What do you think?
Rate this book
Kick Push #1
Kick, Push
There’s a single defining moment within every skater.
It lasts only a second. Two if you're good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.
The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.
Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.
You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug...
And you become her poison.
It lasts only a second. Two if you're good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.
The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.
Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.
You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug...
And you become her poison.
358 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2015
288 people are currently reading
6332 people want to read
About the author
Jay McLean
42 books8,165 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,046 reviews
April 30, 2023
5 fire truck stars!
I’m convinced that Jay McLean is magic. Her ‘More Than’ series is one of my favorite series ever. It’s not very often a book will effect me like those books did. I love all her work, but nothing of hers has got to me like the More books. Until now. Kick Push is equally as good when it comes to the story and the feels, but the writing is even better. How can she do that more than once? Put out books like this that just consume and overtake me? I don’t know but I’m glad she does. Fans of this author will not be disappointed and if you haven’t read anything by this author, I can’t recommend her enough! When I read Where the Road Takes Me Josh was by far my favorite character. He was so endearing and lovable and I wanted to know more about him…
Josh is a single dad. After getting his girlfriend pregnant at 17, Josh promises his girl he will be there 100%. That they will do it together. Shortly after giving birth to Tommy, she decides it’s too much and abandons Tommy leaving Josh to take care of him alone. Josh has no one. He has nothing. But he’s determined to take care of his son no matter what. He will do anything and sacrifice anything for Tommy.
With some help from a older woman who becomes his family, and the support he has from his best friend, Hunter, and later his Uncle and Aunt, Josh is able to make it work. He’ll never have his life and dreams back, not like they were before, but that’s okay. Tommy is more important than anything else in his life.
The years pass, and now Tommy is 3. Life is good for Josh. He has a good job and his son. He’s in a far better place than he was. Then it happens. Josh meets someone for the first time in years who makes him reevaluate his life. Someone who falls in love with his son. A girl he starts to fall for. A quiet girl with emerald eyes who completely consumes him.
Her name is Becca. Becca’s life hasn’t been easy. She’s had very different struggles than Josh. Meeting Josh and Tommy change her. Becca’s story is one I won’t be talking about at all in my review. It’s one you need to read for yourself, butI will say it broke my heart. Becca is a character that took me a while to warm up to, but after seeing how much she loved Tommy and supported Josh, she grew on me. I loved the dynamic between the three. I can imagine as a single parent there is something so special about someone coming into your life that not only cares for you, but loves your child deeply.
For the first time in maybe her entire life, Becca feels wanted, loved and safe. Josh gives her that.
As much as I enjoyed reading about Josh and Becca, Josh and Tommy stole the show. Seriously Josh and Tommy together was the best thing ever. Any scene with those two and I completely melted.
This book is about falling in love. About second chances. About stepping up. About parenting It’s about friendship, skateboarding, sand pits and photography. About love and forgiveness. It’s about following your dreams. I loved every single chapter, every single page, every single word of this story. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I fell in complete book love with Kick Push. I want more. More Josh and Becca and definitely more Tommy. I loved the characters, the angst, the emotions, the love, and all the feels. There is so much to this story. So many elements, relationships and it’s just everything. Read it, devour it, and love it! Kick Push is an unforgettable read that’s going straight to the top of my favorite list for 2015.
I’m convinced that Jay McLean is magic. Her ‘More Than’ series is one of my favorite series ever. It’s not very often a book will effect me like those books did. I love all her work, but nothing of hers has got to me like the More books. Until now. Kick Push is equally as good when it comes to the story and the feels, but the writing is even better. How can she do that more than once? Put out books like this that just consume and overtake me? I don’t know but I’m glad she does. Fans of this author will not be disappointed and if you haven’t read anything by this author, I can’t recommend her enough! When I read Where the Road Takes Me Josh was by far my favorite character. He was so endearing and lovable and I wanted to know more about him…
Josh is a single dad. After getting his girlfriend pregnant at 17, Josh promises his girl he will be there 100%. That they will do it together. Shortly after giving birth to Tommy, she decides it’s too much and abandons Tommy leaving Josh to take care of him alone. Josh has no one. He has nothing. But he’s determined to take care of his son no matter what. He will do anything and sacrifice anything for Tommy.
With some help from a older woman who becomes his family, and the support he has from his best friend, Hunter, and later his Uncle and Aunt, Josh is able to make it work. He’ll never have his life and dreams back, not like they were before, but that’s okay. Tommy is more important than anything else in his life.
The years pass, and now Tommy is 3. Life is good for Josh. He has a good job and his son. He’s in a far better place than he was. Then it happens. Josh meets someone for the first time in years who makes him reevaluate his life. Someone who falls in love with his son. A girl he starts to fall for. A quiet girl with emerald eyes who completely consumes him.
Her name is Becca. Becca’s life hasn’t been easy. She’s had very different struggles than Josh. Meeting Josh and Tommy change her. Becca’s story is one I won’t be talking about at all in my review. It’s one you need to read for yourself, butI will say it broke my heart. Becca is a character that took me a while to warm up to, but after seeing how much she loved Tommy and supported Josh, she grew on me. I loved the dynamic between the three. I can imagine as a single parent there is something so special about someone coming into your life that not only cares for you, but loves your child deeply.
I love that she didn’t just want me. She wanted us. All three of us.
For the first time in maybe her entire life, Becca feels wanted, loved and safe. Josh gives her that.
As much as I enjoyed reading about Josh and Becca, Josh and Tommy stole the show. Seriously Josh and Tommy together was the best thing ever. Any scene with those two and I completely melted.
“I love you buddy.” He looks up from his train set and he smiles. And I realize it then; what everyone always tells me. His eyes may be like his mother’s, but his smile is mine. His happiness belongs to me.
This book is about falling in love. About second chances. About stepping up. About parenting It’s about friendship, skateboarding, sand pits and photography. About love and forgiveness. It’s about following your dreams. I loved every single chapter, every single page, every single word of this story. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I fell in complete book love with Kick Push. I want more. More Josh and Becca and definitely more Tommy. I loved the characters, the angst, the emotions, the love, and all the feels. There is so much to this story. So many elements, relationships and it’s just everything. Read it, devour it, and love it! Kick Push is an unforgettable read that’s going straight to the top of my favorite list for 2015.
Kick. Push. Coast. Time to coast, son.
December 13, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Kick Push” was an emotional read about second chances, falling in love, parenting, fallowing your dreams and so much more. Like other books I have read from this author, this one had a little bit of everything – humor, angst, drama – and it made me feel, really feel. “Kick Push” fallows the story of Josh, character we previously met in “Where the Road Takes Me”, another book by this author.
Josh’s life change irrevocably when he finds out his girlfriend Natalie is pregnant. He is scared and alone since his family abandons him deciding they are not ready to become grandparents. Josh is not ready to become a father either, but he’s willing to do anything for his new family. The baby Tommy is born and Natalie decides everything is too much for her and abandons Josh and Tommy. Josh has no one, he’s desperate and lonely, but he loves the baby Tommy so much and he’s determined to take care of him no matter what.
Josh meets Chazarae, an older woman who wants to help him and lets him stay at the garage apartment next to her house. Every day is a struggle for Josh. He doesn’t have a job, but he never gives up on his son, he’s willing to sacrifice anything for him. Years pass and Josh with some help from his friend Hunter and later from his uncle and aunt is able to make it work. Tommy is three years old now and their life is good. Josh has everything that matters – his son.
Everything changes not only for Josh, but also for Tommy when they met Becca, Chazarae’s granddaughter. Becca is beautiful, scarred and has a tragic past. She can bear to be touched and speaking can be difficult for her. All three of them become friends. Becca is mesmerized with Tommy and slowly she falls in love not only with the little boy, but with his caring father as well.
This was such a sweet, emotional read! First of all I must say I absolutely loved Tommy. He stole the show for me. He was so darn cute, especially when he talked about moneys. Josh was a character I felt for from the beginning. He was so strong, kind and genuinely a good man. I loved his determination and his love for his son warmed my heart. I have a lot of respect for him for what he did for little Tommy. The relationship between Josh and Tommy warmed my heart. It was pure and simple beautiful and so adorable. Every scene I have read with these two put a big smile on my face. Needless to say I loved the relationship between father and son.
Becca was a character I liked, but unfortunately I can’t say I loved her very much. I didn’t connect with her like I was supposed to connect and I didn't agree with all the decisions she made at one time or another. However, my heart broke for her. She was more than damaged, but as the story progressed Josh and her feelings for this young single dad made her open up a little about her past and about what she really feels. Becca’s relationship with Josh and Tommy was very sweet and I enjoyed their dynamic.
Josh changed Becca and Becca changed Josh as well. He made her feel save and wanted, loved, cherished and protective and I loved Josh even more for giving her what she wanted all her life.
Overall, a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to read the next installment/s in the series!
“Kick Push” was an emotional read about second chances, falling in love, parenting, fallowing your dreams and so much more. Like other books I have read from this author, this one had a little bit of everything – humor, angst, drama – and it made me feel, really feel. “Kick Push” fallows the story of Josh, character we previously met in “Where the Road Takes Me”, another book by this author.
“We were sixteen and pregnant. And at the time—we were happy.”
Josh’s life change irrevocably when he finds out his girlfriend Natalie is pregnant. He is scared and alone since his family abandons him deciding they are not ready to become grandparents. Josh is not ready to become a father either, but he’s willing to do anything for his new family. The baby Tommy is born and Natalie decides everything is too much for her and abandons Josh and Tommy. Josh has no one, he’s desperate and lonely, but he loves the baby Tommy so much and he’s determined to take care of him no matter what.
Josh meets Chazarae, an older woman who wants to help him and lets him stay at the garage apartment next to her house. Every day is a struggle for Josh. He doesn’t have a job, but he never gives up on his son, he’s willing to sacrifice anything for him. Years pass and Josh with some help from his friend Hunter and later from his uncle and aunt is able to make it work. Tommy is three years old now and their life is good. Josh has everything that matters – his son.
Everything changes not only for Josh, but also for Tommy when they met Becca, Chazarae’s granddaughter. Becca is beautiful, scarred and has a tragic past. She can bear to be touched and speaking can be difficult for her. All three of them become friends. Becca is mesmerized with Tommy and slowly she falls in love not only with the little boy, but with his caring father as well.
“Do you have a safe place, Becca?”
“Yes, I whisper. You.”
This was such a sweet, emotional read! First of all I must say I absolutely loved Tommy. He stole the show for me. He was so darn cute, especially when he talked about moneys. Josh was a character I felt for from the beginning. He was so strong, kind and genuinely a good man. I loved his determination and his love for his son warmed my heart. I have a lot of respect for him for what he did for little Tommy. The relationship between Josh and Tommy warmed my heart. It was pure and simple beautiful and so adorable. Every scene I have read with these two put a big smile on my face. Needless to say I loved the relationship between father and son.
Becca was a character I liked, but unfortunately I can’t say I loved her very much. I didn’t connect with her like I was supposed to connect and I didn't agree with all the decisions she made at one time or another. However, my heart broke for her. She was more than damaged, but as the story progressed Josh and her feelings for this young single dad made her open up a little about her past and about what she really feels. Becca’s relationship with Josh and Tommy was very sweet and I enjoyed their dynamic.
“I love that she didn’t just want me. She wanted us. All three of us.”
Josh changed Becca and Becca changed Josh as well. He made her feel save and wanted, loved, cherished and protective and I loved Josh even more for giving her what she wanted all her life.
Overall, a fantastic read and I’m looking forward to read the next installment/s in the series!
August 4, 2015
FOUR FIRE TRUCK STARS.
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
Talk about a book journey this novel was more like an expedition. If you take all your thoughts and feelings and jumble them up, then imagine yourself falling in love, then experiencing some unforeseen twists and turns then you might just about grasp how I felt when I was reading this book. Jay McLean has done it again. Every single time I pick up one of this authors books I know I can expect a saga of epic proportions. In addition you can also prepare yourself to fall in love, cry tears a plenty and just for fun expect this author to thrown into the mix some heart clenching fiction. Kick, push is already gearing up to be winning hearts all over Goodreads and I'm excited for fellow readers to fall in love with Joshua and his very own mini me Tommy.
What's it all about?
