Come to Me Softly: The Closer to You Series

*****5 big fat shining stars***** This second installment of the

*****5 big fat shining stars*****
This second installment of the Closer To You series continues with the great immersive character development that I fell in love with in Come To Me Quietly. Early on we get an internal current state of emotion status check from first Jared and then Aly.

***MAJOR SPOILERS ALERT!!!

3% Jared's POV: 
‘I was in love with this girl.
And I wasn’t going to let her go. 
Not ever. Days without Aly were darkness, and I was done surrendering to it.’

8% Aly's POV:
‘Jared had always been a risk I had to take. Risks always involved danger. But the only danger I felt where he was concerned was the possibility of him no longer being part of me. That was a fate I refused to consider.’ - That's brave of Aly, really. ***fist pump, girl!***

And I loved that Jared is completely aware of how fortunate he is that Aly loves him, totally gets him despite all of his insecurities and the past that is still haunting him.
11% Aly's POV:
Relief left him in a stuttered breath. “God, Aly, what did I ever do to deserve you?”
I pressed myself to him, to his gorgeous body and the power that radiated from his spirit. That warmth covered me whole. “It doesn’t work like that. We don’t earn love…it’s a gift.”

And this brief but necessary scene after Jared’s nightmare about his mom was touching. I loved Aly’s response. 
51% Jared's POV:
“Got to feel you, baby.” Coarse, jagged words grunted from my dry throat. And I wanted.
Needed.
Craved.
Her mouth moved softly at my ear, a promise, a call I never believed I could heed.
“I am yours,” came out from her on a ragged breath.
And I took.
I took what was mine.’

I could continue with my favorite passages for pages and pages, but I’ll halt them here. 

Eventually, Jared’s pain over his role in his mother’s death erupts into violence against an inanimate object. Aly was smart enough to do the tough love thing and tells Jared to leave her, find some peace by reconnecting with his family so that he could begin the healing process. Her resolve was impressive and demonstrated the tough love that one sometimes has to dish out to a loved in danger of imploding. Jared takes Aly’s advice to heart and finds his way back to her and their baby-to-be. 

I loved when Jared tells Aly the below;
“Since I was just a little boy, this has beat for you. Even before I knew what it meant. Now I know it means everything.”

And Aly’s closing thoughts are so beautiful and aptly expressed her journey with Jared;
This…this had begun long ago.
This connection I would cherish for all my life. 
One I would wake up each day and give thanks for.
This amazing love that began in a boy who grew up to be my man.’ 

I’m enthusiastically anticipating the next installment in this fantastic series, Come to Me Recklessly (Closer to You, #3)  which tells Chris’s story. Its expected publication date of April 7, 2015 is the same week as my birthday so happy birthday to me in advance, ha!

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I loved it!

Beautiful!

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Great continuation of story

I enjoyed the second as much as the first. Worth the money

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Oh, how I love and adore this series and the characters within.

Oh, how I love and adore this series and the characters within. Their story is a beautiful, heart wrenching, touching, and powerful tale;
one that has moved me since the first book. This is definitely a unique, heartfelt, and hopeful series.

A. L. Jackson has a really beautiful writing style; it has captured my attention since her first book. And as I had mention in my review of
Come to Me Quietly, her worlds flow like poetry. Deep and very powerful. The way the words and actions of the characters flowed and
moved throughout the story was beautiful. I loved that. And I think it was not only the really gritty, raw storyline, but the characters had me
glued to the pages.

The characters are each powerful, deep, raw, and gritty in their own way. Jared has grown so much since the first book, and watching
him finally overcome his final demons in Come to Me Softly was very powerful, a wonderful experience to behold. Watching him learn to
love, to forgive, and to move on did indeed bring me to tears at quite a few places. Jared is a deep and emotional person, tormenting by
so much, so watching him find his inner peace and love was beyond a wonderful experience.

I have loved Aly since the first book, mostly because of her faith, her love, and her insight towards Jared. She accepted Jared, flaws and
all, his dark and gritty past. However, her strength comes from being able to stand by his side and prove he is worth love and forgives. I
think that strength shown through when they both were being tested throughout the book.

