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Pieces Duet #2
Pieces of Me
“I loved you then,
I love you now,
and I’ve loved you every single day in between.”
Jameson Taylor is a nomad. A drifter. A memory collector.
Or, at least, that’s what’s become of her life ever since she was forced to leave pieces of her fractured heart behind.
“This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing:
All he’s ever wanted is my happiness,
even when it costs him his own.”
Holden Eastwood is resentful. Angry. But most of all, hurt.
Torn to pieces by the girl who left him, he struggles to find forgiveness in the organ she once broke.
When a tragedy forces them to face the aftermath, Jamie seeks acceptance, while Holden searches for answers.
What they find, instead, are remnants of their love.
Fragments of forever.
And parts of a puzzle that will lead them to the truth…
A truth that might shatter them to pieces.
I love you now,
and I’ve loved you every single day in between.”
Jameson Taylor is a nomad. A drifter. A memory collector.
Or, at least, that’s what’s become of her life ever since she was forced to leave pieces of her fractured heart behind.
“This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing:
All he’s ever wanted is my happiness,
even when it costs him his own.”
Holden Eastwood is resentful. Angry. But most of all, hurt.
Torn to pieces by the girl who left him, he struggles to find forgiveness in the organ she once broke.
When a tragedy forces them to face the aftermath, Jamie seeks acceptance, while Holden searches for answers.
What they find, instead, are remnants of their love.
Fragments of forever.
And parts of a puzzle that will lead them to the truth…
A truth that might shatter them to pieces.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2022
291 people are currently reading
1596 people want to read
About the author
Jay McLean
44 books8,185 followersJay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
September 8, 2023
1.5 stars 🧩
Wow this duology went from 100 to 0 real quick 😍 Never have I read a hero so horrible, so disgusting, so nauseating…I’m running out of synonyms
Jay McLean tried desperately to give Holden (H) his redemption arc, but if just fell flat in every possible way. He was a horrible person in book 1, but he really topped that in this 🥰
exhibit a)
Jamie (h) drives 16 hours to see the Holden because the puzzle that he had given her years before and reminded her about recently, had a missing piece. I guess she thought the missing piece meant something significant so she drove to get it from Holden.
He then laughs right in her face and tells her “Sucks you came all the way here for nothing.” He shrugs. “Next time, just text me.”
He then abandons her and a completely foreign place and the funny part is, the next chapter is exactly 2 sentences, in Holden’s point of view so yanno what he says
exhibit b)
Since Jamie has driven 16 hours without eating or sleeping, she decides to stop at a local diner to rest up. While she’s there, Holden shows up…with his girlfriend. He yells at Jamie in front of everyone tell her he doesn’t want her here and she needs to get tf out of town
Holden goes to a party and fucks his girlfriend. It’s ironic because this sex scene between Holden and the OW is the best sex scene in the whole book. Remember this for a little bit later
Anyway, Holden and the OW leave the party and as they’re driving, Holden notices that the RV that Jamie came here with was crashed on the side of the road…Since he yelled at her to leave, she tried to drive home but fell asleep at the wheel 😒
Holden gets all worried and tries to “help” Jamie, as if he’s not the reason why she crashed her RV. Well when he grabs Jamie’s face, she flinches
Now here's the nasty part🤢 Jamie wasn’t pulling away because she was scared. Remember that sex scene between Homden and the OW I mentioned? Well a bit later, Holden asks Jamie was she looks so scared. Her response:
QUITE POSSIBLY ONE OF THE WORST THINGS I HAVE EVER READ IN A ROMANCE NOVEL
exhibit c)
The craziest part isn't his pussy smelling fingers tho, in fact it isn’t even the worst thing that happened in this book 🤠
Well Jamie lives with Holden for a little bit because the crash ruined her RV. One day, Holden tells Jamie to set up a picnic outside and suggests it’s for the two of them. 😭😭😭😭
Jamie is so excited because she finally thinks Holden is giving her a chance. When Jamie goes inside, Holden kisses her and even answers a phone call so Jamie’s ex, Dean, could listen to them making out.
While they’re doing that Holden’s gf walks in and Holden tells her
It was for him and his gf the whole time………
Jamie realizes she just got played so as she’s walking away Holden chases after her
exhibit d)
There’s this one scene where Holden catches Jamie rollerblading and getting help from his friend. He gets jealous and decides to confront Jamie and scold her…
What makes this so horrible is Jamie had a traumatic childhood and because of that she was never able to do normal kid things. To make up for that she asks people what their favorite childhood memory is and recreates it…which is what she was doing in this exact moment 😭😭😭
exhibit e)
Holden catches Jamie nearly have sex with his friend and drags her out of there. All the while still having a girlfriend. He then tells Jamie he did that because she’s HIS and no one else’s. He proceeds to fuck her in his girlfriends jeep, condom-less 😍
WOW the romance here is impeccable! I mean she didn't even cum 💞💞
Oh and don’t think while he’s kissing and fucking Jamie he’s stopped doing the same with his girlfriend!! Gosh isn’t he just the sweetest ❤️
How does the author justify all the cheating he did on his gf??? By making his girlfriend a cheater too! I love the way everything comes full circle
Jamie herself deserves the whole world and SO much better than Holden. Holden has been a piece of shit since book 1 and nothing changed in this.
book 1 review
Wow this duology went from 100 to 0 real quick 😍 Never have I read a hero so horrible, so disgusting, so nauseating…I’m running out of synonyms
Jay McLean tried desperately to give Holden (H) his redemption arc, but if just fell flat in every possible way. He was a horrible person in book 1, but he really topped that in this 🥰
exhibit a)
Jamie (h) drives 16 hours to see the Holden because the puzzle that he had given her years before and reminded her about recently, had a missing piece. I guess she thought the missing piece meant something significant so she drove to get it from Holden.
He stops laughing, his lips instantly switching from a smile to a snarl. “I’m sorry you came all the way here, but what the fuck did you expect? Some emotional reunion where we hug it out and walk hand in hand toward the sunset?”
He then laughs right in her face and tells her “Sucks you came all the way here for nothing.” He shrugs. “Next time, just text me.”
He then abandons her and a completely foreign place and the funny part is, the next chapter is exactly 2 sentences, in Holden’s point of view so yanno what he says
There are seven different versions of a lie.
And I just used every single one.
exhibit b)
Since Jamie has driven 16 hours without eating or sleeping, she decides to stop at a local diner to rest up. While she’s there, Holden shows up…with his girlfriend. He yells at Jamie in front of everyone tell her he doesn’t want her here and she needs to get tf out of town
Holden goes to a party and fucks his girlfriend. It’s ironic because this sex scene between Holden and the OW is the best sex scene in the whole book. Remember this for a little bit later
Anyway, Holden and the OW leave the party and as they’re driving, Holden notices that the RV that Jamie came here with was crashed on the side of the road…Since he yelled at her to leave, she tried to drive home but fell asleep at the wheel 😒
Holden gets all worried and tries to “help” Jamie, as if he’s not the reason why she crashed her RV. Well when he grabs Jamie’s face, she flinches
She’s quick to flinch, to grasp my wrist, and push my hand away. Her eyes meet mine, wide and… fearful. Her breaths become rushed, her shoulders and chest rising and falling rapidly. I watch her, my eyebrows drawn, as her eyes fill with tears she doesn’t set free.
Now here's the nasty part🤢 Jamie wasn’t pulling away because she was scared. Remember that sex scene between Homden and the OW I mentioned? Well a bit later, Holden asks Jamie was she looks so scared. Her response:
‘Because I could smell her on your fingers.'
QUITE POSSIBLY ONE OF THE WORST THINGS I HAVE EVER READ IN A ROMANCE NOVEL
exhibit c)
The craziest part isn't his pussy smelling fingers tho, in fact it isn’t even the worst thing that happened in this book 🤠
Well Jamie lives with Holden for a little bit because the crash ruined her RV. One day, Holden tells Jamie to set up a picnic outside and suggests it’s for the two of them. 😭😭😭😭
Jamie is so excited because she finally thinks Holden is giving her a chance. When Jamie goes inside, Holden kisses her and even answers a phone call so Jamie’s ex, Dean, could listen to them making out.
While they’re doing that Holden’s gf walks in and Holden tells her
“Jamie helped set up a picnic outside.”
Sweet, naïve Brianna.
And stupid, pitiful me.
It was for him and his gf the whole time………
Jamie realizes she just got played so as she’s walking away Holden chases after her
“You kissed and touched me like that, as a joke?” I say, teeth gritted.
Holden doesn’t respond, just continues to watch me.
“Well, congratulations,” I murmur, shrugging out of his touch. “Because you sure made me feel like one.”
He shrugs. “Sorry,” he says, but it’s clear as day…
He’s not sorry.
Not even a little bit.
exhibit d)
There’s this one scene where Holden catches Jamie rollerblading and getting help from his friend. He gets jealous and decides to confront Jamie and scold her…
“My problem is that you look ridiculous, Jamie.”
The look on her face…
“And this is a place of business. It’s not exactly professional having you looking like an eight-year-old flailing around on rollerblades. What if a supplier came in? Or a client?”
What makes this so horrible is Jamie had a traumatic childhood and because of that she was never able to do normal kid things. To make up for that she asks people what their favorite childhood memory is and recreates it…which is what she was doing in this exact moment 😭😭😭
exhibit e)
Holden catches Jamie nearly have sex with his friend and drags her out of there. All the while still having a girlfriend. He then tells Jamie he did that because she’s HIS and no one else’s. He proceeds to fuck her in his girlfriends jeep, condom-less 😍
When he’s done, he stills… and I hold on to him, knowing I’ll lose him the second he pulls away.
Through labored breaths, he slowly releases me, saying, “I’ll get you the morning-after pill tomorrow.”
WOW the romance here is impeccable! I mean she didn't even cum 💞💞
Oh and don’t think while he’s kissing and fucking Jamie he’s stopped doing the same with his girlfriend!! Gosh isn’t he just the sweetest ❤️
How does the author justify all the cheating he did on his gf??? By making his girlfriend a cheater too! I love the way everything comes full circle
Jamie herself deserves the whole world and SO much better than Holden. Holden has been a piece of shit since book 1 and nothing changed in this.
book 1 review
January 24, 2022
D.nf
Imagine going after a man like HOLDEN
Now imagine staying with a man like HOLDEN
Man ..I tell you Jamie dear has her own reality.
