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Richmond Rebels #1
The Small Town Boy's Redemption
When Liberty Watkins delivers flowers to the local auto shop owned by the Truax boys, who does she run into? Blade Truax. She hasn’t seen Blade in years, mainly because he’s been in prison serving a sentence based solely on the testimony of Libby’s sister, Mariam.
Yes, Libby and Blade have history. In fact, that summer, right before he’d been charged with sexually assaulting her sister, Libby and Blade had been meeting secretly almost every day. And Libby had felt something for him—something major. She thought he’d felt it too. Was that why she still questioned her sister’s testimony, because she wanted so badly to believe in Blade? Or was it something else?
Blade doesn’t trust women anymore, for obvious reasons, but he particularly doesn’t trust women with the last name Watkins. So, when Libby Watkins shows up at his family business, he isn’t happy. How dare she stand there pretending there had been nothing between them. Did she even remember that it was her he’d been waiting to meet that fateful night when his entire life went down the toilet?
They should not be together. There is way too much pain down that road for any kind of redemption. But it looks like fate has other plans when, despite Blade’s objections, Libby is hired to be the auto shop’s new office assistant.
The Small Town Boy's Redemption is the first book in the Small Town Boys series by award-winning author and Kindle All-Star, Jessie Gussman. Grab your copy today!
Books in The Small Town Boys series:
1. The Small Town Boy's Redemption
2. The Small Town Boy's Secret Romance
3. The Small Town Boy's Second Chance
Yes, Libby and Blade have history. In fact, that summer, right before he’d been charged with sexually assaulting her sister, Libby and Blade had been meeting secretly almost every day. And Libby had felt something for him—something major. She thought he’d felt it too. Was that why she still questioned her sister’s testimony, because she wanted so badly to believe in Blade? Or was it something else?
Blade doesn’t trust women anymore, for obvious reasons, but he particularly doesn’t trust women with the last name Watkins. So, when Libby Watkins shows up at his family business, he isn’t happy. How dare she stand there pretending there had been nothing between them. Did she even remember that it was her he’d been waiting to meet that fateful night when his entire life went down the toilet?
They should not be together. There is way too much pain down that road for any kind of redemption. But it looks like fate has other plans when, despite Blade’s objections, Libby is hired to be the auto shop’s new office assistant.
The Small Town Boy's Redemption is the first book in the Small Town Boys series by award-winning author and Kindle All-Star, Jessie Gussman. Grab your copy today!
Books in The Small Town Boys series:
1. The Small Town Boy's Redemption
2. The Small Town Boy's Secret Romance
3. The Small Town Boy's Second Chance
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2020
442 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 7, 2024
What an evil girl
Miriam lied about a sexual assault and it sent an innocent man to prison. He is out and he hates that family. Her sister liberty had caught his eye but they were just getting to know each other. He went to prison for three years and has been back around that same amount of time. He dates quite a bit, but this was a clean story so I don't know if he was sleeping with them too. It never says. Libby ends up getting a job with him and they end up in a fake relationship that is real. They start dating and they kiss and Libby loves him. And he loves her. Drama from her family and a contract are causing issues but they stick together. Lib ie knows her sister lied but she can't prove it. Or can she. It ended rather abruptly and I guess it may tie it up in the next book but I am not sure.I am going to continue this series. it was just okay.
Miriam lied about a sexual assault and it sent an innocent man to prison. He is out and he hates that family. Her sister liberty had caught his eye but they were just getting to know each other. He went to prison for three years and has been back around that same amount of time. He dates quite a bit, but this was a clean story so I don't know if he was sleeping with them too. It never says. Libby ends up getting a job with him and they end up in a fake relationship that is real. They start dating and they kiss and Libby loves him. And he loves her. Drama from her family and a contract are causing issues but they stick together. Lib ie knows her sister lied but she can't prove it. Or can she. It ended rather abruptly and I guess it may tie it up in the next book but I am not sure.I am going to continue this series. it was just okay.
May 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was sweet and gentle with zero steam and a few kisses only. I’m thinking it’s a Christian romance, something I normally don’t read. But I like the story and the main characters.
Blade was accused and convicted and sent to prison for sexual assault six years previously to the beginning of this book. He had a developing relationship with Libby, the daughter of the town judge. But she has a sister who wanted Blade and because he rejected her in favour of Libby, well her sister had to make him pay for the slight.
