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Jackson Brothers #1
The Honeymoon Trap
They were on the honeymoon of a lifetime. Pity it wasn’t theirs.
Eli Jackson has just married the woman of his dreams. Sure, it was part of an online role-playing game and not exactly real, but he totally dominated the wedding battle that followed and his lady wife was very impressed.
Eli never imagined that his brothers would bestow on them a real-world honeymoon package at one of the Gold Coast’s premier hotels. He never figured on costume designer Zoey Daniels being such fun. Together they’re dynamite, but Eli’s not looking for a real relationship and Zoey lives only for the day.
Besides, no one falls in love this fast. Do they?
Eli Jackson has just married the woman of his dreams. Sure, it was part of an online role-playing game and not exactly real, but he totally dominated the wedding battle that followed and his lady wife was very impressed.
Eli never imagined that his brothers would bestow on them a real-world honeymoon package at one of the Gold Coast’s premier hotels. He never figured on costume designer Zoey Daniels being such fun. Together they’re dynamite, but Eli’s not looking for a real relationship and Zoey lives only for the day.
Besides, no one falls in love this fast. Do they?
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2014
178 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hunter
286 books422 followersAustralian born Kelly Hunter is a three time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist, a USA Today Bestselling author and loves writing to the demands of the short category romance form.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 9, 2014
A cute romantic escape
Every Friday afternoon for the last two years, Zoey and Eli have met online to play a game together. One day, Eli's brothers play with them when Eli and Zoey's characters are getting married. This leads to the conversation of Eli needing to start dating again. It's been 5 years since the death of his girlfriend Simone and his brothers decide they will take action into their hands. They decide to send Eli to a gamers convention and have Zoey meet him there. Sharing the room together, they get to know each other better. Zoey is open about her feelings towards Eli, but Eli is still cautious of dating again. Will she be able to break down the walls Eli has built to protect himself?
This was a really cute story, but I had some trouble with the game references. I have never been a gamer, so the parts that referred to games went over my head. But, the love story was strong enough to carry the book for me. I enjoyed seeing how they finally come together.
Every Friday afternoon for the last two years, Zoey and Eli have met online to play a game together. One day, Eli's brothers play with them when Eli and Zoey's characters are getting married. This leads to the conversation of Eli needing to start dating again. It's been 5 years since the death of his girlfriend Simone and his brothers decide they will take action into their hands. They decide to send Eli to a gamers convention and have Zoey meet him there. Sharing the room together, they get to know each other better. Zoey is open about her feelings towards Eli, but Eli is still cautious of dating again. Will she be able to break down the walls Eli has built to protect himself?
This was a really cute story, but I had some trouble with the game references. I have never been a gamer, so the parts that referred to games went over my head. But, the love story was strong enough to carry the book for me. I enjoyed seeing how they finally come together.
July 15, 2014
It was just okay. I hate to say that about a KH book but there you are. Mostly I think it suffered from being only a novella. There was potential for a complete novel and it needed it really. There were plenty of amusing bits of dialog which is really Ms. Hunter's strength and I loved those bits. The part that wasn't so wonderful was all the gaming stuff I say that as the wife and mother of gamer geeks. The way the characters spoke as they played the video games et al didn't ring true, didn't seem solid enough. Maybe it was because the author made it all so generic instead of using a real MMORPG to have her characters play. That wouldn't have solved the weird dialog issue though so I don't know.
There was a bit of insta love going on although I know that online gaming friends are considered real friends but still...If the book had been longer that could have been alleviated somewhat.
Cute but not super memorable.
There was a bit of insta love going on although I know that online gaming friends are considered real friends but still...If the book had been longer that could have been alleviated somewhat.
Cute but not super memorable.
August 24, 2016
Hang on.. This finished at 45% . The blurb states that its 225 pages long - but is that the Eli story or does that include whatever it is that pads out the rest of the download??? ( What a Bride Wants ) I HATE it when a story ends with a huge wodge of 'other stuff'
We have an excerpt from 'The Heart of Caleb Jackson' (45% - 50%) then the 'bonus story' which takes up 50% of the download.
Why do authors need to pad out a download with something else? When I am reading, I tend to 'plot' a story by the amount left to read - 80% and you know you are on the home run, 85% and with any luck there is a moment of high tension where it could all fall apart.
