this, I knew I wanted to check it out.

The premise of this first book in The Prototype series is that Jersey is a college student and founding member of the up-and-coming band The Prototype who battles a lot of demons inherited from her upbringing. Completely commitment-phobic, she’s completely unprepared for the flutters and sparks that fly when she meets Zay, her bandmate’s friend, who’s newly transferred to her school and in the running to join the band. But despite her desperate (mutual) attraction to Zay and her increasing dependence on their friendship, she shuts down any possibility of a relationship between them, after all relationships are fiction, love is untrustworthy, and death and endings are the only inevitable things.

I thought this was a fantastically-written NA romance in a lot of way. It was somewhat slow burn spicy, but did a good job expressing heavier, complex emotions that come with grief and having parents that have complex mental health issues. This had one of the best explorations of the “why” the protagonists had such love for each other. I loved how realistic this felt, how hard-won the HEA felt without Jersey’s doubts or fears ever feeling repetitive or tedious. I love that Zay went through the full gamut of emotions with Jersey from frustration to anger to worry but it was always rooted in love and support. This never for one moment felt like it dragged even though it was patently a “will they-won’t they” sort of novel about music lovers. My only issue with this is that I think that whilst the healing power of love™️ is a thing, I think in this book some of the characters, Jersey, specifically, could have benefitted from therapy or counseling to help her deal with what she went through in her childhood. I was a little uncomfortable with her resolution and healing being entwined in Zay rather than in herself. There is casual colloquial use of the controversial “r” word (formerly a slur against people with intellectual disabilities) one time, which I’ve seen that some people find very offensive- it fits in the language/syntax of the character’s speech but if this word is triggering for you in anyway, be aware of it. CWs also should be taken for death of a parent, difficult parent-child relationships, grief, alcoholism, depression, suicide, and emotional abuse. I adored the supporting characters and I’m looking forward to their books. I’m definitely invested in this series and highly recommend this book! ...more

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Sep 08, 2014 Mstcat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: can-t-loan-this, arc

Read this book! Really! So beautifully written and gripping. Review to come...

Here's my full review of Happiness in Jersey

Happiness in Jersey is the opposite of wack. In fact, it's anti-wack! Okay, I'm gonna stop with the "wack" references for now (there are a few very cute scenes where this word comes up - I couldn't help myself!), and I'm going to get to my review. I want to say upfront that I hate YA books. Okay hate might be a tad strong, but they aren't my favorite. That said, I loved Happi Read this book! Really! So beautifully written and gripping. Review to come...

Here's my full review of Happiness in Jersey

Happiness in Jersey is the opposite of wack. In fact, it's anti-wack! Okay, I'm gonna stop with the "wack" references for now (there are a few very cute scenes where this word comes up - I couldn't help myself!), and I'm going to get to my review. I want to say upfront that I hate YA books. Okay hate might be a tad strong, but they aren't my favorite. That said, I loved Happiness in Jersey! Loved it!

What it is about: Happiness in Jersey is about a young woman named Jersey. Jersey is a sophomore in college, lives on campus, has a perfectly sweet roommate named Willow, and a best friend named Devin. Devin has been Jersey's friend since they were kids. Both Devin and Jersey are members of a band named Prototype, where Jersey plays bass and Devin the drums. She is a girl that doesn't form emotional attachments, particularly with the opposite sex. In her mind death is the only certainty in life, and love is just a fabrication. She has sex, but doesn't date or have boyfriends. Her past is a sad one in which she grew up with an alcoholic father who seemed to blame her for the death of her mother who suffered from postpartum depression and committed suicide when Jersey was just a baby. But then Jersey meets Isaiah, (everybody calls him Zay). Zay is the cousin of one of the band members and he's just moved from New Orleans. It doesn't take long for Zay to become interested in Jersey and she in him. As Jersey gets to Know Zay she discovers he's more than just good looks. He seems to understand her on a level that no one else does. And for a girl like Jersey that is terrifying.

