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A Little Pill Called Love

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Rylie Marshall has blue, green, yellow, and a mixture of pills that made her "normal." But her idea of normal and what her mother or society wanted her to be never seemed to match up.

She lives day-by-day in a fantasy land within her own troubled head and books. Reading was her escape whenever even her head denied her such a haven. So, how was she to know that one day, sitting on the beach, a book would show her the one thing she didn't have, but might change her life…

Love.

Mike Newport had white, yellow, and striped pills that made him capable of being one of the most cut-throat corporate marketing advisers his clients could have. Not even a life-changing tragedy could slow him down.

His days and most nights were spent with his head buried in flow charts, graphs, and spreadsheets. Busy was the best way--the heart could easily be ignored as it was dying inside his chest.

The last thing he needed was a vacation, but how was he to know that a carefree girl, playing in the waves and talking to the birds might give him the one thing he had been avoiding…

Love.

From bestselling author Jas T. Ward comes a touching, quirky, fun, and gritty read—A Little Pill Called Love, rebranded, edited, and published by Hot Tree Publishing.

Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2017

8 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Jas T. Ward

25 books475 followers
About the Author

Born and raised in Texas, Ward is a mixed bag of creativity spinning tales of paranormal, urban fantasy and even dark romance and horror; wrapped within a love story.

She’s been dared by her readers to write a few contemporary romances but even those reads have characters that are real and twisted by their creator. It did, however, spawn her romance tag line: Romance - The Ward Way.

Mother of three diverse and independent bold children, Ward prides herself for being the “Queen Niche’ Bitch” which is a handy way of saying she sucks writing to market.
But her readers don’t seem to mind.

Ward can be contacted via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJasTWard
Website: http://authorjastward.com
Email: Hello@authorjastward.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Jas Ward.
Author 25 books475 followers
September 23, 2016
This book means so much to me - A Romance - The Ward Way.
Just like my other contemporary romance, this one is full of fun, twists, drama and more than one shocking surprise.

Can't wait for you to get your dose of A Little Pill Called Love.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,363 reviews13 followers
July 6, 2020
This was a gem of a read.

I nearly passed on the opportunity to read this book because the premise was not one of a typical read. However, I am so glad I gave it a chance as it surprised me and completely blew me away.

Riley is a ray of sunshine on a rainy day with her outlook and this is in spite of the life she is forced into living. It becomes quickly apparent that her life is not what she believes it to be. Riley believes that she suffers from a range of mental disorders and her mother is her carer, who keeps her on a short leash. Her only friend is the transgender female living next door. Until she meets Mike. Mike gives her the attention that she so deserves and doesn't look or treat her like a weirdo as most people seem to do. There is something child like and innocent about Riley that is endearing and totally refreshing. The lack of filter made me smile constantly.

Mike is on forced break after working himself into the ground, which was helped along by pills and alcohol. He fights this up to the point when he sees Riley on the beach for the first time. Her ability to see things in such a pure way challenges him to look at his own priorities. These twp shouldn't work because of the differences between them but they complement and balance each other.

Such a great way, well written and challenged my own viewpoint in lots of different areas. A strong story line that is not always easy but the ending is so worth it.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Eszter Szika.
149 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2024
A Little Pill Called Love was a really heartwarming read, full with feelings. Rylie has an absolutely lovable character, and how Mike gets closer to her and opens up is just beautiful. This book was a real romance just what a heart needs.

