Jesse

Damage Control #2

by Jo Raven

Meet the Damage Control Boys, set in the world of the bestselling series Inked Brotherhood. This is New Adult Contemporary Romance.

Returning to Madison hurts. I thought I’d left my past behind, but the past goes on living. I carry it inside of me, it’s a piece of me. People have marked me in indelible ways and I drag the shreds of my soul behind me, trying to put my pieces back together. I’m not the Amber I used to be. I fly under the radar, try to be invisible.

It doesn't always work. Drawing attention scares me. It always spells trouble. Returning to my home town is a last ditch effort to lay my demons to rest and start anew, for good this time.

Meeting Jesse Lee wasn’t in the plan. Yet here he is with his heart-stopping, sexy grin, handsome like a god, shining bright. He’s full of life, full of heat, packing the energy of a thousand suns in his gaze and muscular body. Jesse burns, and the pain of being near him is sweet.

But he’s foiling my plans. It’s hard to remain a ghost when he’s around. Hard to avoid his attention, to remain invisible. He sees me, really sees me, and behind his bright radiance, I can see shadows from his own past crowding in. He’s swimming hard to stay afloat even as he reaches for me.

What is he afraid of? And how can he save me from drowning when he can’t even save himself?

Standalone novel. No cliffhanger.

*Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.*

JESSE is book 2 in the series Damage Control - a series set in the same world as Inked Brotherhood. The boys of Damage Control were taken in by Zane Madden and Rafe Vestri and offered apprenticeship and work in the tattoo shop Damage Control.

Next in the Damage Control series: SETH (Damage Control 3).

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Adult, Contemporary

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2015

About the author

Be the first to get your hands on Jo Raven’s new releases & offers, giveaways, previews, and more by signing up here ▶ http://bit.ly/1CTNTHM

Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.

Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).

Reviews

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am going to be very short with the review.

Lukewarm
I feel no sympathy with the characters. I hate Amber. She is weak and pathetic. Gah!!... Jesse is predictable and boring. Boring alpha male.

The steamy sex is typical jo raven.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, I don’t know where to begin! I discovered Jo Raven on Audible and I am so hooked on her books.
This is book 2 in the Damage Control Ink series. They are standalone and I recommend listening or reading to them in order. This story is about the incredibly sexy Jesse known manwhore. And Amber the girl who came back to her hometown to face her demons. She is doesn’t have any social skills due to her past. But luckily she makes friends through an old school friend Evangeline.
Amber meets Jesse at a house party and she notices how very handsome he is. He also notices her and when they finally meet she is turned off by his reputation.
This is such an amazing emotional and beautiful storyline!
Jesse has a horrible upbringing and past, it’s so sad it still haunts him. Amber’s past is no where as bad as his, but throughout the book as the storyline goes on they find themselves falling for each other. I loved the characters from the previous book, Micah and Ev. This is an emotional romance and wow 🔥🔥 the sex scenes are explicit.
The first 2 books are free with my plan and Sebastian York is the male narrator and my favorite ❤️🔥 the female narrator was good.

[Rachael Fick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, these books always hit me right in the feels. Anyone who has read the Inked Brotherhood series or the spin-off Damage Boys books will know that these guys haven't had it easy; but JESSE has a story that will break your heart.

From the outside, Jesse is a happy guy. He is working at Damage Control, has made friends & never wants for company. But things aren't always as they seem. His smiling face is nothing but a mask that hides an ugly past that he just can't seem to get away from. And then he meets Amber.

Amber just moved back to Madison to try to get over a past of her own. A past that made her leave Madison to save her sanity. She went through things that left deep emotional scars, and she can't seem to reclaim her life. She needs to face her fears if she can ever hope to move on. Then she meets Jesse.

