Timid

Lark Cove #2

by Devney Perry

Willa Doon has always been shy. Her quiet demeanor was something she’s always embraced. That is, until Jackson Page moves to town. The one man she desperately wants to take notice struggles to remember her name.

Year after year, Willa stands by, watching as the bartender slash playboy drowns his demons in beer and sex. Then one night, he shows up at her door, suddenly aware that the girl he’s seen around Lark Cove is now a beautiful woman.

Except what he doesn’t remember is that this visit isn’t his first. They spent a night together once before. A night he’s forgotten, thanks to a bottle of tequila.

A night that crushed a timid girl’s heart, and set a broken man on the path to heal them both.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance

384 pages, ebook

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

Devney is a #1 Amazon, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons.”

Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.

www.devneyperry.com

Reviews

[⚔Irunía⚔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I hit a reviewing slump, but still gotta things to say. May the odds be ever in my favor, here I go:

Time to spill a secret that ain't really a secret for anyone who has been subjected to my reviews for more than two days: I love men who come on strong, because the notion of a man coming on too strong doesn't exist in my view of the world fiction.

See? This book is achingly sweet, sickeningly perfect and amazingly wholesome, but I still managed to enjoy it so much? Any volunteers to take my temperature? 🤒🌡️

“Willa!” Mom frowned. “Stop doing that.”
“Sorry. This chair is, um . . . uncomfortable.”
Behind me, Jackson chuckled. “I’ve got somewhere else you could sit.”

Backhanded innuendoes right in front of her parents? Jackson (H) knew how to win me Willa over.

The premise of this story didn't catch my attention: a girl pining after a guy (an unapologetic womanizer who prefers one-night stands *shocked gasp*) for excruciatingly long 9 years with him never noticing her starry-eyed gaze?

However, I ended up being pulled into these characters' fantastic love story. Willa as well as Jackson were such good (fictional) people that it physically hurt me to give them four stars. ❤️

Jackson (H)

The fact that Willa never verbally expressed her feelings toward Jackson during her unrequited love stage (between the ages of 17 and 26🥶) completely redeemed the hero in my eyes.

Unlike some, I believe that a guy can be too caught up in his own problems to notice a shy, sweet, younger girl looking at him with stars in her eyes. Not each of us has psychic abilities. 🥲

The way it took him a few attempts to remember her real name and he kept calling her Willa instead of Willow was so amusing and hilarious. Don't tell me it isn't, I don't trust you bitches anyway.😂

In that regard, Jackson is my spirit animal. 🤝🏻 I don't even want to remember the number of times I've embarrassed myself in real life because my memory for names is nonexistent.

I appreciated that the author didn't drag the part where the hero remained clueless to his girl's feelings: we were told rather than shown that he hadn't been paying any attention to his sweet little neighbor Willa for years, which spared us the vicarious embarrassment.

Despite some other signs that might be telling you a different story, the guy was a clever one. Once he took an appreciative glance at Willa, he became a man obsessed with a singular purpose in life — to make this beautiful creature his. 👅💦

All the sweet notes he left at her doorstep so that she eventually gave in to his sweet persistence and agreed to go out on a date? Every day visits to her working place? The charming flirting and stubborn chasing after his Willa treasure he had just suddenly discovered?

Someone fucking wipe the happy tears from my eyes and remind me cynically that it's not me who's the object of this guy's admiration. 🤒

Jackson is a gentleman, and I don't do gentlemen I rarely have anything nice to say about a gentleman, so it's time to take a screenshot because I confess to thinking that he is a gentleman in the most delicious sense. Opening doors for her, walking her home (that's my favorite thing about guys who are head over heels with their woman. If he doesn't walk me home to make sure I'm safe and sound, why would I need him, huh?), hiding his erection so that she doesn't freak out. Considerate kind. Do you by any chance have a long-lost brother, Mr. Jackson? Asking for a friend. 👉🏻👈🏻🥺

I always look for heroes who make me feel like the heroine is super special to them. Then I can blissfully turn a blind eye to their tainted reputation. Jackson is definitely a perfect example of such heroes. Reformed manwhores are the best heroes, fight me on this. ❤️

I'd rather have a hero who only did one-night stands than a guy who was once a devoted and loyal boyfriend to another chick. I'm possessive like that. 🤪

Willa (h)

Willa in her turn was such a wholesome, amusing, sweet and romantic to the marrow of her bones girl. Hey, nice to meet you, my dumbass soulmate. 💖

This girl had been hiding her infatuation with Jackson for 9 years (not very vehemently since everyone but Jackson knew about it 😂😅), watching him from afar and waiting for this particular prince to come and sweep her off her feet one beautiful sunny day.

She was so unassuming, loyal and timid, I found it adorable. And I don't say adorable often.

That being said, this girl had more self-respect than 95% of the heroines, badass and doormat likewise, that I've come across in the romance genre.

She knew her worth, stuck to her guns and refused to be treated with less respect than she deserved. She made the guy work hard to fall into her graces again after that one little episode between them at the very beginning of the book that had truly hurt her fragile little heart.

At the same time, she didn't prolong the period of trial him wooing and begging her for her attention. It was an uber-satisfying experience that didn't transform into an exasperating one for a reader. And the hero. 😂

FINAL THOUGHTS

Here you won't find any over-the-top characters that so easily fit into generic categories like "doormat", "manwhore", etc. Both protagonists act like real people and not walking clichés that readers are so hellbent on defining them as. They have real-life problems, experience the full range of emotions, doubts and feelings. They make wrong choices and commit mistakes.

Oxymoronic as it might sound after everything I've just mentioned, this book is a fairytale for adults who believe that one day their one and only true love will find its way into their lives.

💙A beautiful, tender, awkward, touching story about a girl who has waited for her imperfect prince and found her happily ever after💙

Any other day? This book would probably get solid 3 stars from me (just for the hero's persistence. I'm easy like that). But today I was up for something slow, romantic and naively sweet. 💖

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!



I’ve read several books by Devney Perry, and I have to say- Timid is my favorite book of hers by far. I loved Willa and Jackson’s story so much!

Unrequited love. Willa Doon has been in love with Jackson Page from the moment she first met him. He basically didn’t know she existed. In fact, he called her the wrong name for years. Willa is a bit on the shy side, but she is a wonderful person. She runs a youth camp and is involved in Lark Cove. One night, Jackson see’s a different side of Willa. The problem- he doesn’t remember. Willa is crushed and decides to move on, as she should have years ago.