Thank you Librarything for the free copy.
Profile Image for HANNAH (Books, Films, and Tea).
332 reviews55 followers
July 13, 2020
3.75 stars
A Little Pill Called Love by Jas T. Ward was an emotional and inspiring story, but felt a tad too rushed and sudden. I really loved the strength of Rylie and seeing her overcome her home situation. Rylie is living with her mother, who is also her caretaker. Rylie takes an inordinate amount of pills every day, which are supposed to help her from going "crazy" and help with all of her supposed diagnoses. Her mother is extremely controlling and abusive, not letting her do much and keeping her on a strict schedule. Rylie has one close friend, Roxie, who is their neighbor. Mike is forced to go on vacation after overworking himself because of the death of his wife. He and Rylie meet on the beach, where they have a connection to each other. They start to go on dates, but Rylie and Mike are both keeping secrets and they know that Mike can't stay in town forever. I really loved being able to see Rylie's thoughts and understand what she was going through and how much her mother had been hurting her. I liked how she saved herself and how she had to find the internal strength and courage to stand up for herself. I liked the relationship between Rylie and Mike, but I really didn't see that much of a connection and wished there had been more scenes with them. Mike's story was a bit confusing and didn't make much sense to me. I also felt like there were a few inconsistencies, or at least dropped storylines. Roxie, Rylie's friend, is a crossdresser and I think trans, but I am not 100% sure. While I loved the effort to have her in the novel, I don't know how accurately Roxie was portrayed. I don't know if she, as a trans person, was portrayed accurately. One thing I've been reading over and over about this book is how immature and young Rylie is, but I think she's 28 years old. I think she has more childish thoughts because of the medicine and her controlling mother, but I'm not 100% sure. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, but it was too rushed at times and I wish I had seen a bit more connection between Rylie and Mike. The end of the novel also seemed to cut off unexpectedly.
TW: emotional and physical abuse, mental health disorders
3.75 stars
Profile Image for Christina  Pepper.
32 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2020
A Little Pill Called Love is a contemporary romance that will make your soul happy!!! Taking place in the seaside town of Galveston, TX Jas T Ward captures the heart of the town. As a resident of Texas, I am thrilled to read about local towns with their unique restaurants being illustrated throughout the pages. From the weather, to the water, and all the places in between, you will be transported to Galveston just in time for a summer vacay!!!!

This is definitely a 2020 summer read, whether on the beach, by the pool, or at home due to COVID19. It does have some shocking moments that might hit you straight in the feels. Let me know if you enjoy this book as much as I have. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to plan a small vacay to Galveston!!!!!

Full review will be up 7/11/2020: https://christinashuffle.com/?p=281
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
October 24, 2017
"Sometimes you take chances, no matter how strange something appears, Riley. Take chance for me, Riley."

OMG, this was such a great read. What a sweet story and one that's full of feels! I absolutely adore Riley. She's just wonderful and, well, adorable. Her infectious joy and innocence is just too hard to resist. You can't help but smile when you read this one. Watching Mike let his walls down and allow himself to lay down the guilt he's been carrying around, and just enjoy life was heartwarming.

Mike Newport had it all. Then lost it all. Throwing himself into work to avoid having to deal with it all, and close to burning out, he finds himself on a company mandated vacation. Little did he know, he would find more than he ever imagined on the coast of Galveston. An intriguing woman, in a floral dress, riding her bike through the surf, changes his life forever. Can he tell her everything? Can she help him move forward? Is she the key to finding his way back to who he used to be?

Riley is a grown woman, but kept tethered to her mother's side because of her "condition". The pills her mother gives her keep her balanced, keep her from breaking down. Or so her mother's told her. She's been told she can't have what others have. She gets lost in romance books and wants all of that, but she's resigned herself to never getting it. Until she meets the "uptight executive guy at the beach". He's handsome, funny, and says all the romantic things she reads about. And he doesn't know her secrets. If she told him, would he not like her anymore? When it comes down to her making a choice, will she be strong enough to choose him? Can she dare let herself believe in a happily ever after for herself?

I really loved this story. Watching them both evolve, grow, open up, and reach for what they want, was just.....wow. This is definitely romance the Ward-Way. The rollercoaster of feels was just amazing. My heart broke for both Mike and Riley and their separate circumstances. It was hopeful for their relationship. It broke again, then soared. There is hope, joy, laughter, hurt, and heartbreak. But fear not, it ends on on a good note.