This is such a wonderful book that I find I don't have to go into great depth about what I liked or disliked about it. It was a beautifully written story about falling in love, but it was also about fighting fear and overcoming the sorrow, unhappiness, and loss of the past for the promise of the future. We get fantastic secondary characters who are there for more than just window dressing. Willow, Devin, Trav, and Bam are all fleshed out characters with distinctive personalities. They each have a role in the story and in Jersey's (and Zay's) life. Readers also get a heroine that's far from cookie cutter, and some of the best banter I've read in a long time. There isn't much more that I can say without taking away from the experience of reading Happiness in Jersey. If you are like me you'll laugh, cry a little, get angry and frustrated, and fall a little bit in love with Zay yourself. I so recommend getting this book and taking the journey with Jersey as she discovers her happiness. Happiness in Jersey gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me. As for the author Jacinta Howard? Well, she's got a new fan.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Catch more of my reviews at http://romancebetweenthecovers.blogsp... ...more

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Feb 20, 2015 Romance Novels in Color rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre_contemporary, genre_new-adult, heat-level_sensual, 5-star, relationship_af-am, heroine-black, hero-black

With Jersey Kinkaid and Isaiah “Zay” Broussard you see love meet and love unfold. Jersey is protective of Jersey, she’s guarded and portrays a “don’t care” attitude. It is what got her this far in life. It is what helped her survive the suicide of her mother and being raised by a “fault Jersey” drunkard as a father. It is what helped her with relationships, which she doesn’t do.

In steps Zay, and he sees her with new eyes. You feel that no one was ever meant to see her that way, no one other than ...more

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Jun 20, 2014 Kizzy rated it it was amazing

Another hit from Jacinta!!

I received an ARC for my honest opinion. Three words: I LOVED IT!!

Like her other book, I felt connected to the characters, which I liked. Jersey is in a band with her friends Devin, Travis and Bam. Travis' cousin Isaiah (Zay) comes over while they are practicing and he is instantly drawn to her.(calling her Kitten)..She tried to convince him and everyone else that she was not interested in him, but as time goes on, that changes.

Jersey is a strong young woman and she has ...more

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Jun 30, 2014 Ciarra Hodges rated it it was amazing

So I finished the book. It was great just as I knew it would be! I think I feel I love with Zay a little lol. But seriously, it was great. It was a reminder of the power of love. It took me back too... To a time when possibilities were endless & I thought I was grown lol. So although the target audience is the younger crowd, I'm sure the older crowd would enjoy it as well because it has the power to bring you back to teenage years.

It's very refreshing. It also takes you away from life. When I'm ...more

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Aug 18, 2014 Victoria rated it really liked it

This is an APB Perspective Review.. Well I am finally done... and the notation from the author at the back helped me understand my difficulty initially with the book. With that said. ..I have again fallen in love with Jacinta's writing. HIJ is a layered read. She took us on a journey through the many layers that made Jersey the girl I grew to Love. I was a Zay fan out the gate and Jersey needed a strong Male character to help counter act that NO good SOAB called her dad. The emotional growth was ...more

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May 12, 2020 Jerrika Rhone rated it liked it · review of another edition

.............unpopular opinion. The whole Outcast cover band is corny. IJS.

40% DONE: Jersey is painfully unlikeable, trauma and all.

SO IS HER DADDY AND THAT RAGEDY HEFFA HE BROUGHT IN THE HOUSE.
This book was difficult for me, maybe because some topics were triggering. Because of that I was mad for the majority of the read. Still downloaded part 2 tho :)

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Oct 05, 2014 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: african-american-romance

Such a deep and profound love story between Zay and Jersey. I really enjoyed it.

