Island Roots

by Ashleigh Giannoccaro

Left alone on his island of misery, Terry is at an all time low. His best friend is gone, he's been fired from his job and being a professional beach bum isn't all they make it out to be. There's a heavy, dark storm cloud hanging over him. Until a ray of silver sunshine moves into the house next door. From the moment he sees her, he knows he's in trouble - he just doesn't know how much. Silvie has put down roots on his island after years of running away. She is determined to stay, to make a home, and a life for herself in paradise. But, the resident d*ckhead has fallen hard. The problem is, she just wants to be friends - without benefits.

284 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2019

Reviews

[Joy Westerfield]

I truly wish you could give books more than five stars as this book deserves so much more! The story of Terry and Silvie has all the feels and it completely enamored me from the very beginning! We met Terry in Last Resort and I was hoping against hope that there would be a book about Terry’s character and this book doesn’t disappoint! Terry is your resident manwhore who isn’t looking for any kind of a long term relationship until Silvie moves in next door. She is like a breath of fresh air and he’s not quite sure what to make of his feelings. Silvie wants no part of a relationship with anyone but is willing to just have a “friends with benefits” type. She also has a secret in her past she wants no one to know about. As Terry and Silvie embark on their unique friendship you can’t help but hope for more for them. This book will take you on an emotional ride and is just so perfectly written. I loved this story so much that I didn’t want it to end. Do yourself a favor and read this incredible book! It is unreal!

[Ashley Allen]

I have never seen a title that fits so well with its story. Be ready to not put this book down. I was so excited that terry was getting his own book I wanted to know what life was like for the jerk after Ollie. I was not disappointed ,so much feelings in this book ,love, hate,anger, sadness , heartbreak and a little humor. You got a feeling for the characters past and everything they went through that led them to this island. Absolutely beautiful story.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm]

This book is so good.

This book is about Terry who you got to meet in book 1 Last resort. this book has all the feels and is so well written.

I really hated Terry going into this book but Ash will make you feel for him but I have to say I really loved this story great characters and storyline that will have you from the start. x

[Bookish_Sally]

I loved it all. When getting to the end of the book I was all emotion and tears. Yes even an asshole deserves a happy ending. Terry and Silvie were the perfect broken couple. I was excited to see Olly and Jo pop back up in this story too.

A favorite quote was: “Then I’d say we sorted things out pretty well for two adults allergic to feelings.”

The Island series by Ashleigh G. Is best read in order.
Book 1 is Last Resort, Olly and Jo’s story. Book 2 is Island Roots, Terry and Silvie’s story. I would love to see another book in this series or even a couple more with the other characters.

[Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews]

Review to come!

[Nikki M (Hot books and Sassy girls)]

Terry is an idiot on so many levels. Behind his façade is a man who is hurting, a man who has not come to grips with his problems and is lashing out and trying to hurt everybody else, especially those who have their own happiness. When his best friend Olly, leaves and goes after his own happy ever after, Terry is hell bent of carrying on with his destructive ways. When he is fired from his job, he becomes the beach bum, sitting at home and purging on the surf, parties, and toxic highs. Silver buys the house next door and she wants nothing to do with him. She has been on the run for many years and does not know if settling here is the right thing to do. All she knows is the man next door is a nuisance and an idiot or is he? Their first few encounters are not great, they do eventually become friends and when Terry wants more, Silver pushes him away. Is she the perfect person for Terry, making him question everything in his life or is Silver’s own past about to catch up with her and destroy everything she has tried so hard to keep secret. Can these two only ever be friends or will they finally listen to their hearts? Ms G has created a character in Terry that you really don’t like at the beginning, until you learn to und erstand him and what he went through. Having stated that, he still is an idiot (that you learn to love). Silver is a likeable character and while strong, she is also scared and insecure at times. These two characters give us an interesting story of friends that finally open up to one another and learn to lean on each other. Ashleigh has branched out and given us a contemporary romance novel, which is very different to her darker reads. While I love her dark reads, I have to say that I really enjoyed this one and just might go back and read the first book in the series.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog

[Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨]

I am completely enamored with this softer side of Ashleigh G. So I’ve been reading Ashleigh Giannoccaro for years now and I love her dark side but this contemporary romance side of her, this Ashleigh G. side pulls my heart more than scares it like her alter ego does! I’ll be honest; I do like both sides of her. I’ve been skeptical that I’d be able to like or even get into Terry’s story. He came off as such a jerk during Last Resort that I was hesitant but I’m glad I read Island Roots.

Now, Terry seriously continues to be a jerk throughout most of the story. It’s quite the mysterious thing… Ashleigh G. makes you end up feeling for Terry and the life he lives and has lived. I found myself slowly moving over to his side and eventually… dare I say, I liked him! Silvie is everything Terry is not! She’s the complete opposite of Terry. She’s upbeat and happy. She’s ready to live her life and make a home. She’s brought quite the amount of baggage with her. She moves into the house right next to Terry, the town asshole/slut.

