Welcome to my tour stop for Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick. This is an Adult Contemporary for ages 18+. The tour runs Feb. 24th - March 5th. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.
Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Released Feb. 7th, 2014
435 pages
ISBN 9780957496187
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living?
Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?
Is love a life sentence?
About the author:
I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.
Turns out I can!
My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.
My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.
Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.
Readers can find bonus chapters for several of my books on my website www.janeharveyberrick.com
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This book was a little rougher than most books I read in this genre. It was slightly crud, filled with bad behavior and even worse language and the protagonist was someone I wasn’t' sure I was going to like let alone love. To be honest, I was a little nervous after the first chapter and was starting to wonder what in the world has I gotten myself into.
I love it when I can look past the nerves and the trepidation and even the really bad behavior and rough exteriors and see goodness instead. See pretty messages and even kinder people underneath.
This was one of those reads that takes you by surprise. One that you may even need to grin and bear it for the first few minutes but, once you do, something will come out of nowhere and surprise you and you start to relax and before you know it, you are even liking it.
I think if it weren't for Jordan I wouldn’t of liked this one as much as I did, okay, that might not be true because overall, the messages and growth in this were pretty amazing but Jordan just adds a whole level of yumminess that needed to be there.
He brings a whole new definition to the term bad boy. He is surly, has a guilty shady past and is the ultimate broody bundle of moodiness you could ask for and yet, even with his troubled past (which broke my heart!!) he has a heart of gold. Yep, this tattooed prison serving bad boy will make you want to read more and have you turning the pages not to mention grab hold of him and hug him tight.
I wasn't sure if I liked Torrey but the girl grew on me, especially with the way she brought Jordan out of his antisocial shell and really showed him how beautiful he was and that our mistakes and past don't define us but who we are right now, in this moment do.
I couldn't help but love her foul mouth loving ways after that.
This has so many wonderful, beautiful and very real moments in it. A great reminder how things can change us and make us grow. How bad things can happen but good things (and people) can too.
This really was wonderfully done.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by an outside source. I was not compensated for this review.*
This sounds like an interesting book. I am glad you enjoyed it. Great review!!
ReplyDeleteIt really was!
DeleteYay! I love surprise reads Ali! The ones that start off rocky just like you said and make you wonder if you're going to make it all the way through, and then slowly but surely you find yourself sucked in:) I definitely want to meet Jordan now!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better Jenny!
DeleteDoes sound very rough, glad it improved for you! I can imagine it wasn't easy to grin and bare it, but it sounds like it worked!
ReplyDeleteIt was a little difficult at first but it really was worth it in the end.
DeleteI'm glad that this worked out for you in the end. Lifers is one of my most anticipated reads this year, I hope I won't be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
Glass @ Ja čitam, a ti?
I hope you like it too!
DeleteI love a book that takes you from "Am I going to like this?" to "Wow, I love the turn around and message in it!" This sound like one of those wonderful reads. I'm glad it turned out to be a good read for you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks , me too!
DeleteI actually started off feeling like you. I was a little afraid because Torrey was just so brash and not the kind of character I always like. But she grew on me and especially so when she stood up to Jordan and told him he was not who/what he thought he was and what everyone accused him of being. When she didn't care what others thought at all. I think they were perfect for each other! Wonderful review! Thanks for hosting a tour stop!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the invite!!
DeleteThis sounds interesting Ali, and I loved that you stretched and read something out of the normal zone and were rewarded with a solid tale and messages. Wonderful review!
ReplyDelete"It was slightly crud, filled with bad behavior and even worse language"
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect to me! lol. I'm actually eager to meet Torrey. I bought the book last week and plan on reading it soon.
LOL! I think you will really like it Christy. ;)
DeleteHow did I not get in on this book tour? hehe! Sounds fantastic. Your review was awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad after you got through the rough beginning you ended up liking it. I think I would like Jordan, but I'm not sure Torrey and I would get along. Great review!
ReplyDeleteShe is a little brash but you do warm up to her.
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