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A Pound of Flesh

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Orange Is the New Black meets Jennifer Probst's New York Times bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy, featuring a strong-minded prison tutor who discovers that her sexy bad-boy student is far more than he appears to be.

Haunted by nightmares of her father’s street murder fifteen years ago, Kat Lane decides to face her fears and uphold his legacy of helping others by teaching inmates at a New York prison. There she meets arrogant Wesley Carter, who’s as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted, and with a reputation that ensures people will keep their distance.

As teacher and student, Kat and Carter are forced to leave their animosities at the door and learn that one should never judge a book by its cover. As Carter’s barriers begin to crumble, Kat realizes there’s much more to her angry student than she thought, leaving them to face a new, perilous obstacle: their undeniable attraction to one another.

448 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2015

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Sophie Jackson

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Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75.2k followers
June 12, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::: 5 STARS!! ::::


“I know it’s against session rules, but I’m fucking dyin’ to kiss you.”

I loved everything about this book!! It was sexy, addictive, and kept my heart racing from beginning to end! This is one of my top favorites of the year!

It's a story about "a strong-minded prison tutor who discovers that her sexy bad-boy student is far more than he appears to be..." -- C'mon, tell me you don't just want to drop everything to read that!! :D

From the moment I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it! That gorgeous cover and blurb called to me. I just knew this would be a story I'd adore and I was right because.... I LOVED IT!!!!!

And, from the moment I started reading, I was captivated and completely drawn into the story.

Wesley James Carter had been in and out of jail since he was a kid, accumulating a rap sheet several pages long and a reputation as the prison bad boy. Now, at twenty-seven years old, he was doing time again but what few people knew was that he didn't commit the crime he was jailed for. Needless to say, his cocky, arrogant, reckless attitude made him the "poster boy for rebellious deviants" and that was how the world saw -- and judged -- him. His tattoos and buzz cut and fuck-with-me-if-you-dare aura just solidifying his image. In reality though, there was so much more to this guy than met the eye...

Kat Lane was haunted by the memory of her father's brutal murder by street thugs when she was just twelve years old. She'd been there that night and were it not for a mysterious boy whose face she never saw who pulled her away from the scene and hid her, she would have met the same fate. Now, at twenty-five years old, she was facing her fears head on by tutoring inmates at a prison. And her newest student was none other than than Wesley Carter.

“She had no idea what it was about him. He was, after all, just like the other men she taught. Well, that wasn’t exactly true; he was a lot more combative and exceedingly more aggressive and — she winced at the thought — a lot more attractive, too. She tried hard not to see him in any other way than as her student, but it was too hard to ignore the man who drove her crazy…

As scared as she was when he’d flung the desk at the wall during her class, she’d been unable to tear her eyes from him, watching with fascination as the beast inside him roared. He was animalistic and, for that brief time, utterly uncaged.”

Carter had essentially been forced to take on extra classes in an effort to help him get early parole, and Kat had no choice but to include the cocky inmate in her lessons. But it soon became clear that a classroom environment wouldn't work for him and so began their one-on-one lessons... a place that allowed them to both get to know each other on a much deeper level without the constant scrutiny of the outside world.

“And why should I be scared of you?”

He moved forward in his seat… “You should be scared,” he murmured. “I’ve done thing that would make your pretty little head spin, and, you being this close” — he gestured between them — “well, let’s just say... it just makes me want to be bad all over again.”

The more they got to know each other, the more Carter revealed his true nature -- he was very well read, well educated, and highly intelligent, not to mention he had a very good heart. They were drawn to each other on a very deep level but with the strict non-fraternization policy of the prison in place, they had no choice but to hide their growing feelings for one another.

“She watched the ire in his eyes dim and his strong, large chest began to slow. He swallowed hard and Kat stared at his Adams apple bobbing at the front of his throat. She shook her head free of the inappropriate thoughts entering it. Not least, the one where her tongue traveled the length of the black neck tattoo that was teasing her mercilessly. She wondered how far down his body it went…”

Ohhhhhh how I love forbidden romances!!! This was a deliciously slow build that teased the intensity of their connection along with the thrill of having to keep it a secret. All the subtle but intense glances, the flirtatious banter, and even just a brush of the hand became supercharged with this sizzling chemistry that made my heart race! It was an intoxicating mix of danger, desire, and forbidden temptation.

“Carter stared at Jack, silently accepting the line that lay between himself and his tutor. As blurred as it had become, he knew he couldn’t cross it. He knew he shouldn’t cross it.

The silent question that hung between them was whether he had the strength to remember that or, rules be damned, cross it anyway.”

Once Carter was released, we also got to see much more about his real life which again both surprised an intrigued me to see how a guy like him ended up where he was. His past was heart breaking but I am so strongly drawn to broken, tortured heroes. I fall for them every time and I certainly fell hard for him.

And let me just say.... I will never look at an Oreo the same way again! *fans self*

I loved seeing them get to know each other outside the constraints of the prison walls. They were still bound by their working relationship, but granted more freedoms. It allowed them more room to be playful and flirtatious even though they still had to keep them true feelings hidden.

I was smiling, laughing, swooooooooning. My heart was fluttering as I hung off of every word I read.

“Is everything all right, Miss Lane.”

The two of them startled at Mrs. Latham’s voice. Carter blinked, realizing how close they’d been standing to each other.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She told the old woman, who was eyeing Carter. He smirked.

“I heard a scream.” She adjusted her glasses.

“Yeah,” Carter interrupted. “That was me. I saw a spider. Fucking huge. I’m terrified of them. Kat saved me.”

He flashed her his trademark smile to seal the deal.

This book just had a *spark* to it. I don't know how to describe it better. There are good stories, and there are well written stories, but the best ones just have this extra spark to them that, for me, is that almost magical quality that turns them into top favorite reads. This book absolutely had the SPARK!!

The sexual tension between Carter and Kat just rolled off the page!! I mean... wow!!!

“Can I tell you something?”

Kat could do nothing but nod. Carter’s stare prowled down her face, coming to a dead stop at her mouth.

“I really, really, really want to kiss you right now.”

“Cart—“

“I know I shouldn’t, and I don’t usually kiss, but, fuck, I want to.” He trailed his thumb across her mouth. “I want to find out what your top lip tastes like,” He licked his own. “And then compare it to the bottom.” He exhaled. “I’m desperate to know if your tongue tastes of peaches.”

**** SWOOOOOON ****

Oh, and this....

“Carter,” she whispered again, in one final attempt to stop what she knew in her heart was inevitable. “We can’t do this.”

“I know,” he answered, cupping the side of her face. He tilted his head, his mouth a luscious whisper across the edge of hers. “Just one taste. Just one. That’s all I want.”

And then his lips pressed against hers.

Gah. LOVE THAT!!

And not only did they have to keep their relationship hidden because of her work, they also faced extreme judgment on all sides -- her family just saw Carter as a worthless criminal. They couldn't see past his label. It didn't matter how he felt about Kat, or what kind of person he actually was, it didn't even matter how much money he had, all they saw was his criminal past. But I loved that Kat looked right past his labels and just saw him. I loved the way she stood up for what she felt and I loved the way he didn't let people walk all over him just because he went to prison. I loved the message that not every criminal is a bad man. And not every free person deserves their freedom.

Carter let his nose touch the tip of hers. “I’m not a good person, Kat —“

“Bullshit.” She turned in his arms.

Before he could argue, Kat pressed on. “You saved my life.” She traced his lips with the tips of her fingers. “Don’t ever tell me you’re not good."

Honestly, I have absolutely no complaints about this book. Not one. It had a gorgeous (and unique!!) love story, beautiful writing, and had a fully resolved ending. There was no 'stupid drama' at all. Everything that happened made complete sense and I respected/understood everything that both Carter and Kat did every step of the way. Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but even their mistakes were understandable and realistic. To be completely blunt, I think it's the sign of a very strong author when they're able to write a 450 page book without a single thing in it that makes my eyes roll, lol.

I felt this story! The emotions, the romance, the pure raw sexiness, the desire, the complications of their position, the forbidden nature of their love, the depth of their feelings for each other, I felt it all.

“I want you,” he murmured into her ear, before placing another kiss in the hollow behind her ear. “God help me, I don’t care if it’s against the rules. I want you so fucking much.”

Many readers have asked me about this book's origins as fan fiction so I just wanted to explain that here. Back when Twilight was first released, it inspired a lot of authors (who weren't already authors) to begin writing. So they came up with completely unique stories (that had nothing to do with Twilight) but used the Edward/Bella names. They just completely changed everything else about them. Those developed over time into what could be a full book (or series). Just like how Fifty Shades was originally a TwiFic called Master Of The Universe (with Edward & Bella instead of Christian & Ana). Many of those were so popular and unique that they've now become independently or traditionally published novels (of course, with now changed names). A few examples are Fifty Shades, Bad Romeo, Wallbanger, Clipped Wings, Beautiful Bastard, Seduction & Snacks, Sempre, Poughkeepsie, and so many more. The books that resulted from these fanfictions are a HUGE part of what started the reading craze that brought so many readers back into reading. I personally love them! And A Pound Of Flesh is absolutely one of my new top favorites!

This can easily be read as standalone. It has a resolved ending, with a gorgeous epilogue, so no cliffhanger! There will be a follow-up novella later in the year though for readers who want 'more' and the next book in the series will be about Carter's best friend Max, so a totally different couple. But you don't have to wait to read this. A Pound Of Flesh is essentially a complete story, or standalone.

And one more time (because a lot of you have asked), he's 27 and she's 25. There's nothing taboo about their relationship, it's only forbidden because of her work. There is no cheating and no cliffhanger.

Bottom line, I absolutely LOVED this book! It was perfect to me. The thrill of the forbidden romance kept my heart racing the whole way through. I could not stop reading! If you love sexy bad boy heroes and unique love stories that'll make you swoon, you have to read this and meet Wes Carter!

Rating: 5 stars. Contemporary NA/Adult romance. Can be a standalone.