I was really shocked with the amount of feelings in this story. My emotions went up and down and were all over the place. Ashleigh pulls off a brilliant story that makes you feel everything from happy to sad, to anger and even some heat thrown in. If you like your romances to run you through a gamut of emotions with some really flawed and damaged characters that Island Roots is a definite read. I would recommend starting with the first book, Last Resort, before you read this one. I think they’d work as standalones but both will be much better together.

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

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[Vickie]

4.5 stars

This is Terrys story who we first met as Ollie’s best friend in Last Resort. While it’s not necessary to read that before Island Roots I would highly recommend you do so (because it’s brilliant).

I really didn’t like Terry when he appeared in Island Roots but I thought I’d start this book and the author would have me falling head over heels for him in no time. Unfortunately it wasn’t love at first sight for us. Terry isn’t a guy that’s easy to like in the beginning. He’s been dealing with his issues by not really dealing with them and it’s turned him into a bitter asshole. He’s selfish and he needs to grow up (I did warn you I didn’t like him at first). It’s only when Terry realises the mistakes he’s made that he lets the real him out. And that’s when I started to like him. Once he’s dropped his selfish, asshole persona he’s actually quite sweet and easy to like.

Silvie has her own baggage when she arrives on the island. Unfortunately her demons aren’t leaving her alone but she’s determined to finally put down some roots and have a place to call home. The last thing she wants is to have to deal with the guy next door and his all night parties but the more she’s around Terry, she sees another side to him and realises there’s more to him than she first thought.

Both these characters are flawed. They each have their own way of dealing with things but spending time together brings about changes in both of them.

Another great book by this author.

[Susan]

Well, I didn't think it was possible but Ashleigh G made me feel for that fuxxer Terry. 
I swear he actually had me feeling sorry for him the more I read his book. How is that even possible? 

Terry has always been a manwhore. Only out for himself and what he can get, not caring who he hurts in the process. 
The only person he cared about was his best friend Olly who left the Island. 
Now Terry finds himself alone with his own misery for company. 

Silvie decided to settle for Island life after years of travelling. She moves to a beach house. All she craves is stability and the call of the sea. 
Then she meets her party animal neighbour and realises peaceful Island life isn't what she'll be getting. 

Terry and Silvie strike up a friendship, both needing a real friend more than they'd care to admit. They recognise a mutual sadness in each other. 

I loved the slow burn between Terry and Silvie. They take things slow neither one admitting their feelings. But slowly these two broken souls realise the secret to finding happiness is more than just catching the perfect wave. 

Island life is addictive I totally get the allure. I can almost feel like I'm there when I read these books. 
I'm already looking forward to more. 

[Samantha]

This book had an important message: Jerks deserve love too. Even when Terry infuriated me throughout this book (and I remembered him not-so-fondly from Last Resort), I kept reminding myself about this message. Watching his feelings shift in relation to Silvie was lovely and I was torn if I wanted her to give in or continue to hide behind her walls.
Silvie's story was filled with pain, running, and eventually a healthy dose of bravery. I admired so much about her and wanted her to finally put down some roots after everything she had been through.
Getting to see the hidden side of Terry was certainly eye-opening. It did give me pause and a reason for his previous actions and abrasive attitude. I wanted him to find a level of peace as well. And watching him work to achieve that with Silvie was truly beautiful. When two broken and battered souls can find healing with one another, I easily fall in love with their story.
Ashleigh G was brilliant in this book (and really this series). I loved the softer side of her writing that still had it sprinklings of the darker side of humanity. I hope that she will write more books like this in between her other fabulously dark books.

[Ally Vance]

Ashleigh never ceases to amaze me, no matter the genre she writes. I was utterly drawn into this story and the characters. This story was unpredictable, emotional, and bloody powerful.

Terry is the asshole that I couldn't help but fall totally in love with. I was amazed and delighted with how Ashleigh managed to turn around my deep hatred for him in Last Resort, to complete adoration in Island Roots. He's the nuisance I want to live next door to!

Silvie is a bit of a mystery at first and certainly doesn't take any of Terry's nonsense. She's a strong character, and not afraid to do whatever she wants, even though she's running. But, even the strongest person still has secrets.

I was drawn in, had my heart broken to smithereens once more by Ashleigh, and left reeling by this story.

PS. Terry belongs to me and my #SoulSister Michelle McGinty, that asshole is ours.

[Frances]

Sophisticated Beach Bum(s)....

A truly romantic, suspenseful read. This book tells the story of Terry and Silvie, and how they come to terms with their past, to make a comfortable future for themselves.