He’s now out of prison and working for the family’s auto repair shop. He still has feelings for Libby though he loathes her sister for what she did to him. He is amazed when he learns that Libby who in a twist of fate, is now working at the garage fully believes Blade is innocent and her sister lied. This really kick starts her feelings for him.
As I said, this is a heartwarming tale of love, learning to let go and of forgiveness and I recommend it to those who think they might enjoy this book.
Blade was accused and convicted and sent to prison for sexual assault six years previously to the beginning of this book. He had a developing relationship with Libby, the daughter of the town judge. But she has a sister who wanted Blade and because he rejected her in favour of Libby, well her sister had to make him pay for the slight.
He’s now out of prison and working for the family’s auto repair shop. He still has feelings for Libby though he loathes her sister for what she did to him. He is amazed when he learns that Libby who in a twist of fate, is now working at the garage fully believes Blade is innocent and her sister lied. This really kick starts her feelings for him.
As I said, this is a heartwarming tale of love, learning to let go and of forgiveness and I recommend it to those who think they might enjoy this book.
February 7, 2020
Rating: 4.5 stars
My thoughts on what engaged me:
• This was a sweet, clean, contemporary romance that I enjoyed very much.
• I liked that this was a blue collar romance and the shop, that Blade and his brothers owned, welded broken truck parts.
• The welding/repair industry made for an interesting stage for Blade and Libby to play out their romance.
• Blade and Libby have a past they needed to overcome. Blade went to prison and Libby's sister put him there.
• Bad reputations are hard to shake off. Will Blade be able to shake his off?
• I was impressed that the author had Libby deal with being born with a malformed leg. This made for a unique character. Libby was not a perfect beauty on the outside. But, she was beautiful on the inside.
• There was lots of witty banter and it put a smile on my face. I can always depend on Jessie to deliver a book full of light heartedness.
• The author presented a well-crafted enjoyable story. It kept my interest from the beginning until the end.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My evaluation of this novel was freely given and my opinions were my own.
My thoughts on what engaged me:
• This was a sweet, clean, contemporary romance that I enjoyed very much.
• I liked that this was a blue collar romance and the shop, that Blade and his brothers owned, welded broken truck parts.
• The welding/repair industry made for an interesting stage for Blade and Libby to play out their romance.
• Blade and Libby have a past they needed to overcome. Blade went to prison and Libby's sister put him there.
• Bad reputations are hard to shake off. Will Blade be able to shake his off?
• I was impressed that the author had Libby deal with being born with a malformed leg. This made for a unique character. Libby was not a perfect beauty on the outside. But, she was beautiful on the inside.
• There was lots of witty banter and it put a smile on my face. I can always depend on Jessie to deliver a book full of light heartedness.
• The author presented a well-crafted enjoyable story. It kept my interest from the beginning until the end.
I was given a free copy of this book by the author. My evaluation of this novel was freely given and my opinions were my own.
October 14, 2020
The Small Town Boy's Redemption is a story that is heard a lot in sex abuse cases that the man is innocent. But, that is the truth in Blade's case. He was accused by the Judge's daughter, Mariam of molesting her. No proof except her word put him in prison for 3 years, 2 years of parole and on the sex registry for the rest of his life. And since he has got out and living in the same small town as he was convicted, the garage his brothers all own business is just not enough anymore. They are trying to get a contract with a big company to service all their vehicles and the older woman that has ran the service desk since the garage opened quit to move to Florida. They needed a new person to run the service desk and after the Judge's older daughter, Liberty was by there delivering flowers yesterday, they decided that she would give them a better reputation. Liberty was part time church secretary and had a good reputation herself and suffered from a bad limp. Blade was furious when she came by the garage as he hated that entire family. He had seen Liberty walking of the morning as he passed her on the way to work and had been in high school with her. He thought she was beautiful and made a point to accidentally run into her and they started walking together. She never believed he did anything to her sister but, her father would not listen and with his influence Blade had no chance. Blade was told to go and ask Liberty since he treated her so mean the day before to come work in a temporary situation till they get an answer on the contract decision. She agreed to come work for the garage. The morning when the representative from the big company came he started asking Blade about the conviction and the sex registry and Liberty came over and told the representative that went to church with her that she and Blade was dating and that they were taking it slow. She said that Blade was not convicted on any evidence, just the word of her sister. That made their interview go a lot better. But, can they fake date with the feelings that they have felt for years? What would happen if they allow their feelings to be real? Is Liberty just fooling herself about the conviction of can Blade ever find any proof that Mariam lied? And can jealously in the strongest form have been the reason for Mariam accusing him?