This is a special one. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,485 reviews72 followers
October 12, 2020
Audiobook Update

I've just finished the audio version and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are two narrators, a male and female for Rylie and Mikes parts and it really added a depth to the audiobook/story.

Regarding the story I had forgotten how much I disliked Rylie's mum, I wanted to throw my phone at the wall a couple of times!

I wasn't sure if there was a slight edit to the book or if I couldn't remember the full ending, but it was very fulfilling.

One to grab if you have audible.

Great read 4.5 stars

Rylie was refreshing, a breath of fresh air and has a definite innocent side. She says what she thinks and lacks the mental filter we all use and I loved that about her. She sees the good in people and loves the beach, but she has issues, one being she lives with her mother

The Mother - is a little controlling to say the least - I quickly started to dislike her mother.

Mike or Mikey is a man with a hurtful past, who just happens to need a breath of fresh air! He has been working long hours for a while and has been forced to take a holiday, his staying near the beach and this is where he first notices Rylie.

Rylie and Mikey connect well, Mikey finds her refreshing let alone beautiful and sexy. Rylie doesn't miss that Mikey is hot, she loves reading and has dreamt of her own 'book boyfriend'. Rylie has a great friend in Roxie, she is a very colourful character and watches over Rylie from next door.

I started and finished this book in one evening, the story flowed really well and it finished too quick as I was enjoying the story and characters! - there is a HEA but along the way there are some disturbing scenes.

This is a recommended read from me.
Profile Image for Lori Greis.
11 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2017
“Take a chance for me, Rylie. You can choose me.” Life is all about choices – those we make, those others make for us, & those that the universe forces upon us every day. Rylie has never been allowed to make choices for herself – her overbearing mother has seen to that, right down to the daily medications used to control Rylie’s life. Mike is a successful, driven executive & has control of his life (with the help of his own medications), until the choices of others force him to take a mandatory leave from work. A chance encounter leaves both Rylie & Mike wanting more, for they are two broken souls calling out to each other; both needing healing & love, without realizing it. But are they brave enough to make the hard choices, take a chance on themselves & each other & find that magical prescription that heals hearts….LOVE?

I absolutely adored this book, & couldn’t put it down. Rylie & Mike’s story is quirky, fun & engaging; Ms. Ward has used her magic to tell a love story that is timeless & real. A must-read for the romance lover!
Profile Image for Madhuri Palaji.
106 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2020
A Little Pill Called Love by Jas T. Ward is the most romantic story I have read lately. Rylie and Mike meet in very strange circumstances. Rylie's honesty takes Mike's breath away. After the terrible heartbreak from his past experience, Mike buries himself deep in work and meeting targets. When he meets Rylie on the beach with her bicycle on his forced vacation, Mike couldn't believe that she is real. 

Rylie on the other hand has a difficult life. It always is complicated when you are abused by your own mother. Rylie's mother makes her believe that she is sick and keeps Rylie on drugs everyday. She is forced to take so many pills.

Destiny brings Rylie and Mike together. The story unfolds when Rylie realizes that her mother was never honest with her. She, then, fights for herself with the help of her sweet neighbor and also with the strength that Mike's love gave her. 

Love is all we need.. the sweet little pill, helping us pick up the broken pieces and fight all the odds. Wonderfully written by Jas Ward. I read this book in one sitting. Loved it, absolutely.
Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
704 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2017
What a beautiful story and a definite Romance the Ward way. A Little Pill Called Love….and that’s exactly that it is. Each chapter a pill that you just need to take to dive in deeper to a Romance the Ward way. I very quickly fell in love with Roxie’s character and her squad, flawless is one word I can think of to describe her. This book has so many moments that make you giggle, so many sweet moments between Rylie and Mike. I loved the dynamic between the two characters and loved reading how they saw each other through their eyes. If your looking for a book that has quirks, laugh out loud moments, tear-jerker moments and love on many different levels then this book is for you.