Imagine going after a man like HOLDEN
Now imagine staying with a man like HOLDEN
Man ..I tell you Jamie dear has her own reality.
January 11, 2022
5+ stars
After the ending of ‘Pieces of You’, I was more than ready to get to ‘Pieces of Me’. I absolutely could not wait for the conclusion of Holden and Jamie’s story. I was expecting it to be a bit angsty and a bit emotional, but let me tell you… This one broke me. Completely. But then, it put me back together in the best way. The first half of the book was so hard for me to read, but the last half… it was truly perfection.
Holden and Jamie are brought back together in an unexpected way. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other and there are… high emotions between them. I want to say so much about this story. SO MUCH. But I don’t want to spoil it. So I'll just talk about these characters I love so much.
Holden Eastwood. Infuriating, lovable, maddening, and incredible. Holden stressed me out beyond belief but this boy, or man I should say had so much growth. And my Jamie. Jamie is one of my favorite heroines of all time and definitely the best heroine Jay has written. Her heart, the abundant capacity she had to love and forgive after all she had been through blew me away.
As much as Jamie and Holden were incredible, I have to mention Big H and Maggie. Both of them were fantastic. It was also amazing to see Leo, Mia, and Benny. It made me smile so big!
Just like the first book in this duet, this one gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I bit off all my nails, and by the last page, my heart was so full it could burst. I’m sure this will be making my top favorites of 2022 and I can’t recommend these books enough!
"I loved you then, I love you now, and I've loved you every single day in between.”
After the ending of ‘Pieces of You’, I was more than ready to get to ‘Pieces of Me’. I absolutely could not wait for the conclusion of Holden and Jamie’s story. I was expecting it to be a bit angsty and a bit emotional, but let me tell you… This one broke me. Completely. But then, it put me back together in the best way. The first half of the book was so hard for me to read, but the last half… it was truly perfection.
Holden and Jamie are brought back together in an unexpected way. It’s been years since they’ve seen each other and there are… high emotions between them. I want to say so much about this story. SO MUCH. But I don’t want to spoil it. So I'll just talk about these characters I love so much.
Holden Eastwood. Infuriating, lovable, maddening, and incredible. Holden stressed me out beyond belief but this boy, or man I should say had so much growth. And my Jamie. Jamie is one of my favorite heroines of all time and definitely the best heroine Jay has written. Her heart, the abundant capacity she had to love and forgive after all she had been through blew me away.
As much as Jamie and Holden were incredible, I have to mention Big H and Maggie. Both of them were fantastic. It was also amazing to see Leo, Mia, and Benny. It made me smile so big!
Just like the first book in this duet, this one gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I bit off all my nails, and by the last page, my heart was so full it could burst. I’m sure this will be making my top favorites of 2022 and I can’t recommend these books enough!
January 16, 2022
the way i thought this book would redeem holden for being a flip flopping little shit in book 1 🤡 jay mclean has never told a funnier joke
January 19, 2022
This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing: All he’s ever wanted is my happiness, even when it costs him his own.
First, anyone not reading this duet is MISSING OUT on one hell of a story. Second, Pieces of Me is FREAKING AMAZING. I spent 70% of this book crying tears of sadness, anger, and happiness. Then I spent a healthy 10% wanting to punch people and the other 20% I was smiling my face off. But 100% of the time I was obsessed and thinking how perfect this story is for these two characters. Even the hard parts had their place and their purpose and Jay weaved it all together so so well.
JamieHolden go through so so much. A rollercoaster of emotions as per usual. Bumpy and unpredictable, but always worth the ride in the end. These characters and their growth. Their pain. Their heartache. Their love. Their care for one another. Holden’s heart. Jamie’s strength. I can’t. I loved this book so so hard. Plus all the side characters. Jay does found family and different family dynamics with such care.
I honestly never wanted it to end. Ever. I could live in the worlds that Jay creates. Every angsty part of them.
Anyway. Get hip and start this series now. This book comes out January 25th, but Pieces of You is available now, so READ IT!
IG - https://instagram.com/p/CYwaKMlrhYI/
Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdrND2nn/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*early ARC
First, anyone not reading this duet is MISSING OUT on one hell of a story. Second, Pieces of Me is FREAKING AMAZING. I spent 70% of this book crying tears of sadness, anger, and happiness. Then I spent a healthy 10% wanting to punch people and the other 20% I was smiling my face off. But 100% of the time I was obsessed and thinking how perfect this story is for these two characters. Even the hard parts had their place and their purpose and Jay weaved it all together so so well.
JamieHolden go through so so much. A rollercoaster of emotions as per usual. Bumpy and unpredictable, but always worth the ride in the end. These characters and their growth. Their pain. Their heartache. Their love. Their care for one another. Holden’s heart. Jamie’s strength. I can’t. I loved this book so so hard. Plus all the side characters. Jay does found family and different family dynamics with such care.
I honestly never wanted it to end. Ever. I could live in the worlds that Jay creates. Every angsty part of them.
Anyway. Get hip and start this series now. This book comes out January 25th, but Pieces of You is available now, so READ IT!
IG - https://instagram.com/p/CYwaKMlrhYI/
Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdrND2nn/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*early ARC
January 16, 2022
4-4.25 stars ⭐️
I’m very conflicted with the rating of this book. There were so many things I liked- specially the writing and there was one single thing which pissed me off so much-Holden. So, long story short, the missing stars is because of one solely reason-Holden😤
This was one of my most anticipated releases cause the epilogue of book 1 had me on chokehold and I really loved the writing of that book and also I clearly love everything Jay writes so there’s that.
I don’t think I’ve ever been in physical and mental pain while reading a character. Jamie in this book was so struggling, she was so much in pain and I legit had to take a break in between reading cause I couldn’t get myself to read more. I felt her heartbreak, I felt her pain, her sorrow, her loneliness, her desire to be better and how she felt she couldn’t break cause she had to keep her charade up that everything was fine.
Jamie has my heart, she literally does. I am in awe of the person she is, coming strong with everything she has been through and how she asked people their favourite childhood memories so she could recreate it and live her childhood legit had me in tears. And after everything she went through in this book, I just wanted to protect her and wrap her up in bubble wrap and just pray that life gives this girl a break and happiness.
I don’t think anyone has ever pissed me off like Holden. I know he was hurting by the fact that Jamie left him alone after everything but I can’t really excuse his actions because of this reason. He was making me mad like really mad almost half of the book and yes he did get better at around 60% but I wish he would’ve grovelled more. I hated how he was treating Jamie and being so rude to her and I did love the sweet things he did for her later in the book but sorry, I’m still salty over him and can’t find it in my heart to forgive him so soon.
There’s no surprise that Jay writes amazing emotions and it’s no surprise she makes me cry a lot but this book made a cry a little bit more and all my tears were just for Jamie. I loved how the writing was so perfect, how I could feel every single word and every single emotion Jamie was feeling. And honestly, I’ve written almost all of Jay works (besides combative trilogy and kick push ) but none of her works made me cry this much like this one did.
I loved the side characters too! So much. I loved how caring Maggie was, how kind Big H was, how innocent and pure Benny was and how helpful Mia was to Holden when he realised how badly he had fucked up.
I would give up anything to just hear and have a friend like Maggie on my side. I loved how caring she was, loved her advices and just how much she understood Jamie and how hilarious she was.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and even though, Holden pissed me off a lot, I still loved this book. I feel like Jamie is one of the character I’ll probably think about for a long time and I aspire to learn from her and grow into a kind, brave human like her.
“He kisses me. Soft and gentle. And it’s not like our first kiss—when he’d swooped me in his arms after I’d just gotten out of the shower. That kiss was driven by nothing more than intrigue and desire. This kiss… This kiss feels like the fulfillment of hopeless wishes whispered into the darkness. This kiss feels like a first… A first that could last forever.”
I’m very conflicted with the rating of this book. There were so many things I liked- specially the writing and there was one single thing which pissed me off so much-Holden. So, long story short, the missing stars is because of one solely reason-Holden😤
This was one of my most anticipated releases cause the epilogue of book 1 had me on chokehold and I really loved the writing of that book and also I clearly love everything Jay writes so there’s that.
”In my heart, I knew that every move meant the beginning of a new search, but the problem is…. I don’t think I really know what I’m searching for. I always assumed I’d know what it is when I found it… whatever “it” is. But, the longer I do this, the harder it is to see the end. Or the beginning. Because if home is a state of being, then I don’t think I ever really had one. Which, I guess, is why defining it is so hard for me.”
I don’t think I’ve ever been in physical and mental pain while reading a character. Jamie in this book was so struggling, she was so much in pain and I legit had to take a break in between reading cause I couldn’t get myself to read more. I felt her heartbreak, I felt her pain, her sorrow, her loneliness, her desire to be better and how she felt she couldn’t break cause she had to keep her charade up that everything was fine.
Jamie has my heart, she literally does. I am in awe of the person she is, coming strong with everything she has been through and how she asked people their favourite childhood memories so she could recreate it and live her childhood legit had me in tears. And after everything she went through in this book, I just wanted to protect her and wrap her up in bubble wrap and just pray that life gives this girl a break and happiness.
“ I sit back as the table erupts in laughter. “I do,” Holden assures him. “But it’s a different kind of love with Jamie.” “What kind of love?” Benny asks. Eyes on mine again, Holden says, “The kind that’s immeasurable… and infinite… all at once.”
I don’t think anyone has ever pissed me off like Holden. I know he was hurting by the fact that Jamie left him alone after everything but I can’t really excuse his actions because of this reason. He was making me mad like really mad almost half of the book and yes he did get better at around 60% but I wish he would’ve grovelled more. I hated how he was treating Jamie and being so rude to her and I did love the sweet things he did for her later in the book but sorry, I’m still salty over him and can’t find it in my heart to forgive him so soon.
“Most of all, you’ve given me you. Every single piece of you. And I love you so much, because all those things you’ve given me—they were the missing pieces of me.” I sniff back another sob and look around the barn, at all the tear-stained eyes on me. Then I land on Holden, and I stay there, where my past, my present, and future collide. My home. “You—Holden Eastwood—have completed me.”