February 12, 2020
This is a story of love, loyalty and redemption. Both Blade and Liberty (Libby) have had to deal with underserved hardships. She has struggled to show people that she is more than her disability, that her misshapen leg and hip do not define her. Blade was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit...the sexual assault of Libby’s sister. Since his release from prison, Blade has struggled to find his place again within his family and the community, but his reputation and past make him a possible liability to the success of the garage his family owns. When circumstances demand that Libby be hired to fill the vacant receptionist job at the garage, Blade is less than thrilled and downright hostile in his interactions with Libby. But her blind faith, and swift defence of Blade lead him to see Libby in a new light. He begins to see a woman who has dealt with hardships, has risen above them with quiet determination and perseverance, and refuses to be pitied. He was attracted to the quiet teenage Libby years before, and now a new stronger attraction has been sparked by the woman she is now. A fake relationship to help secure a sought after business contract leads to Blade and Libby spending time together after business hours. As their mutual attraction and admiration grows, they are confronted by the distrust and disapproval of townspeople and family, and their own rising insecurities about being worthy of each other. Will their fake relationship turn into something real? Can they have their own happily ever after?
Libby and Blade easily garner a reader’s admiration and respect. They are both determined, have a deep inner strength that drives them to move forward, and are steadfastly loyal to those they love. They have learned the value of honesty and trust. Their story makes a wonderful, engaging read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Libby and Blade easily garner a reader’s admiration and respect. They are both determined, have a deep inner strength that drives them to move forward, and are steadfastly loyal to those they love. They have learned the value of honesty and trust. Their story makes a wonderful, engaging read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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August 12, 2025I first want to start by saying I love Gussman's writing style. It draws me in, is easy to read, and she just has a bluntness that makes the story and characters that much more relatable and realistic I think.
I also really liked the characters. They drew me in to their lives and stories. Blade and Libby were adorable. I loved watching their romance grow. It was absolutely delightful and gave all the warm feelings.
However, as a novel that I believe is supposed to be Christian romance,
The other thing I have mixed up feelings about is
So overall, I really enjoyed the story, but there were things that held me back from truly appreciating it completely, and thus currently no rating.
I also really liked the characters. They drew me in to their lives and stories. Blade and Libby were adorable. I loved watching their romance grow. It was absolutely delightful and gave all the warm feelings.
However, as a novel that I believe is supposed to be Christian romance,
The other thing I have mixed up feelings about is
So overall, I really enjoyed the story, but there were things that held me back from truly appreciating it completely, and thus currently no rating.
February 5, 2020
I’m excited to begin this new series, Richmond Rebels, by Jessie Gussman. If this first installment is any indication of what is in store, it will be something to look forward to! The name, Richmond Rebels, refers to the young men who own and operate a garage in a tough part of town. They are brothers and they have had a tough upbringing so they have become accustomed to supporting one another and working hard to make their own way in life. The youngest brother, Blade, had a crush on a nice, pretty girl named Liberty but he was framed by her teenage sister who lied about him when Blade did not return her romantic overtures. Blade was tried as a child molester, convicted, and was unjustly imprisoned. Having finished serving his time, Blade now has to deal with his anger and pain. To complicate matters, Liberty is the newest receptionist at the garage. Oh, how we readers love complications! This story has some great twists and turns that will keep you turning pages and some great words of wisdom that speak to how we respond when we’ve been wronged. There is some sweet romance mixed in there too. I loved it! Highly recommend! I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 25, 2020
I stalk this author for her releases so I guess it's the good and approved kind of stalking. I always love her characters and the story and I get a welcome relief from all of the bedroom details other authors feel they need to make their stories work. This author doesn't need them. Her characters are flawed. They can be your neighbor or you sibling because they are just people. He went to prison because of her sisters lies. She is the soft and easy sister, the good girl, the cripple and one of the few who doesn't believe her sisters lies. When circumstances have them working together in more ways than one it just might be their chance to be seen for who they are not how they are perceived. The good girl may just get under the skin of the bad boy and become his forever.