Can these two people learn to move past their fears, and trust each other? Or will their insecurities get the best of them? With a storyline that will rip your heart to shreds, this book is a MUST 1click.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love Jo Raven's books I struggled with the heroine a bit in this one and didn't really warm to Amber until way past halfway through. Jesse, on the other hand, is such a sweet, tortured hero and I loved him from the get go. JR never fails to get me right in the feels, every single time.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Raven does it again with Jesse. This book brought me to tears hearing the things Jesse has managed to survive. With Amber he finds another survivor and someone who truly sees him for the wonderful man he is. Absolutely love this series and each story adds another layer to the bond they have with one another. Not to mention the strong women who are willing to fight to be by their sides

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Damage Control series. It can be read as a standalone.

This is Jesse and Ambers story. They've both been through so much heartache and pain. They are both broken in different ways.

Can two broken characters help each other heal and move on?

Has their past damaged them so much that they don't know how to move on?

I've gotta admit I loved this book even more than Micah. It's a great emotional read. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Loved it.

[Tracy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this book Jesse is such a Sweetheart bless him, this book shocked me in some ways and broke my heart in other ways i could relate to a lot of it i wanted to wrap jesse up in my arms and mind him, who am i kidding i want to have all the damage men ! you may need tissues a time or two but hopeless romantics you will love this book, Jesse will always be my book boyfriend

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me. A lot of that was due to Jesse. I’m not a big fan of the reformed man-whore and Jesse is that. With how Jesse and Amber met I was surprised that Amber even gave him a chance. Another thing that bugged me about Jesse was how he whined about how he was no good, no one would ever really want him, including his friends. I get why he was like that, but all of the guys had issues, yet he didn’t embrace the other guys as family, more held them at arm’s length.

Now with all this said I was glad to see how this one ended, glad that these two found a HEA.

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Jo Raven! The drama and romance never stop as manwhore Jesse and Amber, who was bullied in the past, meet. She's totally appalled by his behavior, but he's somewhat smitten with her crass comments. Amber tells it like it is. Never holding back, and Jesse respects her for it. As they come in contact more often, Jesse wears down Amber's negative thoughts of him and shows her that there's way more passion lurking within this bad boy. Jesse is a damaged male just trying to fit in and not lose his "family" once they learn about his past. He's a sweetheart and tries to move from under those past indiscretions, but will Amber stick around when she learns of his past and a possible betrayal?

Loved the back and forth between these two! The banter is laugh-out-loud funny! The attraction is there, but Amber is just so scared to take a chance on a person that has a past like Jesse. Is he trustworthy? Will he shatter her heart? And, will Amber run when she learns of Jesse's past? He was a character that I really felt sorry for. He was definitely worth the chance I thought. His heart was in the right place. He just had a lot to prove given his past. But, he was hard working, loyal, and damn right protective of the ones he loved. Such a wounded but yet strong character. And, Amber was definitely a courageous young woman as she returned to a town that held nothing but heartbreaking and abusive memories. Their love story was definitely one of triumph. Ms. Raven wrote about a damaged couple that found peace and love within each other. It is a powerful story that just pulls you in until the final page. Oh, and let's not forget the intimacy. Steamy and sultry! Passionately portrayed. With a gorgeous male like Jesse and an inexperienced girl like Amber, it was under-the-sheets gyrating at its very best! This was just one riveting romance! And, I loved it!

[Stephanie Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Jo Raven adds a new book boyfriend to my already long list. Her boys never fail to win me over. :)

Jesse has what I love reading in this genre. I went through many emotions while reading and more than once Jesse Lee broke my heart. Jesse and Amber while badly bruised for different reasons find ways to overcome everything, to open up to each other and care for each other. It was wonderful to see these characters evolve, to see them struggle with their issues and what their head told them when their heart were tugging them in a different direction.

I love this group of friends. They all have something to tell and it's always gut wrenching and at the same time beautiful.