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Oct 03, 2014 Lustful Literature rated it it was amazing

** MEGAN's 5 STAR REVIEW **

This quite possibly be the hardest review I’ve had to write. Why? Well, because my words won’t come close to how awesomely awesome this book is. I’ve highlighted my butt off and I want to add so many quotes or simple lines because I’ll never be able to tell you how I feel when I read it. I will try though.

I just came off a stellar 3-book series and I probably was an idiot to start a book the next day because I thought I’d be in a book hang-over. But, I guess wh ...more

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Apr 20, 2015 EatSleepReadReview rated it it was amazing

Finding that one person in life who makes you a better person is never easy. Love takes time and patience. It also takes two people willing to make it work. But when your soul has been trampled on and beaten down to the point that you don't feel as if you deserve the happiness they can give you, it makes for a tough and rocky relationship, even if you know that relationship can be everything you want it to be. Such is the story of Jersey and Zay.

Emotionally broken and carrying around a ton of b Finding that one person in life who makes you a better person is never easy. Love takes time and patience. It also takes two people willing to make it work. But when your soul has been trampled on and beaten down to the point that you don't feel as if you deserve the happiness they can give you, it makes for a tough and rocky relationship, even if you know that relationship can be everything you want it to be. Such is the story of Jersey and Zay.

Emotionally broken and carrying around a ton of baggage, Jersey is a tough character to like in the beginning. Her past is truly heartbreaking and you so badly want to understand and sympathize with her, but at the same time, smack her upside the head for some of her actions. Living with an emotionally and verbally abusive father after losing her mother, hardened her in ways no one should have to be. Mentally she tries to come across tough, but we all know it's those types who are usually hurting the worst and it's only a matter of time until they fall apart.

Zay is perfect in every aspect. I mean, I totally fell in love with him. He's beautiful, talented, flawed, tough and just about the sweetest damn man on earth. Dealing with his own issues, he's been where Jersey's at, so he understand where she's coming from and through that understanding, he commits himself to helping her work through her past. But, please don't take his sweetness and confuse it with being a mushy pushover, because he's anything but. Jealous and opinionated, he has alpha tendencies without being severely dominating. He's patient, kind, but also more than willing to call Jersey out on her actions and feelings. I honestly think he's the most perfect hero that I have ever come across. There is just something about him you can't help but love.

"That wall you have up? I'm patient and curious enough to find out what behind it."

Full of emotions that literally drive this story home, Happiness in Jersey is an outstanding read, which I'd highly recommend. I teetered on the edge of 4 or 5 stars. Four only because it took me a while to get into it. The beginning is a bit slow and as I mentioned, Jersey isn't one that you immediately fall in love with. Five because when it takes off, it drags you in and you won't want to put it down. It's one you'll be thinking about when your away from the story and continue to care for and want to know about the characters even after it comes to an end. For me that is always deserving of a five star read.

Clear and beautiful writing with believable and attention grabbing dialogue, Ms. Howard delivers a heart-wrenching tale of finding that one person in life who makes you whole.

A complimentary copy was received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
...more

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Oct 10, 2014 Beyond the Pages rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Happiness in Jersey was a deeply emotional book. Not only was it about a couple comIng together, it was also about two individuals learning to forgive themselves and to move on from their troubled pasts.

Jersey, the main character, was a scarred, scared, empty young woman upon first meeting. She was a user who seemed to think running through males was what she deserved. She would not commit to anyone. She only committed to herself, her schooling, and her music. It was obvious that she was searchi ...more

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Sep 23, 2014 Jeraca rated it liked it

Shelves: read-but-unowned, new-adult-novels

I really liked this book. Originally I got it from Netgalley as an eARC but shortly found out that the book they gave me free was only the first 4 chapters and I gave in and bought the whole book because I needed to know what happened with Zay and Jersey. So yeah, ended up getting scammed it seems like but I liked the novel so it wasn't a total dud.