There’s no surprise that Jay writes amazing emotions and it’s no surprise she makes me cry a lot but this book made a cry a little bit more and all my tears were just for Jamie. I loved how the writing was so perfect, how I could feel every single word and every single emotion Jamie was feeling. And honestly, I’ve written almost all of Jay works (besides combative trilogy and kick push ) but none of her works made me cry this much like this one did.
“Jamie saved herself, and in turn, she saved me.
Saved us.
She’s the hero in our story—our Love Story—and I’m forever grateful that she came home to me.
My sunshine. My solace.”
I loved the side characters too! So much. I loved how caring Maggie was, how kind Big H was, how innocent and pure Benny was and how helpful Mia was to Holden when he realised how badly he had fucked up.
I would give up anything to just hear and have a friend like Maggie on my side. I loved how caring she was, loved her advices and just how much she understood Jamie and how hilarious she was.
“Because I feel like I’m that little girl again, standing alone watching my world crumble around me, and all I wanted… All I needed… Was for someone to hug me. To hold me. To tell me that everything will be okay. And that
it’s
not
my
fault.”
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and even though, Holden pissed me off a lot, I still loved this book. I feel like Jamie is one of the character I’ll probably think about for a long time and I aspire to learn from her and grow into a kind, brave human like her.
“Love has many forms—it can be a simple act of kindness, or it can be deep and profound. And while society will make you believe that true love has no end, here’s the best part: Love doesn’t have to be infinite for it to be real.”
author-to-avoid
January 17, 2022Too much OW drama, not worth being sick from this for days...
January 24, 2022
Holden said once a trash always a trash 🤡
January 15, 2022
3.5 ⭐
LOVE TO SEE IT.
Let me take moment to say....
👏 WRITING 👏
This book made me feel all 🥺👀😭🥰🥺😭
Yes.
This.
In the same order.
“Dear Younger Me. If I could go back in time, the first thing I would do is hug you. I just want to hold you and tell you that it’s not your fault. Because there are going to be times when you question that. When the people around you are going to make you believe that. It is not your fault. You’re a child."
As we all know where the first book left us....
With that annoying ass cliffhanger (i felt that)
But yeah this was nice.
I've feel very bandaged lmaoooooo
But yes this book picked up fast.
In this book we have Jamie coming back to Holden and Holden realising that all these years and all this time all he ever loved was Jamie.
He was mad because she left but he wanted answers more than he wanted to dwell in his anger
But seeing Jamie living the life he's always wanted them to live.
My man decided that he wanted her and he wanted her BAD and he would do anything to keep her.
He did it.
And made the wanderer stay.
Because the one thing I learned since facing my fears all those years ago is this: hurt people, hurt people.
In my ideal world , home is being wrapped in the arms of someone who loves you. Or loved you. At least then, I can say that I had it once. And home was everything those generic Dollar Store inspirational posters tell you it is.
Jamie
Good lord the way this bitch makes my HEART FULL.
Like Jamie really....REALLY went through it and she came back so ...grown up.
She had her past coming at her full force but the woman stood up and took space and used words for herself.
She knew what was wrong with her and she worked on it.
She worked on it and she apologized and she forgave.
Because...
Hurt people, hurt people.
She’s always been classically beautiful… in a way that doesn’t smack you in the face but haunts you in your dreams.
Good god bless my soul holy firecrackers WHEN IS A MAN GONNA BE THIS SIMP FOR ME.
Holden
This man made me want to slap him SO fucking hard across his pretty ass face.
Like I've never been more frustrated.
Because even though what he did can be excused and honestly he had a good point because he too came from a place of hurt.
But oh lord that doesn't mean I didn't feel like scratching his face.
But then my man came through and wooed my babey Jamie once again and as✋he✋ should.
Holden really did make this woman almost the happiest she can be.
They kind of ....better each other and GOOD FOR THEM.
Keep them babies in a fucking bubble and no one fucking touch them.
But but but holden still kinda was not for me.
I love the second half holden but the first half Holden was shit.
I'm sorry but truly.
(Also i want Maggie to be my bestfriend PLEASE.
Like i will literally give all my money to have Maggie as my bestfriend. Step on me woman pls)
*Early Arc provided*
LOVE TO SEE IT.
Let me take moment to say....
👏 WRITING 👏
This book made me feel all 🥺👀😭🥰🥺😭
Yes.
This.
In the same order.
“Dear Younger Me. If I could go back in time, the first thing I would do is hug you. I just want to hold you and tell you that it’s not your fault. Because there are going to be times when you question that. When the people around you are going to make you believe that. It is not your fault. You’re a child."
As we all know where the first book left us....
With that annoying ass cliffhanger (i felt that)
But yeah this was nice.
I've feel very bandaged lmaoooooo
But yes this book picked up fast.
In this book we have Jamie coming back to Holden and Holden realising that all these years and all this time all he ever loved was Jamie.
He was mad because she left but he wanted answers more than he wanted to dwell in his anger
But seeing Jamie living the life he's always wanted them to live.
My man decided that he wanted her and he wanted her BAD and he would do anything to keep her.
He did it.
And made the wanderer stay.
Because the one thing I learned since facing my fears all those years ago is this: hurt people, hurt people.
In my ideal world , home is being wrapped in the arms of someone who loves you. Or loved you. At least then, I can say that I had it once. And home was everything those generic Dollar Store inspirational posters tell you it is.
Jamie
Good lord the way this bitch makes my HEART FULL.
Like Jamie really....REALLY went through it and she came back so ...grown up.
She had her past coming at her full force but the woman stood up and took space and used words for herself.
She knew what was wrong with her and she worked on it.
She worked on it and she apologized and she forgave.
Because...
Hurt people, hurt people.
She’s always been classically beautiful… in a way that doesn’t smack you in the face but haunts you in your dreams.
Good god bless my soul holy firecrackers WHEN IS A MAN GONNA BE THIS SIMP FOR ME.
Holden
This man made me want to slap him SO fucking hard across his pretty ass face.
Like I've never been more frustrated.
Because even though what he did can be excused and honestly he had a good point because he too came from a place of hurt.
But oh lord that doesn't mean I didn't feel like scratching his face.
But then my man came through and wooed my babey Jamie once again and as✋he✋ should.
Holden really did make this woman almost the happiest she can be.
They kind of ....better each other and GOOD FOR THEM.
Keep them babies in a fucking bubble and no one fucking touch them.
But but but holden still kinda was not for me.
I love the second half holden but the first half Holden was shit.
I'm sorry but truly.
(Also i want Maggie to be my bestfriend PLEASE.
Like i will literally give all my money to have Maggie as my bestfriend. Step on me woman pls)
*Early Arc provided*
will-not-read
January 24, 2022How does this have so many five stars?!? 🤢🤭🤭🤭ass kissing ARC readers of course 🙄🙄
January 17, 2022
I liked it but not as much as the first one. It sure as hell had me bawling though.
The writing could've been a tad bit better, it seemed slightly choppy.
The characters seemed a little too childish for my liking but hey, Jay knows how to crack a joke and I'm a sucker for humour. It also seemed a little film-y too with the onomatopoeia and stuff.
But overall, the duet is perfect. The plot and storyline was great. Oh, it got slightly dark too in the middle and that was really one of the best touch to the book because I was waiting for a good plot twist and it delivered.
The writing could've been a tad bit better, it seemed slightly choppy.
The characters seemed a little too childish for my liking but hey, Jay knows how to crack a joke and I'm a sucker for humour. It also seemed a little film-y too with the onomatopoeia and stuff.
But overall, the duet is perfect. The plot and storyline was great. Oh, it got slightly dark too in the middle and that was really one of the best touch to the book because I was waiting for a good plot twist and it delivered.
January 16, 2022
“I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ve loved you every single day in between.”
Finally i can do a decent review for these two, after “pieces of you” i just got stuck because i couldn't express everything and i needed this book for that, the book starts five years after the last book and i will say that i expected all this angst but half of this book was hard to read... but it was perfect and i understood everything, they gave me all the second chance vibes that i wanted and love.
Holden and Jamie were made for each other and i can't see them in any other way, in this book we can see how much they've matured, years have passed since they haven't seen each other and the emotions of both are on edge, i don't want to explore too much this because of spoilers.. but these two touched me and this story couldn't be more perfect and well constructed, these two together are a roller coaster of emotions.
Holden Eastwood... i confess that i cursed you a lot in this book, but he has matured SO MUCH, and i’m so proud of the man he has become, the differences and at the same time similarities with Holden from "pieces of you" are so many and for me what i love most about them is their heart, it's still the best in the world... we feel his love for Jamie between the pages and that's beautiful.
Jameson (Jamie) Taylor.... this book is totally about her and for her and she is amazing, so far one of the best built characters I've ever read and one of my favorites, her evolution in this book is also beautiful from to see, and the maturation, and mainly her strength. She has such a beautiful soul and i love her and i will miss this human being so much.
”You’ve given me you. Every single piece of you. And I love you so much, because all those things you’ve given me—they were the missing pieces of me.”
I always say that but my reviews but i love when a book makes me feel everything and this was one of them.. i laughed, cried, i got emotional, i felt angry, i felt sadness, i felt happiness... and i felt all the emotions with Holden and Jamie and i need say the end of this book i will just never get over them and i’m ready every day to beg to Jay for a novella of them.
*ARC kindly provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for a honest review.
Finally i can do a decent review for these two, after “pieces of you” i just got stuck because i couldn't express everything and i needed this book for that, the book starts five years after the last book and i will say that i expected all this angst but half of this book was hard to read... but it was perfect and i understood everything, they gave me all the second chance vibes that i wanted and love.
Holden and Jamie were made for each other and i can't see them in any other way, in this book we can see how much they've matured, years have passed since they haven't seen each other and the emotions of both are on edge, i don't want to explore too much this because of spoilers.. but these two touched me and this story couldn't be more perfect and well constructed, these two together are a roller coaster of emotions.
Holden Eastwood... i confess that i cursed you a lot in this book, but he has matured SO MUCH, and i’m so proud of the man he has become, the differences and at the same time similarities with Holden from "pieces of you" are so many and for me what i love most about them is their heart, it's still the best in the world... we feel his love for Jamie between the pages and that's beautiful.
