“This is why I read romance.” –Lauren Rowe, USA Today and Internationally bestselling authorThe next seductive, unforgettable stand-alone romance in the FIGHT FOR ME series from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson . . . Kale Bryant. Arrogant. Gorgeous. Commanding.This ER doctor is married to his job. His only vice is one-night stands and short-lived flings. He learned a long time … flings. He learned a long time ago loving someone isn’t worth the risk.
Harley Hope Masterson. Beautiful. Brave. Sweet.
The owner of a small coffee shop knows what it’s like to struggle. Embroiled in a bitter divorce, she’s threatened with losing everything.
When Kale accepts a new position down the street from Hope’s shop, he begins to question every wall he’s built around his heart.
He wants her in a way he hasn’t wanted anyone.
One touch is fire.
One kiss, and he’s spinning out of control.
But taking her won’t come without consequences.
Hope is in for the fight of her life. One neither of them saw coming.
Now Kale must decide if loving her is worth risking it all.
She will fight with everything she has.
But sometimes even hope needs a hero . . .
“I devoured this gorgeous book. Don’t miss it–a five-star, must-read!” –Tia Louise, USA Today Bestselling Author
“Follow Me Back is not only a TOP 2018 READ but a LIFETIME READ too!” Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog
“I know I have just read my blogs first ever 6-star read.” –Bangor Belle Book Besties
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A.L Jackson can write a story that pulls you in and touches your soul Follow Me Back is that story. You will fall in love with Hope and Kale their story is pain ,heartache but also it’s a story about heeling and believing in hope. These characters draw you in and imprint on your heart. Beautiful words from a fabulous author.
3.75 stars
Follow Me Back is the second book in the Fight for Me series. Amy has picked such a great title for the series because in each book the characters are fighting demons inside and out. In this book we have Kale, who still lives in the past and doesn’t want to love again. Hope, hasn’t had an easy life as well, is still struggling and has put her life on hold. The moment these two meet the sparks fly and they feel a very strong attraction to each other. However, Hope doesn’t have room for a man in her life and shuts Kale’s advances down. I was happy about that because one of my pet peeves is when characters end up sleeping together right after they meet (there only has been a couple of times I’ve let this action slide). Both of them thing it’s for the best because they don’t have time for complications. However, the pull between them is strong and they eventually can’t resist one another.
“How is it possible you’re standing there? You are magnificent, Kale Bryant. Better than any dream. Better than any fantasy. Inside and out.”
Overall, I think Follow Me Back was a nice contemporary romance with a couple of twists. However, there were some things that annoyed me, in particular Kale. Some of his actions felt very selfish and kind of broke my heart as well. I wanted him to man up and to follow his feelings. Hurting the people you love is not the right way to do this. I loved Hope, she was a very strong woman who would do anything for her loved ones, and there is no line she wouldn’t cross. I also loved all the secondary characters, especially the children. There were a couple of heartbreaking moments were I had to stay strong and not shed tears. I think the balance between romance, suspense, and heartbreak was just right. It was not my favorite of AL Jackson’s books, but I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
4,5 stars
Wow! And when the book just make you fascinated in the prologue? Already in the first lines we are hooked up to it and this is simply the best type of reading: the one that begins and continues to be good till the end. I have nothing to complain about this. It was a wonderful reading! There is a story that moves us. You can’t help but be emocional by everything that happens. I enjoyed the story of Rex (from SHOW ME THE WAY), but Kale’s story became my favorite so far.
FOLLOW ME BACK is the second book in the Fight For Me series. This book is so good. So intense. So real. I fell in love with the characters right away. Each chapter my love grew for them. People who carry a huge pain, but who can see the good side of life. Good people and a wonderful heart that all we want is for them to be happy. Kale had already conquered me in the previous book, but here … wow! I love him even more! What a man!!! I definitely want one for me.
I also love when, even if the story is focused on another couple, the one from the previous book is not forgotten, it’s part of the story. It’s nice to know what happened to them, how they are living. I loved to see Frankie again. Such an adorable girl!