Terry, the resident douche loves the water, misses his friend, and lives for nothing. Silvie, the new resident of the island, seems scared and quite but loves to surf.
What will happen when they meet? Will it be a breath of fresh air, or will it be snap, crackle, and crash?

Ashleigh, I lover her and her books, and this is one of my best.

[Tish]

I had been very eagerly awaiting this book for what seems like an eternity!!! This is Terry's story whom we meet in Last Resort. And though this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend that you read Last Resort first. Terry isn't what I'd call a very loveable character but this book really mom had me looking at him a new light. This book was well worth the wait.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts]

I loved this one. Terry isn't always easy character to love but he's really just kind of lost and not searching. Terry has layers. On the surface he looks like a beach bum but he's got issues and things to work out. Silvie is a loner who hasn't settled in one place for a while. She on the island and finally find her place. She has issues and a past she fleeing from. Terry and Silvie are neighbors and they may just be what each other needs. This one has feelings and is truly a good read.

[Janneke Wolbers]

Both books

Both books i have read in one day. Cause they both are that good!
I hope there will be more in this series.
Great read!

[Michelle]

Island Roots can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading Last Resort book 1 in this series to fully connect with each character .

This is the story of Terry - the wild boy from book 1, I loved his wild ways and also hated him in book 1, but learned so much more about him in book 2 he is now my favourite lovable rouge.

He is lost and left alone on the Island he adores and calls home, when his new neighbour Silvie, moves in things start to change.

This is a gripping, well written story with lots of twists, secrets reveal and lots of sex time, we also get to see our favourites from book 1 return.

[Tiffany]

Even a-holes need love

They say you can't judge a book by it's cover, but you also can't judge an @$$hole by his past misdeeds. I began Island Roots with extreme prejudice against Terry, because of his actions in Last Resort. I have never been more happy to be proven wrong. I am now and forever a Terry fangirl. Yes he's still a major @$$hat, but he is not irredeemable and once you read this book you'll understand. Sometimes a person goes to extreme to try to convince people that they are one way for a reason.

I also fell madly in love with the other main character, Silvie. She is no wilting flower waiting to be rescued and is fierce and fiery. She is just the type of "trouble" a "nuisance" like Terry needs. It takes the right beauty to turn the beast into the prince he was meant to be. In a lot of ways she reminds me of Olly, and is almost as broken as Jo.

I started off 2018 with Last Resort, which gave me all the feels, and I'm happy to revisit the island at the beginning of 2019 and get emotional all over again. I'm going to declare Island Roots one of my top 10 reads of 2019. Way to start off the year Ashleigh, 5 astounding stars for this one. #2019MustRead

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog]

Having absolutely loved Last Resort, I was excited to get my hands on Island Roots. Island Roots can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend you reading Last Resort first, just to get every ounce out of this story.

A big bravo to Ashleigh for making my feelings about Terry do a 180! I hated him in the first book, but his story was one that needed to be told. His anger and pure spitefulness had fuelled his outlook on life and Island Roots digs deep into his layers.

Silvie is just the character that Terry needs to knock some sense into him, and make him take a good hard look at what he has become in life. She’s fighting her own demons, but is tired of running. Together they explore their new outlooks on life. Their story proved to be a real page turner and a tale that invaded my thoughts and senses. From the smells of the sea air, to the beautiful descriptive scenery, flowing like a motion picture in my mind. My heart hurt at the turbulent experiences which both characters recount but it also pounded fast and burst with love for both, Silvie and Terry.

Highly recommend!

[Lita Thomas]

Island Roots by Ashliegh Giannocarro is the next book after Last Resort. We met Terry in that book. Terry is lost now that Ollie has left and will not be coming back. The life Terry has been living he no longer likes. Having sex with the married female guest, partying and smoking weed has gotten old. Once he gets fired fron his job he is really lost. When a new neighbor buys the place next door, he has an instant liking to her. Silvie has been a rolling Stone for years. She has a past she has been running from. When she finally decides to settle down all she wants to do is surf and hide. Her neighbor is a pain but there is something about him. This was a really good story of 2 damaged people finding a second chance at life. Even though I wanted to knock Terry's block off he definitely grew on me and by the end of the book I was in love with him. Sometimes being hurt can bring out the worst in them. Love their journey to each other. 5 stars

[Maria Angie Mendoza]

Excellent story!
This is the second installment in The Island Series and it does not disappoint. Island Roots should not be read without having read Island Resort first, as you need to understand the history and background of the characters.
That said, sit back and enjoy this intense and emotional slow burn romance. So well written, this was Terry’s journey and it was gripping and so hard to put down. The characters were so well developed and relatable. An added treat was the visit of former characters and how seamlessly it flowed with the story.
Terry the resident manwhore got his own story and is given an opportunity to redeem himself.
Can he do it?
How?
When he meets new island resident and next door neighbor Silvie things take an interesting turn.
Two unlikely people make discoveries about themselves and each other.
What happens you’ll have to read and find out.
I cannot wait to see what happens next.
4.5 stars!