And of course I can’t write this review without mentioning the love between Jared and Aly. Oh, what a beautiful and powerful love they
share. The whole friends-turn-lovers aspect wasn’t a big thing for me, but lately, and especially since reading this series, I have come
to realize I love that aspect! Their relationship was so well written; it felt real and natural. I could feel how both Jared and Aleena cared
for each other and I could see and feel it growing even more. Some many times I could actually feel their souls connecting and I can't
forget the steamy factor. These two are a really steamy couple!

The book developed at a wonderful pace, leaving me turning each page and gabbling up the words. The build up and resolution was a
thrill to read and to experience. Once I started, I couldn't put this one down. Watching the characters grow, flourish, love, and step into
their futures was a wonderful experience. At moments my heart rejoiced for them and at others it broke. 

All in all, this is a beautiful, raw, powerfully deep, and emotionally investing series. Come to Me Softly was a worthy, beautiful
conclusion for two remarkable characters who have grown and overcame so much. I truly adore this series and the characters within!
I highly recommend this series!

Corrie the Book Crazed Girl

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What an amazing finish to Aly and Jared story. I just love the m

What an amazing finish to Aly and Jared story. I just love the man Jared turned out to be and the strength Aly had to support him. The undying love and commitment of a love that grew over decades. Beautifully written with joys and sorrow, laughter and tears. Once again AL Jackson you have yourself a 5 star book!
Bravo!!

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Simply Amazing!!

A.L. Jackson has a magical way of grasping your heart and pulling you soul into her books! I felt every moment of joy and sorrow! Love Jared and Aly's story as well as the many others Jackson has bestowed upon us!

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Come to me Softly

AL Jackson you've done it again. I took my vacation so I could read this book about Aly and Jared without interruption. CTMQ was so heart ratcheting that my emotions were all over the place. Well the same goes for CTMS I even had to stop and put the book down because of what I feared would happen. I've never been so into a book that I was so drained and worried about the outcome. I love these 2 character's so much. I hope when you're writing the next one you'll still have them a part of it. Thanks for the emotional roller coaster ride.

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What can I say about this author that everyone else has not figu

What can I say about this author that everyone else has not figured out? She takes my breath away every time I read her books. I'm left in tears, sad, mad, happy, excited, and even flat out horny! There is no better way than to tell everyone to READ THIS series. I don't want to write a review telling everyone my opinion on how I think things should have been, or could've been. I want you to take the time to get to know Jared and Aly. I want you to base your thoughts on this series. Not have me spell it out for you. I was left wanting more with Come to me quietly and I was not disappointed with Come to me softly. Thank you A.L. Jackson for taking the time to write these awesome books. I wish I had half the imagination you do. One of these days I will win one of your contest! :o)

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What an Amazing ending to one breathtakingly beautiful story.

What an Amazing ending to one breathtakingly beautiful story. I LOVED every single minute of Jared and Aly. Right from the start A.L. pulls you in and keeps you turning pages to the very end.
Come To Me Softly picks up right where Come To Me Quietly ended. So please make sure you read the first book in this series before reading this one. 


A second chance at life…
A second chance at love…


Jared did not think he deserved either one of these until he met Aly. Running from his past, he knows that until he faces it head on he cannot have a future with Aly without finally putting the past to rest. When he decides to face it he encounters more than he bargained for: a dangerous mix of jealousy, lies, and dishonest intentions. When those intentions threaten Aly, Jared loses all control, giving into the rage that earned him his bad boy reputation years before. Jared does not believe he deserves to be happy and have a life with Aly. He thinks he should remain miserable and have nothing great in his life. 


Jared, what is there not to love about him? NOTHING!!! Jared is so amazing in this story. 


“Jared, "I like anything that ends in you and me.” 

The love that Aly and Jared have for each other is so powerful and all consuming that you just root for them from the first pages of the story. You wish for their happily ever after no matter what.


“Promise me you won't run when it gets ugly, Jared. Because life always does, and I can't bear the thought of living without you in mine."

Aly, I loved how she was with Jared when he came back. I love how she knew he needed to put his past to rest before having a future with her. I Absolutely LOVED how she stood right by his side and never faltered from it. She is is trigger as well as the breath he breathes. He needs her like he has never needed anyone before. 


