Review: Always Us by Allie Everhart

Always Us (Jade #8)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: March 15, 2015
Publisher: Allie Everhart
Source: Personal copy
Review by: Nahomi

The countdown has begun. Garret's running out of time and he's losing patience as he waits for his father to take action. It's getting harder to keep this a secret from Jade, and he may not be able to after an unexpected visitor stops by.

Harper and Sean have their own dilemma, yet neither one of them understands what's really going on. Jade and Garret don't want to get involved, but it's hard not to when they learn about the plan for Harper's future. But Jade and Garret have to stay out of it. They have their own issues to deal with. With the timer literally ticking away, Garret decides to take matters into his own hands. But does he have what it takes to end this? If he does this, he can't go back. He'll never be the same. But he may not have a choice. He'll do whatever it takes to save Jade.

4 stars out of 5 stars

In the last installment of the Jade series Always Us, Allie Everhart ties up all of the lose ends. There is a lot of tension in the beginning of the story due to an ultimatum that Garret was given in the previous book. Again for the majority of the book there is a sense of urgency, like time is running out that kept me turning pages like crazy. There were times where I was left speechless due to the resolution of certain issues because the way it was done was just mind blowing.

After the resolution of the conflicts of the book the story keeps going. I for one am a fan of seeing what happens after the story ends, but I feel like Always Us goes above and beyond what we normally get. I feel that the ending is a little too perfect. I know I sound like I'm whining, but Jade and Garret got everything they wanted and things they didn't even know they wanted too. Everyone's ending was too neatly wrapped up. It felt like the ending dragged on a little bit too long which slowed down the pacing of the book for me.

Aside from my that, Allie Everhart did a great job ending this series. I am a little sad to see it end because it's been eight heart wrenching books! I can't wait to read her new series The Kensingtons!

Mini Review: Becoming Us by Allie Everhart

Becoming Us 
(Jade #7)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: December 12, 2014
Publisher: Allie Everhart
Source: Personal copy
Review by: Nahomi

Jade and Garret thought the robbery in their neighborhood had nothing to do with them, but the pieces are finally starting to come together. Someone’s been working behind the scenes, pulling the strings to determine Garret’s fate.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Jade and Garret are talking things out, becoming even closer, making plans for their future. Plans that may never happen.

When Garret finally learns the truth, he’s left with an agonizing discovery about the past and an ultimatum regarding the future.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

Becoming Us covers a lot of ground after Finding Us. Where in Finding Us there is a hint of mischief Becoming Us is where we actually find out who's behind all of the mysterious acts from the previous book. I always love reading about Jade and Garret but I really enjoy Harper's and her family's storyline.

The pacing of this book is a little faster than the last, but I feel it was still a little slower than I would have liked it. I loved catching up with a lot of the supporting characters that we didn't get to see in the last book of the series. There was more intrigue and mystery than in the previous two books, which is a plus for me! And the ending... HOLY CANOLY gave me heart palpitations! I'm jonesing to get my hands on Always Us.

Review: Finding Us by Allie Everhart

Finding Us (Jade #6)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: October 3, 2014
Publisher: Allie Everhart
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi

Finding Us is in both Jade's and Garret's POV

After the events of last year, Jade and Garret are anxious to get a fresh start in a new town and a new college, far away from the people who tried to tear them apart.

But soon after moving, their relationship problems begin. Jade finds out Garret hasn’t been completely honest with her. And knowing he’s been keeping secrets drives her back to old habits. Garret begins to worry when he sees Jade reverting back to the girl he met last year and yet he continues to hide things from her, thinking it’s for the best.

Jade and Garret thought they’d be safe in a small college town but they start to question their safety when a crime occurs in their neighborhood. And the more they investigate it, the more suspicious it becomes. Was it just a random crime or were they the intended victims?

It’s a turbulent start to their new life together. But this is just the beginning. More trouble lies ahead. They just don't know it yet.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

             Being able to read about Jade and Garret's married life is one of my favorite aspects of this story. I love that they are getting to know each other on a different level and are struggling with the demands of college and what it means to be married. They are still trying to figure what their roles are as a couple and what the others expectations are. I found their miscommunications and fights to be very frustrating, but that is part of the conflict in this story. They are getting to know each other on a different level and conflict is inevitable.

As the rest of the series Finding Us has an element of mystery although it is a lot milder than in some of the other books. I wish there was more mystery involved but I understand why it had to be a milder version due to the circumstances. I really liked how Jade continued to develop her relationship with Grace. Also how she is definitely on better terms with Pearce than she has been in the previous books. Jade shows tremendous character growth towards the end of this story and it is noticeable in her behavior and how she sees herself.

