Admiring Avery

Hearts of Hollis #4

by J.L. Leslie

Landon…

I was taught women are the weaker, inferior sex. Toss a little money at them, show them some attention, and they will spread their legs. They are money hungry whores, and they are all the same.

My father taught me this, and he warned me to never allow a woman to have control over me. Never give a woman my trust. Never give a woman my admiration.

I followed his advice…until I met Avery Randall.

Avery…

I hate everything about the small town I grew up in. Hollis is tainted with horrible memories. The place I used to love so much is ruined from the tragedy I caused, the pain I inflicted, and I can’t seem to escape from it.

I ran away a long time ago, but this place has a way of drawing you back in and not letting you go. My family needs me, only I’m not certain I can handle the pressure of being back in Hollis.

But there’s one person who tells me I can do this. Landon Steele assures me I can overcome my past. He promises me I am strong enough.

I wish I could believe him.

*Admiring Avery is the final installment in the Hearts of Hollis Series. It references characters and events from the previous books but is a standalone novel. This book contains adult content, adult language, and sexual situations. It is intended for mature readers only.*

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

I am a happily married mother of three (two boys and one girl). I live in a very small town in Alabama. Never lived anywhere else. I’ve been writing since my early twenties, but I couldn’t seem to finish a book. I’ve started self-publishing with the encouragement from my mom. Without her encouragement, I don’t think I would’ve done it. She always supported me and writing is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. As long as I enjoy it, I’ll continue to do it. I’ve learned already that I can’t please everyone. Not all reviews will be good, not all reviews will be bad. I’m the one that has to be happy with my work.

I get my inspiration from life experiences, movies, television, other authors, and music. Music is definitely a big influence on my writing. I can hear a song and it can inspire an entire book for me. I listen to it while I’m driving or before I start writing and it keeps me inspired. I like to put music in my books, even if it’s just one song the characters listen to or hear at some point. Sometimes music has gotten me through the really tough times in my life and that’s why it inspires me.

I like to write fast-paced, steamy romance reads. I like for my males to be alpha-males and my heroines to be strong, but both need to have one weakness- each other. I am an avid reader. I absolutely love romance books!

Reviews

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING READ!!!!

Admiring Avery was amazing. It was beautifully written. You become so engrossed that you think you are there in Hollis and forget where you actually are. be ready for laughter, angst, tears anger and so many feels!!! Avery is definitely admirable because she is honest, strong, stubborn and genuine just as any great character should be. The connection between Avery and Landon melts your heart. visiting with the other great characters from the series and a major plus!!! This is a definite must read folks!!!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a reflection of our lives but a condensed version. It’s the story of 2 people’s stories that revolve around overwhelming abuse, not the abuse that we think but of people’s power to control or reject you. They find their ways of coping and think that this will get them through life but are they both just surviving? Their 2 ships manage to meet but they travel onwards alone but with internal struggle. It comes to a head in Avery’s home town where where everything has gone wrong in the past but the question I will leave you with is how will they get over there pasts and will they end up together. This is a really well written book that shows us that there are many struggles out there and we find many ways to overcome them some ideas not right but destiny always corrects our mistakes.
Great read that I will recommend to everyone even though I was tearing up at parts. Great series and I would read it in order for the best read.

[CeeJay Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️🌼🔥OH...LANDON AND AVERY....PERFECT♥️🌼🔥
So, I’ve read all of the books in this series, and I’ve loved them all, but, for me, ADMIRING AVERY is my favorite....So, so good...♥️🌼🔥
Landon Steele and Avery Randall (What a hot couple!!!) had one night in his father’s wine cellar awhile ago...and went their separate ways....it wasn’t forgotten by either of them...but it was just one night.....♥️🌼🔥
Avery is a nurse, and she lives in Los Angeles and Landon is CFO of his father’s company, and he is based in Dallas...but he also has business interests with his brothers in Hollis, so he’s staying both places.....♥️🌼🔥
Avery’s dad is dying of pancreatic cancer, and he doesn’t have long left...(JL Leslie gave a true representation of this horrible disease..)..Avery comes home from California to take care of her dad, but coming back home is not something Avery ever planned to do...(you’ll have to read the book to find out why).... and as soon as her dad passes, she has every intention of going back to California...and she does...♥️🌼🔥
Landon has his professional life in hand, but he’s got all these rules about women, because he has no intention of settling down....until Avery...she is SO different from anyone else...but even he’s not understanding why he’s willing to change all of his rules for her.....but he is....it’s just that Avery hates Hollis, and she is a runner...and that’s obviously not changing....Landon and Avery fall in love, but, sometimes, love just isn’t enough...and Avery just never wanted to live in Hollis again.....♥️🌼🔥
I loved this story...I loved Landon and Avery...I loved their chemistry...their HOTness (that may be the same as chemistry...but it deserves to be mentioned more than once)....I loved how honest they were and how there are no games between them...And I loved that Avery didn’t give Renee a second thought when she saw her with Landon...and I loved that Landon didn’t either...I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK.....♥️🌼🔥