It’s in that moment Willa finds the strength to move forward that Jackson truly sees her. He wants to get to know her and spend time with her. But Willa isn’t so sure anymore. Jackson actually has to work for it to get time with her, and I loved that. She deserved to be pursued and wanted. Jackson has had a hard life. He came to Lark Cove to be with the only ‘family’ he really had. He doesn’t get too close to anyone. It’s just the way he is. Willa is determined to break those barriers down.

I love a man who has some issues and is a bit damaged. Jackson fits that bill perfectly. His back story broke my heart and I can completely understand why he was the way he was. I loved him. What I truly loved about this book was seeing Willa come into her own. She went from being this shy and timid girl to being someone who stood up for herself and fought for the things she wanted. She got Jackson to jump through those hurdles and move past some of his trust issues.

“I think what’s important is finding a person who makes you better. And someone you can trust with your heart. And, Jackson? I trust you with mine.”

Jackson and Willa’s love story was beautiful. Denvey Perry did a fantastic job with this story. I loved both of the main characters, it brought the feels, and kept me completely invested. I can’t wait to read more from this series!

She was my courageous champion. My warrior. My lover. My friend. My everything.

[KAS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up)

Ever since I finished “Tattered,” I have been looking so forward to reading Jackson and Willa’s story. What started out as a tension building page turner, fizzled out too quickly for my taste.

*****

For nine long years, since the age of seventeen, Willa Doon has been pining away for Jackson Page since the day he swaggered into the convenience store and stole her heart. He basically stole her voice, too, seeing as she can’t string together three coherent words when around him.

For those same nine years, Willa has not even come close to registering on Jackson’s female meter. Heck he hasn’t even been able to get her name right, always referring to her as Willow. Jackson is also known as quite the playboy in the quaint town of Lark Cove.

One night Jackson finally notices Willa, which changes their relationship forever.

*****

Three-quarters of the way into the storyline, the plot shifts into “suspense “ mode, which detracted from the romance aspect.

I really think there was a missed opportunity for this to have been a great five star read. There was huge potential for serious groveling, angst and much needed tension between Jackson and Willa before they got together.

Overall a decent read, but it could have been so much more.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

I feel like I am gonna have the same kind of relationship with this author that I do with Cora Reilly: I like the books, but something keeps me from loving them at first...until a few re-reads go by and the world/characters finally beat me into submission.

Does that make sense?

Much like the first book, I really liked the main characters and their relationship. Jackson was adorable and I really liked Willa. I enjoy female characters who may seem shy/demure/wallflower-ish upon initial inspection, but who truly have a firm sense of themselves, who they are, and what they want out of life.

Much like the first one though, I feel like the story got bogged down by outside forces and a mystery-type plot that simply wasn't necessary and, ultimately, took away from the story.

Sometimes a simple love story and character drama is all you need, especially when that is the tone you've set. Throwing in stalkers and murders and thriller-esque type crap (especially when it's the 4th quarter and it's seemingly out of nowhere) just changes the whole feel of the book. And it feels sloppy.

Regardless, I enjoyed this story and am enjoying this series in general. I can definitely see this being a sleeper hit for me as a series. I just really love the characters and the town of Lark Cove. On to the next one.

[Arini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standalone Series

#1 Tattered — 3.75 Stars
#2 Timid — 3.5 Stars
#3 Tragic — 4 Stars
#4 Tinsel — 3 Stars

Unrequited love, oh, the story of my life. Yikes!

“I was twenty-six years old. I had kissed one man, after which he’d forgotten. I’d never had a boyfriend or sex. I’d never been in love. All because I’d been waiting for Jackson Page.”

That’s what this book is about in a nutshell. You can full on cringe now. But wait, there’s more!

Guess who Jackson Page is? Yup, the town’s manwhore. Little miss goody two shoes (Willa Doon) has been pining for the man since she was seventeen. That means NINE YEARS of subjecting herself to the feeling of longing, obsession, heartache while Jackson lived his life barely aware of her existence and went through his supply of women like he did a pack of cigarettes.

“I’d been a blind asshole. All this time she’d been right there. If not for Thea’s drawing, I may have never opened my eyes. They were open now.”

Eh. Okay. Jackson is not as bad as I made him out to be. He’s just infuriatingly clueless and has mommy issues. There’s no OW/OM drama. And the thing about him being a playboy, that’s just his reputation. He doesn’t glorify that in this book.

“Do you have any idea how long I’d been waiting for you to notice me? How many times I’d walked into the bar and wished you’d finally just see me? Then you did and I was so happy. And then you forgot.”

Welcome to the club, honey! We can be pathetic together. I was done hanging on to a lost cause after three miserable years. But you got more willpower than a bull charging at a red flag. You also got your HEA, so kudos to you, Ms. Doon!

Willa is not my type of heroine, but I can kinda see myself in her. Not just about the ridiculous one sided love, but also her personalities.

“I’m not much of a fighter and I rarely stand up for myself. But I’m standing up for you. I’ll fight for you.” Her hands slid up to my cheeks, pushing me back so she could look me in the eye. “I’m not letting you go. And I’ll never leave you behind.”

Some might say she has no self respect for latching on to a man who doesn’t deserve her. Heck I judged her for that too. Mostly bcs I like to root for characters who are the polar opposite of me. But I also think it takes courage to love someone fiercely and pour your heart out to them like Willa did Jackson.

Enough about Willa the virgin. Beautiful and emotional as it is, the romance flourishes rather quickly in the first half of the book. There could’ve been more tension and grovelling. But the book moves on with the ‘suspense’ side plot in the next half. It’s more fleshed out compare to the one in Tattered. It’s also not exactly what I signed up for, so... *shrug*

Bottom line is, Timid doesn’t fill up the potential to be one of the greatest unrequited love stories I’ve ever read. It’s an enjoyable read nonetheless.

[Dri ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ 3.5 STARS ★

“It’s easy to love someone when times are good. Real love is about holding on to one another when times aren’t.”

▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬

Confesso que quando li Tattered nenhum dos dois personagens me chamou a atenção ou despertou minha curiosidade. Então eu nem fiquei tão ansiosa ou criei muitas expectativas... Porém, este livro me pegou de surpresa, pois eu não imaginava que iria gostar tanto quanto gostei.

