Jackson's Love

Lake Hope #3

by Mel Walker

It’s not where you’re from - it’s where your heart leads you.

Everyone has a past. Dana tried to outrun hers by moving to beautiful Lake Hope in search of a fresh start. With her life at a crossroads, she must choose between a life-alternating professional opportunity or address the undeniable distraction she has to Jackson, a man with inked up muscles and smoldering intensity. Dana has played this game before and felt its burn. To protect her heart, she knows she should avoid temptation... even if he’s a painfully attractive one.

Jackson doesn’t talk about what drew him to Destiny Falls. These days, he’s perfectly content living the quiet life as a coffee shop manager. But one look at Dana, and he’s willing to jeopardize his scars from the past being revealed to pursue the longings of his heart. For her, he will face his demons head-on.

Will both their pasts blind them to a future together? Or will the magnetic possibility of a future together have them risk it all once again?

Genres: Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2020

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormelwal...

FB Group: https://bit.ly/2qx672R
Insta: https://bit.ly/2Kx7LwJ
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/44m4qHD

Reviews

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a Mel Walker is like sitting with a great friend. Each book is well written written, with a great great story and characters you want to have their HEA. If you like friends to lovers, slow burn with lovely characters, this book is absolutely for you.

[Andrzejewski Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson's Love
(Lake Hope Series, Book 3)
Mel Walker

Jackson's Love was another amazing book in the Lake Hope series. This was a quick, easy read and difficult to put down. I loved how these two characters ran from their past. Dana followed her dreams and started over where Jackson took a step back and with Dana's help found himself, again. Together this pair help the other heal and find a love unlike they were ever expecting. In the end Jackson gets a start over on his dream of opening his own restaurant with support of the love of his life and some amazing friends he made along the way. I hope that Jackson's Love will not be the last book in the Lake Hope series. The story had a wonderful HEA.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. I know that every book is an amazing read that is beautifully written.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review. Mel Walker has delivered another dynamic story in book #3 of the Lake Hope series. I FREAKING LOVED DANA & JACKSON’s story!!!!! OH MMMM GEEE!! Friendship to romance? Check! Colorful and unique characters? Check! Page turner? Check! The details provided throughout gave you an amazing mental picture while reading as if I were right there with Dana & Jackson. I loved how the characters weren't perfect and had to overcome some challenges in the story. And the ending . . . *muffled squealing* I can't talk about it because I don’t want to spoil it for you but it was so fabulous and perfect! Now, i’m gonna need Amy & Sydney’s stories. 🤣 I absolutely LOVE the Lake Hope series & hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

[Tanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lake Hope series has been one I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and I have fallen in love with all of the characters.
Jackson's Love was just as good as I thought it would be!
The slow burn love between Jackson and Dana was absolute perfection as they each dealt with there past to be able to move forward.
Superbly written as we have come to expect from Mel Walker.  Brilliant, thank you!

[Susan Homan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson's Love (Lake Hope Book 3)
Mel Walker

Mel Walker did it again. I have absolutely loved every book in this series, and this one doesn't disappoint either. Dana and Jackson have been dancing around each other for months. Dana is putting on a Yoga retreat and at the last minute finds herself in need of a chef at the last minute. Aaron has figured out who Jackson really is and confronts him and asks him to be the chef for the week of the retreat, but Dana needs to ask him. Jackson and Dana both have baggage and secrets from their pasts they need to face and admit to the other. Will the retreat bring them closer together or push them farther apart? Can they forget their pasts and move on to a future? This was a can't stop reading until I'm done book for me, so that tells me it is a great story with a great plot. There is angst, drama, ex's, but it all fits together and makes this amazing story. I hope you pick this one up and give it a chance and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson’s Love is the third book in the Lake Hope Series. It is a sweet love story about two people who have been hurt in the past and have trust issues. Dana is the owner of the local yoga studio and Jackson manages the local coffee shop. These two have danced around each other for months. When the chef for Dana’s yoga retreat at Lake Hope has an emergency Aaron, who knows Jackson’s history, convinces him to step in as chef for the week. It turns out the coffee shop manager is a famous chef with a story. How will this affect his relationship with Dana especially when her conniving ex boyfriend shows up at the retreat? Settle in for drama and love with this latest book.

[Susan-Justavoraciousreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!!! I truly felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I read this book. The slow burn love between Jackson and Dana who had to deal with their pasts in order to move on with their future was astonishing! This book is rich in content and drama! I loved all the secrets, passion and the journey to discovering that they were made for each other. I received an advanced copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving an honest review.

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

Jackson and Dana have danced around each other long enough. During her retreat, they bond and get to know each other better. Lots of drama follow and tensions are high. Can they both put their past behind them and move on or will it hold them captive forever? Excellent writing

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana and Jackson were both hurt in the past and are skittish about trying again. Their chemistry is to much to ignore and the story becomes amazing as these two gravitate towards each other. So good.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story resonates with emotion, drama, chemistry and prevarications. Dana and Jackson were well written characters that were relatable and easy to like.