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am speechless!! Admiring Avery was so amazing, I refuse to believe this is the last book, it's not beyond the realm for a character to knock on the door of J.L.'s brain and say "Oh and by the way".....someone could potentially have more to say....*crosses fingers in hopes* Lol anyway, back to Landon and Avery....they were pretty perfect for each other, they both felt the same way as far as relationships are concerned so thinking what they had was nothing more than a hookup was fine by both of them....or was it? Avery comes back to Hollis for her family but has no intention of staying long term. Landon is in Hollis every once in a while because of the hardware store he and his brothers opened, he feels his life is in Dallas. He too has demons that follow him, but maybe Avery is the woman that could change him, make him settle down....in a small town. Guess you're gonna have to read to find out!! So yeah, I am totally recommending this book, you really need to read it and the other 3 books in the Hearts of Hollis Series, you will thank me, just like I am thanking J.L. for writing an awesome story, this series is a definite reread!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I was hoping for in a final chapter of the hearts of Hollis series! Avery’s journey to work through the guilt she carries from her past was something of beauty, watching her deal with what’s going on in her current life and harbouring these awful feelings was both beautiful and heart wrenching. And having a strong ‘rock’ like Landon to hold her together when things get tough is all a tortured heart can ask for. Not saying Landon is perfect he has his own demons to work through, and thankfully he has Avery to help pull him out of his shell and make him stop to smell the roses a little more. I truly wish this series wasn’t done, I just want to stay in Hollis and hear all about this town that has stolen my heart!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon and Avery's story is such a sweet love story. Landon who's so busy with Steele Industries comes to Hollis to visit his brothers and Avery is back in her home town to visit her family and it's there that the two of them meet. Avery has so much bad history in Hollis and is determined to leave as quickly as she can while Landon becomes determined for her to stay. You're going to love this journey with these two.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery never planned on coming back to Hollis but her family needs her so she ends up back in the town. Landon splits his time between Dallas and Hollis due to business. The couple had one night in the wine cellar years ago and went their separate ways. Now they run into each other and discover one night might not be enough for either of them. I loved how both never planned on a relationship but their feelings force them to try it out. An excellent read and series.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite out of the series!!!! Heart wrenching circumstances for Avery to come home to have to face and the tragedy of her past. Landon trying to be close to his siblings and work in the corporate world his dad wants him to run. Being the escape for each other and falling in love. This book puts you through a lot of emotions. Excellent way to end the series!!

[Carrie LaForge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved this series. If you want a real feeling love book or series, this one is it!!

[Heather Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!! I fell in love with the people in this book. Couldn't put it down. This is a great book. Tore qt my heart strings.

[Lori Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series and can be read as a standalone. This story was an emotional read, with a wonderful conclusion. It will fill your heart with hope, that love can happen, even when you feel you don't deserve it. I loved Avery and Landon and was routing for them.
I loved catching up with everyone from previous books. This book and series is a must read.

[Mrs K Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great conclusion to a sweet yet at times hard hitting series. This book deals with many subjects from familial expectations to survivors guilt and feelings of being unwanted and helpless. It's a realistic look at how family's can implode or band together to thrive when tested.

[Tammy Dangiolillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a emotional story! This book had me hooked from the moment I started reading it. I absolutely love Avery and Landon’s story. You can’t fight love, so why try? Landon and Avery do!
Read this wonderful story to find out what happens. You will not be disappointed, you will laugh and cry.

[Micah Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg.! This book.

It has to be one of my favorites.
The laughs, tears, and emotion that is put into this book is amazing. Landon and Avery are absolutely perfect. The way they fall in love is so unexpected. ❤️

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the whole setting in a small town, the meddling of all the family and the other people in town I love the atmosphere. The writing makes you feel that you are there with them and looking from a distance at them and living through everything with them. Go grab a your book.

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admiring Avery is about overcoming the past and not living how you were taught. Both Avery and Landon in one way or another been abused but not in the physical sense. Tragedy drove Avery away and corrupt morals and ideals have distanced Landon from his father. The journey these two go is intense but at the end its absolutely worth it.