I don't WANT 'bonus stories'. If I want to download one, I want it as a separate story.
As for the actual story - it was too short to have any real character development, or depth.
We have an excerpt from 'The Heart of Caleb Jackson' (45% - 50%) then the 'bonus story' which takes up 50% of the download.
Why do authors need to pad out a download with something else? When I am reading, I tend to 'plot' a story by the amount left to read - 80% and you know you are on the home run, 85% and with any luck there is a moment of high tension where it could all fall apart.
I don't WANT 'bonus stories'. If I want to download one, I want it as a separate story.
As for the actual story - it was too short to have any real character development, or depth.
September 13, 2014
I wanted to like this book. The plot is fun and similar to a marriage of convenience which I like but a little different. I just could not connect with the characters. The story line was a bit hard to follow for me (especially at the convention). Even though Eli and Zoey knew each other from online gaming for years I could believe how they were falling in love after a few days. There was some chemistry, but love...I was not convinced. I also thought the repeated mention of Eli's previous girlfriend was too much.
August 30, 2016
Sweet and geeky and charming in just the right way.
September 22, 2016
Why do authors/publishers give away free novellas? In the hope that you like the author/series and seek out more of their books. Worked here. I really enjoyed this novella (which is a rarety for that format) and am adding Kelly Hunter to my list of favorite Australia romance authors whom I seek out (Sarah Mayberry, Karina Bliss, Fiona Lowe)
My biggest issue with this book is that it was so short – I loved both lead characters and the backdrop is one I so rarely encounter in books that I wanted to dive in more. Our lead character, Eli, is the youngest, quietest and geekies of the three Jackson brothers who’s never quite gotten over the death of his ex-girlfriend. He “met” Fuzzy playing an on-line computer game. “Met” is used loosely because even though he’s been playing with her for two years, he’s never met her in person. That’s not even her real name. Thank god.
Zooey’s a costume designer and maker, who specializes in making elaborate kits for people who role play (cos play). Eli’s older brothers are tired of watching this virtual friendship plod along so they take matters into their own hands. They maneuver Fuzzy and Eli into a fake wedding for their characters, and then they book a trip for the too of them to a major Con weekend on the Gold Coast. Zooey’s thrilled ot get away while Eli grudgingly accepts.
Eli had been attracted to her in the real world, but he’s blown away when he meets her in person. He tries to hide that, which is made that much harder when they’re upgraded to the Honeymoon suite. It’s not hard to guess what happens with that forced proximity.
I just loved these characters and the way the romance developed between the two. I just wanted more of them! 4/5
My biggest issue with this book is that it was so short – I loved both lead characters and the backdrop is one I so rarely encounter in books that I wanted to dive in more. Our lead character, Eli, is the youngest, quietest and geekies of the three Jackson brothers who’s never quite gotten over the death of his ex-girlfriend. He “met” Fuzzy playing an on-line computer game. “Met” is used loosely because even though he’s been playing with her for two years, he’s never met her in person. That’s not even her real name. Thank god.
Zooey’s a costume designer and maker, who specializes in making elaborate kits for people who role play (cos play). Eli’s older brothers are tired of watching this virtual friendship plod along so they take matters into their own hands. They maneuver Fuzzy and Eli into a fake wedding for their characters, and then they book a trip for the too of them to a major Con weekend on the Gold Coast. Zooey’s thrilled ot get away while Eli grudgingly accepts.
Eli had been attracted to her in the real world, but he’s blown away when he meets her in person. He tries to hide that, which is made that much harder when they’re upgraded to the Honeymoon suite. It’s not hard to guess what happens with that forced proximity.
I just loved these characters and the way the romance developed between the two. I just wanted more of them! 4/5
February 12, 2016
Full review at Book Thingo.
Hunter packs a big story into this novella. Gamer Girl displays Hunter’s prowess with sharp dialogue and her intuition for creating emotional layers that don’t have to be spelled out to the reader. This is the kind of book where I don’t really remember every element of the plot, but I remember how I felt while reading the story.
It’s possible that Hunter’s male dialogue is a caricature of how men talk, but I don’t even care. They are delicious, and any romance reader who identifies more with their heroes should definitely give this series a try. There’s a tendency for Zoey to walk the line between modern heroine and manic pixie dream girl, but Hunter gives her enough foibles to balance out her persona.
