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Compass
As teenagers, time is infinite and love is made of fairy tales and caramel corn. For Alexis York and Ryan Fisher, their friendship was the cornerstone of who they were. In the wake of a family tragedy, that friendship was torn apart by time and distance. Unrequited love was never reciprocated, and two lives that were once intertwined, now moved on different trajectories.
Fifteen years later, these two friends are given a second chance to correct the mistakes of the past. With one flight, a new home, and a little help from a tiny red compass, Alexis and Ryan are reunited, setting them back on the same course. Together, they find themselves on a journey of rediscovery, friendship, hope, and love.
Yet, when the harsh realities of life threaten to tear them apart for good, will Alexis and Ryan lose all hope of a happily ever after? Or will the childhood promises of forever lead these two hearts through impossible odds and back into each other's arms?
"You're my compass. My one true north."
Fifteen years later, these two friends are given a second chance to correct the mistakes of the past. With one flight, a new home, and a little help from a tiny red compass, Alexis and Ryan are reunited, setting them back on the same course. Together, they find themselves on a journey of rediscovery, friendship, hope, and love.
Yet, when the harsh realities of life threaten to tear them apart for good, will Alexis and Ryan lose all hope of a happily ever after? Or will the childhood promises of forever lead these two hearts through impossible odds and back into each other's arms?
"You're my compass. My one true north."
ebook
First published November 17, 2015
About the author
Jeanne McDonald
21 books548 followersJeanne McDonald enjoys writing contemporary romance filled with spice, drama, and humor. She loves to explore the supernatural, relish in the world of fantasy, and dabble in the follies of the heart. As JM Dodd, she returns to the wonderment of youth and young love through the scope of Young Adult fiction.
She prides herself in being a mother, a friend, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in humanity.
When she's not spending time with her amazing son, her dog, and her cat, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or cooking for friends. In her house, there’s always music or a podcast playing.
A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
She prides herself in being a mother, a friend, a student of knowledge and of life, a coffee addict, a philosophy novice, a pop culture connoisseur, inspired by music, encouraged by words, and a believer in humanity.
When she's not spending time with her amazing son, her dog, and her cat, she can be found reading, writing, enjoying a great film, or cooking for friends. In her house, there’s always music or a podcast playing.
A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 22, 2015
Reading a book by a new author is a gamble as you have no idea whether or not you will enjoy the journey you will be taken on. This was the challenge I faced when I decided to read Compass by Jeanne McDonald. Now that I am at the point of writing my review, I have to say I am glad I took the gamble as I got the chance to read a story that will stay with me for some time to come.
Compass is a beautiful and heartwrenching story of first love and second chances. It's the kind of story that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. It tells the story of Ryan Fisher and Alexis York. These two have been best friends for most of their lives. They were inseparable. However, time and circumstances conspired to put a wedge in their friendship. Alexis was forced to move to New York City leaving her best friend behind. At this point in the story, I was an emotional wreck. Their goodbye was bittersweet. Their promise to never forget each other and to always keep in touch was poignant. It was evident that their feelings for each other went beyond friendship, but they were both afraid to admit it.
Fast forward fifteen years later, Alexis and Ryan are living their lives separate from each other. They are both successful in their respective careers and have forged new friendships. However, their lives were incomplete as they were both missing the love of their better half. As fate would have it, their paths would once again cross under the most unlikely circumstances. At this point in the story, I was all smiles. I felt the joy and excitement of their reunion. So deep was their connection, it was like they were never separated. Ryan and Alexis have received a second chance to express their feelings for each other. Will they cease this opportunity or will they continue to keep each other in the friend zone?
I found their interaction at this point entertaining, albeit a bit frustrating at times. There were moments when I felt shaking them both due to their failure to see what was staring them in their faces. Everyone around them saw what they failed to see.
The characters were well-developed and easy to relate to. Alexis is smart, strong, independent and feisty. She was struggling with issues of trust that stemmed from her parent divorce. However, we see her gaining perspective, thus enabling her to move on. Ryan is adorable, caring, confident and sexy. The story was well written and well paced. It had a mixture of humour and sadness. There was a point in the story where my heart was in my throat as I feared the worst. The title was fitting for this story. A simple toy compass guided two people, who had lost their way, back to each other.
Compass depicts that when two people are meant to be together, no matter how much time has passed, they will find their way back to each other. It also shows that true love transcends time and will endure for a lifetime. I loved everything about this book. I am a new fan of Jeanne McDonald, who will be looking forward to reading more of her work.
Favourite Quotes
You can't let fear steal your chance to love. If you and Ryan part ways, which I don't ever see happening, but if it happens, don't let that deter you from loving again. Love is learning. It's taking chances. It's making mistakes. But most of all, it's allowing yourself to trust and be trusted.
Lex, you are my best friend in the whole world. Just remember, every time you feel off course, follow your heart. It's your compass. It will always lead you to where you belong. Flying high, Ryan
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
Compass is a beautiful and heartwrenching story of first love and second chances. It's the kind of story that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. It tells the story of Ryan Fisher and Alexis York. These two have been best friends for most of their lives. They were inseparable. However, time and circumstances conspired to put a wedge in their friendship. Alexis was forced to move to New York City leaving her best friend behind. At this point in the story, I was an emotional wreck. Their goodbye was bittersweet. Their promise to never forget each other and to always keep in touch was poignant. It was evident that their feelings for each other went beyond friendship, but they were both afraid to admit it.
Fast forward fifteen years later, Alexis and Ryan are living their lives separate from each other. They are both successful in their respective careers and have forged new friendships. However, their lives were incomplete as they were both missing the love of their better half. As fate would have it, their paths would once again cross under the most unlikely circumstances. At this point in the story, I was all smiles. I felt the joy and excitement of their reunion. So deep was their connection, it was like they were never separated. Ryan and Alexis have received a second chance to express their feelings for each other. Will they cease this opportunity or will they continue to keep each other in the friend zone?
I found their interaction at this point entertaining, albeit a bit frustrating at times. There were moments when I felt shaking them both due to their failure to see what was staring them in their faces. Everyone around them saw what they failed to see.
The characters were well-developed and easy to relate to. Alexis is smart, strong, independent and feisty. She was struggling with issues of trust that stemmed from her parent divorce. However, we see her gaining perspective, thus enabling her to move on. Ryan is adorable, caring, confident and sexy. The story was well written and well paced. It had a mixture of humour and sadness. There was a point in the story where my heart was in my throat as I feared the worst. The title was fitting for this story. A simple toy compass guided two people, who had lost their way, back to each other.
Compass depicts that when two people are meant to be together, no matter how much time has passed, they will find their way back to each other. It also shows that true love transcends time and will endure for a lifetime. I loved everything about this book. I am a new fan of Jeanne McDonald, who will be looking forward to reading more of her work.
Favourite Quotes
You can't let fear steal your chance to love. If you and Ryan part ways, which I don't ever see happening, but if it happens, don't let that deter you from loving again. Love is learning. It's taking chances. It's making mistakes. But most of all, it's allowing yourself to trust and be trusted.
Lex, you are my best friend in the whole world. Just remember, every time you feel off course, follow your heart. It's your compass. It will always lead you to where you belong. Flying high, Ryan
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
October 30, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“Ryan smiled and turned her hand over in his placing the red toy in her palm. ‘It’s a compass. Keep it with you always. In those moments when you feel lost, alone, or confused, pulled it out and let yourself remember. Let this compass lead you back home. Let it lead you back to me. Forever and always, okay?’”
“Are you kidding me? For a man, age equals distinguished. A woman – well, you’re just decrepit.”
“Love’s not supposed to hurt. It’s supposed to free you, to lift you higher. To make you fly… You said you’re afraid of falling. I’m not going to let you fall. I’m going to make you soar.”
“Ryan was the other half of her soul… He was the piece of her heart that was never hers to give.”
