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Let Me In #1
Heartbreak Warfare
A business trip proves to Jenna Pruitt that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, in this strong debut novel from Jessica Marin.
The last thing Jenna Pruitt has time for is sinfully gorgeous movie star, Cal Harrington. Meeting him in first class should have ended there on the plane, but after a failed marriage, she finds herself drawn in to his desire for her. Needing a little fun in life, she can’t help but agree to spend the week with him.
No strings, no expectations. Just one sexy week in Vegas, and Jenna can put him, and their time together, behind her. She doesn’t want the life that Cal comes with, but the further into the week they get, the more her heart and mind battle.
When he burns her with his kisses, her heart wants him.
But at the same time, her brain knows Cal has nothing but ‘heartbreak’ written all over his well-defined body.
One thing is certain.
Jenna’s about to lose herself to heartbreak warfare.
This is book one of the Let Me In series, but all novels in the Let Me In series are stand alone novels with no cliffhangers and HEA endings.
The last thing Jenna Pruitt has time for is sinfully gorgeous movie star, Cal Harrington. Meeting him in first class should have ended there on the plane, but after a failed marriage, she finds herself drawn in to his desire for her. Needing a little fun in life, she can’t help but agree to spend the week with him.
No strings, no expectations. Just one sexy week in Vegas, and Jenna can put him, and their time together, behind her. She doesn’t want the life that Cal comes with, but the further into the week they get, the more her heart and mind battle.
When he burns her with his kisses, her heart wants him.
But at the same time, her brain knows Cal has nothing but ‘heartbreak’ written all over his well-defined body.
One thing is certain.
Jenna’s about to lose herself to heartbreak warfare.
This is book one of the Let Me In series, but all novels in the Let Me In series are stand alone novels with no cliffhangers and HEA endings.
Unknown Binding
First published February 8, 2018
179 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Marin
21 books789 followersJessica Marin began her love affair with books at a young age from encouragement of her Grandma Shirley. She has always dreamed of being an author and finally made her dreams of writing happily ever after stories a reality. She currently resides in Tennessee with her husband, children and fur babies. When she is not hanging out with her family, she loves watching a good movie, going dancing with the ladies, sniffing essential oils and daydreaming of warm beaches, winning the lotto and world peace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 24, 2019
When Jenna's marriage falls apart she's left with questions, anger and loneliness. Where'd it all go wrong?
Fast forward one year and she's moved on. Or is trying to. Burying herself in her work. Her business has taken off since that fateful night she shared too much with the world. She's now well known. Children parties, and public speaking to help bolster woman and make them see they are worth more.
With her bestie's Layla and Robert her personal assistant by her side she's getting through life.
A public speaking event in Vegas leads to something she never saw coming. Hope. Meeting Cal she never expected to feel again. But she does. And when it's time to leave she has reservations but with Cal's voice ringing in her ears she decides to see where this could lead.
Cal is a well known Actor, famous her his role on a hit-rating series he wants to be seen as more. Meeting Jenna he knows she is the one. He's all in but with the walls she has built around her heart and her head it's not going to easy. A week in Vegas these two have a wild time. The chemistry is hot. But when the weeks up will they be able to keep it going?
A sexy fast paced read. One filled with what ifs and one of loss. Secrets and deception will destroy these two. But with any secret it will eventually be revealed. But when it's done publicly by your best friend on a drunken bender it is so much worse.
When these two meet again four years later it's explosive.
Loved the characters. Loved the story. A must read.
Fast forward one year and she's moved on. Or is trying to. Burying herself in her work. Her business has taken off since that fateful night she shared too much with the world. She's now well known. Children parties, and public speaking to help bolster woman and make them see they are worth more.
With her bestie's Layla and Robert her personal assistant by her side she's getting through life.
A public speaking event in Vegas leads to something she never saw coming. Hope. Meeting Cal she never expected to feel again. But she does. And when it's time to leave she has reservations but with Cal's voice ringing in her ears she decides to see where this could lead.
Cal is a well known Actor, famous her his role on a hit-rating series he wants to be seen as more. Meeting Jenna he knows she is the one. He's all in but with the walls she has built around her heart and her head it's not going to easy. A week in Vegas these two have a wild time. The chemistry is hot. But when the weeks up will they be able to keep it going?
A sexy fast paced read. One filled with what ifs and one of loss. Secrets and deception will destroy these two. But with any secret it will eventually be revealed. But when it's done publicly by your best friend on a drunken bender it is so much worse.
When these two meet again four years later it's explosive.
Loved the characters. Loved the story. A must read.
April 2, 2018
Heartbreak Warfare by Jessica Marin is a fabulous debut book for new author Jessica Marin. The plot is fresh and invigorating. The characters are relatable and give off this ton of chemistry while the story just flows from start to finish; as for the emotions in the book-Gah, it is totally there and will have you turning the pages as fast as you can read so you can find out what will happen. Many of the supporting characters leave the reader hoping for sequels to this story. Jenna and Cal’s love story will have you rooting for them , rooting for their 2nd chance love story and what an amazing set of circumstances that occur. The last 40 % of the book had me going WHOA!! It was a tide wave , a roller coaster of emotions, of angst ,of passion , of hope and of love. Jenna and Cal made me yell at my kindle so many times during the reading of this book that by the end I had a book hangover. I loved this book soooooooooo much!! I didn’t want it to be over so I re-read over and over. Now I need Layla’s book. She definitely needs one stat!! If you enjoy a really good, emotional romance book then look no further, this is a MUST READ !!!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
June 25, 2018
I really loved this book. Jenna was a great leading character that I think showed a lot of the characteristics we go through during a relationship. Once a person has been hurt they have a tendency to hold everyone at arms length. Cal Harrington is not your typical movie star. From the beginning he came across as down to Earth and really into Jenna. They struggle through an up hill battle to get their happily ever after but it was well worth it.