Jesse is compelling, addictive and very difficult to put down. Not to mention hot! ;)

[Adoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Jo Raven. Every single character has some serious issue to deal with but at the end we get an HEA. I am curious and wonder about a few things. What was the point of Nick giving Amber his card I'm assuming we will find out in future books. But I love this series and group of characters I feel like I am in their world and I finish the book way to fast. But they are all read over and over.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Stephanie Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really had heart. Jess's had a really difficult life. On the surface he's a charming, carefree, talented manwhore. But inside his emotional scars run very deep. The only person he was ever close to is gone from his life. Zane and the others of the Inked Brotherhood have brought him into their fold and he's a tattoo apprentice. But he hoards his money and doesn't share his thoughts and feelings because he's convinced he'll be forced back out on the streets, homeless again, at any time. Nothing good ever lasts. Amber has recently returned to her hometown of Madison. Her parents moved the family to Chicago when she was in high school because of the horrific bullying she suffered which devastated her self-esteem. Now, she's stronger and determined to rebuild her life and redefine herself. But her past has made her leery of crowds and trusting people. Ev, her best friend in high school, has found her a roommate (Ev 's former roommate) and apartment, and Amber finds herself at a party, where she meets Jesse. He turns his considerable charm on her, and she responds with sarcasm and rudeness which, surprisingly, interests and intrigues him. He's just not used to women rejecting him. Ev, her boyfriend, and others of the tattoo shop (although they like Jesse) warn her that he's a player, and she should avoid him. But underneath the cold exterior she shows him, Amber is drawn to him, too. This one really tugs at your heartstrings. Jesse has low self esteem; he feels that his past makes him unworthy of good things coming his way. Being around Amber somehow calms and grounds him and he keeps seeking her out. Amber wants to believe he really is starting to care about her, too, but continues to have doubts because of his reputation and because of her own insecurities. I was upset with her when she'd lash out at him and make hurtful remarks that caused him pain. He really needed someone to believe in him who'd help him to believe in himself. There was a happy ending though.

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse always thinks the world is about to turn upside down. He never believes people will stay in his life, that they will like him, maybe even love him.

In the past Jesse had to survive the streets, he did what was necessary to feed himself. He is not proud of his past or his correct reputation. He was taken in by Zane and is part of Damage Control. Zane thinks Jesse is ready to tattoo on his own.

Amber is friends with Ev. Amber's family moved from Madison while she was still in high school to get her away from a bully, Nick Harris, who was making her life hell. Amber has nightmare's about being bullied and trapped/cornered. She is antisocial, awkward, she has anxiety issues and hates crowds.

Jesse likes her. She teases him back and is not intimidated or impressed by his good looks and hot body. He feels like she does not even like him which makes him more interested in Amber.

Jesse gives Amber the nickname Embers. She hates it and loves it. Amber has taken to calling Jesse JJ after hearing one of the guys call him Jesse James.

They form a friendship and a trust. Jesse shares his past with Amber after she shares her experience of her past about being bullied. Jesse is surprised with Ambe still wants to be with him. Together they work on conquer their fears, slay their demons, and survive their nightmares. They find love and trust in one another.

Amber is sweet and at first you think she is shy but she does not take crap so she has a voice and will use it when needed. I wish they explored more of her past and exactly what Nick Harris did to her in the way of bullying. I was not surprised at Jesse's past and I like the Helen character he is so fond of. Thoughts of Helen show how caring, sweet and loving Jesse can be.

Rating: 4 Stars

[Silvia Drascall · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.J./Ember’s story is so much, so much… - in fact, HUGE better than Micah/Ev'.
I’ve read many JRaven’s book and I loved most of them (except book 1 D Control. I don't know why Micah and his dramas didn’t work for me at all)

Of course, Zane and Tyler from Inked ‘Bhood’ are my favorite…kkkk… But now… Oh, man… Now, this guy Jesse and his vulnerability simply melted my heart. Amber with all her insecurity captivated me too.

Two broken-bitter hearts, discovering that together they can heal…without namby-pamby blah, blah so common in ya genre.

The well-written plot holds reader’s attention from beginning to end. The interaction between these new characters is as interesting as it was in the series Inked Brotherhood. Exciting, humor on measure and lots of hot scenes make me want more and more from Damage Control

[Angie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that has bit me the hardest so far of the bunch of men we've read. Nothing can compare to Zane, but Jesse is just such a sad kid. He has gone through so much, but he's hiding everything with this stupid playboy persona. Until Amber.