Jameson (Jamie) Taylor.... this book is totally about her and for her and she is amazing, so far one of the best built characters I've ever read and one of my favorites, her evolution in this book is also beautiful from to see, and the maturation, and mainly her strength. She has such a beautiful soul and i love her and i will miss this human being so much.
”You’ve given me you. Every single piece of you. And I love you so much, because all those things you’ve given me—they were the missing pieces of me.”
I always say that but my reviews but i love when a book makes me feel everything and this was one of them.. i laughed, cried, i got emotional, i felt angry, i felt sadness, i felt happiness... and i felt all the emotions with Holden and Jamie and i need say the end of this book i will just never get over them and i’m ready every day to beg to Jay for a novella of them.
*ARC kindly provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for a honest review.
February 19, 2022
I swear no one writes new adult angst, heartache, banter, screw-ups like Jay Mclean!!
she is like "oh are you in peace, reading about these characters, let me fix that for you"
and then bam...I am at the edge of my seat and sanity!!
she is like "oh are you in peace, reading about these characters, let me fix that for you"
and then bam...I am at the edge of my seat and sanity!!
October 1, 2024
*~*~* Third Read *~*~*~
Notes this time around;
I can’t with this book. Every time I read it, it somehow gets better. This duet is for sure one of my bookish Roman Empires.
Cry count this time round? At least 8!
Chapter 7 remains the most devastating chapter ever written in a book.
Yes, Holden is an absolute twatminge for half of this book. • Is it warranted? Kind of, (from his perspective it is!).
• Do I still love him, wholeheartedly? F¥ck yes I do!
Maggie & Big H are the true heroes in this book. I love them with every fibre of my being.
Tammy and Joseph can go screw a fir tree for all I care. I don’t think they should have been forgiven - yes that is the kind of person I am, so sue me.
I stand by what I said the first time I read it;
“The reason I love Jay McLean’s books is because of the angst. We call it angst but really it’s a version of reality. And Holden is reacting to his reality. And he makes decisions based on his reality and that shit happens in real life and then we have to deal with it and it’s collateral damage. So that’s what you get every time you read a book by Jay McLean. A stark look at love at its lowest, it’s darkest, it’s most devastating. But you also get it’s highs, it’s elations, it’s restoration. And it’s so worth it.”
Favourite Quote:
”There are seven different versions of a lie. And I just used every single one.”
*~*~* Second Read *~*~*~
It doesn’t matter how many times I read this duet it never fails to make me ugly cry likes it’s going out of fashion. The range of emotions that Jay McLean pulls from you throughout the book has you feeling more strung out than yesterdays washing!
This is probably going to be a long one because the added bonus of a reread is that you have more time to savour it, more time to focus on the things that mean something. The little things that matter that you may have missed before. And this time was no exception - I think I highlighted half the freaking book.
So settle yourself in while I rave and rant my way through the ocean of thoughts and feelings I’m experiencing after finishing.
Firstly I’m gonna talk about Holden, who, undoubtedly is one of the best book boyfriends I think you’ll ever meet. It’ll be a cold day in hell before he ever leaves my Top 5!! Don’t get me wrong, Holden in Book 1 is an asshole, but an endearing, cocky, boy-on-the-brink of first love type asshole. He’s sweet and has BDE like every hot high school book boyfriend you’ve ever met. But the difference with Holden to all those other guys is he’s falling in love and it’s so funny to watch. In Book 2, however, he’s an absolute wanker, there’s no denying it, and I hate the fact that I still forgive him. But I do. Every. Single. Time. And I’ll tell you why, it’s because you feel his actual heart break, his anguish, his loss - you actually feel it. And it tears you in half. Because that’s how well Jay McLean writes her characters.
Then there’s Jamie, and good Lord if there was ever a more broken soul in need of validation and love, it’s Jamie. When we meet her, it picks up right where THAT epilogue left us. And it’s a messed up place. At this point every piece of Jamie deserves to be cherished and nourished until she feels whole. The people that should have been there for her never were, and instead she was gifted people who were her protectors, and who became her family. From Gina and Zeke, to Big H and Mags, they all wanted to make her see her worth, and keep her safe. And then there’s Holden, who no matter how much he f¥cks shit up, ultimately wants Jamie to be happy and protected.
Maggie is the true hero in this book (as well as Big H) her unwavering love and support for both Holden and Jamie was just as a mother should be. She accepted people just as they are, no judgements. She was everything Tammy tried and failed to be. And Big H, Big H made me swoon so hard (what is it with Jay McLean and these perfect Daddio’s she creates? Mr Preston anyone?) Anyways… he was the kind of man every father should aspire to be. It was Tammy who fell short, even in Book 1 she’s a selfish mother, you don’t see it until it hits you square in the face. She is desperate to be with a guy and in her quest to be with him loses out on Holden and his beautiful soul.
If extreme angst is your jam, this book will hit every single spot going. There’s heartbreak on every page, and that’s no exaggeration. I hope if you take my advice and read it, that you’ll go in blind, as I always do with a Jay McLean book, knowing that despite its many angsty tropes, this duet is about forgiveness and hope and overall love.
*~*~* First Read *~*~*~
Yup. I’m a mess. I’ve shouted, laughed, swooned, sulked, cursed & cried over all 409 pages of Jay McLean’s conclusion to Pieces Of You. My kindle is lucky it survived the 14 hours it’s taken me to read it, because there were numerous occasions it’s chances of staying whole or working were dicey.
This book, the one that Jay McLean said herself that Jamie and Holden took her on a rollercoaster of emotions, is exactly that. It’s a rollercoaster that you cannot get off, one you want to ride over an over and over again.
It was beautiful, it was heartbreaking, it was freeing and it was most importantly resonating.
The story continues straight from THAT cliffhanger in book one. And yup she went there. Jamie is not where any of us want her to be. Not only did Miss McLean do that. She proceeded to break my heart again, and again and again. Chapter 7, broke me. Chapter 16 - Mindf**ked the hell out of me. Chapter 28 - F**k. After that it was all a blur and I couldn’t make notes because I was consumed in my angst and heartbreak.
I saw some reviews after reading it that said Holden annoyed them. The things he says and does in this book are a far cry from the boy we loved in book 1. BUT I disagree. The reason I love Jay McLean’s books is because of the angst. We call it angst but really it’s a version of reality. And Holden is reacting to his reality. And he makes decisions based on his reality and that shit happens in real life and then we have to deal with it and it’s collateral damage. So that’s what you get every time you read a book by Jay McLean. A stark look at love at its lowest, it’s darkest, it’s most devastating. But you also get it’s highs, it’s elations, it’s restoration. And it’s so worth it.
I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone yet to read it, but you need to know what your getting into, and it’s pretty simple..
- Anticipation
- Dread
- Hope
- Heartache
- Angst
- Joy
- Fear
- Comtempt
- Understanding
- Turmoil
- Resentment
- Bliss
All the emotions, all the stars, all the pieces.
Notes this time around;
I can’t with this book. Every time I read it, it somehow gets better. This duet is for sure one of my bookish Roman Empires.
Cry count this time round? At least 8!
Chapter 7 remains the most devastating chapter ever written in a book.
Yes, Holden is an absolute twatminge for half of this book. • Is it warranted? Kind of, (from his perspective it is!).
• Do I still love him, wholeheartedly? F¥ck yes I do!
Maggie & Big H are the true heroes in this book. I love them with every fibre of my being.
Tammy and Joseph can go screw a fir tree for all I care. I don’t think they should have been forgiven - yes that is the kind of person I am, so sue me.
I stand by what I said the first time I read it;
“The reason I love Jay McLean’s books is because of the angst. We call it angst but really it’s a version of reality. And Holden is reacting to his reality. And he makes decisions based on his reality and that shit happens in real life and then we have to deal with it and it’s collateral damage. So that’s what you get every time you read a book by Jay McLean. A stark look at love at its lowest, it’s darkest, it’s most devastating. But you also get it’s highs, it’s elations, it’s restoration. And it’s so worth it.”
Favourite Quote:
”There are seven different versions of a lie. And I just used every single one.”
*~*~* Second Read *~*~*~
It doesn’t matter how many times I read this duet it never fails to make me ugly cry likes it’s going out of fashion. The range of emotions that Jay McLean pulls from you throughout the book has you feeling more strung out than yesterdays washing!
This is probably going to be a long one because the added bonus of a reread is that you have more time to savour it, more time to focus on the things that mean something. The little things that matter that you may have missed before. And this time was no exception - I think I highlighted half the freaking book.
So settle yourself in while I rave and rant my way through the ocean of thoughts and feelings I’m experiencing after finishing.
Firstly I’m gonna talk about Holden, who, undoubtedly is one of the best book boyfriends I think you’ll ever meet. It’ll be a cold day in hell before he ever leaves my Top 5!! Don’t get me wrong, Holden in Book 1 is an asshole, but an endearing, cocky, boy-on-the-brink of first love type asshole. He’s sweet and has BDE like every hot high school book boyfriend you’ve ever met. But the difference with Holden to all those other guys is he’s falling in love and it’s so funny to watch. In Book 2, however, he’s an absolute wanker, there’s no denying it, and I hate the fact that I still forgive him. But I do. Every. Single. Time. And I’ll tell you why, it’s because you feel his actual heart break, his anguish, his loss - you actually feel it. And it tears you in half. Because that’s how well Jay McLean writes her characters.
Then there’s Jamie, and good Lord if there was ever a more broken soul in need of validation and love, it’s Jamie. When we meet her, it picks up right where THAT epilogue left us. And it’s a messed up place. At this point every piece of Jamie deserves to be cherished and nourished until she feels whole. The people that should have been there for her never were, and instead she was gifted people who were her protectors, and who became her family. From Gina and Zeke, to Big H and Mags, they all wanted to make her see her worth, and keep her safe. And then there’s Holden, who no matter how much he f¥cks shit up, ultimately wants Jamie to be happy and protected.
Maggie is the true hero in this book (as well as Big H) her unwavering love and support for both Holden and Jamie was just as a mother should be. She accepted people just as they are, no judgements. She was everything Tammy tried and failed to be. And Big H, Big H made me swoon so hard (what is it with Jay McLean and these perfect Daddio’s she creates? Mr Preston anyone?) Anyways… he was the kind of man every father should aspire to be. It was Tammy who fell short, even in Book 1 she’s a selfish mother, you don’t see it until it hits you square in the face. She is desperate to be with a guy and in her quest to be with him loses out on Holden and his beautiful soul.