It's a beautiful story of forgiveness and of course in this authors way a love story that will melt your heart. You will find yourself invested in their outcome and his innocence. You will feel her pain of exclusion. You will feel his pain and anger at the betrayal and lies. Most of all you will feel their release when they receive their healing.
It's a beautiful story of forgiveness and of course in this authors way a love story that will melt your heart. You will find yourself invested in their outcome and his innocence. You will feel her pain of exclusion. You will feel his pain and anger at the betrayal and lies. Most of all you will feel their release when they receive their healing.
February 5, 2020
I fell in love with this author’s Baxter Boys series and was hoping this first book in her new Richmond Rebels series would be just as good. Boy, was it.
This time we have the Truax brothers.
Blade Truax , the youngest one, served time for something he didn’t do . But influential people caused this young man a great deal. Only one person felt he was innocent. The sister of the girl that accused him of rape.
Six years later, fate brings Liberty and Blade together. The girl he always found special, and whose disability did not phase him.
With an engaging plot and complex characters, it was a sweet, at times heartbreaking story about life, redemption, hope, new beginnings and the possibility of finding true love.
Also a reminder that sadly, sometimes society judges innocent people without facts and instead of being considered innocent until proven guilty, the opposite occurs.
I can’t wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This time we have the Truax brothers.
Blade Truax , the youngest one, served time for something he didn’t do . But influential people caused this young man a great deal. Only one person felt he was innocent. The sister of the girl that accused him of rape.
Six years later, fate brings Liberty and Blade together. The girl he always found special, and whose disability did not phase him.
With an engaging plot and complex characters, it was a sweet, at times heartbreaking story about life, redemption, hope, new beginnings and the possibility of finding true love.
Also a reminder that sadly, sometimes society judges innocent people without facts and instead of being considered innocent until proven guilty, the opposite occurs.
I can’t wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 11, 2020
This is a bad boy story with a twist.
Is Blade really bad or is it just a front he uses to protect himself. And can the love of a strong determined woman break down those walls he has put up around himself.
Libby is what everyone sees as the good girl, but she sees herself as the town cripple, the one no guy wants to date, but can Blade show her that there is more to her than her disability.
Libby and Blade had a connection that is undeniable, it had started many years ago but due to circumstances out of their control she lost him.
Will they get their second chance or will his past, that she knows is not true, keep them apart? Or is their love strong enough to get them through the storms together.
An absolute must read, if this what the first book in the series is like I can’t wait for the rest of them.
Received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Is Blade really bad or is it just a front he uses to protect himself. And can the love of a strong determined woman break down those walls he has put up around himself.
Libby is what everyone sees as the good girl, but she sees herself as the town cripple, the one no guy wants to date, but can Blade show her that there is more to her than her disability.
Libby and Blade had a connection that is undeniable, it had started many years ago but due to circumstances out of their control she lost him.
Will they get their second chance or will his past, that she knows is not true, keep them apart? Or is their love strong enough to get them through the storms together.
An absolute must read, if this what the first book in the series is like I can’t wait for the rest of them.
Received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
February 11, 2020
“This was all a new mindset”
The story is sometimes light & funny, then thought provoking...no matter where you are, it pulls you deeper & won't let you walk away. Below are a couple of my favorite quotes that will continue to resonate with me as bad things, undeserved hard times happen to people.
“We all have free choice. We choose how we respond. By not choosing, we’re like water, taking the path of least resistance. But when we choose, and especially when we choose to react in a way that isn’t natural or is hard, that’s when we get a chance to see God make something beautiful.”
“The idea that yeah, it wasn’t fair, and yeah, it had been hard, but that every hard thing in one’s life gives a person an area to grow.”
I requested an ARC & am voluntarily stating my reaction to this story.
The story is sometimes light & funny, then thought provoking...no matter where you are, it pulls you deeper & won't let you walk away. Below are a couple of my favorite quotes that will continue to resonate with me as bad things, undeserved hard times happen to people.
“We all have free choice. We choose how we respond. By not choosing, we’re like water, taking the path of least resistance. But when we choose, and especially when we choose to react in a way that isn’t natural or is hard, that’s when we get a chance to see God make something beautiful.”
“The idea that yeah, it wasn’t fair, and yeah, it had been hard, but that every hard thing in one’s life gives a person an area to grow.”
I requested an ARC & am voluntarily stating my reaction to this story.