I will say this about the story: there are several part that lag because of the background information being given by either character. Whether it's Garret talking about his father past and his relationship with his grandfather or Jade just giving us background information, it tends to slow down the plot. It's a great story even though the pacing of the story is a bit slower than I would like. Oh my Goodness the ending! I was in total  shock!! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book Becoming Us.

Favorite Friday (#15) - Knowing You by Allie Everhart

Have a favorite book? Series? One that you've just read or are currently reading? Favorite Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Books and Swoons where we spotlight some of our Favorite Reads. Everyone is welcome to join. Just enter your information on the linky or leave us a comment!

This week pick is: Knowing You (Jade #2) by Allie Everhart

Now that Garret’s decided he’s no longer following the rules of his wealthy family, he can finally develop a closer relationship with Jade. Things are going well, but Jade still worries that being with Garret is only temporary. And because of that, she’s not sure how much of herself and her past she’s willing to let him see.

Garret does all he can to assure Jade that the two of them can last, but convincing her of that is difficult when she’s never trusted anyone. So he has to show her, by being there when she needs him the most, even when she tries to keep him away.

The mysterious letter from Jade’s mom still haunts her and now she’s getting threatening phone calls. Someone from Jade’s past will stop at nothing to keep his secrets from getting out. And his number one secret is Jade.

I absolutely love this book has all the right stuff to keep you swooning and in suspense! The whole series is great but Knowing You is one of my favorite from the entire series!

About the author:

Author Allie Everhart writes novels in the New Adult genre. She's also a freelance health writer for books and magazines. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Fitness, American Baby, and Family Circle. Prior to freelancing, she was an editor for a book publisher where she worked on several New York Times bestselling diet and fitness books.

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

I hope you can join us in sharing and talking about some of your favorite reads. Book talk always make me happy. 

What are one of your favorite reads?

Mini Review: Forever You by Allie Everhart

Forever You (Jade #5)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: May 30, 2014
Publisher: Waltham Publishing
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi


Jade and Garret have a love story like no other. They’ve survived heartache, tragedy, and numerous forces trying to tear them apart, but through it all they’ve developed a love that will endure forever.

Now it’s time to celebrate their love with a wedding. It’s summer break and as they await the big day, Jade and Garret are living together on a beach in California with their best friends Sean and Harper right next door.

But their lives aren't completely carefree. Trouble erupts within the Kensington family and certain people don’t show up at the wedding. An unexpected visit from someone in Garret’s past causes stress for Jade and Garret. And planning the big event makes Harper question her future with her boyfriend, Sean.

It’s a summer filled with fun, romance, love, and friendship mixed with a little family drama and a touch of mystery. But most of all, it’s a summer Jade and Garret will never forget and the perfect start to their new life together

4.5 stars out of 5 stars

      This book is what I look for after I've read a really good series and I want to know what happens to the characters after the series ended. I really loved reading about Jade and Garret's wedding and their beautiful summer together. With that said the pacing of the book was a little slow. There was a lot more detail in this book than the others which bogged down the pacing a little.

Since this book was sort of a break from the madness of the other books, there was a lot less mystery involved and I missed it. Other than that I truly enjoyed reading Forever You and look forward to reading Finding Us!

Mini Review: Promising You by Allie Everhart

Promising You (Jade #4)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: January 24, 2014
Publisher: Waltham Publishing
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi

When Jade first arrived at Moorhurst College, she never imagined that the guy who helped her move in would end up being the guy she wants to be with forever. Now, seven months later, Jade and Garret are starting to talk about a future together. But the people around Jade are planting doubts in her mind, questioning her decision to be part of the Kensington family. Behind their lavish lifestyle are obligations and commitments that Garret may not be able to free himself from.

One of these obligations is something Garret never knew about. Even his father wasn’t aware of what’s in store for his son. And once he finds out, it seems there’s nothing he can do about it.

Just when Jade and Garret thought their problems were over, this new challenge emerges. Garret learns something that could change his future forever. And Jade’s future as well.

As the school year comes to a close, will Jade and Garret get the happy ending they deserve? Or will bigger forces intervene? Garret promised Jade he’d always be there for her. But can he keep his promise?