Jenna--is a hardworking, independent lady determined to never get hurt again after her ex husband decides to divorce her. However, one week in Vegas could change everything until she gets back to the real world and everything falls apart.
Cal--is a good looking up and coming movie star. Everything is about to happen for him so it's isn't hard to believe that he just used Jenna for the week but something about him will make you wonder which version is really him.
This book was very well written with characters that are easy to relate with and you will find yourself rooting for these two I'm sure!
Jenna--is a hardworking, independent lady determined to never get hurt again after her ex husband decides to divorce her. However, one week in Vegas could change everything until she gets back to the real world and everything falls apart.
Cal--is a good looking up and coming movie star. Everything is about to happen for him so it's isn't hard to believe that he just used Jenna for the week but something about him will make you wonder which version is really him.
This book was very well written with characters that are easy to relate with and you will find yourself rooting for these two I'm sure!
August 17, 2018
This was a good book and I'd say a great debut novel by Jessica Marin! She's off to a great start and I look forward to her future books as she can only get better!
That said, I'm not 100% sure I'd classify it as a romance as there is a significant portion of the middle of the book where the heroine and hero are not only nowhere near each other but not even speaking to each other. Romances are relationship-driven (for me anyway) so when that sort of disconnect happens between the main characters it's hard for me to love a book. I used to hate reading first person but now I really enjoy it, however in this case I think it would have been better to have some of the hero's viewpoint during that portion of the book where they are apart because we could have then seen him struggling to forget her and wondering WTH went wrong etc and all that.
I ADORED the first part of this book when they meet and begin a fling/relationship...I loved Jenna and Cal. I had hope that they would soon be reunited after they parted so I didn't even mind when she went back and they were at least still sort of communicating (and then the obvious reason why he'd seemed to stop emailing her) and even after the heroine finds out what I already knew was up with her body changes and she tries to call him again I still had hope that he would realize what had happened in time...when the story skipped ahead 6.5 months I figured, okay, now Cal is going to show up...but no, we get one chapter at this stage then it jumps ahead 4 YEARS!
At this point I was frustrated knowing everything I did that the heroine (and hero really) had yet to discover but I kept reading as I didn't yet dislike Jenna as a character and was still hoping for her HEA with Cal. Cal finally finds out what's up and shows up and they find out it was all his ex-assistant's fault so she works at letting go of her anger for him as it turns out it wasn't actually deserved etc. However, while I still loved Cal (minus the fact that he didn't put two and two together as even a possibility after things went down with his now ex-assistant and try and contact her at that point since he apparently still thought about her and wondered etc seemed a bit dim of him) I started to really dislike Jenna. Up until this point she had come across as a mature adult and a strong woman and responsible single-mother but she just started to unravel and seem more and more childish and adolescent in her behavior and actions. Some of it was relate-able as she the paparazzi had suddenly invaded her life and caused a lot of restrictions to how she moved about in public and it was touching on her daughter's school and caused one aspect of her career to suddenly tank...but even knowing her every move is being watched and having been warned about how dangerous the paparazzi could be she keeps rebelling and running off or going and getting trashed at the local bar and making scenes in public etc.
Even though her young daughter was always in the care of someone behaving like an adult during these times I had moments of "where is her kid during this?" and "who is watching her kid, why is she never with her kid?" (this came from her saying she hadn't wanted her career to make her an "absentee mother"). I also had a lot of moments of "the paparazzi are getting all of this it's only a matter of time before child services decides that the mother is possibly a drunk"...fortunately that particular concern never came to fruition of any kind. As a mother I found her suddenly erratic and absent parent behavior unbelievable as it seems to me she would have done everything possible to minimize disruption to her child's life and she would have been trying to be there for her more, not less. I get needing to unwind with a drink after a stressful day but it was never just A drink but enough (if not more) to get her drunk and behaving completely irresponsibly and irrationally.
So, Jenna's character alteration was a big issue for me as well as the long period of the two main characters being apart but I kept reading because not only was the writing good but the story itself was engaging and I absolutely loved Cal's character, which remained steady and true to what we'd learned about him in the first part of the book. The supporting characters were also interesting and I'm looking forward to reading Layla's story and learning who her hero is. The only somewhat loose thread was Jenna's discovery of the true nature of Cal's female best mate but it seemed to end with that, which was odd but I'm hoping it's revealed or dealt with in a future book.
So, if you've made it this far: Would I recommend this book to someone? YES! I don't recommend anything that I felt was under 3 stars and it'd be a great read for anyone looking for recommendations on movie star romance or accidental pregnancy or even finding love after divorce...and a few other categories as well!
That said, I'm not 100% sure I'd classify it as a romance as there is a significant portion of the middle of the book where the heroine and hero are not only nowhere near each other but not even speaking to each other. Romances are relationship-driven (for me anyway) so when that sort of disconnect happens between the main characters it's hard for me to love a book. I used to hate reading first person but now I really enjoy it, however in this case I think it would have been better to have some of the hero's viewpoint during that portion of the book where they are apart because we could have then seen him struggling to forget her and wondering WTH went wrong etc and all that.
I ADORED the first part of this book when they meet and begin a fling/relationship...I loved Jenna and Cal. I had hope that they would soon be reunited after they parted so I didn't even mind when she went back and they were at least still sort of communicating (and then the obvious reason why he'd seemed to stop emailing her) and even after the heroine finds out what I already knew was up with her body changes and she tries to call him again I still had hope that he would realize what had happened in time...when the story skipped ahead 6.5 months I figured, okay, now Cal is going to show up...but no, we get one chapter at this stage then it jumps ahead 4 YEARS!