My biggest criticism of this book is that at times it just gets way too intense for too long. I love intensity in a romance — no, I need intensity in a romance — but I would have liked more breathing room just to enjoy the characters without my heart being in my throat all the time. Even Eli’s brothers are larger than life, and when all three of them are on the page, I feel so many feelings I don’t know what to do with myself!
Content advisory: Guard thy ovaries lest they explode.
Hunter packs a big story into this novella. Gamer Girl displays Hunter’s prowess with sharp dialogue and her intuition for creating emotional layers that don’t have to be spelled out to the reader. This is the kind of book where I don’t really remember every element of the plot, but I remember how I felt while reading the story.
It’s possible that Hunter’s male dialogue is a caricature of how men talk, but I don’t even care. They are delicious, and any romance reader who identifies more with their heroes should definitely give this series a try. There’s a tendency for Zoey to walk the line between modern heroine and manic pixie dream girl, but Hunter gives her enough foibles to balance out her persona.
My biggest criticism of this book is that at times it just gets way too intense for too long. I love intensity in a romance — no, I need intensity in a romance — but I would have liked more breathing room just to enjoy the characters without my heart being in my throat all the time. Even Eli’s brothers are larger than life, and when all three of them are on the page, I feel so many feelings I don’t know what to do with myself!
Content advisory: Guard thy ovaries lest they explode.
October 22, 2022
I generally prefer romance with characters in their 30s+ but this adorable novella by Kelly Hunter, while featuring twenty-somethings, was utterly charming and original. I love me a shy hero, especially when paired with a spunky heroine (who demonstrates her own version of courage in the story.) And while there are serious background themes, the dialogue is snappy, witty, and sexy. Hunter can write, and she creates a lovely romance that's quirky and heartwarming. She rocks the tropes without resorting to cliche, and setting the story at a gamers' convention was a breath of fresh air.
December 1, 2019
Absolutely adorable story about two people who found love in the weirdest setting - online gaming. Eli's brothers tricked him into meeting Zoey. She's just what he needs to ease the pain of lost love. Sweet and sexy, this a great story!
August 18, 2017
Super short book, novella.
A little bit of instant love, though the couple has "known" each other for 2 years from on-line gaming, they had never met face to face. The H has spent 5 years grieving for a dead girlfriend and his brothers think it's time for him to move on. They "invite" his on-line friend to go with him to a gaming convention. She (the heroine) thinks it was the Hero who invited her and agrees.
It a bit of an opposites attract kind of story. The heroine is a bit of a free spirit who like to dress up and do role playing, very vivacious and outgoing. While the Hero is more shy, retiring and serious. In the start the only thing they have in common is their gaming.
The story progresses nicely from there and their relationship develops quickly. There are some issues they have to overcome, but they get it resolved fast enough. I guess the author couldn't drag the story out anymore since it was just a novella. All in all a good read.
A little bit of instant love, though the couple has "known" each other for 2 years from on-line gaming, they had never met face to face. The H has spent 5 years grieving for a dead girlfriend and his brothers think it's time for him to move on. They "invite" his on-line friend to go with him to a gaming convention. She (the heroine) thinks it was the Hero who invited her and agrees.
It a bit of an opposites attract kind of story. The heroine is a bit of a free spirit who like to dress up and do role playing, very vivacious and outgoing. While the Hero is more shy, retiring and serious. In the start the only thing they have in common is their gaming.
The story progresses nicely from there and their relationship develops quickly. There are some issues they have to overcome, but they get it resolved fast enough. I guess the author couldn't drag the story out anymore since it was just a novella. All in all a good read.
September 16, 2017
Combined with another e-book as a novella --The Courage of Eli
Title refers to courage Eli needs to get over the death of his lover who died 5 years before this book's events occurred.
Could also apply to Zoey's exuberance, risk-taking in spite of her medical history.
Topics not typically covered in "romance" book:
Surfing
Fan Conventions
gaming,
Steampunk costumes
Chapter 7 (electronic page of2545 of 3266 of the combined with The Bride Who Wouldn't)
When questioned about why she touches people while talking to them or greeting them:
"They say that touch is second last sense to go,... After that goes, you just talk to them, ... I touch people out of habit, Eli. Because I want them to know that I'm around and that they're not alone. I touch because I want the reassurance that I am not alone."
