I am the type of reader that will read every book in a series if I am highly attached and emotionally all in. There are a few writers that can get me like this and I am thrilled to have added a new author to the mix with the writings of Sophie Jackson. I was introduced to her with the fist novel, A Pound of Flesh, which was an emotional, passionate journey with a bad boy. It was a surprising read that left me breathless. Then came the 1.5 sequel, Love and Always, and today, I am so happy to bring my review of the next in the series, An Ounce of Hope.
An Ounce of Hope by Sophie Jackson
Series: A Pound of Flesh (Book 3)
Publisher: Gallery Books (January 5, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1476795607
From the fanfic phenom whose debut A Pound of Flesh had over 4.5 million reads, this sequel, An Ounce of Hope, tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.
Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.
After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?
My thoughts:
Oh gosh. I have to say, I for one have to be in the right frame of mind to take on what I know will be an emotional, all engaging read. I waited a few days before diving in to this one. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of uninterrupted time so I could focus on this author’s work. Let me just say that while this is part of a series, you can read it as a stand alone too. You do get enough back story of the crossover characters so you are not lost.
When I first read A Pound of Flesh, I was not enthralled with Max. He was a mess and a definite bad boy, so knowing that I was going into a book all about this guy, I was hesitant as to what I would feel. But I should not have worried. The author crafted Max into a likeable guy that is not only beautiful to look at, he has a lovely soul once you get through all of his baggage.
His story is a long painful crash into the realization that he can be capable of feeling something for a woman again. Grace is a wonderful match for him, created to be broken and hurt in ways that Max can definitely assist in her healing. They forge a solid friendship and tight bond that finds Grace afraid of her feelings for Max and Max determined to not have feelings at all.
The author has crafted a novel about the angst of addiction, fear, and heartbreak. You feel so much of what these two are feeling. Sophie Jackson is a master at writing about emotion so strong it takes your breath away. I found myself locked away in this story for hours at a time, gasping for air in a few spots and shedding many tears in other spots. An emotional ride into a lovely balance of acceptance for the two main characters and a delicate HEA that will hopefully be explored in future books.
This author has wormed her way into my heart and a must-read status with her amazing ability to craft unique multi dimensional characters you wish you really knew. Deep, emotional, passionate, and oh, so damn good! Thank you, Sophie, for another awesome read!
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Chris received complimentary product for review purposes. Prize provided by the Sponsor. Please read our Official Rules before entering this giveaway. We must receive all entries by the end date of the contest and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter. A Midlife Wife is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.