My Review:
The prize from a box of Cracker Jacks of a red toy compass on her moving day becomes the touchstone piece in this delightful and heartfelt second chance love story. A teen-aged girl must move away far away from her life-long best friend/neighbor/untold first love, following the discovery of her father’s infidelity and parents’ divorce. She is crushed by her father’s betrayal and develops a distrust of men as well as insecurities about relationships and her ability to have one. Years later, a new job places her in a new city where she becomes reacquainted with her father and old friend, and she is forced to reevaluate and rethink her conclusions and face her own misconceptions shaped during her youth. The plot was interesting and unusual as the teen-aged male is the scrawny geek friend while the girl is a popular cheerleader – which is typically not the norm in romance books. The story was amusing and entertaining, and the writing was well paced and insightful with sparkles of humor and occasional steam. The characters were smart, well developed, and likable. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and remained engaged and interested from beginning to end. This was my first read from this Ms. McDonald and I so greatly enjoyed her style that I have added her entire library to my ever expanding TBR.
“Ryan smiled and turned her hand over in his placing the red toy in her palm. ‘It’s a compass. Keep it with you always. In those moments when you feel lost, alone, or confused, pulled it out and let yourself remember. Let this compass lead you back home. Let it lead you back to me. Forever and always, okay?’”
“Are you kidding me? For a man, age equals distinguished. A woman – well, you’re just decrepit.”
“Love’s not supposed to hurt. It’s supposed to free you, to lift you higher. To make you fly… You said you’re afraid of falling. I’m not going to let you fall. I’m going to make you soar.”
“Ryan was the other half of her soul… He was the piece of her heart that was never hers to give.”
My Review:
The prize from a box of Cracker Jacks of a red toy compass on her moving day becomes the touchstone piece in this delightful and heartfelt second chance love story. A teen-aged girl must move away far away from her life-long best friend/neighbor/untold first love, following the discovery of her father’s infidelity and parents’ divorce. She is crushed by her father’s betrayal and develops a distrust of men as well as insecurities about relationships and her ability to have one. Years later, a new job places her in a new city where she becomes reacquainted with her father and old friend, and she is forced to reevaluate and rethink her conclusions and face her own misconceptions shaped during her youth. The plot was interesting and unusual as the teen-aged male is the scrawny geek friend while the girl is a popular cheerleader – which is typically not the norm in romance books. The story was amusing and entertaining, and the writing was well paced and insightful with sparkles of humor and occasional steam. The characters were smart, well developed, and likable. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and remained engaged and interested from beginning to end. This was my first read from this Ms. McDonald and I so greatly enjoyed her style that I have added her entire library to my ever expanding TBR.
September 14, 2015
*Received an ARC for an honest review*
Jeanne McDonald does it again.
Just when you think you know her writing style, she changes it up with her book, Compass.
In this book, she moves from her traditional first person POV to a third person and alternates between Lexi and Ryan each chapter. It's great to be able to see into both of their heads through out the whole story!
There is no slow burn to this one, no playing around with the "should I or shouldn't I" like there was in The Truth in Lies Saga. Lexi and Ryan are long time friends. They share a special bond that's endured since childhood - even after years of being apart with no communication. They give in to their feelings for one another after skirting around it for a time, but it won't have the reader wanting to chuck their book/ereader into a wall out of frustration. There are moments where it'd be nice to shake them a bit, but Ms. McDonald does a fantastic job at creating supporting characters that do that for you.
Lexi is a likeable character. Smart and quick witted. She has her bratty moments (mostly in regards to her father and his new wife) but by the end of the book, she's gained some perspective and has learned to move on.
Ryan is charming, caring, and easy to enjoy. I tend to gravitate toward male characters, and Ms. McDonald has again delivered a man who has some flaws, but you love him more in spite of them; or maybe because of them. He has an innocence about him, even though he's more worldly, and is a romantic through and through.
This is not an angst filled read.
If you want a long drawn out cat and mouse game between the two MC's, you won't find it here.
This book is about friendship and love. It's about letting your heart be your guide - your compass - to find the one that loves you more than their own life. It's about holding on tight to what's real and letting go of fears.
It's a romance for the ages.
Jeanne McDonald does it again.
Just when you think you know her writing style, she changes it up with her book, Compass.
In this book, she moves from her traditional first person POV to a third person and alternates between Lexi and Ryan each chapter. It's great to be able to see into both of their heads through out the whole story!
There is no slow burn to this one, no playing around with the "should I or shouldn't I" like there was in The Truth in Lies Saga. Lexi and Ryan are long time friends. They share a special bond that's endured since childhood - even after years of being apart with no communication. They give in to their feelings for one another after skirting around it for a time, but it won't have the reader wanting to chuck their book/ereader into a wall out of frustration. There are moments where it'd be nice to shake them a bit, but Ms. McDonald does a fantastic job at creating supporting characters that do that for you.
Lexi is a likeable character. Smart and quick witted. She has her bratty moments (mostly in regards to her father and his new wife) but by the end of the book, she's gained some perspective and has learned to move on.
Ryan is charming, caring, and easy to enjoy. I tend to gravitate toward male characters, and Ms. McDonald has again delivered a man who has some flaws, but you love him more in spite of them; or maybe because of them. He has an innocence about him, even though he's more worldly, and is a romantic through and through.
This is not an angst filled read.
If you want a long drawn out cat and mouse game between the two MC's, you won't find it here.
This book is about friendship and love. It's about letting your heart be your guide - your compass - to find the one that loves you more than their own life. It's about holding on tight to what's real and letting go of fears.
It's a romance for the ages.
November 18, 2015
Compass is a story about childhood friendship, and a love that never leaves us.
Two best friends growing up, and feeling more than they think they should, part ways, and go about their lives, but never really forget about each other. A chance meeting involving a treasured gift and a remembered promise brings them back together. Still, either of them are loathe to rock the boat and admit they feel something more than friendship.
But when they do, oh my.
Ryan is confident, sexy, and pretty damned sweet. His favorite things in the world are flying and his girl, Alexis, with Cracker Jack rounding out his list.
Alexis is smart, funny, and carries a pain with her only Ryan can understand, since he shares it with her. Dedicating her life to helping other people, she has forgotten that sometimes, she needs saving too.
A wonderful read, great banter and a touching lesson about forgiveness and moving on.
Two best friends growing up, and feeling more than they think they should, part ways, and go about their lives, but never really forget about each other. A chance meeting involving a treasured gift and a remembered promise brings them back together. Still, either of them are loathe to rock the boat and admit they feel something more than friendship.
But when they do, oh my.
Ryan is confident, sexy, and pretty damned sweet. His favorite things in the world are flying and his girl, Alexis, with Cracker Jack rounding out his list.
Alexis is smart, funny, and carries a pain with her only Ryan can understand, since he shares it with her. Dedicating her life to helping other people, she has forgotten that sometimes, she needs saving too.
A wonderful read, great banter and a touching lesson about forgiveness and moving on.
September 23, 2015
Going in, I had high expectations of this book. It is by Jeanne McDonald after all. She definitely delivered!! Even though I like my angst, it's a nice change once in a while to read a sweet fluffy book, and that's what you get with Compass. Sweetness.
Though you will get frustrated and want to bang Lex and Ryan's heads together to give them a clue!!
But this is definitely a five star, sweet read!
Though you will get frustrated and want to bang Lex and Ryan's heads together to give them a clue!!
But this is definitely a five star, sweet read!
October 18, 2015
"Falling hurts. Love's not supposed to hurt. It's supposed to free you, to lift you higher. To make you fly."
The moment you open Compass you are pulled into a moment that you dread. It is a moment you'll have to relive, you know this. A moment that life changes. The moment a single action, a single decision, and a single blip of fate .... changes everything.
Moment. Compass is a beautiful story that is all about moments. Happy, sad, lost, yet to happen moments.
Alexis York and Ryan Fisher were best friends and soul mates. Growing up together, the popular girl and the nerdy boy never let their childhood "status" affect who they were together. An undeniable love and friendship helped mold and guide them through life and ultimately separated them. As life does, days apart turned to weeks then to months and eventually to years.
Then, as fate intervened, Alexis and Ryan find themselves back together. Only this time, they are adults. Adults with desires and passions. Adults who have been hurt and continue to bleed from the pain of their past decisions and those in their lives.
Compass is a beautiful story of second chances. What happens when the person you have loved more than any other person in your life suddenly reappears and fate hands you a second chance? How do you embrace it without losing the person you have become? How do you learn to fly and trust love when all you know is love hurts? Falling in love is taking a leap of faith with no guarantee you won't break.