At this point I was frustrated knowing everything I did that the heroine (and hero really) had yet to discover but I kept reading as I didn't yet dislike Jenna as a character and was still hoping for her HEA with Cal. Cal finally finds out what's up and shows up and they find out it was all his ex-assistant's fault so she works at letting go of her anger for him as it turns out it wasn't actually deserved etc. However, while I still loved Cal (minus the fact that he didn't put two and two together as even a possibility after things went down with his now ex-assistant and try and contact her at that point since he apparently still thought about her and wondered etc seemed a bit dim of him) I started to really dislike Jenna. Up until this point she had come across as a mature adult and a strong woman and responsible single-mother but she just started to unravel and seem more and more childish and adolescent in her behavior and actions. Some of it was relate-able as she the paparazzi had suddenly invaded her life and caused a lot of restrictions to how she moved about in public and it was touching on her daughter's school and caused one aspect of her career to suddenly tank...but even knowing her every move is being watched and having been warned about how dangerous the paparazzi could be she keeps rebelling and running off or going and getting trashed at the local bar and making scenes in public etc.
Even though her young daughter was always in the care of someone behaving like an adult during these times I had moments of "where is her kid during this?" and "who is watching her kid, why is she never with her kid?" (this came from her saying she hadn't wanted her career to make her an "absentee mother"). I also had a lot of moments of "the paparazzi are getting all of this it's only a matter of time before child services decides that the mother is possibly a drunk"...fortunately that particular concern never came to fruition of any kind. As a mother I found her suddenly erratic and absent parent behavior unbelievable as it seems to me she would have done everything possible to minimize disruption to her child's life and she would have been trying to be there for her more, not less. I get needing to unwind with a drink after a stressful day but it was never just A drink but enough (if not more) to get her drunk and behaving completely irresponsibly and irrationally.
So, Jenna's character alteration was a big issue for me as well as the long period of the two main characters being apart but I kept reading because not only was the writing good but the story itself was engaging and I absolutely loved Cal's character, which remained steady and true to what we'd learned about him in the first part of the book. The supporting characters were also interesting and I'm looking forward to reading Layla's story and learning who her hero is. The only somewhat loose thread was Jenna's discovery of the true nature of Cal's female best mate but it seemed to end with that, which was odd but I'm hoping it's revealed or dealt with in a future book.
So, if you've made it this far: Would I recommend this book to someone? YES! I don't recommend anything that I felt was under 3 stars and it'd be a great read for anyone looking for recommendations on movie star romance or accidental pregnancy or even finding love after divorce...and a few other categories as well!
Want to read
December 4, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/4/2018)!💝
Blurb:
A business trip proves to Jenna Pruitt that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, in this strong debut novel from Jessica Marin.
The last thing Jenna Pruitt has time for is sinfully gorgeous movie star, Cal Harrington. Meeting him in first class should have ended there on the plane, but after a failed marriage, she finds herself drawn in to his desire for her. Needing a little fun in life, she can’t help but agree to spend the week with him.
No strings, no expectations. Just one sexy week in Vegas, and Jenna can put him, and their time together, behind her. She doesn’t want the life that Cal comes with, but the further into the week they get, the more her heart and mind battle.
When he burns her with his kisses, her heart wants him.
But at the same time, her brain knows Cal has nothing but ‘heartbreak’ written all over his well-defined body.
One thing is certain.
Jenna’s about to lose herself to heartbreak warfare.
This is book one of the Let Me In series, but all novels in the Let Me In series are stand alone novels with no cliffhangers and HEA endings.
Blurb:
A business trip proves to Jenna Pruitt that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, in this strong debut novel from Jessica Marin.
The last thing Jenna Pruitt has time for is sinfully gorgeous movie star, Cal Harrington. Meeting him in first class should have ended there on the plane, but after a failed marriage, she finds herself drawn in to his desire for her. Needing a little fun in life, she can’t help but agree to spend the week with him.
No strings, no expectations. Just one sexy week in Vegas, and Jenna can put him, and their time together, behind her. She doesn’t want the life that Cal comes with, but the further into the week they get, the more her heart and mind battle.
When he burns her with his kisses, her heart wants him.
But at the same time, her brain knows Cal has nothing but ‘heartbreak’ written all over his well-defined body.
One thing is certain.
Jenna’s about to lose herself to heartbreak warfare.
This is book one of the Let Me In series, but all novels in the Let Me In series are stand alone novels with no cliffhangers and HEA endings.
Read
July 30, 2018Jenna and Cal -WOW!!!
Have you ever started reading a book, not expecting too much, then a bit of the way in you had to stop and start over because you want to savor the magnitude of what you are reading? That was Jenna and Cal’s story.
I’m completely amazed that this is a debut author! This held every emotion and was so much more than I anticipated.
You feel every emotion with other great romance reads out there but this author finds a way to amplify each one. The love was more beautiful, the sex scenes were more intense, the suspense was more intriguing, and the story was more natural and organic.
Jenna is an event planner and blogger. Cal is a television actor on his way up to the big screen.I loved their meeting. I loved their hot sexy week together in Sun City that turned into more than either of them expected.
They go their separate ways but not willingly. 4 years pass when these two are brought back together again. Their dynamic and chemistry is still stronger than ever. I loved Cal’s persistence to win over Jenna. He’s beyond patient knowing how badly she’s been burned in the past. He’s fighting tooth and nail every day for her.
This was powerful, sexy, and emotional. I can’t wait to read more from this author! I’m hoping we don’t have to wait long!
Have you ever started reading a book, not expecting too much, then a bit of the way in you had to stop and start over because you want to savor the magnitude of what you are reading? That was Jenna and Cal’s story.
I’m completely amazed that this is a debut author! This held every emotion and was so much more than I anticipated.
You feel every emotion with other great romance reads out there but this author finds a way to amplify each one. The love was more beautiful, the sex scenes were more intense, the suspense was more intriguing, and the story was more natural and organic.