_______________________________________

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Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,545 reviews1,493 followers
February 23, 2021
5 stars because gr doesn't allow me to give me more :)

I wish I could've rated this book with more stars. In a very long time, I hadn’t read something as refreshing, unique and captivating as this book.

Let’s clarify a few things…

- This is not a bad boy romance for a quick entertaining pastime.
- This is absolutely not a light, hot and fun read.
- This is not a dirty dark read, either.

We shouldn't label it with something simple. THIS BOOK is so much more than that!

Although it is a long book with nearly 400-pages, it has an ideal pace. It also has enough depth and it is written in such a captivating way that it easily pulls you in.

What starts as a forbidden love story of “a female prison tutor”and "her inmate student” exceeds the expectations and evolves into a unique and engaging love story of an all-consuming kind that is beautiful beyond words.



Writing:

Although I normally struggle with books written in the 3rd person narration, this book was easy to read and connect and it has a talented story-telling which makes you feel.

With its fantastic plot, the book is very special and refreshingly different from the “all alike” romance books.

The plot and character development is successful. The story flows seamlessly making you become hooked on it.

The main characters in it are also a deep breath of fresh air, both of whom are imperfectly perfect.

There is no stupid drama between them at all. Everything that happens makes sense.

As nobody is perfect, they all make their own mistakes, all of which are understandable and realistic.

The use of literature in it:

The author weaves some quotes and stories from classical literature into the plot of this book and this makes its story-telling even more special as it both sets the tone of the book and helps to show the many facets of the characters, peeling their layers one by one.

The book begins with the following quote:

The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it. (The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1)

And in this book, our main characters pay their "pound of flesh" (debt) in their own way.



The Plot and the Characters:

“A pound of Flesh” is the story of two unique characters whose lives and hearts are forever intertwined with one another, making their passionate connection something bigger than just being soul mates! They are each other’s destiny, redemption, healing and salvation.

“My family, my friends, the cops, my fucking therapist, they all said you weren’t real, that you were a figment of my imagination, a result of post-traumatic stress.” Kat nuzzled his cheek. “But you’re the most real thing in my life.”

CARTER:



The hero, Carter, is an inmate waiting for his parole. His past is full of felonies and he has been in and out of prison a few times.

At first, Carter seems to be a cocky bad boy with anger management issues. He is reckless, combative and volatile. His tattoos and rings solidify his tough but sexy image. With dark hair and blue eyes, he is beautiful even in prison overalls. He has an irresistible sexiness.

However, we soon discover that there is so much more to this guy than meets the eye and realize that underneath his arrogance and anger, there is a vulnerable and heartbroken man with a damaged soul and his cocky and reckless attitude is his defense mechanism. He is a man broken by his past and that’s why his defiance is his armor.



KAT (Peaches):

Kat is a red-haired and green-eyed beauty with a killer body. She is sassy, determined and strong. At the same time, she is delicate and fragile but never weak.

Kat’s father was brutally murdered by street thugs when she was just 9 years old. She is still haunted by the memory of that night.

Her father was a special man. She promised to her deceased father that she would one day give back what she has taken and make a difference in someone's life. Teaching inmates and trying to help them find a place in society after their release is her way of fulfilling this promise. That’s why, despite the strong opposition of her mother and friends, she takes a job teaching inmates in a New York prison, where she meets Carter as her student.



Carter & Kat together:

Kat is not older than Carter. She is 25 whereas Carter is a 27-year old guy. What makes them forbidden to one another is the fact that she is the prison tutor and he is the inmate.

Despite his cocky and aggressive behavior in the first lesson, Kat sees that her beautiful rebellious student Carter is far more than he appears to be. The more she gets to know him, the more she decides to help him to get on his own two feet.

The more Carter trusts her, the more he reveals his true nature. The closer they get, the more she gets to see that Carter is in fact a very intelligent man with a good heart. He was just born in unlucky conditions and was raised unloved. Behind that overly arrogant façade of his, Kat finds a very sweet man deserving love.



A love so strong and a connection so deep:

With their growing feelings and their undeniable physical attraction, Carter and Kat are drawn to each other on a very deep level and neither the strict non-fraternization policy of the prison nor the interventions of family and friends can stand as obstacles for them.

Theirs is a love that claws out from darkness and is tested too many times but it proudly weathers all storms. Their bond is unbreakable and unyielding. Their craving for each other is endless. Their love rises above and beyond the complexity of their situation and the forbidden nature of it, transcending everyone and everything against them.

The sizzling chemistry of the characters and the raw sexiness of it just rolls off the pages and you become overwhelmed by their heart-felt passion. It is smoking hot!



The execution of the plot:

This book is a story that needs to be read and felt. It speaks volumes of emotions.

It makes you feel.

I felt their loss, pain and regret.
I felt their confusion, agony and fear.
I felt both desperation and hope.
I felt their struggle and their loyalty to each other.
I felt their love and passion.
It all consumed me.

This book also makes you think.

It will make you question the society norms, values and beliefs.

You will be made to see how people make judgments about others not only based on their color, religion, race or sexual orientation but also based on their criminal history.

You will be made to see that being ostracized from the society for their past mistakes may easily push these ex-cons back to the criminal world, unfortunately.



This is the first book in the series but the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger. Everything is resolved and there is a very happy ending :)))

The next book in the series (Book 2) is about Carter's friend Max but in between, there is a Book 1.5, which is a 70-page bonus novella about Carter and Kat. Let me devour it now :)

Safety:

In my opinion, this book is a safe read but Kat kisses a man who is interested in her while she was struggling with her feelings for an inmate she tutors. Nothing else happens.

There is no cheating, no rape or no death of the main characters. Also there are no dead exes.

Recommendation:

This book has taken its place in my "Top 10 best books ever" list. It is a special book and I would really recommend everyone to read it.

***********************************************

Here are some QUOTATIONS that may give you an idea about how the book tastes…

“You should be scared, Peaches,” he murmured. “I’ve done things that would make your pretty little head spin, and, you being this close”—he gestured with his chin between them—“well, let’s just say”—his eyes met hers—“it just makes me want to be bad all over again.”

***

“Carter,” she whispered again, in one final attempt to stop what she knew in her heart was inevitable. “We can’t do this.”
“I know,” he answered, cupping the side of her face. He tilted his head, his mouth a luscious whisper across the edge. “Just one taste. Just one. That’s all I want.”
And then his lips pressed against hers.
Oh God. She was kissing her student.
Her beautiful, lost, broken, angry student…

***

"I need you to understand something, Peaches.” He licked his lips. “I’m not sorry, and I’d do it again in a fucking heartbeat.”

***

He choked back a sob.
Long gone was the strong, arrogant twenty-seven-year-old man. Once again, he was a scared shitless eleven-year-old, desperate for someone to love him.
“Jack,” he whispered. “She’s my Peaches.”

***

“People think he’s barbaric because he promises revenge, but who the fuck can blame him? If they’ve labeled him as such, why shouldn’t he live up to it?”
“He could have surprised people,” Kat answered, noticing a definite change in the tone of the discussion. “He could have behaved differently”.

***

Carter stared at Jack, silently accepting the line that lay between himself and his tutor.
As blurred as it had become, he knew he couldn’t cross it. He knew he shouldn’t cross it.
The silent question that hung between them was whether he had the strength to remember that or, rules be damned, cross it anyway.

***

The lines initially drawn between the two of them were now smudges, merging into the ground at Kat’s feet. Now more than ever, she was prepared to cross them, knowing deep within her heart that Carter would be waiting for her on the other side.




“She loved listening to him. Hearing his voice, even when he cursed, was like wrapping up in velvet.

Much like its owner, it was filled with contradictions. It was soft but firm, loud but quiet, commanding and submissive. She closed her eyes and listened. It was a lullaby, easing some place hidden inside of her.

***

“Do you know what you’re doing to every man in this club, Peaches? Do you know what you’re doing to me?”
“What do I do to you, Carter?”
“You make me want to commit murder against every man who’s looking at you and thinking about touching you.”

***

“Carter. Tell me you want me. Tell me you want me and that you want it as much as I do.”
“Want it?” Carter growled incredulously. “Peaches, I don’t want it.” He pushed his face into her neck, smelling her peach-scented hair, and bit her skin, making her gasp. “Jesus Christ! I fucking need it.”

***

Kat cried out. “Don’t stop.” Carter was pretty damn certain wild fucking horses wouldn’t have been able to stop his ass.

He didn’t want to stop.
He wanted this forever.
He wanted her forever.
He wanted to have this moment on loop for the rest of his life.

***

He suddenly understood the crossroads that lay ahead of him.
One road took him home, to his Peaches, his everything.
The other took him back to where he’d been for so many miserable years.




(Read twice - first in 2017 and now in 2020. Thank God it still feels good and it has fulfilled my craving for a good romance.)

* You can follow my instagram page from here
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,465 reviews5,297 followers
Read
June 10, 2015
DNF @ 65 Percent

description

Being a Staten Islander you can imagine my excitement that the story starts off at Arthur Kill Prison. As for the hero and heroine I found them to be just okay. The literature lessons fell flat but the prison scenes did have my attention. The writing was decent but somewhere along the way I started to have one foot in and one foot out of this read. The story was slightly boring and/or missing something because for me it felt flat not sure if that makes sense. I can’t pin point where it lost me perhaps in the length or the heroine but once we left prison I kind of lost interest.
Profile Image for Lady Vigilante (Feifei).
632 reviews2,928 followers
Read
June 10, 2015
DNF at 25%

The book wasn't bad. The writing and the plot is just so bland and I'm bored to death. I may come back sometime later but for now, I'm moving on.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,330 followers
February 5, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

An absolutely BREATHTAKING BEAUTIFUL READ!!! A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson was an utterly addictive read that captured and gripped my heart from the opening pages. There are not enough of words to describe the magnitude of how beautifully epic, profound, stunning, gripping and touching this book was. In this beautiful tale, Ms. Jackson was able deliver a forbidden tale that will forever stay with me. A POUND OF FLESH is an unforgettable read that was tangible, euphoric, palpable, and illuminating. A book that is not only a LOVE STORY but a story that speaks volumes of LOVE, HOPE, FORGIVENESS, REDEMPTION, SALVATION, HEALING and SECOND CHANCES.