If extreme angst is your jam, this book will hit every single spot going. There’s heartbreak on every page, and that’s no exaggeration. I hope if you take my advice and read it, that you’ll go in blind, as I always do with a Jay McLean book, knowing that despite its many angsty tropes, this duet is about forgiveness and hope and overall love.
*~*~* First Read *~*~*~
Yup. I’m a mess. I’ve shouted, laughed, swooned, sulked, cursed & cried over all 409 pages of Jay McLean’s conclusion to Pieces Of You. My kindle is lucky it survived the 14 hours it’s taken me to read it, because there were numerous occasions it’s chances of staying whole or working were dicey.
This book, the one that Jay McLean said herself that Jamie and Holden took her on a rollercoaster of emotions, is exactly that. It’s a rollercoaster that you cannot get off, one you want to ride over an over and over again.
It was beautiful, it was heartbreaking, it was freeing and it was most importantly resonating.
The story continues straight from THAT cliffhanger in book one. And yup she went there. Jamie is not where any of us want her to be. Not only did Miss McLean do that. She proceeded to break my heart again, and again and again. Chapter 7, broke me. Chapter 16 - Mindf**ked the hell out of me. Chapter 28 - F**k. After that it was all a blur and I couldn’t make notes because I was consumed in my angst and heartbreak.
I saw some reviews after reading it that said Holden annoyed them. The things he says and does in this book are a far cry from the boy we loved in book 1. BUT I disagree. The reason I love Jay McLean’s books is because of the angst. We call it angst but really it’s a version of reality. And Holden is reacting to his reality. And he makes decisions based on his reality and that shit happens in real life and then we have to deal with it and it’s collateral damage. So that’s what you get every time you read a book by Jay McLean. A stark look at love at its lowest, it’s darkest, it’s most devastating. But you also get it’s highs, it’s elations, it’s restoration. And it’s so worth it.
I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone yet to read it, but you need to know what your getting into, and it’s pretty simple..
- Anticipation
- Dread
- Hope
- Heartache
- Angst
- Joy
- Fear
- Comtempt
- Understanding
- Turmoil
- Resentment
- Bliss
All the emotions, all the stars, all the pieces.
January 25, 2022
DUET REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"My breath halts, and I realize now...I have no fucking clue who the girl sitting in front of me is."
SPOILER FREE DUET REVIEW:
I know...I know. Another glowing, lovey-dovey, mushy review for Jay McLean YET AGAIN. Well, if she would just stop writing angsty, stomach-clenching, toe-curling, amazing YA books that melt my heart, I wouldn't be forced to write these ooey-gooey gross reviews, but here I am. We'll blame her.
*sigh* I am in love with yet another couple from McLean's books. I love love love how she writes them and gives me characters that I can relate to, storylines that anger me but simultaneously smooth me over, and a love worth shouting about. And shouting I did!!! Holy moly!! Did I ever...
I think my favorite things about her writing is that not only does she make me feel like I'm part of her characters' world, living their emotions and working my way through everyday normal situations that are a little more heightened just because it's a teenager going through it - but McLean puts me in their heart; in their mind. It’s the fact that I can remember those emotions because her words bring me back and reminded me of what I was feeling when I went through it. I suppose it's the ease in which she brings it out of me is what truly amazes me.
I felt every emotion on multiple occasions throughout. I loved the pangs I felt. The pain I felt. The elation I felt. I felt it all and was so thankful for another heavy, gut-punch of a read. I did, however, want to yell at Jameson to say "Peace the f*ck out!!!" quite a few times. I don't know how she did it, but she did. She’s a much better person than me because I hold grudges. Loudly. How she had the space in her heart for the forgiveness she bestowed upon those unworthy of her heart, I will never, ever know, but I certainly admired her for it. I'm still shaking my head but I admire her.
I will say this much: I did not make it through this book with a willing smile. There were so many points in this duet that I wanted to give up. I wanted to put my kindle down and seriously walk around while screaming at Holden!!! Mind you, I fell in love with him in Leo's book and knew I wanted his story. He was a cocky, very confident high schooler - the kind with the eyes that dance and the smirk that melts hearts. He wasn't mean - but he was a smartass. Sarcastic and cocky, providing all the smiles - perfectly sums him up. I knew he was a ladies man, always hittin' and quittin' it. But, I was straight up shocked with everything that happened in this duet - BUT, I also understood the WHY of it coming from a teenaged point of view!! Argh!! Damn you, Jay! Soooooo good. Sooooo grrrrr, but so good. This is definitely one of those stories to be discussed multiple times, with multiple people. Opinions will vary, but this emotion will not - EXASPERATING.
McLean made me aaaaaangry but expertly slid in some very valid reasons to understand all the happenings - not drama, but rationalizing everything with truth. She forced me to take a step back and analyze the WHY. All this while leaving room for me to mull over my emotions with purpose. My heart definitely hurt reading this one. Even though there was so much pain within the confines of their journey to happiness, the comedic relief was sprinkled in juuust right - enough to make me yearn for more of Jameson and Holden growing together. Their exploration alone was what heart-eyes and smiles are made of.
“I’m pretty sure the first word out of my mouth was shit, and I sure as fuck didn’t get it from Sesame Street.”
Jameson and Holden held my heart (until the verrrrrry end) and I don’t know how anyone could’ve withstood or handled that cliffhanger after the first book and not died 100 separate deaths waiting for this conclusion!! I know, I'm whining. Coming from a professional cliffhanger aversionist, even I had a hard time waiting to jump into this first book - but. I'm. so. glad. I. did. It was an intricate web of pain and sorrow, mixed with heartache and love. It also redefined the definition of family and the truest meaning of it. My heart was so heavy, but oh so happy.
Embarrassing fact: I don’t know why a volatile exchange with pent up lust leading to sex is my kryptonite - but it is. Not a hate f*ck, but an actual explosion of raw emotion that pushes them to do something they don’t (in theory) want to do, but HAVE to...NEED to do because they're done fighting it. That’s Holden and Jamie. That’s what I loved seeing. Button pushing, anger revealing lust. I ate that up!!! It was deeeeelishus.
I honestly think my only gripe was that I don’t feel like I got closure out of the quick acceptance of the apology and so it felt a little rushed or unreal/untrue. I know, I know - "This isn't your story, Bee." {{insert eye roll}} I knooooow. But, I felt I could relate to a lot of the story emotion-wise and life-wise, so I definitely connected on a more intimate level with it - which is probably why I had such a hard time accepting the quick resolution. But if that's my only complaint....? I shan't complain.
This was an emotional book. A wake up call for three. I loved how McLean incorporated Holden's world with Mia into his universe with Jameson. Relationships that have and will continue to withstand the tests of time. And my most favorite part of this book: I loved finding out the reality behind the title. I love when I am finishing up a book an aha! moment catches me because the title makes perfect sense after it's all said and done.
“Either she knows exactly who she is and what she’s doing, or I’m way, way off my game.“
~BEE
PURCHASE PIECES OF YOU: https://amzn.to/3G0w9zz
PURCHASE PIECES OF ME: https://amzn.to/3AuxgGo
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"My breath halts, and I realize now...I have no fucking clue who the girl sitting in front of me is."
SPOILER FREE DUET REVIEW:
I know...I know. Another glowing, lovey-dovey, mushy review for Jay McLean YET AGAIN. Well, if she would just stop writing angsty, stomach-clenching, toe-curling, amazing YA books that melt my heart, I wouldn't be forced to write these ooey-gooey gross reviews, but here I am. We'll blame her.
*sigh* I am in love with yet another couple from McLean's books. I love love love how she writes them and gives me characters that I can relate to, storylines that anger me but simultaneously smooth me over, and a love worth shouting about. And shouting I did!!! Holy moly!! Did I ever...
I think my favorite things about her writing is that not only does she make me feel like I'm part of her characters' world, living their emotions and working my way through everyday normal situations that are a little more heightened just because it's a teenager going through it - but McLean puts me in their heart; in their mind. It’s the fact that I can remember those emotions because her words bring me back and reminded me of what I was feeling when I went through it. I suppose it's the ease in which she brings it out of me is what truly amazes me.
I felt every emotion on multiple occasions throughout. I loved the pangs I felt. The pain I felt. The elation I felt. I felt it all and was so thankful for another heavy, gut-punch of a read. I did, however, want to yell at Jameson to say "Peace the f*ck out!!!" quite a few times. I don't know how she did it, but she did. She’s a much better person than me because I hold grudges. Loudly. How she had the space in her heart for the forgiveness she bestowed upon those unworthy of her heart, I will never, ever know, but I certainly admired her for it. I'm still shaking my head but I admire her.
I will say this much: I did not make it through this book with a willing smile. There were so many points in this duet that I wanted to give up. I wanted to put my kindle down and seriously walk around while screaming at Holden!!! Mind you, I fell in love with him in Leo's book and knew I wanted his story. He was a cocky, very confident high schooler - the kind with the eyes that dance and the smirk that melts hearts. He wasn't mean - but he was a smartass. Sarcastic and cocky, providing all the smiles - perfectly sums him up. I knew he was a ladies man, always hittin' and quittin' it. But, I was straight up shocked with everything that happened in this duet - BUT, I also understood the WHY of it coming from a teenaged point of view!! Argh!! Damn you, Jay! Soooooo good. Sooooo grrrrr, but so good. This is definitely one of those stories to be discussed multiple times, with multiple people. Opinions will vary, but this emotion will not - EXASPERATING.
McLean made me aaaaaangry but expertly slid in some very valid reasons to understand all the happenings - not drama, but rationalizing everything with truth. She forced me to take a step back and analyze the WHY. All this while leaving room for me to mull over my emotions with purpose. My heart definitely hurt reading this one. Even though there was so much pain within the confines of their journey to happiness, the comedic relief was sprinkled in juuust right - enough to make me yearn for more of Jameson and Holden growing together. Their exploration alone was what heart-eyes and smiles are made of.
“I’m pretty sure the first word out of my mouth was shit, and I sure as fuck didn’t get it from Sesame Street.”