“I can't live without you, baby . . . can't sleep without you . . . can't breathe without you." 


“Even as damaged as I knew he was, this gorgeous man was my perfection.” 

There is a lot of struggles that Jared must get through before we see him get his Happily Ever After. We see firsthand what Aly will do to help him. 

“I once believed I'd take whatever piece of him he was willing to give. That was no longer good enough. I wanted it all.” 


That is all you get from me. I do not wish to spoil this for anyone. I will say this… If you have not read this series yet, YOU are totally missing out on one fantastic Series and you should scoop it up now. 

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4.5 stars Come to Me Softly wrapped up Jared and Aly's story per

4.5 stars
Come to Me Softly wrapped up Jared and Aly's story perfectly. I had hoped coming into this book that Jared would be able to find peace and move forward with Aly. The journey wasn't easy and a bit painful, but I enjoyed seeing how these characters grew. 




What worked for me:
~Jared and Aly-plain and simple. 
~Aly is such a great chick. She's been Jared's rock. She knows he needs help and encourages him to resolve his inner demons. Aly never gives up on him, because she believes in their love. 
~I love the way that Jared loves Aly. It's complete, consuming and full of passion. 
~I love Christopher. I felt that in this book he really became someone I wanted to know more about. 
~The writing is gorgeous. The way Jackson moves through the story with her words, just really works for me. 




What didn't work for me:
~*Slight spoiler* I felt that the time after Jared and Aly's big fight and the time he returned, moved a little too quickly. I had to read back through it twice, because I felt that I missed something. 
~I would have liked to have seen the baby's birth. I would have loved to have seen how Jared handled it. 




Overall, I was really happy with the resolution of Aly and Jared's story. I had my fingers crossed that Jared would be able to find peace. His pain made my heart hurt. I wanted him to see the good in himself and that he was worth Aly's love. And, as I mentioned above, Christopher really grew on me in this book and I'm very anxious for his book. I was a happy reader in the end. 




If you like stories that are emotional, slow burning, and a full of explosive passion, check out this series. 




Quotes:
~Maybe she would just be satisfied to crawl inside me, to sink down into the marrow of my bones and take up residence in any place I'd let her. But she was already there.-Loc 560




~I always thought I'd be her ruin. But right then, I was pretty sure she'd be mine. My faultless demise. Because I'd suffer for her. Bar all her burden and her blame. Would gladly die for her. 
The most terrifying part of it all was that I was willing to live for her.-Loc 1110




~"I'm not worried about how much you love my sister, Jared. I'm worried about how much you hate yourself."-Loc 2739

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Oh how I love Jared! He has quickly become one of my favorite bo

Oh how I love Jared! He has quickly become one of my favorite book boyfriends.




This is the second book in this series. We pick up where Come to Me Quietly left off. Jared is fighting through his past and his demons. Aly is being as supportive as she can. You know what happens when the past catches up with you? Drama. 




I love the way A.L. Jackson writes because its so raw and real. Jared is a broken man who is looking for a way to bridge the gap from letting go and being angry and full of regret to happy. He loves Aly so much and it shows in all of his actions. He is willing to do things for her even though it hurts him. 




Aly, oh that girl. I love when I read a story and the girl is a strong support system for the male. That is what she is, she is there and trys to help Jared in anyway she can. She also knows when to pull back and when enough is enough. I love that she stands up for herself, and doesn't let Jared walk all over her. I think it was the hardest thing she had to do but knew in her heart that if she did not Jared would eventually self destruct.




These two go on a journey. It is not an easy or pleasant one by any means. There are many issues they have to work on and overcome. Jared needs to let go of his past so that his future will be bright. There was a point where I cried. Like legit balled because the emotions from these characters that were being emanated was so powerful, I felt in in my soul.




Once again A.L. Jackson has written a novel that is all consuming. This book is about redemption, forgiveness, and closure. I could not have asked for a better ending to Jared and Aly's story. This is a book that will live in my heart forever.

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Too duh

Honestly there was no surprises on this book. I could see what was going to happen a thousand miles away. Too expensive for the kind of book it was. Yeah it was cute but very easy to be figured out

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Wow! I just finished this book and was totally blown away. A.L.

Wow! I just finished this book and was totally blown away.