I love the affect that Amber and Jesse had on each other. From the moment they meet there was an odd chemistry. Neither could keep their eyes off of each other. I was so excited that Amber had wanted to almost take Jesse under her wing. She just couldn't keep herself! I love this about these two. They really just couldn't help themselves. This book is also one of my favorites, because Jesse and Amber really helped each other in so many ways. I know that most of the couples helped each other, but Amber and Jesse really had some deep problems to face and I think it was just so sweet how they helped each other.

Can't wait for more!!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first encounter reading a Jo Raven novel, but I must say, HOLY MOLY. The Damage Control series is a spin-off from Inked Brotherhood and can all be read as stand-alone with the characters inter-connecting throughout. This is a wonderful concept as it allows the reader to pick up one of the books whenever, without having to read the first or in any particular order. So, I read Jesse and Amber’s story, a dual point of view that was just fantastic. Ms Raven is a master at disguising emotion and kindness in alpha males that appear dangerous and unapproachable.

Nineteen year old Amber Walsh has just moved back to Madison after living in Chicago for the past three years. Her parents decided to move away and allow Amber to regain her confidence and grow in strength. But as is life, sometimes the only way to move forward is to face your past and your demons. What she didn’t realise was that her past would also create a future she didn’t realise she wanted or needed until he almost knocked her over.

Amber has moved in with her best friend’s friend, Kayla. Her best friend, Ev, has moved out and into a place with her boyfriend, so a party is being held as a farewell. This party takes place the first night Amber is in the apartment and it certainly isn’t what she expected.

Amber is not a sociable person, she cannot handle crowds and struggles with normal social dialect. There’s no filter between her brain and her mouth sometimes and it’s another embarrassing trait.

She’s introduced to Ev’s friends, the Damage Boyz and the Inked Brotherhood. She is astounded by all the picture perfect people surrounding her and feels inadequate. Running again, Amber heads to her room, but is interrupted by a half dressed guy coming out the bathroom. She can’t speak, frozen from his dangerously beautiful looks and it only gets worse when a girl comes out after him.

He’s introduced as Jesse Lee and the longer she sees him at the party, the more Amber is drawn to him. But it is clear he’s a womaniser. This dangerous hottie has a black past that nobody really knows the full story to and the more time Amber spends with him, the more curious she is about HIS demons.

Jesse Lee believes he doesn’t deserve to be happy. Doesn’t deserve to have a girl like Amber. He tries with all his might to stay away from her, but she is his light and they can’t deny their desire for long.

What happened in Amber and Jesse’s past? Will Amber ever trust Jesse considering his past lifestyle? Will Jesse be able to stay faithful to Amber? Is Jesse ever going to believe he isn’t living on borrowed time?

AMAZING! This was a beautifully intense love story that has some very real issues inside. The horrors of Jesse’s life and the anxiety that changed Amber forever were powerful and so detailed that I couldn’t help but be drawn into their story. Kayla was a fabulous character also, I loved her quirky tea leaf reading and fun antics. This is a definite favourite and I cannot wait to pick up others from the fabulous author.

[Lilian Flesher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this in return for an honest review. I am under no obligation to give it anything other than my true opinion.

Well, what can I say that will be different from others? Probably nothing because I think everyone who reads this book is going to feel like they died and went to heaven. I was immersed in the story, I felt the pain of the characters, Jesse he was a messed up youth who took the pains with him into his adulthood. Amber (Ember) was bullied as a child to the point in nearly drove her insane, her family upped and moved her away from Maddison.

Now Amber has returned to the place of her trauma, hoping she can put behind her the drama and heartache. Her old best friend introduces her to Damage Control, a tattoo parlor with some amazing characters. Zane, Asher, Seth, and many others in this story all make the whole series absolutely freaking amazing.

I felt the frustration Jesse had, his fear of being left, being rejected, his fear of being back on the streets where his horrible life took an even more horrific turn, literally marking him for life.