I always write that I love strong female characters – #GirlPower – and Hope is extremely strong. A person who has gone through so much and still is able to draw strength from I-don’t-know-from-where to keep living and taking care of the most important people around her.
Both characters are those who want to give their best to others, but somehow they need a hint to see that love can also be part of their lives. I loved their personality. Their story was gradual, it was difficult because there was resistance due to the past from both sides, however it was natural how everything happened. The two were made for each other.
I loved Kale and Hope, but the best character in this book was Evan. From the first appearance, he got me and didn’t let go. Every time he smiled I imagined that smile on my head, you know. That most innocent and real smile in the world. Evan was just perfect!
There was a part of this book that made my heart race so fast, my feelings were everywhere and I couldn’t hold it any longer and I cried.
I found the dialogues more natural here than in the first book. I loved the story. Seriously! It was beautiful, emotional, heartbreaking, but also made me fall in love and smile. I couldn’t imagine what was waiting for me and I finished with a joy that my first reading of the year has been so beautiful! I highly recommend it and can’t wait for Ollie’s story.
Fight for me is a newer series for A.L. Jackson. I have to be honest, I was not a huge fan of Show Me The Way (Fight for Me #1). I am not sure what it was with that one that just threw mw off… BUT, Follow Me Back (Fight for Me #2) was AMAZING!! This book had me engaged from the first page to the last! #GoldMedal #PerfectTen
The Fight for Me series focuses on a group of friends living in a small town. It follows their love story. Each book can be read as a standalone, for sure.
Dr. Kale Bryant is the perfect doctor!! While at his friend’s bar, he sees Harley Hope Masterson. It was instant attraction. There was nothing that he would do for her. But Hope has a secret and is resistant to letting the good old doctor into her world.
“He took a single step forward, filling the space. Fear trembled through me. Not in a way that made me concerned for my physical well-being. But for the fact that this man made me feel things I couldn’t. Not yet. Someday, maybe. But right then, I didn’t have that luxury.”
~ A.L. Jackson, Follow Me Back (Fight for Me #2)
What I loved about this book where the characters. They had a lot of depth to them. They buried their way into your heart. I was rooting for them throughout the entire book!
“He was going to ruin me. Save me. I didn’t know. The only thing I knew was he held me in the palm of his hand. To crush or protect.”
~ A.L. Jackson, Follow Me Back (Fight for Me #2)
There is something very specific, or should I say someone very specific, in this story that completely melted my heart. I hope that I am not spoiling this for anyone, so if you don’t like spoilers… look away. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED… A.L. Jackson did an amazing job of writing Hope’s son. He is a child with a special medical diagnosis. The very cool thing that connected it for me is that I have a special needs child. We are at the doctor all the time for her. I could feel what Evan and Kale felt each and every time they were together. It is a very unique situation and A.L. Jackson did an amazing job with these two characters!! I could also feel Hope’s love for her child. She would have died for Evan just to get him better or keep him healthy. I feel that same exact way about my daughter. #EvanTheGreat
I have to tell you all, I have read the next book in this series, Lead Me Home (Fight for Me #3). O.M.G. I am telling you, A.L. Jackson’s writing just keeps getting better with these characters/ friends. Ollie’s story is amazing!! Read this series! I am so glad that I stuck with it.
#MrPantyDropper #ADropOfHope #StrawberryShortcake #GinghamLakesChildrensCenter #AnythingsPossibleIfYouHaveALickOfHope #JustDinner #Cowboy #KnightInShiningArmor #MyPrincess #MyHero #IHateDane #Someday #Evan #RoyalTreatment #MyHeart #ILoseMyselfWhenImWithYou #Spaghetti #EvanIsTheReasonIDream #NerdsAreTheBest #IveGotYou #IDidntExpectYou #IWontHurtHer #Promise #Superman #CaptinAmerica #TheHulk #Superheroes #LittleMan #TheyHappened #ThisHouseIsLove
I listened to this audiobook and Let me just say that this book is 100% hope and L-O-V-E!!! I adored Harley Hope, Kale and Evan! The story is so wonderful and heartwarming and left my heart so full!! I went through so many emotions listening to this book, and the narrators were stellar! This is an amazing series with equally amazing characters! I highly recommend it as it is AL Jackson at her finest!