Through every moment with Alexis and Ryan you feel it all. The pain, the suffering, the need, the desire, the want. All encompassing. The love between Alexis and Ryan is magnetic and through it all you believe. You believe that love is worth the risk. You believe love is worth the leap because why you may fall, you may also fly. And if you are lucky enough to fly, it is never ending.
The moment you open Compass you are pulled into a moment that you dread. It is a moment you'll have to relive, you know this. A moment that life changes. The moment a single action, a single decision, and a single blip of fate .... changes everything.
Moment. Compass is a beautiful story that is all about moments. Happy, sad, lost, yet to happen moments.
Alexis York and Ryan Fisher were best friends and soul mates. Growing up together, the popular girl and the nerdy boy never let their childhood "status" affect who they were together. An undeniable love and friendship helped mold and guide them through life and ultimately separated them. As life does, days apart turned to weeks then to months and eventually to years.
Then, as fate intervened, Alexis and Ryan find themselves back together. Only this time, they are adults. Adults with desires and passions. Adults who have been hurt and continue to bleed from the pain of their past decisions and those in their lives.
Compass is a beautiful story of second chances. What happens when the person you have loved more than any other person in your life suddenly reappears and fate hands you a second chance? How do you embrace it without losing the person you have become? How do you learn to fly and trust love when all you know is love hurts? Falling in love is taking a leap of faith with no guarantee you won't break.
Through every moment with Alexis and Ryan you feel it all. The pain, the suffering, the need, the desire, the want. All encompassing. The love between Alexis and Ryan is magnetic and through it all you believe. You believe that love is worth the risk. You believe love is worth the leap because why you may fall, you may also fly. And if you are lucky enough to fly, it is never ending.
September 17, 2015
**Received ARC for Honest Review**
I truly, truly enjoyed this book. It was done in a different style than Jeanne’s other books---written in 3rd person, but you do know how each character is dealing with things or what they are thinking about. That, I really enjoyed.
What a great way to reconnect with an old childhood friend, soul mate. The main theme was brought back to you throughout the whole book, at the most appropriate times “forever and always” and “follow your heart, it’s your Compass” these themes kept coming back, even if they weren’t exactly spoken/written in the story---you KNEW it was there. This story was very believable, the characters extremely likable, even when it looked like someone was getting in a jealous female snit, and then the tension near the end was not dragged on for chapter after chapter. It was nice to see friends in books being honest and not hiding anything. Not that, that is a bad thing; I love some angst occasionally, but it was fun to have friends so close to each other and looking out for one another! Most definitely very different from her other series! WELL DONE, Jeanne!!
'
It was a welcome idea to see, a divorced couple help their adult child overcome her preconceived ideas and both take blame and apologize for that child’s adult fears! Loved the ending, fun and done in a special way, very appropriate for this story---yes I am a romantic at heart, so it was great!
Well done, Jeanne! Cannot wait for your next book!
I truly, truly enjoyed this book. It was done in a different style than Jeanne’s other books---written in 3rd person, but you do know how each character is dealing with things or what they are thinking about. That, I really enjoyed.
What a great way to reconnect with an old childhood friend, soul mate. The main theme was brought back to you throughout the whole book, at the most appropriate times “forever and always” and “follow your heart, it’s your Compass” these themes kept coming back, even if they weren’t exactly spoken/written in the story---you KNEW it was there. This story was very believable, the characters extremely likable, even when it looked like someone was getting in a jealous female snit, and then the tension near the end was not dragged on for chapter after chapter. It was nice to see friends in books being honest and not hiding anything. Not that, that is a bad thing; I love some angst occasionally, but it was fun to have friends so close to each other and looking out for one another! Most definitely very different from her other series! WELL DONE, Jeanne!!
'
It was a welcome idea to see, a divorced couple help their adult child overcome her preconceived ideas and both take blame and apologize for that child’s adult fears! Loved the ending, fun and done in a special way, very appropriate for this story---yes I am a romantic at heart, so it was great!
Well done, Jeanne! Cannot wait for your next book!
September 18, 2015
I've made no secret that I'm a fan of Jeanne's work. She has this way of sucking you into the world she's created and the characters who live there. Compass is no different. I sat down to read and only put my kindle down when I had to do something like cook, or pick the kids up from school.
As I turned the pages, I needed to know what was going to happen next. There was no way I was stopping until I'd finished the entire book, and after about 5 hours, I did.
We first meet Lexi and Ryan on the day Lexi is moving away from the only home she's ever known, thanks to the breakdown of her parent's marriage. She's been in love with her best friend for years, but has never told him, and now it's too late. fast forward fifteen years, Lexi's moving once more. This time from new York to Texas. She's been thinking a lot about Ryan, and is debating whether to send him a message via facebook. No need... Ryan is now a pilot, having achieved his childhood dream, and is in the cockpit of Lexi's flight home. Thanks to a tannoy announcement and a toy compass, they are reunited.
They slip easily into their friendship, almost as if they hadn't been separated for years, but what Lexi doesn't realise is that her unrequited love was in fact, requited. What follows is a beautiful slow burn as these friends rediscover each other and get the know the adult their friend has become.
Tinged with sadness and a trauma that had my heart in my throat, McDonald has once more created a story that unfolds in front of you and keeps you wanting more.
As I turned the pages, I needed to know what was going to happen next. There was no way I was stopping until I'd finished the entire book, and after about 5 hours, I did.
We first meet Lexi and Ryan on the day Lexi is moving away from the only home she's ever known, thanks to the breakdown of her parent's marriage. She's been in love with her best friend for years, but has never told him, and now it's too late. fast forward fifteen years, Lexi's moving once more. This time from new York to Texas. She's been thinking a lot about Ryan, and is debating whether to send him a message via facebook. No need... Ryan is now a pilot, having achieved his childhood dream, and is in the cockpit of Lexi's flight home. Thanks to a tannoy announcement and a toy compass, they are reunited.
They slip easily into their friendship, almost as if they hadn't been separated for years, but what Lexi doesn't realise is that her unrequited love was in fact, requited. What follows is a beautiful slow burn as these friends rediscover each other and get the know the adult their friend has become.
Tinged with sadness and a trauma that had my heart in my throat, McDonald has once more created a story that unfolds in front of you and keeps you wanting more.
November 18, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog
Compass by Jeanne McDonald
Alexis is just about to make her big break in the world moving away from home for her job as a doctor but she is terrified of flying. When clearing out her childhood room she comes across a compass that her long term childhood friend Ryan had given her. She takes the compass with her to her new home. She gets on her flight thinking of Ryan and how they lost touch. As the announcement comes over the airplanes system for seat belts to put on she knows that voice and it is non-other than Ryan himself. She gets all excited and asks the flight attendant to give him a message. Ryan cant believe his luck and goes out to see Alexis for the first time in 15 years! From there they realise they will living near to each other and their friendship takes off like they were never apart but it is clear to everyone around them that this is more than just a friendship. Follow Ryan and Alexis as they go through trials and plot twists and tragedy and their friendship blossoming into love.
There are many fantastic and well thought out twists to go with this story and I loved it. It isn’t too long which is always a plus and is a stand-alone read. The characters are fantastic and Alexis is the most lovable person ever. The writing style is good and sex scenes are hot. I would have liked this to be a series but as far as im aware this is the only one there will be.
I rate this story 4 stars
Compass by Jeanne McDonald
Alexis is just about to make her big break in the world moving away from home for her job as a doctor but she is terrified of flying. When clearing out her childhood room she comes across a compass that her long term childhood friend Ryan had given her. She takes the compass with her to her new home. She gets on her flight thinking of Ryan and how they lost touch. As the announcement comes over the airplanes system for seat belts to put on she knows that voice and it is non-other than Ryan himself. She gets all excited and asks the flight attendant to give him a message. Ryan cant believe his luck and goes out to see Alexis for the first time in 15 years! From there they realise they will living near to each other and their friendship takes off like they were never apart but it is clear to everyone around them that this is more than just a friendship. Follow Ryan and Alexis as they go through trials and plot twists and tragedy and their friendship blossoming into love.
