Say It's Forever

This reformed antihero just wants someone to love him for who he is, and I couldn't help but swoon over the vulnerability. The man needed a hug, and a little lightness in his life. I loved how perfectly these two complement each other - they're both broken, with complicated pasts that leave them running scared of the connection that sparks between them. It's instalove combined with instant terror, because they both have very good reasons for avoiding commitment. I kinda loved that the connection was never in question; it was everything else that got in this couple's way. And there's something insanely compelling about a big brute of a man showing his insecurities while opening his heart to love. Combined with some suspense and an unpredictable storyline, and this made for one compelling read.The story follows Salem, a single mom who is running from her past. When her car breaks down and she meets a rugged stranger on the side of the road, Salem has no idea what's in store for her. Jud may seem like a terrifying guy - and he openly admits to being no good - but he's just what Salem needs in that moment. They both have reasons for fighting the attraction, but it soon becomes impossible to stay away. And the more Salem gets to know Jud, the more she sees the goodness that he believes is tarnished by his past. Neither one may be ready for love, but it's coming for them anyways.While Salem is a good heroine, it's Jud who steals the show here. He's tormented by his past, and vulnerable to hits against his heart. I loved that he was such a big teddy bear of a man; tattooed, tortured and tough, but so soft in the ways that matter. The chemistry was obvious right away, and it ignites in ways that make this a STEAMY and satisfying read. Jud and Salem felt like they were perfect for each other, though the vibe of the book remained angsty and tense throughout. They fight that connection and try to deny what's in front of them, but it was obvious that their pasts are what will connect them in the future. Jackson's lyrical writing added a layer of intrigue and mystery to this suspenseful story - the details of the past unravel slowly, and the style lends itself well to that. There are such interesting parallels in their lives, and I liked that certain things were repeated and reinforced. I'll admit that the writing style sometimes left me a little confused. I'm sure some of that was intentional, but I'm also not sure if (SPOILER) technically both characters are still married to other people for the entire book? I kinda think so, but it's never overtly acknowledged. I was completely okay with the scenario, but it may be an issue for some readers. There are also plenty of other triggers, so please be aware of that going in. It's an angsty, steamy read that drew me right in and held my attention the whole way through.Audio note: Great on audio! With Joe Arden and Andi Arndt as narrators, you know you're in for a good performance. It's dual narration with plenty of emotion infused into every scene. I actually think the audio helps if you're not a fan of the writing style, because it's easy to get a feel for the vibe when you're listening to the narrator. I switched back and forth between print and audio, with no trouble in either form. The runtime is 10ish hours, and this took me about that long to read - speeding up this kind of writing just doesn't help with comprehension. I'm not sure that I'd recommend this as a workday listen though; the angsty, complex writing requires that you give it your full attention, and there are several steamy scenes scattered throughout. Still a great listen, and easy to read as a standalone.

I enjoyed this story. Jud was a hot, brooding alphalicious H and Salem was the perfect balance of soft and sass. Their story of two broken people making each other whole again was well written. I enjoyed the banter between Jud and his brothers. I liked that the characters from the first book made cameos and their story progressed through this one. There were also some really good plot twists. The only issue I had with the book was how the child characters were written and the dialog between them. Children don't speak in plural. I think the author was aiming for cute, but it ended up annoying and distracting. I like a single parent trope and I think child characters can add alot to a story when written well. Sadly the children in this story were not, but that was really the only negative. I definitely think it was worth the read and I already have Logan's story added to my TBR list for August.

Never dreamed of the twist this took, it was spectacular! Jud, even with his past, is such a good man, and he deserves to get all the good things. Salem is perfect for him, and Juno will keep him on his toes! She and Gage ate so adorable.

