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Abandon Collection #1
Pure Abandon
Temptation comes in many forms. For me, it was in the soul-searing golden eyes of a magnanimous CEO.
It all started when I decided to go back to work. After putting my career on hold, I told my husband I wanted to reclaim the woman I once was. My intentions were pure, and my heart belonged to my husband.
Then, I met him.
Alexander Asher is arrogant. Rude and dismissive, he got under my skin. I absolutely hated working for the Manhattan playboy and heir to his family’s fortune. Then, a misunderstanding led to friendship, the friendship becomes fierce, and soon I found myself questioning Asher’s motives … and my own.
I shouldn’t feel this way. I fought the temptation until one dark secret had me rethinking everything, especially what I once thought was perfect.
I tried to fight it.
I failed.
Two men are devastatingly broken by my actions—and I can only fix one. But when I make my choice, will he even want me after all that’s happened?
It all started when I decided to go back to work. After putting my career on hold, I told my husband I wanted to reclaim the woman I once was. My intentions were pure, and my heart belonged to my husband.
Then, I met him.
Alexander Asher is arrogant. Rude and dismissive, he got under my skin. I absolutely hated working for the Manhattan playboy and heir to his family’s fortune. Then, a misunderstanding led to friendship, the friendship becomes fierce, and soon I found myself questioning Asher’s motives … and my own.
I shouldn’t feel this way. I fought the temptation until one dark secret had me rethinking everything, especially what I once thought was perfect.
I tried to fight it.
I failed.
Two men are devastatingly broken by my actions—and I can only fix one. But when I make my choice, will he even want me after all that’s happened?
380 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2015
About the author
Jeannine Colette
39 books1,487 followersWhen I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.
When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.
When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.
When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.
When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.
When I was 32, my someday came.
----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.
A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.
Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter
Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 11, 2016
3.5 Stars
May 18, 2016
4.5 Stars!!!
Ahhh, I spent an hour writing a review and it got deleted so here goes. I loved this book, I really did. I couldn't put it down. It's a real story, it's something that happens all the time in real life. If you don't like love triangles and cheating, then this is not the book for you. If you want to read a real story about a woman's road to self discovery and redemption, then give this book a chance.
I love a well written forbidden romance. For me it's like reading fantasy, it puts me on a situation that I've never been in and hopefully never will and it also makes me think. What would you do if you were in that situation?
“Listen. The world isn’t all black and white. Sometimes it’s… grey, Gray.”
There are many things I loved about the book. I loved the writing. I loved Kat, she was strong and naive at the same time, and he also didn't make excuses for her behavior. I loved Asher, oh Asher, you are amazing. I loved Kat and Asher together. I loved their friendship and their chemistry and when they were together sparks flew! Yep, I have no shame, I was rooting for the lover.
“My mind knows this is wrong, but my body can’t resist. I want this man. Hell, I need this man. I’ve never craved anything more in my life.”
And how can you not love this man:
“And I don’t care if you’re married or if you have a kid or if I have to give up everything I have to make this right. You make my life make sense.”
I also loved the secondary characters, especially Gwen and Trish. I love how the story delves into the struggles of long term relationships and marriages and how not everything in life is black or white. Kat and Gabriel's love story is told through flashbacks and you can see how the relationship has just shifted. People change, relationships change, priorities shift and marriage is work, hard work. Is there redemption after big mistakes?
I guess in the end, Kat chose for herself and I'm ok with her decision. I totally get her.
Why not 5 stars?
Regardless, it was an awesome book!
October 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Back in July I featured Pure Abandon on my blog as part of the tour and a lot of people were curious about whether or not there was cheating involved, so I decided to take the plunge and see for myself. Now, I know there are a lot of people out there who won’t read a book if there is a hint of cheating, but I think you should try Pure Abandon for yourself. I went into this book with an open mind and I am so glad I did. I saw how difficult it was for Kathryn, juggling family life and wanting to rejoin the workforce.
Kathryn and Gabriel have been together for 10 years, married for five and now have their one year old son, Jackson. Kathryn wants to go back to work, and her friend Malory was able to help her with a job. Kathryn doesn’t really have any friends other than Malory, so she wants to get back to work and do something that she enjoys. Gabriel didn’t seem very supportive of Kathryn’s decision, wanting her to stay at home with their son. When she crosses paths with Alex Asher, the banter between them is very amusing; Kathryn doesn’t hold back and tells him exactly what she’s thinking. After a while they become friends, but you can see the lust rising between them.
The relationship between Kathryn and Gabriel was strained; Gabriel was constantly working and always home late. Their physical relationship was non-existent and the only thing that they had in common was their son, Jackson, who they both adore. I could see Kathryn battling with her heart and her head as to what was going on with her husband, so I could understand the decisions made throughout the story. Her friendship with Asher becomes intense, but it’s late in the book before anything happens. They both were able to confide in one another about personal issues and help each other when they could.
Honestly, I liked all the characters! Kathryn is a good mother and wants to be successful in her new role. Gabriel was a bit absent, always working, but was a good father. Asher is over confident and always gets what he wants, but showed a vulnerable side too.
Pure Abandon took me by surprise and I’m amazed as to how much I enjoyed it. Jeannine Colette has a delightful and easy to follow writing style, telling Kathryn’s story from the first person perspective, in present tense. I liked seeing the glimpses into the past of how Kathryn and Gabriel met too. I could feel the emotional turmoil Kathryn was going through and understood her poor decisions. Humans aren’t perfect, but we also want to feel wanted and loved. I felt that Pure Abandon was a remarkable and tasteful read, which will stay with me for a long time. After the epilogues though, I want more! Bring on Reckless Abandon!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Back in July I featured Pure Abandon on my blog as part of the tour and a lot of people were curious about whether or not there was cheating involved, so I decided to take the plunge and see for myself. Now, I know there are a lot of people out there who won’t read a book if there is a hint of cheating, but I think you should try Pure Abandon for yourself. I went into this book with an open mind and I am so glad I did. I saw how difficult it was for Kathryn, juggling family life and wanting to rejoin the workforce.
Kathryn and Gabriel have been together for 10 years, married for five and now have their one year old son, Jackson. Kathryn wants to go back to work, and her friend Malory was able to help her with a job. Kathryn doesn’t really have any friends other than Malory, so she wants to get back to work and do something that she enjoys. Gabriel didn’t seem very supportive of Kathryn’s decision, wanting her to stay at home with their son. When she crosses paths with Alex Asher, the banter between them is very amusing; Kathryn doesn’t hold back and tells him exactly what she’s thinking. After a while they become friends, but you can see the lust rising between them.
The relationship between Kathryn and Gabriel was strained; Gabriel was constantly working and always home late. Their physical relationship was non-existent and the only thing that they had in common was their son, Jackson, who they both adore. I could see Kathryn battling with her heart and her head as to what was going on with her husband, so I could understand the decisions made throughout the story. Her friendship with Asher becomes intense, but it’s late in the book before anything happens. They both were able to confide in one another about personal issues and help each other when they could.