[JoAnna Edger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the final installment in the heart of hollis series and it may or may not have left me broke.
Such an unexpected twist on things! I loved every word of this book it kept me reading well passed my bedtime and had me so enthralled as to what is going to happen next, I cried, I laughed and I truly loved the words on these pages.

I’m sad that this is the final book in the series and that these characters are now gone for me.

Such a fantastic series and I truly recommend it.

These characters like the rest in this series bring the heat, bring the emotions, and brings you closer to the people in the town of Hollis. I’ll miss them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[E Loprete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admiring Avery by J.L. Leslie is an emotional and moving story about the pain and guilt Avery had to go through living in a small town of Hollis. Because of one tragic incident when she was a teenager, she was shunned not only by the town but also her mother. Now she returns back home due to her father's illness but the past is going to rear is ugly head, will she be able to survive or will she run again? Landon Steele is a sexy alpha man who holds no punches, but he has never come across a brash, sassy woman like Avery. When Landon and Avery meet again after being together at his brother's wedding, the chemistry and sexual connection is too strong to deny as they begin a sex only relationship. Loved the interaction and banter between the other Steele brothers and their women. The more time these two spend together, Landon wants more from Avery. Can he make her understand that what they feel for each other is worth something that they can't overlook. Will Avery forget the past and give this relationship a try? Landon knows that Avery is hiding from something as he can see her pain and at times she appears broken. When he discovers the truth and somehow becomes involved, he makes the town and Avery get over the guilt and shame. You will fall in love with this couple as they begin a relationship like no other, but when tragedy strikes, will Avery turn on the one man who has helped her believe and forgive herself and run away? Now Landon is going to get the woman he loves, he even informs his father that he will decide on how he lives his life as it seems Hollis is feeling more like home to him. This was a beautiful romance story that gives one hope that when things are the darkest, love will always persevere! Admiring Avery is the final installment in the Hearts of Hollis Series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admiring Avery is the final book in this interconnected series and for me, the most emotional story. Some time before we see this couple reunited, Avery and Landon had a brief and steamy encounter in a wine cellar of all places, before Avery hightailed it out of town. Hollis holds painful memories of the past for her and it’s the last place she wants to be. Now forced back to town to support her family, an unexpected encounter once again sees the sparks flying between them.

Landon does not come across as a good man in the beginning. The way he talks about women, the way his father taught him, made me want to slap him silly. However, all thoughts of other women fly out of the window once he crosses paths with Avery Randall. Their relationship develops quickly but still seems natural and perfect for the story and I loved the way they were straightforward and honest with each other. There was no silly game playing between them, although they did both give as good as they got. Landon has never come across anyone like Avery before and the chemistry between them, both physical and emotional, was fantastic. Avery is a strong and capable woman, and her sense of humor had me giggling. I must say, however, that everyone needs some support now and again and Avery certainly did. I particularly loved Landon in those emotional times, the way he took care of her and was her rock. Even when their future was up in the air, I had confidence that they were meant to be together and they would find a way.

All good things must come to an end as they say and with Admiring Avery this author has given us a lovely, albeit poignant, goodbye to the people of Hollis. Overall, a fitting ending to this enjoyable series.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional storyline. Avery goes through quite a lot in this book. But through it all she does try to remain strong. Coming back to her hometown is not something that she wants to do. There is bad memories here for her. But when her father gets sick she has no option but to come back to help her family. Landon has a thing for Avery but he doesn't do relationships. Avery just wants to use Landon as an escape. Landon is willing to be there for Avery but in the end he feels something more for her. But will Avery stay after everything happens or will she run? What will happen between these two? I absolutely love the chemistry between these two it is hot and lovable. I absolutely love how Logan is there for Avery through everything that she goes through. This was an amazing storyline with two amazing characters. A great book from a great writer. Highly recommend reading this one.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m assuming this is the end of this series. If so, talk about a great ending! I am sad to see it end though. This series was my introduction to J.L. Leslie (and Nicole Dykes). I have loved each story including this one. This one might even be my favorite. Awesome story start to finish! I cannot express this to you enough.

Landon is back and forth to and from Hollis since his brothers are here, he’s a part owner of the hardware store and he secretly likes the town. Shhh! He hasn’t admitted the last one even to himself. Avery is only back in Hollis to help with her father. The town has too many painful memories for her. But maybe Landon can change that for her. Or are they just a fling?
Hmmm...
Guess you’ll need to read this one to see how it all works out.

This is book 4 in this series. Each can be read on there own since they each feature a different couple.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning. J.L. wrote the final installment on her own and did not disappoint.