[Veronica Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zen story

I have all the feels for this story. I knew there was going to be some angst but I like the way it flowed

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

The book read like a Disney movie. Good winning over “evil” ways. The whole you don’t need to be rich to be happy was too on the nose for me. Come on, even if chef Zach was over the top and Jackson had to tone
him down, it seems ridiculous to me that he would want to have his pop up restaurant in the middle of nowhere. It’s only 8 weeks so if his goal was to recreate his brand, it would have made more sense for him to set up somewhere easily accessible even if he opened a restaurant in Indiana afterwards. I really disliked Dana. Despite her grand gesture, how dare she compare believing he would harm someone to not knowing his past/name. It’s not like she told him about Tyrone so why should he have given her all the details? She spent months pushing him away and he still came through for her. However in a second she was ok with believing that he would destroy her dreams. The whole not taking her money back from Tyrone wasn’t noble it was stupid. To top it all up, she gets to LA but doesn’t even ask him if he wants to move but says you can’t. Clearly, all her grand gestures do not extend to upending her life or compromising. I didn’t like how Jackson was portrayed either. Yes he crashed and burned in Seattle, mainly because he didn’t have the support he needed to realise that Lola was toxic and that he needed an outlet for his anxiety but that doesn’t mean that he is a bad person who needs to constantly apologize. The constant running after her while she turned him down, the grand declaration and worse the “she deserves better than me” were annoying. To think that after spending the last of his money, he was going to run back to Indiana with nothing for her, made him seemed unbalanced not romantic. What was the plan, work at the coffee shop and live with Jason forever? A relationship needs balance and he was doing too much whilst she wasn’t doing enough.

[Pascale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well!!!! Zen or not, at least the yogi experience was interesting 🧐…

First time reading this author and I tried, I really tried to enjoy Dana, but man was she a drag..
Unfortunately since this story was of Dana and Jackson, they both were very much present and while Jackson was a dream bae, strong, loyal, dependable and not to forget sexy and beautiful; but Dana was another story. She was annoying, selfish, childish, stupid, need I say more? There was no inspiration from her, no follow the main lady and dream about your dream because it surely could happen to anyone but with this type of main character it actually became a drag and a hard thing to swallow. She was lacking on everything.
This story was cute and I really hoped Jackson had a better main lady. Then our dear author tried to put a spin to it with Tyrone but since Jackson is such a good guy and very forgiving (I would have made Dana crawl and grovel more), this twist truly didn’t work except cementing how Dana was so wrong for this series.
Being a fan of this specific genre (BWWM - black woman white male) I am going to raid this author’s Amazon page to get my hand into another book because regardless of this being a flop, this author has an excellent penmanship, with no grammatical errors! This what made me give it a 3 stars and of course Jackson with Aaron.

[Donna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going back to Destiny Falls is wonderful. I love this small town and how it drawls people in. Both of these characters, Dana and Jackson are people who moved here. Well Dana did. Jackson is regrouping. I love Dana’s character. She is a woman who is breaking out of her upbringing. She is from the worst part of Philadelphia and wants to do so much for her town but has no support from her family. Her move to small town is the best decision. She finds a family of friends that support her in every turn and she them. She has a past that has burned her and that makes her focus on her career. Jackson is not part of that plan but becomes a major part anyway. Jackson is guarded as well. He wants his past to stay there but it might have a way of coming out anyway. He must decide which is more important in his life, Dana or a career that nearly broke him. Is there a way he can have both? Great story line that kept me engaged.

[Arti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third in the Lake Hope Series, though the first one of the series that I read, but can be read as a standalone. A friends to lovers romance, which is simmering on the slow burner as the main characters keep dancing around each other till friends and fate give them a push. And the catalyst, the past, speeds it up.
The characters are realistic, flawed, with pasts that shadows the present and makes them what they are. The feelings of both Dana and Jackson have been described. The supporting characters are equally beautiful, and I think their stories would be worth reading.
The story is well written with descriptions of people, places and feelings. I enjoyed the yoga and healthy eating too. I felt that I was a part of the story.
This is my first book by this author and now, I will definitely read the first two books of the series, the stories of Candace and Mia. I hope there is more in the series to come, maybe Ebony’s story next.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed characters with trust issues, but lots of chemistry

Jackson and Dana clearly have chemistry, but Dana sidesteps every attempt Jackson makes towards a date or anything further than a mild flirtation.

Until Dana actually needs a chef for her Yoga retreat. Jackson coerces Dana to share a meal while they discuss if his ‘friend’ the chef can assist her. Finally, he agrees to have his friend takeover the cooking duties at the lodge at Lake Hope where the retreat takes place.

Jackson doesn’t tell Dana that he is the infamous Chef Zack until he shows up the day before the retreat to prep for the event.

Sparks really fly the longer they are in each other’s company. Until a past mistake of Chef Zack’s arises along with Dana’s ex-fiancé.

Dana and Jackson must work through their distrust, suspicions and all other outside forces, but they do.