Honestly, I liked all the characters! Kathryn is a good mother and wants to be successful in her new role. Gabriel was a bit absent, always working, but was a good father. Asher is over confident and always gets what he wants, but showed a vulnerable side too.
Pure Abandon took me by surprise and I’m amazed as to how much I enjoyed it. Jeannine Colette has a delightful and easy to follow writing style, telling Kathryn’s story from the first person perspective, in present tense. I liked seeing the glimpses into the past of how Kathryn and Gabriel met too. I could feel the emotional turmoil Kathryn was going through and understood her poor decisions. Humans aren’t perfect, but we also want to feel wanted and loved. I felt that Pure Abandon was a remarkable and tasteful read, which will stay with me for a long time. After the epilogues though, I want more! Bring on Reckless Abandon!
Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2015
I'm usually the first to cry foul if even a hint of cheating resides in a book especially if it involves a married couple and yet...
Here we have the wife who succumbs to the seductive charms of her boss after her husband continuously rejects her sexual advances and I cannot fault her for straying.
His common excuse is 'I'm too tired' YET APPARENTLY NOT TOO EXHAUSTED TO PUT ON HIS SHORTS & GO LATE NIGHT RUNNING WITH A HOT BLONDE WHO HINTS TO THE WIFE AT ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN AN INNOCENT RUN.
and everyone knows how tiring running is.
'I like to run with the wolves the blonde bombshell tells the wife & your husband runs with me she gushes,when a chance meeting occurs in the park when a strange woman greets her baby with great familiarity
As I’m about to turn around back into the dressing room, I hear a familiar voice.
“He wanted to spend time together tonight, but I was already at the mall. I mean, he can’t ask me last minute to spend time with him.Hiding behind a rack of clothing, I eavesdrop on the conversation. “You have to see him. He’s gorgeous! And his body is to die for… Yeah, yeah… We run together… In the park… Yes, totally hot bod. It makes it all worth it.”
The girl from the park, who knows my husband and calls my son Jack, is on the phone and looking at a display of undergarments. Very sexy undergarments, I might add.
The author totally fails at expanding on this conversation & it's impact is somewhat diminished by a raging husband upon discovery of his wife's infidelity when he is questioned about said conversation.We never do discover why he spends an inordinate amount of time with 'Becca' & why she appears to be instantly recognizable to his infant.
And because I never got any true insight into the husband's thought's his actions throughout the book reeked of ambiguous undertones & his motives remained a mystery making him seem manipulative & sly.Further confessions from him about another female just worsened the situation for me.
This could have been the book of the month for me for the writing is faultlessly scorching yet too many grey areas color the pages to make it 'THE' read and the loose ends that the author leaves especially in regards to the lead villainess is highly frustrating.
At the book end she seems to be greatly rewarded.
Here we have the wife who succumbs to the seductive charms of her boss after her husband continuously rejects her sexual advances and I cannot fault her for straying.
His common excuse is 'I'm too tired' YET APPARENTLY NOT TOO EXHAUSTED TO PUT ON HIS SHORTS & GO LATE NIGHT RUNNING WITH A HOT BLONDE WHO HINTS TO THE WIFE AT ACTIVITIES OTHER THAN AN INNOCENT RUN.
and everyone knows how tiring running is.
'I like to run with the wolves the blonde bombshell tells the wife & your husband runs with me she gushes,when a chance meeting occurs in the park when a strange woman greets her baby with great familiarity
As I’m about to turn around back into the dressing room, I hear a familiar voice.
“He wanted to spend time together tonight, but I was already at the mall. I mean, he can’t ask me last minute to spend time with him.Hiding behind a rack of clothing, I eavesdrop on the conversation. “You have to see him. He’s gorgeous! And his body is to die for… Yeah, yeah… We run together… In the park… Yes, totally hot bod. It makes it all worth it.”
The girl from the park, who knows my husband and calls my son Jack, is on the phone and looking at a display of undergarments. Very sexy undergarments, I might add.
The author totally fails at expanding on this conversation & it's impact is somewhat diminished by a raging husband upon discovery of his wife's infidelity when he is questioned about said conversation.We never do discover why he spends an inordinate amount of time with 'Becca' & why she appears to be instantly recognizable to his infant.
And because I never got any true insight into the husband's thought's his actions throughout the book reeked of ambiguous undertones & his motives remained a mystery making him seem manipulative & sly.Further confessions from him about another female just worsened the situation for me.
This could have been the book of the month for me for the writing is faultlessly scorching yet too many grey areas color the pages to make it 'THE' read and the loose ends that the author leaves especially in regards to the lead villainess is highly frustrating.
At the book end she seems to be greatly rewarded.
October 6, 2018
4.5 ⭐'s
“I love you. From the second I saw you on the steps, l knew you were my forever.”
After reading Wild Abandon (which I should NOT have read first), I couldn't wait to get my hands on this puppy. However, since I knew how things ended up...I wasn't sure how I felt about Asher and then there's the whole thing with Kathryn being married.
The good part is that all leads to some yummy angst and it was amazing and heart breaking all at the same time. And I can't forget to mention the little twist and that sneaky vixen!
Likes:
💓Jackson!
💓How Gabe and Kathryn met.
💓Kathryn's Mom.
💓Asher was really sweet.
💓The epilogue.
💓That last POV...as much as I disliked it, I can't wait to read more!
Dislikes:
💔Should NOT have read book three first!
💔Malory!
💔The ocean scene...really?
💔Some of Gabe's words.
💔The ending and who it affected and that last POV. :(
Well, I read it so there's that. I hated knowing things going in so that kind of ruined certain aspects for me. And knowing who the villain was didn't help but it was still intriguing. That last POV though...W.O.W., I cannot wait to read the next book!
“I promise to always try.”
“I love you. From the second I saw you on the steps, l knew you were my forever.”
After reading Wild Abandon (which I should NOT have read first), I couldn't wait to get my hands on this puppy. However, since I knew how things ended up...I wasn't sure how I felt about Asher and then there's the whole thing with Kathryn being married.
The good part is that all leads to some yummy angst and it was amazing and heart breaking all at the same time. And I can't forget to mention the little twist and that sneaky vixen!
Likes:
💓Jackson!
💓How Gabe and Kathryn met.
💓Kathryn's Mom.
💓Asher was really sweet.
💓The epilogue.
💓That last POV...as much as I disliked it, I can't wait to read more!
Dislikes:
💔Should NOT have read book three first!
💔Malory!
💔The ocean scene...really?
💔Some of Gabe's words.
💔The ending and who it affected and that last POV. :(
Well, I read it so there's that. I hated knowing things going in so that kind of ruined certain aspects for me. And knowing who the villain was didn't help but it was still intriguing. That last POV though...W.O.W., I cannot wait to read the next book!
“I promise to always try.”
Shelved as 'nope'
October 11, 2017Everyone knows there is cheating in this book, so I don't need to warn you about that - but below I am giving a major spoiler about its end - so think twice before uncovering it!
