Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You, #1)

by A. L. Jackson

[Cocktails and Books]

4.5 Stars

This was my first AL Jackson book. Despite having her Take This Regret series on my Kindle just waiting to be read, this was the first one. I have to say she blew me away with some truly fabulous characters and a storyline that had me tearing up much more than I thought I would.

Jared will positively break your heart. Plan and simple. He's a broken man trying to out run the tragedy that ripped his family apart. He doesn't believe he deserves happiness and as we follow what he's been doing, it's like he's ready for everything to be over. Even though he connects with his childhood friends, Christopher and Aly, he keeps himself closed off. He's afraid he'll poison them and he doesn't want them to be destroyed when he leaves...because he's determined he will. But you can see the pieces of Jared that crave someone loving him. Despite what he might say or do to push Aly away, he needs her. His little notes, left for her after he's sneaked out of his room, give of a glimpse of just how much he wishes he was something different so he could be the man Aly needed. And it takes Jared, almost to the very last page of the book, to realize Aly only ever wanted him...just as he is.

Aly has loved Jared forever, so when he reappears she let him in knowing she will probably get hurt. She treats Jared like a scared animal, softly coaxing him out of his angry snarl. It takes an emotional toll on Aly, especially since she had not let herself become emotional engaged with anyone since Jared had left. But she never gives up, even when it seems like Jared has. She stands firm in her knowledge that she loves him and that he'll realize that's all he needs. Aly's emotions when it comes to Jared will take their toll on the reader because they pull you right in there with her. Her sadness and hurt are almost tangible.

There is more to Aly and Jared's story in COME TO ME SOFTLY, slated for release in July 2014. I eagerly await it's release because I know the next ledge of their journey is going to be just as emotionally challenging as this one. I'm hoping when they're done, they will get the happily ever after they deserve.

This is a book that I highly recommend and has put AL Jackson on my must buy list.