OMG! I am blown away by this author yet again. I’m not sure my heart can take much more of the heartache this woman puts me through. I honestly did not know what to expect with Kale’s story. But man was this one gut-wrenching.
This book was so emotionally driven that it quite literally had me in tears. Kale and Hope are two people who have suffered so much and makes them both hesitant to let someone in. I could feel the trepidation and fear in Kale at wanting to be surrounded by Hope. The man would completely fall apart and his cool and relaxed demeanor went out the window when it came to her. But he has met his match in Hope. Despite her past haunting her, she takes that step with Kale and he never ceases to surprise her. These two seriously stole my heart.
I thought it couldn’t get any better than Show Me the Way. But clearly I was wrong. This book is filled with so much raw emotions, pain, and so much love. This book is hard to put down and easy to love. Kale and Hope are remarkable characters. I can’t wait for Ollie’s book now.
Wow. This book was such an amazing story. I wasn’t sure when I read this, if Rex could be replaced. I was wrong. Kale just pulled at my heartstrings the entire book. My heart broke for him but I’m so glad Hope and Evan made him whole. Their love story is beyond words and they have truly won my heart. Evan and Frankie are just too cute for their own good too. A.L. is one of my favorite writers, and this series is the reason why. I cannot wait to read Ollie’s story next even though I think Kale will always be my favorite.
Favorite Quotes:
So what if Pinterest had become my lover, keeping me company in the lonely nights.
The kid was a force field of joy.
Someone please tell me this is where we get to call the wanker names and talk about how horrible he is in bed and how his breath always stinks.
Of course, I’m responsible. I’m head matchmaker. I just walk through a crowd and all those love-connecting darts start flying out of me, striking whoever I walk by.
You set me on a path that I don’t want to stop walking. I will follow you anywhere.
My Review:
Sizzling sensuality, cute scene-stealing children, heart squeezing medical issues and an overriding tone of heavily emotive and angsty writing define this story. The premise and storylines were interesting and relevant and the characters were endearing and likable, but I struggled more than bit some while reading this book as there was far more repetitive angsty melodrama than I was comfortable with, but that is just my personal bias. I enjoyed Hope and Kale’s sweet and steamy romance until he apparently caught jaundice as he turned yellow with cowardice and abandoned her, not once but twice, especially during a harrowing period when she needed emotional support the most, which was deeply disappointing.
As always, Ms. Jackson’s writing was highly emotive, poignant, and pulls at the heartstrings while her more irreverent characters and the precocious children provided comic relief and amusing banter to help balance the tone. And I am happy to report that I learned a new pop culture reference that required the services of Mr. Google – “brown chicken brown cow.” It is always a good day when I can boast of acquisition of new knowledge.
This was such an emotional packed full of joy, love, and hope novel. I admitted I love all A. L. Jackson books so I’m a little biased, but this was an incredible story about a mother’s love for her disabled sweet precious boy. It’s about what a mother will do to protect her child even after meeting the love of their lives. Harley Hope had the misfortune of having a husband who could not deal with their disabled child, the precocious Evan, who is deaf and has to have a heart transplant since he was born. Hope is trying to save her child by leaving her husband who wants no part of his disabled child. Dr Kale is a pediatric heart specialist who Hope meets and fall in love him. Kale falls for Hope and Evan right away, but unfortunately his heart is not quite healed to be there for Hope and Evan when they really need him. I really loved how the author had you so mesmerized with the story of these special people and the sensitivity of dealing with Evans handicap. This little boy captured your heart with how he smart he is also. I read “Show Me The Way” and “Hunt Me Down” but so far I think this one is the best book out of the fight for me series. I can’t wait for Ollie and hopefully Jenna’s stories next…
There are not enough words to describe the feelings I had while reading this book. I smiled, laughed, cried and at times felt my heart being shredded. I can honestly say that I LOVE all of Amy’s books but this read was by far her best and my most favorite to date. Be prepared to have your heart ripped apart piece by piece and slowly pieced together for one phenomenal, heart-wrenching, breathtaking beautiful story of sacrifice and love. This book is an absolute must read and a definite top read of 2018.