A princípio, tudo indicava que a minha maior dificuldade aqui seria gostar da Willa e sua personalidade. Extremamente tímida, ingênua e sonhadora, ela é o tipo de mocinha que eu não sou muito fã. Entretanto, a autora conseguiu me envolver de uma tal forma que mesmo não concordando com suas atitudes e querendo vê-la se impor mais, eu acabei realmente criando uma simpatia pela personagem.

Teve alguns pontos que me incomodaram e outros que foram difíceis de acreditar.
Mas no geral, posso dizer que gostei dessa história.
Foi uma leitura rápida e bem gostosinha.

“I think what’s important is finding a person who makes you better. And someone you can trust with your heart.”

[Maditales · Rating 1 out of 5]

God no.

Jackon does not deserve Willa and Willa did not have to chase him that much. The unrequited crush of Willa was already mentioned in book one and after finding out that her and Jackson were going to end up together, I knew I would not be a fan.

Jackson and Willa have lived in the same town for years and Willa has come to the bar almost every day just to see him and you're trying to tell me that Jackson did not recognise her face, nor remembered her name for years.
When he finally recognised her for the first time he was shocked at how beautiful she was and then went after her. Absolutely not. He never paid a cent of attention to her but when he finally sees a drawing of her and sees that she is hot, he goes and practically begs her for a date?
No.

We were definitely supposed to feel bad for Jackson because of his past and yes, his past is horrible but it doesn't excuse how he treated Willa for years.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS

TIMID: is the second full length novel in Denver Perry’s ‘Lark Cove' series. This is Willa Doon & Jackson Page’s story who we’re first introduced to in ‘Tattered.’ Spoken in ‘Dual Perspectives.’

Willa has silently from afar has been crushing on Jackson since her late teens..

“One day I am going to marry Jackson Page. I just had to get him to notice me first.” when she first met him at their local service station and he was the hot new comer in town.

”Jackson and Willa. Willa and Jackson. Our names went together like peanut butter and jelly.

As the years go by, Twenty-six year old Willa silently stands by watching as thirty-one year old commitment phobe, Jackson drowns his demons in bimbos, floozies and beer, I wasn't the guy you brought home to meet Daddy. never seeing her patiently waiting in the shadows for the day to come when he’ll notice her, the shy girl, the timid girl, that’s loved Jackson for many many years. But despite all his indiscretions it still didn't dim Willa's crush.



A stolen first kiss, an unforgettable moment for Willa turns sour in her mouth when the very next day Jackson doesn't even look once in her direction.

Is it over before it had even begun?

I really enjoyed Willa's transgression from the timid girl to the girl with a back bone, the girl who fought for those she loved, those she believed in.

Jackson had me cringing so many times I lost count, the guy was just as clueless as they came, so many times I wanted to slap him upside the head, I really didn't think I'd like this character but slowly oh so slowly he even managed to worm his way into my heart.

After reading and enjoying the first book in this series I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, the town whore shacking up with the timid mouse, it just calls for all those feels to come at you!! AND OMG did they come at you!! I floved this, all the feels in the world, this book was so worth the wait, I loved these two!! The little twists and turns this took me on just added to how much I didn't want this book to end.

     

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****3.75 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}



I was twenty-six years old. I had kissed one man, after which he’d forgotten. I ‘d never had a boyfriend or sex. I’d never been in love. All because I’d been waiting for Jackson Page.






After having read ”Tattered”, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book. Jackson and Willa’s story intrigued me. Unrequited love makes for an epic romance. Willa has been in love with Jackson from the moment she set eyes on him when she was only sixteen and he was the sexy older man who just moved to her small hometown. For years she pined over him and he had no clue that she existed. Nearly ten years later, Willa has grown into a beautiful young woman and finally, a light bulb goes off in Jackson’s head.






At first, I was completely engrossed in this story. After years of not even noticing Willa, Jackson's eyes have been opened and he's inexplicably drawn to Willa, but he messes up royally and winds up breaking her heart. Willa seemed to be a meek character at first, but she actually was pretty fierce and let’s just say she definitely made Jackson work to win her affections back.




The problem was that once Willa forgave Jackson and let him back into her heart, her meekness came back. She became a bland character. This had the makings of a five star read for me and that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the book. I think it needed a little more conflict. Issues were resolved too quickly.






Overall, there's a healthy dose of steam between the main characters and we even get a bit of mystery and intrigue. And if you’re a lover of sappy HEA’s, you will love this one! I have become a dedicated fan of Devney Perry and even though this might not have been my favorite, I still am looking forward to the next book!!




Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 3.5
Heroine: 3.5
Plot: 4
Angst: 3.5
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 4



TIMID is currently available!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2xVnK2n
iBooks: https://apple.co/2I6om6z
B&N: http://bit.ly/2FZR3Bv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Fh8DUx

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ OKAY NOW THISSS is what i’m talking about. I was immediately interested in Willa & Jackson in Tattered, and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! Jackson was a fool but boy did he make up for it. Willa is an angel.. an actual angel for everything she did, her faith in their relationship, the fight she had in her.. very much obsessed. I adored the turn this plot took & I was swooning on the last chapter + the epilogue <333 I even liked Logan a lot more in this book than I did his 😃✌🏻

“I love you so much Willow” <3

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤4,5 sweet stars❤

I love this series and this one was one of my most anticipated books.Devney Perry delivers a heartwarming,sweet and cute story.I adored Jackson and Willa.



The title fits perfect to the story and the storyline was fantastic.I loved how the romance started.Willa is a lovable and strong heroine.I have to admit at the beginning I wasn't 100% impressed with Jackson but while I was reading more I fall in love with him.

Timid has everything I wanted and even more.It has drama,angst and a beautiful romance.


 

  

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

***IT'S ALIVE!!!***

This Timid one can ROAR…

I started Timid not sure I’d get/mesh/understand Willa and her shy ways. I’m by no means extremely outgoing or overly confident myself, but I can hold my own. Then, I met with her, got to know her a little better and there was an instant bond…in a *get to know my book world BFF* kind of way. In a good book, I can step into their world and live right beside the characters, see what they see, feel what they’re feeling and live in their world. Devney Perry writes good books. Willa became my friend and this Timid one isn’t as Timid as I thought she’d be…she can ROAR!