Jameson and Holden held my heart (until the verrrrrry end) and I don’t know how anyone could’ve withstood or handled that cliffhanger after the first book and not died 100 separate deaths waiting for this conclusion!! I know, I'm whining. Coming from a professional cliffhanger aversionist, even I had a hard time waiting to jump into this first book - but. I'm. so. glad. I. did. It was an intricate web of pain and sorrow, mixed with heartache and love. It also redefined the definition of family and the truest meaning of it. My heart was so heavy, but oh so happy.
Embarrassing fact: I don’t know why a volatile exchange with pent up lust leading to sex is my kryptonite - but it is. Not a hate f*ck, but an actual explosion of raw emotion that pushes them to do something they don’t (in theory) want to do, but HAVE to...NEED to do because they're done fighting it. That’s Holden and Jamie. That’s what I loved seeing. Button pushing, anger revealing lust. I ate that up!!! It was deeeeelishus.
I honestly think my only gripe was that I don’t feel like I got closure out of the quick acceptance of the apology and so it felt a little rushed or unreal/untrue. I know, I know - "This isn't your story, Bee." {{insert eye roll}} I knooooow. But, I felt I could relate to a lot of the story emotion-wise and life-wise, so I definitely connected on a more intimate level with it - which is probably why I had such a hard time accepting the quick resolution. But if that's my only complaint....? I shan't complain.
This was an emotional book. A wake up call for three. I loved how McLean incorporated Holden's world with Mia into his universe with Jameson. Relationships that have and will continue to withstand the tests of time. And my most favorite part of this book: I loved finding out the reality behind the title. I love when I am finishing up a book an aha! moment catches me because the title makes perfect sense after it's all said and done.
“Either she knows exactly who she is and what she’s doing, or I’m way, way off my game.“
~BEE
PURCHASE PIECES OF YOU: https://amzn.to/3G0w9zz
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January 18, 2022
3.5 stars
So much angst. Lots of forgiveness. A quick fix at the end. Could have been shorter.
Overall-a solid read for lovers of angst.
So much angst. Lots of forgiveness. A quick fix at the end. Could have been shorter.
Overall-a solid read for lovers of angst.
January 28, 2022
This was your typical toxic relationship that we hate and love at the same time. It's angsty & brings out all the emotions. The main one being how much I fucking hated Holden. He pissed me off so much and did not redeem himself at all. I hate that he can be so good and do the sweetest most swoony things but then turn around and be the biggest asshole. Jamie took him back so easily every single time. At first, I understood his anger because well, she did just up and leave but then between the way he was treating her, flaunting Brianna around and then that shit with Bethany!!?? Fuck that, he was on my shit list.
I did enjoyed Book 1 a little bit more than this one. It started getting a bit dull towards the end, probably could've been a bit shorter. Still a great duet for lovers of angsty AF/toxic reads (that's me!) Overall, I'm really loving Jay McLean's books, she really knows how to get you consumed in these characters
I did enjoyed Book 1 a little bit more than this one. It started getting a bit dull towards the end, probably could've been a bit shorter. Still a great duet for lovers of angsty AF/toxic reads (that's me!) Overall, I'm really loving Jay McLean's books, she really knows how to get you consumed in these characters
February 17, 2022
This book was such a mess… I have so many things to say. Where to start… where to start… 🤔
First off I was so lost in the story that I had to re-read the last 30% of book 1. Holden kept saying Jamie left him, that he waited for her for years, that she broken him and he was so mean to her that I was like “WTF??? Wait a minute here, Mr! That wasn’t what happened at all. You left her to be in New York with your best GIRL friend, remember??? — Which only shows me that Mia was waaay more important to you than Jamie.😒 yeah, that was exactly what happened I confirmed that!! YOU’ve broken things off because you said you were scared and then just left. But not before disappearing for days, without a phone call or answering her calls or her messages. Then you got back to town, have sex with her just to break her heart right after. Leaving her feeling used and discarded.”
So no! Just no!!! You have no rights to be a jerk, you jerk. You actually should be doing some serious groveling here. Knees bleeding, flowers and chocolate, and all that $h*t!!!!!! 😤
Then there is the cheating but it seems the cheating went both ways… but still. I think he should have ended things with Bri waaay before sleeps with Jamie.
And then there is the part I think Holden should be castrated. Ugh! He is such a guy 🙄
Summing up, Holden was an asshole of the highest order in this book. I hated the Holden in this book. Which is a shame because I really loved Holden in book 1. And I would‘ve never EVER forgiven him.
I also hated Jamie in this book. The way she was always making excuses for Holden’s bad behavior to her… She was just such a doormat!
I am giving this book 3 star because this author writing is awesome and she does not deserve a low rating. But I can’t give it more because Holden does not deserve either and also because of all the holes in this books that left me sooooo confused that I’m still wondering if I read the same book 1 as everybody else.
First off I was so lost in the story that I had to re-read the last 30% of book 1. Holden kept saying Jamie left him, that he waited for her for years, that she broken him and he was so mean to her that I was like “WTF??? Wait a minute here, Mr! That wasn’t what happened at all. You left her to be in New York with your best GIRL friend, remember??? — Which only shows me that Mia was waaay more important to you than Jamie.😒 yeah, that was exactly what happened I confirmed that!! YOU’ve broken things off because you said you were scared and then just left. But not before disappearing for days, without a phone call or answering her calls or her messages. Then you got back to town, have sex with her just to break her heart right after. Leaving her feeling used and discarded.”
So no! Just no!!! You have no rights to be a jerk, you jerk. You actually should be doing some serious groveling here. Knees bleeding, flowers and chocolate, and all that $h*t!!!!!! 😤
Then there is the cheating but it seems the cheating went both ways… but still. I think he should have ended things with Bri waaay before sleeps with Jamie.
And then there is the part I think Holden should be castrated. Ugh! He is such a guy 🙄
Summing up, Holden was an asshole of the highest order in this book. I hated the Holden in this book. Which is a shame because I really loved Holden in book 1. And I would‘ve never EVER forgiven him.
I also hated Jamie in this book. The way she was always making excuses for Holden’s bad behavior to her… She was just such a doormat!
I am giving this book 3 star because this author writing is awesome and she does not deserve a low rating. But I can’t give it more because Holden does not deserve either and also because of all the holes in this books that left me sooooo confused that I’m still wondering if I read the same book 1 as everybody else.
February 1, 2022
4-4.5 ⭐'s
This is good example that I should definitely wait to start a series once all the books are out. The ending for the first book shocked and killed me. I could not wait for this book to come out!
Unfortunately, it finds us with a very unhappy and revengeful Holden. I wish that I could say he was only a little out of line but he was A LOT...in fact, it was shocking how much. Especially to the love of his life that he desperately wants back!
Of course, Jamie did him dirty...ran from him and (mostly) stayed away. (I was taken aback by what a certain someones did!)
But s-l-o-w-l-y things start turning around and Holden quits being a crazy person.
The situation at the end of the book is explained - definitely not what I was expecting and really a bit of a letdown.
However, as things start getting better, Holden really blossoms. I was impressed with some of the things he did.
What I wasn't impressed with was those "certain someones". I don't think they did enough to make up for what they did and I'm not sure I liked how Holden handled that tough situation.
Can I just mention how much I LOVED Jamie's relationships with Big H and Maggie? Omgosh...the sweetest things thank goodness. The story really needed that.
Overall, I was happy with the way things ended. There were a few scenes at the end that got me a little teary eyed.
This is good example that I should definitely wait to start a series once all the books are out. The ending for the first book shocked and killed me. I could not wait for this book to come out!
Unfortunately, it finds us with a very unhappy and revengeful Holden. I wish that I could say he was only a little out of line but he was A LOT...in fact, it was shocking how much. Especially to the love of his life that he desperately wants back!
Of course, Jamie did him dirty...ran from him and (mostly) stayed away. (I was taken aback by what a certain someones did!)
But s-l-o-w-l-y things start turning around and Holden quits being a crazy person.
The situation at the end of the book is explained - definitely not what I was expecting and really a bit of a letdown.
However, as things start getting better, Holden really blossoms. I was impressed with some of the things he did.
What I wasn't impressed with was those "certain someones". I don't think they did enough to make up for what they did and I'm not sure I liked how Holden handled that tough situation.
Can I just mention how much I LOVED Jamie's relationships with Big H and Maggie? Omgosh...the sweetest things thank goodness. The story really needed that.
Overall, I was happy with the way things ended. There were a few scenes at the end that got me a little teary eyed.
January 17, 2022
lads, I’m a big f*cking mess rn
4.75 ☆
4.75 ☆
January 26, 2022
Pieces of Me is the second part of the Pieces Duet and it can't be read as a standalone.
The first story ended with an hurtful cliffhanger and as expected the storm is still not passed at the beginning of this book, and even if I assure you there is a rainbow at the very end, we have to still go through hard times following our main characters.
Jamie and Holden has a lot of things to clear up, but they tend to run away and hide from problems. Most of their actions are self-destructive and annerving but the love for each other is lingering and it's ready to pour out from their souls cracks whenever they have the courage to talk to each other.
I've read this story full of angst with a heavy heart, but at the end I smiled a lot because Jay McLean put me out of my misery giving Jamie and Holden their deserved happily ever after.
P.S. Am I the only one who would like to read Maggie and Big H story? I love these two so much, I'll miss them.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
January 30, 2022
What a page turner!
I read this through the night and it was worth the copious amount of caffeine in my body the next day.
Piece of Me was emotional, angsty, spicy, sweet and heartwarming.
I read this through the night and it was worth the copious amount of caffeine in my body the next day.
Piece of Me was emotional, angsty, spicy, sweet and heartwarming.
January 20, 2022
This duet. Just wow. My heart has been so touched, so broken, so elevated by the beautiful story it holds. It’s immersive, it’s meaningful, its passionate. It’s unique and transfixing, and it’s poignant and emotionally resonant. Jamie and Holden have captured my heart and soul- theirs is a once in a lifetime, extraordinary story.