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms]

Island Roots is Terry’s turn for his story. He was in Last Resort and was Olly’s friend. Terry is miserable and lost with Olly gone. Silvie has bought the house next door to set down roots. Although, Silvie is in hiding but she is done with running.

Terry wasn’t the nicest of human beings in book one and that is where Ashleigh has in the blurb about him being the resident d*ckhead. I actually liked him in this book.

We do get to read more about Olly and Jo because they make an appearance. I really enjoyed reading Terry and Silvie’s story and there is an HEA! Now I want to know what’s next for Ashleigh G. (the lighter side of Ashleigh Giannoccaro).

[Janie]

Terry was such a jerk in the first book that I wasn't sure how the author could redeem him in my mind. I hated him and that was that as far as I was concerned. But, there is usually a reason that a person is filled with so much hate and so much disdain for other people. Terry had his reasons and at the base of that hatred was so much pain. Silvie was running from her past. She never stayed anywhere long enough to set down roots. Or to be found. Two people who do not trust others and suddenly they find themselves being drawn to someone else. Can the both of them let go of the past enough to have a future together? Another well written story by this author.

[Rhiannon Hall]

I loved Island Roots and would definitely recommend it to everyone, it is a continuation from the book Last Resort and you definitely need to read that first as that's when we first meet the "asshole" that is Terry but and it's a big but he truly is tormented by his own demons that makes him the way he is. I wanted his story so bad after reading Last Resort (which is amazing btw) and Ashleigh did not disappoint, Island Roots had my emotions reeling from start to finish I absolutely loved it!

[Christina Mitchell]

this story follows Last Resort. I love this side of Ashleigh. It's so different from the other books. My heartfelt all kinds feels for Terry. He finally got redeem in this story. Silvie needed a friend like Terry and the same for Terry what he needed in Silvie. Though Terry wants more. This story with give you all kinds of feels and have your tear up here and there. What a truly wonderful love story.

[Book-Lovin-Momma]

I didn't think I'd like Terry. He didn't even like himself. But he slowly grew on me after Silvie threw him off his game. Theirs was the not so idyllic island life, with both of them broken after bitterly troubled pasts. I loved how far they both came in order to overcome their feelings of distrust and abandonment. Although I still felt like they were often floating high a lot of the time, it was the sober moments that shined through. Setting down roots never meant more to these two!

[Andrea Britton]

Ashleigh G has written a story of two lost souls, two broken people, two people who are somewhat loners and she has given them their happy ever after.

We follow Terry after Ollie has left. He’s finally feeling all the regrets of his mistakes, of his a**holeness. (It’s a word) He’s just living until the girl moves in next door.

Silvie is a nomad. She’s been wondering around for years. She was chased out of her own life. She hasn’t grown roots anywhere and the island feels like maybe she could.

We watch as these two work on themselves. Each of them having to let go of the past so they can have a future.

I loved this story!

Highly recommended.

[Tabitha Hartman]

I really want to live on this island, it’s seems like such a wonderful place. There is definitely some kind of magic there. I love Ashleigh’s softer side, this duet had it all, love, hate, jealousy, betrayal... all the emotions.

[Nastasia Botha]

Great read

I enjoyed this story so much more than I anticipated. I disliked Terry in the first book, so I was unsure but I liked the story. Ashleigh just knows how to draw you in and have you hanging on to every single word. Beautifully written as usual. Loved it

[Antoinette]

Absolutely loved this!

This is Terry's story whom we meet In Last Resort. You have to read that book first, not only to understand whats going on but because its a great book.

I hated Terry in Last Resort, and really did not want to like him in this book. But Ash gave us much more of his story, I all most kinda felt bad. OK I might have felt something.
Then we meet his new neighbor Silvie, who after 10 years as a nomad is finally putting down roots. And despite him being an asshole, she gets attached to him.
This is a beautiful story about two broken people and I highly recommend it!

[Karen - Kazza's Books Blog]

It’s always good when we get the full story about the resident asshole ( my opinion ) who gave the enigmatic Ollie (from The Last Resort. Yes this book must be read first.) a hard time and literally made Ollie and Jo’s life hell.

So back to said asshole, Terry. Well once I finished reading his story everything that made him the man he was, made me see him with different eyes. Of course in true author magic, Ms Giannoccaro made me fall for Terry. Sure he had to face some hard truths and look deep within himself but when his sexy new neighbour, Silvie, moves in, well lots just say that the path to love and happiness is not always smooth.