When Joshua Warden finds himself homeless and helpless the only thing he can do is move forward and make sure that he always sacrifices for love. This single dad has many mountains to climb but with the right people along the way he is able to navigate the most difficult time of his life. When a mysterious girl with a secretive past comes into his life, Joshua believes that he can start to build a future and for once hold onto the hope that he can give his heart away once again. But life isn't always as we dream and Josh and his emerald eyed girl have to work through hurt, secrets, the pain of the past, falling in love and the possibility of not having a forever, together. Follow the story of one single dad, a boy who you can't help but adore and an epic journey of finding love and following your dreams.
What did I love?
This novel seriously turned me upside down. I can hardly formulate all that I 'feel' about this book. This author continues to astound me and this book won't ever become 'just one' of those books that I read in 2015. (It will always be so much more) Kick, Push (fantastic book title don't you agree?) had me glued to my kindle and as the book developed and the storyline unfolded I couldn't help but feel astounded at how well Jay McLean manages to piece together her imagination to create (yet again) a fabulous, unforgettable novel. You won't find many writers who have the boldness, brilliance and utter cleverness in their story telling as much as you will find in a Jay McLean book. Her creative almost bold approach to the New adult romance market is well worth an applause or two from lovers of this genre. If you are looking for individuality, something fresh and a plot that will have you falling in love, breaking your heart and at the same time pulling your hair out then this will undoubtedly be the book for you.
Why not five?
This question is always hard to answer, especially when you have huge respect for the author in question. But like always I have to remain honest in my reviewing and as much as I would have loved to have given this book the full five stars it didn't quite win me over fully enough to hand them out. Much like many readers of this genre I love angst in my books as much as the next romance addict, in fact I would go as far as to say that I adore a little well placed drama included in the books I read. With that being said some of the story line and direction that the wonderful Jay McLean took me on unfortunately didn't win me over, it may have on occasion felt a little over dramatised and some of the plot sometimes felt a tiny bit repetitious. I also would have liked to have seen the author develop the story to include different settings for location. However, despite all of the above and taking into account my overall love for this novel this book deserves recognition for its ability to draw out of me the amount of emotion that quite frankly only Jay McLean can. when all is said and done this author has very quickly become one of my favourites and this book will without a doubt have a lasting impact and let's face it there's not much wrong with a solid four star review. Finally, it almost goes without saying (but i'm going to say it anyway) I can't wait to see what Jay McLean has to add to the book world in the future and I'm already waiting in line for more.
Final thoughts ...
Believe it or not I only discovered my love for all things Jay McLean a few months ago. Her books have always been on my radar and once I started on my McLean journey I haven't been able to stop. If you haven't already experienced this author's imagination and found yourself wrapped up in one of her novels then I can only go from my experience and tell you that you have been missing out. This author writes like a dream, and I have officially crowned her as my 'queen of the feels'. Any author who can make me enjoy all the emotions that a Jay McLean novel can is well worth my ongoing attention and I'm glad to say that I'm now a firm fan and follower. Kick, Push is one of those books that however it made me feel throughout its 300 plus pages, one thing I can be sure about is that this novel will never leave me. Readers who love to have their head and heart in emotional turmoil as well as feeling a deep satisfaction of reading a book that was written with perfection will love their journey with these characters and as for me I just found yet another reason to love the gorgeous Jay McLean. Enjoy the ride readers. Kisses.
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
Talk about a book journey this novel was more like an expedition. If you take all your thoughts and feelings and jumble them up, then imagine yourself falling in love, then experiencing some unforeseen twists and turns then you might just about grasp how I felt when I was reading this book. Jay McLean has done it again. Every single time I pick up one of this authors books I know I can expect a saga of epic proportions. In addition you can also prepare yourself to fall in love, cry tears a plenty and just for fun expect this author to thrown into the mix some heart clenching fiction. Kick, push is already gearing up to be winning hearts all over Goodreads and I'm excited for fellow readers to fall in love with Joshua and his very own mini me Tommy.
What's it all about?
When Joshua Warden finds himself homeless and helpless the only thing he can do is move forward and make sure that he always sacrifices for love. This single dad has many mountains to climb but with the right people along the way he is able to navigate the most difficult time of his life. When a mysterious girl with a secretive past comes into his life, Joshua believes that he can start to build a future and for once hold onto the hope that he can give his heart away once again. But life isn't always as we dream and Josh and his emerald eyed girl have to work through hurt, secrets, the pain of the past, falling in love and the possibility of not having a forever, together. Follow the story of one single dad, a boy who you can't help but adore and an epic journey of finding love and following your dreams.
What did I love?
This novel seriously turned me upside down. I can hardly formulate all that I 'feel' about this book. This author continues to astound me and this book won't ever become 'just one' of those books that I read in 2015. (It will always be so much more) Kick, Push (fantastic book title don't you agree?) had me glued to my kindle and as the book developed and the storyline unfolded I couldn't help but feel astounded at how well Jay McLean manages to piece together her imagination to create (yet again) a fabulous, unforgettable novel. You won't find many writers who have the boldness, brilliance and utter cleverness in their story telling as much as you will find in a Jay McLean book. Her creative almost bold approach to the New adult romance market is well worth an applause or two from lovers of this genre. If you are looking for individuality, something fresh and a plot that will have you falling in love, breaking your heart and at the same time pulling your hair out then this will undoubtedly be the book for you.
Why not five?
This question is always hard to answer, especially when you have huge respect for the author in question. But like always I have to remain honest in my reviewing and as much as I would have loved to have given this book the full five stars it didn't quite win me over fully enough to hand them out. Much like many readers of this genre I love angst in my books as much as the next romance addict, in fact I would go as far as to say that I adore a little well placed drama included in the books I read. With that being said some of the story line and direction that the wonderful Jay McLean took me on unfortunately didn't win me over, it may have on occasion felt a little over dramatised and some of the plot sometimes felt a tiny bit repetitious. I also would have liked to have seen the author develop the story to include different settings for location. However, despite all of the above and taking into account my overall love for this novel this book deserves recognition for its ability to draw out of me the amount of emotion that quite frankly only Jay McLean can. when all is said and done this author has very quickly become one of my favourites and this book will without a doubt have a lasting impact and let's face it there's not much wrong with a solid four star review. Finally, it almost goes without saying (but i'm going to say it anyway) I can't wait to see what Jay McLean has to add to the book world in the future and I'm already waiting in line for more.
Final thoughts ...
Believe it or not I only discovered my love for all things Jay McLean a few months ago. Her books have always been on my radar and once I started on my McLean journey I haven't been able to stop. If you haven't already experienced this author's imagination and found yourself wrapped up in one of her novels then I can only go from my experience and tell you that you have been missing out. This author writes like a dream, and I have officially crowned her as my 'queen of the feels'. Any author who can make me enjoy all the emotions that a Jay McLean novel can is well worth my ongoing attention and I'm glad to say that I'm now a firm fan and follower. Kick, Push is one of those books that however it made me feel throughout its 300 plus pages, one thing I can be sure about is that this novel will never leave me. Readers who love to have their head and heart in emotional turmoil as well as feeling a deep satisfaction of reading a book that was written with perfection will love their journey with these characters and as for me I just found yet another reason to love the gorgeous Jay McLean. Enjoy the ride readers. Kisses.
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
July 29, 2015
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy's greater than both."
If you have read Where the Road Takes Me then you obviously already have meet and fallen in love with Josh and his son Tommy. No worries for those of you who haven’t meet them as this is their story and can be read as a standalone.
Josh and Natalie find themselves pregnant at seventeen and make promises to one another when their respective family’s cut most ties and support.
Natalie cracks from the pressure and leaves poor Josh and baby Tommy to fend for themselves. Luckily, Josh gets a job from a family member and housing from an older grandmotherly type woman. Things for Tommy and Josh are routine until the mysterious Becca moves into the main house with her grandmother.
Josh hasn’t had a relationship or much female interactions since Natalie but Becca's beauty has gotten his full attention and so they slowly develop into a friendship and so more. Becca has secrets in her past and in her future and it leaves Josh frustrated with the fear that she could leave, she’s playing them and could eventually destroy his heart. Tommy and Josh love spending time with Becca and they become very close and fall in love.
Becca’s past was heart pounding horrific to read. However, personally I struggled to connect with her. I never felt like I knew her, and I wasn't able to anticipate her reactions, where as I felt strongly connected to Josh. Characters from the past come back into Josh’s world and throw him for a loop. He begins to skate again and sadly this happy little world for Becca, Josh and Tommy breaks so very quickly and tragically. This story had heart and humor, love and loss, pain and ecstasy, while Josh’s pain overwhelms him and Becca crumbles.
The story is indeed a book one of I’m not sure how many. I won’t lose sleep stressing over how I left the characters and am only left hopeful for their futures. I'm looking forward to getting more of Josh and Tommy(so darn cute love when he talks moneys) in the next book.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
If you have read Where the Road Takes Me then you obviously already have meet and fallen in love with Josh and his son Tommy. No worries for those of you who haven’t meet them as this is their story and can be read as a standalone.
Josh and Natalie find themselves pregnant at seventeen and make promises to one another when their respective family’s cut most ties and support.
Natalie cracks from the pressure and leaves poor Josh and baby Tommy to fend for themselves. Luckily, Josh gets a job from a family member and housing from an older grandmotherly type woman. Things for Tommy and Josh are routine until the mysterious Becca moves into the main house with her grandmother.
Josh hasn’t had a relationship or much female interactions since Natalie but Becca's beauty has gotten his full attention and so they slowly develop into a friendship and so more. Becca has secrets in her past and in her future and it leaves Josh frustrated with the fear that she could leave, she’s playing them and could eventually destroy his heart. Tommy and Josh love spending time with Becca and they become very close and fall in love.
Becca’s past was heart pounding horrific to read. However, personally I struggled to connect with her. I never felt like I knew her, and I wasn't able to anticipate her reactions, where as I felt strongly connected to Josh. Characters from the past come back into Josh’s world and throw him for a loop. He begins to skate again and sadly this happy little world for Becca, Josh and Tommy breaks so very quickly and tragically. This story had heart and humor, love and loss, pain and ecstasy, while Josh’s pain overwhelms him and Becca crumbles.
The story is indeed a book one of I’m not sure how many. I won’t lose sleep stressing over how I left the characters and am only left hopeful for their futures. I'm looking forward to getting more of Josh and Tommy(so darn cute love when he talks moneys) in the next book.
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
January 17, 2016
★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★
Now LIVE!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
I cannot quite express how I am feeling about this book, this book GAVE ME SO MANY FEELS but mainly I laughed and cried. I CAUGHed throughout most of the book.
I am going to keep this as spoiler free as I can, so this will have to be short. (She says...)
Joshua Warden is sixteen when his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant, and being the stand up guy he is, he supports Natalie throughout the whole pregnancy and vows to stick by her and his baby. When Tommy is just a few short months old, Natalie ups and leaves in the middle of the night leaving Josh a single dad with a small baby.
He's pretty much on his own since both sets of parents turned their backs on them when the pregnancy was announced, but with his determination and love, he sacrifices his life in order to be the man that he wants to be for his son.
When an old kindly woman takes pity on him, he is able to get on his feet and make a life for him and Tommy as best he can.
Life is steady and he is just coasting along when a girl comes along and turns his world upside down.
This book started off just like most JMac books, it was a perfect new adult book with a swoony hero and a girl with a few secrets up her sleeve. I was coasting along quite nicely and then all of a sudden shit got real and, oh my goodness, I just could not put this book down. My emotions were all over the place and the beauty of the words on the page really affected me.
Little Tommy was so adorable, he stole my heart along with his father and whilst he was filling it with joy, Josh and Becca were breaking it because this is a story of a broken girl who after having only seen beauty through the lens of her camera, is starting to see that the happy dream that she has always yearned for is not quite in her grasp, she can see it but not touch it.
I felt this book, like it was playing in my head and I LOVE books that can do that. It takes a special kind of writing for that to happen to me.
I just love this authors writing, she is up there with the best of authors in this genre, and I would love for there to be a continuation to Josh and Becca's story.
My advice.....Read IT!
Told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
Now LIVE!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
I cannot quite express how I am feeling about this book, this book GAVE ME SO MANY FEELS but mainly I laughed and cried. I CAUGHed throughout most of the book.