There are many fantastic and well thought out twists to go with this story and I loved it. It isn’t too long which is always a plus and is a stand-alone read. The characters are fantastic and Alexis is the most lovable person ever. The writing style is good and sex scenes are hot. I would have liked this to be a series but as far as im aware this is the only one there will be.
I rate this story 4 stars
September 12, 2015
***Given an ARC for honest review***
Words can't describe what I thought about this book. I loved it from start to finish and just couldn't put it down. This book had so much emotion from the start right down to the end.
As a reader, I related to this book so much. As being a wife of a pilot, this hit home. I really wanted things to work out between Alexis and Ryan. I could tell that they were meant to be. Throughout the book, I just had a smile on my face. I loved the way Ryan cared for Alexis and vice versa, just neither of them really knew it. Then the ending came and I didn't know what to think. I'm usually not the type of person to cry at a book, but this one got me. I could physically understand the hurt that Alexis went through and it literally broke my heart. Just get the tissues ready (you were warned).
I totally recommend this book and I have found a new author too. I am glad that I got a chance to read this wonderful book.
Words can't describe what I thought about this book. I loved it from start to finish and just couldn't put it down. This book had so much emotion from the start right down to the end.
As a reader, I related to this book so much. As being a wife of a pilot, this hit home. I really wanted things to work out between Alexis and Ryan. I could tell that they were meant to be. Throughout the book, I just had a smile on my face. I loved the way Ryan cared for Alexis and vice versa, just neither of them really knew it. Then the ending came and I didn't know what to think. I'm usually not the type of person to cry at a book, but this one got me. I could physically understand the hurt that Alexis went through and it literally broke my heart. Just get the tissues ready (you were warned).
I totally recommend this book and I have found a new author too. I am glad that I got a chance to read this wonderful book.
November 22, 2015
***Received this book for an honest review***
Alexis and Ryan are two characters you literally want to see together. Outspoken young lady and a shy, caring, young man are all combinations for something going right. Compass has just that!!
After life choices and the two meeting years later, perhaps it will allow them time to reconnect. Alexis lands right in his lap so to speak. The two deal with past feelings as well as knew. I loved watching them come together again and the feeling that the two have this connection even though they don't know it, makes it all feel real.
The development flows well, as do the tears. This was a wonderful book. This was my first time reading Jeanne's work and look forward to picking up more of her books. I recommend this one to readers, it truly is amazing!
Alexis and Ryan are two characters you literally want to see together. Outspoken young lady and a shy, caring, young man are all combinations for something going right. Compass has just that!!
After life choices and the two meeting years later, perhaps it will allow them time to reconnect. Alexis lands right in his lap so to speak. The two deal with past feelings as well as knew. I loved watching them come together again and the feeling that the two have this connection even though they don't know it, makes it all feel real.
The development flows well, as do the tears. This was a wonderful book. This was my first time reading Jeanne's work and look forward to picking up more of her books. I recommend this one to readers, it truly is amazing!
October 24, 2015
5 STAR READ!!
Let me tell you, I need to find a guy who treats me just like Ryan treats Alexis. I'm so jealous of the love they have for each other, and the hope that they would see each other again after all of those years.
"Forever and always."
I was instantly drawn into this story and loved that it was told in both POV's because you were able to feel all of the emotions that Ryan and Alexis has for each other, past and present, and you were able to see into their individual lives, and how much they truly care for each other. One thing that I loved about this book, or any book that I read, is when the title actually goes with something inside of the book. The compass was a huge sentiment to Ryan and Alexis and I love how it tied into the title.
Let me tell you, I need to find a guy who treats me just like Ryan treats Alexis. I'm so jealous of the love they have for each other, and the hope that they would see each other again after all of those years.
"Forever and always."
I was instantly drawn into this story and loved that it was told in both POV's because you were able to feel all of the emotions that Ryan and Alexis has for each other, past and present, and you were able to see into their individual lives, and how much they truly care for each other. One thing that I loved about this book, or any book that I read, is when the title actually goes with something inside of the book. The compass was a huge sentiment to Ryan and Alexis and I love how it tied into the title.
September 28, 2015
This book kind of reminds me of my childhood so I easily identified with Alexis. Once I started reading Compass, I couldn't put it down! The evolving relationship between Alexis and Ryan is an interesting one and a very romantic concept to read about. It's unfortunately rare these days to stay in touch with people you grew up with. And even with so many resources available Ryan finds it pretty much impossible to track down Alexis when they lose touch. One of the good points about this book is how the past does help mold who we are and we can either let it rule us or live and learn. I really loved the cover as well! It fits well with the story and I found it creative.
November 24, 2015
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review.
This was a really good book about true love in the last place you expect to find it. Alexis and Ryan were childhood friends that were forced apart due to family drama. Only to have an unexpected reunion. You get to watch their love blossom through an unexpected event, which only makes their relationship stronger. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it for anyone who like true love
This was a really good book about true love in the last place you expect to find it. Alexis and Ryan were childhood friends that were forced apart due to family drama. Only to have an unexpected reunion. You get to watch their love blossom through an unexpected event, which only makes their relationship stronger. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it for anyone who like true love
December 5, 2015
Simply lovely. Full review to come.
November 24, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
When Alexis was young, 16, she had to say goodbye to her best friend, Ryan. Her mother was moving them to New York and Alexis was devastated. She had been friends with Ryan for as long as she'd been alive. They were neighbors and their parents were even friends. Recent developments were that she had a crush on Ryan. She was certain he didn't feel the same. Life was over now that she had to leave everything she'd ever known and the boy she loved.
Fast forward to fifteen later, Alexis is a doctor and is leaving New York city for Texas. She and Ryan kept in touch some but eventually losing touch, like most people do. Life gets busy and moves forward no matter how much you want the past to stay relevant. Alexis has always looked for Ryan on Facebook or the internet as a whole for that matter. The luck she has, the night before she flies to Dallas to start her new life she finds him on Facebook. She friends him immediately, and when he accepts she proceeds to stalk his pictures like we all do when we friend someone. He's a man now, a good looking man. A pilot just like he always said he would be.
Fate is funny, sometimes we miss a turn and end up missing a massive accident that we could've been involved in. Nothing could've prepared Alexis for the sound of HIS voice on the speaker of her flight. Life is funny like that. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years and now he's closer then ever and she can't wait to see him again.
Ryan was shocked to see a friend request from Alexis York. He saw that she lived in NYC and that's where his latest layover was. Sadly though he saw she was moving, but no destination was stated. Now he had a link to her though and he'd talk to her again he was sure of it. Late for his flight the next morning, he rushed through the airport and on to his flight. Makenna, on of the flight attendants, comes and tells him there is a passenger that wants to speak with him and hands him a compass. He's floored, could it be that Alexis is on his flight? She is and they ease back in to the easy friendship they had all those years ago. There's more to it now that they are adults, though. When he finds out that Dallas isn't a layover for her but her destination he's very happy.
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I loved Ryan and Alexis, they had an easy way about them. It was easy to root for them to make it. I loved Declan, he was a huge flirt and fun to watch. I wasn't a huge fan of Reagan, she wanted to be happy that Ryan was happy but then turned in to that girl that likes to throw the past in the face of the new girl. It's an odd situation for sure. In the end we don't really have to see too much of her so she didn't ruin anything between Ryan and Alexis. If you want a light and happy read about friends reunited and then more. Stories like these are some of my favorites. Leave the author love in the form a review!
When Alexis was young, 16, she had to say goodbye to her best friend, Ryan. Her mother was moving them to New York and Alexis was devastated. She had been friends with Ryan for as long as she'd been alive. They were neighbors and their parents were even friends. Recent developments were that she had a crush on Ryan. She was certain he didn't feel the same. Life was over now that she had to leave everything she'd ever known and the boy she loved.
Fast forward to fifteen later, Alexis is a doctor and is leaving New York city for Texas. She and Ryan kept in touch some but eventually losing touch, like most people do. Life gets busy and moves forward no matter how much you want the past to stay relevant. Alexis has always looked for Ryan on Facebook or the internet as a whole for that matter. The luck she has, the night before she flies to Dallas to start her new life she finds him on Facebook. She friends him immediately, and when he accepts she proceeds to stalk his pictures like we all do when we friend someone. He's a man now, a good looking man. A pilot just like he always said he would be.