A.L. Jackson is a must read author for me. She always manages to knock my socks off.

I loved the first book in this series, Come to Me Quietly and this book did not disappoint.

In CTMS we get to follow the turbulent relationship of Aly and Jared. Aly loves Jared with all her being. We were left hanging wondering what would happen with Aly and Jared.

Jared returned from his three months away from Aly when he realized he could not live without her. Aly welcomes his home with open arms. One of the first things she does is tell him she is pregnant, hoping it does not scare him away.

Jared is so in love with Aly. All he wants to do is protect her and build a life for Aly and their baby.

Jared is a roller coaster of emotions and he needs to reign them in. Aly keeps telling Jared he needs to face his demons.

At one point things come to blows and Jared has to find his way or lose Aly. He shoulders considerable guilt from the death of his mother and places the blame for everything on his shoulders.

***SPOILERS***

When Jared found the courage to face the past and go to see his father was very bold on Jared's part.

The reunion of Jared and his father and the admission by his father that he was not there for Jared had me clutching at my heart.

Favorite quote: "Sometimes it's okay to cry."

***END SPOILERS***

I absolutely adored this book and found myself holding my breath on a number of occasions.

I cannot wait to read Christopher's story.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Plus......spoilers.....and anger at this book!

That last house party they had at Jareds for Megan where that Gabe dude shows up really pissed me off! So lame! Aly shoulda told Gabe to get the F%*k out of their house and also not talked about their problems in front of everyone! The endin of the book got cheesy for me and unbeleivable except for the baby being born!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Jared & Aly

I loved this emotionally charged love story! Sometimes I just had to put the book down to take a break from the heartfelt hurt I had for them. Especially Jared! Once again AL Jackson hits a home run with her writing. Can't wait for the next installment in the Come To Me Series.

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¿It doesn't work like that. We don't earn love... it's a gift we

“It doesn't work like that. We don't earn love... it's a gift we're given.”

When I started reading, I was a bit lost...there really was no big story line becoming clear...there was just feelings and emotions. I didn't know where it was going. And then the "light blub" moment...that is what this book is...it isn't the big story line this was a story about what lies inside the characters...this is a story of Jared and his inter-struggles and Aly the girl who loved him enough to let him find his way. It is a slow journey into the inter soul...and it was done beautifully.

The second half of the book is spell-binding. You are so caught up in the guilt that Jared carried around with him and it was destroying him. We were taken on his journey to find himself...while Aly waited! WOW!!!! She stood by his side until the very end and what an end it was!

This is a story about life...and life is not easy...but it can be navigated with the strength of LOVE!

A second chance at life…
A second chance at love…

I fell in love with Christopher and am so excited that his story is next!

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Amazing story of true love.

Amazing story of true love.

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Love love love

I love this storyand cannot wait it to continue!

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A.L. Jackson does it again. She is an amazing author.  The slow

A.L. Jackson does it again. She is an amazing author.  The slow burn you feel as she takes her time telling a story. But there is a reason for that.  Aly and Jared were living a life but I could almost feel that something was about to happen. Something was going to explode.  Jared... his past was going to come back to haunt him. His past that he never dealt with.  Explode it did because if he wasn't going deal with it, there would be no future.  I won't give anything away.  Please do yourself a favor and read this series. And do yourself a favor, if you haven't read any of her books before - get them now and read them. She is very, very good.

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As a reader I thrive on angst - enthralled when an author can br

As a reader I thrive on angst - enthralled when an author can break apart the character they have been developing for months in the first opening pages of the book then slowly layer a more "unbroken" version back together again without it being overdone or drama for the sake of it. Few authors manage to do it flawlessly. Jessica Sorensen and Colleen Hoover are my favourite queens of broken and now Amy Jackson. I have read all of A L Jackson's books and inspiring as they all were Aly and Jared's story touched something in me as a reader that I had only truly felt when I read my first A L book back in 2012, Pulled. The trauma and emotion of their pasts forever meshed. It is rare for me to read a book in one sitting these days - I normally have several on the go and read sporadically them over a week. For both Come to me Quietly and Come to me Softly the words and the tears they conjured up pushed me to read each of them separately long into the night from cover to cover. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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