#APoundOfFlesh

After reading this book, Sophie Jackson is automatically on my favorite list of authors. This book epitomized everything what I craved, wanted, desired, and needed in a ROMANCE book. A Pound of Flesh was literally pouring with so much heart,soul, and raw emotions. Only one word comes to my mind with this book. CONSUMING. A Pound of Flesh consumed me. It made me FEEL. Felt the pain. The loss. The regret. The confusion. The agony. The fear. The desperation. The hope. The love. And the heart of two strangers whose lives and hearts were forever intertwined with one another.

This is not just an ordinary forbidden romance. It is a romance that takes you on emotional roller-coaster ride. It is a love that has weathered the storm. A love that cannot be denied. A love that has clawed out from darkness. A love that is battled tested. A love that is more than a pound of flesh. It is the kind of love that every literary classic romance novels talks about. An all consuming kind of love. A love built on passion, honesty, understanding, loyalty sacrifices, and heart.

#APoundofFlesh1

For Kat Lane, teaching is something that she has always wanted to do. It was her promise to her deceased dad that she will make a difference in someone's life and teaching was her way of fulfilling that promise. And so against her friends and family wishes, she took a job teaching inmates in a New York prison. Unbeknownst to Kat, she would find someone to erase the ghosts that haunts her. Wes Carter is an inmate who was up for parole and who was enrolled in her Literature class. For Kat, she thought she would be teaching and helping these inmates but as it turns out Wes Carter was the one to teach and change her life for the better. So can a man who has been cast away and judged by the public, be the one person to teach us the most important lesson of all? The lesson of forgiveness, salvation, and love?

"Carter vowed to himself that he would continue to repay her every single day of his life. It was his most deeply desired obligation. His precious debt. His beloved pound of flesh."

A POUND OF FLESH was everything I wanted in a book. This book blew me with it's beautiful heartfelt writing and story-telling. This book was a story that needs to be read and experienced. It will take you on a journey that you will leave you breathless. Ms. Jackson is a masterful storyteller who was able to shatter my heart and at the same time slowly mend the pieces of my heart back together. So if you are ready to get swept away in a heartwarming tale that showcases a bond so tangible and palpable, then I HIGHLY recommend you to read A POUND OF FLESH.


 photo fc4e864baa3e47a272430682e2ca9d_zpsmuzahuy5.gif

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Sophie Jackson
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
988 reviews1,227 followers
December 1, 2017
This is exactly how I felt about this book... :)


Normally I don't much prefer to read 3rd POV or very long books but the moment I start read this one, Carter captured my attention in a heartbeat... When you first meet with Carter, he looks like a one of those tough and smartass bad boys but he has more than what he shows... Trust me, the more you read his (and Kat's) story, you'll desperately fall in love with him. :) Ahhh I didn't wanna finish this book quickly, I even try to read very, very slowly because I don't wanna say goodbye to the most amazing, caring, sexy asshole aka Carter, but still nothing in this world could stopped me from to devour this beautiful book. :)

Oh and I have to say this... I loved everything, I mean every freaking thing about this story but their first kiss, their first make love and don't even get me start with the moment their first I love you's to each others... OH-MY-GOD! Those scenes were really epic!!! My heart was burst out with so much love. :) I've read over 500 books so far but I have a little favorite books which affect me just like this one... I'll never forget those amazing chapters in this book. It was so good. <3

Anyway, I talked to much but Carter really got me so bad. :) Obviously I LOVED this book so much and I highly recommend it to you. :D Believe me, Carter is going to melt your heart. So please stop losing time and read this book ASAP! :)

Ps. My dearest friend Dilek recommend this book to me and with this book it was my 3rd book that I finish within in a week and I absolutely loved all 3 of them. :) Babe, thank you so much for those awesome book recommendations. I'm so lucky to have you in my life! <3

You can read her very detailed and phenomenal review with this link.... ;)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


“Carter. Tell me you want me. Tell me you want me and that you want it as much as I do.”
“Want it?” Carter growled incredulously. “Peaches, I don’t want it.” He pushed his face into her neck, smelling her peach-scented hair, and bit her skin, making her gasp. “Jesus Christ! I fucking need it.”



Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews14.8k followers
Want to read
February 26, 2018


I’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ!

Blurb:
Haunted by nightmares of her father’s street murder fifteen years ago, Kat Lane decides to face her fears and uphold his legacy of helping others by teaching inmates at a New York prison. There she meets arrogant Wesley Carter, who’s as handsome as he is dangerous, as mysterious as he is quick-witted, and with a reputation that ensures people will keep their distance.
As teacher and student, Kat and Carter are forced to leave their animosities at the door and learn that one should never judge a book by its cover. As Carter’s barriers begin to crumble, Kat realizes there’s much more to her angry student than she thought, leaving them to face a new, perilous obstacle: their undeniable attraction to one another.


Carter & Kat’s story should be read in this order:
Book 1: A Pound of Flesh
Book 1.5: Love & Always
- novella
Book 2.5: Fate & Forever - novella
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,365 reviews1,318 followers
August 19, 2015
A Pound of Flesh
~3.5 Stars~

description

"The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it. —The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1"

A Pound of Flesh is a contemporary "forbidden romance". The writing is well executed and I felt like the plot was very intriguing!

Kat is a spunky young professional working as a teacher in a prison. She has always been responsible and straight laced. She made a promise to her father to do good in the world and is trying to make that happen. When an overbearing prisoner enters her classroom, her world is shaken to it's core.

description

"Wesley James Carter, Arthur Kill Correctional Facility inmate and all-around punk."

Carter is not a bad guy. He is simply a guy that has made some bad decisions. He is currently in prison and hoping that he can make parole.

description

Kat and Carter have a dramatic start to their relationship. Of course, they have no business getting involved but due to unknown circumstances (although I figured it out pretty quickly) Carter is drawn to Kat. The two become friends and it eventually develops into more. The dynamic between the two was quite enjoyable to experience and I was certainly rooting for them the entire read!

“You’re my everything.”

description

So why the rating? Overall, A Pound of Flesh is a classic example of a book that could have been a 5 Star read, but for me, it simply fell short. I hesitate to review this book with a rating at all because there were so many moments that took my breath away (5 STAR MOMENTS) and yet so many moments that I wanted to put the book down and DNF! I recognize that many readers really enjoyed this book so please do not dismiss reading it on my account. I simply felt like the book was too long. The plot, however well constructed, didn't sustain the momentum needed to keep me engaged throughout. Although both Kat and Carter were well developed characters (who obviously felt intense about each other), I felt like there wasn't much happening after they finally came together.

"You wreck me, Kat. Things you say to me. The way you . . . love me. They do things to me, your words; they make me feel things no one else has ever made me feel."

As I was reading, I waited expectantly for the secondary characters to inject more conflict into the read but alas, the conflicts were minimal and the resolution left much to be desired. And yet there is no doubt in my mind that this author knows how to write a book! I was certainly motivated to see how things were going to turn out. Simply put, it just wasn't what I expected. If you enjoy a forbidden romance story with gritty characters, then you may enjoy this read. (However, be aware of the length of this story and as I tell my own children: plan your breaks accordingly!) I am not sure if I will read the next installment in this series or not. Although I am interested in the characters and would like to see how things turn out, I will not be rushing into another 500 page read lightly. Still I enjoyed another BR with my girls at TPAM! Thank you ladies!

~August TAG BR with my GIRLS at TPAM~
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Profile Image for Claire.
2,314 reviews724 followers
June 11, 2015
5 "That's one for the spank bank." Stars!

Pound of Flesh is one of those books that grabs you, shakes you up, turns you upside down and slaps you upside the head, but all in a good way. I believe this is a re-publish of something that was originally Fan-fic, if so, sign me up for more.

I love a good forbidden romance, and although Carter and Kat’s meeting and initial getting to know each other begins while he is incarcerated in Arthur Kill Correctional facility the bulk of the book and their story takes place while he is on parole, but she is still his tutor as part of his release conditions and there is a non-fraternization rule firmly in place, so that breaking the rules aspect is still very apparent.



What begins is a story that you think is initially rich girl/guy from the wrong side of the tracks story, gradually flips as Carter’s life and family background are revealed, as well as a sixteen year long connection between the pair of them that took this story to a whole other level of excellent. It was a total revelation, in relation to the depth and breadth the author went in respect of building this couple up, in bringing them together, and the obstacles they faced in continuing their relationship.

”Do you know I’d do anything for you?
Do you know I think about you constantly?
Sometimes I think I’m crazy.
You make me crazy.
I’m insane when I’m not with you.
Jesus, I ache.
I need you so badly, I need us.
I need to feel us like this, because swear to god, my heart...
It beats only for you.”


Wes Carter; arrogant, cocky, a bit of a dick and I absolutely loved him. This guy…gah! Behind that overly confident façade is a vulnerable, nervous and so, so sweet man. I loved his nervous waffling when trying to explain how he was feeling to Kat, the author captured it perfectly.

”I might not have the flowery fucking words or anything, but I’m… I’m serious about you.”



I cannot recommend this book, highly enough, everything about it worked for me. The writing, the characters, the drama/angst levels, the overall development and storyline, everything ticked all of my boxes. Sophie Jackson has gotten herself a new admirer with Pound of Flesh and I cannot wait for Love and Always due August, and Max O’Hare’s book An Ounce of Hope which is due January 2016.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for Wilma.
108 reviews52 followers
August 14, 2018
Zinderend...heimelijk hebben we allemaal een zwak voor Carter...
Het verhaal echter is 'zoet' en voorspelbaar en bezit geen enkele diepgang...vierhonderd bladzijden 'Bouquet reeks'...
Profile Image for Lucia.
737 reviews888 followers
February 8, 2017
"The pound of flesh which I demand of him,
Is dearly bought; 'tis mine and I will have it."