I am going to keep this as spoiler free as I can, so this will have to be short. (She says...)
Joshua Warden is sixteen when his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant, and being the stand up guy he is, he supports Natalie throughout the whole pregnancy and vows to stick by her and his baby. When Tommy is just a few short months old, Natalie ups and leaves in the middle of the night leaving Josh a single dad with a small baby.
He's pretty much on his own since both sets of parents turned their backs on them when the pregnancy was announced, but with his determination and love, he sacrifices his life in order to be the man that he wants to be for his son.
When an old kindly woman takes pity on him, he is able to get on his feet and make a life for him and Tommy as best he can.
Life is steady and he is just coasting along when a girl comes along and turns his world upside down.
This book started off just like most JMac books, it was a perfect new adult book with a swoony hero and a girl with a few secrets up her sleeve. I was coasting along quite nicely and then all of a sudden shit got real and, oh my goodness, I just could not put this book down. My emotions were all over the place and the beauty of the words on the page really affected me.
Little Tommy was so adorable, he stole my heart along with his father and whilst he was filling it with joy, Josh and Becca were breaking it because this is a story of a broken girl who after having only seen beauty through the lens of her camera, is starting to see that the happy dream that she has always yearned for is not quite in her grasp, she can see it but not touch it.
I felt this book, like it was playing in my head and I LOVE books that can do that. It takes a special kind of writing for that to happen to me.
I just love this authors writing, she is up there with the best of authors in this genre, and I would love for there to be a continuation to Josh and Becca's story.
My advice.....Read IT!
Told in dual POV.
"That's it. Now all you have to do is kick and then push."
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
August 5, 2015
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy's greater than both."
I firetrucking loved this book. So many emotions.... Gah, this book made me feel. It had it all... humour, angst, drama, heartbreak, healing, love, loss, pain, hope, happiness. I had butterflies throughout it all.
I loved the story, the writing, the feels, but the shining star was a hero himself and his little boy Tommy. I mean other characters were great too, but those boys entirely stole the show. What I also have to stress is how Jay McLean played it all out, she slowly, methodically revealed bits and pieces, never giving an entire thing all at once, she made me bite my nails while waiting for the next big thing to happen.
Josh became a single dad at the age of seventeen, having everyone close turn him down, he is desperate, lonely and scared. Quite unexpectedly, he gets help from Chazarae, who lets him stay at the garage apartment next to her house. He struggles to get a job, to raise a son on his own, but never gives up on Tommy, the only thing he is sure of is that he loves his son and will do anything for him.
"I wake up every morning. That's it. There are no hidden secrets, no words of wisdom or encouragement. I wake up. Breathe new air. And fall even deeper in love with a kid I created."Things settle down, Josh and Tommy have a good life, that's when Becca comes into the picture. She is Chazarae's granddaughter and will be staying at her house for a while. She didn't have it easy in life while growing up, she can't bear to be touched and have problems with speaking. But who can resist an adorable little boy that Tommy is? Tommy slowly, unconsciously breaks her walls down. While getting close to Tommy, Becca and Josh also forms a bond, a bond that from friendship turns into relationship and a beautiful love story.
Nothing good seems to last for Josh, because people from his past reappear, causing drama, miscommunication, pent-up anger and frustration. When you add Becca's secrets from past and future, Josh eventually bursts and results are not nice.
"Seriously, how many times can a person break before the only things left are shattered fragments too small to piece back together?"When you think that nothing good, except Tommy, will ever happen to Josh anymore, finally there is a ray of hope.
"Kick. Push. Coast. Time to coast, son."And he coasts. At last, Josh is giving himself a chance and goes back to what he always loved, skating, and he is damned good doing it too. His sport career unwinds, he has his son Tommy by his side and he's finally getting to know what being happy feels like, at least as much as he can be happy, given the circumstances. And I was happy for him too, because seriously, after all that boy went through, he deserved it.
It's not the end of Josh and Becca's story, but the book ends on a good note, giving us hope for future. And I can already assure that I will be reading continuation as soon as it is released. Fire truck me if I don't!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Guest reviewer at
August 13, 2015
4-4.5 Stars
Jay is a master at bringing out the feels, and this book is no exception. Josh is a single dad, at 17 when he learns his girlfriend Natalie is pregnant he is scared, yet determined that they can get through it, together. Unfortunately for Josh, shortly after the birth of his son, Tommy, Natalie abandons them both.
I couldn't understand how anyone could turn their backs on their family...and yet here I was - facing nothing but backs.
Josh and Tommy are completely alone, Josh is terrified, but willing to do anything for his son. Josh is reaching his breaking point, with no support, no home, no job, no money when he finally catches a break. An older woman, Chazarae, sees Josh's struggle and offers him a place to live.
“There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy’s greater than both.”
It's a turning point so to speak, now his has a home for him and his son, and he reconnects with his uncle who offers his a job. For the next 3 years life is tough, but Josh has support and his has Tommy. These two together was one of the sweetest things I've ever read, Josh's devotion to his son was perfection.
When Chazarae's granddaughter moves into the main house, Josh doesn't fail to notice. Becca's is a little strange, quiet and to herself, but she is beautiful and he's drawn to her bright, green eyes. Opening his heart to Becca, these two slowly become friends, and eventually more - but Becca has a lot of issues and Josh receives some shocking news that threatens their new found happiness.
“Please, please be patient with me. Because I really don’t want to let go of this. And you—I don’t want to let go of you.” My voice drops to a whisper. “Of us.”
Kick Push was a very emotional story, it has some humor, and lighthearted times, but LOTS of serious issues are present. A story about falling in love, moving forward, forgiveness, loss, and following your dreams. Personally, at times, it was a bit depressing, but I found myself completely invested in these characters, and I'm looking forward to what is to come.
January 13, 2016
LIVE - http://amzn.to/1SHRvaz
Every once in a while a book comes along that makes you fall in love with reading all over again. Don’t get me wrong I never fell out of love with reading, but sometimes it just becomes something I do. But this story it made me love, love reading. It was the absolute perfect story and one of my favorite books of 2015.
We met Josh in Where the Road Takes Me, I immediately fell in love with this single dad and couldn’t wait to read his story. Josh is a unique character. He was seventeen when he and his girlfriend had Tommy, and he gave up everything for them. Literally, everything, his family, dreams of being a professional skater, and his teenage life as he knew it.
What I really love about Josh is his complete selflessness. He did what every dad should do, but let’s be honest it’s remarkable because most don’t. He is just a regular guy who decided that being a good dad to his little boy was always going to be the most important thing he did. My love for Josh was pretty immediate and I didn’t know I could love him more until I saw him with Becca.
Becca is a beautiful girl, but is lost, broken and completely damaged. She moves in with her grandmother and her life immediately collides with Josh and Tommy’s. We don’t really get to see why Becca is the way she is, we just see that she is different. You know she has experienced some trauma, but you don’t really see the extent of it until later in the story. Regardless, Josh wasn’t interested in what was wrong with her. Josh is only interested in making her smile.
The connection between Becca and Josh was beautiful and I loved seeing them get to know each other. I loved seeing them both fill this need the other had. Now, I don’t even want to get started on Tommy. This little boy owned my heart and his connection with Becca…sigh, so freaking sweet.
Kick Push has the perfect amount of angst and drama, all the drama is necessary and the issues are things that need to resolved for the characters to grow. I never thought a scene wasn’t necessary or over the top, everything fit together perfectly! This story felt like real life, it was sometimes ugly, hard and trying, but always worth it.
Kick Push reminds you just how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life by just being a decent person. It shows you that you don’t have to be epic to have an epic life. This story reminded me to make every day count. To kick and push, so that you can enjoy the coast. I more than love this story, I more than love Josh, Tommy and Becca, and I more than need the epic conclusion!
To say I highly recommend this would be a gross understatement. This is the kind of story I hope everyone reads! Jay you had me at More Than, but your writing owned me in Kick Push.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Every once in a while a book comes along that makes you fall in love with reading all over again. Don’t get me wrong I never fell out of love with reading, but sometimes it just becomes something I do. But this story it made me love, love reading. It was the absolute perfect story and one of my favorite books of 2015.
We met Josh in Where the Road Takes Me, I immediately fell in love with this single dad and couldn’t wait to read his story. Josh is a unique character. He was seventeen when he and his girlfriend had Tommy, and he gave up everything for them. Literally, everything, his family, dreams of being a professional skater, and his teenage life as he knew it.
What I really love about Josh is his complete selflessness. He did what every dad should do, but let’s be honest it’s remarkable because most don’t. He is just a regular guy who decided that being a good dad to his little boy was always going to be the most important thing he did. My love for Josh was pretty immediate and I didn’t know I could love him more until I saw him with Becca.
"Look who beautiful he is. How happy he is. You did that, Josh. You gave him a life worth smiling about.”
Becca is a beautiful girl, but is lost, broken and completely damaged. She moves in with her grandmother and her life immediately collides with Josh and Tommy’s. We don’t really get to see why Becca is the way she is, we just see that she is different. You know she has experienced some trauma, but you don’t really see the extent of it until later in the story. Regardless, Josh wasn’t interested in what was wrong with her. Josh is only interested in making her smile.
The connection between Becca and Josh was beautiful and I loved seeing them get to know each other. I loved seeing them both fill this need the other had. Now, I don’t even want to get started on Tommy. This little boy owned my heart and his connection with Becca…sigh, so freaking sweet.
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy’s greater than both."
Kick Push has the perfect amount of angst and drama, all the drama is necessary and the issues are things that need to resolved for the characters to grow. I never thought a scene wasn’t necessary or over the top, everything fit together perfectly! This story felt like real life, it was sometimes ugly, hard and trying, but always worth it.
Kick Push reminds you just how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life by just being a decent person. It shows you that you don’t have to be epic to have an epic life. This story reminded me to make every day count. To kick and push, so that you can enjoy the coast. I more than love this story, I more than love Josh, Tommy and Becca, and I more than need the epic conclusion!
To say I highly recommend this would be a gross understatement. This is the kind of story I hope everyone reads! Jay you had me at More Than, but your writing owned me in Kick Push.
"You know what comes after you kick and push? You coast. Coast with me, Emerald Eyes?”
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 1 of Kick Push series
POV: First Person Dual
Rating:
Joshua Warden had one passion - skateboarding. But at seventeen, his life turned upside down when his girlfriend left him with his baby. Shunned by his own family, he struggled to survive until an angel offered protection and he started thriving again, but not without great sacrifices. Hanging up his board was worth every moment with his son.
Rebecca (Becca) Owens came crashing into their life out of nowhere. Still haunted by her dark past, she slowly wiggled her way into their hearts. But secrets tend to hurt people they cared about and when they're out, they'll bleed you dry until they dared to face the past for any possible future.
I came across this book when it first came out but never really paid attention to it because it seems too "young" for my liking. But when my friends (Mer who never cries, and Loyda who cries at uh, everything lol!) kept saying how much feels the book gave, I just can't help it, so here I am - no regret.
Josh broke my heart since the very beginning. I felt his pain and his shattered hope and when you add a little boy Tommy in the mix, it was a recipe for a heartache. What I love the most about him was how in tuned he was with his emotions. He cried when he's hurt, and he broke things when he's angry. He was flawed and he acknowledged that.
There was so much questions about Becca for most part of the book. We knew she was badly damaged, and her kooky behavior was somewhat endearing. When her past was uncovered, it hurt a little bit more considering who was involved. I appreciate that her character was very vulnerable and it wasn't marred by an unnecessary dusting of glitter sprinkles.
I really like the story of how a young single father working towards giving everything he could for his son even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness. It hurt to see how much he had to endure from people around him. And his relationship with Tommy was so precious.
Kick, Push is a story of two individuals bound by heartache, trying to find the peace they deserved. It was sad, but also fun and heartwarming.
Note: The book ends with a slight cliffy.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 1 of Kick Push series
POV: First Person Dual
Rating:
Joshua Warden had one passion - skateboarding. But at seventeen, his life turned upside down when his girlfriend left him with his baby. Shunned by his own family, he struggled to survive until an angel offered protection and he started thriving again, but not without great sacrifices. Hanging up his board was worth every moment with his son.