Amber and Jesse meet, and although both are damaged in their own way they seem to get along a little, although both are very wary of the other, but, before very long sparks fly and the story goes up a gear and brings us some hot steamy sex enough to make us need a cold shower!!

The author has an amazing way of making you feel the sensations they are feeling with her words, you feel their pain, their arousals, whoa aaa aa its hot hot hot!! I totally loved this story and I cannot wait for the next in the series of Damage Control!

[Screaming Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse comes from the school of hardknocks, he's lived on the street and done what he had to do to survive. Finding a place to call home feels impossible to him. He uses sex to ease the pain, while he waits for the next person to kick him out, or leave. Amber is returning to the town she ran away from, from the bully who abused, in hopes of finding her path in life. First impressions of Jesse leave her needing to avoid him at all costs, only for some reason she keeps finding herself drawn to him like a bee to honey. Two damaged people will try to make one whole person in this tale. The question is will they succeed or will the bumps in the road veer them off course.

I've read several of Jo Ravens books and by far this one is my favorite. Jo took me on a ride with this one, a ride of inner discovery. Damaged and broken these two characters make you laugh and cry as they glue each other back together. They both feel alone in a sea of pain, trying to find land to feel comfort and solace. Watching both of them find ways to chase away their own demons was moving, and inspirational. Thank you for this journey you took me on Jo I can't wait to continue it in the next Damage Control novel.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked both the main characters...Jesse and Amber. I felt they were both so damaged and hurt from their past but finding each other helped them heal. I was a little upset with when the climax happened, how quick to judge and quick to not trust Amber was. But in the time Jesse and Amber were apart, I think both of them grew so much that it made the separation worth it. I like how they both fixed their lives separately and then worked it out. I always love reading about a strong female heroine...I was leery about Amber at first and even now after reading I'm still not quick to say she was a 100% strong heroine...but I felt if the book was longer she would have COMPLETTELY filled that role. Jesse...ohhhhhh Jesse. I love how he fell hard and fast. Started off the book kind of shaky....thought his playboy ways would play a huge part in this book...but they didn't...it was only the threat and insecurity that came along with that. For most of the book, I just wanted to throw my arms around him and just snuggle him to death.....ohhhh and PS....FUCKING HOT SEX SCENES. Damn.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last time I read a book this good was the last time I read a jo Raven book

No knows how to write books. How to get us so excited we can't sit still. How we melt and moan when we read her books. If you haven't already read jo's book you will regret it for the rest of your life. No knows a Lot But she definitely know how to write about men.

[Christy McCurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read... I am a first time reader of JO Raven and I am impressed with this authors writing style.
There is great Character development, things move along at a fast and steady pace. It sizzles "boy does it sizzle." It touches on some dark but real issues. I would definitely recommend this book.

Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog

[Janelle b · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so after reading 'Micah' I decided to give 'Jesse' a try hoping it would be a little better .
I must say that I enjoyed Jesse a little more than Micah but it still wasn't super awesome for me. I just didn't fall in love with the characters.
Their was lots of hot sex and I was happy they didn't jump into each others pants the way Micah and Eva did.
* Amber/Embers spent too much time in her own head. But I guess it was necessary to bring out her shy introvert personality to the readers.
* I can't remember the author mentioning the age of any of these characters, so I assume they were both in their early twenties. I assume this because Amber was best friends with Eva before leaving town and Eva was 19 in Micah. I could be wrong.
But what made the age thing an issue for me was that Amber kept referring to 'Jesse' as 'this boy' i would have preferred man.
* How is it Amber and Eva were best friends and she could not remember Eva had a brother much less what he looked like.
* I felt like Eva's ex-coworker Cassie was portrayed with a different personality in this book and the little pow wow between her and Amber didn't fit in with the book.
* I do believe this book had less cuss words than 'Micah' but still a little too much for me.
* Zane, Zane, Zane. He has such a foul mouth. Why would he address the groom 'Asher' at his wedding as a 'mother f@%*er' (even if he is his good friend) is baffling to me. Zane's character seems so complex that I'm intrigued. I think I might Skip reading 'Seth' (the unlucky quiet one) and read 'Zane' instead.
* I'm happy that Jesse was able to reconnect with his friend and he and Amber worked things out in the end.

[Bitchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time dealing with the females in this part of the series. Amber is a rude, obnoxious ass at the beginning. Her harsh behavior towards Jesse was not justified. But I did like the way their relationship developed.

Now lets talk about Cassie, that dirty fucking whore. In the first book she comes off as this super sweet & innocent pixie who's a good friend to Ev. But in this story, she's a despicable slut. I LOATHE her. Her behavior towards Jesse, even after he's made it obvious several times he's not interested really pissed me off. And the cherry on top was what she did at the wedding & worst of all, her excuse to Jesse when he calls her out & then, the balls to say the same to Amber. If I were Amber, I would of punched her right in her whore face.

Kayla, Amber's roommate , was really annoying too. Actually all the females in this story were grating on my last nerve. Even Amber at times. But it was a decent read & I'm moving on the the next...

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a bonus with another book from this author, and if not for that I might not have chosen it.
I don't usually seek out books about tortured heroes like this one, but after reading this and the other book by Jo Raven, I'm left wondering why the heck not? They both really pushed all my emotional buttons, and I fell like a ton of bricks for these guys.
Don't get me wrong - there are bad choices being made all over the place. But...that's human. And most of the time, these are good people in bad situations, searching for a way out.
This book grabbed me from the first chapter, and like the other Jo Raven title I read, it kept me up way past my bedtime reading to see what happened.
Be prepared, if you start this thing - you will get absolutely nothing else done until you finish it. I'll definitely read other books by this author. They are so addictive, emotional, and satisfying.

[Avidchic reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't take to book 1 - Micah, thought it was a YA type so kept off the series.
time passed and I took up reading Asher ( inked brotherhood)and liked it so much I finished reading the series, then returned to Jesse. I'm glad, I liked the storyline and the where it went.
all these boys and the series before them, are so tortured that it's good to see them climb to the top.
Jo Ravens writing is really good. she addresses these tenuous topics with respect and while she doesn't dig so deep that you can't stand to read it, she doesn't skim the surface either.
it's set somewhere in the middle for me. it gives me the truth about the heroes tragic past but shows the possibilities for his future. well done Ms Raven.
of course Sebastian York is my all time fave...( he also Narrated Zanes character, which was perfect) and abbey does so well with both voices. love this series...on to Seth.

[Blueleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ & Embers forever!

Wow I really like this story. I identify with Amber so much in the sense of the anti-social behaviour, the nervousness of going out meeting new people, being in crowds, panic attacks going to gatherings, the insecurities of dating and the common feeling between Amber and Jesse no attachment to others, always expecting for people to leave them. Jesse is such a heartbreaker and not because of his looks and charisma to attract women, but for the life he had to endure since a child. The topics of homeless, foster children, child prostitution and bullying are so heartbreaking and so realistic. It makes you see people in a different way. Love how Jesse and Amber come together another perfect couple.

[Julie Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, sexy and sweet!!!!

Who else but Jo Raven can make a heartbreaking story about a lost and broken couple uplifting? By the time you're done reading this book it has you believing in happily ever afters. Jesse is freaking hot, sexy and arrogant but it covers up his insecurities. We would never believe someone like him would have self esteem issues. Amber is as real as you can get. What woman doesn't have scars from a lot to a spot of bullying in their life. Clever Jo gives us characters we can not only relate to but fall in love with. Can't wait to read Seth if my family wouldn't stage an intervention, I would binge read the entire series.

[Bellereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse(JJ) and Amber(Embers) are two damaged souls looking for something and find it in each other. Embers is scarred by childhood issues that have decimated her self-esteem and given her social anxiety issues. Having returned home after years away she hopes that thus time she will be able to push through her past issues and finally come to terms with who she is and find happiness. JJ has scars that run deep. Forced to do things on the streets to survive he now has to deal with physiological pain those scars have left behind. Both have trust issues in their own rights and when their bonds are tested will they find the strength in themselves and each other to fight for love?