Another phenomenal read by AL Jackson. You can’t help but fall for Kale, sexy, arrogant, confident and swoon worthy. Harley “Hope” is an amazing heroine. She’ll do anything and everything to protect what’s hers. I admired her, rooted for her, cried with her and jumped for joy with her. Their story is filled with hot chemistry, flirtatious banter, as well as heartbreaking demons that keep resurfacing. This amazing story is a must read. A great addition to this series. Highly recommend this book.
I always love this author’s books!
Jackson always allows you to really get to know the characters!
Engrossing, intense, emotional are just some words to describe this novel and even those words won’t do it justice. Follow Me Back is Kale and Hope’s story and the second book in the Fight For Me series. Its a story about love, family, friendship and even second chances
Al Jackson hit it out of the park with this one. With complex well-developed characters who were both relatable and likable, this story will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride.
The intensity of the chemistry between Hope and Kale will have you glued to the pages. The steamy scenes will have you swooning. The twists will have you stunned. The angst will have you biting your nails. This page-turner will have you hoping and praying and rooting for everyone.
Follow Me Back was a phenomenal read and I absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend this novel to everyone.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.*
Follow Me Back was a wonderful story for Kale and Hope. They found comfort in each other when they needed it most.
I loved the characters and this story definitely pulled at my heartstrings. Hope was the embodiment of her name. He heart held hope enough for many when it was needed. She had a kind and loving soul that Kale couldn’t resist.
What a beautiful story.
Kale Bryant doesn’t date. He’s learned that getting too close to people only causes heartache, so he’s married to his job and only has time for flings and one night stands.
Harley Hope Masterson has enough complication in her life without adding a relationship to it . . . no matter how gorgeous and charming that complication may be.
Neither is looking for anything permanent, yet neither can walk away from the other even when they know they should. Not even when Kale learns that Hope is a single mom and her adorable son just happens to be one of his patients.
Hope knows her son Evan is everything to her and she is willing to put her life on hold to give him the life he deserves . . . even if that means escaping Evan’s verbally abusive father and turning away from the relationship she truly wants with Kale. It’s up to Kale to see if he is willing to fight for a future with Hope and Evan even though they represent everything from his past that terrifies him the most or if he is willing to walk away from the best things that may ever happen to him.
Follow Me Back was an amazing story of love and hope. Hope is mom of the year material! When she says she has a complicated life, she isn’t kidding, but she handles it with grace and love and an unbending strength even when all odds are against her. Her son Evan is truly a beautiful soul. He’s a child that could be bitter and angry at his circumstances. Instead he brings joy and light to everyone who is willing to take the time to know him. Kale wants so very much to be a part of that life, but a tragedy from his past ha shim gun shy. He’s so worried about atoning for his past and making sure he doesn’t ever go through that type of loss again, that he really isn’t living . . . until he takes a chance on Hope and Evan. His struggle of whether or not he will be strong enough to see it through or if he will walk away to protect his own heart is the true crux of this story.
It’s emotional. It’s beautiful. It’s heartbreaking. It’s joyful. This story was an incredible read in so very many ways. Give it a read and allow Evan to work his way into your heart! You won’t regret it! 5 stars!
** spoiler alert **
When Dr. Kale Bryant stepped into his buddie Ollies’ bar to celebrate his new endeavor with his best friends he had no idea that his world would be turned upside down by the red-headed, green-eyed beautiful woman sitting across the bar. (GO GET THAT GIRL; THE GIRL OF MY DREAMS) Not Kale Bryant, our cocky, sexy, never gonna settle for another woman never Doctor! Not after her. He was married to his career, taking care of his patients, his friends, and his family. To him Sex was his prize! At least until her…..
