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Blurb

They’ve spent their lives pushing each other away, but what will happen when they need each other most?

Anita Martin doesn’t expect much from life. Growing up on the street, bouncing from one foster home to another, she learned to rely only on herself. Even after she finally found a loving family to take her in, she was still an outsider—something Abraham, one of the family’s older sons, never let her forget.

Abraham Evans doesn’t know how Ani always manages to get under his skin, only that’s she’s been doing it since they were teens. She is—and always has been—undeniably gorgeous. But he’s never met anyone as pissed off at the world as Ani.

For fifteen years, Ani and Bram have agreed on exactly one thing: they can’t stand each other—until one night when their anger gives way to passion. Yet even as Ani and Bram begin to secretly seek comfort in one another’s arms, they remain emotionally worlds apart. When Ani’s life takes a dramatic turn and she realizes she needs more than Bram can give, their fragile, no-strings relationship unravels. One way or another, Ani is determined to survive. But when Bram finally admits his true feelings, he may discover Ani has moved on without him.

 

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Review

4.5 sweet, steamy and emotional stars

Wow, I loved this book! Romantic, steamy, dramatic and super-emotional with wonderful character dynamics, it was a great read and I read it in one sitting unable to put it down.

This book follows on from the also super-emotional Unbreak My Heart, and while I would recommend reading that one first, this book could easily be read as a standalone.  Those who read Unbreak My Heart may remember Kate’s gruff, protective foster brother, Bram and her brash and outspoken foster sister, Anita (Ani), and the fact that there was some underlying ‘thing’ between them. Bram and Ani grew up in the same house since they were teenagers but they have been at each other’s throats pretty much constantly for 15 years. Verbal sparring and an underlying contempt for each other has been simmering in every encounter they’ve ever had, but all it takes is one lust-filled moment of passion for everything to change.

“You’re such a fucking pain in the ass,” Bram gasped, pressing against me as he kissed me hard. “Maybe if I just keep your mouth occupied…”
“Shut up,” I bitched, letting go of his back with one hand so I could grip his hair.

This book moved really quickly, and I loved that we were thrown straight into it. And I was especially impressed at how quickly Jacquelyn was able to build the sexual tension between these two! I could feel the chemistry and when that first kiss happened, my heart was absolutely pounding! Bram and Ani share an incredible passion and the steamy time in this book is sizzling hot! And though neither of them really know what’s going on between them and it’s all kinds of confusing with their complicated family dynamic, they can’t keep away from each other.

I wasn’t just fucking Ani. It never could have been that, and I was an idiot for assuming it could. Our lives were intertwined. I cared too much before we’d started sleeping together. There was no way I was going to be able to shut that off once I’d been inside her.

I really enjoyed Bram and Ani’s dynamic. They know each other so well and their snark-filled banter is a big part of their relationship and even as things change between them, they maintain the teasing and the trash talk, and it was a really fun aspect of their relationship.

“Stop,” he blurted, his gaze roaming up and down my nakedness. “I think I’m having an out-of-body experience.”
“Shut up.”
“You’re bringing me sandwiches. Naked. You might be the perfect woman.”
“These sandwiches are mine, fuckface. Feed yourself,” I replied as I climbed onto the bed.
“And the fantasy is gone,” he replied sadly.

But underneath all of the snark and sexy time, there are genuine feelings there. Confusing feelings that neither of them really feel the need to deal with until Ani’s life takes a huge turn, and they are forced to confront what they have together, what they mean to each other, and what they want for the future.

It’s emotional and a bit angsty as mistakes are made, harsh words are said and much soul-searching and grovelling ensues, and I honestly loved every moment of it. Watching them deal with the changes in their lives while being forced to be around each other all of the time and still being obviously in love with each other and trying hard to sort it all out was wonderfully done done. It’s sweet, funny, angsty, and heart-clenchingly gorgeous watching them work through it.

“I love you,” I said quickly, watching her as she wrapped her arms around her waist. “I know I’m not good at it, but I’m fucking trying.”

And the whole family is with them for the ride (including Kate, Shane and the kids from the first book), and OMG it was gold! This is a close-knit group who are all up in each other’s business, and the way they joke around with each other is freaking hilarious! But they are also incredibly supportive of each other and the mix of love, protectiveness and teasing is brilliantly done. The banter and teasing once Bram and Ani’s big secret was out was perfect, and I laughed out loud so many times. The soul-deep connection between the family was beautifully explored, and the feels during particular scenes are just…. wow. What a rollercoaster ride.

I really loved this book. Bram and Ani are a unique but fun couple, and the emotion between them develops beautifully. I really liked the direction of their story, and even though I loved the characters from the very first page, I thought there was a great amount of character development which just endeared them to me even more.

I suspect that this series could become a favourite, and I’m really excited to continue on with this fantastic group. And though I’m all over team Alex, after that big bombshell I’m hoping for Trevor’s book up next.

I loved it – 4.5 stars

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Fostering Love series

 

Find the Fostering Love series on  GOODREADS

For similar reads, check out our Emotionally Intense Recommendations page

 

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Giveaway

Ten (10) trade paperbacks of CHANGE OF HEART by Nicole Jacquelyn

ENTER GIVEAWAY

The Escapist Book Blog is not responsible for this giveaway

 

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About the Author

When Nicole Jacquelyn was eight and people asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told them she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve, her answer changed to author. Her dreams stayed constant. First, she became a mom, and then during her senior year of college–with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool–she sat down and wrote a story.  

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