- The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1

A Pound of Flesh is fabulous story. Writing is superb, storyline is engaging and overall it is very addictive reading. Who doesn't like good forbidden romance story, right? Moreover, characters development in this story is incredible . I could see how individual characters changed throughout the story and I found out that sometimes people are not what they seem to be at first and it made my reading experience that much better for me.

A Pound of Flesh is about the most powerful emotion - love - and about discrimination, prejudices and paying your debt no matter what sacrifices you have to make. Usually, people point out discrimination against gender, race or religion. But have you ever think about the fact that people with criminal history are discriminated too? (Of course I am not talking about murderers or psycho people) We never know all the details that lead to their arrest. As we did not know any details about Carter's arrest at the beginning of this novel. So please do not judge him in this story and give him a chance...

This story owned me from beginning to the end and I recommend it to all lovers of good profound contemporary romance!

*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*



Profile Image for Jess-i-ca .
796 reviews773 followers
Shelved as 'gave-the-fuck-up'
June 11, 2015
Hey guess what!



GTFU @ 35%

I'm sure many will love but


Profile Image for Sara ➽ Ink Is My Sword.
572 reviews469 followers
February 14, 2019
✪✪✪✪
Carter stole my heart, as simple as that.
“Theirs was a love beyond words, beyond reason, beyond even the two of them. It was indescribable, inexplicable, but unbreakable and unyielding.”

💭Pre-reading thoughts:
I have wanted to read this book for literally years, thank heavens for the library system where I am.
Profile Image for Vilma.
623 reviews2,875 followers
October 7, 2015
Gripping and intense, enthralling and evocative—this forbidden romance is an impressive debut novel from Sophie Jackson.

“The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought; ’tis mine and I will have it. —The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1”


From the very beginning, I was absolutely captivated by the story—this forbidden romance between an inmate and his tutor, between two people whose lives twined in an unexpected, but deeply profound way. Sophie Jackson’s writing style is engaging and fluid, and as the narrative took shape, I just couldn’t step away from it. Carter and Kat’s story is one of acceptance and redemption, of rising above the tension and the conflict and everything stacked against them. I felt their connection, something deep, necessary, and inescapable, and rooted for their happily ever after whole heartedly.

Wes Carter, however, is a tortured soul. A man broken by his past. A man whose never felt the warmth of love from anyone in his life. A man who at twenty seven years old has been in and out of jail many times. He’s arrogant. Reckless. Volatile. Combative. His defiance is his armor, as he pays his pound of flesh behind bars. When he meets Kat Lane, his tutor, she unnerves him in a way he never expected, but still, his ornery attitude prevails. Meanwhile, Kat is paying her own pound of flesh, giving back as a teacher… a long-ago promise to her father guiding her way. We learn Kat’s dad was brutally killed years back, while she watched as a child, her own life in danger until an 11-year-old stranger pulls her away. Since then, the hole her father left behind has been gaping, as she continues to grieve him. Her relationship with her contentious mother doesn’t help, but she’s determined to live life her own way.

Carter and Kat’s relationship is antagonistic. She pushes, he pushes back. Kat’s trying to help him, but Carter wants nothing to do with her it seems.

“She had no idea what it was about him. He was, after all, just like the other men she taught. Well, that wasn’t exactly true; he was a lot more combative and exceedingly more aggressive and — she winced at the thought — a lot more attractive, too. She tried hard not to see him in any other way than as her student, but it was too hard to ignore the man who drove her crazy.”


Yet with persistence, Kat’s disarming ways pierce Carter’s defenses, and begins to see him for the intelligent, intriguing and conflicted man he is. Trouble is, the more time they spend together, the more emotions come in to play, the more forbidden desires surge. And when Carter is approved for parole, and Kat sees him outside prison, their intensifying feelings threaten their new-found freedom.

“I want you,” he murmured into her ear, before placing another kiss in the hollow behind her ear. “God help me, I don’t care if it’s against the rules. I want you so fucking much.”


As the story continues to unfurl, we learn more about each as individuals… of how their pasts have shaped who they are. We also learn their lives are entangled in a way that changes everything. Their love story is anything but easy. It’s forbidden. Complicated. Contested. And real. Before too long, their need for each other becomes undeniable, and the love that’s taken hold an unstoppable, irrevocable force. But as their secret gradually comes to light and family gets involved, everything that Kat has accomplished with Carter is threatened. Carter’s broken past makes him exceedingly volatile, and now, Kat knows she can’t live without this complicated man she’s fallen in love with.

“You’re everything to me, Peaches. You always have been. Always. You’re the best thing I’ve ever had in my life…you’re my everything.”


The allure of a forbidden romance always pulls at me, but this story seemed fresh, unique and engaging. There’s wit, tension, sexiness, romance, suspense and more. The series is comprised of three books and I can’t wait to continue reading. The next book, Love and Always, is out August 3rd, but honestly, the way this book was written, it could even be read as a standalone. A Pound of Flesh is a definite must read.

✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

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Profile Image for Kübra .
1,869 reviews361 followers
December 9, 2017
Herkese bir Carter, âmin!

Bu kitabı okumam ufak bir Goodreads Kalkışması sonucudur.

Yorgunsunuzdur, erkenden uyursunuz ve gözlerinizi açtığınızda ana sayfanız Carter fangirlleriyle doludur. Peki, kimdir bu Carter Bey, diye merak edersiniz ancak bu kadar ağır fangirllüğün arasına karışma cesaretiniz yoktur. Çünkü en ufak bir beğenmeme durumunda sizi öldüreceklerini bilirsiniz. O yüzden TBR yapar, sessizce ortalığın durulmasını beklersiniz.
Bu kalkışmanın parçası olmuş arkadaşlarınızdan (Bkn: @Münevver, @Sedef ve @ilknur a.k.a. iko) beklentilerinizi düşüren ve gene de oku, dönüşlerini aldığınızda da kendinize pusuya yatmış başka bir yandaş bulursuzun (@Hayledie) ve kitaba başlarsınız.

İşte bizim hikâyemiz. akghskd
Şaka bir yana bu ay arkadaş listemin en çok okunan kitabıydı kendisi. Dokuz kişi finish yaptı, okumaya devam edenlerde var ama dokuz kişinin aynı anda bir kitaba yüklenmesi ne demek ya? jhkjfhk

Kitabı, @Burcu’nun bookstagram yorumunda görmüştüm ilk ama sayfa sayısı yüzünden o zaman listeye eklememiştim. Romance kategorisinde kolay kolay uzun kitap okumuyorum. Çünkü, bana sorarsanız gereksiz bir ayrıntı. Daha kısa ve öz yazılabilir romancelar. Ki bu kitapta da aynen öyleydi. Özellikle başları çok uzatılmıştı ama ilginç bir şekilde, çeviriden okuduğum halde akıp giden bir dili vardı. Sizi yormuyor, kitabın ne kadar uzun olduğunu düşünmenize fırsat vermiyordu. Bir de @Sedef’imin tavsiyesine uyup orijinalinden okusaydım herhalde bal kaymak olurdu.

Buna rağmen, bana ne oldu bilmiyorum, elimde beklediğimden daha uzun kaldı. Zaten ay başından beri doğru düzgün kitap okuyamıyorum. Tek tesellim okuduklarımın tatmin edici içerikleri…

Kitabın eksileriyle başlamak daha doğru olur herhalde çünkü Carter’dan girersem olaya bu yorum bitmez.

Bahsettiğim, gereksiz olduğuna inandığım kısımlar kitabın başında oldukça yoğundu. İlerledikçe de hızlı zaman atlamaları çıktı başımıza. Bir sahne hop diye bitiyor ve biz yeni bir şeylere başlıyorduk. Okurken bu kısımlardan bol bol gördük. Ben ani geçişleri hiçbir zaman seven insanlardan olmadım. Yazar bu konularda ayarı tutturamamıştı ne yazık ki.

İkinci eksime gelirsem ilahi bakış açısını sevmedim, sevemedim. Romance yazıyorsan ya ilahi bakış açısını çok iyi kullanacaksın ya tek karakterden ilerleyeceksin en olmadı first person-dual yaz. Burada olduğu gibi ilahi bakış açısını hakkıyla kullanamadığında yazar, olayın gizemi kalmıyor. Karakterlerin eteğindeki taşları ne zaman dökeceğini okuyoruz, o kadar.

Gelelim üçüncü eksime: BOŞLUKLAR.
Kitapta on altı yıllık müthiş bir geçmiş var, artık hepimizin bildiği gibi.
Hadi gittin beş yüz küsur sayfa yazdın bari bununla ilgili yazsaydın o kısımların birazını da be!

Girişte, bu geçmiş üstünkörü yazılmıştı. Şey gibiydi bu, hoca derste bir şey anlatmazda sınava bir hafta kala konular bunlar, çalışın gelin der ya, işte öyle hissettirdi bana.
Tüm kitap boyunca o ilk kısımdaki referansımızla olayları okuduk anladık, bir de ilahi bakış açısıyla istediğimiz her yere dalma özgürlüğü sağ olsun. Evet, ilahi bakış açısını böyle görüyorum. Kapı çalma zahmetine girmeden istediğimiz yere giriyoruz, çıkıyoruz. Ortaya dökülmüş tüm kirli çamaşırları görüyoruz. Bazı durumlarda keyifli oluyor, kitaplarda işlemeyi bildiğin zaman, diğer koşullarda olayın heyecanı sönüyor.

Bu boşlular öyle komik durdu ki çoğu zaman. İlki Carter’ın Kat’i tanıdığı zamandı. Abi bir isimle kızı tanıdın, Şeftali’n yaptın eyvallah da Şeftali kim? Niye Kiraz, Çilek, Çiçek, Böcek değil de Şeftali?