Rebecca (Becca) Owens came crashing into their life out of nowhere. Still haunted by her dark past, she slowly wiggled her way into their hearts. But secrets tend to hurt people they cared about and when they're out, they'll bleed you dry until they dared to face the past for any possible future.
I came across this book when it first came out but never really paid attention to it because it seems too "young" for my liking. But when my friends (Mer who never cries, and Loyda who cries at uh, everything lol!) kept saying how much feels the book gave, I just can't help it, so here I am - no regret.
“I just want them to see me—a dad who’ll do anything for his kid. But people are assholes and they’ll choose not to see that.”
Josh broke my heart since the very beginning. I felt his pain and his shattered hope and when you add a little boy Tommy in the mix, it was a recipe for a heartache. What I love the most about him was how in tuned he was with his emotions. He cried when he's hurt, and he broke things when he's angry. He was flawed and he acknowledged that.
She’ll know that I’m falling in love with her. And that means she has the power. The power to destroy me.
There was so much questions about Becca for most part of the book. We knew she was badly damaged, and her kooky behavior was somewhat endearing. When her past was uncovered, it hurt a little bit more considering who was involved. I appreciate that her character was very vulnerable and it wasn't marred by an unnecessary dusting of glitter sprinkles.
I really like the story of how a young single father working towards giving everything he could for his son even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness. It hurt to see how much he had to endure from people around him. And his relationship with Tommy was so precious.
Kick, Push is a story of two individuals bound by heartache, trying to find the peace they deserved. It was sad, but also fun and heartwarming.
Note: The book ends with a slight cliffy.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
August 15, 2015
5 Breathe, Coast and I see you Stars*****
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any, Tommy's greater than both."
I don't know how the hell to review this book nor how to get over a book like this...
This is a book about life and about learning to breathe again.
Josh is a single dad after his ex girlfriend left him, after his parents failed him, and he was left to bring up his son ALONE. He learnt what unconditional love means and became the one man his son needed.
This is a book about taking chances and healing wounds and a little about opening up.
Becca has a past and she has a future but a few secrets that take a hold of you as you read this story and for Josh he helps Becca to LIVE again. I don't want to really explain this book any further than that because I read this from around the 30% last night till it ended this morning I went to sleep at 3am and continued on because when I got there I couldn't breathe, I couldn't function, I had to remind my self to BREATHE again I needed to COAST. I felt like my heart was pulled right out of my chest yet I loved every damn moment of this phenomenal book <<<<< YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE THIS YOURSELF!!
What I loved about these characters was that they ALL had flaws and worries and things to overcome. Yet they were charming and loving, caring and gave freely, there was something so innocent yet wise at the same time, I felt like I needed to wrap myself around them and tell them everything was going to be ok.... I saw them
I love finding new authors to cherish, I sure will be reading Jays books again in the future. Just know that this is about pasts and futures new and old, it's about a father who loves his son, a child who loves his dad and about family and unconditional love by all parties.
It's also about a special girl who has sparkling emerald eyes that tells stories in them, and it's about LIVING. But this is not an easy journey for Becca and for us readers it is GRITTY and raw and for some I suppose difficult to read, but for those who want to take a chance on some beautiful characters that just need to learn to lean on others then please pick this up.
Read it. That is all.
For more reviews and blog posts
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any, Tommy's greater than both."
I don't know how the hell to review this book nor how to get over a book like this...
This is a book about life and about learning to breathe again.
Josh is a single dad after his ex girlfriend left him, after his parents failed him, and he was left to bring up his son ALONE. He learnt what unconditional love means and became the one man his son needed.
This is a book about taking chances and healing wounds and a little about opening up.
Becca has a past and she has a future but a few secrets that take a hold of you as you read this story and for Josh he helps Becca to LIVE again. I don't want to really explain this book any further than that because I read this from around the 30% last night till it ended this morning I went to sleep at 3am and continued on because when I got there I couldn't breathe, I couldn't function, I had to remind my self to BREATHE again I needed to COAST. I felt like my heart was pulled right out of my chest yet I loved every damn moment of this phenomenal book <<<<< YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE THIS YOURSELF!!
What I loved about these characters was that they ALL had flaws and worries and things to overcome. Yet they were charming and loving, caring and gave freely, there was something so innocent yet wise at the same time, I felt like I needed to wrap myself around them and tell them everything was going to be ok.... I saw them
I love finding new authors to cherish, I sure will be reading Jays books again in the future. Just know that this is about pasts and futures new and old, it's about a father who loves his son, a child who loves his dad and about family and unconditional love by all parties.
It's also about a special girl who has sparkling emerald eyes that tells stories in them, and it's about LIVING. But this is not an easy journey for Becca and for us readers it is GRITTY and raw and for some I suppose difficult to read, but for those who want to take a chance on some beautiful characters that just need to learn to lean on others then please pick this up.
"Do you have a safe place, Becca?"
I release a shaky breath, but I can't seem to look away. "Yes," I whisper. And I hesitate, just for a moment, from telling him the truth. "You."
Read it. That is all.
For more reviews and blog posts
October 16, 2016
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
This is not my first Jay McLean book, I had previously read “More Than This” a few years ago and I really enjoyed the series, so “Kick, Push” had been on my TBR list for a while. I decided to drop everything and finally read it. One thing I love about Jay McLean is that she has the teenage angst writing down to a fine art. This book made me feel so many emotions while reading it. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me angry and it made me swoon.
Joshua is sixteen when his high school girlfriend, Natalie, drops the biggest bombshell of his life, she’s pregnant. Joshua makes the admirable and brave decision to stand by Natalie, even if it means being completely disowned by his family. Natalie and Joshua welcome their baby boy Thomas Joshua Christian. Motherhood soon becomes too much for Natalie and she leaves Joshua to raise Tommy on his own. Thanks to the selfless act of a stranger, things start to look up for Joshua and Tommy. Prior to Tommy, Joshua’s biggest struggle was perfecting his tricks on the half pipe, now it’s where are they going to sleep tonight or how is he going to pay for diapers and formula?
Tommy becomes Joshua’s whole world and there is nothing he would not do for his son. The love, determination and protection he shows is truly inspiring. He is an amazing father. In my opinion, Tommy made this book. He was so adorable and the way Jay McLean nailed his dialogue was hilarious. He was such a little character.
Joshua soon meets Becca. The raven haired girl with the emerald eyes. She has had a really turbulent past and holds a lot of secrets. She soon finds her safe place with Joshua and Tommy. The three of them develop a really special bond. Her relationship with Tommy was adorable. They were each other’s best friend. The relationship between Becca and Joshua was intense and I loved the chemistry and character development between the two.
“Tommy’s three years old today, that means you raised him for three years. You. And you did an amazing job because look at him. Look how beautiful he is. How happy he is. You did that, Josh. You gave him a life worth smiling about.” She pauses a beat. “We’re not just here to celebrate Tommy’s birthday. We’re all here to celebrate you.”
This was such a beautiful story that left me wanting more. I would most definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves their new adult romances with beautiful and inspiring characters. This book had me so hooked from the start and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. Next up, I plan to read the second instalment “Coast.” “Kick, Push” and “Coast” are companion novels to “Where the Road Takes Me,” so I’ll definitely have to go back and read that one too. Definitely recommend this story.
January 6, 2017
4.5 Stars
Well... that kinda broke my heart....
Everything about this story kinda broke my heart. The H's backstory, the h's backstory, the most loveable little son ever, the good times, the bad times... everything.
The H started off as the sweetest, blumbliest, cutie-patootie with the most adorable crush on the h, and I fell hard for him. Then tragedy struck and everything turned into a poo-filled mess of hurt, bad decisions and regrets.
I am still disappointed with the H for some of his decisions and actions, but completely understand the inner turmoil that he faced which led to the poo-filled aftermath that he brought upon himself. So for this; I salute the author for her ability to make such an unforgiving reader like myself, forgive Every. Single. Character in this book no matter what unforgivable mistakes they made because in the end; they were all scared, or young, or stubborn, or grief stricken. Mad skills, Ms author. Mad skills...
And as much as I genuinely empathised with the H's situation (as well as his reasons for letting the h go), I just wanted to see him try harder to make things right. Show more desperation and hold on tighter to her. BUT again, I understand his "whys" and as such; had to shave 0.5 stars off my total rating but still tip my hat off to this author again for extracting every single emotion and heart-ache out of me.
Told in dual POV and book #1 in a duet series. The ending wasnt a kindle throwing cliffy, but instead; was a warm lead-up to book #2. I'm putting this one on my favourites shelf and hope that book #2 can make this ache in my heart all better (and join book #1 on said shelf). I'll be expecting lots of chase, grovel and more little Tommy times!
Well... that kinda broke my heart....
Everything about this story kinda broke my heart. The H's backstory, the h's backstory, the most loveable little son ever, the good times, the bad times... everything.
The H started off as the sweetest, blumbliest, cutie-patootie with the most adorable crush on the h, and I fell hard for him. Then tragedy struck and everything turned into a poo-filled mess of hurt, bad decisions and regrets.
I am still disappointed with the H for some of his decisions and actions, but completely understand the inner turmoil that he faced which led to the poo-filled aftermath that he brought upon himself. So for this; I salute the author for her ability to make such an unforgiving reader like myself, forgive Every. Single. Character in this book no matter what unforgivable mistakes they made because in the end; they were all scared, or young, or stubborn, or grief stricken. Mad skills, Ms author. Mad skills...
And as much as I genuinely empathised with the H's situation (as well as his reasons for letting the h go), I just wanted to see him try harder to make things right. Show more desperation and hold on tighter to her. BUT again, I understand his "whys" and as such; had to shave 0.5 stars off my total rating but still tip my hat off to this author again for extracting every single emotion and heart-ache out of me.
Told in dual POV and book #1 in a duet series. The ending wasnt a kindle throwing cliffy, but instead; was a warm lead-up to book #2. I'm putting this one on my favourites shelf and hope that book #2 can make this ache in my heart all better (and join book #1 on said shelf). I'll be expecting lots of chase, grovel and more little Tommy times!
April 24, 2021
Trigger Warning: Chapter 30
I Don't wanna spoil it, so just Beware of that particular chapter. It's fucked up. Even if I had read so many Dark Rom in my life but I was shaking while reading that chapter.
"And then she reaches out, her arms around him, her hug so fierce and so full of love that my chest tightens, the pain so overwhelming it forces a sob out of me—because, fuck, how can everything feel so right and be so fucking wrong?"
I have a genuine question
Is an author allowed to make me sob over a Dedication page? 🥺
You know the book is going to take a toll on you when you get all misty-eyed even before reaching the Prologue 😪😑
And Let's not talk about the Prologue dude, it could be my hormones.But I swear it broke my heart badly.
Jay McEmotion ma'am what did I ever do wrong in my life to deserve such treatment 😪.
Now that is out of the way
I will just come out say it - I think.....I think...I will be a good stepmom 😭
Sorry I had to do it.
This single dad trope is killing me 😭
These Single Dad dang they own me I swear.
Pike Lawson, Tobias Rhodes, Joshua....dang I am going nuts
Every time I read books of this trope I am like I would love to date a single dad cz-
a) I wouldn’t mind raising a kid who isn’t even mine biologically, bonus point you are actually saving yourself from additional 9 months of hassle 😶
b) Kids are adorable
c)I love Kids
d)I love Kids
e)I love Kids
f)I love Kids
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
z)I LOVE KIDS
Also the sigh of relief I had when I got to know Tommy is the nickname 🤣 My baby's actual name is Thomas Joshua Christian 🥰 I was praying HARD from Where The Road Takes Me that my little man's name isn’t Tommy 😆 shhh It's pet name.We can work with that.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THIS BOOK
i) This story Isn't perfect, it has flaws so many of them, ups and downs and struggles
ii) You are not getting a picture perfect dad who is good at being a dad at 17 to 20 year age frame. He makes mistakes but he learns.
iii)You are not getting a heroine who knows how to be a lover and mother at 18
who has no baggage.
No, You are getting a girl, who is starved for love and affection. So she fucks up a lot. She has so many insecurities and demons to deal with.
But she is not giving up easily.
iv) Joshua and Becca's relationship is messy and uncertain, they have good and lots of bad days.They have communication issues and there is OW. But no love triangles.
v)But the most right thing about this book is Tommy ❤️, I dare anyone not to love him.
So, these are my protocols.