Title refers to courage Eli needs to get over the death of his lover who died 5 years before this book's events occurred.
Could also apply to Zoey's exuberance, risk-taking in spite of her medical history.
Topics not typically covered in "romance" book:
Surfing
Fan Conventions
gaming,
Steampunk costumes
Chapter 7 (electronic page of2545 of 3266 of the combined with The Bride Who Wouldn't)
When questioned about why she touches people while talking to them or greeting them:
"They say that touch is second last sense to go,... After that goes, you just talk to them, ... I touch people out of habit, Eli. Because I want them to know that I'm around and that they're not alone. I touch because I want the reassurance that I am not alone."
January 12, 2025
This was just okay.
The two main characters, Eli and Zoey, are gamers and have been gaming with each other for years. When Eli's older brothers learn they're getting married in the game to level up, they take it one step further and encourage them to meet IRL at a game convention and book them a hotel honeymoon suite. The forced proximity moves along the relationship yadda, yadda, yadda...
I think the idea of this romance was good, but I struggled with the execution. I didnt feel the connection between Zoey and Eli so to me, it felt forced. Not a romance that worked.
Reading Challenge 2025
Month: Jan. Letters: C/D
The two main characters, Eli and Zoey, are gamers and have been gaming with each other for years. When Eli's older brothers learn they're getting married in the game to level up, they take it one step further and encourage them to meet IRL at a game convention and book them a hotel honeymoon suite. The forced proximity moves along the relationship yadda, yadda, yadda...
I think the idea of this romance was good, but I struggled with the execution. I didnt feel the connection between Zoey and Eli so to me, it felt forced. Not a romance that worked.
Reading Challenge 2025
Month: Jan. Letters: C/D
August 20, 2017
My first time reading this author. I loved it. Two geeks who play games on the computer meet each other for the first time at a gaming convention. Eli has closed himself off from life after the woman he loved died and is not sure if he wants to pursue anything with Zoey. Zoey is a woman full of zest and life but there something about her that she does not at first tell Eli that when he finds out alarmed. In the end they both work out their angst and start a relationship that eventually leads to marriage. Cute quaint story.
March 1, 2021
The Courage of Eli Jackson is the first in Kelly Hunter’s Jackson Brothers’ trilogy, and is about the youngest, Eli, short for Elias, and Zoey Daniels, whom he just married in their online role-playing game.
When his brothers urge him to meet Zoey in person at a gaming convention, he reluctantly agrees, and he and Zoey get along like gang busters in person as well.
Kelly Hunter’s story is warm and gripping, as Eli and Zoey come to terms with the realities of living and loving in the real world... Her characters are funny and well-drawn, and I can’t wait for the others in the series.
When his brothers urge him to meet Zoey in person at a gaming convention, he reluctantly agrees, and he and Zoey get along like gang busters in person as well.
Kelly Hunter’s story is warm and gripping, as Eli and Zoey come to terms with the realities of living and loving in the real world... Her characters are funny and well-drawn, and I can’t wait for the others in the series.
December 29, 2023
Eli Jackson is the baby of the Jackson family that runs a business that does everything from trawling to making boats. He also is a gamer and has been gaming with a woman going by the name of Fuzzy. When his brothers join in one night they find out who Fuzzy is really and they hook up their brother in more ways than one. So when Eli is heading off to a gaming convention his middle brother, Cutter, sets it up so that Zoey is also there staying in the same room with Eli. Now Eli hasn’t been with a woman in five years and things get heated fast but the story is true to someone who has to let go of the past and look forward to the future no matter what it holds.
October 28, 2016
This was a cute, fun read full of pure fantastical fluff. Nerdy hot boy and bouncy creative girl who have been gaming partners for years finally meet at a con after boy's brothers set them up for a weekend together. It's really short (shorter than I was expecting because of the page count-turns out there was a surprise extra novella with it). The character development was well done for such a short story though and I'm definitely going to read the other two Jackson brothers' stories.