I liked Jersey. She stuck to what she wanted and didn't let anyone change her mind. She was actually more like a guy than guys were - didn't want co ...more

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Aug 28, 2014 --karen Green-berry rated it it was amazing

Another Great Read- BRAB Online Book Club

Jersey Kincaid has had a tough childhood, never actually knowing her mother and living with an emotionally abusive father; resulted in some very bad choices. Her saving grace was playing bass in a band with her best friend Devin, while attending college.

Isaiah "Zay" Broussard, was a young man who experienced a very tragic event when he lost his brother and sister in an accident. As part of his healing process, he left New Orleans for a fresh start. The fi ...more

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Apr 30, 2015 Tina Young rated it it was amazing

Deep...

This story was very Intriguing and very Deep. It pulls at the heart and soul. I laughed and I cried because I felt as if I were there living Jersey's life. Character Chemistry was on point as in each Jacinta Howard book I've read. I would love to read more from Jersey, Zay, Devin, Willow, Travis, and Bam. Learning to Trust and Love when you're not used to having either is very difficult and can sometimes cause you to give up on ever obtaining it. This is an absolute must read story that's ...more

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Sep 23, 2016 Andrea rated it it was amazing

At first I thought that I was too old to read books about college students, but I think that this is a beautifully written story for all ages. It's not just a great love story, it's a story about pain, loss, moving on, not letting your past define you, the therapeutic effect of music, and realizing that love is worth the risk. Loved it! Now if I could only find my own Zay... :) ...more

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Aug 28, 2017 reneeNaDaBomb rated it really liked it

Shelves: aa-romance, pop-rock-stars

Happiness In Jersey (The Prototype Book 1)

This novel is about Zay Broussard and Jersey Kincaid's life and 💘 story. I read these books in the opposite order and it worked for me. It's all 💘 though, right? ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Bernadette Mercado rated it it was amazing

Being my first Jacinta book, Happiness in Jersey is an amazing listen! It just hooks you in from the start. There are times when I was annoyed with Jersey and how she was, but remember that she went through hardships growing up and had to be guarded. I'm glad she gave Zay a chance and applaud Zay for having so much patience for her. I love their chemistry and the bond they share. The way Jacinta described their appearance and features...they must be the most beautiful couple! Now for narration, ...more

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May 15, 2019 Monique D. rated it it was amazing

Beautiful story of a young woman (Jersey) who was struggling with emotional deficiencies and not feeling like she was enough for anyone or anything except her music. Enters a handsome young man (Zay) who despite his own pain knew she was the one for him. Zay recognized Jersey's constant back and forth with him was her coping mechanisms and was holding her back from a life of happiness. Despite all of this, he chose to fight for her and their love - he loved her just that much. I believe these tw ...more

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Sep 05, 2016 Sonia rated it liked it

Angst.

Three stars is being very generous...more like 2 1/2 stars. This author is about angst, angst and more angst. This author did a good job on the H character....a great book boyfriend, the only saving grace in this book. Let's talk about the h. Through 80 percent of the book, I thought the character was boorish, obnoxious, pretentious and so unlikable. Oh, I guess the fact that she was pretty and a talented musician made her behavior acceptable? My bad. All those confrontations with men that Angst.

Three stars is being very generous...more like 2 1/2 stars. This author is about angst, angst and more angst. This author did a good job on the H character....a great book boyfriend, the only saving grace in this book. Let's talk about the h. Through 80 percent of the book, I thought the character was boorish, obnoxious, pretentious and so unlikable. Oh, I guess the fact that she was pretty and a talented musician made her behavior acceptable? My bad. All those confrontations with men that she slept with....was she suppose to be better than them? Was her sass supposed to show her superiority or her stupidity? Really? They were dogs and she had sex with them...what does that make her? Oh forget, she was pretty and magnetic. This author did such a poor job in developing this character that I did not like the character nor did I get to understand her dysfunction...when was she going to deal. I understood that she had issues and I wondered how the author was going to resolve then. Oh, I forget, let's do angst, angst and more angst and have her wallow in her problems.