Fate is funny, sometimes we miss a turn and end up missing a massive accident that we could've been involved in. Nothing could've prepared Alexis for the sound of HIS voice on the speaker of her flight. Life is funny like that. They haven't seen each other in fifteen years and now he's closer then ever and she can't wait to see him again.
Ryan was shocked to see a friend request from Alexis York. He saw that she lived in NYC and that's where his latest layover was. Sadly though he saw she was moving, but no destination was stated. Now he had a link to her though and he'd talk to her again he was sure of it. Late for his flight the next morning, he rushed through the airport and on to his flight. Makenna, on of the flight attendants, comes and tells him there is a passenger that wants to speak with him and hands him a compass. He's floored, could it be that Alexis is on his flight? She is and they ease back in to the easy friendship they had all those years ago. There's more to it now that they are adults, though. When he finds out that Dallas isn't a layover for her but her destination he's very happy.
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I loved Ryan and Alexis, they had an easy way about them. It was easy to root for them to make it. I loved Declan, he was a huge flirt and fun to watch. I wasn't a huge fan of Reagan, she wanted to be happy that Ryan was happy but then turned in to that girl that likes to throw the past in the face of the new girl. It's an odd situation for sure. In the end we don't really have to see too much of her so she didn't ruin anything between Ryan and Alexis. If you want a light and happy read about friends reunited and then more. Stories like these are some of my favorites. Leave the author love in the form a review!
December 6, 2015
I not going to try and hide it – I absolutely loved this book! My favorite type of story is about finding lost love again and what happens both in the past and how they find each other again, this to me is the definition of romantic. Compass by Jeanne McDonald does this and then some.
Ryan and Alexis have been best friends their entire life – since they were 6 years old Ryan use to sneak to Alexis’s room (to the dismay of their parents) just so they wouldn’t spend any time apart. As they grew up through high school Ryan was known as the nerd while Alexis was the beautiful popular girl but their friendship never faltered. They both though they never admit it develop stronger feelings for each other but never wanted to hurt their friendship. A tragedy hit Alexis and her family which ultimately tears her family apart and she and her mother move to New York before her freshman year in college. While Ryan and Alexis vow to always stay in touch as they grow up and embark on their lives – real life intervenes and they lose touch but they always think about each other and how and what the other is doing.
Flash forward 15 years and Alexis now a doctor is leaving New York and moving to Dallas to take a new Fellowship position in a Dallas hospital. Ryan fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. With Alexis’s move her mother makes her create a Facebook page and the first person she reaches out to is Ryan. One thing leads to another and Ryan ends up being the first officer on the flight that takes Alexis from New York to Dallas – and that’s when the story starts.
The story is told in 3rd person with dual POV’s which I just love – Jeanne does a fantastic job drawing you into both Ryan and Alexis’s worlds that you know what they are saying to the outside world and can see their struggle on how to handle their relationship. Alexis has some trust issues with men and Ryan has never really had serious relationships; both of which plays a part on how they handle their growing feelings and why they are hesitant to move to that next level. The dialog between the two main characters is fantastic and you can tell even with the time apart they still know each other. I love the secondary characters and they role the play especially in the third act. The build up to the “moment” and how their whole relationship is built on 25 years of friendship is so well done.
This is a beautiful story that will keep you up all night (it did me) because you just can’t put it down. If you are addicted to lost love romance than this is definitely a story for you.
Ryan and Alexis have been best friends their entire life – since they were 6 years old Ryan use to sneak to Alexis’s room (to the dismay of their parents) just so they wouldn’t spend any time apart. As they grew up through high school Ryan was known as the nerd while Alexis was the beautiful popular girl but their friendship never faltered. They both though they never admit it develop stronger feelings for each other but never wanted to hurt their friendship. A tragedy hit Alexis and her family which ultimately tears her family apart and she and her mother move to New York before her freshman year in college. While Ryan and Alexis vow to always stay in touch as they grow up and embark on their lives – real life intervenes and they lose touch but they always think about each other and how and what the other is doing.
Flash forward 15 years and Alexis now a doctor is leaving New York and moving to Dallas to take a new Fellowship position in a Dallas hospital. Ryan fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. With Alexis’s move her mother makes her create a Facebook page and the first person she reaches out to is Ryan. One thing leads to another and Ryan ends up being the first officer on the flight that takes Alexis from New York to Dallas – and that’s when the story starts.
The story is told in 3rd person with dual POV’s which I just love – Jeanne does a fantastic job drawing you into both Ryan and Alexis’s worlds that you know what they are saying to the outside world and can see their struggle on how to handle their relationship. Alexis has some trust issues with men and Ryan has never really had serious relationships; both of which plays a part on how they handle their growing feelings and why they are hesitant to move to that next level. The dialog between the two main characters is fantastic and you can tell even with the time apart they still know each other. I love the secondary characters and they role the play especially in the third act. The build up to the “moment” and how their whole relationship is built on 25 years of friendship is so well done.
This is a beautiful story that will keep you up all night (it did me) because you just can’t put it down. If you are addicted to lost love romance than this is definitely a story for you.
November 16, 2015
If you haven’t noticed by now, I absolutely love anything by Jeanne McDonald. Time and time again Jeanne delivers beautiful stories with just enough heartache and humor to keep her audience on the edge of their seats. Nothing so heavy you cannot breathe but enough to suck all your emotions into the story.
Jeanne’s stories always leave a permanent mark on my soul, Compass included.
Jeanne’s sexy nerdy pilot Ryan Fisher and her snarky Doctor Alexis York in Compass both will have a special place in my heart. Both characters were complex and had great back-stories. I loved how Jeanne derived Alexis and Ryan’s love story from such a sweet childhood friendship both held onto until they bumped into one another again.
“I can’t believe you are here,” he rasped, as he brushed her hair back from her face. “You don’t know how many times I dreamt of you.” ← anyone else who at Mr. Fisher like I did?!
And Jeanne doesn’t stop there folks. She is always sprinkling her books with fantastic supporting characters. My favorite this time was Declan Hart. This man made no bones about it. He was a player but also had a heart and wanted Alexis and Ryan happy.
My favorite Alexis and Declan scene was when Alexis is ribbing Declan and he referred to his junk to the “thunder down under,” I nearly died. That man always had a comeback.
Instead of going on and on about how much I love Ryan and Alexis, I thought I would share with you two of my favorite scenes.
One as the Texas State Fair scene, I mean I am an Okie after all. So this really hit home for me. Jeanne did such a great job with Fair and OU vs Texas game. But this is a huge scene for our character with such growth and trust. I just loved it so much. ((Boomer Sooner BABY!!))
My second favorite scene was when Jeanne gave us a scene between Alexis and her sister Cora. This again was huge staple of the story. It was poise and absolutely perfect. It made me all teary eyed. I could feel the emotion of the scene.
Jeanne’s stories always leave a permanent mark on my soul, Compass included.
Jeanne’s sexy nerdy pilot Ryan Fisher and her snarky Doctor Alexis York in Compass both will have a special place in my heart. Both characters were complex and had great back-stories. I loved how Jeanne derived Alexis and Ryan’s love story from such a sweet childhood friendship both held onto until they bumped into one another again.
“I can’t believe you are here,” he rasped, as he brushed her hair back from her face. “You don’t know how many times I dreamt of you.” ← anyone else who at Mr. Fisher like I did?!
And Jeanne doesn’t stop there folks. She is always sprinkling her books with fantastic supporting characters. My favorite this time was Declan Hart. This man made no bones about it. He was a player but also had a heart and wanted Alexis and Ryan happy.
My favorite Alexis and Declan scene was when Alexis is ribbing Declan and he referred to his junk to the “thunder down under,” I nearly died. That man always had a comeback.
Instead of going on and on about how much I love Ryan and Alexis, I thought I would share with you two of my favorite scenes.
One as the Texas State Fair scene, I mean I am an Okie after all. So this really hit home for me. Jeanne did such a great job with Fair and OU vs Texas game. But this is a huge scene for our character with such growth and trust. I just loved it so much. ((Boomer Sooner BABY!!))