March 3, 2017
3.75 Stars
A strong word of advice, DO NOT read the the synopsis of Reckless Abandon or the popular question to the author just below this book synopsis if you don't want to know who the heroine ended up with.
I wanted to read something that would stir up my emotions and it's nothing a book about infidelity could not deliver so I settle for this one.
Please expect some rants and possible spoilers (all in spoiler tags) which I have to voice out to make my point.
Kathryn is married to the man of his dreams, they were happy until Gabriel became so busy trying to climb the corporate ladder to become a partner, resulting to lack of time spent with his wife because apparently, he is so tired.
BUT He doesn't seem tired to jog every night,
He jogs to stay fit, and everytime Kathryn initiates sex, he decline. Ahem, as far as I could remember, sex is a good exercise too. And as for Kathryn, he seems full of energy during the weekend, why not initiate during that time. There's no rule that sex should be done during weekdays when Gabriel is tired.
Now as for Alexander Asher, he is the boss of Kathryn. Their first meeting was not pleasant as Kathryn was wet from the rain and Alexander Asher (yep, you might notice me writing the whole name because the author seems to not get tired of mentioning his whole name every now and then) didn't mention to Kathryn that he was in fact the boss that she was supposed to be meeting that morning. So they started on a wrong foot. But, tension and lust seems to sizzle between the two even from the start.
The scene where Asher didn't mention that he is the boss thus deceiving her blah blah blah, well I think we've already established that. No need to keep on blabbering about it to the point of getting repetitive.
In my opinion, all Kathryn and Asher do was tease around and flirt innocently towards each other (Duh!?). She doesn't seem to evade him. I cannot say much as I think she wants the assurance for herself that she is still desirable because of the lack of recipient from her husband. So every possible compliment, she craves it.
Asher mentioned that he never divulge his personal details much to other people except to Kathryn because he felt a connection with her. - yeah right, probably a line he used to every single female he wants to get inside their pants because come on, that same sob story was published on the magazine .
The going on a business trip excuse? Get real! it was an obvious sexcapade. She didn't even get to work much as their sexual tension continues to boom.
"I try to fight it. I’ve been trying to fight it. As much as I want to deny it, I can’t help but find myself so incredibly drawn to him." - Honey, you don't try hard enough. In fact, you continue to lead on.
And don't even get me started on the gala night.
In the end, I'd say that Pure Abandon was an engaging read from start to finish. I just find the character building for Gabriel weak as most of what we got out of his feelings for Kathryn derived from the past because we got nothing but a cold Gabriel at the present. There's also some loose ends that weren't tied up, like Those were the main reasons why I snip some star.
Most says it was Kathryn's road to self discovery, unfortunately, I don't see it that way. Also, I forgot to mention that I hate her.
Well, you can't love them all.
A strong word of advice, DO NOT read the the synopsis of Reckless Abandon or the popular question to the author just below this book synopsis if you don't want to know who the heroine ended up with.
I wanted to read something that would stir up my emotions and it's nothing a book about infidelity could not deliver so I settle for this one.
Please expect some rants and possible spoilers (all in spoiler tags) which I have to voice out to make my point.
Kathryn is married to the man of his dreams, they were happy until Gabriel became so busy trying to climb the corporate ladder to become a partner, resulting to lack of time spent with his wife because apparently, he is so tired.
BUT He doesn't seem tired to jog every night,
He jogs to stay fit, and everytime Kathryn initiates sex, he decline. Ahem, as far as I could remember, sex is a good exercise too. And as for Kathryn, he seems full of energy during the weekend, why not initiate during that time. There's no rule that sex should be done during weekdays when Gabriel is tired.
Now as for Alexander Asher, he is the boss of Kathryn. Their first meeting was not pleasant as Kathryn was wet from the rain and Alexander Asher (yep, you might notice me writing the whole name because the author seems to not get tired of mentioning his whole name every now and then) didn't mention to Kathryn that he was in fact the boss that she was supposed to be meeting that morning. So they started on a wrong foot. But, tension and lust seems to sizzle between the two even from the start.
The scene where Asher didn't mention that he is the boss thus deceiving her blah blah blah, well I think we've already established that. No need to keep on blabbering about it to the point of getting repetitive.
In my opinion, all Kathryn and Asher do was tease around and flirt innocently towards each other (Duh!?). She doesn't seem to evade him. I cannot say much as I think she wants the assurance for herself that she is still desirable because of the lack of recipient from her husband. So every possible compliment, she craves it.
Asher mentioned that he never divulge his personal details much to other people except to Kathryn because he felt a connection with her. - yeah right, probably a line he used to every single female he wants to get inside their pants because come on, that same sob story was published on the magazine .
The going on a business trip excuse? Get real! it was an obvious sexcapade. She didn't even get to work much as their sexual tension continues to boom.
"I try to fight it. I’ve been trying to fight it. As much as I want to deny it, I can’t help but find myself so incredibly drawn to him." - Honey, you don't try hard enough. In fact, you continue to lead on.
And don't even get me started on the gala night.
In the end, I'd say that Pure Abandon was an engaging read from start to finish. I just find the character building for Gabriel weak as most of what we got out of his feelings for Kathryn derived from the past because we got nothing but a cold Gabriel at the present. There's also some loose ends that weren't tied up, like Those were the main reasons why I snip some star.
Most says it was Kathryn's road to self discovery, unfortunately, I don't see it that way. Also, I forgot to mention that I hate her.
Well, you can't love them all.
November 25, 2019
The writing was fantastic. I had some issues with where the story took us. I don't want to spoil anything, but I just needed a little more clarity about what was truly up with Gabriel. I expected that I would shed a lot of tears because that's my usual default emotion with these type of storylines. However, I didn't cry a single tear. That might have something to do with the fact that I'm still not sure if I like Kat. I think she caused a lot of her own problems and was asking for trouble with her actions.
September 17, 2015
Wow. When I say I am completely blown away. This was one of the most well written books I have ever read.
From the start, I was captured by the reality of the story. What I mean by that is, it's so relatable and something I definitely connected with. It did start off a bit slow for my taste but when it picked up, I couldn't put it down. I devoured it in one sitting. Stayed up half the night to finish it.
I always knew something was off with Malory.
Let me also say this.. I don't do cheating. Any way, shape or form. I said that from the get go. But Jeannine pushed me to continue on and honestly it couldn't have been written anymore flawlessly. She seamlessly writes her characters that we all feel for. People we all connect with and sympathize with. I understood Kat's journey.. I understand as a mother and as a woman how she could feel the way that she did.
What I really have to say is this is a MUST read of 2015. Easily, one of my top favorites. Congratulations to Jeannine for writing a debut novel that has truly blown seasoned authors OUT of the water. I look forward to reading ANYTHING and everything that she writes!