One of the best things Devney Perry does is make me stop, think, and challenges me to change my expectations of the characters. I suppose I’ve got to a stage in reading a romance where I don’t expect reality in my books. In real life, I wouldn’t waste my time on someone I don’t think appreciates me. In real life, I wouldn’t silently take the blows and walk away to contemplate, cry or hide. In real life, I would SCREAM to know why, demand to be heard and make it known how I feel…then I would walk away to contemplate, cry or hide. This Timid one screamed “NO”, she would not walk away from love, she did not give up and she wanted her voice to be heard.

I admired Willa and came to appreciate her quiet ways. Yes, her voice shook when she met with her boss, Logan, who is extremely good looking, rich and successful, I think I would be intimidated too. Sure, she probably crushed on Jackson for longer than I ever would, but she saw something in him that a lot of people missed. I loved that she stood up for herself and refused to be used or looked over. Her loyalty, love for her family and determination to do right proved she was a good woman. I’ve never said this about another character…Willa is someone that I would want my sons to fall in love with.

Jackson Page did not deserve Willa Doon…at first. He didn’t deserve Willa Doon at the halfway mark, either. By the end Jackson Page was the best man for Willa Doon, I loved him and I wanted him to give Willa Doon babies. Oh boy, he had his work cut out for him changing my squinty-eyed glare to fluttery-eyed love you’s. I can’t help but like (in a jealous of good-looking people way) that Jackson had some insecurities. I think I would find it hard to love a perfect man. Luckily for us, Jackson is FAR from perfect.

I loved Timid. Seriously, Devney Perry has become one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her characters, storylines and settings take you out of your comfy reading chair into someone else’s backyard. I’m not expected to believe in the unbelievable, I don’t have to leave my brain in the other room to ignore stupidity and I can just sit back and enjoy a good story. It’s not always easy for Willa and Jackson, but their journey is so worth the effort. If you haven’t visited Lark Cove yet, I suggest you do…NOW!

With that little teaser at the end…I need Tragic right now. There’s a MOUNTAIN MAN who needs a little loving and I think Piper is the one for the job.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to rate this book a little lower than all of the rest of Devny Perry's books. I found this book to be quite boring during the first half. I am happy to report that the second half did pick up; especially after the twist that was put in to the story. Once the twist took place, then things did become a bit more interesting. I am surprised that I didn't feel this book as much as usual, because usually I fall in love with anything and everything that this author writes.

"Timid" is the second book in the "Lark Cove" series, and this story follows Willa and Jackson through their fall into love. Willa was a character that kind of stumped me. She was introduced when she was 17 and she first sees Jackson in a convenience store...from there she basically falls in love/lust with him, and her crush lasts for 9 years from afar. Jackson on the other hand doesn't even notice Willa is alive. He is 5 years older than her; and he is also a manwhore. He doesn't feel he deserves any kind of HEA, or a lady of worth...so he sticks to "slumming it."

The thing is, when he does start to open his eyes to how gorgeous Willa is...I just don't feel that attraction at all. Maybe because it is based on the surface, not on who she is as a person. Truthfully, Willa didn't much appeal to me in anyway either. She seemed very young for her age, and yes...she was a virgin...not that it should matter; but she just came across as mediocre to me. So I didn't buy that Jackson was all of a sudden in awe of her!!!

Anyway, I don't mean to come across as all negative, because the second half of the book did save me from totally disliking the book. I do enjoy this series, as it features all of the towns people in Lark Cove; and I am a sucker for small town stories. I really enjoy them, and there are some very likable characters in this town! Hopefully the next book will be a little more exciting than this one!

Thank you Steph for reading this with me!! I know you were a bit bored too! Here's hoping the third will knock our socks off! LOL

[Ri ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

“One day, I am going to marry Jackson Page. I just had to get him to notice me first.”

Devney really took the ‘she fell first and he fell harder’ trope too far in this book. It was more like she fell first, decided to fix him after nine years of waiting for his attention, and then he fell harder.

I have never read a book about such a pathetic and delusional FMC. Willa could do so much better than Jackson, and instead of making him grovel or beg for ignoring her for nine years, she accepted him with open arms after a few cute post-it notes and frequent visits to her workplace.

“Hey, Willa.” Oh. My. Goodness. He’d called me by the right name. Finally! After years of correcting him each time he called me Willow, hearing my name in his deep voice gave me wings.

Jackson and Willa infuriated me a lot in this book. He is the type of man who would blame everything except himself for his issues, and Willa is the type of woman who settles for the bare minimum. Together, they make a perfect couple. He ignored Willa when she put herself out there for him and called her Willow for nine years, even though she corrected him every time, and he blamed it on ‘I’m bad with names’.

“After years of watching and waiting and hoping, Jackson had finally noticed me. Me, the shy girl who’d loved him from a distance. Tonight, he’d made one of my dreams come true.”

He forgot their first kiss because he was too drunk and drugged to even remember it, and then the moment he saw the beautiful portrait of Willa drawn by Thea, he immediately decided that she was different and that he wanted to have something with her that didn’t end in one-night stands.

He didn’t even grovel for how he behaved and ignored her for nine years! He just dropped post-it notes about cute and mundane things at her doorstep for a few weeks, and then Willa decided that he’d done enough and she was too pathetic to make him grovel, so she accepted the date invite because she’d been in love with Jackson.

“I was glad I’d been able to give her this dream. Some other man—a man who believed in love—would get her others. But at least I’d gotten this one.”


He took all her firsts because Willa was so obsessed with him for nine years and decided the first day she saw him that Jackson would be her first kiss and the man she would marry. I have no problem with FMCs waiting for their crush or love, but you just have to have some self-respect if that man never even called you by your right name or treated you right.

“I should have cut her free sooner, but I’d been a coward. A big dumb coward. I hadn’t been able to walk away from her, because I wanted her too much. I needed her too much.”


They both fell into this getting-to-know-each-other-and-sex routine, and then Jackson realised he couldn’t give Willa the life she wanted and deserved, so he decided to end things with her. But first, he decided to get as much of her as he could before breaking things off because he ‘couldn’t stop when it came to her’. It’s as good as use and throw for me, and no, you can’t change my mind.

“Why had she waited so long for me? Why had she made me crave her? Why couldn’t she have gone to college and met her future husband? That way, I never would have known her. She would have always just been Willow. This was just as much her fault as it was mine.”

Jackson didn’t even deal with his abandonment issues until the very end—he just accepted the fact that he loved her and would do anything in his power to give her everything she wanted. Jackson is a sweet and caring type of guy, but he’s also a certified playboy who doesn’t know how to treat a woman who has loved him for almost a decade. He felt lucky to have Willa in his life, but not enough to deal with his issues himself. Even when he was breaking up with Willa, it was Willa who pushed him to his limits and asked for his reasons. She was the one who made him realise that he loved her, and that was enough for Willa as long as he loved her.