Jenna is an event planner and blogger. Cal is a television actor on his way up to the big screen.I loved their meeting. I loved their hot sexy week together in Sun City that turned into more than either of them expected.
They go their separate ways but not willingly. 4 years pass when these two are brought back together again. Their dynamic and chemistry is still stronger than ever. I loved Cal’s persistence to win over Jenna. He’s beyond patient knowing how badly she’s been burned in the past. He’s fighting tooth and nail every day for her.
This was powerful, sexy, and emotional. I can’t wait to read more from this author! I’m hoping we don’t have to wait long!
August 12, 2018
A twisty angst-filled second chance romance—poorly done
First off, let me begin by saying I cannot remember the last time I only gave 1 Star to a book, that being said, I finished this book and there is such a stone in my stomach, bile in my throat feeling, that I could not, NOT give it a 1 star rating. Heartbreak Warfare is synopsed on the back of the book as a story about a woman who having just gotten divorced meets a handsome actor who basically (after a one night stand) teaches her to open up and love again. Uhmmmmm okay.....the book is NOTHING like the description, and if you expect it to be, prepare to be very disappointed. I want to make it clear, I do not give a 1 Star review because of anything to do with the caliber of the authors actual writing...she is actually a very adept author, writes a fluid tale (when she isn’t skipping us forward 4, or 2 years into the freaking future) and can weave a tale without too many grammatical hiccups. But I cannot in any way support the “message” or the emotional messages I felt were given throughout this book, or even, just enjoy the story for story sake. Heartbreak Warfare IS warfare but not for the characters, but the reader. By the end, you legitimately HATE Jenna, the main heroine, our protagonist, the girl who is supposed to make us FEEL and root for her. You actually detest her, I know I did. I still cannot wipe the EEK I feel about her behavior, and how the author developed her character! The growth that Jenna is supposed to feel, and the epiphany she is supposed to have, could have SHOULD have been developed OH SO DIFFERENTLY!! Instead we get a girl/woman who tries so hard to be the “What society views as the independent, strong but soulful, I’ve had my heart broken but I’ve learned and am stronger for it,” type, and fails miserably. The author gives us a template for what I just stated above is what and how society views women in such a situation, and then just cranks it up to a million. And because she makes Cal our “hero” so, well, just awesome, it only contributes to making Jenna more despicable and unlikeable. A love story even a weird second chance love story cannot work if any of the participants in the actual love story are 1. Not lovable or able to love 2. If the reader cannot frankly find any reason to root for the character to find and be in love. Jenna has been devastated yes, and she has walls, yes, again, nothing I as a reader wouldn’t expect...but her almost bi-polar behavior between the first quarter of the book, to the last quarter makes it impossible to feel any sympathy toward her, in fact every time she screams another tirade at Cal, blaming HIM for entering her life, or forcing his life and choices onto her, you feel like wringing her neck, or writing an angst filled letter to the author asking her what in the world she was thinking in penning a heroine with absolutely no heroic or redeeming characteristics. In addition here IS an issue I did have with the authors actual writing/writing choices. She gives us a lovely detailed beginning, then—hello fast forward FOUR years later...okay...not toooo awful if you’re going to be just as thorough in your character’s relationship at that junction—but from there...it’s as if she decided she hated her main character’s relationship, and was going to try to do some social soap box PSA using mean, angry Jenna as her mouthpiece. The story gets NO absolute no time, or attention in developing Jenna and Cal falling back into love. Oh you see Cal trying, and Cal loving Jenna (though God knows why he does) but nothing on Jenna’s point. Then we jump 6 months forward, then another 18 months, and hey, we’re done, they’re in love, happy, the world is good?! What?! You don’t have the time to blink before you’re told that dum dum dum...they made it, yippeeeeee, Jenna now loves Cal, the world is right again. Oh jeez. It’s nonsensical! Jenna is (or comes across as) a bitter, angry, resentful, mean spirited, bi polar, and frankly, totally crazy PARANOID individual. And within the last 8 pages of the book...yes 8 some pages, we get her raging, drunk, mean drunk, tantrum, break down, foul sailor mouth, attacking, and accusing - oh all at Cal, her supposed love, and then...heck she breathes, lets go and YAY SHE GETS HER HEA. Oh and let’s not forget we learn in one page that a “trusted” confidante and “savior” is actually Canadian (lol) ...AND the root of all the evil, BUT we never get an explanation as to why he continued the sham...or what if any “feelings” he had for her etc; and Jenna actually finds this horrible break of trust to be awesome and funny because in her mind IT TEACHES CAL A LESSON!! What sort of heroine is happy over something like that? Ugh! I am so thoroughly disgusted with Jenna and this story that I will NEVER read another by this author...I just can’t. In fact, I will spend the rest of my day scrubbing my brain clean.