My second favorite scene was when Jeanne gave us a scene between Alexis and her sister Cora. This again was huge staple of the story. It was poise and absolutely perfect. It made me all teary eyed. I could feel the emotion of the scene.
November 18, 2015
"...follow your heart. It's your compass. It will always lead you to where you belong."
Alexis York secretly fell for her best friend Ryan Fisher when she was in high school and the two had a very strong bond until a family crisis sent Alexis and her mom to New York. Unfortunately distance causes the two to drift apart until they are brought back together in a chance encounter, giving the two a chance to see how they truly feel about each other.
Yet life is never that easy and the two face more challenges as they try and navigate through a whole new se of feelings and the ability to see if what they felt as teenagers is still how they feel now as adults and when tragedy strikes they will find out if they are truly meant to be.
I honestly love books that involve a secret true love from the past and getting that second chance. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn't. I did really enjoy this book as it really involved people following their dreams by themselves and figuring out who they are without anyone supporting them and then finding that special someone. I really loved the mention of searching for someone on facebook as so many people reconnect through it these days.
The book was about love and also really about forgiveness. I think forgiveness played a key role in both of Alexis's relationships - her father and Ryan. I don't think she would be able to move on without it. This was so important and I really think it brought the book to a new understanding.
I loved the key role that friends and support systems played and how we often interpret things the wrong way and don't look for an explanation before jumping off the handle. This book had so many key life lessons that we are all guilty of. It really was a reminder to listen to what people have to say!
This was a great book and I look forward to more by the author!
Alexis York secretly fell for her best friend Ryan Fisher when she was in high school and the two had a very strong bond until a family crisis sent Alexis and her mom to New York. Unfortunately distance causes the two to drift apart until they are brought back together in a chance encounter, giving the two a chance to see how they truly feel about each other.
Yet life is never that easy and the two face more challenges as they try and navigate through a whole new se of feelings and the ability to see if what they felt as teenagers is still how they feel now as adults and when tragedy strikes they will find out if they are truly meant to be.
I honestly love books that involve a secret true love from the past and getting that second chance. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn't. I did really enjoy this book as it really involved people following their dreams by themselves and figuring out who they are without anyone supporting them and then finding that special someone. I really loved the mention of searching for someone on facebook as so many people reconnect through it these days.
The book was about love and also really about forgiveness. I think forgiveness played a key role in both of Alexis's relationships - her father and Ryan. I don't think she would be able to move on without it. This was so important and I really think it brought the book to a new understanding.
I loved the key role that friends and support systems played and how we often interpret things the wrong way and don't look for an explanation before jumping off the handle. This book had so many key life lessons that we are all guilty of. It really was a reminder to listen to what people have to say!
This was a great book and I look forward to more by the author!
November 27, 2015
"...follow your heart. It's your compass. It will always lead you to where you belong."
Alexis York secretly fell for her best friend Ryan Fisher when she was in high school and the two had a very strong bond until a family crisis sent Alexis and her mom to New York. Unfortunately distance causes the two to drift apart until they are brought back together in a chance encounter, giving the two a chance to see how they truly feel about each other.
Yet life is never that easy and the two face more challenges as they try and navigate through a whole new se of feelings and the ability to see if what they felt as teenagers is still how they feel now as adults and when tragedy strikes they will find out if they are truly meant to be.
I honestly love books that involve a secret true love from the past and getting that second chance. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn't. I did really enjoy this book as it really involved people following their dreams by themselves and figuring out who they are without anyone supporting them and then finding that special someone. I really loved the mention of searching for someone on facebook as so many people reconnect through it these days.
The book was about love and also really about forgiveness. I think forgiveness played a key role in both of Alexis's relationships - her father and Ryan. I don't think she would be able to move on without it. This was so important and I really think it brought the book to a new understanding.
I loved the key role that friends and support systems played and how we often interpret things the wrong way and don't look for an explanation before jumping off the handle. This book had so many key life lessons that we are all guilty of. It really was a reminder to listen to what people have to say!
This was a great book and I look forward to more by the author!
Alexis York secretly fell for her best friend Ryan Fisher when she was in high school and the two had a very strong bond until a family crisis sent Alexis and her mom to New York. Unfortunately distance causes the two to drift apart until they are brought back together in a chance encounter, giving the two a chance to see how they truly feel about each other.
Yet life is never that easy and the two face more challenges as they try and navigate through a whole new se of feelings and the ability to see if what they felt as teenagers is still how they feel now as adults and when tragedy strikes they will find out if they are truly meant to be.
I honestly love books that involve a secret true love from the past and getting that second chance. Sometimes it works out and other times it doesn't. I did really enjoy this book as it really involved people following their dreams by themselves and figuring out who they are without anyone supporting them and then finding that special someone. I really loved the mention of searching for someone on facebook as so many people reconnect through it these days.
The book was about love and also really about forgiveness. I think forgiveness played a key role in both of Alexis's relationships - her father and Ryan. I don't think she would be able to move on without it. This was so important and I really think it brought the book to a new understanding.
I loved the key role that friends and support systems played and how we often interpret things the wrong way and don't look for an explanation before jumping off the handle. This book had so many key life lessons that we are all guilty of. It really was a reminder to listen to what people have to say!
This was a great book and I look forward to more by the author!
November 17, 2015
**Arc received for honest review**
Alexis York moves away from her family home after she finds her dad cheating with her sister palliative care nurse, after her sister passes away her mum decides its time to move away from her father who she doesn’t like now for tearing her family apart he has moved on and now married to the nurse that was supposed to help her family no rip it apart, but she doesn’t want to leave her best friend, the boy she loves, her rock, her soul mate. But she knows she has to they promise to keep in touch everyday but then life gets busy things change and they dwindle apart.
Alexis always wanted to be a singer but after her sister passed away she wants to be a doctor and that what she does she works hard to become one and is the best doctor she can be.
Ryan Fisher his best friend is leaving, the one he loves his soul mate. Ryan always wanted to be a pilot, he has dreamed of flying since he was a little boy he wants that dream and he is going to chase it.
Fate bring them together after 15 years or is it the compass that brings them together, the compass that will always make her find her way home.
They meet again when Alexis is on a flight to her new home in Texas where she has taken on a new job for a great hospital, his voice comes across the speaker system.
It’s him.
Her best friend.
Her soul mate.
The one that she has always loved.
The man that haunts her dreams.
After starting out as friend things move forward and they give in to their attraction to their love for one another.
Tragedy strikes and there is a plane crash.
Will the compass bring them home?
This is a cute little love story, not many twists and turn a bit predictable but a nice little story good writing style.
Alexis York moves away from her family home after she finds her dad cheating with her sister palliative care nurse, after her sister passes away her mum decides its time to move away from her father who she doesn’t like now for tearing her family apart he has moved on and now married to the nurse that was supposed to help her family no rip it apart, but she doesn’t want to leave her best friend, the boy she loves, her rock, her soul mate. But she knows she has to they promise to keep in touch everyday but then life gets busy things change and they dwindle apart.
Alexis always wanted to be a singer but after her sister passed away she wants to be a doctor and that what she does she works hard to become one and is the best doctor she can be.
Ryan Fisher his best friend is leaving, the one he loves his soul mate. Ryan always wanted to be a pilot, he has dreamed of flying since he was a little boy he wants that dream and he is going to chase it.
Fate bring them together after 15 years or is it the compass that brings them together, the compass that will always make her find her way home.
They meet again when Alexis is on a flight to her new home in Texas where she has taken on a new job for a great hospital, his voice comes across the speaker system.
It’s him.
Her best friend.
Her soul mate.
The one that she has always loved.
The man that haunts her dreams.
After starting out as friend things move forward and they give in to their attraction to their love for one another.
Tragedy strikes and there is a plane crash.
Will the compass bring them home?
This is a cute little love story, not many twists and turn a bit predictable but a nice little story good writing style.