March 24, 2020
The Bad Boy’s Forever Girl by Jessie Gussman (5 stars)
I loved Blade and Libby! I love how their romance develops; how her belief in/defense of him makes him want to be a better man and how his undeniable attraction to her gives her the boost she needs to feel like she actually might be attractive to a man in spite of her disability.
Religion played a stronger role in this and I loved that it did. Everyone is defined by a belief system, regardless of what that may be. These two started with the same belief system and, although he lost his way and buried those feeling of faith deep-down, he had the same beliefs as she did and when she spoke certain truths to him, they resonated in his soul.
I can’t wait to read the next one! Well done, Ms Gussman!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
I loved Blade and Libby! I love how their romance develops; how her belief in/defense of him makes him want to be a better man and how his undeniable attraction to her gives her the boost she needs to feel like she actually might be attractive to a man in spite of her disability.
Religion played a stronger role in this and I loved that it did. Everyone is defined by a belief system, regardless of what that may be. These two started with the same belief system and, although he lost his way and buried those feeling of faith deep-down, he had the same beliefs as she did and when she spoke certain truths to him, they resonated in his soul.
I can’t wait to read the next one! Well done, Ms Gussman!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
April 2, 2024
I love Jessie Gussman! Her newsletters are as entertaining as her books are. This was book 1 of the Richmond Rebels - The Small Town Boy's Redemption. Right at first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. The more I read, the more I got caught up in the story. Blade and his brothers grew up rough. Blade had a reputation of being a "bad boy" and spent three years in jail....but he was innocent. No one would believe his story against Mariam, the daughter of the judge. Blade had a real chip on his shoulder. But getting to know Liberty (Libby), who happened to be Mariam's sister, changed everything. It became a love story, a story of redemption and righting wrongs. Blade was a tough man with a tender and loving heart. I enjoyed the book all the way to the end and cannot wait to read the next one in the series.
February 10, 2020
I received a copy from the author; this is my honest review.
-Blade and Libby have a complicated relationship, intersperse with a lack of communication. They don't tell how they feel because they don't know if the other one feels the same. Good thing they each took turn taking chances at either asking or speaking up.
-The story is somewhat predictable up until the end but it's not boring or anything of the sort.
-When you read it, it hurts, it makes you laugh, it makes you sad, and it will make you sing at the end because happiness in your heart is what prevails.
-I think I would've liked to see the evil sister squirm a bit. Not too Christian on my part but I think she deserves having everyone see her like she truly is.
-Blade and Libby have a complicated relationship, intersperse with a lack of communication. They don't tell how they feel because they don't know if the other one feels the same. Good thing they each took turn taking chances at either asking or speaking up.
-The story is somewhat predictable up until the end but it's not boring or anything of the sort.
-When you read it, it hurts, it makes you laugh, it makes you sad, and it will make you sing at the end because happiness in your heart is what prevails.
-I think I would've liked to see the evil sister squirm a bit. Not too Christian on my part but I think she deserves having everyone see her like she truly is.
March 20, 2020
I received an ARC of those book from the author and I'm voluntary leaving my honest review
Here are the things made me want to read this story:
Before i read the description of the book i knew i wanted to read the story because i seen "Bad boy" and have a weak spot for bad boys
I fell in love with The Bad Boy's Forever Girl!!! The story line was perfect. The story Blade and Libby gives you all the feels you want from a romance and Mrs. Jessie writes the story where you feel for Blade and Libby has individuals also. the story is sweet (not toothache sweet though) with warm heat, this is a clean story. I never felt the urge to knock Blade and or Libby upside the head because they were acting stupid.
Im off to read Thad's story now.
Here are the things made me want to read this story:
Before i read the description of the book i knew i wanted to read the story because i seen "Bad boy" and have a weak spot for bad boys
I fell in love with The Bad Boy's Forever Girl!!! The story line was perfect. The story Blade and Libby gives you all the feels you want from a romance and Mrs. Jessie writes the story where you feel for Blade and Libby has individuals also. the story is sweet (not toothache sweet though) with warm heat, this is a clean story. I never felt the urge to knock Blade and or Libby upside the head because they were acting stupid.
Im off to read Thad's story now.
October 26, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the author, Jessie Gussman, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. This is a wonderful romance between Blade and Liberty (Libby). Blade was accused of sexually assaulting a sixteen year old girl even though there was no evidence to prove him guilty. The girl's father was a judge and he influenced the judge over the trial to sentence Blade to three years in prison and he had to register as a sex offender. The girl was Liberty's sister and she always thought that Blade was innocent and that her sister lied. Was she able to prove his innocence? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book as a clean romance with wonderful characters.