May 18, 2017
Short
There are two novellas here (without warning), and both were too short. The author got good stories going, then seemed to rush to the end, which is a shame. The main characters were charming and well-rounded, and the plots interesting, then, BANG "the end". It's almost as if Ms Hunter had a beginning, 1/2 a middle, and the end. That's why I gave 3 stars. BTW, the 2nd story is billed as a bonus and is after another book's preview (just so you know).
There are two novellas here (without warning), and both were too short. The author got good stories going, then seemed to rush to the end, which is a shame. The main characters were charming and well-rounded, and the plots interesting, then, BANG "the end". It's almost as if Ms Hunter had a beginning, 1/2 a middle, and the end. That's why I gave 3 stars. BTW, the 2nd story is billed as a bonus and is after another book's preview (just so you know).
November 12, 2016
This was adorable! I loved how Eli referred to Zoey as 'Zoey wife'. The use of singular quotation marks in lieu of double quotations was slightly off putting at first, but I got used to it. I can't wait to see how the other Jackson brothers fall in love!
October 22, 2018
Oh. This is a novella with a other novella tacked on. It fell a little short for me. Insta romance and joy fully fleshed out characters because of the length. I probably wont read on in the series.
May 22, 2020
This was the longest short story I've ever read; it just went on & on. I didn't like the characters or the story; it dealt with some heavy topics yet felt very superficial. I'm not one to not finish a book I start but would have dropped this one if it hadn't been a short story. Glad it ended.
July 10, 2017
I've read this as part of the "Australian Bestseller Box Set".
Loved it! Terrific story, well written! AND it makes me want to read the other characters' stories. The MCs were so good together.
Loved it! Terrific story, well written! AND it makes me want to read the other characters' stories. The MCs were so good together.
June 27, 2018
This book brought a smile to my face, loved it
October 4, 2018
3.5 stars
March 6, 2020
Loved reading this story and meeting the brothers being typical drive u crazy but has ur back
books-boxed-sets
April 16, 2021In boxed set - "His Only Valentine"
October 16, 2016
I didn't realise that this was a novella when I began, so was hugely disappointed when the book ends just as Eli and Zoey's story is taking off (in my opinion). I liked what I read because the protagonists and the secondary characters held my attention along with the setting. However, I don't feel the pull to read Caleb and Cutter's books if they're as short as this.
October 29, 2014
4.5 stars
Sometimes I download books that I don't actually think I will like that much. Books that seem like they will be cheesy or too much or just not that good, but for some reason they intrigue me at the same time. Like I need to see how they play the storyline out or something. Not something that will be super terrible, something that will at least be entertaining, but not something that will stick with me or make me go out and get more by the author. A pallet cleanser of sorts, something to just lightly entertain. The Honeymoon Trap was one of those books for me. I didn't think I would really like it. It sounded like a cheesy story, but an interesting idea so why not try it out? Boy was I wrong. This was a great read. I was so surprised by how much I loved it. It is a quick, easy read but so much fun right from the start. I definitely need to check out more from this author.
Eli and Zoey have been playing an online role-playing game together for the past two years. They play every Friday and they both look forward to that time every week. Eli had a girlfriend he loved, but she died 5 years ago in an accident. Since then Eli hasn't really moved on. It has only been in the past year that he has started to even notice other women. He definitely doesn't want to move on and isn't ready to start a new relationship yet. He is not ready to let his dead love go completely. In real life he comes across as the shy brother, always taking a back seat to his older brothers. He lets them fight it out for the lime light. He is fine in the shadows. He doesn't notice that he does have his own presence, that people do notice him.
Zoey is so full of life and just has this huge presence. When they first meet she is parting the sea of convention goers in her elaborate purple dress. You cannot miss her. She is a costume designer and lives life to the fullest. People definitely notice her and she so easily finds connections with everyone around her. She is so warm and caring and free.