If you are up for an angst-filled story with so many imperfections that will consume you and will make you wanna go inside the book and fix everything up like a guardian angel then this is the book for you.
No Picture Perfect Book Boyfriend
No Picture Perfect Ideal Heroine
But what we have in the store is- the most beautiful story of a father and a broken girl and tiny little hero ❤️
And, Yes I recommend this book.
Just not when you are PMS-ing like me 😭.
P.S- It's not necessary but Please read Where the Road Takes Me beforehand ❤️ if y'all can.
Happy Reading ❤️.
I Don't wanna spoil it, so just Beware of that particular chapter. It's fucked up. Even if I had read so many Dark Rom in my life but I was shaking while reading that chapter.
"And then she reaches out, her arms around him, her hug so fierce and so full of love that my chest tightens, the pain so overwhelming it forces a sob out of me—because, fuck, how can everything feel so right and be so fucking wrong?"
I have a genuine question
Is an author allowed to make me sob over a Dedication page? 🥺
You know the book is going to take a toll on you when you get all misty-eyed even before reaching the Prologue 😪😑
And Let's not talk about the Prologue dude, it could be my hormones.But I swear it broke my heart badly.
Jay McEmotion ma'am what did I ever do wrong in my life to deserve such treatment 😪.
Now that is out of the way
I will just come out say it - I think.....I think...I will be a good stepmom 😭
Sorry I had to do it.
This single dad trope is killing me 😭
These Single Dad dang they own me I swear.
Pike Lawson, Tobias Rhodes, Joshua....dang I am going nuts
Every time I read books of this trope I am like I would love to date a single dad cz-
a) I wouldn’t mind raising a kid who isn’t even mine biologically, bonus point you are actually saving yourself from additional 9 months of hassle 😶
b) Kids are adorable
c)I love Kids
d)I love Kids
e)I love Kids
f)I love Kids
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
z)I LOVE KIDS
Also the sigh of relief I had when I got to know Tommy is the nickname 🤣 My baby's actual name is Thomas Joshua Christian 🥰 I was praying HARD from Where The Road Takes Me that my little man's name isn’t Tommy 😆 shhh It's pet name.We can work with that.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THIS BOOK
i) This story Isn't perfect, it has flaws so many of them, ups and downs and struggles
ii) You are not getting a picture perfect dad who is good at being a dad at 17 to 20 year age frame. He makes mistakes but he learns.
iii)You are not getting a heroine who knows how to be a lover and mother at 18
who has no baggage.
No, You are getting a girl, who is starved for love and affection. So she fucks up a lot. She has so many insecurities and demons to deal with.
But she is not giving up easily.
iv) Joshua and Becca's relationship is messy and uncertain, they have good and lots of bad days.They have communication issues and there is OW. But no love triangles.
v)But the most right thing about this book is Tommy ❤️, I dare anyone not to love him.
So, these are my protocols.
If you are up for an angst-filled story with so many imperfections that will consume you and will make you wanna go inside the book and fix everything up like a guardian angel then this is the book for you.
No Picture Perfect Book Boyfriend
No Picture Perfect Ideal Heroine
But what we have in the store is- the most beautiful story of a father and a broken girl and tiny little hero ❤️
And, Yes I recommend this book.
Just not when you are PMS-ing like me 😭.
P.S- It's not necessary but Please read Where the Road Takes Me beforehand ❤️ if y'all can.
Happy Reading ❤️.
April 9, 2016
6 Kick. Push. Stars
Hands down, my best New Adult read of 2015. Absolutely loved it.
Release Day - August 4, 2015!!
Hands down, my best New Adult read of 2015. Absolutely loved it.
Release Day - August 4, 2015!!
January 13, 2016
1.5 Stars
* little bit spoilery*
I am so SO angry ....I can't even .....
Ughh....I freaking hate it when authors take a good book with an excellent premise and turn it to shit. I had been waiting for this for so long, which makes me even more angry.
First 60-70% of this book --> Solid 4 stars
After that -->0 Stars
The writing felt unevenly paced throughout the book. But it truly managed to wreak havoc in the last one third of the book. I understand that after a certain point in the book, you need more of something in a book to keep your attention. Angst, drama, revealing of stuff....whatever, its needed. But that does not, I repeat DOES NOT mean you take a person's entire life story and dump in 2 pages like some 2 minute story telling competition. It deserved way more than that.
Some things in life can't be forgiven nor forgotten. But for the sake of happy ending Josh here pretty much forgets everything and brings everyone who turned his back on him back in his life without so much as an apology from them. And why ?!? Because he was SOOO perfect. So damn forgiving. Isn't that just great??
The last one third was -pardon my language- utter bullshit and did not do justice to the book. Loose ends conveniently tied up, the person who was supposed to be the metaphorical villain in the story couldn't even manage to do that properly. And everyone is just one big happy family again. After they turned their backs on a 17 year old guy with a new born baby. Without so much as an apology.
I HATED WHAT THE AUTHOR DID TO THIS BOOK !!! I even hated the 'to be continued' at the end of it. How much more do you want to spoil it ?!?
Pardon my all over the place review...its 1 at night here.
* little bit spoilery*
I am so SO angry ....I can't even .....
Ughh....I freaking hate it when authors take a good book with an excellent premise and turn it to shit. I had been waiting for this for so long, which makes me even more angry.
First 60-70% of this book --> Solid 4 stars
After that -->0 Stars
The writing felt unevenly paced throughout the book. But it truly managed to wreak havoc in the last one third of the book. I understand that after a certain point in the book, you need more of something in a book to keep your attention. Angst, drama, revealing of stuff....whatever, its needed. But that does not, I repeat DOES NOT mean you take a person's entire life story and dump in 2 pages like some 2 minute story telling competition. It deserved way more than that.
Some things in life can't be forgiven nor forgotten. But for the sake of happy ending Josh here pretty much forgets everything and brings everyone who turned his back on him back in his life without so much as an apology from them. And why ?!? Because he was SOOO perfect. So damn forgiving. Isn't that just great??
The last one third was -pardon my language- utter bullshit and did not do justice to the book. Loose ends conveniently tied up, the person who was supposed to be the metaphorical villain in the story couldn't even manage to do that properly. And everyone is just one big happy family again. After they turned their backs on a 17 year old guy with a new born baby. Without so much as an apology.
I HATED WHAT THE AUTHOR DID TO THIS BOOK !!! I even hated the 'to be continued' at the end of it. How much more do you want to spoil it ?!?
Pardon my all over the place review...its 1 at night here.
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1388500902i%2F22427047._UY200_CR8%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 7, 2015
3 stars
Sorry guys I feel like all I do is complain about what didn't go right with books nowadays. And for this one a few things:
1. Becca's past:
2. The Drama: Too much in the last 30%.
3. The end: frustrating! Why couldn't it end with one book?!
There was a few things I liked to balance out my dislikes:
1. The writing: not overly descriptive, good pace.
2. The characters: adored Josh and Tommy.
3. Some cute moments.
I'm still mad at the end but overall it was an engaging read.
Sorry guys I feel like all I do is complain about what didn't go right with books nowadays. And for this one a few things:
1. Becca's past:
2. The Drama: Too much in the last 30%.
3. The end: frustrating! Why couldn't it end with one book?!
There was a few things I liked to balance out my dislikes:
1. The writing: not overly descriptive, good pace.
2. The characters: adored Josh and Tommy.
3. Some cute moments.
I'm still mad at the end but overall it was an engaging read.
December 24, 2016
Emotional, deep writing, HURTS like SHIT, I cried like a baby lol but LOVED IT HARD!!!
READING THIS BCUZ THIS SHHLUT *COUGH* MER NEEDS A BUDDY SUPPORT AND WELL I'M THAT GOOD OF A FRIEND OF COURSE SO HERE I GO HAHAHA....I better CRY bitch!!! LMAO
OH PLUS I LOVE THE COVER HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I'M ABOUT TO READ AND WELL IT'S ONLY .99C....SHOULD I KEEP GOING? LOL
~~~~~BLURB~~~~
There’s a single defining moment within every skater.
It lasts only a second. Two if you're good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere
beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.
The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the
greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.
Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being
airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.
You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug...
And you become her poison. (less)
Kindle Edition, 441 pages
READING THIS BCUZ THIS SHHLUT *COUGH* MER NEEDS A BUDDY SUPPORT AND WELL I'M THAT GOOD OF A FRIEND OF COURSE SO HERE I GO HAHAHA....I better CRY bitch!!! LMAO
OH PLUS I LOVE THE COVER HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I'M ABOUT TO READ AND WELL IT'S ONLY .99C....SHOULD I KEEP GOING? LOL
~~~~~BLURB~~~~
There’s a single defining moment within every skater.
It lasts only a second. Two if you're good.
Three if you’re really good.
It’s the moment you’re in the air, your board somewhere
beneath you, and nothing but wind surrounds you.
It’s the feeling of being airborne.
The sixteen-year-old version of me would’ve said it was the
greatest feeling in the world.
Then at seventeen, I had my son.
And every single second became a defining moment. Even the ones that consisted of heartbreak when his mother left us.
Seventeen. Single. Dad.
That’s what my life became.
Yet, every day, I managed to find that feeling of being
airborne.
Or at least I convinced myself I did.
But I lied—to myself and to everyone around me.
Until she showed up; Tanned skin, raven dark hair, and eyes the color of emeralds.
You know what sucks about being in the air?
Coming down from the high.
Sometimes you land on the board and nail the trick.
Then kick, push, and coast away.
Other times you fall.
You fall hard.
And those are the times when it’s not as easy to get back up, dust off your pads and try again.
Especially when the girl with the emerald eyes becomes your drug...
And you become her poison. (less)
Kindle Edition, 441 pages
January 5, 2020
Another incredibly angsty and amazing story by Jay McLean!
I can’t get enough of her books!
I can’t get enough of her books!
August 15, 2017
ALL THE FIRE TRUCKING STARS!!
Welp. This is gonna be another long ass review... so grab yourself some wine, popcorn, chocolate, whatever, because I'm about to fangirl all over this book.
This is one of the best books I've ever read and it's, hands down, my absolute favorite Jay McLean novel! I'm a mess right now, honestly I don't even know what the fuck my emotions are doing. Jay's stories are never easy to read. They're filled with heartbreak, defeat, anger, grief... just so much, I don't think that I've ever read an author who can bring out emotions the way this writer can. One line from this book sums up my experience with her novels perfectly:
"There's an ache in my chest, not from the beating of my heart, but from the breaking. Still, for some reason, I want more of whatever is causing the pain."I liken the feeling to the Hulk (Jay McLean's words) smashing Loki (my heart):
And yet I'll always come back for more. Because with all of that comes an overwhelming amount of love. This isn't an easy, light read. I don't know why I waited so long, or what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. It had everything I love in a romance: an awkward, slightly shy boy, an extremely messed up girl, an adorable kid, sweet romance, and problems that don't magically disappear with a kiss. This was perfect in every way possible.
The prologue begins with Josh, an expecting father who gets abandoned by his parents once they learn Natalie (his sorta girlfriend?) is pregnant, yet he holds his head up high as he leaves his parents house after telling them the news and them kicking him out.
"I packed my shit and left. No one would ever call my child a mistake. No one."But even with the chaos of his new life, having a child, being without parents himself, and giving up his dream of skating, all at sixteen years old, he never regrets Tommy.
Even when Natalie and her parents abandon him as well. He feels utterly alone, defeated, and still, not once does he resent his son. He's an amazing father, willing to do whatever it takes and make any sacrifices he has to.
"There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy's greater than both."He treats everything in a very simple matter, everything he does is in an effort to give his son the best life he can.
But no matter how much he loves Tommy, he wants a partner, even if he hadn't always realized it. Not until Becca. He's immediately intrigued, you could almost call it insta-love, but it's not. Some relationships start quickly and burn brightly, and that's exactly what their relationship is. I loved his pursuit of her: using his son to spend time with him, paying Tommy money to find out what she said about him, teaching her how to skate... all of it. But it's not just about how she makes him feel, it's also about making her happy, too.
"I kind of want to share something with you, you know? And maybe next weekend we can do something with your photography?"I don't know why, but this was so significant for me, the fact that he wanted to immerse her in his world and vice versa. It wasn't just a one-way street. He didn't want one passion to overshadow the other, he wanted to combine their lives equally.