5 stars out of 5 stars

      It's no secret that I am totally in love with the Jade series. Promising You is just as perfect as the rest of the series. We get the same great characters, and setting with a plot that kept me turning pages until the very end. Reading this book is like being on a really messed up emotional roller coaster, just when you think everything's ok, it plummets you into the depths of sadness and anxiety. There are sections of this story where my heart shattered into a million pieces for Jade and for Garret. Although, it was slowly put back together by the end of the story, it was still a little exhausting.

The evolution of all of the characters is so great! Jade has come a long way from Choosing You and even Pearce, Garrets father has changed for the better. This story is filled with heart ache, romance and suspense, this entire series is just amazing!  I really love the ending; Promising You is one of my favorites of the Jade series. I was so sad because I thought this was the final installment of the series, but then I found out there are at least two more books coming!!! Now, I just can't wait to get my grubby little hands on Forever You!

Review: Loving You by Allie Everhart

Loving You (The Jade Series #3)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: December 12, 2013
Publisher: Waltham Publishing
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi
  

Since meeting Garret on her first night at college, Jade’s had to overcome many obstacles to be with him, including interference from Garret’s father.

Now, months later, it seems that Mr. Kensington has finally accepted Jade dating his son, but the reason for that is unclear. After what Jade witnessed at the Kensington mansion, she’s not sure what his acceptance of her means. Is she tied to his family forever now that she knows some of their darkest secrets?

Spring semester begins at Moorhurst College and a new student arrives who has a little too much interest in Garret’s family. And a little too much interest in Jade.

Garret continues to win Jade’s heart with romantic gestures that make her love him even more. It seems like everything is starting to work out for Jade, but as her mother used to say...Good things never last. Or do they?

5 stars out of 5 stars

     This book had me feeling jittery the entire time. I didn't know what to expect with everything that was going on with Jade and Garret in the first two books. This book focuses more on Jade and Garret's relationship and its progression, although it furthers a long the mystery of this secret society, that we still don't know a lot about.

Loving You is very well paced it's never slow and it doesn't feel like it's repetitive. There are times where I just want to slap Jade and be like open your eyes, don't you see what is happening; but that is Jade, she is a little naive when it comes to boys and well pretty much a lot of other things as well. Garret is his sweet and charming self and as in the previous two books he had me swooning all over the place. Garret is setting the bar high for my future book boyfriends is all I have to say.

By the end this book had my heart racing and has me dying to start the next book. I can't believe what happens in the last scene! I have to pick up Promising You because I just have to know what happens  to Jade, after what happens I am in shock and hyperventilating! Loving You is the perfect follow up to Knowing You. I can't wait to see what Promising You has in store for me next.

Review: Knowing You by Allie Everhart

Knowing You (The Jade Series #2)
Author: Allie Everhart
Release Date: November 1, 2013
Publisher: Waltham Publishing
Source: Personal Copy
Review by: Nahomi

Now that Garret’s decided he’s no longer following the rules of his wealthy family, he can finally develop a closer relationship with Jade. Things are going well, but Jade still worries that being with Garret is only temporary. And because of that, she’s not sure how much of herself and her past she’s willing to let him see.

Garret does all he can to assure Jade that the two of them can last, but convincing her of that is difficult when she’s never trusted anyone. So he has to show her, by being there when she needs him the most, even when she tries to keep him away.

The mysterious letter from Jade’s mom still haunts her and now she’s getting threatening phone calls. Someone from Jade’s past will stop at nothing to keep his secrets from getting out. And his number one secret is Jade.

5 stars out of 5 stars

       I absolutely love Knowing You! I pretty much love every aspect of this book from beginning to end. After Choosing You I needed to know what happened to Jade and Garret so I immediately went out and bought Knowing You and within minutes I was in deep. I finished this book in less than a day because I couldn't get myself to put it down and be a productive member of society.

The progression of Jade and Garrets relationship is so sweet. Garret is by far one of my favorite leading men. He is sweet and persistent and super-hot, like melt the polar ice cap hot. *fans self* There are so many swoon worthy moment in this book, you just have to read it for yourself and experience it. Jade's character growth is subtle but as I read the book I definitely noticed the difference from the Jade we saw in Choosing You.

There were parts of this story that were totally creepy and others that had me hyperventilating because I couldn't read fast enough to see what would happen. HOLY CANNOLI! I didn't see the plot twists coming. I was surprised and intrigued by the turn of events in this installment of the series.

This story is very well written. Allie Everhart does a phenomenal job keeping the mystery going while incorporating forbidden love, romance, and friendship all together. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series. I can't wait to see what Loving You has in store for me!