“I closed my eyes, trying to work up the nerve to leave. But fuck, I wanted to keep her. Forever. Would she stay? Would Willa be that one person to stick? Yes. She was my courageous champion. My warrior. My lover. My friend. My everything. Willa was the one.”

And Willa was just as bad as Jackson, if not worse. She had no self-respect. She settled for the bare minimum. I get that she believed in him, and that belief was so strong that she did everything in her power to fix him—and, guys, she did fix him. She turned him into this family guy who wants kids and marriage, from the manwhore he was. What an incredible couple they are.

“You shouldn’t have to put up with that kind of shit from a man. I’m a mess. If you want me to stop so you can find someone better, just say the word. I’ll walk away.” Better? I snorted a laugh. There wasn’t better than Jackson Page. In my book—literally in my diaries—he was as good as it got.

Willa deserved better, and I hated how easy she made everything for Jackson. She gave him everything on a silver platter, and he accepted all of it. She also felt insecure when her friends called out her relationship with Jackson, saying it was just a fling for him. At least she stood up for herself against those fake friends, but she still behaved like a delulu, thinking that it didn’t matter as long as Jackson kept coming back to her and she kept going back to him. I think they both deserve each other with how pathetic and boring they were.

“Maybe a braver woman would have pestered and pressed him until he admitted what was bothering him. Maybe she would have stood up to him, demanding he lose the grumpy attitude. But I wasn’t that woman. I let him be a grouch during the day because at night, he’d still sleep with me in his arms.”

At least the romance was bearable enough for me to finish this book, and there were a few moments I even liked. But then they both decided to act like these stupid characters.

“There.” My finger shot in the air. “Did you see it?”
“Yeah.”
“Aren’t they pretty?”
“Beautiful.” But he wasn’t staring at the sky. He was looking at me.

The suspense and murder plot in the last five chapters was so useless. The torture is finally over. Devney, please don’t do it again.

[Geri Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for the "heroine pining for the hero from afar" trope and this book was on the list. I have been meaning to try Devney Perry for a while now and I thought this was a good book to start. After all, I have a special place in my romance loving heart for this trope.

*sigh

For the most part, I did enjoy this book. The narration (I listened to it on audio via Hoopla) was great. Both narrators did a fantastic job with voicing all the characters.

I actually liked Willa. I've read reviews where she was called a doormat, which wasn't entirely fair, I feel like. She had a huge crush on Jackson the moment she saw him. She was 17 and he was this unattainable guy her teenage heart latched on to. I didn't find Willa being in love with him and waiting in the sidelines objectionable. It's quite easy to understand and the Ms. Perry did a good job laying out Willa's feelings on that regard. Her feelings for Jackson didn't make her weak. Even waiting for him didn't make her weak.

However, my problem with this book is really the character development, or the lack thereof. Willa, for all her talk of being over waiting for Jackson, didn't really follow through with that.

I also found the transition between unrequited to requited sloppy. Like suddenly, Jackson saw Willa and is hot for her because what exactly? I mean, they didn't even have a friendship. Jackson and Willa never had a meaningful interaction as friends or co-town...err...person? people?

Whatever. But you know what I mean? Aside from Willa being pining for him, I didn't really get the feeling that they're even compatible. Do they share the same values? They didn't even talk prior to Jackson suddenly pursuing Willa because he spent one night with her, one that he can't even remember.

So yeah, that was disappointing. I remained unconvinced that Jackson actually had feelings for her. And that didn't really change throughout the book because frankly, he didn't really change. He remained an ass until the very end. Which was very disappointing. He didn't really exert any emotional efforts to win her. She did all the work.

Overall, this book just didn't do it for me. Unrequited love, especially coming from the heroine's side is extremely difficult to pull off and although, Timid tried, it didn't really succeed.

[Syndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical romance books usually heavy with the sex. Steamy sex, healing sex, dominant sex. But this book.... this book... is more about how being bold to get HEA.
We follow a story of Willa and Jackson. Willa who is a timid girl, met Jackson when she was 17 years old. She has biggest crush on Jackson who never notice her. Then on a drunken night, Jackson kissed Willa and then forgot about it. Until one day, Jackson saw a sketch of Willa and he hunted her down. Their love story begins.

Their love journey is not easy. Up and down, desperation and hope, good time and bad time. All the obstacle they have to go through proven themselves that their love is strong.

It is a beautiful love story. I love the book cover and i love the painting.

5 timid stars

[Megan✦❋Steamy Reads Blog❋✦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s easy to love someone when times are good. Real love is about holding on to one another when times aren’t.”

Every time I finish a new Devney Perry story I feel like I love it even more than the last one (if that’s even possible) and Timid was by no means an exception to this rule. All of Devney’s stories bring me a sense of calm and an undeniable love when I step into the world she creates for us to enjoy. She has such a natural talent for telling a story that makes me feel absolutely everything and for bringing to life characters that are always so relatable, real and so beautifully flawed. If I had to choose a favorite Devney Perry book I have read, I would have to rate Timid as that book.

Willa has had a crush on Jackson from the first moment she ever laid eyes on him. To her there is no one on this earth more beautiful and these feelings have lasted since she first met him when she was a teenager at a gas station with her father. There is something monumentally heartbreaking about having an undeniable attraction towards someone and having them not return the attraction, not even really noticing you exist. What is even worse is they can’t even remember your name. All Willa seeks in this life is for Jackson to notice her and reciprocate the intense feelings she has for him.

Many years have gone by since that first encounter between Willa and Jackson and poor Willa has had to stand idly by as the playboy of the town worked his way through booze and a multitude of women. He has never once paid any attention to the timid and shy Willa, who is waiting for the day Jackson will eventually notice her.

The moment Willa has been waiting for eventuates when she shares the most earth shattering, soul searching kiss with the man who she has loved for years. Could this be the turning point in their non-existent relationship? Will Willa finally have what she has always wanted since her teens and will all her dreams finally come true? Unfortunately things are not always that simple. A moment that was so special for Willa soon turns into heartache once more when Jackson still doesn’t return those intense feelings.

“Do you have any idea how long I’d been waiting for you to notice me? How many times I’d walked into the bar and wished you’d finally just see me? Then you did and I was so happy. And then you forgot.”