And none of his compliments are "lines," they're all so uniquely Josh. He isn't saying what he says because he wants to be with her, he's saying it just like it's the truth.
"No one's ever said I was beautiful before." - BeccaHe tells her she's beautiful and special like they're facts.
"Clearly, you're surrounding yourself with either the blind, the stupid, or the pathetic." - Josh
And Becca, who has had a difficult life, eats up his affection and love.
"Do you have a safe place, Becca?"And for a short while things are perfect, but things that start fast and bright rarely last, as Josh and Becca quickly learn. Because Becca was never meant to stay with him, her plans had always included moving on. And while Josh has been so busy keeping his head up, moving forward, and trying to ignore the sting of all those who've abandoned him: his parents, Tommy's mother, her parents, and even his friend, Hunter, as he began living his own life, he's never dealt with the pain of it all. Of losing his family, his love of skating, his support. And now he must face losing her.
"Yes," I whisper. And I hesitate, just for a moment, from telling him the truth. "You."
I was confused as to where Josh's rage came from when he fell apart, because he was never an angry person. But I quickly realized that he'd just buried it and became numb to it. And I loved the way Jay wrote it. In the prologue and after thinking Becca was going to leave him, she writes everything methodically, there's no emotion. There's the want for emotion, but none of it is actually there. It's all stated in facts.
My heart broke as he finally snapped, throwing hurtful words at everyone he loves. You'll be angry at Josh, because he does say truly horrible things. But I understood. And I think everyone can see how dangerous it was for him to continue to bottle everything up, because all that's left is pent up frustration. I think he thought that if he ever let himself feel the anger, sadness, loneliness, it would somehow mean he regretted/resented Tommy. But that's just life. All those emotions are a part of it and feeling them doesn't have anything to do with his son. And one of my absolute favorite quotes from this book explains why:
"Our raw imperfections make us real and make us human but they don't make us."GAH! How does she write so freaking perfectly?! I'm green with envy.
Even though this had both perspectives, it felt like Josh's book. We don't learn much about Becca's past until near the end, and I'm thinking her healing will come out more in the next book, Coast. I know I've said a lot, but I haven't even touched on all the things that happen in this book, and just when I thought I'd read the worst of it, with each new piece of information, my heart cracked more.
It was a difficult read at times, but it was real and raw and so damn good. It seemed as though they were two people who just met at the wrong time, but I don't believe that. I think they needed to met, to hurt, and to break, in order to finally get better. Josh needed to learn that hurt doesn't take away love, and Becca needed to learn that love doesn't take away hurt. Those feelings are both always there, always possibilities. It's not one or the other.
And even though Josh said hurtful things (echoing pains from her past that he was unaware of) and it resulted in a downward spiral for Becca, I never doubted his love. He always talks about Becca like she is the only one for him and he doesn't want anyone else.
Between the two of them, there is quite a bit going on. The drama is intense and may feel OTT to some, but I loved it. It all weaved together perfectly for me, and despite the feeling of "how can all this happen to one person?" it never felt forced or too much. You just have to be prepared to read something real and heartbreaking and intense.
I don't know how everyone else waited almost a year for the sequel... honestly, I'm dying just from having to stop and write this review.
But I don't have to wait! AHAHA! I'm diving in right the fuck now ;))
The safety on this one is fairly complicated. Personally, I would call it safe-with-exception. But since there are so many different safety issues for everyone and there are a lot of factors here, I'll just say, if you have a question about safety, please feel free to PM me :)
Closure:
August 31, 2015
4.5 Fire Truck the Rest Stars
Pure Emotional Overload. I believe that NO ONE can write young, dramatic, angst filled, passionate love and life stories like Jay McLean. Kick Push, is in my opinion one of her "hardest" reads in that everything is so beautifully broken...
Everything is elevated to a different level...all because "There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy's greater than both."
For a 17 year old boy...becoming a father was the start of a difficult journey with many missteps and hardships. It was also the start of something amazing...the start of a new life with a precious little boy. Taking life day by day, Josh just Kicks. Pushes. Coasts. Until 3 years later and a pair of emerald eyes full of sorrow and intrigue lock onto his.
So begins a slow interest. A want for more with a girl who limits her talk and her touch. A horrific past unknown, Josh takes a chance on opening up his heart again...
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
But the road to happiness will not be easy. Too many unknowns. Too much pain from the past. Too much too fast. Josh is not just a man taking a chance at falling in love, but he is a father protecting his future for a boy that is his everything. And so begins the inevitable downward spiral...the storm of emotions...the past colliding with the present. When the dust settles there are tears... there are goodbyes... so many broken dreams... ultimate sacrifices.
"Seriously, how many times can a person break before the only things left are shattered fragments too small to piece back together?"
I suppose only time will tell. So I sit and wait for Jay McLean to Kick. Push. Coast into the rest of the story...
Pure Emotional Overload. I believe that NO ONE can write young, dramatic, angst filled, passionate love and life stories like Jay McLean. Kick Push, is in my opinion one of her "hardest" reads in that everything is so beautifully broken...
Everything is elevated to a different level...all because "There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy's greater than both."
For a 17 year old boy...becoming a father was the start of a difficult journey with many missteps and hardships. It was also the start of something amazing...the start of a new life with a precious little boy. Taking life day by day, Josh just Kicks. Pushes. Coasts. Until 3 years later and a pair of emerald eyes full of sorrow and intrigue lock onto his.
So begins a slow interest. A want for more with a girl who limits her talk and her touch. A horrific past unknown, Josh takes a chance on opening up his heart again...
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
But the road to happiness will not be easy. Too many unknowns. Too much pain from the past. Too much too fast. Josh is not just a man taking a chance at falling in love, but he is a father protecting his future for a boy that is his everything. And so begins the inevitable downward spiral...the storm of emotions...the past colliding with the present. When the dust settles there are tears... there are goodbyes... so many broken dreams... ultimate sacrifices.
"Seriously, how many times can a person break before the only things left are shattered fragments too small to piece back together?"
I suppose only time will tell. So I sit and wait for Jay McLean to Kick. Push. Coast into the rest of the story...
September 1, 2015
4 - 4.5 ★'s
Reading the blurb for this book, you get that Josh is a single dad, that he rides a skateboard and he meets a girl. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Josh, like a lot of teenagers, got his girlfriend pregnant but unlike a lot of teenagers, he stuck around and was always there for his girlfriend and their baby.
But things are not easy and most people turn their backs on Josh and his girlfriend making it rough to have a place to live and food to eat. Then there's the diapers and formula that comes later.
I think that was a little hard to take. Both families are not poor - both kids are not trouble makers...it's just hard to imagine them turning their backs and not helping in some way. Luckily, Chazarae comes into Josh's life just when he needed her the most.
And for a while things go wonderfully. Josh has a place to live, a job, and money for food and clothes. He also has some support which is so necessary for Josh.
Things change when Chazarae's granddaughter shows up and Josh's life will never be the same...Becca's either. Unfortunately, Becca comes with some baggage but Josh does his best to navigate it. It was essential through all this to have both POVs and I'm glad the author provided that.
I loved how Josh's and Becca's relationship evolved. All the little sweet moments but they were hard to enjoy because you just knew the drama was coming and boy did it!
However, some of my favorite moments involved Tommy. He was so hilarious and I just love all the things a child can incorporate into a story. Tommy's relationship with Becca was beyond sweet.
The drama helped Josh's relationships for the most part. And with a push from Becca...his skating started to take center stage again.
The book ends on a decent note...there's a bit of a cliffhanger, but a good cliffhanger. Unfortunately, the second book is untitled and no release date at this time.
Favorite quote:
♥ “There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
Reading the blurb for this book, you get that Josh is a single dad, that he rides a skateboard and he meets a girl. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Josh, like a lot of teenagers, got his girlfriend pregnant but unlike a lot of teenagers, he stuck around and was always there for his girlfriend and their baby.
But things are not easy and most people turn their backs on Josh and his girlfriend making it rough to have a place to live and food to eat. Then there's the diapers and formula that comes later.
I think that was a little hard to take. Both families are not poor - both kids are not trouble makers...it's just hard to imagine them turning their backs and not helping in some way. Luckily, Chazarae comes into Josh's life just when he needed her the most.
And for a while things go wonderfully. Josh has a place to live, a job, and money for food and clothes. He also has some support which is so necessary for Josh.
Things change when Chazarae's granddaughter shows up and Josh's life will never be the same...Becca's either. Unfortunately, Becca comes with some baggage but Josh does his best to navigate it. It was essential through all this to have both POVs and I'm glad the author provided that.
I loved how Josh's and Becca's relationship evolved. All the little sweet moments but they were hard to enjoy because you just knew the drama was coming and boy did it!
However, some of my favorite moments involved Tommy. He was so hilarious and I just love all the things a child can incorporate into a story. Tommy's relationship with Becca was beyond sweet.
The drama helped Josh's relationships for the most part. And with a push from Becca...his skating started to take center stage again.
The book ends on a decent note...there's a bit of a cliffhanger, but a good cliffhanger. Unfortunately, the second book is untitled and no release date at this time.
Favorite quote:
♥ “There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.”
August 10, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author "Jay McLean" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Kick Push
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: August 04th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS!!
I am so behind on my arcs, please accept my apologies I'm reading as fast as I can to get through them..
JOSH
Straight off the bat Kick Push starts off with Natalie breaking it to her boyfriend Josh that due to a broken condom he is now going to be a teenage father..A feel good kind of read, I love how Jay McLean time and time again just pulls on your heart strings, loved everything about this book..
Seventeen..Single..Dad..
She just dropped the news on me and told me to leave—that she didn’t want my input on her decision.
Josh not knowing what else to do does what she requested. As time goes by things seem settled.
We were sixteen and pregnant. And at the time—we were happy.
And on the day that Thomas Joshua Christian was born, I was the proudest damn man in the entire world.
I can't say I've ever read a story about teenage parents so for me this is a definite unique read..
Natalie decides she's not made to be a teenage mum so when little Thomas is only a month old she does a runner in the night..
This is really quite sad, Josh really is alone in the world trying to bring up his son as best as he can, his parents have turned their backs on him, Natalie's parents did the same too, no job, he's had to leave school so he can take care of his son, no one to lean on but his best friend Hunter, this so far is a heartbreakingly raw story..
I get asked how do I do it" raise a kid on my own and not be bitter about the life that's been handed to me. Here's the answer: I wake up every morning. That's it. I wake up. I breathe new air.
A stranger to the rescue, offers him and his son security and grandmotherly love
She was the only one there when we really needed someone to save us.
There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy’s greater than both.
The board, the ground and mew - we were one - nothing to hide, nothing to lose.
BECCA
It feels good just to be able to breathe, Because the simple act of breathing is a constant struggle when you live your life in fear.
Do you not like being touched because you’ve been hurt? Because someone has hurt you before?
TITLE: Kick Push
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: August 04th 2015
MY RATING: 5 STARS!!
I am so behind on my arcs, please accept my apologies I'm reading as fast as I can to get through them..
JOSH
Straight off the bat Kick Push starts off with Natalie breaking it to her boyfriend Josh that due to a broken condom he is now going to be a teenage father..A feel good kind of read, I love how Jay McLean time and time again just pulls on your heart strings, loved everything about this book..
Seventeen..Single..Dad..
She just dropped the news on me and told me to leave—that she didn’t want my input on her decision.
Josh not knowing what else to do does what she requested. As time goes by things seem settled.
We were sixteen and pregnant. And at the time—we were happy.
And on the day that Thomas Joshua Christian was born, I was the proudest damn man in the entire world.
I can't say I've ever read a story about teenage parents so for me this is a definite unique read..
Natalie decides she's not made to be a teenage mum so when little Thomas is only a month old she does a runner in the night..
This is really quite sad, Josh really is alone in the world trying to bring up his son as best as he can, his parents have turned their backs on him, Natalie's parents did the same too, no job, he's had to leave school so he can take care of his son, no one to lean on but his best friend Hunter, this so far is a heartbreakingly raw story..
I get asked how do I do it" raise a kid on my own and not be bitter about the life that's been handed to me. Here's the answer: I wake up every morning. That's it. I wake up. I breathe new air.