First off, let me begin by saying I cannot remember the last time I only gave 1 Star to a book, that being said, I finished this book and there is such a stone in my stomach, bile in my throat feeling, that I could not, NOT give it a 1 star rating. Heartbreak Warfare is synopsed on the back of the book as a story about a woman who having just gotten divorced meets a handsome actor who basically (after a one night stand) teaches her to open up and love again. Uhmmmmm okay.....the book is NOTHING like the description, and if you expect it to be, prepare to be very disappointed. I want to make it clear, I do not give a 1 Star review because of anything to do with the caliber of the authors actual writing...she is actually a very adept author, writes a fluid tale (when she isn’t skipping us forward 4, or 2 years into the freaking future) and can weave a tale without too many grammatical hiccups. But I cannot in any way support the “message” or the emotional messages I felt were given throughout this book, or even, just enjoy the story for story sake. Heartbreak Warfare IS warfare but not for the characters, but the reader. By the end, you legitimately HATE Jenna, the main heroine, our protagonist, the girl who is supposed to make us FEEL and root for her. You actually detest her, I know I did. I still cannot wipe the EEK I feel about her behavior, and how the author developed her character! The growth that Jenna is supposed to feel, and the epiphany she is supposed to have, could have SHOULD have been developed OH SO DIFFERENTLY!! Instead we get a girl/woman who tries so hard to be the “What society views as the independent, strong but soulful, I’ve had my heart broken but I’ve learned and am stronger for it,” type, and fails miserably. The author gives us a template for what I just stated above is what and how society views women in such a situation, and then just cranks it up to a million. And because she makes Cal our “hero” so, well, just awesome, it only contributes to making Jenna more despicable and unlikeable. A love story even a weird second chance love story cannot work if any of the participants in the actual love story are 1. Not lovable or able to love 2. If the reader cannot frankly find any reason to root for the character to find and be in love. Jenna has been devastated yes, and she has walls, yes, again, nothing I as a reader wouldn’t expect...but her almost bi-polar behavior between the first quarter of the book, to the last quarter makes it impossible to feel any sympathy toward her, in fact every time she screams another tirade at Cal, blaming HIM for entering her life, or forcing his life and choices onto her, you feel like wringing her neck, or writing an angst filled letter to the author asking her what in the world she was thinking in penning a heroine with absolutely no heroic or redeeming characteristics. In addition here IS an issue I did have with the authors actual writing/writing choices. She gives us a lovely detailed beginning, then—hello fast forward FOUR years later...okay...not toooo awful if you’re going to be just as thorough in your character’s relationship at that junction—but from there...it’s as if she decided she hated her main character’s relationship, and was going to try to do some social soap box PSA using mean, angry Jenna as her mouthpiece. The story gets NO absolute no time, or attention in developing Jenna and Cal falling back into love. Oh you see Cal trying, and Cal loving Jenna (though God knows why he does) but nothing on Jenna’s point. Then we jump 6 months forward, then another 18 months, and hey, we’re done, they’re in love, happy, the world is good?! What?! You don’t have the time to blink before you’re told that dum dum dum...they made it, yippeeeeee, Jenna now loves Cal, the world is right again. Oh jeez. It’s nonsensical! Jenna is (or comes across as) a bitter, angry, resentful, mean spirited, bi polar, and frankly, totally crazy PARANOID individual. And within the last 8 pages of the book...yes 8 some pages, we get her raging, drunk, mean drunk, tantrum, break down, foul sailor mouth, attacking, and accusing - oh all at Cal, her supposed love, and then...heck she breathes, lets go and YAY SHE GETS HER HEA. Oh and let’s not forget we learn in one page that a “trusted” confidante and “savior” is actually Canadian (lol) ...AND the root of all the evil, BUT we never get an explanation as to why he continued the sham...or what if any “feelings” he had for her etc; and Jenna actually finds this horrible break of trust to be awesome and funny because in her mind IT TEACHES CAL A LESSON!! What sort of heroine is happy over something like that? Ugh! I am so thoroughly disgusted with Jenna and this story that I will NEVER read another by this author...I just can’t. In fact, I will spend the rest of my day scrubbing my brain clean.
February 25, 2018
Keep writing, Jessica!! This is a winner and one of my favorite books this year.
Good work!!!
Good work!!!
February 10, 2018
I devoured this book
I took a chance on this book and just one clicked it. What I got was a thrilling ride that didn't stop. I was hooked from page one to the very last word. I can't wait to follow this brand new author. To see what else she has to give.
I took a chance on this book and just one clicked it. What I got was a thrilling ride that didn't stop. I was hooked from page one to the very last word. I can't wait to follow this brand new author. To see what else she has to give.
February 9, 2018
I genuinely enjoyed this sexy read! Each time Cal graced the page, I wanted to smile. This novel is fast paced and keeps you gripped from page one. I cried in the prologue, laughed in the beginning, gasped in the middle, and melted at the end. Highly recommend.
April 8, 2018
Jessica Marin knocks it out of the park with her debut novel. Cal and Jenna's story did a number on me! I could not put this book down, finishing it in just a few hours! From their insanely hot chemistry, to their intense fights (and make ups) and their painful realizations-- both about the people in their lives and each other, they had my emotions running wild. This book literally had it all! A protective alpha (with an accent!), jealousy, betrayal, pain, laughter, all with an adorable child running around! And of course some hot sex ;) I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to more from this author and hopefully the stories of Robert, Layla AND Sean! (Just please not with Cora?)
March 5, 2018
I discovered this book, when a favourite author of mine was promoting it. I read the blurb and thought I’d give it a chance, well I’m glad I did, it blew me away.
I loved Jenna and Cal and the development of their relationship throughout the story, the fact that Jenna wasn’t immediately enamoured with Cal when he returned to her life and made him work hard to win her heart. Jenna was a strong heroine and wouldn’t let anyone walk over her, and Cal was the hot movie star with a heart of gold, trying to win her back, along with being a great Dad to their daughter.
A great second chance love story, with real emotion, I felt for Jenna with the obstacles she had to face on a daily basis, she was no longer an ‘unknown’ being unwillingly thrown into the public eye. I also felt for Cal and the years he lost with his child, due to the manipulations of an ex employee with romantic intents.
I’m glad I gave this book a chance, I’m really looking forward to the next in the series.
I loved Jenna and Cal and the development of their relationship throughout the story, the fact that Jenna wasn’t immediately enamoured with Cal when he returned to her life and made him work hard to win her heart. Jenna was a strong heroine and wouldn’t let anyone walk over her, and Cal was the hot movie star with a heart of gold, trying to win her back, along with being a great Dad to their daughter.
A great second chance love story, with real emotion, I felt for Jenna with the obstacles she had to face on a daily basis, she was no longer an ‘unknown’ being unwillingly thrown into the public eye. I also felt for Cal and the years he lost with his child, due to the manipulations of an ex employee with romantic intents.
I’m glad I gave this book a chance, I’m really looking forward to the next in the series.