I won’t say much about the plot, but after the heart shattering shock at the end of book one, I knew that this story would not be easy. I knew that it would not be predictable, perhaps even explicable. And I was not wrong - Jamie and Holden’s challenges take on whole new meaning, new layers, new edge. But so does their connection, the once squashed love between them has not died. But the path forward is oh so complicated and unexpected. I found myself crying tears of joy and pain, my heart skipping beats from the emotional impact of their romance. They keep hurting each other, and themselves, to masque their own pains, to try to face their past and present. There is as much damage as healing, but the healing is oh so sweet. And what was once a sweet, adolescent romance complicated by different life perspectives becomes something else entirely as they both try to mature and confront their past.
So Jay breaks them- they once found pieces of themselves in each other, wholeness in the way they fit. Now they find pieces of themselves because they’ve been broken, they’ve been fractured. And we have to watch the very hard but important task of them first putting themselves back together before they can rebuild the puzzle of “them.”
THis story is tender and heartfelt, and these characters are so perfectly memorable. Flawed, beautiful, and vulnerable. I found myself wanting to shake and hold them all at once. Their damages make them who they are, and reading their path back to love is such a rewarding and emotive journey. I felt every word between them, and every work unspoken. SO much so that pieces of them are now part of me, and I suspect they always will.
This was the series that introduced me to Jay McLean- and I’m kicking myself for not reading and lover her work sooner. This is what it means to write heartfelt romance with depth, to convey characters with purpose and point of view. If you’ve not discovered her yet, I implore you to pick this up. The start of this duet was a highlight of 2021, and the conclusion more than lives up to the magic I discovered. My heart is tender, but it is full.
I won’t say much about the plot, but after the heart shattering shock at the end of book one, I knew that this story would not be easy. I knew that it would not be predictable, perhaps even explicable. And I was not wrong - Jamie and Holden’s challenges take on whole new meaning, new layers, new edge. But so does their connection, the once squashed love between them has not died. But the path forward is oh so complicated and unexpected. I found myself crying tears of joy and pain, my heart skipping beats from the emotional impact of their romance. They keep hurting each other, and themselves, to masque their own pains, to try to face their past and present. There is as much damage as healing, but the healing is oh so sweet. And what was once a sweet, adolescent romance complicated by different life perspectives becomes something else entirely as they both try to mature and confront their past.
So Jay breaks them- they once found pieces of themselves in each other, wholeness in the way they fit. Now they find pieces of themselves because they’ve been broken, they’ve been fractured. And we have to watch the very hard but important task of them first putting themselves back together before they can rebuild the puzzle of “them.”
THis story is tender and heartfelt, and these characters are so perfectly memorable. Flawed, beautiful, and vulnerable. I found myself wanting to shake and hold them all at once. Their damages make them who they are, and reading their path back to love is such a rewarding and emotive journey. I felt every word between them, and every work unspoken. SO much so that pieces of them are now part of me, and I suspect they always will.
This was the series that introduced me to Jay McLean- and I’m kicking myself for not reading and lover her work sooner. This is what it means to write heartfelt romance with depth, to convey characters with purpose and point of view. If you’ve not discovered her yet, I implore you to pick this up. The start of this duet was a highlight of 2021, and the conclusion more than lives up to the magic I discovered. My heart is tender, but it is full.
January 14, 2022
*ARC provided for an honest review*
Pieces of Me has been one of my top anticipated reads ever since I finished the first book. Holden and Jamie’s story has stuck with me and always will. Pieces of Me is the continuation of Holden and Jamie’s story…and what a wild and emotional ride it is! I literally couldn’t put it down lol😭
Jay McLean never disappoints in bringing all the angst and the many strong emotions that the characters go through. I knew this book was going to hit hard but I still felt all the emotions with Holden and Jamie. Both are individually strong and together they’re absolutely explosive. I can’t even describe how reading their moments made me feel because I was going through it all!! With the way things ended in the previous book I was anxious to know more and now finally knowing I began to understand why certain actions were taken by both characters. It’s the love that Holden and Jamie have for each other that makes them want to protect the other from the hurt that is bound to come, but in the end making their connection strong and filled with so much hope.
Holden and Jamie are definitely unforgettable characters. I really loved every moment in this story. The ones that made me smile, cry, laugh, all of them made me feel for Holden and Jamie and I was rooting for them through it all. They’re the type of characters that you want them to have their happy every after so soon but understand that the challenges they go through builds them up. Through every broken moment there was always hope and I liked that. Although Pieces of Me is the conclusion to Holden and Jamie’s story it was also the beginning of many opportunities to become better for one another. Reading their character development has been everything. I’m going to miss them so much!!
p.s. second chance trope is always a serve <3
Pieces of Me has been one of my top anticipated reads ever since I finished the first book. Holden and Jamie’s story has stuck with me and always will. Pieces of Me is the continuation of Holden and Jamie’s story…and what a wild and emotional ride it is! I literally couldn’t put it down lol😭
Jay McLean never disappoints in bringing all the angst and the many strong emotions that the characters go through. I knew this book was going to hit hard but I still felt all the emotions with Holden and Jamie. Both are individually strong and together they’re absolutely explosive. I can’t even describe how reading their moments made me feel because I was going through it all!! With the way things ended in the previous book I was anxious to know more and now finally knowing I began to understand why certain actions were taken by both characters. It’s the love that Holden and Jamie have for each other that makes them want to protect the other from the hurt that is bound to come, but in the end making their connection strong and filled with so much hope.
Holden and Jamie are definitely unforgettable characters. I really loved every moment in this story. The ones that made me smile, cry, laugh, all of them made me feel for Holden and Jamie and I was rooting for them through it all. They’re the type of characters that you want them to have their happy every after so soon but understand that the challenges they go through builds them up. Through every broken moment there was always hope and I liked that. Although Pieces of Me is the conclusion to Holden and Jamie’s story it was also the beginning of many opportunities to become better for one another. Reading their character development has been everything. I’m going to miss them so much!!
p.s. second chance trope is always a serve <3
January 15, 2022
This story is everything you want from a real romance. Let me gather my thoughts and try to write a worthy review.
ALL THE STARS...my very favorite Jay McLean story is HERE
How does she do it? Completely scramble my feelings, from the highest of highs, to the angstiest of angsts, the range of emotions I find myself experiencing whilst reading a Jay McLean romance never ceases to amaze me. But this one? THis one OWNED ME. Jamie and Holden are unique. They are special in a way that holds you tight, not wanting to let go or even release a smidge. They hold you on the edge of will they, won't they? Can they or will they? Friendships hang in the balance, heartstrings are frayed, yet the lows bring a building back up that have you feeling on top of the world. Emotional warfare IN THE BEST OF WAYS. Real romance that reminds you to believe, love, and hope for more. Bravo Ms McLean, bravo. Must read romance humming coming atcha. xoxo
ALL THE STARS...my very favorite Jay McLean story is HERE
How does she do it? Completely scramble my feelings, from the highest of highs, to the angstiest of angsts, the range of emotions I find myself experiencing whilst reading a Jay McLean romance never ceases to amaze me. But this one? THis one OWNED ME. Jamie and Holden are unique. They are special in a way that holds you tight, not wanting to let go or even release a smidge. They hold you on the edge of will they, won't they? Can they or will they? Friendships hang in the balance, heartstrings are frayed, yet the lows bring a building back up that have you feeling on top of the world. Emotional warfare IN THE BEST OF WAYS. Real romance that reminds you to believe, love, and hope for more. Bravo Ms McLean, bravo. Must read romance humming coming atcha. xoxo
January 18, 2022
Pieces Of Me is the perfect conclusion for the Pieces Duet and for Holden and Jamie's story.
Jay McLean is one of those author that you just KNOW is going to make you fall in love with a book and almost destroy you at the same time.
It's right person, wrong time.
This book is about self-awareness, self-growth, the journey they go through to get to a better place for themselves. The way Jay developed all the layers of their lives and relationship is amazing.
Jay also said this was Jamie's book and she was so right. Jamie broke my heart and mended it at the same time. I am so proud to see where she's arrived after everything she's been through.
I completely recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Jay McLean is one of those author that you just KNOW is going to make you fall in love with a book and almost destroy you at the same time.
It's right person, wrong time.
This book is about self-awareness, self-growth, the journey they go through to get to a better place for themselves. The way Jay developed all the layers of their lives and relationship is amazing.
Jay also said this was Jamie's book and she was so right. Jamie broke my heart and mended it at the same time. I am so proud to see where she's arrived after everything she's been through.
I completely recommend it to anyone and everyone!
January 27, 2022
***5 "Dear Younger Me!!!" stars***
NOW AVAILABLE!
"There are only pieces of me. And him.
And a past of incomplete pictures." ,/i>
I love Jay McLean's books!!!
I might be a masochist cause her book are reeking of heartache, still... every single time I am drown to them as an addict searching for his next fix...
I adored the first part of this beautiful story, even though the ending pained me very much.
The possibillities were driving me crazy... Yet, I was waiting like crazy to dive in the second part and Jay delivered an epic love story full of angst and heartache...
Holden and Jamie will definitely get on the top of my unforgettable readings along with many of Jay's other stories!!!
"There was a piece missing..."
The second part tranferred us five years later...
Holden and Jamie are no longer together. They had both taken different routes in life... But an unexpected loss is bringing them back together and the sparkles are still lingering between them...
The only sure thing is that nothing is the same anymore... Not Jamie, nor Holden...
There is too much heartbreak between them and even though many years had passed, the pain remains and it is leading them toward a new destruction...
Is it hate??? Or a bitter love that is remaining between them???
Will they manage to find the missing pieces and to finally complete the puzzle that their love is???
“I don't hate you... But I hate that I miss you.”
I loved Jamie and Holden from the very first moment...
Jamie's life was ugly from very early on life... Holden became her lifeline... Still... She had broken his heart and even though she had her reasons, it is impossible for her to not reach out to him for once again...
Holden is still in pain even though he had moved on with his life... When Jamie is coming back into his life, the wound is opening up again and it is pouring venom out of it...
He needs to hurt her in order for her to not hurt him again...
But the hearts are never forgetting what they really want...
“I can’t do this again. I can’t fall for you again, and I’m starting to… I need to protect my heart so that you can’t destroy it again.”
Yep, Holden had hurt Jamie in here very much and at some points, I was really mad with him... But he was full of contradictions and he was also so sweet and caring... He just wanted to protect his heart!!!
Jamie took her sweet time to reach back at Holden... And now, she has to fight with tooth and nails to prove him what he really means for her... But it is so hard to penetrate his walls!!!