When they meet they are both take a back by their instant connection. Eli tries to fight it, but Zoey doesn't make it easy on him. They find out a lot about each other in the few days they spend together and they both fall hard. Sometimes authors don't really pull off the love at first sight thing, but this time I believed it. Partly it was how long they have been playing their online role-playing game together. Yes, they didn't divulge personal information, but you still get to know the other person somewhat. I loved Zoey and how quick witted she was. She as almost larger than life. It went so well with Eli who is used to keeping to the shadows. The differences between them really made it work. I loved them together and loved reading this story. I definitely need to read more by this author.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Sometimes I download books that I don't actually think I will like that much. Books that seem like they will be cheesy or too much or just not that good, but for some reason they intrigue me at the same time. Like I need to see how they play the storyline out or something. Not something that will be super terrible, something that will at least be entertaining, but not something that will stick with me or make me go out and get more by the author. A pallet cleanser of sorts, something to just lightly entertain. The Honeymoon Trap was one of those books for me. I didn't think I would really like it. It sounded like a cheesy story, but an interesting idea so why not try it out? Boy was I wrong. This was a great read. I was so surprised by how much I loved it. It is a quick, easy read but so much fun right from the start. I definitely need to check out more from this author.
Eli and Zoey have been playing an online role-playing game together for the past two years. They play every Friday and they both look forward to that time every week. Eli had a girlfriend he loved, but she died 5 years ago in an accident. Since then Eli hasn't really moved on. It has only been in the past year that he has started to even notice other women. He definitely doesn't want to move on and isn't ready to start a new relationship yet. He is not ready to let his dead love go completely. In real life he comes across as the shy brother, always taking a back seat to his older brothers. He lets them fight it out for the lime light. He is fine in the shadows. He doesn't notice that he does have his own presence, that people do notice him.
Zoey is so full of life and just has this huge presence. When they first meet she is parting the sea of convention goers in her elaborate purple dress. You cannot miss her. She is a costume designer and lives life to the fullest. People definitely notice her and she so easily finds connections with everyone around her. She is so warm and caring and free.
When they meet they are both take a back by their instant connection. Eli tries to fight it, but Zoey doesn't make it easy on him. They find out a lot about each other in the few days they spend together and they both fall hard. Sometimes authors don't really pull off the love at first sight thing, but this time I believed it. Partly it was how long they have been playing their online role-playing game together. Yes, they didn't divulge personal information, but you still get to know the other person somewhat. I loved Zoey and how quick witted she was. She as almost larger than life. It went so well with Eli who is used to keeping to the shadows. The differences between them really made it work. I loved them together and loved reading this story. I definitely need to read more by this author.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
July 11, 2014
In The Honeymoon Trap by Kelly Hunter, Eli and Zoey have been on-line gaming partners in a virtual world every Friday night for 2 years. When he's on line, Eli can escape to a world where nothing is really real, where he doesn't have to communicate real life stuff. When his brother's become involved and 'meet' Zoey, they decide it's time for Eli to stop hiding and start living again. Pushing Eli to go to a gaming conference where he'll not only meet Zoey but room with her seems like the perfect idea. Especially when the brothers book them the Honeymoon Suite!
Eli is not looking for love though. He lets the past and what happened there dominate his life. Zoey has her own problems, but she definitely doesn't let them pull her down. She embraces and lives life. When she can feel the attraction between her and Eli, she's excited for it and interested to see where it could go. An attraction Eli doesn't want but can't ignore, an attraction Zoey accepts as a good thing and starts falling for Eli. The chemistry between them is heating up... What started out as a virtual friendship suddenly is on the verge of becoming so much more if they will let it. Will they? Can Eli finally move on from the past that haunts him and look forward to the future?
Kelly gives us an ultra modern romance in The Honeymoon Trap with Elia and Zoey. With a unique concept and well paced writing, The Honeymoon Trap has both funny and more serious elements to it...just like real life. I really liked Zoey's character. Despite her problems she is happy, has a very positive outlook, and lives in the present. I also liked how even when she wasn't sure where things would go with her and Eli she didn't become clingy. Eli has never moved on from the death of someone he loved 5 years ago. He is comfortable in his life (alone) and with his on line friends. I saw a lot of personal growth in Eli, it was really sweet and I was so happy to see him moving on, even if it is a struggle for him. He is way too young to not give the future or any other woman a chance!
Eli's brothers are great secondary characters, I'd love to meet them again! Since it's a novella, there isn't a lot of background on anyone, but enough that it is easy to get to know Eli and Zoey.
If you are a romance reader looking for a fast paced, fun, uber modern read, you'll enjoy The Honeymoon Trap!