Ayrıca Şeftali ne ya?
Şeftali’nin kokusu mu var?
Bunca yıldır şeftali yer dururum böyle ayrım yapacağım bir kokusu olduğunu hiç fark etmemiştim. BANA ŞEFTALİ BULUN, KOKLAYACAĞIM!


Bakın bunlar hep boşluk. Son olarak bununla ilgili başka bir beklentimden dem vurayım: Kat’in babasının ölümü ve Carter’ın şirket mevzuları bu kadar görmezden gelinmemeliydi. Hiç olmadı Carter’ın şartlı tahliyesiyle ilgili bir şeyler görmeliydik. Ya da Carter’ın babası ya da Carter’ın en başından böyle suçlara bulaşma nedeni? Her okuldan kaçan araba çalmıyor sunuçta.
Kitabı bir de tüm bunlarla birlikte hayal edebiliyor musunuz?
Nasıl müthiş olurdu, değil mi?

Bizim kızların statuslarında Oreo, Oreo lafları dönünce müthiş fanteziler geldi aklıma ama çok hayal kırıklığına uğradım. Carter onları kuru kuru yemekten başka bir şey yapmadı. Buna rağmen @Hayledie’min yorumundan bir kısım paylamak istiyorum.

“Btw Carter müthiş sevişiyo kskdlaşdoa”

Nazlı’m çok haklı gençler, adam müthiş sevişiyor! Bu nasıl bir tutku, bu nasıl bir sevgidir ulan! Bir adam hem bu kadar kırılgan hem de bu kadar sert olabilir mi? Bu sertlik motorların, dövmelerin, deri ceketlerin dışında bir sertlik. Adamın ruhundan çıkıp bizi büyüleyen bir şey… Ve bir o kadarda kırılgan ruhu…
Ne olacak bizim böyle adamlara karşı zaafımız.

Hadi birazda Kat’ten bahsedeyim. Sağlam hatundu, yılmadı kaptı çocuğu. Dağalın. asfhdjgd

Bu kadar eleştirinin üzerine size kitabı gidip okuyun diyorum çünkü evet, bu kadar eleştiriye rağmen en az dört yıldız bastıracak bir adam Wes Carter.


Okumadan Önce:
Bir Goodreads'e girdim ki ne göreyim? Arkadaş listemin yarısı kitabı okuyor, kalan yarısı okumuş ve diğerlerini gazlıyor. akdbmdndl

Hayırdır inşallah diyerekten @ilknur a.k.a. İko, @Münevver ve @Sedef'in yorumlarını bekliyorum.
Siz nasıl gaza geldiniz o ayrı şaşkınlık nedenim yavrularım.
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,860 reviews2,067 followers
June 7, 2015
description

“She’s my Peaches.”

There’s no doubt about it, Sophie Jackson created a beautiful romantic story with the romance between Kat and Carter jumping right off the pages and into our hearts. Her writing flowed splendidly and she had us hanging on every written word. We felt the emotion between Carter and Kat and Carter especially burrowed his way right in there!

“I was meant to be in your arms, Carter.”

This story between the man whose loyalty had cost him dearly and a woman with a desire to pay back and make a difference was beautifully brought to life with both Kat and Carter feeling as though they needed to pay their ‘pound of flesh’ for redemption.

Wesley Carter (Carter), Prisoner number: 081056, is doing time in Arthur Kill Prison for a variety of offences when he meets Katherine (Kat) Lane, a tutor employed by the prison. On first meeting Carter makes quite the impression for all the wrong reasons, yet stirs something in Kat that makes her want to help him. She feels a connection to him in some way, as does Carter towards Kat. This isn’t insta love as there is a friendship that develops so beautifully throughout the first part of the book with their pasts and present being intrinsically tied together in some ways.

“I need you.”
“Peaches…You have me. You always have.”


Carter bears the stigma of being a menace to society, a no hoper without a future. He’s a menacing, good looking and somewhat vulnerable man whose intelligence and love of English Literature provides the bond of friendship between Kat and Carter. Kat feels the need to do something with her life after losing her father and making a promise to him to ‘make a difference.’

When placed at a crossroad in his life, this author remained true to Carter, making us believe he acted certain ways because that’s who he was. It would have been so easy for her to steer Carter off course, but Sophie Jackson never did and there were times this hard yet sensitive man brought us to our knees. The inner peace he finds in Kat stole our hearts.

“I’m not a good person, Kat.”
“Bullshit. Don’t’ ever tell me you’re not good.”


The ‘forbidden relationship’ between these two was something we really did experience at first, as the Ex Con and the teacher to whom fraternising beyond course work could be the end of Kat’s career and perhaps eventuate in Carter returning to prison. However, this aspect, the hiding, the caution of exposing their relationship etc seemed to peter off part way and despite Kat talking about the damage their relationship could do, we ceased to ‘feel’ this aspect of the story as Kat and Carter paraded their relationship for all to see.

“Peaches, I don’t want it. Jesus Christ. I fucking need it.”

There was plenty of angst build up as we turned the pages with dread in our hearts and tension in our stomachs but what eventuated was like a firecracker. The fuse was lit, it sizzled and tormented, we waited for that big bang but instead it fizzled out.

Despite the angst side of the story not coming to fruition, it was the romantic telling of this story that held us captive. The reading of literature and poetry woven throughout was mesmerising as were the many memorable moments in this story of fate, hope, redemption and second chances. A Pound of Flesh is a book we’d definitely recommend.

‘Carter knew he had to show her everything that lay underneath. It was daunting and scary, but he would do it for her. He had to.’

**Reviewed from an ARC Copy provided by Gallery Books with thanks**

A POUND OF FLESH SERIES
A POUND OF FLESH #1 Can be read as standalone.

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Profile Image for Natasha is a Book Junkie.
686 reviews4,767 followers
August 12, 2015
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED:

“I've missed you my whole life.”

I’m constantly searching for love stories with unconventional settings, for a book to make me escape into a world that I wouldn’t immediately associate with romance, and this book most definitely fit the bill from the start. Partly set within the walls of an adult correctional facility, this is the story of two people whose every encounter in life could be seen as nothing more than a matter of happenstance, but whose paths crossed when they needed each other the most, saving one another in turn, and ultimately proving that some loves are truly written in the stars. Capably written, emotionally engrossing and even electrifying at times, it is hard to believe that this is Ms Jackson’s first novel, as her confident writing style impressed me from the very first page, and I cannot wait to see where her talent takes us in the future.

We meet them as adults in their mid twenties, but Kat and Carter’s story began on a cold night on a lonely, dark street in the Bronx, when a scared eleven-year-old boy saved a terrified little girl from being ruthlessly killed. While for Kat, every recollection of that terrifying night has haunted her dreams ever since, trapping her mind in a relentless slideshow of events that changed her life forever and stole her innocence from her, for Carter, the little girl’s courage, determination, and the memory of her peach-flavoured scent has comforted him in his dreams for the following sixteen years. And even though their very different upbringings turned them into two very different people, the memory of one another, however blurred or faded by the passing of time, remained something they have always fiercely protected and drawn strength from.

“She hated her fear; she hated the root of it, and she knew she had to face it head-on—even though she was terrified of it.”

Tired of feeling paralysed by her fears, Katherine “Kat” Lane hides those fears behind a façade of assertiveness and confidence, not wanting to feel like a victim ever again. Determined to make a difference in the world and find her purpose in life, while also facing her fears head-on, she finds employment as an English literature teacher at a prison, teaching the very same type of men who instilled those fears in her in the first place. And it is here that she meets Wesley “Wes” Carter, an angry young man whose cantankerous and volatile personality, coupled with a plentiful list of minor crimes and misdemeanours on his record, have caused him to spend most of his life in and out of detention centres. But while everyone only sees him as a “menace to society”, Kat is inexplicably drawn to him from the first time they meet, seeing past his hostile walls and desperate to help him.

“She’d known him all of two days, spoken maybe a dozen words to him, mostly through gritted teeth, but still she knew, deep down, somewhere in her stomach, there was something about him, something more—something that set him apart from the other students in her class. Something that called to her in a way she could never explain.”

And while their worlds try to pull them as apart from each other as possible, they grow closer each day, Kat’s fiery and strong-minded disposition being the perfect ‘antidote’ to the rage that constantly simmers under Carter’s skin. She challenges him and brings out the best in him, her persistence making her the first person in his life willing to go out of her way to help him. She melts away the anger churning inside him, soothing the fragile little boy in him who just wanted to be loved and not always be thrown away by those who were meant to love him unconditionally.

“I'm happy to have anything you're willing to give me at this point. Just sitting here with you would be enough.”

As their relationship slowly morphs into the most meaningful one of their lives, we watch them battling the past as well as the present for one another. The story of a man crippled by the tentacles of his own fears of rejection and abandonment, and of a woman who is willing to fight the world for the right to love him—I loved every moment of it, and even felt compelled to find out how their story continues in the follow-up novella. I particularly enjoyed experiencing the intensity with which the author paints their every intimate encounter, their every touch exploding into an almost euphoric flame of passion that overwhelms them, devastates them, makes them lose control of their senses, and leaves them, as well as the reader, breathless in its aftermath.

“Her touch and words grounded him, while her kisses made him fly.”

But as much as I loved the way these characters communicate with their bodies everything they are incapable of expressing otherwise, I didn’t always connect with them in other less passionate moments, often failing to be moved by their circumstances and natural reactions. I personally felt the characterisation of the lead players as well as of some of the secondary ones in the story was at times incomplete, even contradictory, and thus one step short of getting me completely invested in them. That did not, however, significantly diminish my overall enjoyment of this beautiful story. I love stories of meant-to-bes, of people being meant for one another and never feeling truly complete until they find each other, and this story fed the dreamer in me, while keeping me glued to the pages cover to cover. I cannot wait to see what Ms Jackson has in store for us next.

“You're everything to me, Peaches. You always have been. Always.”