These two were meant for each other, but they gave us so mach heartache in the meanwhile!!!
My heart was beating like crazy throughout the whole book!!!
"This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing: All he's ever wanted is my happiness, even when it costs him his own."
The only sure thing is that the author created a magnificent story. Sweet, tender, emotional...
It was everything that I am seeking in a book...
Holden and Jamie were amazing creatures.... Creatures that knew how to love unconditional!!!
But somewhere in here, I need to adress that the secondary characters were wonderful as well, especially Big H and Maggie!!! I just loved them so much!!!
Plus the new scenery was sooo fitting!!!
If you haven't read Jay McLean yet, you don't know what you're missing!!!
Just start reading this wonderful duet. Trust me!!!
"“I’ve missed you.”
“Yeah?” he asks, eyebrows raised.
I nod.
“Good,” he states. “Because I was barely breathing with you, Jamie.”
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
NOW AVAILABLE!
"There are only pieces of me. And him.
And a past of incomplete pictures." ,/i>
I love Jay McLean's books!!!
I might be a masochist cause her book are reeking of heartache, still... every single time I am drown to them as an addict searching for his next fix...
I adored the first part of this beautiful story, even though the ending pained me very much.
The possibillities were driving me crazy... Yet, I was waiting like crazy to dive in the second part and Jay delivered an epic love story full of angst and heartache...
Holden and Jamie will definitely get on the top of my unforgettable readings along with many of Jay's other stories!!!
"There was a piece missing..."
The second part tranferred us five years later...
Holden and Jamie are no longer together. They had both taken different routes in life... But an unexpected loss is bringing them back together and the sparkles are still lingering between them...
The only sure thing is that nothing is the same anymore... Not Jamie, nor Holden...
There is too much heartbreak between them and even though many years had passed, the pain remains and it is leading them toward a new destruction...
Is it hate??? Or a bitter love that is remaining between them???
Will they manage to find the missing pieces and to finally complete the puzzle that their love is???
“I don't hate you... But I hate that I miss you.”
I loved Jamie and Holden from the very first moment...
Jamie's life was ugly from very early on life... Holden became her lifeline... Still... She had broken his heart and even though she had her reasons, it is impossible for her to not reach out to him for once again...
Holden is still in pain even though he had moved on with his life... When Jamie is coming back into his life, the wound is opening up again and it is pouring venom out of it...
He needs to hurt her in order for her to not hurt him again...
But the hearts are never forgetting what they really want...
“I can’t do this again. I can’t fall for you again, and I’m starting to… I need to protect my heart so that you can’t destroy it again.”
Yep, Holden had hurt Jamie in here very much and at some points, I was really mad with him... But he was full of contradictions and he was also so sweet and caring... He just wanted to protect his heart!!!
Jamie took her sweet time to reach back at Holden... And now, she has to fight with tooth and nails to prove him what he really means for her... But it is so hard to penetrate his walls!!!
These two were meant for each other, but they gave us so mach heartache in the meanwhile!!!
My heart was beating like crazy throughout the whole book!!!
"This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing: All he's ever wanted is my happiness, even when it costs him his own."
The only sure thing is that the author created a magnificent story. Sweet, tender, emotional...
It was everything that I am seeking in a book...
Holden and Jamie were amazing creatures.... Creatures that knew how to love unconditional!!!
But somewhere in here, I need to adress that the secondary characters were wonderful as well, especially Big H and Maggie!!! I just loved them so much!!!
Plus the new scenery was sooo fitting!!!
If you haven't read Jay McLean yet, you don't know what you're missing!!!
Just start reading this wonderful duet. Trust me!!!
"“I’ve missed you.”
“Yeah?” he asks, eyebrows raised.
I nod.
“Good,” he states. “Because I was barely breathing with you, Jamie.”
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
January 27, 2022
FACT: I didn't WANT this book to mean enough to me to elicit any kind of strong emotion. I made a conscious decision, based on reviews, to not be pulled in because the gist of the connection between the Hxh is so singularly unpleasant. I didn't even bother to read the first book, that's how much I was not getting attached.
Famous last words.
I got attached alright, and, not to draw out the malencholy, but for cathartic reasons and as a warning to my future self to not touch this book again, I'm penning my thoughts here.
Wikipedia says: Tragedy "is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character."
This is our poor Jamie the MFC. In fact, just about all the main players are sorrowful in some way; either crying, sobbing or have tears pooling in readiness to cry. Except the kid. Heck, I cried. Infuriating, headache indusing tears because dayam, man, can one person deal with so much misery in 23 years???What makes me even sadder is that her capacity for joy is just as impactful as the pain she endures. What a flighty beautiful soul she has. Usually I'm disgusted at the heroine who allows herself to be trampled on, to be broken down by so many people. But Jamie is special. Future Beeg, I can't say why now because the waterworks will start up again. Just know that she is young with an old soul, strong in her fragility and worthy. Much more worthy than most of the people around her.
The Hxh are both 23 but he comes across as younger; in his thoughts, actions and decisions.
He's a cruel, vindictive, malicious entitled picaninny who hankers after the heroine despite having moved on romantically. He was with this ow before he met the h and got back with this ow a year after the h left. WTH he has to complain about is beyond me because I'm not convinced of his deeply hurt heart in the first place. He's more the "you-left-me-and-hurt-my-feelngs-so-now-im-gonna-show-you-what-for" kind. Stomping his feet, rigid arms with fisted hands shaking; upper arm wiping snot from his sniffling little nose. No no, he does'nt actually cry for the heroine. For the situation with his family, yes, but not for HER.
Angstville.
This book is gonna sell well BECAUSE of the low star ratings, not DESPITE them.
Readers love the downtrodden h and the arshole H who does'nt grovel.
I prefer a perfect balance between good and bad before I can forgive the bad. This hero's bad doesn't outweigh his good because the bad is glossed over. Readily forgiven for the sake of the bigger picture. I mean, something's gotta give for them to move forward but does it HAVE to be the heroine? She surrenders so much of herself to him, his family, his friends. SHE conforms. SHE changes. SHE forgives. SHE makes allowances. Sure, they fall over their feet to make amends but there's that unspoken caveat that unless she's prepared to forgive things will never be well.
The writing style is quite appealing and the characters' views on life nicely conveyed.
I reckon the genre is a mixture of (1) Tradegy, (2)Fantasy (because she's living in a dream world if she thinks they're not gonna turn on her again) and (3) mild Horror (think low-key Julian Sands from Boxing Helena 🤢) and (4) YA-coming-of-age with some lively MATURE pda (H and ow) thrown in for the fuck of it.
Ugh, I'm so draMATIC. It's a damn book. A YA with adult stuff. But just a book.
Nts
Neaten review
Famous last words.
I got attached alright, and, not to draw out the malencholy, but for cathartic reasons and as a warning to my future self to not touch this book again, I'm penning my thoughts here.
Wikipedia says: Tragedy "is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a main character."
This is our poor Jamie the MFC. In fact, just about all the main players are sorrowful in some way; either crying, sobbing or have tears pooling in readiness to cry. Except the kid. Heck, I cried. Infuriating, headache indusing tears because dayam, man, can one person deal with so much misery in 23 years???What makes me even sadder is that her capacity for joy is just as impactful as the pain she endures. What a flighty beautiful soul she has. Usually I'm disgusted at the heroine who allows herself to be trampled on, to be broken down by so many people. But Jamie is special. Future Beeg, I can't say why now because the waterworks will start up again. Just know that she is young with an old soul, strong in her fragility and worthy. Much more worthy than most of the people around her.
The Hxh are both 23 but he comes across as younger; in his thoughts, actions and decisions.
He's a cruel, vindictive, malicious entitled picaninny who hankers after the heroine despite having moved on romantically. He was with this ow before he met the h and got back with this ow a year after the h left. WTH he has to complain about is beyond me because I'm not convinced of his deeply hurt heart in the first place. He's more the "you-left-me-and-hurt-my-feelngs-so-now-im-gonna-show-you-what-for" kind. Stomping his feet, rigid arms with fisted hands shaking; upper arm wiping snot from his sniffling little nose. No no, he does'nt actually cry for the heroine. For the situation with his family, yes, but not for HER.
Angstville.
This book is gonna sell well BECAUSE of the low star ratings, not DESPITE them.
Readers love the downtrodden h and the arshole H who does'nt grovel.
I prefer a perfect balance between good and bad before I can forgive the bad. This hero's bad doesn't outweigh his good because the bad is glossed over. Readily forgiven for the sake of the bigger picture. I mean, something's gotta give for them to move forward but does it HAVE to be the heroine? She surrenders so much of herself to him, his family, his friends. SHE conforms. SHE changes. SHE forgives. SHE makes allowances. Sure, they fall over their feet to make amends but there's that unspoken caveat that unless she's prepared to forgive things will never be well.
The writing style is quite appealing and the characters' views on life nicely conveyed.
I reckon the genre is a mixture of (1) Tradegy, (2)Fantasy (because she's living in a dream world if she thinks they're not gonna turn on her again) and (3) mild Horror (think low-key Julian Sands from Boxing Helena 🤢) and (4) YA-coming-of-age with some lively MATURE pda (H and ow) thrown in for the fuck of it.
Ugh, I'm so draMATIC. It's a damn book. A YA with adult stuff. But just a book.
Nts
Neaten review
January 19, 2022
ME DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK:
I wanted to beat Holden's ass because he was actin' like a fool and he knew he was actin' like a fool and he continued to act like a fool!
ME DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE BOOK:
Literally finished this book in my cubicle at work. It was both the worst and best decision I've ever made.
I wanted to beat Holden's ass because he was actin' like a fool and he knew he was actin' like a fool and he continued to act like a fool!
ME DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE BOOK:
Literally finished this book in my cubicle at work. It was both the worst and best decision I've ever made.
February 9, 2022
2.5
Freaking Holden ruined any hopes I had of loving this sequel. Found him even more despicable here than in Pieces of You. He was a complete ass and treated Jamie terribly for most of this novel. His so-called redemption came way too late—what a disappointment.
Freaking Holden ruined any hopes I had of loving this sequel. Found him even more despicable here than in Pieces of You. He was a complete ass and treated Jamie terribly for most of this novel. His so-called redemption came way too late—what a disappointment.
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