A stranger to the rescue, offers him and his son security and grandmotherly love
She was the only one there when we really needed someone to save us.
There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy’s greater than both.
The board, the ground and mew - we were one - nothing to hide, nothing to lose.
BECCA
It feels good just to be able to breathe, Because the simple act of breathing is a constant struggle when you live your life in fear.
Do you not like being touched because you’ve been hurt? Because someone has hurt you before?
July 25, 2015
5+ Coasting Stars
This is me getting the new Jay McLean.
This is me reading Kick Push.
devastated, noun
1. destroyed or ruined
2. me after reading Kick Push
We met single dad Josh in Where the Road Takes Me. He had a quiet dignity that few his age possess. He was mature beyond his years and we wanted to know what make him that way.
Here's the answer: I wake up every morning. That's it.....I wake up. Breathe new air. And fall deeper in love with a kid I created.
In Kick Push we learn the backstory to Josh and Tommy. How he came to be waking up each morning. Being the adult when he still should have been the kid.
Becca is the granddaughter of Chazarae, the woman Josh rents an apartment from. She is damaged. She is untouchable. Not because no one would want to but because she can't bear it. She can't or won't speak or touch anyone.
...freedom, I've come to learn, is a feeling that often gets taken for granted.
Becca has had her freedom taken away by her past. She is not free to laugh or hug or love. But who can resist a cute little 3 year old? Tommy is innocence personified and breaks through Becca's fear.
Do you have a safe place, Becca?
Josh and Tommy become that safe place. But is is temporary, fleeting, like smoke through Josh's fingers, both of their pasts become come back to their present.
Does he know about your past?...Does he know about your future?
This is the story of 2, no, 3 souls who find each other in time. At the right time. But maybe not for all time.
Kick Push is so beautifully written you don't even know Ms McLean has total control over your emotions until she starts to pull the strings. Manipulates you. She gives you bits and pieces. Like a dealer getting you hooked on a new drug. Words. Ms McLean's drug of choice.
Ms McLean has once again proven she is a force to be reckoned with. I predict Kick Push will inspire countless tattoos. So many great quotes.
There's a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.
You were my Band Aid. I needed a cure.
...you're my drug and I'm your poison
There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice.
If you are even a little on the fence about reading this one, let me assure you, get off the damn fence. Josh, Becca, Tommy and the rest of the gang will worm their way into your heart. And then leave it hollow. This one has so many feels. Don't think this is your typical new adult HEA. It is so much more and so much.
And I give up the only thing I have left to sacrifice. My pride.
Give up the control over your emotions to the Pixie Ozzie Word Pusher. It's my drug of choice.
This is me getting the new Jay McLean.
This is me reading Kick Push.
devastated, noun
1. destroyed or ruined
2. me after reading Kick Push
We met single dad Josh in Where the Road Takes Me. He had a quiet dignity that few his age possess. He was mature beyond his years and we wanted to know what make him that way.
Here's the answer: I wake up every morning. That's it.....I wake up. Breathe new air. And fall deeper in love with a kid I created.
In Kick Push we learn the backstory to Josh and Tommy. How he came to be waking up each morning. Being the adult when he still should have been the kid.
Becca is the granddaughter of Chazarae, the woman Josh rents an apartment from. She is damaged. She is untouchable. Not because no one would want to but because she can't bear it. She can't or won't speak or touch anyone.
...freedom, I've come to learn, is a feeling that often gets taken for granted.
Becca has had her freedom taken away by her past. She is not free to laugh or hug or love. But who can resist a cute little 3 year old? Tommy is innocence personified and breaks through Becca's fear.
Do you have a safe place, Becca?
Josh and Tommy become that safe place. But is is temporary, fleeting, like smoke through Josh's fingers, both of their pasts become come back to their present.
Does he know about your past?...Does he know about your future?
This is the story of 2, no, 3 souls who find each other in time. At the right time. But maybe not for all time.
Kick Push is so beautifully written you don't even know Ms McLean has total control over your emotions until she starts to pull the strings. Manipulates you. She gives you bits and pieces. Like a dealer getting you hooked on a new drug. Words. Ms McLean's drug of choice.
Ms McLean has once again proven she is a force to be reckoned with. I predict Kick Push will inspire countless tattoos. So many great quotes.
There's a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire truck the rest.
You were my Band Aid. I needed a cure.
...you're my drug and I'm your poison
There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice.
If you are even a little on the fence about reading this one, let me assure you, get off the damn fence. Josh, Becca, Tommy and the rest of the gang will worm their way into your heart. And then leave it hollow. This one has so many feels. Don't think this is your typical new adult HEA. It is so much more and so much.
And I give up the only thing I have left to sacrifice. My pride.
Give up the control over your emotions to the Pixie Ozzie Word Pusher. It's my drug of choice.
August 4, 2015
Kick Push by Jay McLean
5 stars!!
Many moons ago I came across Jay McLean after she had just published More Than This, I fell in love with that book and even though I have loved every book since, they still hadn’t managed to knock off More Than This as my favourite Jay McLean read...until Kick Push.
To say I fell in love with this book would be an understatement, to say I fell in love with Josh an even bigger one and this book is by far Jay McLean’s best book yet. The story was emotive, passionate, addictive and totally consuming. This was a relationship between a father and son an unbreakable bond and one that literally reduced me to tears so many times that I cried me a river over this book.
Yes this book broke my heart but on the other hand it was incredibly inspirational with a boy that truly made the best of a bad situation. A situation that no child should ever be put in, when the people that should support you the most...turn their backs, when you have really hit the lowest of the lowest point in life and you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, when your spirit is broken...and then a complete stranger helps and faith in humanity is once again restored. This book is full of hope and lots of love and some truly amazing characters that Jay McLean brought to life through some extremely powerful words.
Josh was an inspirational character and one that totally put everything on hold for an extremely small, demanding, bundle of joy. He lost life as he knew it, he lost his budding skateboarding career, he had to grow up fast but his devotion to his son never wavered. From knowing nothing to having to deal with everything he coped, he managed and he struggled but he never gave up. These scenes in the beginning were brutal and I was cursing Jay McLean for driving me to tissues so early on but I held onto the hope that she would come good and that came in the form of Chazarae, a woman with the hugest heart. This elderly woman was Josh and his son, Tommy’s saving grace and makes you believe that there are good people on this earth. These three formed a strong bond and it truly melts your hearts.
When Chazarae’s granddaughter comes to stay this trio’s lives are about to change. Becca has her own emotional baggage and once again we have another character whose life is perilously close to rock bottom. Soulless eyes that only come to life through a camera...taking pictures is Becca’s comfort, she feels safe hidden behind the lens but Josh, Tommy and Chazarae never give up and they form a formidable trio in breaking down Becca’s defences.
Yes this is a hard read, it is extremely emotional but it is such an inspiring read too. Kudos to Jay McLean for bringing her A game on the emotional overload, but it is an amazing talent to get you so invested in those characters and believe me, you cannot help but get invested. This book has some amazing highs and lows so there is something there for everyone and as always, Jay McLean’s wit is prevalent throughout. This is an NA read like no other I have read and that is another thing I loved about this one, its uniqueness. The end...is the end...I just hope that there will be more...there has to be...right?
www.theromancecover.com
5 stars!!
“There are some sacrifices greater than love. And some loves greater than any sacrifice. Tommy’s greater than both.”
Many moons ago I came across Jay McLean after she had just published More Than This, I fell in love with that book and even though I have loved every book since, they still hadn’t managed to knock off More Than This as my favourite Jay McLean read...until Kick Push.
To say I fell in love with this book would be an understatement, to say I fell in love with Josh an even bigger one and this book is by far Jay McLean’s best book yet. The story was emotive, passionate, addictive and totally consuming. This was a relationship between a father and son an unbreakable bond and one that literally reduced me to tears so many times that I cried me a river over this book.
“There’s a big difference between being happy and being selfish. Choose to be happy. Fire Truck the rest.”
Yes this book broke my heart but on the other hand it was incredibly inspirational with a boy that truly made the best of a bad situation. A situation that no child should ever be put in, when the people that should support you the most...turn their backs, when you have really hit the lowest of the lowest point in life and you can see no light at the end of the tunnel, when your spirit is broken...and then a complete stranger helps and faith in humanity is once again restored. This book is full of hope and lots of love and some truly amazing characters that Jay McLean brought to life through some extremely powerful words.
“I see you, Josh.”
Josh was an inspirational character and one that totally put everything on hold for an extremely small, demanding, bundle of joy. He lost life as he knew it, he lost his budding skateboarding career, he had to grow up fast but his devotion to his son never wavered. From knowing nothing to having to deal with everything he coped, he managed and he struggled but he never gave up. These scenes in the beginning were brutal and I was cursing Jay McLean for driving me to tissues so early on but I held onto the hope that she would come good and that came in the form of Chazarae, a woman with the hugest heart. This elderly woman was Josh and his son, Tommy’s saving grace and makes you believe that there are good people on this earth. These three formed a strong bond and it truly melts your hearts.
When Chazarae’s granddaughter comes to stay this trio’s lives are about to change. Becca has her own emotional baggage and once again we have another character whose life is perilously close to rock bottom. Soulless eyes that only come to life through a camera...taking pictures is Becca’s comfort, she feels safe hidden behind the lens but Josh, Tommy and Chazarae never give up and they form a formidable trio in breaking down Becca’s defences.
“There are many things in my future that absolutely terrify me, but loving you for the rest of it isn’t one of them."
Yes this is a hard read, it is extremely emotional but it is such an inspiring read too. Kudos to Jay McLean for bringing her A game on the emotional overload, but it is an amazing talent to get you so invested in those characters and believe me, you cannot help but get invested. This book has some amazing highs and lows so there is something there for everyone and as always, Jay McLean’s wit is prevalent throughout. This is an NA read like no other I have read and that is another thing I loved about this one, its uniqueness. The end...is the end...I just hope that there will be more...there has to be...right?
“Fire truck yeah, I’m afraid. You’ve seen me in social situations, right? I mean, you were there at Michael’s bachelor party when I told the stripper her tits were perfect for breastfeeding.”
www.theromancecover.com
June 1, 2016
5 - "You're my drug, and I'm your poison..." Stars!
I started Kick, Push on the commute to work yesterday morning… I finished Kick, Push on the commute home from work yesterday afternoon. I literally couldn’t put it down. Needless to say not a lot of work was actually undertaken!
Jay McLean isn’t a new author to me, but I will confess I haven’t read a huge number of her books, but one thing that has stood out from my reading experience with her work so far, is that although she does lay on the angst, she does it in such a way that it doesn’t feel overdone, or erroneous. That can definitely be said for Josh and Becca’s story.
As a couple they are both carrying more than their fair share of emotional baggage between them but it is for hugely different reasons. A single father from a very young age, Josh works and pretty much lives to provide the best life that he can for his son, Tommy. Abandoned, disowned and overlooked by pretty much everyone, that should have essentially had his back when times got tough, this is a guy that has pretty much given up everything he loves, for the one thing he is most proud of.
That all changes the day Becca comes to stay with her grandmother, living in the apartment over the garage Josh initially sees a young woman with issues, but cannot ignore the spark of attraction he feels when she is around. Especially as his son loves her, and in effect is the force that keeps pulling them together, until they admit they are more than just friends.
"It’s scary. But it’s mutual… So that kind of makes it okay."
Becca’s story is the one that the author holds back on revealing fully, and it isn’t until the latter stages of the book that you understand why she is the woman she has become, and what the catalysts were for that, tough reading for sure, but it gave credence to a lot of Becca’s actions early on in the story.
"I want to learn everything about you."
Again, plenty of angst, but not to the point you are eye-rolling over it, as a couple they have more than a few challenges and hurdles thrown at them, and you really do wonder if the feelings they share for each other are strong enough to ultimately hold them together.
"You were my Band-Aid. I need a cure."
There are parts of Kick, Push where I giggled uncontrollably, there were a few parts where I sobbed a little as well, you cannot help but fall for Josh and Tommy, whether together or apart they are just perfect. Becca even in weakness is a strong character as well, I felt for her, I grew to like her, I don’t profess to fully understand her motivations for everything as yet, but luckily the second part of their story Coast, is due for release in a few days’ time.
I see you...