From the start, I was captured by the reality of the story. What I mean by that is, it's so relatable and something I definitely connected with. It did start off a bit slow for my taste but when it picked up, I couldn't put it down. I devoured it in one sitting. Stayed up half the night to finish it.
I always knew something was off with Malory.
Let me also say this.. I don't do cheating. Any way, shape or form. I said that from the get go. But Jeannine pushed me to continue on and honestly it couldn't have been written anymore flawlessly. She seamlessly writes her characters that we all feel for. People we all connect with and sympathize with. I understood Kat's journey.. I understand as a mother and as a woman how she could feel the way that she did.
What I really have to say is this is a MUST read of 2015. Easily, one of my top favorites. Congratulations to Jeannine for writing a debut novel that has truly blown seasoned authors OUT of the water. I look forward to reading ANYTHING and everything that she writes!
December 9, 2015
Married couple problems result in... temptation. This was full on… risqué, to me.
Definitely enough turbulence to turn a few adamantly “against-this-kind-of-read” readers off, but in a way… (in. a. wayyyyyyyyyyyyy) it was almost (alllmooooost) understandable. There are little tidbits that might make you agree with her, though, but I guess it depends on which way you’re leaning. You’ll see.
Then again… I won’t tell you who’s side I was on, and what team I was on, but you might be surprised. ;)
My full review is on my blog, but, not matter what, I definitely recommend it, if you're into books that explore marital trouble, love triangles and consequences.
Check out all of my reviews at Maryse's Book Blog
Definitely enough turbulence to turn a few adamantly “against-this-kind-of-read” readers off, but in a way… (in. a. wayyyyyyyyyyyyy) it was almost (alllmooooost) understandable. There are little tidbits that might make you agree with her, though, but I guess it depends on which way you’re leaning. You’ll see.
Then again… I won’t tell you who’s side I was on, and what team I was on, but you might be surprised. ;)
My full review is on my blog, but, not matter what, I definitely recommend it, if you're into books that explore marital trouble, love triangles and consequences.
Check out all of my reviews at Maryse's Book Blog
July 9, 2016
Pure Abandon by Jeannine Colette
4.5 stars!!
Some of you may remember a few weeks ago I read Wild Abandon by Jeannine Colette, well that was a five star read for me and started me on a run of Jeannine Colette reads. There were two books written before Wild Abandon and the first was Pure Abandon. I fell in love with Jeannine Colette’s writing voice, sometimes you just read a book and you understand the author and that was how I felt when I first picked her work up. Sometimes an author speaks to me and their words resonate within me and when I get that kind of connection I make the most of it.
Pure Abandon was definitely different from Wild Abandon but that intense character connection was present and that emotive writing that I fell in love with was unleashed in spades. Once again, for me Jeannine Colette had written a winner. For those that do not like cheating, this may not be the book for you, but this was one addictive story for me, one I couldn’t put down and especially didn’t want to end. The love interest that didn’t get the girl does get his own book in Reckless Abandon and so guess what I did straight away…dived into that one. As the review for Reckless Abandon will be a huge spoiler for Pure Abandon I will post them a few days apart, but Reckless Abandon was another 4.5 star read too.
The characters in Pure Abandon were all relatable in some shape or form and I think that is what Jeannine Colette does best. Kathryn was a woman that had put her career on hold for her husband, Gabriel. He was an up and coming lawyer and was working hard to prove his worth and make partner. His hours were long and he was hardly home. Having moved away to the “burbs” Kathryn was lonely and only had her baby for comfort and companionship, but now that he was a little older, she wanted to get back to work. She was good at what she did so when the opportunity comes up for a job working with an old friend and colleague Kathryn jumps at the chance.
Alexander Asher was a man running a billion-dollar company that had been left to him by his grandfather. Asher had taken the reins, albeit reluctantly, because Asher’s true passion was music. Both his parents had died, but his mother had instilled her passion for music in Asher. Asher is a prodigy on the Cello and so for his philanthropic efforts he centres around teaching under privileged kids the true beauty and passion in the classics and as a little rebellion towards his grandfather he has bought himself some music related companies, one being the company that Kathryn is now working for.
Asher’s presence is commanding around the work place; he rarely visits the company that Kathryn works for but when he does you could hear a pin drop. He has an aloofness and that feeling of the untouchable, he keeps himself to himself but can scare the pants off anyone if they cross him. While his business façade was certainly typical of a man in his position, from the twinkle of an eye you could tell that there was a lot more to the man behind the billionaire business man façade. I have to say I adored Asher, once you got to know him and his history there was nothing not to love.
Kathryn gives it to Asher straight, she doesn’t pussy foot around, she takes her job seriously and only wants to succeed. Asher appreciates her honesty whereas everyone else tells him what they think he wants to hear. Getting close on a particular project puts these two extremely close together and sparks fly. Not a clash of opinions, but a clash of hormones, attraction, chemistry, lust and maybe even love. Will they give in to temptation? Will they succumb to the forbidden?
Jeannine Colette delivered a story with passion, the forbidden and that all-consuming battle of attraction. That push and pull and that inevitable fall into the unknown. It would be easy to support Kathryn choices if her husband Gabriel had been violent or controlling or something alike, but in honesty they had a typical marriage. Work taking over, the tiredness that comes with it, the sleepless nights with a baby that slowly leads to that lack of intimacy and connection just because you are too darn tired. There are suspicions on both sides and it is up to the reader to decide as to whether they feel Kathryn’s actions were justified. There are a few twists and turns that keep you engaged throughout and I loved the slow build to Asher and Kathryn’s relationship. But as with any love triangle there is always one winner and one loser. Who will Kathryn choose at the end of the day?
Please do not even look at the synopsis for Reckless Abandon as that will spoil this book, you have to live the choices that Kathryn makes through this emotional journey and experience it as the author intended. My trouble was I actually loved both guys, I would have been heartbroken for the guy she didn’t choose no matter, but I have to say I adored Asher and if I ever leaned to one side, it would have been his. So if you love a story that is written with emotion and passion, fantastic character connection with relatable characters and you don’t mind cheating, then this is a fantastic book and I can highly recommend it. Now onto Reckless Abandon��
Favourite quote:
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“My mind knows this wrong, but my body can’t resist. I want this man. Hell, I need this man. I’ve never craved anything more in my life.”
Some of you may remember a few weeks ago I read Wild Abandon by Jeannine Colette, well that was a five star read for me and started me on a run of Jeannine Colette reads. There were two books written before Wild Abandon and the first was Pure Abandon. I fell in love with Jeannine Colette’s writing voice, sometimes you just read a book and you understand the author and that was how I felt when I first picked her work up. Sometimes an author speaks to me and their words resonate within me and when I get that kind of connection I make the most of it.
Pure Abandon was definitely different from Wild Abandon but that intense character connection was present and that emotive writing that I fell in love with was unleashed in spades. Once again, for me Jeannine Colette had written a winner. For those that do not like cheating, this may not be the book for you, but this was one addictive story for me, one I couldn’t put down and especially didn’t want to end. The love interest that didn’t get the girl does get his own book in Reckless Abandon and so guess what I did straight away…dived into that one. As the review for Reckless Abandon will be a huge spoiler for Pure Abandon I will post them a few days apart, but Reckless Abandon was another 4.5 star read too.