Willa was the kind of character I positively love; she possesses so much warmth, love, growth and development. She started out as such a timid and shy girl, but turned into a woman who could absolutely hold her own against the best of them. Being quite shy and timid myself, I could really relate to her and the struggles she endured. Willa without a doubt is my favorite character of Devney’s to date.

Jackson, while I did grow to love him, absolutely frustrated me at times. I wanted nothing more than to smack some sense into him initially, but the more I read, the more I learnt about him, the more I grew to love him, like I knew I would. He avoids commitment at all costs and uses alcohol and women to fill a void within his life, but maybe the timid girl is all he’s been searching for.

“Why couldn’t he see what I saw? He was a wonderful man with flaws. I wasn’t blind. He wasn’t perfect.
But he was perfect for me.”

After reading Tattered I couldn’t wait to delve into Jackson and Willa’s story and it was everything I had hoped for and so much more; it was relatable, it was emotional and it definitely bought on all the feels imaginable. I absolutely loved this story and Devney without a doubt has become one of my all-time favorite authors. I love her ability to tell a story, the characters she portrays for us and the picture she paints to make her readers really feel like they are part of something so special. I cannot recommend this story enough and I need Tragic like I need my next breath. Be sure to one click Timid as this is one story you don’t want to miss.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timid is Willa and Jackson's story who we got to know a little bit about in the first book of the series, Tattered. I gotta admit I was nervous about this one. What I learned about Willa and Jackson in the first book was that Willa had been in love with Jackson since she was 17 and Jackson couldn't even remember Willa's name.

I was nervous because I need my heroes to be all about the heroines. What does it say if he can't say her name right after years of knowing her? I think I can officially announce that this author can write anything and make me fall in love.

Willa is probably one of the sweetest heroines. She's the reason for the book title. She's a bit timid but what you learn is if she believes in something, she'll fight for it. And Jackson is a man she believes in.

Jackson is the towns forever bachelor. Commitment is the last thing on his mind. He has reasons for this and when you learn why, it's easy to forgive him for being clueless with Willa. It's hard to shake the fear of abandonment when everyone in your life eventually leaves.

I loved every bit of Willa and Jackson's story. Even the heartbreak. Jackson had a long road to learn how to love and be loved but that just made fall even harder for these two. It's a beautiful story and you won't regret reading it!

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I’m not bold. Or daring. But you . . . you were my risk. I put myself out there for you and it didn’t work. ”

I'm too lazy to write a full review here but I really enjoyed this. I'm on an unrequited love kick and this romance really hit the spot just right. I loved Willa's growth through the story and that she wasn't the timid and shy pushover she was in the beginning. She really made Jackson work for it. I loved watching Jackson go from the town playboy to pining after the one girl he overlooked for years. The pacing did slow down a bit for me in the second half, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.

Find me on:

[Bev · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had hoped for an improvement on Tattered but nope, I didn't connect with either character. Willa is a total doormat and Jackson is walking STD.

Nothing likeable about either character.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this because I really enjoyed Tattered and thought I found a new favorite series by Devney. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. This is called Timid because the heroine is very timid. She's shy and has had the biggest crush on our hero for literal years. He finally sees her and kisses her, but the next day he has no idea anything between them happened and she realizes it was because he was inebriated. But the hero suddenly sees the heroine in a new light and decides to pursue her. It was fine. I didn't really buy the reason the hero saw her in a different light. And then his decision to pull away for the third act break up really annoyed me. HE was the one who relentlessly pursued her, but now he's scared it's too much? What did he think would happen when they started dating?? I don't know, but it annoyed me more than anything. I wasn't the biggest fan of the hero or the heroine, so this book was just okay to me.

[ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

[reread: 12/01/22]

“Can I tell you a secret?” He leaned down and whispered, “I have a crush on you.”
I smiled. “It’s about time.”

i was in the mood for something sweet and simple, and decided to revisit my fave Devney Perry book🥰

i remember when i read this a few months back and this surprising the shit out of me. i wasn’t Jackson’s biggest fan in the first book – i knew Willa was hopelessly pining for him while he was completely oblivious. that trope, the unrequited love with a pining heroine and her who has never batted an eye at her, can be a tricky trope or get right without making the h look pathetic and H look like a dick.

but for me, Devney Perry pulls it off so well.

Willa is just a lovely, sweet soul and i can’t help but adore the shit out of her. she begins pining for Jackson at the age of 17 while he’s five years her senior, 22. and for nine years, he doesn’t notice her beyond a familiar face around town... and can’t even get her name right half the time💀 so, you can see why he was on thin ice for me when i first started this book.

and the reason Willa doesn’t come across as pathetic or a doormat, to me, despite pining for so long and remaining a virgin until she’s 26 (which, i know, sounds questionable), is bcos it fit with the type of person she was? she was endearingly sweet, introverted and a lil naive, but she knew what she wanted refused anything less than she deserves. there’s no embarrassing behaviour on her part, throwing herself at Jackson and actively pursuing him. it was a quiet love and admiration she had for him that fit her personality as a person who always sees the best in people.

Willa’s laugh seeped into my heart, filling the last remaining cracks until it was whole.

she was comfortable and confident in her feelings for Jackson, whether they went anywhere with him or not (and luckily they did☺️). so respected the fact she was a virgin, while others might not, bcos it fit the type of person she was – she wasn’t comfortable having sex with anyone throughout the years, it was never something she was saving for anyone but the right time just never came. and while some of her friends made fun of her for being a virgin at 26, she never felt like she had to prove anything by going out and just getting rid of her virginity. she just wasn’t ready and i respected the shit out of her for that.

and her being a virgin wasn’t this weird fetishised thing that romance books tend to do when having a virgin heroine – you know the whole alpha “no ones had you but me, i have marked you, blah blah blahhhh. so, Willa essentially waiting for Jackson didn’t bother me like it normally would. it made sense to who she was.

also, due to her best friend, Leighton’s past and how it impacted Willa as well, it made sense too as to why Willa was hesitant to be openly intimate with anyone.

so, normally the virgin h x manwhore H is my most hated trope (like the amount of ranting reviews i have written about books that use that trope awfully🤡), but Devney Perry pulled it off excellently for me.