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Profile Image for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
737 reviews206 followers
September 1, 2015
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Wow!! I loved, loved, loved every single thing about this book. If you are a fan of forbidden love stories, you are going to love this one. Kat Lane was an English teacher in a prison and Wes Carter was her student. Their story began as a tale of forbidden love but it evolved into so much more than that. "A Pound of Flesh" was brilliantly written with a fantastic plot, a seriously sexy book boyfriend and some smokin' hot sex scenes. I just know that this book is one that everyone will be talking about come release day.
The lines initially drawn between the two of them were now smudges, merging into the ground at Kat's feet. Now more than ever, she was prepared to cross them, knowing deep within her heart that Carter would be waiting for her on the other side.

The main characters in this story were brilliant. I was instantly drawn to both Kat and Carter and I was eager to know more about them. As I continued reading, both Kat and Carter stole my heart, especially Carter. He was gorgeous. I loved discovering everything about him. He started off as a cocky bad boy but I soon realised that underneath his arrogant and cantankerous persona was a vulnerable and heartbroken man. I always fall hard for a man with a damaged soul so Carter was impossible to resist. I could totally understand why Kat was prepared to put everything on the line for him.
Carter was at his most stunning when he was furious......He was in those moments, the most breathtaking creature she had ever seen.

Kat had suffered a great deal during her life. After the death of her Father, she was left with an overbearing sense of guilt and loss. My heart went out to her. Luckily Carter entered her life and was able to understand all that Kat and been through. Because of the connection that they shared he was able to ease her burden and sympathise with everything that had happened to her. Kat and Carter's relationship was something special. I adored watching their journey together play out. I am certain that Kat and Carter were meant to be together. They were soul mates, sharing such a deep love and connection with each other that no one could take away.
The only person she'd wanted to see was Carter. The only arms she wanted around her, the only chest she wanted to press her face into, the only mouth she wanted against hers, and the only scent she wanted to breathe in were Carter's.

I loved this authors writing. I sometimes struggle with stories that are written in third person, however in this book I did not mind one bit and I found it easy to connect with what I was reading. The story flowed seamlessly and I quickly became hooked. I was praying that Kat and Carter's relationship would survive all of the obstacles that were put in their way. There were times when I was scared to go on, fearing what would happen. I had so many bad feelings that something would go wrong for Kat and Carter and I found myself having to put the book down to stop me having a panic attack! lol. I really needed someone to hold my hand at those points in the story. I needed someone to help me through the bad times and hopefully come out on the other side a whole lot happier with how things had turned out.
"You're everything to me. Peaches. You always have been. Always. You're the best thing I've ever had in my life. You're my everything."

Thankfully, Kat and Carter's story ended perfectly with a beautiful and well deserved epilogue. I was so happy to discover that, although this book was the first in the series, it was a standalone and was nicely finished off just the way I had hoped. I would have been so frustrated if this one had ended in a cliffhanger. Having said that the next book in the series is a novella centred around the continuation of Kat and Carter's story and I can't wait! I also have Max's story to look forward to. Max has had his own share of heartbreak so I am expecting his book to be an emotional one.
She made him feel greater than any gun, any drug, any boost, any deal. She gave him more strength than he'd ever thought possible. With her, he was truly invulnerable.

Sophie Jackson has incorporated everything I love into this delicious story. It is a must read and gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me!
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,024 reviews938 followers
June 7, 2015
description

“She’s my Peaches.”

There’s no doubt about it, Sophie Jackson created a beautiful romantic story with the romance between Kat and Carter jumping right off the pages and into our hearts. Her writing flowed splendidly and she had us hanging on every written word. We felt the emotion between Carter and Kat and Carter especially burrowed his way right in there!

“I was meant to be in your arms, Carter.”

This story between the man whose loyalty had cost him dearly and a woman with a desire to pay back and make a difference was beautifully brought to life with both Kat and Carter feeling as though they needed to pay their ‘pound of flesh’ for redemption.

Wesley Carter (Carter), Prisoner number: 081056, is doing time in Arthur Kill Prison for a variety of offences when he meets Katherine (Kat) Lane, a tutor employed by the prison. On first meeting Carter makes quite the impression for all the wrong reasons, yet stirs something in Kat that makes her want to help him. She feels a connection to him in some way, as does Carter towards Kat. This isn’t insta love as there is a friendship that develops so beautifully throughout the first part of the book with their pasts and present being intrinsically tied together in some ways.

“I need you.”
“Peaches…You have me. You always have.”


Carter bears the stigma of being a menace to society, a no hoper without a future. He’s a menacing, good looking and somewhat vulnerable man whose intelligence and love of English Literature provides the bond of friendship between Kat and Carter. Kat feels the need to do something with her life after losing her father and making a promise to him to ‘make a difference.’

When placed at a crossroad in his life, this author remained true to Carter, making us believe he acted certain ways because that’s who he was. It would have been so easy for her to steer Carter off course, but Sophie Jackson never did and there were times this hard yet sensitive man brought us to our knees. The inner peace he finds in Kat stole our hearts.

“I’m not a good person, Kat.”
“Bullshit. Don’t’ ever tell me you’re not good.”


The ‘forbidden relationship’ between these two was something we really did experience at first, as the Ex Con and the teacher to whom fraternising beyond course work could be the end of Kat’s career and perhaps eventuate in Carter returning to prison. However, this aspect, the hiding, the caution of exposing their relationship etc seemed to peter off part way and despite Kat talking about the damage their relationship could do, we ceased to ‘feel’ this aspect of the story as Kat and Carter paraded their relationship for all to see.

“Peaches, I don’t want it. Jesus Christ. I fucking need it.”

There was plenty of angst build up as we turned the pages with dread in our hearts and tension in our stomachs but what eventuated was like a firecracker. The fuse was lit, it sizzled and tormented, we waited for that big bang but instead it fizzled out.

Despite the angst side of the story not coming to fruition, it was the romantic telling of this story that held us captive. The reading of literature and poetry woven throughout was mesmerising as were the many memorable moments in this story of fate, hope, redemption and second chances. A Pound of Flesh is a book we’d definitely recommend.

‘Carter knew he had to show her everything that lay underneath. It was daunting and scary, but he would do it for her. He had to.’

**Reviewed from an ARC Copy provided by Gallery Books with thanks**

A POUND OF FLESH SERIES
A POUND OF FLESH #1 Can be read as standalone.

description


description

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Profile Image for Seda.
568 reviews175 followers
October 15, 2017
Kitapta hiçbir şeyi sevmeseydim bile sadece Wesley Carter için okurdum sonuna kadar. 😍😍 Bir adam hem dağ gibi güçlü, hem serçe kadar narin kırılgan olabilir mi? Çok güzel karakterler yaratmış yazar bu hikayeyle. Kat ayrı güzeldi Carter ayrı güzel. İkisi de hem güçlü hem kırılgandı. İkisi de çok güzel sevdiler, birbirlerini tamamladılar. Özellikle aralarında geçen diyaloglar, ilk bölümlerde eğlenceli, gülümsemeli, sonraki bölümlerde kimi yerde tutkulu kimi yerde hüzünlüydü. Bir çok duyguyu, çok güzel yansıtmıştı.

Sıradan gibi görünen ama farklı ve yoğun bir aşk hikayesiydi. Bir aşkın, sevginin insanı değiştirmeden geliştirebileceğini anlatıyordu. İnsanın, kendisini başkasının gözünden görüp olduğu gibi sevebileceğini keşfetmesiydi. Basit ama etkiliydi.

Bence keşfedilmemiş, çok fazla ön plana çıkmamış, hak ettiği ilgili bulamamış bir kitap. Serinin devam kitaplarının saçlarım ağarmadan çıkmasını diliyorum yayınevinden 😃
Profile Image for trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski.
1,424 reviews394 followers
January 30, 2022

2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7.,
8. okuma.

6. okumada gelen yorum:

bu kitabın biraz abartılması gerektiğini düşünüyorum.
hatta bayaaaaaaaaaaaaaa abartılsın.

yani arkadaşlar wes'e zaten tapıyorum da kate'e de tapmak gerekiyor anlatabiliyor muyum?

yazarın anlatımına, olay örgüsüne, yan karakterlerin yarattığı öneme, aşka bakış açışına, klişeyi efsaneleştirişine tapmak gerekiyor.

hemen hemen her hero bookboyfriend'im ama wes fuckin' carter diğer erkekleri benim için mahvedip hayatıma single kız kurusu olarak devam etmeme sebep olan ve olacak karakterlerden biri.

yani öyle bişi ki, allah kahretsin yani nasıl alfa, cocky ve küstah olup hem de bu kadar ürkek, savunmasız ve hassas olabilirsin aşko

“I want to find out what your top lip tastes like.” He licked his own. “And then compare it to the bottom.” He exhaled. “I’m desperate to know if your tongue tastes of peaches.”

dicem ki şimdi bunlar klasik geçelim. GEÇEMEYİZ KUZUM. aynı herif breakdown yaşayan hatunla neredeyse sevişmek üzerelerken breakdown yaşadığını fark ettiğinde onu sakinleştirip kollarında uyutup, bi ara uyandıktan sonra kızı örtü altında bırakıp kendi örtü üstünde yatıp kız sorunca seni rahatsız etmek istemedim diyen bi adam.

yıldız tilbe ablamız ne diyor? NE YANA YIKILAYIM?
“I went through a dozen labels, including ‘my girlfriend,’ but that just … doesn’t seem big enough.” His face creased to show his distaste for the word. “And I couldn’t say ‘my Peaches’ because that shit is mine alone.”

gerizekalım ya şaşkolozum benim ağlıcam.
“Me. Man. Build fire for woman,” he boomed, pounding his chest and gesturing proudly to the pit.

böyle de şapşik işte buna da ağlıcam.
If he was a dirty fucking liar, then he would be her dirty fucking liar.

i am de dirty fucking crying
Kat had ruined him. And he couldn’t have been fucking happier.

e allah da
I’m yours to mark.

benim
I love you, it thrummed. I’m yours, but please, for the love of God, don’t break me.

belamı versin zaten
He was crying. She ran her hands up his back and neck, trying to calm him while struggling to keep herself together. “You’re all right, sweetheart.” “I need—I need to …” She kissed his neck. “Tell me what you need.” “Jesus, it’s … it’s, it’s here.” He grappled for her hand and pulled it to his thundering heart. “I’ve never felt anything like it.” He licked his lips. “It hurts.” “Your heart hurts?” His face collapsed. Kat watched the hot water fall down his face. “It’s yours. All of it.” He blinked his sodden lashes. “I know now. “Kat, I …” Carter lifted his head and, with his nose at the side of hers, his arms wrapped around her, and with the steam of the water cocooning them both, he opened his mouth, gazed into her eyes, and breathed, “I … I … love you.”

desem de verdi zaten. bu sahnenin gerisinden, Carter'ın buraya nasıl geldiğinden, ne vaziyette olduğundan bahsetmicem çünkü bahsedersem yeminlen loopa alırız beni

6. okumada gelen edit bitti (peki ben alttaki yorumda kendimi niye prangalara vuruyorum?)


yani öyle güzel adamsın ki Wes geceleri sokağa çıkıp seni arayasım, kendimi prangalara vurasım, senin varlığına saçımı süpürge edesim var.

dünya üzerinde bu zamana kadar okuduklarım arasında sevdiğim ender kadın karakterden ayrıca Kat.

ulan şeftaliye tapıcam nerdeyse.

Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,798 reviews319 followers
June 7, 2015
A Pound of Flesh (A Pound of Flesh #1) by Sophie Jackson
4 stars!!

“The pound of flesh which I demand of him is dearly bought; ‘tis mine and I will have it. - The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1


Well, this was a student/teacher romance with a difference, but at the end of the day it was so much more than that. For a debut novel this book was well written, engaging and once all those plot intricacies were coming together, extremely addictive, I couldn’t put it down.

Kat Lane was an English teacher, but she wanted to give back and she also wanted to confront her fears, fears that stemmed from an incident that happened when she was nine years old. Fears that have kept her awake more or less every night since. She had made a promise to her father so Kat did what she felt would have helped with those fears while upholding the promise she made to her father, she became a teacher in a prison. Kat was a beautiful character inside and out, despite her fear, this girl had balls. She confronted her demons head on, she attacked and everyone loved her for it. She had the respect of the inmates, they thrived under her tutelage and it did help that she was drop dead gorgeous to boot.

Wes Carter was the prison bad boy, a man they all feared and a temper that could flare up at the drop of the hat. It is that temper that is keeping him from parole and he now needs to do everything possible to make his case, including taking English Literature classes. Wes Carter was so misunderstood, underneath the tattoos and the bad boy persona was an extremely intelligent man who was loyal to a fault. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for his friends, even if that meant sacrificing himself, hence his current predicament. He was also a walking testament to the phrase, never judge a book by its cover; the words on the inside are so much more, a lot more.

These two don’t exactly hit it off straight away and Kat has to really pull on her resolve to be able to stand up to Carter in her class room, but there is something about him that makes Kat feel safe, she knows he wouldn’t hurt her. Kat can’t help herself and wants to help him, it is immediately obvious he is intelligent and that nurturing side of her comes out and despite being unwilling in the beginning, Carter gives in, after all, this is his only chance of parole.

“If you can’t pay a debt, you shouldn’t give your word.”


I loved the initial bantering between these two, they were like two wild cats trying to scope the other out and the battle lines were well and truly drawn, but it is when Carter has his eureka moment that the plot really starts to get interesting and this is where I was forever trying to read between the lines and try and work out for myself what really connected these two.

The student/teacher is the forbidden but it is their pasts that really dictate the direction of their relationship. It is blatantly obvious that these two have an intense connection and the author captures this beautifully and as a reader you know it is only a matter of time before the forbidden is forgotten. I loved getting to know these two characters, both are broken, both want to be healed but after so many years would it ever be possible? Maybe these two could heal each other?

“The lines initially drawn between the two of them were now smudges, merging into the ground at Kat’s feet. Now more than ever, she was prepared to cross them, knowing deep within her heart that Carter would be waiting for her on the side.”


I know the term soul mates is a label often used, but I really felt Carter and Kat’s connection, this one runs extremely deep and life events have given these two a connection that could never be broken. I felt their chemistry and I felt their bond. These two were intense, but for these two broken souls this relationship was what they needed, what they had dreamed about and ethics, family and friends be damned, nothing was going to come between them. They fought for themselves, after all, no-one else would.

“You’re everything to me, Peaches. You always have been. Always. You’re the best thing I’ve ever had in my life…you’re my everything.”


These two have a lot of secrets and I am glad that the author did not drag this part of the plot out. In the beginning I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the house of cards to fall, but she dealt with them quite early on so that didn’t become a major thing between them, but there were more plot twists ahead that certainly would.

“You saved my life…don’t ever tell me you’re not good.”


The flow was great and this book was an easy read for me. Even though it was fairly lengthy it didn’t feel that way while reading and although this book is a bit of a slow build it does find a good pace and will keep you sucked in until the end.

Overall this was an extremely enjoyable read and for a debut book I was really impressed. The characters were developed and the plot was intricate and engaging. Even though this is the first in series it could be read as a standalone. I understand that there is a novella coming out about Carter and Kat and there will be a story for his best friend Max. Personally, I cannot wait to read more.

www.theromancecover.com
Profile Image for AJ.
3,016 reviews1,007 followers
January 18, 2016
4 stars

This is a gorgeous romance featuring a strong and determined heroine, a damaged bad boy with a heart of gold and their amazing, ‘against-the-odds’ love story. The romance is full of passion and intensity with no angst or unnecessary drama, and I loved watching these two come together despite everything standing in their way. It’s such a beautiful story, I loved it.

Kat witnessed the brutal death of her father as a child, and though she still struggles with his loss, she is determined to face her fears and honour his memory. She is an English literature teacher, and as part of her father’s life lesson to give back to those who need it, she teaches inmates at Arthur Kill prison, and it’s a job that she loves and takes great pride.

Wes Carter is an inmate at Arthur Kill. He is enrolled in Kat’s class as part of his parole requirements, and from the moment he steps foot into her classroom, they are drawn to each other. When Carter’s disruptive behaviour gets him kicked out of Kat’s class, she offers to tutor him so that his parole isn’t affected, and with each lesson she comes to realise that Carter is so much more than what he seems, and she is attracted to his obvious intelligence and sensitivity.

Their lessons continue once Carter leaves prison (which happened a whole lot sooner than what I was expecting, but allows for lots of extra time together), and the chemistry that has always been between them continues to grow. Although with them no longer under the close scrutiny of prison guards, their relationship shifts from tutor and student to friends, and then more. It’s a bit of a slow burn, and the sense of anticipation is fantastic as the UST builds until neither of them can hold back any longer. And then….. damn.

“I want you,” he murmured into her ear, before placing another kiss in the hollow behind her ear. “God help me, I don’t care if it’s against the rules. I want you so fucking much.”
She turned her head, looking him straight in the eye, and smiled like a vixen. “I want you, too.”

The connection between Kat and Carter is incredibly intense. It’s evident from the very beginning, but once they take the step to move their relationship forward, they become consumed by their feelings for each other, which become all-encompassing and life changing for both of them.

“You’re everything to me, Peaches … You’re the best thing I’ve ever had in my life.” He kissed her. “You’re my everything.”

I really liked Kat and Carter. Kat is a great character – strong and determined, she never judges and always follows her heart and does what she feels is right her, regardless of the fears and concerns of her friends and family who continuously express their disappointment at the choices she makes, especially when it comes to Carter. And Carter is such a great guy - sexy and smart with a great sense of humour, he’s an absolute sweetheart, and incredibly loyal to those close to him. He has been through a lot and has battles that he is continuing to fight, but he follows his heart and doesn’t hold back from Kat, and I thought he was an amazing romantic hero.

I love the way their relationship unfolds. Initially there is the forbidden nature to things that keeps them apart, but that doesn’t stand in their way for long. They are open with each other, they act on their feelings and there is no stupid drama or game playing. It progresses naturally, they fall and fall hard for each other, and it’s a total swoonfest.

“Do you know I’d do anything for you?” he asked. “Do you know I think about you constantly? Sometimes I think I’m crazy. You make me crazy. I’m insane when I’m not with you. Jesus, Kat, I ache.”
She grabbed at his neck.
“I need you so badly,” he continued, breathlessly. “I need us. I need to feel us like this, because I swear to God, my heart, it beats only for you.”

But they still have battles to fight. They are both damaged from their pasts, Kat’s family and friends disapprove of her relationship with a criminal, Carter has his own family issues going on, and then there’s the secret that he doesn’t know how to reveal to Kat. There’s a lot that they have to go through, but again they handle it all brilliantly, talking about what they are feeling and standing strong by each other’s sides, and there is no unnecessary angst or drama thrown into the story.

The story is written in great detail, with lots of time with Kat and Carter together and a lot of their inner monologues, so we get to see every moment as the story unfolds. I actually felt that it started to get a little overly detailed for me, and the story started to drag a bit. But I was listening to it as an audiobook and that usually makes me more tolerant of such things, I think I may have struggled more with it if I was reading it. I was also expecting the ‘forbidden’ aspect of the romance to be a bigger part of the story, but it didn’t really play into it that much at all. Instead, the focus is on Kat and Carter dealing with the demons from their past, the dramas of their present, and finding a way forward together.

It’s really nicely written, with lots of emotion that allows you to feel everything, and the story is tied up nicely to give us a satisfying ending. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

4 stars.
Profile Image for ❤Casey❤.
142 reviews27 followers
July 26, 2015
***5+++ "Oreo" stars***
A Favorite in 2015


Wes Carter, known as "Carter" to everyone is a hostile but beautiful man, serving time behind bars. He's giving his "pound of flesh" due to his best friend taking a bullet for him. He's been done wrong all of his life, therefore he's angry and violent. BUT he's extremely intelligent and has a ton of potential. He doesn't cooperate in prison and his last chance at parole is taking classes. Except, that doesn't go over so well with the first tutor.