---- Second Time Reading -----

I received my paperback of ALPCL and dove straight back into reading it again. I really do love this story, it has become one of my favorites's from Jas and I will definitely be reading again.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,793 reviews26 followers
October 16, 2017
A Beautifully Unique Love Story by Jas T Ward.

Can I begin with how enchanting I found this story, along with sweet, sad, romantic, and scary! I loved Mikey, and was heart-broken for him. What can I say about Rylie? She is an angel! I could feel her goodness.

This story has a twist that is heartbreaking but you are so invested in the characters that you will be willing to take the ride with them. Roxie has my heart and will have yours, too, as the story generously shows the meaning of unconditional love.

As a fortunate ARC reader for A Little Pill Called Love, I will be reading Ms Ward’s other works❣️
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,272 reviews53 followers
July 12, 2020
The blurb of this book pulled me in and had me intrigued. It's a fast read for me, but such a beautiful book. Both Rylie and Mike are going to steal your heart. They both will pull on your heartstrings with their back stories. I just loved Rylie's personality. It's a breath of fresh air for Mike. She brings a new light to his life. That's one of my favorite things about the book. It's just truly beautiful. Rylie's life breaks my heart and all she goes through. My heart just bled for her, but this book puts my heart right back together. I would definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,076 reviews23 followers
July 12, 2020
This story's blurb sounded so intriguing I could not resist reading it. I was quite curious about how this story would play out. I must say I was delighted by the novel with a unique storyline. What made it memorable, however, were the delightful main characters Mike and Rylie.

Mike is a wounded hero emotionally and is drowning that pain in work and other substances, so he is sent to the beach for needed rest. I am not going into more detail because, really, for this book, it would be spoilers. It is while here that he meets Rylie.

Rylie is one of the most delightful characters I have had the pleasure to read about in quite some time. Her effervescent personality, quirky viewpoints, and lack of filter make her immediately memorable. She has the same impression on Mike, and from their meeting, the blending of their personalities makes this book into one that will stick in my memories for quite some time.

Add in some awesome side characters who add much to the book's unique flavor, and it only gets better. I really can't say more about the story of the book because that would be giving away too much. Suffice it to say; you should read A Little Pill Called Love, it is so effortless to swallow.
Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
704 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2020
What a beautiful story and a definite Romance the Ward way. A Little Pill Called Love….and that’s exactly that it is. Each chapter a pill that you just need to take to dive in deeper to a Romance the Ward way. I very quickly fell in love with Roxie’s character and her squad, flawless is one word I can think of to describe her. This book has so many moments that make you giggle, so many sweet moments between Rylie and Mike. I loved the dynamic between the two characters and loved reading how they saw each other through their eyes. If your looking for a book that has quirks, laugh out loud moments, tear-jerker moments and love on many different levels then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Tiffany Farmer.
1 review2 followers
October 16, 2017
After I finally got this book it was great, couldn't put it down. The writing style was great and I love how it drew you into the story in the first page. I am not sure I felt so much emotions reading a book before like I did with this one. I laughed, I cried, I was wanting to see what happened on the next page. I would tell anyone that they should read this book.
Profile Image for Alexis.
837 reviews63 followers
October 30, 2017
This book was on my wishlist and I was lucky enough to review it and omg I'm speechless. It's amazing. I couldn't put it down. It's a five star book. Wonderful loving book. I traded before bed and it's on my re-read list again. I think i read it about 2 maybe 3 times all ready. Yes i like to re-read books and this one I highly recommend.
1,813 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a quick, easy read with interesting characters and a different kind of love story. It was a compelling read but I always find that I enjoy this author's writing and storytelling. For me, it took a suspension in believability for parts of the story. I really like Riley and her bubbly personality when she was in her element. It was easy to figure out what was going with her mother and it was tragic. Mike was a harder sell for me. Sure, he had a traumatic past but he was a highly intelligent professional so his ready acceptance of Riley was interesting. I guess he just needed a impactful meeting with a sweet woman to get him over his daily drudgery. I did love Riley's reading material and her hope that she would get her Knight and a HEA. All in all this was a feel-good romance with likable characters in Riley and Mikey with some tragic elements but with a wonderful HEA. Love the cover! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
3,016 reviews30 followers
July 12, 2020
Kylie and Mike's story was a fun and touching story that touched my heart in so many ways. I liked the different layers this book provided me.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,408 reviews119 followers
July 16, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Great Book
This book is a great afternoon read. I was definitely hooked from the very first page.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 10, 2020
Rylie is such a delight as a heroine because not only is she missing a filter, she's innocent & adorable with her joy that permeated through my kindle to surround me. She loves reading and dreams of her own book boyfriend someday, but for now, her mother's convinced her that she needs to take pills to stay balanced. I wasn't a fan of her mother because it seemed like Mommy Dearest was trying to take the joy out of Riley. Mike has tried to work himself to death because he's not trying to face heart things he needs to face. He's forced to go on vacation where he comes face to face with Riley, the light to his dark. Both of them are just what the doctor ordered for one another, but it wouldn't be an easy journey, however it was a realistic journey as they both developed into more. Will they end up together for a chance at an amazing future?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,501 reviews56 followers
July 10, 2020
What did I just read?? This book is really special...I don't think I've read something similar so far and given I read 300+ books a years says something.