I was her dream and she was mine.

and what made Willa not pathetic was the fact she doesn’t fall at Jackson’s feet the moment he shows interest in her finally. she makes the man work for it bcos she knows her own worth. Swoon had the same trope (just an inexperienced h rather than a virgin) and that poor girl was willing to humiliate herself to gain an ounce of the hero’s affection and i hated it so much😭 Willa was the opposite. even tho Jackson had been everything she’d wanted for so long, she made sure he knew how fucking awesome she was and that she wasn’t just a girl he could fuck and discard of.

so no Willa slander on my tl, understand?!?




eurgh, i loved the way Jackson loved Willa. i wanted to loathe this man so many times but he charmed the shit out of me. he was all sheepish and fumbly around her, working for her undivided attention and did all sorts of cute lil gestures to show he cared, that he wanted her, and that he was serious about being with her.

the sticky notes??? are u kidding me🥺 guys who do small, everyday gestures to show that they know you >>>>>> guys who do grand gestures.

and it helped he was sexy as hell. if i was Willa, id be waiting nine years for that man too👀

“Ryder’s having a last-minute sleepover because tonight, you’re mine.”
A shiver rolled over my shoulders as I followed him into the main room. “My parents asked us over for dinner, but I think I’d better decline.”
“You’ll be too busy fucking me to worry about dinner.”

Jackson had a lot of trauma from being in foster care and impacted the way he viewed himself and his relationships. but Willa loving him allowed him to truly see what love is supposed to be, what it feels and allowed him to openly love the other people in his life to the fullest.

so when he pushes her away... i wasn’t mad either bcos i really understood his fears. the author did a really good job of laying the foundation of his fears and trauma, and how deeply ingrained they were in the way his relationships functioned.

so whenever he said something in his inner monologue about him and Willa not lasting, her eventually moving on, it wasn’t bcos he didn’t love her or believe in their relationship. it was bcos he didn’t believe in himself and his own worth. i understood immediately his fears and hesitations, they didn’t come across as cruel or obnoxious. he genuinely didn’t believe he could be loved and it was honestly pretty sad.

She was in love with me.
Somehow, I’d fooled her into thinking I was the kind of man she should love.

he was just obsessed with her— especially her hair omg. like this man could be the biggest dumb fuck but then he’d obsess over the colour or scent of her hair then i was just like



get you a man who low-key builds a ✨shrine✨of you in his living room. and keeps a sketch of you in his wallet.

”We could just get this sketch framed,” I offered.
He took the paper from my hands and carefully refolded it before returning it back to his wallet. “It stays with me.”
I stayed with him. That’s what he was really saying.

 


and the epilogue owns my soul🥰

i just love Willa and Jackson. once im obsessed with a heroine, the book is immediately a winner for me, then add Jackson into the mix who i think gravelled and redeemed himself... and this book is my classic comfort read.

[Lu Bielefeld]

#DNF #LOSER #DOORMAT

We liked the same candy. That had to mean something. Like . . . fate.

I couldn’t like a boy now that I’d seen this man.

Jackson and Willa. Willa and Jackson. Our names went together like peanut butter and jelly.

“Nice to meet you, Willow.” “It’s, um . . . Willa.”

One day, I am going to marry Jackson Page. I just had to get him to notice me first.

Nine years later . . .

“Hey, Willa.” Oh. My. Goodness. He’d called me by the right name. Finally! After years of correcting him each time he called me Willow, hearing my name in his deep voice gave me wings.

That was the story of my life, watching Jackson Page. It sounded like the title for a made-for-TV movie. I’d been watching him for years, ever since the first day I’d seen him.

My diaries had the exact dates and times.

He was still the same playboy he’d been for years.

One moment I was trying to find the words to ask him out to dinner. The next, he was kissing me. Jackson Page was kissing me.

“Sorry,” he whispered, not letting go of my face. “I didn’t mean—” “Don’t,” I breathed. “Don’t be sorry.” Because I’d never be sorry for that kiss. My first kiss.

I’d been waiting for this kiss with Jackson.

Jackson grinned. “Hey, Willow. What can I get for you?”

“It’s Willa. With an a,” I snapped. “Will-a.” He winced. “Sorry. I suck at names. Did you want a drink?”

Tequila and weed. That was the taste I couldn’t pinpoint last night. That was the reason for the haze in his eyes. He’d been drunk and high during my first kiss.

He really had forgotten. He’d forgotten the best night of my life. The best first kiss in the history of first kisses.

Enough, Willa. Enough.

I’d spent too many years dreaming about him. Nine, to be exact. Thinking about Jackson, looking for him in town, had become ingrained into my routine.

How many years had I waited? How many months had I wasted? All I’d ever wanted was for Jackson to take notice, or at least call me by the correct first name.

Maybe that was the reason for his appearance last night. Had he run out of tourists to bang? Was I just next on his conquest list?

Maybe it was ridiculous to have feelings for someone I’d never spoken to on the phone or texted even once. I might be ridiculous for letting a high-school crush last beyond college. And it was ridiculous to think I stood a chance with a man who’d called me by the wrong name for years.

He’d chased me into the parking lot last night and told me that something between us felt special. Then he’d checked out that woman right in front of me. I’d had to sit witness as he’d drooled over her cleavage and raked his eyes over her ass as she’d strutted to the door.

[The Sassy Bookworm]

Not crazy about a 26-year-old virgin paired with the town whore, but this might work for my stepping out challenge!

[TJ *Book Twins Reviews* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tattered stole my heart so I'd been waiting on pins and needles to get my hands on Timid.

After meeting Jackson and Willa in book one, I wasn't quite sure how they'd measure up. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. Neither are exactly my favorite type of character. I love strong fierceless heroines and hot alphas who love their women above all else. The book is aptly named Timid, so that tells you what you need to know about our heroine, but this somehow worked for me.

Here's where I think the author really excels--the storyline wins the day and the characters fit the mold so well. However, the story became less about the qualities and traits of the characters and more about a journey of love and redemption that's beautifully told. In the end, Willa is strong and steadfast in her love and support of Jackson. And Jackson in turn learns that he can't define family by his tumultuous upbringing. Family is what you make it.

So, while it's not my absolute favorite Devney Perry book, it's a very enjoyable story. I love the small town romance. I love Lark Cove! And I cannot wait to read Tinsel.

3.75 Stars




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[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Holy freaking wow!!! I loved Willa. I ended up loving Jackson. But I am completely gone over Jackson and Willa together!

Willa has had a crush on Jackson Page since she first laid eyes on him when she was seventeen years old. All of her young girl dreams were centered around him. Even her time away from Lark Cove never diminished her hopes of one day capturing his attention. However, nine years later those dreams have become a bit tarnished but when the most hurtful thing imaginable happens, they are no longer simply dulled by time, they are decimated.