Kat Lane is haunted by her childhood and is giving her "pound of flesh" in a different way. When she was 9, her and her father were attacked in an alleyway. Kat was "rescued" by a guardian angel pulling her away from the attack. Faceless and nameless, the rescuer disappeared after getting her to safety. Before her father died from the attack, Kat promised him she would go on to help those less fortunate than her. This is where Carter and Kat intersect......

Kat is a teacher that decides to teach/tutor at Arthur Kill prison. She quickly realizes that Carter doesn't do well in a classroom setting and as it is his last chance to get out of prison, she very kindly offers to tutor him privately. This is when Carter's wall comes down and the two bond over their love of literature. Kat sees the potential in Carter and their friendship is paced realistically. Eventually Carter gets paroled but their tutoring sessions must continue on the outside. This is when the passion and lust comes to the surface. It is also the reason I will never think of an Oreo the same way.

"Sure, Peaches." He took a cookie, pulled it apart, and licked the cream center. Fascinated, Kat watched his tongue as it flicked up, down and around. How could eating a cookie be so sensual, for God's sake? She cleared her throat and pushed his work toward him. He put the two cookie parts back together and rested them carefully on a napkin.

"What? You want my cookie?"
"You....um, you only eat the inside?"
"Yeah," he answered. "I don't really care for the rest of it. You're free to have the side I haven't had my tongue all over."


I'm telling you, there was so much sexual tension over that damn Oreo.

I won't go into the rest of the story or how it ends. I'll just list the things I loved. BTW, I had not ONE complaint about this book.

I loved the realistic pace of their friendship/relationship. Carter went from extremely violent to showing the huge heart we, the reader knew he had the whole time. But Sophie Jackson wrote it in a very real pace. I didn't feel like he changed over night. I loved the way Carter spoke to his vehicles/motorcycles.......

"Whoa, whoa, man, chill out. We don't hit the ladies. What's up?"
"This piece of crap."
"Don't listen, baby," he(Carter) whispered to the car. "He doesn't mean it."


I loved the conversations between Carter and Riley in prison. I LOVED the sex scenes in this books. They were absolutely beautiful, but so f*cking scorching at the same time. Carter's a man that's been locked up for 20-something months, yet he still takes his time with Kat.

"I want you," he murmured into her ear, before placing another kiss in the hollow behind her ear. "God help me, I don't care if it's against the rules. I want you so fucking much."

There are not many problems in this book. There is a big reveal and a problem with Kat's mother not wanting her daughter with a criminal but it is all pretty mild and resolved somewhat quickly. This is my first book by Sophie Jackson ,but I'm already looking into her to find other books. I know Max, Carter's best friend, is getting a book in the near future, and I cannot wait.

To me, this book was about an unbreakable love/bond, but it was also about following your heart even if society says "it's not right".

Love beyond words, beyond reason, beyond even the two of them. It was indescribable, inexplicable, but unbreakable and unyielding.

If you're a fan of the alpha male, badass WITH a caring heart, this book is for you. I really can't suggest it enough.

Follow my blog @
myromancebooknook.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Gretchen.
908 reviews143 followers
June 10, 2015
Holy wow this was amazing! From beginning to end I was hooked on this beautiful and intense story about redemption and second chances that is full of passion and emotion. Loved it!

From the prologue I was invested. It was intense and I couldn't wait to learn everything. Kat and Carter are such strong characters and the development of their relationship and their personal growth was an amazing journey to read. I loved Kat and her attitude and how she held her own. Carter was just so intense and guarded so seeing those layers start fall of him was really incredible. They both had major things happen in their pasts and it made for a really intense, emotional story. Every time they opened up it was just so heartfelt and real, I couldn't help but be caught in the moment. All the feelings they had for one another, that push and pull, the need they felt, it was just amazing!

Kat and Carter have a slow burn to their relationship. I love a really good give-as-good as-you-get bickering that is laced with powerful chemistry and these two had it. When that slow burn erupts, umm... WOW! So much passion and hotness! It was crazy good!

There were lots of characters at play and I thought they were well written. There are multiple POV's and I loved the different incites and perspectives and thought they transitioned well. There were bits of drama throughout that really helped to keep things interesting. I thought the character and story development was great, excellent pace. Wonderful, descriptive writing that really pulls you in.

I really was captivated. It was just an excellent story with little twists and turns that kept me in my toes and wanting more. Carter’s best friend Max made appearances throughout the story and was a big part of the last chapter (which was super intense!). I cannot wait for more about Max. His story is next in An Ounce of Hope.

I am officially a fan of Sophie Jackson! :-)

Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Profile Image for TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover.
362 reviews892 followers
June 11, 2015
Maybe I am in a book funk. Maybe I'm too picky. But for whatever reason, I didn't really like this one. And that upsets me so much because I was looking forward to this book for quite some time.

For me, it was too slow. Too 'wordy' - I don't even know if that is a word- but it was ridiculously long and I felt like it could have been cut down significantly. I am not opposed to long books at all (Hello Sempre) but if what is written isn't gripping me, then to me all those words are just unnecessary. Along with it being written in third person (and again I don't mind third person if it's done right), the repetition of names was just giving me a headache.

The story itself is an interesting one. And I did like Carter's character, but nothing really caught my interest to finish.

Profile Image for Kayla.
457 reviews162 followers
Read
May 31, 2015
DNF @50%

The first 20% was so good and then it steadily declined from there. I would assume that Kat's conflict of interest with her job would have actually played a part in the "conflict" of this story but it went no where. Top that off with a hero that is a coward (leaves Kat to deal with her overbearing mother on her own) and his loyalty to his best friend, plus his billionaire status, and it was just a mess.

If this story would have focused on just a couple of those plot points and not trying to cram everything in for it to never go anywhere, I probably would have finished reading.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,524 reviews228 followers
May 17, 2016
Kat made a promise to her father on the night he was murdered to give back and help others. She takes a job teaching English Lit at a prison to face her fears. She loves her job and helping her students. Wes Carter is doing time for cocaine possession. He's cocky and arrogant, and when he enters Kat's class, she immediately notices him and his bad attitude. Carter is a good man but hasn't made the best decisions. Kat is the type of person that can see past his mistakes and see what kind of man he really is. Their attraction to each other is forbidden but sometimes you just can't help who you fall in love with.

I really loved this book. Kat and Carter had amazing chemistry and I loved the sexual tension between them. Wesley Carter is amazing. I'm normally not a fan of 3rd person and it was hard for me to get into this at first but then I wasn't able to put it down. The writing was really beautiful, especially the intimate scenes (which were super hot.) I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance! I'm adding this to my top books of 2015.
Profile Image for Kaila.
754 reviews13 followers
December 29, 2017
Re-read: November 2017

3.5/5 stars

“I need you.”
“Peaches…You have me. You always have.”


This just breaks my heart!! When I first read this book two years ago, I rated it five stars and remember it being one of my all-time-favourites. I still really enjoyed it this time around, but considerably less. This time around, I was still captivated by the relationship between Carter and Kat, who had such a dynamic bond. Because I loved the romance so much, this book became such a joy to read, because there were so many sweet, sexy or just plain romantic scenes. I didn't, however, connect to the emotional scenes as much as I did the first time. This is probably the main reason that my rating has dropped so much, despite me still enjoying this because the second time around. Overall, I'd still say that this was a beautiful, entertaining and romantic book that I definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Münevver.
333 reviews87 followers
December 3, 2017
3,5/5

Evvet!
İtina ile PDF okuma yasağımı çiğnemem için beni kışkırtan GR halkına ama özellikle İlknur'a ve Füsun'a teşekkür ederim.
Okumasaydım cidden aklımda kalırdı kitap.
Ve hiçbir yerde bulamadığım için PDF'i bana gönderen Ayşe'ye de çok teşekkürler. 🖤

Kitabın konusuna dair pek bir şey söylemeyeceğim, zaten herkes okudu kitabı 😂
Ama beni rahatsız eden bir-iki şey vardı. İlki; kitap çok uzundu! Bariz bir şekilde uzatılmıştı, yoksa ister güncel ister tarihi, bir romans'ın 528 sayfa olması pek olası değil. Yazarımız en fazla 400 sayfayla da bu işi pekâlâ halledebilirdi düşüncesindeyim. İkincisi; tabi bu kişisel bir görüş (bu da kişisel bir puan) ama, bu tarz kitaplara birinci ağızdan yazılmak daha çok yakışıyor. Kesinlikle olayı daha akıcı ve daha gizemli hale getiriyor. Keşke bu kitap da birinci ağızdan yazılmış olsaydı dedim okurken 😕

Aslında üç buçuk puanla haksızlık ediyor muyum kitaba diye düşünüyorum; ama, bence hayır ya! Carter'la Max'in yüzleşmesi olmasaydı sonda o buçuk bile olmayacaktı hatta. Carter'ın sabıka dosyası neden o kadar kabarık, ona dair de pek kendinden emin bilgilere sahip değilim 😕

Bunların haricinde kitapta sevdiğim şeyler de vardı tabi 😂
En önemlisi de, karakterlerin gerçekten kişilik sahibi olmalarıydı. Carter kitabın başında bir 'bad boy' havasındaydı ama neyseki bu durum, Kat'le aralarını düzelttikten sonra devam etmedi. Kat desen, ideali olan bir hatun kişiydi. Annesininse bu ilişkiye karşı çıkmakla ilgili nedenlerinin arkası doldurulmamış gibiydi. Ben sorun çıkaracak kişi daha çok Austin olur diye düşünmüştüm.

Neyse, bu kadar işte 😂
Benim gibi bir YYÖ(yorum yazma özürlüsü) için şaşırtıcı derecede uzun bir yorum oldu.
Bitirmeden şunu da söyleyeyim; Kübra bence oku bu kitabı, aklında kalacağına read rafında kalsın. 😂

Haydi kalın sağlıcakla 🙌🏻
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