Eli is not looking for love though. He lets the past and what happened there dominate his life. Zoey has her own problems, but she definitely doesn't let them pull her down. She embraces and lives life. When she can feel the attraction between her and Eli, she's excited for it and interested to see where it could go. An attraction Eli doesn't want but can't ignore, an attraction Zoey accepts as a good thing and starts falling for Eli. The chemistry between them is heating up... What started out as a virtual friendship suddenly is on the verge of becoming so much more if they will let it. Will they? Can Eli finally move on from the past that haunts him and look forward to the future?
Kelly gives us an ultra modern romance in The Honeymoon Trap with Elia and Zoey. With a unique concept and well paced writing, The Honeymoon Trap has both funny and more serious elements to it...just like real life. I really liked Zoey's character. Despite her problems she is happy, has a very positive outlook, and lives in the present. I also liked how even when she wasn't sure where things would go with her and Eli she didn't become clingy. Eli has never moved on from the death of someone he loved 5 years ago. He is comfortable in his life (alone) and with his on line friends. I saw a lot of personal growth in Eli, it was really sweet and I was so happy to see him moving on, even if it is a struggle for him. He is way too young to not give the future or any other woman a chance!
Eli's brothers are great secondary characters, I'd love to meet them again! Since it's a novella, there isn't a lot of background on anyone, but enough that it is easy to get to know Eli and Zoey.
If you are a romance reader looking for a fast paced, fun, uber modern read, you'll enjoy The Honeymoon Trap!
August 1, 2020
This series makes me so happy.
Disgustingly, barf-making, swooning-so-hard-you-get-the-dreamy-sighs, happy.
It's so rare to find a Romance author who can just let their characters be.
No unrealistic drama. No using sex as a weapon. No unconvincing dialogue filled with miscommunication simply to create conflict.
Just good old falling in love.
And that's exactly what you get with the Jackson Brothers trilogy.
Every book is like an instant endorphin high because the author gives you what you want.
I love a will they/won't they romance as much as the next but sometimes? Sometimes I purely want two people to meet, fall for each other and fuck all the rest.
Eli and Zoey do this.
It's no spoiler, you know it's going to happen, it's blindingly obvious from the get-go, and it's fucking beautiful to experience.
Because these two? These two flawed, brave, believably nerdy cinnamon rolls are perfect.
Not being hyperbolic, they are exactly as I say: perfect.
Eli with his fragility, heartbreaking protective instincts and unexpected humour.
Zoey with her unstoppable need to experience everything at its fullest, her resilience and her warmth.
These two fuckers, with their insta-love that didn't make me puke but did the exact opposite, their Firefly -based flirting, and their undeniable connection.
They wrecked me in just over 100 pages.
100 pages I would be wrecked all over again in a heartbeat.
The Courage of Eli Jackson is one of those stories you wish you could erase from your brain and experience for the first time all over again.
But it's also a story you wish you could keep with you, to call on sometimes, because it's just so damn lovely.
I'm completely gone for this series.
So gone.
Disgustingly, barf-making, swooning-so-hard-you-get-the-dreamy-sighs, happy.
It's so rare to find a Romance author who can just let their characters be.
No unrealistic drama. No using sex as a weapon. No unconvincing dialogue filled with miscommunication simply to create conflict.
Just good old falling in love.
And that's exactly what you get with the Jackson Brothers trilogy.
Every book is like an instant endorphin high because the author gives you what you want.
I love a will they/won't they romance as much as the next but sometimes? Sometimes I purely want two people to meet, fall for each other and fuck all the rest.
Eli and Zoey do this.
It's no spoiler, you know it's going to happen, it's blindingly obvious from the get-go, and it's fucking beautiful to experience.
Because these two? These two flawed, brave, believably nerdy cinnamon rolls are perfect.
Not being hyperbolic, they are exactly as I say: perfect.
Eli with his fragility, heartbreaking protective instincts and unexpected humour.
Zoey with her unstoppable need to experience everything at its fullest, her resilience and her warmth.
These two fuckers, with their insta-love that didn't make me puke but did the exact opposite, their Firefly -based flirting, and their undeniable connection.
They wrecked me in just over 100 pages.
100 pages I would be wrecked all over again in a heartbeat.
The Courage of Eli Jackson is one of those stories you wish you could erase from your brain and experience for the first time all over again.
But it's also a story you wish you could keep with you, to call on sometimes, because it's just so damn lovely.
I'm completely gone for this series.
So gone.
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