Jackson has less than a handful of people in his life he calls family. Now things are changing and he doesn’t like it. He is struggling against the inevitability that one of those he holds closest to his heart will leave him behind. It won’t be the first time. However, when his eyes turn to Willa he finds himself adjusting to changes easier than he imagined. Unfortunately, he still can’t figure out why she’s so angry with him and thereby continues to refuse his invitations for a date.

My heart hurt for Willa and her broken heart even as I ranted at Jackson for being a blind jerk. She was so sweet and kind, never cursing, never speaking a bad word about anyone and very, very timid. Talk about unrequited love. Willa was the walking talking example of it. However, I cheered for her as she stood up for herself and made Jackson work for that first date as well as each time she found the strength to fight for what she wanted. Her transformation from the timid good girl into a woman who stood like a lion for what she wanted was freaking awesome.

I would like to say that I loved everything about Jackson, but the truth is, I didn’t. He could be quite the jerk face Willa claimed at times but even through his less stellar actions, he was always very real. And I did love that. When he finally opened his eyes and saw what was in front of him, I was thrilled at his hot and persistent chase for what he wanted. He never wavered in his attempts to gain that date, to know that girl, to have it all…if only for a little while. And that is when my heart truly cried for him. Jackson was so broken from his past that he couldn’t fathom a future. He didn’t even know what the words felt like on his tongue. So, yes, I started out judging him for his actions but ended up falling as deeply in love with him as Willa.

While this book didn’t have the high drama this author’s previous books have contained, it did have a higher angst level and I swear to all that is holy that my heart literally cracked a time or two as this couple struggled through their issues. With its sharp writing style this was a relatively fast read with no repetitious inner musings. The secondary characters all played their parts to perfection, constantly moving the story forward, supporting the hero or heroine or showcasing their character development. And the heat level was immense, even as it highlights the transformations in the hero and heroine’s relationship.

I knew with certainty that this book was going to do me in but I also knew that this author would be able to put me to rights again. I just didn’t realize how she was going to do it or if I’d enjoy the full journey but I did. I absolutely did!

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama
Triggers parental abandonment

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead






I had Chase and Faye flashbacks*shudders*

Right so this one didn't work for me....... The end!
Ha I specialise in long reviews 😂

Right so at the beginning we meet teenage Willa and her very first encounter with Jackson. It was love at first sight for young Willa but when her dad introduced her to Jackson he called her Willow! So at the end of the prologue she decides he's the guy for her but she just has to get him to notice her first.

Fast forward 9(or was it 10?) I can't remember dammit but many years later Jackson is stillllllllllllllllllll 😂calling this girl Willow! Like seriously??!!! How????? Then we're told he's bad at names ok how does he know her mom's and dad's names?!? Huh??? Huh????? Ridiculous!
Anyway so one night while Willow I mean Willa is on the swing she and Jackson have a conversation and he kisses her(her very first kiss *squee* ugh no!!!wtf) next day Willow (even autocorrect forgot her name 🤦) is on cloud nine that Jackson the Almighty kissed her and expects a joyful reunion......only he's forgotten all about it!
This is the catalyst for Willa to change, she's done with her unrequited love.
Jackson however keeps dreaming of a woman and when he sees a sketch Thea did he's shocked to realize his dream woman is none other than Willow! (Dammit you know who I mean!) So our hero rushes to Willa........who closes the door in his face(you go girl!) He chases, she runs, until eventually she gives in and they start to date.
Now Jackson in his inner monologue knows that his relationship with Willa isn't forever, after all he's not the marriage and babies kinda guy yet he still sleeps with her (granted after a few weeks but still) I mean you're taking the virginity of a 26 year old knowing that you don't plan to keep her! (I have no idea why but this annoyed me endlessly)
So Willow had backbone in and between but basically she asked him if he loved her and he started pulling away, this after shes been helping him with his brother.
I actually had some Kindle breaking quotes to share here but really it's just not worth the effort.
Jackson eventually breaks up with her but she refused, she actually told him no and that she'd fght for him. Timid Willa grew a backbone in time to fight for her man!!!! Awwwww noooooooo! That's nuts! Ugh! What makes it worst is that this happened after he'd left the house late one night and came back smelling of tequila and perfume! She didn't even ask a question! It wasn't any OW stuff but still??

Anyway murder and such, Faye..... I mean Willa fought for her man, they ily each other to death! 😂

I cannot believe in the romance of a guy who's known the h for years, where he hooks up regularly with tourists who pass through town, where he sees her regularly,where he continuously calls her by a wrong name, where he finally gets a chance with her but with his mummy issues he can't commit! And Willa there were moments I thought she'd grown so strong and then she wilted like a plant without sunlight. She knew he was pulling away but she was willing to accept him and fight for him anyway.
This reminds me of Breathe by KA(my review of that book still grinds my Bones) and after enjoying book 1 I was bitterly disappointed with this one.
Still on to the next........maybe

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ⭐️

[kimberly ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

okay so i had a lot of ups and downs with this book! overall I really did enjoy the story, there was some things that really earked me like Jackson’s belief that he couldn’t love and will his constant stupidity for me. I just hate when FMC‘s go after their love interest after he’s almost embarrassed her or shut her down. It just feels embarrassing to me and it’s it’s hard to read personally but besides those things, I did really enjoy the book I think the story was good I absolutely adore the plot twist and I didn’t expect it at all I thoroughly enjoyed that! All in all I had fun!

[Grecia Robles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pesar de que el primer libro no me gustó decidí continuar con la serie.

La historia me llamó la atención desde el libro anterior por ese amor no correspondido de la protagonista.
En este libro abordan más el crusheo de Willa con Jackson desde que ella tenía 17 años y él no le da ni la hora del día con decirles que no se acuerda de su nombre.
Pero un buen día parece que el sueño de Willa se hace realidad Jackson la ve tienen un momento, pero al día siguiente él no recuerda nada porque no estaba en sus cinco sentidos y Willa decide que es tiempo de dejarlo ir, el único problema es que Jackon ahora sí está interesado pero ansorry cariño llegaste tarde y ahora tiene que trabajar por ello como debe ser.

Es muchísimo mejor que el libro anterior sin lugar a dudas, me pareció más dulce más romántico y Willa me gustó mucho.