February 25, 2018
Heartbreak Warfare (Let Me In Book #1)
Author Jessica Marin
4 stars
What an incredible debut book for Author Jessica Marin. Her writing style flowed well. The characters were likeable and the emotion that they feel will have you turning the pages to see how to all plays out. A true story of love, forgiveness and learning to trust again. I can not wait to read more from Jessica. PS Loved loved Sean and think everyone needs one of him in their lives.
Jenna thought she had it all until her marriage crumbled. But she found strength in not letting it defeat her; she found what she needed in her event planning business, making a name for herself. Although she seem to have it all, sometimes being alone gets the better of you, so why not live in the moment.
Cal seems to have it all; staring roles in the best movies, a close group of friends and any chick he could want. But a chance encounter with Jenna shows him that he would do anything to have her. Will she give into his charming way for just a week in Vegas? After all what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas right?
Life has a way of giving you exactly what you need. Will Jenna and Cal be able to see what is staring them in the face?
Author Jessica Marin
4 stars
What an incredible debut book for Author Jessica Marin. Her writing style flowed well. The characters were likeable and the emotion that they feel will have you turning the pages to see how to all plays out. A true story of love, forgiveness and learning to trust again. I can not wait to read more from Jessica. PS Loved loved Sean and think everyone needs one of him in their lives.
Jenna thought she had it all until her marriage crumbled. But she found strength in not letting it defeat her; she found what she needed in her event planning business, making a name for herself. Although she seem to have it all, sometimes being alone gets the better of you, so why not live in the moment.
Cal seems to have it all; staring roles in the best movies, a close group of friends and any chick he could want. But a chance encounter with Jenna shows him that he would do anything to have her. Will she give into his charming way for just a week in Vegas? After all what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas right?
Life has a way of giving you exactly what you need. Will Jenna and Cal be able to see what is staring them in the face?
March 4, 2018
4 This Is LOVE Stars
This was quite the ride! With this being this authors debut novel, I’ll say she’s off to a great begging.
I’m definitely looking forward to book two in this series. Hoping I’m right, and it’s Layla’s book.
This was quite the ride! With this being this authors debut novel, I’ll say she’s off to a great begging.
I’m definitely looking forward to book two in this series. Hoping I’m right, and it’s Layla’s book.
August 29, 2018
I loved this story!!! I loved Jessica's writing style. The characters were real, and I loved the build up between the H and the h. I can't wait to read her sequel. I can't recommend this book enough.
April 11, 2018
This book starts out with a heartbreaking scene depicting Jenna's failed marriage. From there the emotions kind of get lost and the character gets a little watery in the way the story led and was somewhat predictable until a little over halfway through. Having said that, I am so glad I continued. It took me a day or so to get invested, but when the twists and turns started coming between her and Cal, I couldn't stop. I stayed up late just to finish.
The secondary characters are well written, and I hope we get to read their stories soon.
Excellent debut from Jessica Marin and I can't wait to read what comes next!
The secondary characters are well written, and I hope we get to read their stories soon.
Excellent debut from Jessica Marin and I can't wait to read what comes next!
February 10, 2018
Jessica Marin has created an amazing debut novel. This is a book of heartbreak, developing self-worth and embracing independence and opening up the opportunities for love after the loss of love. She has developed characters that tug at your heartstrings. Many of the supporting characters leave the reader hoping for sequels to this story. For a new author, Marin has hit it out of the ball park. You will not regret reading this novel. I can’t wait to see what Marin releases next. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or chick-lit.
February 11, 2018
Finished in 2 days. Loved the read. Can't wait for the next book. Great first book.
November 18, 2018
Sooo sexy!
This is my first Hollywood romance. I try to stay away from these because I'm judgmental like that... If I wanted Hollywood I'd read the tabloids... But this book was wonderful. I really enjoyed the main characters. The storyline was great. Great read! Definitely recommended.
This is my first Hollywood romance. I try to stay away from these because I'm judgmental like that... If I wanted Hollywood I'd read the tabloids... But this book was wonderful. I really enjoyed the main characters. The storyline was great. Great read! Definitely recommended.
May 28, 2019
Mixed impression
I found this author with her book Until Valerie, which I loved. I like her writing style, it flows very naturally. I love her dialogue writing, it feels authentic. Some great supportive characters - some of whom I’m very much looking forward to reading about their own HEA.
But ultimately, this particular book left me unsatisfied and a little frustrated.
For me, it was too long. I felt there was too much time spent on parts that didn’t interest me and no time spent on pieces of the story that I was wanting to see. I actually spent a lot of time skimming through the time the H and h spent a part. It was too long drawn out and maybe not emotive enough to make it all feel worth it.
I’m a big fan of reconciliation, and seeing how characters work their differences out and come together. Twice the h decided to give the H a shot and immediately the story bounces ahead by months. No build up of trust or affection. Just a crazy conflict, a split second of agreement and then...four months later. It felt empty.
Also, I think there was more room in the second half of the romance to build the affection between the H and h. They didn’t feel bonded. The first half was hot and the chemistry was crazy, but that never resurfaces in the second half.
Also, why bring up the conflict with Cora if it wasn’t going anywhere or was never to be mentioned again? Maybe this will be dealt with as the series continues?
Still, I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next story in the series (assuming that’s what it is with all the strongly founded side characters) and I won’t give up on this author anytime soon.
I found this author with her book Until Valerie, which I loved. I like her writing style, it flows very naturally. I love her dialogue writing, it feels authentic. Some great supportive characters - some of whom I’m very much looking forward to reading about their own HEA.
But ultimately, this particular book left me unsatisfied and a little frustrated.
For me, it was too long. I felt there was too much time spent on parts that didn’t interest me and no time spent on pieces of the story that I was wanting to see. I actually spent a lot of time skimming through the time the H and h spent a part. It was too long drawn out and maybe not emotive enough to make it all feel worth it.