October 18, 2015
Book: Compass
Author: Jeanne McDonald
Reviewer: Felicia H
Some sexual content and language
17 and up
High school love or young love shall we say. During her high school year the unthinkable happens. Alexa's sister passed away and her parent divorce, then her father remarries. So Alexa and her mother pack up and move to New York. Alexa is beyond sad. Her best friend Ryan will no longer be there for her yes long distance but does that really work. When she leaves he gives her a token form a cracker jacks box, what is it read and find out. 15 years later she is a doctor and he is a pilot. Alexa is offers a job I. Texas she can't turn down. She carried the thing that Ryan gave her all those years ago in her purse on the plane a thing she hates more. When captain comes over she realizes it is Ryan. This is their love story. He was to sky to tell her he loved her then and is trying to work up the nerve to do it now. Alexa knows she likes him but how much. Till one night Ryan sees her come out of his BBC room and he things the worst. That's when their relationship changes. Through it all they find each other only to be taken down a scary path. Plane crashes, Alexa sees her dead sister, and more. The thing that kept Alexa going was that Cracker Jack’s toy. A compass. Through it all they get married. I, loved this book. I have said it bout many books but when I am left wanting book two to come out or to make a book two It's a great book, so many wow moments that the title explains enough.. You get a mix of feeling and so many that people can relate to it. Just love the book.
Author: Jeanne McDonald
Reviewer: Felicia H
Some sexual content and language
17 and up
High school love or young love shall we say. During her high school year the unthinkable happens. Alexa's sister passed away and her parent divorce, then her father remarries. So Alexa and her mother pack up and move to New York. Alexa is beyond sad. Her best friend Ryan will no longer be there for her yes long distance but does that really work. When she leaves he gives her a token form a cracker jacks box, what is it read and find out. 15 years later she is a doctor and he is a pilot. Alexa is offers a job I. Texas she can't turn down. She carried the thing that Ryan gave her all those years ago in her purse on the plane a thing she hates more. When captain comes over she realizes it is Ryan. This is their love story. He was to sky to tell her he loved her then and is trying to work up the nerve to do it now. Alexa knows she likes him but how much. Till one night Ryan sees her come out of his BBC room and he things the worst. That's when their relationship changes. Through it all they find each other only to be taken down a scary path. Plane crashes, Alexa sees her dead sister, and more. The thing that kept Alexa going was that Cracker Jack’s toy. A compass. Through it all they get married. I, loved this book. I have said it bout many books but when I am left wanting book two to come out or to make a book two It's a great book, so many wow moments that the title explains enough.. You get a mix of feeling and so many that people can relate to it. Just love the book.
April 27, 2017
Okay first of all, full disclosure and what not: I was able to read this bad boy before publication - and I am grateful to Jeanne for the opportunity - because, what a fun freaking story. A copy was immediately purchased as soon as it was available for pre-order.
While the summary pretty much says it all, I can also say that these two are so damn cute together. The banter, the longing, the way both of them reacted when they first saw each other again after so many years apart (not to mention they way Alexis reacted when she found him on Facebook, BEFORE seeing him for the first time after all those years) . . . PERFECTION. They fell right back into the friendship they'd left behind. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. Fully deserving of the 5 stars I'm giving this one.
Compass is a second chance kind of story, where the two characters didn't end on a sour note when they were torn apart from each other, but you come to find, that, they've thought about each other many times over the years and that makes it even more sweeter when they meet again. The pain that follows Alexis around her life is heart breaking and Jeanne made me want to hug the snot of out of this woman on more than one occasion. I was so happy she had Ryan there to help her find her way. He's really the compass here. And I loved that little spin on the title.
Side characters are, sometimes, my favorites and Jeanne's are no exception. I simply adore the crap out of Declan. That man. I swear. Many laugh out loud moments with him.
Thanks a million to Jeanne for allowing me to share the journey. I highly recommend her books to you. They are all great reads.
While the summary pretty much says it all, I can also say that these two are so damn cute together. The banter, the longing, the way both of them reacted when they first saw each other again after so many years apart (not to mention they way Alexis reacted when she found him on Facebook, BEFORE seeing him for the first time after all those years) . . . PERFECTION. They fell right back into the friendship they'd left behind. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt. Fully deserving of the 5 stars I'm giving this one.
Compass is a second chance kind of story, where the two characters didn't end on a sour note when they were torn apart from each other, but you come to find, that, they've thought about each other many times over the years and that makes it even more sweeter when they meet again. The pain that follows Alexis around her life is heart breaking and Jeanne made me want to hug the snot of out of this woman on more than one occasion. I was so happy she had Ryan there to help her find her way. He's really the compass here. And I loved that little spin on the title.
Side characters are, sometimes, my favorites and Jeanne's are no exception. I simply adore the crap out of Declan. That man. I swear. Many laugh out loud moments with him.
Thanks a million to Jeanne for allowing me to share the journey. I highly recommend her books to you. They are all great reads.
November 17, 2015
Ryan and Alexis have been friends since they were children but not everything you have as a kid is something you get to keep for life but there was a connection between the two of them even from that tender age.
But as the years passed and they grew up, the pull between then continued but as neither of them were willing to step up and express exactly how they felt, eventually the inevitable happened and they lost touch.
It takes years, and I mean years before they eventually find themselves back in each other’s lives but can they overcome the past and the time apart to find a way to rekindle the love they have harboured all this time?
I had fingers crossed on both hands that they were finally going to get a happy ever after but I should have known that with their history this was never going to be plain sailing.
Alexis seemed to find it hard to move forward, hard to let go of her past. Ryan on the other hand isn’t the boy he once was, he has been through so much since the last time they saw each other, they were both difficult to get to grips with at times but for different reasons or perhaps that was just my frustration with the pair of them coming to the fore.
They were polar opposites in many respects but it was blatantly obvious that they made each other whole.
The book had an engaging pace, the characters were easy to form an attachment too but that didn’t mean that I didn’t want to bang their heads together and tell them to just get on with it. I was desperate to see them have what they should have had all along, to see them together and back where they belongs, in each other’s arms.
But as the years passed and they grew up, the pull between then continued but as neither of them were willing to step up and express exactly how they felt, eventually the inevitable happened and they lost touch.
It takes years, and I mean years before they eventually find themselves back in each other’s lives but can they overcome the past and the time apart to find a way to rekindle the love they have harboured all this time?
I had fingers crossed on both hands that they were finally going to get a happy ever after but I should have known that with their history this was never going to be plain sailing.
Alexis seemed to find it hard to move forward, hard to let go of her past. Ryan on the other hand isn’t the boy he once was, he has been through so much since the last time they saw each other, they were both difficult to get to grips with at times but for different reasons or perhaps that was just my frustration with the pair of them coming to the fore.
They were polar opposites in many respects but it was blatantly obvious that they made each other whole.
The book had an engaging pace, the characters were easy to form an attachment too but that didn’t mean that I didn’t want to bang their heads together and tell them to just get on with it. I was desperate to see them have what they should have had all along, to see them together and back where they belongs, in each other’s arms.
October 2, 2015
Compass
My review
Wow. Just wow. This is the first book I've read by this author and I have to say I'm very impressed.
Ok admittedly my 'go to' read material is young love/first love so this book was definitely made for me, and it had that in spades, but it also had so much more.
The author just pulls you in from the get go with the very dramatic and heart breaking prologue. My heart was constantly on edge from the beginning.
I couldn't believe I had got so lucky to be reading such a gem of a book. It had just the right mix of love, drama, angst, sexual chemistry, humour, tragedy and sweetness all in one.
There are lots of laugh out loud moments and great banter between the two lead characters, Alexis and Ryan, as well as all the supporting characters too.
The love between these two is also dealt with to perfection. I could feel it ooze off the page. A couple of times it became bumpy and messy like love can be, especially when there are others thrown into the mix! My angst levels were on high alert!! But once they BOTH pulled their heads outta their asses and got together! Oh. Yes!
Beautifully written x they were just meant to be, regardless of the obstacles that got in the way xx
The ending however.....that could've broke my heart! From the beginning you know it's looming, in the distance, forever present. But when it hits!!! Bam!! Devastation!
Have tissues ready xx
So yes it's an AMAZING 5 stars from me
My review
Wow. Just wow. This is the first book I've read by this author and I have to say I'm very impressed.
Ok admittedly my 'go to' read material is young love/first love so this book was definitely made for me, and it had that in spades, but it also had so much more.
The author just pulls you in from the get go with the very dramatic and heart breaking prologue. My heart was constantly on edge from the beginning.