The characters in Pure Abandon were all relatable in some shape or form and I think that is what Jeannine Colette does best. Kathryn was a woman that had put her career on hold for her husband, Gabriel. He was an up and coming lawyer and was working hard to prove his worth and make partner. His hours were long and he was hardly home. Having moved away to the “burbs” Kathryn was lonely and only had her baby for comfort and companionship, but now that he was a little older, she wanted to get back to work. She was good at what she did so when the opportunity comes up for a job working with an old friend and colleague Kathryn jumps at the chance.
“…you will always be the girl who dropped her books on a staircase and took my heart with her.”
Alexander Asher was a man running a billion-dollar company that had been left to him by his grandfather. Asher had taken the reins, albeit reluctantly, because Asher’s true passion was music. Both his parents had died, but his mother had instilled her passion for music in Asher. Asher is a prodigy on the Cello and so for his philanthropic efforts he centres around teaching under privileged kids the true beauty and passion in the classics and as a little rebellion towards his grandfather he has bought himself some music related companies, one being the company that Kathryn is now working for.
“It sounds kind of lonely, being your own empire.”
Asher’s presence is commanding around the work place; he rarely visits the company that Kathryn works for but when he does you could hear a pin drop. He has an aloofness and that feeling of the untouchable, he keeps himself to himself but can scare the pants off anyone if they cross him. While his business façade was certainly typical of a man in his position, from the twinkle of an eye you could tell that there was a lot more to the man behind the billionaire business man façade. I have to say I adored Asher, once you got to know him and his history there was nothing not to love.
Kathryn gives it to Asher straight, she doesn’t pussy foot around, she takes her job seriously and only wants to succeed. Asher appreciates her honesty whereas everyone else tells him what they think he wants to hear. Getting close on a particular project puts these two extremely close together and sparks fly. Not a clash of opinions, but a clash of hormones, attraction, chemistry, lust and maybe even love. Will they give in to temptation? Will they succumb to the forbidden?
“Truth is I never felt more displaced in my life. It’s like I’m riding on the border of two countries yet have citizenship in neither. It’s a terrible feeling.”
Jeannine Colette delivered a story with passion, the forbidden and that all-consuming battle of attraction. That push and pull and that inevitable fall into the unknown. It would be easy to support Kathryn choices if her husband Gabriel had been violent or controlling or something alike, but in honesty they had a typical marriage. Work taking over, the tiredness that comes with it, the sleepless nights with a baby that slowly leads to that lack of intimacy and connection just because you are too darn tired. There are suspicions on both sides and it is up to the reader to decide as to whether they feel Kathryn’s actions were justified. There are a few twists and turns that keep you engaged throughout and I loved the slow build to Asher and Kathryn’s relationship. But as with any love triangle there is always one winner and one loser. Who will Kathryn choose at the end of the day?
“After his office visit today, I was sure he would want to make love tonight. Instead, it’s the same story. I feel like Jackson’s building blocks. Build them up. Knock them down. Repeat.”
Please do not even look at the synopsis for Reckless Abandon as that will spoil this book, you have to live the choices that Kathryn makes through this emotional journey and experience it as the author intended. My trouble was I actually loved both guys, I would have been heartbroken for the guy she didn’t choose no matter, but I have to say I adored Asher and if I ever leaned to one side, it would have been his. So if you love a story that is written with emotion and passion, fantastic character connection with relatable characters and you don’t mind cheating, then this is a fantastic book and I can highly recommend it. Now onto Reckless Abandon��
Favourite quote:
“No, I closed the curtains after you went to sleep.”
“Did you also unplug the clock?”
“Yes.”
“Why in the world would you do that?”
“You said I could have you for one night, and I don’t want this night to end.” (SWOON)
www.theromancecover.com
January 27, 2019
I loved Asher. I loved Gabriel. My heart broke for both of them. It stayed broken until I read Reckless Abandon!
I love Colette's writing, her characters, and the feels she sucks out of me like a Hoover. I can easily say she's a one-click author for me, and I don't have many of those.
I love Colette's writing, her characters, and the feels she sucks out of me like a Hoover. I can easily say she's a one-click author for me, and I don't have many of those.
July 21, 2015
Very well written and long!! took me 2 days I just had to finish it:) LOVED the epilogue! Kat annoyed me a lot.For one, her maiden name and married name issue and how her son was never a topic at work. Then at the gala with Asher wtf?!?! but I loved her husband. His actions were generally sincere and loves Kat deeply (even though I don't get the whole Becca storyline, as it was never really talked about) I wished we had at least one pov of Gabriel's. I'm just so happy with the outcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2015
Gwen gave some great advice as a mother without judgment, "You're asking me for the answer to a question you're too afraid to ask yourself . . . this is a decision you have to make on your own."
The moment when Kat has clarity on the situation, taking responsibility and it indicates who her heart really belongs to, ". . . and I destroyed the best thing I ever had."
The moment when Kat has clarity on the situation, taking responsibility and it indicates who her heart really belongs to, ". . . and I destroyed the best thing I ever had."
Read
January 24, 2016DNF. I'll read a book with cheating, but I just couldn't get passed Kat doing this to a guy she really loved. I'll admit I skipped to the end to see what happened, which made what she did even worse. This might be a great read for someone else, but I couldn't do it.
February 5, 2017
3,8. Gostei da leitura apesar de me lembrar muuuuuito outro livro..... colocar no lugar de outra pessoa em situações como essa do livro realmente dá pra pirar.
September 17, 2015
Pure Abandon
was an incredible debut novel by author,
Jeannine Colette!
I loved her writing style and her well developed characters. I liked how she weaved her real-world life experience as a Producer into into her character's work lives at Asher-Marks Communications.
The dynamic main characters included:
• Gabriel Monroe - Gabriel worked long hours as a tax-fraud defense attorney. He wanted to provide a good lifestyle for his family. He preferred his wife, Kathryn, to be a stay-at-home mother to their one-year-old son, Jackson.
• Kathryn Grayson - Kathryn was a lonely housewife. She willingly made many concessions for her successful husband and their son. Possessing a strong work ethic, she had an intense longing to return to work. Gabriel and Kathryn made a temporary truce to allow her return to work as a Producer.
• Alexander Asher - Alex was a philanthropic billionaire, media mogul, and owner of Asher-Marks Communications. After their chance encounter in the rain, Alex found himself lusting after his married employee. His inappropriate behavior towards Kathryn formed a lust/hate relationship between them.
These complex characters were embroiled in a dramatic, emotional story...where nothing was as black and white as it seemed. Passion and deception were weaved throughout the story. The plot contained plenty of angst and internal conflicts, and there were some surprising twists that I didn't see coming.