Landon is CFO and was raised to believe women were to be used to produce heirs. I LOVE how he broke out of that and fell in love. I love how he tried not to, but in the end, followed in his brothers footsteps.

Avery is everything I wanted her to be. She is the perfect imperfect character if there ever was one. I related to her so much. Like so much. JL seems to be able to bring the best out of even the most troubled characters in the world.

Seeing my Hollis friends from prior books was awesome and I'm hoping, fingers crossed, one day, there will be a Hollis reunion ;) Thank you JL for all your words <3

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by this author before this book, nor did I realize it was part of a series, but once I started I could not stop. This book has EVERY emotion possible.. I laughed, I cried, I felt the heartbreak both of our amazing characters went through, I felt their triumphs and successes, and above all I felt the undying love these two had for each other.

I don't want to say much about the storyline itself, because I believe it's something that must be experienced first hand, but I am just blown away by this amazing novel. I will definitely be reading everything by this author from now on!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**

[~Misty~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon and Avery hooked up once- never expected to be together again. Landon lives in Dallas, but travels often to Hollis to spend time with his family.

Avery is rarely ever in Hollis. (The reason ... it is revealed). One call from her Mom has her staying in Hollis despite it being the last place she wants to be.

These two are so awesome! I LOVE Avery and her feistiness! Landon is OMG, sweet jesus, PERFECTION! I truly loved all the words. Their story stole my heart. I loved, cried, hurt,and swooned. Rules are being broken! 5 stars!

" I'm breaking yet another rule, f^** all the rules. Those rules were re-written the moment I met Avery"

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Hearts Of Hollis series and what a way to end it. I'm a sucker for a small town romance and I've fallen in love with this series and the characters. Landon and Avery are perfect for each other and both deserved their happy ending.
I've always been intrigued by Avery's full story, her sass and fire has always had me laughing out loud but you could tell there was something there, lurking under the surface and I was desperate to know what troubled her.
Landon surprised me too, there were times I wasn't sure he could break away from what was drummed into him from such a young age but boy did he prove me wrong!
An amazing read!!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery has temporarily left her life in LA behind to take care of her dad while he is in his final days. She and Landon had a great hookup, but it was only supposed to be that. Landon rethinking his entire outlook on life after some terrible truths about his family came out. He is spending more and more time in Hollis and his family there, much to his father's dislike. We really found out what kind of parents the Steele men have in book 2. Avery is lost, made a scapegoat by a lot of Hollis for a horrible accident on top of her father reaching the end of his days. Landon ends up being a strong should for her to lean on and she for him. I love them.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admiring Avery was absolutely incredible! Avery comes back home to Hollis to visit her family, with no intentions of staying, there's too much bad history and she is determined to leave as quickly as she can. Landon comes to visit her brothers and the two of them meet. Landon is determined to change her mind and make her stay. Landon and Avery have a sweet undeniable connection, and I fell in love with the characters. This story will give you all the feels, with wonderful characters, a perfect love story and it's phenomenally written. I simply adored it and recommend to anyone.

[Chantal Baxendale]

Where to start? This book makes you feel so much, especially when you've gotten to know the people from Hollis. This story may be a work of fiction, but the ugly side of tragedy is very real. Heartache makes a person do and say horrible things and this story restores your faith in the 'love conquers all' theory. Such an intense story with so much 'history' and heartache that it would be a shame not to have a HEA. Loved this read and loved Hollis with all it's amazing characters ♡ Let's not forget to beautiful cover!

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I feel like I am a part of Hollis and I’m sad to see the series coming to an end, but way to go out with a bang. Landon and Avery are perfect for each other and they both deserve their HEA. Avery’s story goes deeper than what’s on the surface. She hides troubles behind sass and fire. Landon has been raised to see women as only broodmares to produce heirs, that is until he falls in love and his whole outlook on relationships change. Landon pursues Avery relentlessly will she give in or blow him off? Can she keep her past a secret or will it come back to destroy her present?

[Me_myself_and_romance_ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about two people that have grown up to be independent, never relying on anyone else but themselves. Both effected by events in their lives that has made them who they are. They are instantly attracted to to one another and you feel it oozing off the pages when they are around each other, it’s like your right there watching it happen. This book is very raw and you feel for them both. Not realizing that they are each other’s saviors and to open up to the possibility that they don’t have to be strong all the time. I never wanted to put this book down and I didn’t. This is the first book I have read by this author and I know it won’t be my last. I was given this as an arc to give an honest opinion and I’m so happy that I got to enjoy two people learning to love unconditional and be open to the idea that love does exist.