This was twisted, funny and oh-so sweet read. I loved Rylie. Despite what her mother was says her spirit was pushing through. And Mike? That man had so much happen to him so I was so happy that she was able to pull him out of the darkness.

I can't not believe this is my first book by the author. Her writing is (obviously) special and I need to add her to my TBR asap!!!

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
704 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2020
What a beautiful story and a definite Romance the Ward way. A Little Pill Called Love….and that’s exactly that it is. Each chapter a pill that you just need to take to dive in deeper to a Romance the Ward way. I very quickly fell in love with Roxie’s character and her squad, flawless is one word I can think of to describe her. This book has so many moments that make you giggle, so many sweet moments between Rylie and Mike. I loved the dynamic between the two characters and loved reading how they saw each other through their eyes. If your looking for a book that has quirks, laugh out loud moments, tear-jerker moments and love on many different levels then this book is for you.
Profile Image for Carolann.
9 reviews
January 27, 2020
If you’re prone to throwing a book, make sure you get this in paperback form. DON’T THROW THE E-READER! This complex, sweet, tear jerking, laughter inducing story will make you do just that. The feels… oh the feels! I couldn’t put this book down and ended up reading until almost 1 am just to find out what happens. This is a must read if you’re looking for something that’s not your run of the mill man saves woman romance.
164 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2018
Amazing story and great narrators! I loved it! I'm so happy to have wait for the audiobook. It was so worth the wait! I love that they save themselves. No damsel in distress, no broken male to save. Just perfect!
Profile Image for Cat.
234 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2017
Format: kindle ebook
Tissue warning: you may need a tissue, but nothing gut-wrenching
HEA: yes
Triggers: mental disorders, familial abuse
Narrative: 1st person, following Riley. 3rd person, following Mike.
My reviewer rating: 4 out of 5
Recommend read: Yes
Published: November 2, 2017

The cover is spot on for this book.

I'm glad I have an ARC and I know it will be reviewed and edited before final press, because the grammar mistakes tripped me up almost every other page.

So, my biggest complaint with the story is that we get to the meat of it too soon. Like, after the first chapter we realize what's going on with Riley and her mom. That should have, and could have, been drawn out better to actually make the reader guess.

Riley is adorable. Yes, she sounds like a 13 year old most of the time, but she's fresh and full of life. But then her mother shows up and all goes to hell.

Mike seems like a good guy. I don't understand how the blurb discusses his pills, but whatever.