OMG!! My book lovin’ friends. If you loved Give Me A Reason, like I did, you are going to die over Say It’s Forever. Because… Jud+Salem+Junie = PERFECTION 🥰Jud is a broken bad boy. Tragically flawed and feeling undeserving due to a pretty traumatic childhood then a devastating loss in more recent years. This has left him void of any desire to be able or willing to become emotionally attached. Or so he thought. One night on the side of the road a dark haired vision with a broken down car changes everything he thought he knew about himself and the stipulations he set for his life.The more he is around her the more he can’t keep his hands off of her. He is grumpy yet protective.He is by no means anyone's hero, but he can’t help but to want to help her out. Something about her just calls to him. Like magic, “Black F-in’ magic.”😈You can’t help but fall for Jud. He’s just so manly. So big and burly and alpha. The way he loves his brothers and how he is with his nephew. My heart legit MELTED INTO GOO! 😍 Violent yet still sexy and swoony. Sharp edged but still sensitive and sweet with Juni. He knows he's falling but he feels like she is hiding something. Something in her past that could potentially hurt their chances at a future.Salem has been running for years. Never letting herself remain in one place long enough to put down any roots or make any connections. Life is all about keeping her and her daughter safe. So when her brother promises her safety suggesting she and Juni come live with him and her MiMi in Redemption Hills, she prays this is finally the safety she's been longing for. When she is rescued by Jud and then he has a job opening it really seems like things are falling into place for Salem. She never expected the feelings Jud would invoke in her though. She CANNOT get involved with a temperamental grump like him, or anyone else for that matter.This story is full of explosive💥 Chemistry like no other from right off the bat after they meet. Every interaction between them was addictive, it sucked me right into their world. I was fanning myself and getting all red in the face. Clutching my imaginary pearls, cause good lort it ‘twas’ hawt!! 🥵🔥💥The writing was phenomenal and engaging. You could really feel the characters' internal struggles. Jud because of his past he doesn’t feel deserving of a happy future and Salem doesn’t feel she will ever be anywhere long enough to build a future before she's onto the next place. I loved getting more with Trent, Gage, Eden, Logan, and even Tessa. I can’t wait for Logan’s book and would love it if we can get a Tessa story somewhere too? 🤞🏻Fingers crossed. 🤞🏻FIVE it’s FOREVER STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jud and Salem's story is absolutely, heartbreakingly, beautiful. The way this author spun the story together was fabulous. Major twist and turns. So so so good!!!!!

We finally get the second instalment of A. L. Jackson’s, Redemption Hills series!As per usual, I devoured this story in one day, that’s how excited I was to get this book. I seriously couldn’t put it down!The dynamic between main characters Salem and Jud leaves you wanting more after (and during) every chapter. 😩❤️ Their intense, emotional, and passion-filled story was absolutely breathtaking. A. L. Jackson really gave us a masterpiece with this one!I also have to say the deep connection that resides between these two characters leads to an incredible ending that truly leaves the reader yearning for more. I only just finished the book and I’m already missing the whole family! 😩🥰I enjoyed every word of this book and couldn’t put it down from the second I received it. This pair of beautifully (not so) broken people are hands down some of the best characters A. L. Jackson has ever written! They are absolute perfection! 👌🏻❤️ That’s not surprising though, because as much as I adore all A.L.J.’s other books (and series’), Redemption Hills is hands down my favourite of all her work so far!Long story short, A. L. Jackson (once again) did such a fantastic job creating this romance. She really made the characters come alive on the page! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND picking up this story. You will not be disappointed!In summary: I love, love, love this book, love, love, love this series, and love, love, love this author! 😂👌🏻❤️ “Say It’s Forever” deserves all the stars and more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

... All the way to the stars!Oh my, where to begin?I loved Jud in 'Give Me A Reason'. He was a gentle giant, with a seriously dark side. The interactions with him and his brothers and little Gage were perfection. So I looked forward to his story.Salem is a single mum, running from her past. As a result she is strong and hugely protective of her little girl Juniper (Juni). She has gone home for the first time in a long time, to be with her Mimi and brother, Darius. Trying to stay hidden, she tries to deny her feelings for Jud.Jud has so many demons because of his past. However, the biggest, darkest one is heartbreaking.The emotions within this story feel so real, I couldn't help but feel everything right along with Jud, Salem and Juni.A.L. Jackson, has an incredible ability to bring her books to life. Every story is so well described, right down to the smallest detail, allowing the reader to experience every aspect of the book.

Why are these books soooo good!!!!I am obsessed with this series, it sucks you in and makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. You feel like you are really living through their lives....Jud and Salem such a beautiful mess 🖤🖤🖤

I throughly enjoyed this book from the start. However, towards the end of the book, I started to get frustrated. And I’ll explain.I’m still giving this book 4 stars because I did enjoy it. I highlighted a lot of the book. I loved Jud and I loved Salem a lot. Their chemistry was off the walls. I loved how they took care of each other and the steamy goodness. All the characters were strong characters. I absolutely loved Juniper.I enjoyed the way the author used and carefully placed flashbacks because those were so key. But one thing that really irks me is when an author builds up to the conflict we all know is coming and then it’s resolved just like that. And that’s what ended up happening.Overall, it was a good book. Everything was good including the chemistry, the plot and the steam. I just personally would have preferred the conflict and resolution to be dragged a bit more out.

I loved the characters and the storyline and the twists and turns. It was slightly hard to read for me though. The male pov was a bit odd, he seemed to not start his sentences properly and skip words which was a struggle to read, also I hate when authors talk in baby talk for the children. But I’m glad I stuck with it as I absolutely loved the plot and these characters.