I couldn't believe I had got so lucky to be reading such a gem of a book. It had just the right mix of love, drama, angst, sexual chemistry, humour, tragedy and sweetness all in one.
There are lots of laugh out loud moments and great banter between the two lead characters, Alexis and Ryan, as well as all the supporting characters too.
The love between these two is also dealt with to perfection. I could feel it ooze off the page. A couple of times it became bumpy and messy like love can be, especially when there are others thrown into the mix! My angst levels were on high alert!! But once they BOTH pulled their heads outta their asses and got together! Oh. Yes!
Beautifully written x they were just meant to be, regardless of the obstacles that got in the way xx
The ending however.....that could've broke my heart! From the beginning you know it's looming, in the distance, forever present. But when it hits!!! Bam!! Devastation!
Have tissues ready xx
So yes it's an AMAZING 5 stars from me
November 13, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with this book just from the first few pages. Ryan and Alexis are childhood friends and from the very beginning, I got a look at how their relationship was like. I could even feel the love these two had for each other as kids, and I was sad neither one expressed their feelings. I understood the reason behind it, but I still wanted them to be together even at the tender age of sixteen. Years, and I mean years later, I was shocked they met up again. I was happy and excited, hoping that yes, this was their time!! Unfortunately, it’s not always such a smooth ride for these two. At times, I was so frustrated at both of them. Alexis is holding onto so much pain and heartache from her past, and she can’t seem to let that go. Ryan is still that shy boy on the inside, even though he’s changed so much since he was a kid. Both have a lot they have to work out within themselves, but at the same time, I think it was meant to be that way.
I really loved this book. Alexis is hilarious and she’s so outspoken. Ryan is my all-time favorite book boyfriend now. He’s sweet and caring but at the same time he has that alpha male trait. I loved this book. It wasn’t overly sappy, it wasn’t overly done at all. The pacing was awesome, and at times I was so worried for the characters. I don’t give away spoilers, so you will have to read it! I highly recommend this book and I know it will be one I will be rereading again in the future!
I really loved this book. Alexis is hilarious and she’s so outspoken. Ryan is my all-time favorite book boyfriend now. He’s sweet and caring but at the same time he has that alpha male trait. I loved this book. It wasn’t overly sappy, it wasn’t overly done at all. The pacing was awesome, and at times I was so worried for the characters. I don’t give away spoilers, so you will have to read it! I highly recommend this book and I know it will be one I will be rereading again in the future!
December 16, 2015
There is so much to say about this book, but what comes to mind is WOW!! I loved how in just the first few pages you are grabbed in and hooked till the end. I could not put this down.
Alexis and Ryan are childhood friends. You can feel that they both have feelings for each other, but the fear of losing a friend was too much to bare. So they never expressed this to each other. As time goes on, tragedy happens that tears Alexis’s family apart, as a result they lose touch, till a fateful meeting happens years later.
Alexis is a doctor and is moving to Dallas from New York for her job. To make her mother happy she sets up a Facebook page and searches for Ryan after 15 years of losing touch. Ryan has fulfilled his dream of being a polit. Low and behold he just happens to be the 1st officer on her flight to Dallas. He is surprised that he got a friend request from her but to be on his plain, he is floored. When he finds out that she is moving to his home base, he could not be happier. Talk about fate. But it is not all sunshine and rainbows for these two.
The story has up and downs, laughs, and cries. The story shows that sometimes timing is everything. And sometimes thigs are just meant to be in their own time. I loved the friendships between these two. The characters are amazingly develops and the story just continues to flow at just the right pace. I look forward to more by Jeanne and would recommend this story to everyone.
Alexis and Ryan are childhood friends. You can feel that they both have feelings for each other, but the fear of losing a friend was too much to bare. So they never expressed this to each other. As time goes on, tragedy happens that tears Alexis’s family apart, as a result they lose touch, till a fateful meeting happens years later.
Alexis is a doctor and is moving to Dallas from New York for her job. To make her mother happy she sets up a Facebook page and searches for Ryan after 15 years of losing touch. Ryan has fulfilled his dream of being a polit. Low and behold he just happens to be the 1st officer on her flight to Dallas. He is surprised that he got a friend request from her but to be on his plain, he is floored. When he finds out that she is moving to his home base, he could not be happier. Talk about fate. But it is not all sunshine and rainbows for these two.
The story has up and downs, laughs, and cries. The story shows that sometimes timing is everything. And sometimes thigs are just meant to be in their own time. I loved the friendships between these two. The characters are amazingly develops and the story just continues to flow at just the right pace. I look forward to more by Jeanne and would recommend this story to everyone.
November 17, 2015
Compass • Jeanne McDonald
I was so excited to read this book Jeanne McDonald! I've been a fan of hers for a while now and it's great to know she can't write a bad book. I enjoy reading a sweet romance the most and this one did not disappoint.
What an opening prologue! It pulls you in and as you moving through the pages as quickly as you can read. I loved the young friendship that Alexis and Ryan had with each other; even though they were from different circles in school they maintained the friendship they had since they were young. Moving forward many years later and a chance meeting on a plane the story really takes off. Reading how the love they both had for each other from at a young age but never told each other finally bloom into something worth writing home about was enjoyable.
“It’s a compass. Keep it with you always. In those moments when you feel lost, alone, or confused, pull it out and let yourself remember. Let this compass lead you back home. Let it lead you back to me. Forever and always, okay?”
Even though at times I wanted to smack Alexis and Ryan's heads together with the hope they would get it together; they finally do and all you can do is smile. This a wonderful love story and highly recommend it!
Blog ~ Read. Review. Repeat.
I was so excited to read this book Jeanne McDonald! I've been a fan of hers for a while now and it's great to know she can't write a bad book. I enjoy reading a sweet romance the most and this one did not disappoint.
What an opening prologue! It pulls you in and as you moving through the pages as quickly as you can read. I loved the young friendship that Alexis and Ryan had with each other; even though they were from different circles in school they maintained the friendship they had since they were young. Moving forward many years later and a chance meeting on a plane the story really takes off. Reading how the love they both had for each other from at a young age but never told each other finally bloom into something worth writing home about was enjoyable.
“It’s a compass. Keep it with you always. In those moments when you feel lost, alone, or confused, pull it out and let yourself remember. Let this compass lead you back home. Let it lead you back to me. Forever and always, okay?”
Even though at times I wanted to smack Alexis and Ryan's heads together with the hope they would get it together; they finally do and all you can do is smile. This a wonderful love story and highly recommend it!
Blog ~ Read. Review. Repeat.
November 8, 2015
I loved this story, it made me cry and made my emotions feel real as if I was the one going through everything Lexi was going through towards the end of the story. It had a lot of great detail in it and showed fear of what could happen and how love over comes everything. I am so glad I was able to read this story and be able to actually enjoy the book. I had not read anything by this author before and now I really want to read more. I really do though hope that she will write some more about all the characters that were in the book and let us see what all happens to them in the future especially in Ryan and Lexi future and the future of the family and friends. Great job on capturing all of the details and capturing my heart with this book. I thought toward the end of the book my heart was going to break if things would have been true from the accident. My heart started to break and I started to cry during the read thinking what if that was what I was going through at the time. I don't think I could deal with what she did and the hurt she was going through at the time. Great job on thinking about what would happen and how people could react to what was being done. Author had a lot of great details and the details were awesome. I would so recommend this book to others to read.
November 8, 2015
I loved this story, it made me cry and made my emotions feel real as if I was the one going through everything Lexi was going through towards the end of the story. It had a lot of great detail in it and showed fear of what could happen and how love over comes everything. I am so glad I was able to read this story and be able to actually enjoy the book. I had not read anything by this author before and now I really want to read more. I really do though hope that she will write some more about all the characters that were in the book and let us see what all happens to them in the future especially in Ryan and Lexi future and the future of the family and friends. Great job on capturing all of the details and capturing my heart with this book. I thought toward the end of the book my heart was going to break if things would have been true from the accident. My heart started to break and I started to cry during the read thinking what if that was what I was going through at the time. I don't think I could deal with what she did and the hurt she was going through at the time. Great job on thinking about what would happen and how people could react to what was being done. Author had a lot of great details and the details were awesome. I would so recommend this book to others to read.
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