Roxie is fun, albeit a little cliche. Maybe a lot cliche, but fun either way.

This annoyed me most of all: "Because now your Mikey has you and you know what, Rylie? Your Mikey loves you."

I don't like when characters name-speak so much. Especially corny pet names.

I liked the book though, and I devoured it in just a day.

Thank you, Netgalley for the free e-copy in exchange for my honest-to-goodness review.
3,724 reviews42 followers
August 16, 2020
This book is absolutely enchanting and yet freeing. Mike has been forced to take a three week vacation to Galveston Island in a beach condo he is not pleased but his company forces him to go after his wife died and he was burned out. Rylie lived with her mother who made her take pills and totally controlled her life, even though she was such a free spirit. Mike and Rylie met on the beach it was an unusual situation for Mike but he became a different person when he was around her as she made him smile and laugh more but would it be enough as Mike is on vacation and they have many secrets and situations between them. There are so many twists and turns along with betrayal, abuse,hope, faith, love, mistakes, friendship and so many emotions that I couldn't put this book down and had to keep turning to see what would happen next. Mike and Rylie were amazing characters even though there lives were so different but will it be enough. Jason T Ward is a brilliant author and writer and she taps into the emotions and that is what makes this book a must read.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
140 reviews12 followers
June 25, 2022
Rylie is a woman trapped by the pills she is told she needs to be healthy. Her mother insists she needs them because she’s ill. It has been this way for so long, she just accepts the truth that she’s crazy and the pills make her stable.
Mike is a man escaping his past by working. He’s close to a promotion but first, his company forces him to go on vacation to avoid a burnout. He doesn’t want it. The last thing he needs is time to himself where he can think. Maybe the woman pushing her bike through the surf of the beach can help him escape from his thoughts for a bit?

On page 9 Mira says she is a “twenty-year-old woman” and on page 21 she says “but I was twenty-eight now” so I’m a bit confused on the age of the female lead. There was a sentence written in third person on page 69 which was a bit jarring.

Other than those few errors, the book and definitely the story it told were fantastic. The book was a little tough to read at times - even fictional abuse can cause reactions - but the story was worth it.

I recommend this book. I enjoyed reading it and found the MCs easy to read about despite the heavy themes of the book.
Profile Image for Nina DuBois.
1,862 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2020
A Little Pill Called Love is a really sweet, heartfelt romance with some twists, and shocking revelations. I really adored Rylie. She didn't fit inside norms and was so refreshing to read. She blurted out whatever came to mind, was filled so much kindness, and is probably the nicest character I've had the pleasure of reading. So its so easy to see why Mike was so drawn to her. When they were together I felt like their both were able to forget their troubles for a while and just be their true selves with each other. Jas T. Ward does a great job weaving in Mike and Rylie's past in as well so that we understand both of their pasts and the hesitance they both feel.

My heart also broke for Rylie and how her mother treated her. The pills she had to take and how they made her feel made me angry. She was a grown woman and her mother treated her like a child who wasn't capable of doing anything for herself. It was both heartbreaking and angering. This was also written so well and made this one even more intriguing to read.
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
December 3, 2017
What a beautifully tragic journey to love. Riley is an amazing breath of fresh air trapped in a sheltered world by a mother that uses her daughter to feel purpose by controlling her with pills. The first time Riley meets Mike, he is startled by this free-spirit riding her bike in the water. Mike is in need of the freedom Riley feels on her bike, tragedy struck his world and pushed him to hide in his work to escape the pain. This unlikely pair opens each other up to new and needed experiences. I was captivated by Riley’s spirit and energy, I couldn’t help but smile as she found those moments to fly. How to reacts to Mike while being herself is carefree and fun. My heart broke at times for Riley and the world her mother has trapped her in as I hoped for her to find her strength to break free. I was truly surprised at how this story captured my heart, making feel every high and low as I wanted these two hurt souls to find the love they both deserved.
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