I'll admit that Pure Abandon didn't end the way I hoped it would, but the ending still gave me "the feels."
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
The dynamic main characters included:
• Gabriel Monroe - Gabriel worked long hours as a tax-fraud defense attorney. He wanted to provide a good lifestyle for his family. He preferred his wife, Kathryn, to be a stay-at-home mother to their one-year-old son, Jackson.
• Kathryn Grayson - Kathryn was a lonely housewife. She willingly made many concessions for her successful husband and their son. Possessing a strong work ethic, she had an intense longing to return to work. Gabriel and Kathryn made a temporary truce to allow her return to work as a Producer.
• Alexander Asher - Alex was a philanthropic billionaire, media mogul, and owner of Asher-Marks Communications. After their chance encounter in the rain, Alex found himself lusting after his married employee. His inappropriate behavior towards Kathryn formed a lust/hate relationship between them.
These complex characters were embroiled in a dramatic, emotional story...where nothing was as black and white as it seemed. Passion and deception were weaved throughout the story. The plot contained plenty of angst and internal conflicts, and there were some surprising twists that I didn't see coming.
I'll admit that Pure Abandon didn't end the way I hoped it would, but the ending still gave me "the feels."
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
August 22, 2016
I hate cheating inside of marriage. Cheat on your boyfriend, even your fiance - but once you enter into vows, game over. You have picked a path - stick with, work hard, avoid temptation and sacrifice. I have a very hard time buying into the happy ever after of cheating on your spouse - it kinda makes me angry! This book was hard for me to read at times. I kinda felt like I was reading it with a hand over one eye. At times I removed the hand and then...bloop...slam it back on because I'm a little uncomfortable. And I am going crazy shaking my head.....no don't say that, don't have those tender moments, what are you doing?!?!??
With that being said the attraction between Kat and Asher is addicting and the story itself is really a page turner - you are doubting everyone and just waiting for the bad guy to surface so all can be OK. It's hard to feel like your heart melted for anyone, but you do feel and it's heartbreaking and that's better than some of the stuff I read!!! I am looking forward to reading the sequel!
With that being said the attraction between Kat and Asher is addicting and the story itself is really a page turner - you are doubting everyone and just waiting for the bad guy to surface so all can be OK. It's hard to feel like your heart melted for anyone, but you do feel and it's heartbreaking and that's better than some of the stuff I read!!! I am looking forward to reading the sequel!
April 29, 2018
It's free on ALL platforms!!! Grab it today!!
Wow! Such a thought provoker! All I can say is afterward I hugged my husband and kids really hard and spent the rest of the day just enjoying them. This book really gets you thinking, What would I do? I read on a blog someone stated they were going to skip it because of the infidelity and I'm not going to lie, I normally would have skipped it for the same reason but I felt compelled and wanted to support a new author so I gave it a shot and I'm so glad I did. It was so much more than your normal cheating husband or straying wife. It was REAL. I can see many people in these exact situations and anyone struggling through something similar should definitely read this.
My favorite parts were the flashbacks and twinkies. I won't say anything more about it though so I don't give it away. ;-)
Wow! Such a thought provoker! All I can say is afterward I hugged my husband and kids really hard and spent the rest of the day just enjoying them. This book really gets you thinking, What would I do? I read on a blog someone stated they were going to skip it because of the infidelity and I'm not going to lie, I normally would have skipped it for the same reason but I felt compelled and wanted to support a new author so I gave it a shot and I'm so glad I did. It was so much more than your normal cheating husband or straying wife. It was REAL. I can see many people in these exact situations and anyone struggling through something similar should definitely read this.
My favorite parts were the flashbacks and twinkies. I won't say anything more about it though so I don't give it away. ;-)
January 20, 2023
4.5 Stars
I struggle with cheat books, but damn, this one hit me. I literally cried. I hardly ever cry from a book. This was really well done. There were parts that you loved and hated all the main characters. That takes talent. I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m excited for this series. I’ve owned the books for so many years and I’m glad a made 2023 to finally dig into them.
I struggle with cheat books, but damn, this one hit me. I literally cried. I hardly ever cry from a book. This was really well done. There were parts that you loved and hated all the main characters. That takes talent. I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m excited for this series. I’ve owned the books for so many years and I’m glad a made 2023 to finally dig into them.
July 22, 2015
"You make my life make sense."
Pure Abandon is a romance, but it is so much more than your typical plot lines and characters. This novel has a depth to it that has a way of sneaking up on you. At first, I thought it would be just a typical story line but quickly found myself absorbed into the world of the characters.
Kathryn is married with a baby when she decides to go back to work. At Asher Industries, she finds herself again, rediscovers her passion for business, and finds Alex Asher. Alex is a super attractive business mogul who is Kathryn's boss. Quickly, however, this woman who is feeling neglected at home starts to attract the attention of Alex; the story unfolds from there in a complicated series of events, proving love is never black and white.
Alex Asher seems like a Christian Grey at first; super attractive, super confident, and super wealthy. However, I found Asher to be much more likable than Grey because he has a sense of humility to him. There is so much depth to his character, and so much to uncover about him. He certainly has his faults, such as arrogance at times, but Kathryn brings out a different side to him that the reader can quickly enjoy. As Colette writes, "He is a walking contradiction. He's arrogant, but he cares so much for those less fortunate. He is rude and dismissive, yet he gives me time to share my stories. He is insightful and funny. He always knows how to make me laugh, and he gets me."
I really liked that this story delves deeply into the emotions of marriage, lust, self-realization, and affairs. The protagonists are well-developed and exceedingly likable. By the middle of the book, I could feel Kathryn's confusion and conflict firsthand, a testament to the quality of the writing.
I initially felt like there was too much backstory about Kathryn and Gabriel. I felt like there was a lot revealed in the first two chapters through telling instead of showing. However, as the story unfolded, I realized how wrong I was about this. As the book unfolds, you realize that there is so much more depth to the characters; the author doesn't even touch the surface in the first few chapters. Thus, once you keep reading, you realize that the "backstory" is essential and perfectly presented.
I look forward to more works by Jeannine Colette. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy romance or women's fiction of any kind.
Pure Abandon is a romance, but it is so much more than your typical plot lines and characters. This novel has a depth to it that has a way of sneaking up on you. At first, I thought it would be just a typical story line but quickly found myself absorbed into the world of the characters.
Kathryn is married with a baby when she decides to go back to work. At Asher Industries, she finds herself again, rediscovers her passion for business, and finds Alex Asher. Alex is a super attractive business mogul who is Kathryn's boss. Quickly, however, this woman who is feeling neglected at home starts to attract the attention of Alex; the story unfolds from there in a complicated series of events, proving love is never black and white.
Alex Asher seems like a Christian Grey at first; super attractive, super confident, and super wealthy. However, I found Asher to be much more likable than Grey because he has a sense of humility to him. There is so much depth to his character, and so much to uncover about him. He certainly has his faults, such as arrogance at times, but Kathryn brings out a different side to him that the reader can quickly enjoy. As Colette writes, "He is a walking contradiction. He's arrogant, but he cares so much for those less fortunate. He is rude and dismissive, yet he gives me time to share my stories. He is insightful and funny. He always knows how to make me laugh, and he gets me."