I’m a big fan of reconciliation, and seeing how characters work their differences out and come together. Twice the h decided to give the H a shot and immediately the story bounces ahead by months. No build up of trust or affection. Just a crazy conflict, a split second of agreement and then...four months later. It felt empty.
Also, I think there was more room in the second half of the romance to build the affection between the H and h. They didn’t feel bonded. The first half was hot and the chemistry was crazy, but that never resurfaces in the second half.
Also, why bring up the conflict with Cora if it wasn’t going anywhere or was never to be mentioned again? Maybe this will be dealt with as the series continues?
Still, I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next story in the series (assuming that’s what it is with all the strongly founded side characters) and I won’t give up on this author anytime soon.
January 11, 2020
A business trip to Vegas offers Jenna a sexy one-week stand, in this strong debut novel from Jessica Marin.
The last thing Jenna Pruitt has time for is sinfully gorgeous movie star, Cal Harrington. Meeting him in first class should have ended there on the plane, but after a failed marriage, she finds herself drawn in to his desire for her. Needing a little fun in life, she can’t help but agree to spend the week with him.
No strings, no expectations. Just one sexy week in Vegas, and Jenna can put him, and their time together, behind her. She doesn’t want the life that Cal comes with, but the further into the week they get, the more her heart and mind battle.
When he burns her with his kisses, her heart wants him.
But at the same time, her brain knows Cal has nothing but ‘heartbreak’ written all over his well-defined body.
One thing is certain.
Jenna’s about to lose herself to heartbreak warfare.
This is book one of the Let Me In series, but all novels in the Let Me In series are stand alone novels with no cliffhangers and HEA endings.
Purchase links
Amazon - https://tinyurl.com/y8wjldl5
March 10, 2018
You lost me at chapter 28 and I made it as far as chapter 31...you have to cut it off at some point. Up until then, I was all in...
September 15, 2018
A great debut novel that had my emotions on a roller coaster.
December 8, 2018
Cal Harrington is an English movie star on the rise. A gorgeous, seductive, hunk of dreamy. Jessica Pruitt is a Party Planner and lifestyle blogger whose turned herself off to men ever since the demise of her marriage. The thing the two have in common? They end up finding themselves seated next to each other on a flight to Vegas. He's going there for a movie and Jess is going for a convention. What starts as a plane ride full of flirting and conversation soon turns into a week long affair. Cal wants to pursue it further but Jess is gun-shy, having closed herself off from the thought of being hurt again. She will only give him her e-mail and goes back to Chicago keeping her heart intact and guarded. But Cal has made an impression on her and soon she'll find out more than just that.
What follows for the majority of the book is misunderstandings, misgivings and a manipulation that leaves both sides with a very different impression of one another than the ones they had in Vegas. Plus one hell of a big secret.
I liked this book for the most part. The first act was right on but the middle dragged just a bit too much for me. When Cal did show back up present, I felt like it could've been a smoother transition and a little less rushed. I'm not sure why but I guess it was the symmetry that felt a little off.
All in all though, it takes balls to sit down, write a book and release it into the world and given this was the author's first go, it was a pretty damn good story with very colorful side characters. Enough so for me to get ahead and right click on the second book : )
Interested to see what happens to the other characters and how this author's writing progresses as she continues to practice her craft.
What follows for the majority of the book is misunderstandings, misgivings and a manipulation that leaves both sides with a very different impression of one another than the ones they had in Vegas. Plus one hell of a big secret.
I liked this book for the most part. The first act was right on but the middle dragged just a bit too much for me. When Cal did show back up present, I felt like it could've been a smoother transition and a little less rushed. I'm not sure why but I guess it was the symmetry that felt a little off.
All in all though, it takes balls to sit down, write a book and release it into the world and given this was the author's first go, it was a pretty damn good story with very colorful side characters. Enough so for me to get ahead and right click on the second book : )
Interested to see what happens to the other characters and how this author's writing progresses as she continues to practice her craft.
April 7, 2018
I love this book. The characters are well developed and relatable.
Cal is my book boyfriend. Did you read that? Cal is mine!
I'm thankfully to Jessica Marin for reaching out to me. Otherwise I would have never known about this gem of a book. Ok so the nitty gritty....
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or at least that's what everyone says.
Jenna owns a party planning company. She is heading to Vegas for a conference. Vegas is the land of fun. What she doesn't bargain for is Cal. A Hollywood actor who sweeps her off her feet. They have a whirlwind romance, that ends too soon. Jenna heads home with a promise to email Cal. Things don't go as planned and the souvenir that Cal gave her is now front page news.
Cal doesn't understand why Jenna isn't emailing him like she promised. Guess he felt more for her than she did him. Moving on should be easy yet he can't get passed Jenna. Every woman reminds him of her. What can he do? She hasn't reached out to him in years. Then the news reports on Jenna and as much as Cal is excited to see her, he is also upset that she lied to him. His love for Jenna hasn't diminished. If anything he loves her more. Can they work it out?
Cal loves and cherishes Jenna. He is devastated when he doesn't hear from her. Yet somehow his love doesn't diminish over time. A great love story that will sweep you off your feet.
Me. Marin I will forever be a fan of yours and I look forward to the next book in this series.
Cal is my book boyfriend. Did you read that? Cal is mine!
I'm thankfully to Jessica Marin for reaching out to me. Otherwise I would have never known about this gem of a book. Ok so the nitty gritty....
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, or at least that's what everyone says.
Jenna owns a party planning company. She is heading to Vegas for a conference. Vegas is the land of fun. What she doesn't bargain for is Cal. A Hollywood actor who sweeps her off her feet. They have a whirlwind romance, that ends too soon. Jenna heads home with a promise to email Cal. Things don't go as planned and the souvenir that Cal gave her is now front page news.