February 6, 2020
What an entertaining and enjoyable read! Jessie brings back some of the "bad boy" writing that she shared in her Baxter Brothers series (and actually her Cowboy Series too). She just grabs your imagination in the early pages and you are hooked until the final epilogue. This story introduces the Truax Brothers, but namely Blade, and our sweet young leading lady Liberty (Libby). Lots happening throughout with subtle touches of God's love, grace and forgiveness that adds some depth to the story. Looks like another great series by this talented author.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
February 12, 2020
Complex, Emotional, and Wonderful
Libby was born with a condition causing one leg to be twisted, affecting her hip and spine. Though beautiful, life has rarely treated her fairly. Blade was wrongfully found guilty of a crime that he didn’t commit. Libby’s family was responsible for his conviction.
Thrown together by circumstance they have lessons to learn, a reputation to redeem, and a business to save. Can they overlook the deep hurt and prejudice to accomplish these monumental problems?
A truly magnificent story of faith, love, and mercy.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Libby was born with a condition causing one leg to be twisted, affecting her hip and spine. Though beautiful, life has rarely treated her fairly. Blade was wrongfully found guilty of a crime that he didn’t commit. Libby’s family was responsible for his conviction.
Thrown together by circumstance they have lessons to learn, a reputation to redeem, and a business to save. Can they overlook the deep hurt and prejudice to accomplish these monumental problems?
A truly magnificent story of faith, love, and mercy.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving a voluntary review.
February 16, 2020
I have read several of Jessie Gussman's books and have enjoyed them all. This one did not disappoint! Once I started reading, it was hard to put down! I loved the characters in this story and the story line. I loved how the characters were not afraid to voice their feelings. So many books have misunderstandings between the characters because they assume things and don't talk them out. The openness of the characters in this book was refreshing. There is no bad language or steamy scenes in this book. This can be read as a stand alone, but the ending does introduce the premise for the next book. Definitely a recommended read!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review
February 23, 2020
For this not being a very long book, there was a whole lot of story. A lot setting up the series but not an overwhelming amount of information. This was such a cute, sweet romance. I was smiling so much of how adorable Libby and Blade were with each other. There were some tough moments. The reputation Blade had to overcome was just heartbreaking. And Libby and her disability hit close to home for me and I teared up reading some of her challenges. I really liked how these opposites came together. I like how this author writes clean in a way you don't feel the story is lacking without any sex scenes.
February 25, 2020
Trial by fire.
“Yup. If her face could get any more red, it would probably catch on fire. In fact, as hot as it was, if he had marshmallows, he could probably roast them.”
“And suddenly it wasn’t about revenge or posturing or making any kind of point, and it became all about the woman beside him and against him, her softness under his hands, her taste on his tongue, her scent surrounding him and his world shrinking to just the two of them and his crazy heart blazing hard and hot in his chest and every nerve ending attuned to her slightest movement.”
Don’t you love it? Grab a book – it’s awesome!
“Yup. If her face could get any more red, it would probably catch on fire. In fact, as hot as it was, if he had marshmallows, he could probably roast them.”
“And suddenly it wasn’t about revenge or posturing or making any kind of point, and it became all about the woman beside him and against him, her softness under his hands, her taste on his tongue, her scent surrounding him and his world shrinking to just the two of them and his crazy heart blazing hard and hot in his chest and every nerve ending attuned to her slightest movement.”
Don’t you love it? Grab a book – it’s awesome!
February 27, 2020
Jessie Gussman’s stories bring to life people that could be living in your neighborhood. The bad boy, Blade, was trying to get his life back on track after being accused and sent to prison. He did his time and paid his fines. Libby was born with a deformed hip and walked with a limp. She is the sister of Blade’s accuser. She has never believed that Blade was guilty. Dating was difficult due to the past. Can these two find a way to make it all work? This is a book you just cannot put down! Great storyline and fantastic characters!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
August 26, 2025
Overcomer!
Wonderful first book in the series. Blade is back from prison where he just served 3 years for sexual assault of a minor. She is Liberty’s younger sister and has been known to lie to protect herself. Her father is the local judge but he recused himself but a the same time pushed for the conviction. But here is the problem; no physical evidence, no other witness statements. This is one of those #Metoo situations where the woman is believed and the man gets convicted. Now he and his brothers are trying to secure a contract and meet Libby when she delivers flowers for the departing parts lady, so they hire her.