I really liked that this story delves deeply into the emotions of marriage, lust, self-realization, and affairs. The protagonists are well-developed and exceedingly likable. By the middle of the book, I could feel Kathryn's confusion and conflict firsthand, a testament to the quality of the writing.
I initially felt like there was too much backstory about Kathryn and Gabriel. I felt like there was a lot revealed in the first two chapters through telling instead of showing. However, as the story unfolded, I realized how wrong I was about this. As the book unfolds, you realize that there is so much more depth to the characters; the author doesn't even touch the surface in the first few chapters. Thus, once you keep reading, you realize that the "backstory" is essential and perfectly presented.
I look forward to more works by Jeannine Colette. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy romance or women's fiction of any kind.
July 18, 2016
So after reading and loving Wild Abandon, I had to start this series from the beginning. We have Kat and Gabriel who are married, just had a child not too long ago. They are living the typical married life. After a rocky intro with her new boss, Alexander Asher they hit it off. Kat is torn with her feelings and dreams that she is having about Asher. Gabriel is working so many hours and she lonely and feeling neglected. Plus there's this woman Becca that he jogs with late at night. As expected an affair happens. Kat did feel bad about cheating on Gabriel and also struggled with her feelings for both men. With the way everything was set up, I honestly was expecting more angst. Don't get me wrong we did have some sad moments but I was waiting for my heart to be ripped out and it didn't happen. I would have liked for the author to go into more detail. I would have liked more information on the whole Becca situation. That fell flat for me. They had a lot of issues in their marriage and I would have like to see more of that discussed. After she makes her decision, we are fast forward to two years later. We get a glimpse of what happens but I would have liked to experience more in those two years. This was Colette's first book and her writing and story telling has improved tremendously!! So even though this book didn't blow me away like Wild Abandon did I will continue with the next book.
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com/
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com/
September 13, 2015
I won this book from Good Reads First Reads.
I have to admit that the longer I read this book the more conflicted I became about the situation. I am not sure if I would have read this if I had not won it. That's okay though. I won and read something amazing. It has opened up my eyes to the possibility that something like this could happen to me. My significant other who works too much, me not knowing myself like I thought. Temptation comes in many forms and Kathryn found temptation with a man. I am angry with all the characters involved for making stupid decisions for what they believe, mostly, to be the right reason. There were times I wanted to throw this book against the wall in frustration, but let me tell you I had trouble putting it down long enough to go to the bathroom. How, tell me, could I throw the exasperating and mesmerizing book I was reading and miss those precious seconds I could have used to get to the end to find our -answer.-
I desperately wanted to know the answer but I read the entire book to feel vindicated. I believe that she chose the right answer. I also must say That the one left behind did deserve better. Maybe there'll be another book. I want to see his happily ever after too.
I have to admit that the longer I read this book the more conflicted I became about the situation. I am not sure if I would have read this if I had not won it. That's okay though. I won and read something amazing. It has opened up my eyes to the possibility that something like this could happen to me. My significant other who works too much, me not knowing myself like I thought. Temptation comes in many forms and Kathryn found temptation with a man. I am angry with all the characters involved for making stupid decisions for what they believe, mostly, to be the right reason. There were times I wanted to throw this book against the wall in frustration, but let me tell you I had trouble putting it down long enough to go to the bathroom. How, tell me, could I throw the exasperating and mesmerizing book I was reading and miss those precious seconds I could have used to get to the end to find our -answer.-
I desperately wanted to know the answer but I read the entire book to feel vindicated. I believe that she chose the right answer. I also must say That the one left behind did deserve better. Maybe there'll be another book. I want to see his happily ever after too.
August 19, 2016
I'd rate this book 31/2 to 4 stars. As it started very slow at 50% I was wondering when something was going to happen well at 70% it finally did.
Any way this book has 3 main characters and Kathryn and Gabriel have been married for 5 years together for 10 years and they have just had their first child and is about a year old. As she doesn't have very many friends she wants to return to work. Her best friend and only friend is Malory and she gets her a job. Her big boss is Alex Asher who was an Orphan and was bought up by his Grand Father he was a trust fund child and mega wealthy. He actually appears to not have any true friends and most girls he dates are only after what he can give them, rather than build a future relationship together. As Kathryn is already married they decide to build a friendship which eventually builds to more.
It is insinuated that Gabriel is cheating on Kathryn, and I feel he actually is but when Kathryn is caught cheating on Gabriel he denies it completely. Or twists the situation to make her believe she was imaging the whole thing. As they do.
I wish there was a sequel or continued a little more as it left me just wanting more of a story for Asher.
It's a very slow build but worth a read.
Any way this book has 3 main characters and Kathryn and Gabriel have been married for 5 years together for 10 years and they have just had their first child and is about a year old. As she doesn't have very many friends she wants to return to work. Her best friend and only friend is Malory and she gets her a job. Her big boss is Alex Asher who was an Orphan and was bought up by his Grand Father he was a trust fund child and mega wealthy. He actually appears to not have any true friends and most girls he dates are only after what he can give them, rather than build a future relationship together. As Kathryn is already married they decide to build a friendship which eventually builds to more.
It is insinuated that Gabriel is cheating on Kathryn, and I feel he actually is but when Kathryn is caught cheating on Gabriel he denies it completely. Or twists the situation to make her believe she was imaging the whole thing. As they do.
I wish there was a sequel or continued a little more as it left me just wanting more of a story for Asher.
It's a very slow build but worth a read.
September 29, 2015
Took me a while to get to this review because I just didn't know how much I wanted to say. Ok, by the end of this book, I was happy but also literally heartbroken. Like, my heart was on the floor.
Kathryn was looking for more out of life and going back to work after having a baby with her husband, Gabriel, seemed like the right place to start. Their marriage was not broken, just seemed to be in a rut. Gabriel worked all the time, trying to make a better future for his family. But, of course Kathryn had those days where the doubts would creep in.
So, back to work for Kathryn......AND enter Alexander Asher. Hello hotness! I loved him and the dynamic between him and Kathryn felt so real. Don't get me wrong, I loved Gabriel too!
Lots of angst, misunderstandings, and emotion! Oh Alex, I just can't get you out of my mind!
Great book! Can't wait for #2 on October 27th! I'll be jumping right into that one.
Kathryn was looking for more out of life and going back to work after having a baby with her husband, Gabriel, seemed like the right place to start. Their marriage was not broken, just seemed to be in a rut. Gabriel worked all the time, trying to make a better future for his family. But, of course Kathryn had those days where the doubts would creep in.
So, back to work for Kathryn......AND enter Alexander Asher. Hello hotness! I loved him and the dynamic between him and Kathryn felt so real. Don't get me wrong, I loved Gabriel too!