I definitely recommend this book for the well developed characters and sub-characters.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Mel Walker has a way of right the most AMAZING Heroines and in Jackson's Love we get Dana! She is strong and determined, yet she holds back due to her past. When her past meets present she remains poised and doesn't forget her goals, in fact she takes a step that she was fearful of. The support system she has in these other powerful women; Candace and Mia, as well as their men; Ryan and Aaron who really step up to the plate. Jackson, ooh the changes....his story just made this story complete - it offered something different from the norm. It helps that he gives you that warm comfortable feeling. Let me just say that the introduction to Tyrone made me laugh, especially when Jackson had the same sentiment as me ~ well played Mel, well played!

I simply LOVED this book!

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: Mel gives the reader a backstage pass into witnessing all the nitty gritty stuff in Dana and Jackson's lives - the good, the bad and the ugly. Watching their dance of attraction slowly crumble their self-imposed walls, and their friendship and chemistry morph into something solid is sweet, spicy and swoony. When a nasty character from Dana's past stomps on the tiny sprout of their confessed love, the reader feels their mutual heartbreak. Will love, forgiveness and second chances prevail or is their love snuffed out before it has a chance to bloom? You will have to read the story to find out! 😜

Language/Blasphemy: yes (1-5 times).
Sex: premarital ex alluded to, no details. Sexual attraction is detailed.
Triggers: anger issues, lies & betrayal, manipulative partners.

[Anna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book paints a great picture of the color of the heart superseding the color of the skin. For Dana and Jackson what draws them together is so much more than skin deep.

They are well written characters who are both rewriting their lives, hoping to leave past mistakes behind, and reach for a new future.

I loved how the author showed the juxtaposition of Dana, a confident woman of color in a predominantly white community against Jackson’s insecurity when her former fiancé from the old neighborhood shows up.

There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome when two hearts beat as one.

[Heather Navarre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.

Jackson and Dana had so much going against them in this book and every step they took forward was two backwards.

I enjoyed reading their journey but there were times I was super mad while reading.

I loved that Dana did what she wanted to do, she left a life that wasn’t the best and made something amazing.

Jackson is trying to do that as well.

I liked seeing our past friends again as always when there are series like this.

I will keep reading if there will be more to the series.

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentleman

This is my first book by this author and I have not read any of the previous books in this series. Jackson was a complex and kind man trying to overcome his reputation and history. He has been drawn to Dana since he first meet her. She appeared to be overly cautious in getting closer to him. Even though he helped her out by stepping in as the chef for her yoga retreat she still believed the worst of him when presented with flimsy evidence. He forgave her in the end but I am not sure she deserved it.

[Alison Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book from Mel Walker before and I can't for the life of me figure out why I haven't!! Excellent writing makes you feel as if you are living the story right along with the characters. Secrets, mystery, angst, drama, lies, misunderstandings and deceitful ex boyfriends are just some of the goodness you get from this story. I love this series and all of you hopeful romantics should too!!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a story that has a slow burn that builds into something so much more. Jackson and Dana both have past issues to deal with and she has the singular focus of getting her new business off the ground. They have been dancing around each other, when they finally are tired and ready to act. The story is well paced, characters interesting and complex, and the H/h have great chemistry. Great Read.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet

Jackson and Dana are a joy to behold. The subtle flirting is cute, each taking time to be in the other's presence while trying not to lose focus on their own goals. One week changes everything as they get the chance to be closer. He steps up when she needs a miracle. But a serpent has to removed from their little garden first. A sweet novel all around but the editing could have been better.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pair led me on a merry chase as they tried to navigate turning their friendship into something more while also chasing their dreams and outrunning their pasts. I loved getting to know Dana and Jackson better, but the situations they were escaping broke my heart. For me, this book was all about facing up to the challenges that have shaped you and, at least for Dana, learning that you don’t have to do it all alone.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic!! I loved being back in Destiny Falls. I adored Jackson and Dana’s story. Two people who had to deal with their pasts in order to move on with their future. It's emotional, and a slow burn romance, that’s brilliantly written, with an engaging storyline, amazing characters that you fall in love with and want to know about. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Cassie Ashford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet quick read to lift you up during this crazy time. Jackson and Dana’s love is simple yet not easy. They both shield their hearts yet can’t help falling in love. Both have been hurt in the past and will need to trust each other. Real, honest, pure love will always win and that is exactly what they have.

[Marie Faerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love chef Jackson! His love for Dana is so genuine despite of their unpleasant pasts. Jackson deserves the love he waited. Trust and openness to your partner is the key for a successful relationship. I also love the supporting characters in this book. This is the 3rd book in The Lake Hope  Series but it's my first read among the books and I'm glad it can be read as a standalone.

[Robyn Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was romantic and yet funny at the same time. Diane had troubles and had to protect her heart with all sincerity. She was a business minded woman which made her a strong woman figure, thinking about the future. Jackson was a man with a past but he was trying to change. The plot was good, a great read. I look forward to more stories from this author.

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story about pasts and how they are overcome and what is in store. I think the way the two main characters come together in the book, is a great way and even though they have feelings for each other, they seem to wait until it falls at the right time. Its great to read about two people that are doing well at their jobs and have their own careers and business.