The life changing incident plus the behavior of her father was unacceptable and heart breaking. The author did a poor of explaining the dynamics between the h and her parents. The author failed to provide an avenue for the h to understand herself and her circumstances. The author did not use the friends or a counsellor or a support group to understand the circumstances of her life that would help her accept and deal with her circumstances. The h was in college, at what point does the character begin to understand her circumstances? No, all we get angst, angst and more angst and the author does nothing to improve the perception of the character. However, the H was able to deal with his problems and come out on the other side. Really? Really? The planet that we live in shows that 60 percent of marriages end in a divorce; there are more single people now than at any time of our history a reading romance novels is pure fantasy. How is it that a man can sort out his sh#t; however, a woman can barely cope. Really? Really? I want a great book boyfriend and a great woman character, who is facing many challenges ; however, comes out on the other side . In addition, if she wears super hero underpants, then she needs to step up to the plate, lol.

So at about 92 percent of the book, the author decided to stop stringing her readers along and we have the reckoning. Even that scene was handled so much better by the H, the perfect book boyfriend. Th h finally decided to take responsibility for her life. By the time I get to the HEA, I was done. It was nice; just not satisfying. To each his own and this is not a 5 star read. It is just an angst driven book that I was glad when I got to the end. I am going to have to go and re-read a favorite book of mine to scrub my brain, lol. ...more

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Nov 04, 2014 Chu rated it it was amazing

Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

Jersey wasn’t easily likable because of her baggage and issues in life – but she’ll win you over. She puts on the tough-girl persona, but deep inside she’s a little girl who’s desperate to feel that she belonged. No thanks to her father who drinks and calls her to berate her . She didn’t believe in love, you can’t blame her for it. I was watching her cover-up and ran away from each possible emotion. She had no one except for her best f Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

Jersey wasn’t easily likable because of her baggage and issues in life – but she’ll win you over. She puts on the tough-girl persona, but deep inside she’s a little girl who’s desperate to feel that she belonged. No thanks to her father who drinks and calls her to berate her . She didn’t believe in love, you can’t blame her for it. I was watching her cover-up and ran away from each possible emotion. She had no one except for her best friend Devin – and I love their relationship. He knows her – he takes care of her in his own way, and he didn’t cross THAT line.

So basically her life revolves on hooking up, playing bass with her band, The Prototype, working in a coffee shop and trying her best not to lose her scholarship in school. It was a cycle – until those gray eyes came into her view and got her insides in a twist. She wasn’t use to this kind of turmoil, so she hesitated. But this guy was persistent, and determined. She can feel sparks, but she’d die first before admitting it to anyone. Little did she know that there was more to him than what meets the eye. They share the same type of grief, the pain of losing someone, but they were coping differently.

You will adore Zay! He was the type of man who knows what he wants, knows how to get it, but didn’t have to be all-alpha about it. Like Devin, he knew exactly what she needed and when she needed it. Every time that he does something for her – I was like: Do you want him or no? Because I WANT THIS GUY! He was almost perfect! He’s hot, he’s thoughtful, he can play any instruments, and he knows which buttons to push.

I hated her, I loved her, I hated her, I loved her. I have the epitome of a love-hate relationship with Jersey since it all started. I didn’t expect to like this novel THAT much, more so, LOVED it totally. Jersey’s journey towards her HEA was a little tough, with a whole lot of tumbles along the way, a sprinkle of mistakes, and a whole dash of romance with an amazing guy.

I must say, I just found another favorite! Jacinda Howard wrote a well-written, unputdownable read that will have you captivated in no time. Emotions were all over the place, you’re going to love it and hate it at the same time. Jersey knows how to push you with a little effort on her part until you have no choice but to love her. At the end of the novel, I must say, I did found Happiness in Jersey!