Cal doesn't understand why Jenna isn't emailing him like she promised. Guess he felt more for her than she did him. Moving on should be easy yet he can't get passed Jenna. Every woman reminds him of her. What can he do? She hasn't reached out to him in years. Then the news reports on Jenna and as much as Cal is excited to see her, he is also upset that she lied to him. His love for Jenna hasn't diminished. If anything he loves her more. Can they work it out?
Cal loves and cherishes Jenna. He is devastated when he doesn't hear from her. Yet somehow his love doesn't diminish over time. A great love story that will sweep you off your feet.
Me. Marin I will forever be a fan of yours and I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 10, 2018
I don't give out 5 Stars very often but believe me this book deserves all of them and more!
Heartbreak Warfare is book one in the Let Me In series. It is the author's debut novel but believe me you never would have guessed that this is her first book. The storyline is amazing, the characters are amazing and the writing is amazing!
Jenna and Cal have instant chemistry which could be felt between the two of them right from the start. The other characters throughout the story also quickly became some of my favorites. I was laughing out loud more than once at some of the things that went on between them.
Of course no book would be complete without some drama thrown in and believe me there was definitely lots of that. I was feeling so many emotions while reading and a few times I wanted to shake some sense into Cal.
I can't wait to dive into the second book in the series! This is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
Heartbreak Warfare is book one in the Let Me In series. It is the author's debut novel but believe me you never would have guessed that this is her first book. The storyline is amazing, the characters are amazing and the writing is amazing!
Jenna and Cal have instant chemistry which could be felt between the two of them right from the start. The other characters throughout the story also quickly became some of my favorites. I was laughing out loud more than once at some of the things that went on between them.
Of course no book would be complete without some drama thrown in and believe me there was definitely lots of that. I was feeling so many emotions while reading and a few times I wanted to shake some sense into Cal.
I can't wait to dive into the second book in the series! This is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
March 19, 2018
Jenna Pruitt is flying first class to Vegas for a conference to help build her business. She ends up sitting next to sexy movie star Cal Harrington. Against her better judgment, she ends up spending the week with him. Even though she has bad relationship experiences in her past, Jenna falls fast and hard for Cal. It appears that Cal feels the same. After that week, they both go about their business with Jenna reluctant to continue the relationship. A few weeks later, she realizes that she needs to make contact with him but Cal’s assistant is insistent that he has moved on. So Jenna does her best to forget about him. A few years later their paths will cross again. Can they forget the past and build on the feelings they both once had for each other? This is a wonderful romance. Although it is the first in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
September 3, 2023
4.5!
I really liked this book is also MiMi very interested in Cal’s point of view in book 4.
I think this is like almost everyone’s dream scenario in the beginning, having a celebrity meet you and spending a weekend or weeks together.
I could’ve seen the first challenge coming, especially when he told us how him and his coworker first met.
But I actually didn’t see the years later thing happening I was just wasn’t expecting it and so when I saw it happening I was like how do we get back together and I also didn’t expect the reason he knew about the situation.
Which leads me to the book with her friend and her situation going on! I would definitely reread this, and I’m truly happy that I got a special edition of this book because it was really good. I really wish that they included his book in it as well, but I understand 🤣
I really liked this book is also MiMi very interested in Cal’s point of view in book 4.
I think this is like almost everyone’s dream scenario in the beginning, having a celebrity meet you and spending a weekend or weeks together.
I could’ve seen the first challenge coming, especially when he told us how him and his coworker first met.
But I actually didn’t see the years later thing happening I was just wasn’t expecting it and so when I saw it happening I was like how do we get back together and I also didn’t expect the reason he knew about the situation.
Which leads me to the book with her friend and her situation going on! I would definitely reread this, and I’m truly happy that I got a special edition of this book because it was really good. I really wish that they included his book in it as well, but I understand 🤣
March 4, 2018
It's not often I devour a book in 24 hours but that's what I did with this book.
After reading the prologue I wasn't entirely sure where the book was heading. It was so sad and heartbreaking but then the true story comes about and it's one that left me breathless and with an inability to put my kindle down.
Jennas story set over roughly 6 years put my emotions through the wringer. Tears of Laughter at Robert and his wise cracks, sadness for Layla and her situation but ultimately love for Jenna and Cal.
Each character was loveable in their own way, and I'm dying to know more as personally I think they all deserve to tell their own story.
Jessica Marin might be a new author but she sure knows how to create a fantastic story that has all the feels and lots of steam!
I'm excited to see what else she comes out with and will be keeping an eye out for more from her.
After reading the prologue I wasn't entirely sure where the book was heading. It was so sad and heartbreaking but then the true story comes about and it's one that left me breathless and with an inability to put my kindle down.
Jennas story set over roughly 6 years put my emotions through the wringer. Tears of Laughter at Robert and his wise cracks, sadness for Layla and her situation but ultimately love for Jenna and Cal.
Each character was loveable in their own way, and I'm dying to know more as personally I think they all deserve to tell their own story.
Jessica Marin might be a new author but she sure knows how to create a fantastic story that has all the feels and lots of steam!
I'm excited to see what else she comes out with and will be keeping an eye out for more from her.
August 29, 2018
I honestly was not expecting this book to be as good as it is. I saw "debut by author" and instantly thought, at least I get to see how she begins. I WAS AMAZED at how I went from that mentality to looking up from the last page and thinking "I just read this in one sitting." Yes that is how good this book is. It is so well written the emotions and the scenarios feel real. I could visualize what was happening and feel how each person felt. This isn't a typical movie star meets a waitress (or in this case party planner) second chance romance type book. It is about betrayal, lust, lies, deceit, friendship and of course love. The chemistry is a bonus.
Look past the "debut" and fall in love with Heartbreak Warfare like I did.
Look past the "debut" and fall in love with Heartbreak Warfare like I did.
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