Wonderful first book in the series. Blade is back from prison where he just served 3 years for sexual assault of a minor. She is Liberty’s younger sister and has been known to lie to protect herself. Her father is the local judge but he recused himself but a the same time pushed for the conviction. But here is the problem; no physical evidence, no other witness statements. This is one of those #Metoo situations where the woman is believed and the man gets convicted. Now he and his brothers are trying to secure a contract and meet Libby when she delivers flowers for the departing parts lady, so they hire her.
February 4, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book to read and review: A double thumbs-up swoonworthy read! This tender, sweet and faith-inspirational story hits the spot indeed, and will delight young and older romantics for sure. Jessie threads in some spiritual truths as the reader journeys with Blake and Libby when they pick up where they left off after that fateful day 5 years ago. One feels like a fly on the wall, as if one is right there witnessing the funny, awkward, tender and amazing moments these two endure. Excellently written and thoroughly satisfying!
February 7, 2020
Libby and Blade can't be more dissimilar. He has a bad boy reputation. In fact, her sister accused him of sexual assault and he spent years in jail and then more time on probation. He is currently a registered sex offender. Libby is a church secretary and a good girl. After she loses her job at a florist, she accepts a job at the garage owned by Blade and his brothers.
They have been attracted to each other since before he went to jail, although they haven't had many interactions. Will that attraction work its way into a romance?
Another well written story by Jessie Gussman.
They have been attracted to each other since before he went to jail, although they haven't had many interactions. Will that attraction work its way into a romance?
Another well written story by Jessie Gussman.
February 9, 2020
I am so looking forward to the rest of this series. The Bad Boys Forever Girl is an awesome start! I enjoy reading down to earth sweet romances, the kind that are possible. Jessie Gussman has an amazing talent for this type of book. This book has an entertaining storyline with twists to keep things rolling, engaging characters with sweet chemistry and real life problems, great banter, and inspiring messages throughout. Fantastic and fun read.
I received an ARC and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
I received an ARC and have chosen to give my honest opinion.
February 25, 2020
The Bad Boy's Forever Girl was such a sweet read!! Yes, it features a bad boy, but it's all very Clean/Sweet and gives Blade a (second) chance at love with Libby, but also at life. There are faith elements sprinkled throughout the book (there are more towards the end of the story) but I still loved all the references, and the message that the trials we go through may be part of God's plan to help us grow, if we so choose to do. I can't wait to read the rest of this series, as each Truax brother finds his own HEA. ~ 4.5 stars
March 2, 2020
A sweet story, definitely. I love the rough, yet vulnerable side shown by both the major and minor characters. It was a fun Friday- afternoon read and went fast. The banter was fun, the kisses sweet and realistic with just the right touch of steam, and the through line was validating. I like how it caused me to analyze aspects of my relationship and authenticity. I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because the clonclusion was a bit too hasty; it was over before I knew it and I was left with a feeling of wanting more. Otherwise, I was delighted and I look forward to reading more!
October 27, 2023
Good
This was a good and heart breaking story. I feel so bad for Blade and what he went through because of lies. I think now Marian should be punished and put in prison, she is someone that deserves it. Libby knew the truth and stood by what she believed in and that makes her amazing. With all that she had to live with in her life, it also made her strong. Now hopefully Blade will get a huge settlement from being put in prison when he never should have been. Would have been nice to have an extra chapter talking about that. Thank you
This was a good and heart breaking story. I feel so bad for Blade and what he went through because of lies. I think now Marian should be punished and put in prison, she is someone that deserves it. Libby knew the truth and stood by what she believed in and that makes her amazing. With all that she had to live with in her life, it also made her strong. Now hopefully Blade will get a huge settlement from being put in prison when he never should have been. Would have been nice to have an extra chapter talking about that. Thank you
February 11, 2020
Blade is a tough guy. He is been prison for something he didn’t do and he is angry for it. Libby’s sister is the reason Blade went to prison but she always believed he was innocent. When Blade need Libby to work in their family garage to get a big contract, he doesn’t agree with the situation but Libby is set to help him and his brothers. Can they face their pastel, heir struggles together and find love, and happiness? A real powerful, sweet love story
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