•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
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Oct 01, 2014 Alex Kinley rated it really liked it

Shelves: blk-love, romance, new-adult, lol-able, college, diversity

ARC kindly provided for honest review

The first page hooked me so hard I couldn’t put the book back down after I began.

Jersey is a no-nonsense college student/bass player who doesn’t exactly come off as chipper. She’s brash but interesting. There’s a lot below the surface that I’m dying to find out about who Jersey is but more so WHY Jersey is. Why does she have that hard facade? When sexy, gray-eyed Zay shows up at his cousin and Jersey’s bandmate’s house, Jersey is stunned but also put off by

The connection between Jersey and Zay is hot but more so heart-warming. Zay is so freaking sweet. SO sweet and Jersey...well, Jersey isn't most the time but she was still lovable and I couldn't help but root for her.

Happiness in Jersey has a perfect mixture of humor and intensity and sexiness. Jacinta Howard did something that I’ve been looking for authors who write about diverse characters to do and I have a hard time finding quality versions of it. Jacinta took a common theme in the New Adult genre (contemporary college romances) and gave us relatable characters that’s aren't deemed as the “default,” in appearance.

I love books because of their stories but I still have a desire to read about different types of characters. This story in itself is original but I like that I can compare Happiness in Jersey to books I’ve enjoyed like, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire or Dearest Clementine by Lex Martin. Just like reality, Jersey is like any other girl who's conflict isn’t based on anything stereotypical or cliche. I hope that with more books like, Happiness in Jersey, diverse books will start to trickle into the “New Adult” category on Amazon instead of only being found in African-American/Multi-Cultural because these stories should be read by everyone, not just one demographic. Our world and the new adult generation is more than what we see in the genre and I really hope that we’ll start to see more diversity in it soon.
...more

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Jul 03, 2019 Déja rated it really liked it

Love & Happiness

Happiness in Jersey (The Prototype #1) is about bass player/ second vocalist of the Prototype Jersey Kincaid and guitarist Isaiah “Zay” Broussard. From the opening chapter you know Jersey is a little rough around the edges but it’s expected when you lose your mother as a newborn and your emotionally abusive drunk of a father blames you. She hooks up with dudes trying to feel some kind of pleasure but recently it’s left her feeling empty. Zay is the cousin of her bandmate Travis. ...more

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Nov 12, 2014 Read Candy Read rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, black-romance

I loved Jersey and her story. As a person who has difficulty dealing with her feelings she was so relatable. Her college experience will sound familiar to many women.

The way Jacinta builds the relationships between her characters is so natural and beautiful. Jersey doesn't want to date and she doesn't aspire to love for her future. She kind of keeps everyone (including her friends) at arm’s length or in a box. Her friends were one of my favorite things in the story. They all support and allow h ...more

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Feb 01, 2015 Deena rated it it was amazing

Confession: When I first started reading this book, and realized that Jersey was 19, I almost stopped reading. My kids are 24 and 26, and I hear enough of their young love angst, that I didn't think I would be interested in reading about someone even younger. But, a couple of my book buddies had read the book and recommended it highly, so I kept on reading. I'm so glad I did! This was such a good story! And it had me all in my feelings - had me in tears at my desk and on the train, lol.

Jersey i ...more

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About Jacinta Howard

Jacinta Howard

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A longtime culture and music journalist and lifelong music lover, Jacinta Howard lives in the Atlanta area. For years, she's worked as a writer and editor, covering entertainment, art, and pop culture, and the experiences she gained writing about artists, musicians and cultural trends naturally seep their way into her stories. She is the author of new adult, women's fiction, and contemporary roman ...more

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Quotes from Happiness In Jersey

“You're my problem! You're my solution! You're my my high; you're my low! You're my muse; you're my pain! It's you. Everything! Everything I do and think and breathe is you!” — 2 likes

“I’m whatever she needs me to be, whenever she needs me to be it,” his raspy baritone was low as he stared pointedly at Pops.” — 2 likes

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