Lots of angst, misunderstandings, and emotion! Oh Alex, I just can't get you out of my mind!
Great book! Can't wait for #2 on October 27th! I'll be jumping right into that one.
July 29, 2020
No one else but Jeannine Colette can make you root for the bad guy to win in her books!
How wrong is that? Anyway,not only do you want the wrong guy to win but when the right guy does, you are completely happy with the outcome!
This is why this was a perfect start to this Awesome series! It gives you all the best of both guys and makes you love them both!
Love this Talented Author and Loved this series!
How wrong is that? Anyway,not only do you want the wrong guy to win but when the right guy does, you are completely happy with the outcome!
This is why this was a perfect start to this Awesome series! It gives you all the best of both guys and makes you love them both!
Love this Talented Author and Loved this series!
January 2, 2017
This was my first read from this author, I usually stay away from triangles bc I'm the one that always ends up hurt and broken hearted, I was hurt and my heart broke for the guy left on the side, but this premise was very close to young or older marriages, we get involved in everyday life, work and we take each for granted until someone else pays attention that is lacking from our partner. Gabriel was a great and wonderful guy/husband/father, Alex was everything that was lacking.
Looking forward to reading the guy left behind.
Looking forward to reading the guy left behind.
August 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book for review.
Fantastic read! I enjoyed Jeannine's writing and her characters.
Kathyrn Grayson is a married mother of one. She is finally ready to work hard for what she wants. She has a hard time balancing her work and personal life and confides in too many people. I think the only one really there for her was her mother Gwen. I respect Kat depsite her mistake she made with Asher. She knew she wanted her family and was willing to make things work for it. She quit her job, told Gabe to do the same and they moved to FL from NY. Kat may have lost her way through the years of marriage and being a new mom, but she quickly found her way after one mistake could have torn her world apart. However, that one mistake revealed so much about her supposed "friend" Malory which made things harder, but easier to deal with. Kat is a wonder woman in her own way.
Alexander Asher is a bold, blunt man. He gets everything he wants and never takes no for an answer. He wanted Kat from the start and no matter if she was married, he was determined to have her. He fell for her and she turned him down. I enjoyed him so much because he always seemed to be in boss mode, but when he went into casual, friend mode he was such a joy. He wasn't your typical entitled man, but he definitely knew how to get what he wanted. I loved how Kat told him like it was at the end and walked away from him. I don't respect how he kept gunning for, but it made this such an interesting story.
Gabriel Monroe was a douche-bag husband, but he was very underdeveloped. I honestly thought he was cheating because he was distant sexually, taking runs with women and not giving his attention to his wife. He may be hot, but he showed no true emotions up until the end when he got those photos of Kat and Asher. He needed more work done.
Malory is a conniving bitch. I always thought that Heather was the crazy one, but Malory takes the gotdamn cake. She wielded her way into Kat's life, befriended her and all to destroy because she had feelings for Gabe AND was having sex with Asher. She is downright a fucked up friend. I cannot deal with her at all. She was a great asset to the story though because she really portrayed the best-friend role extremely well.
This was such a realistic story with a better ending then most stories would have created. I'm excited for Reckless Abandon.
Fantastic read! I enjoyed Jeannine's writing and her characters.
Kathyrn Grayson is a married mother of one. She is finally ready to work hard for what she wants. She has a hard time balancing her work and personal life and confides in too many people. I think the only one really there for her was her mother Gwen. I respect Kat depsite her mistake she made with Asher. She knew she wanted her family and was willing to make things work for it. She quit her job, told Gabe to do the same and they moved to FL from NY. Kat may have lost her way through the years of marriage and being a new mom, but she quickly found her way after one mistake could have torn her world apart. However, that one mistake revealed so much about her supposed "friend" Malory which made things harder, but easier to deal with. Kat is a wonder woman in her own way.
Alexander Asher is a bold, blunt man. He gets everything he wants and never takes no for an answer. He wanted Kat from the start and no matter if she was married, he was determined to have her. He fell for her and she turned him down. I enjoyed him so much because he always seemed to be in boss mode, but when he went into casual, friend mode he was such a joy. He wasn't your typical entitled man, but he definitely knew how to get what he wanted. I loved how Kat told him like it was at the end and walked away from him. I don't respect how he kept gunning for, but it made this such an interesting story.
Gabriel Monroe was a douche-bag husband, but he was very underdeveloped. I honestly thought he was cheating because he was distant sexually, taking runs with women and not giving his attention to his wife. He may be hot, but he showed no true emotions up until the end when he got those photos of Kat and Asher. He needed more work done.
Malory is a conniving bitch. I always thought that Heather was the crazy one, but Malory takes the gotdamn cake. She wielded her way into Kat's life, befriended her and all to destroy because she had feelings for Gabe AND was having sex with Asher. She is downright a fucked up friend. I cannot deal with her at all. She was a great asset to the story though because she really portrayed the best-friend role extremely well.
This was such a realistic story with a better ending then most stories would have created. I'm excited for Reckless Abandon.
June 13, 2015
I was hooked from the beginning of PURE ABANDON by Jeannine Colette. I instantly loved the main character, Kathryn. With her seemingly perfect life in the suburbs with her stud husband and beautiful little baby. Once Kathryn returns to the work place her life doesn’t seem as perfect. Her husband is spending a lot of time at his office, and she is struggling to balance her work & home life. It doesn’t help that her new boss, Asher, is a world class jerk. Or is he? Home life becomes rocky & Kathryn turns to Asher after getting off on the wrong foot. The sexual chemistry between the two is evident, and Kathryn has a big choice to make. This book is sexy & captivating. I was rooting for Kathryn the whole time as she tries to figure it all out. Jeannine Colette introduces great characters throughout the book – Kathryn’s best friend that got her the job, their secretary & Kathryn’s mom are some of my favorites. I loved peeling back all of the layers of this story, and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for Jeannine Colette’s second book!
July 27, 2015
Soooooo for some reason I love reading books about infidelity and broken marriages,couples struggling with one problem and another and seeing how they survive through it,what choices they make and if they come out on top of things at the end.This book was a pleasant surprise for me.After reading Mia Asher's Arsen,I was hooked on this type of book.You get that feel with this book.Maybe not as intense,but I definitely had some heart racing moments of screaming......."Don't Do It!","What are you thinking?" and some of those awwwwwww moments.
I loved all the characters and felt for them at different times in the book.I'm not condoning cheating,but sometimes I see how it happens.
Oh wait,there was a female character that I thought I liked.......come to find out........I loathe her.
I can't say too much or it will spoil the story,but give this book a try if you like this sort of marital mess that people create themselves and then realize they are stupid!
I loved all the characters and felt for them at different times in the book.I'm not condoning cheating,but sometimes I see how it happens.
Oh wait,there was a female character that I thought I liked.......come to find out........I loathe her.
I can't say too much or it will spoil the story,but give this book a try if you like this sort of marital mess that people create themselves and then realize they are stupid!
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