After everything that occurred, was resolved and then all the further developments after that in Kick, Push, I am really interested to see if Jay can give this couple the ending they both deserve.
"You’re worth sticking around for."
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I started Kick, Push on the commute to work yesterday morning… I finished Kick, Push on the commute home from work yesterday afternoon. I literally couldn’t put it down. Needless to say not a lot of work was actually undertaken!
Jay McLean isn’t a new author to me, but I will confess I haven’t read a huge number of her books, but one thing that has stood out from my reading experience with her work so far, is that although she does lay on the angst, she does it in such a way that it doesn’t feel overdone, or erroneous. That can definitely be said for Josh and Becca’s story.
As a couple they are both carrying more than their fair share of emotional baggage between them but it is for hugely different reasons. A single father from a very young age, Josh works and pretty much lives to provide the best life that he can for his son, Tommy. Abandoned, disowned and overlooked by pretty much everyone, that should have essentially had his back when times got tough, this is a guy that has pretty much given up everything he loves, for the one thing he is most proud of.
That all changes the day Becca comes to stay with her grandmother, living in the apartment over the garage Josh initially sees a young woman with issues, but cannot ignore the spark of attraction he feels when she is around. Especially as his son loves her, and in effect is the force that keeps pulling them together, until they admit they are more than just friends.
"It’s scary. But it’s mutual… So that kind of makes it okay."
Becca’s story is the one that the author holds back on revealing fully, and it isn’t until the latter stages of the book that you understand why she is the woman she has become, and what the catalysts were for that, tough reading for sure, but it gave credence to a lot of Becca’s actions early on in the story.
"I want to learn everything about you."
Again, plenty of angst, but not to the point you are eye-rolling over it, as a couple they have more than a few challenges and hurdles thrown at them, and you really do wonder if the feelings they share for each other are strong enough to ultimately hold them together.
"You were my Band-Aid. I need a cure."
There are parts of Kick, Push where I giggled uncontrollably, there were a few parts where I sobbed a little as well, you cannot help but fall for Josh and Tommy, whether together or apart they are just perfect. Becca even in weakness is a strong character as well, I felt for her, I grew to like her, I don’t profess to fully understand her motivations for everything as yet, but luckily the second part of their story Coast, is due for release in a few days’ time.
I see you...
After everything that occurred, was resolved and then all the further developments after that in Kick, Push, I am really interested to see if Jay can give this couple the ending they both deserve.
"You’re worth sticking around for."
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 8, 2017
This is really more of a recap of my emotional journey followed by my endorsement of the book. Not my typical review style but...this book called for it :)
**I received a copy of this book from NABC in exchange for an honest review
I have to let you go because you’re my drug, and I’m your poison.So, when I first saw this book I was intrigued by the young single dad thing and I shelved it and thought of it on occasion but made no real move to pick it up. Then, I saw it was being offered in the NABC read it/review it program and was super stoked, I wanted it. I was under the assumption that this book would be a bit sad and a bit of a struggle, I mean, he's a single dad after all, there's bound to be some struggles; but I thought he'd meet a nice girl they'd all get along swell with his kid, maybe she'd have a bit of a crisis about being a mother figure so young but they'd be happy end of story. Simple. Easy. Sweet. Oh boy, was I wrong.
The first chapter is a nice swift dagger to the heart. Just instant pain. Then, the author swiftly built my hopes up and I was grinning like a fool at my iPhone, but I could feel that uncertainty niggling at the back of my mind because the hope was building so quickly and so high, I was afraid for when it would come crashing down around me and Josh, Becca, and Tommy. Where you forget all about that initial pain, so much so you hardly know what pain is anymore and then you hit this point in the story and you look down to realize the authors been slowly stabbing you 1000 other times you were just too distracted to realize it and now you can't do anything about it.
My description probably sounds a bit unpleasant and I don't mean it that way. It was brilliant. My stabbing was so beautifully executed there's no way I could be even a little bit angry about it. This book packed so much emotion, so much heartache into it, I was floored. I had to seek out a buddy part way through my reading because I NEEDED to talk about it (s/o to my girl Loyda!). It was an amazing read.
Some things will always be beautiful, even in the face of death.This is long and rambley and maybe a bit confusing but I just had so many feels after this book. It was so good and I'm ashamed that I ever thought it would be a sweet, easy, mediocre book. It's so much more. I'm not really big on suggesting books, it causes me anxiety unless I'm SUPER familiar with all your literary likes/dislikes but I'm gunna suggest this one. Blanket suggestion. Go for it. It's awesome.
**I received a copy of this book from NABC in exchange for an honest review
next-in-my-lineup
July 28, 2015Dear Josh,
*Copy kindly provided by author for an honest review*
August 4, 2015
4.5 "Goodreads really needs a 1/2 star option" stars
“I see you.”
Wow; what a truly beautiful journey we’ve just been on. Kick Push felt unique, refreshing and had a hero that literally stole our hearts. We started reading and were quite simply unable to put this story down with huge lumps in our throats and aching hearts. Yet in amongst the devastating sadness was rays of hope, love and perseverance. This book had such a huge heart.
“Kick. Push. Coast….Time to coast, son.”
Joshua Warden – be still our hearts – is without question one of our favourite book heroes. This man truly is a hero in every sense of the word. Faced – at such a young age – with one of the most daunting responsibilities there is, this boy had to grow up real fast and missed out on being a teenager and a young adult. We have to say every moment with Joshua and Tommy melted us into a puddle on the floor and we felt it to our very core. Joshua stepped up and fought with every fibre of his being to be there for his son no matter the cost to him. And believe us, he lost pretty much everything by showing maturity, selflessness and love beyond his years.
‘…how many times can a person break before the only things left are shattered fragments too small to piece together?’
A prospective pro skater star he has to give up life as he knows it to embark upon a new life with his son Tommy being the main lead. Throughout Kick Push we were in awe of this boy; so many heart melting as well as tearful moments – so much beauty.
‘There’s nothing sadder, nothing harder in the world than watching the person you love fall apart right before your eyes – and you can’t say or do anything to change it.’
There’s a scene where it seems as if life becomes so intensely overwhelming it broke our hearts and if we could, we would’ve reached into the story and pulled out Joshua and Tommy. However, we didn’t need to as the beautiful Lady Chaz stepped in and gave our boys a ray of hope and shelter. Through a surprising kindness and a helping hand our Joshua begins to set his path straight once more and whilst still fighting to give his son, as well as himself, a better life you feel and sense the change. This change begins when the broken and haunted Becca – with the emerald eyes – becomes as vital as breathing for Joshua.
‘…everything stops. Everything. My breath….My heart…My world…Everything. Stops.’
Between Joshua and Becca there’s enough baggage to take you on a round the world trip and the journey is without question one of the most morose and heart breaking we’ve been on in a while.
‘I don’t control my actions – fear does.’
Yet all along we had this feeling that the direction we were going in was one of people entering your life to move you in the right direction by playing a huge part; having a life changing impact albeit it brief or fleeting.
‘It feels good just to be able to breathe. Just breathe. Because the simple act of breathing is a constant struggle when you live your life in fear.’
So why not 5 stars; well for us – we can’t help but wish Kick Push had remained unique in the sense that it had ended at a ‘certain’ point and the future would have turned out different because of what was. We obviously can’t say too much but we were quite surprised with where the direction went in the last few pages. And in a way we want to pretend it ended at that ‘certain’ point as that would have been brilliantly poignant and even more – incredibly special. Well for us anyway.
“I have to let you go because you’re my drug, and I’m your poison.”
It would also have made this Author a master of writing something wholeheartedly original and unique from the first page to the last.
We highly recommend this emotional tale to every single reader out there; but beware…..it may not lead where you expect it to!
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**
✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ Come say Hi TB on TSU
August 4, 2015
4.5 "Goodreads really needs a 1/2 star option" stars
“I see you.”
Wow; what a truly beautiful journey we’ve just been on. Kick Push felt unique, refreshing and had a hero that literally stole our hearts. We started reading and were quite simply unable to put this story down with huge lumps in our throats and aching hearts. Yet in amongst the devastating sadness was rays of hope, love and perseverance. This book had such a huge heart.
“Kick. Push. Coast….Time to coast, son.”
Joshua Warden – be still our hearts – is without question one of our favourite book heroes. This man truly is a hero in every sense of the word. Faced – at such a young age – with one of the most daunting responsibilities there is, this boy had to grow up real fast and missed out on being a teenager and a young adult. We have to say every moment with Joshua and Tommy melted us into a puddle on the floor and we felt it to our very core. Joshua stepped up and fought with every fibre of his being to be there for his son no matter the cost to him. And believe us, he lost pretty much everything by showing maturity, selflessness and love beyond his years.
‘…how many times can a person break before the only things left are shattered fragments too small to piece together?’
A prospective pro skater star he has to give up life as he knows it to embark upon a new life with his son Tommy being the main lead. Throughout Kick Push we were in awe of this boy; so many heart melting as well as tearful moments – so much beauty.
‘There’s nothing sadder, nothing harder in the world than watching the person you love fall apart right before your eyes – and you can’t say or do anything to change it.’
There’s a scene where it seems as if life becomes so intensely overwhelming it broke our hearts and if we could, we would’ve reached into the story and pulled out Joshua and Tommy. However, we didn’t need to as the beautiful Lady Chaz stepped in and gave our boys a ray of hope and shelter. Through a surprising kindness and a helping hand our Joshua begins to set his path straight once more and whilst still fighting to give his son, as well as himself, a better life you feel and sense the change. This change begins when the broken and haunted Becca – with the emerald eyes – becomes as vital as breathing for Joshua.
‘…everything stops. Everything. My breath….My heart…My world…Everything. Stops.’
Between Joshua and Becca there’s enough baggage to take you on a round the world trip and the journey is without question one of the most morose and heart breaking we’ve been on in a while.
‘I don’t control my actions – fear does.’
Yet all along we had this feeling that the direction we were going in was one of people entering your life to move you in the right direction by playing a huge part; having a life changing impact albeit it brief or fleeting.
‘It feels good just to be able to breathe. Just breathe. Because the simple act of breathing is a constant struggle when you live your life in fear.’
So why not 5 stars; well for us – we can’t help but wish Kick Push had remained unique in the sense that it had ended at a ‘certain’ point and the future would have turned out different because of what was. We obviously can’t say too much but we were quite surprised with where the direction went in the last few pages. And in a way we want to pretend it ended at that ‘certain’ point as that would have been brilliantly poignant and even more – incredibly special. Well for us anyway.
“I have to let you go because you’re my drug, and I’m your poison.”
It would also have made this Author a master of writing something wholeheartedly original and unique from the first page to the last.
We highly recommend this emotional tale to every single reader out there; but beware…..it may not lead where you expect it to!
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**
✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
June 5, 2016
RE-READ
Genre: NA Romance
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 2/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & hero POV; 1st person. Book 1 of ? Cliffhanger
Kick Push is a NA read with a sweet tentative romance, likeable leads, lots of angst, a slow build and a dramatic 2nd half.
Love Jay Mclean's writing and characters, as always, missing the humour from the More Than series though. She never fails to write a unique NA book.
Like many other readers, I was a little annoyed there was no indication that this book wasn't a stand alone, that there was that mean cliffhanger. But I coped.. barely. It won't be a problem when I have to re-read this one before the next one is released. Hopefully there will be a next one!
The angst and characters past's were kick-ass, as were the side characters. I loved the slow build, the drama that kicked the whole book up a notch and the imperfect hero.
Here's hope to the 2nd book coming along soon!
4.5 STARS
Genre: NA Romance
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 9/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 2/10
Hotness: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & hero POV; 1st person. Book 1 of ? Cliffhanger
Kick Push is a NA read with a sweet tentative romance, likeable leads, lots of angst, a slow build and a dramatic 2nd half.
Love Jay Mclean's writing and characters, as always, missing the humour from the More Than series though. She never fails to write a unique NA book.
Like many other readers, I was a little annoyed there was no indication that this book wasn't a stand alone, that there was that mean cliffhanger. But I coped.. barely. It won't be a problem when I have to re-read this one before the next one is released. Hopefully there will be a next one!
The angst and characters past's were kick-ass, as were the side characters. I loved the slow build, the drama that kicked the whole book up a notch and the imperfect hero.
Here's hope to the 2nd book coming along soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,046 reviews