Hope Masterson has secrets of her own as she is a complicated woman running from her cruel, wicked and vicious husband to protect her son, a special needs boy who she loved with all her heart and soul. She opened a coffee shop “A Drop of Hope” and stayed under the radar changing her last name to protect them.
Only trouble was Kale couldn’t get her out of his head, and she couldn’t get him out of hers.
AL Jackson is sensational at how she writes this story the witty, bantering of these two characters is a true show-stopper. The emotions shared through this beautiful book is inspiring, but wrenching where you are so enthralled you just can’t stop turning the pages. A true beauty.
She is right on with the explosive chemistry of these two characters!
Unaware of her past and her complications. Dr. Kale Bryant is persuasive when it comes to Hope Masterson. Little did he know when he stepped into the coffee shop that it was hers. He is so taken back by the site of her as she stood there staring at him: all Strawberries and Creme and everything sweet he buys all of her lollipops in an effort to support her cause. Convincing her to let him make her feel good and that she needs him. When she gives for one night– its like fireworks. The girl who gets her fairy tale. Talk about falling in love SWOON!
But when she takes Evan, her son to his new Dr. to discover it is Dr. Kale Bryant, does it get interesting. Kale is professional and earns her respect with the care he provides to her son, she allows those butterflies to flutter more as she fights the feelings she has for our sexy, and cocky Dr. While Kale is mesmerized by his feelings for her and the joy and emotion he has for her son Evan.
Remembering that Kale is not the guy for settling down, he finds himself wanting her more than he’s ever wanted anyone. Hope rips Kales heart out when she confronts him and tells him that she must walk away so he can continue to care for her son as to not have a conflict of interest. But he swears he won’t run and he wants more. When Hope gives him her heart and her sons, there is a life changing event that causes their lives to take a heart wrenching turn. This story is filled with so much tenderness, happiness, pain and heartache. It is truly spell-binding.
Kale runs back to Hope trying to convince her “She is you, Hope. I want to get inside you so badly, it’s painful. But the last thing I want to do is complicate things more than they are.
Amazingly enough is that Evan is the connection to their hearts in more ways than you’ve ever known.
Realizing his own selfishness he recognizes that his Someday…..I’ll find what was meant for me. (HOPE) That day you’ll find me too (KALE) . Just don’t let it be too faraway! (FALL IN LOVE)
I give *Follow Me Back* 10 STARS **********
SHE STOLE MY BREATHE AND OWNS MY
A Must Read for 2018
I give Follow Me Back
A.L. Jackson has always had a knack for breaking hearts but this time she goes for devastating numbers. Not just one heart. Not even two. Follow Me Back is a trail of broken hearts- an epidemic.
Kale is the dreamy doctor/best friend from Show Me the Way. The carefree bachelor…or so we assumed. His story is tragic and horrifying in his grief. He blames himself and that guilty feeds his fears. This beautiful man has a broken heart.
Whether you think Nikki is the orgasm gifter or Ollie’s bar has that title, just know that everyone of these guys is on your team. I love seeing their names in this book. These friends are a huge support group for each other. So clearly, they will help Kale figure his shit out.
Follow Me Back is just as emotional as any of A.L. Jackson’s books. The reader will feel everything from angry, violent tendencies to pride at Frankie Leigh’s Marvel hero knowledge to delicious, naughty smirking at some “adult time fun.” Fear and desperate hope…because even hope needs a hero.
reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
This book is worth all the stars in the sky and more. Follow Me Back would have to be one of my all time favourite books. Kale and Hope’s story is one where you will struggle to define between reality and fiction because of the attachment you will have towards these characters. I didn’t think it was possible to have your heart feel so heavy with sorrow but at the same time be bursting out of your chest with hope and love. I wanted to reach inside the pages and wrap my arms around Kale, Hope and that beautiful miracle boy Evan until they realized, that sometimes the scariest things in life are not only the ones you should fight for but are also the ones most worthwhile. Their story broke me into so many pieces but with my heart left in the hands of a doctor and a little boy who knew that only LOVE should be present in your home they pieced it back together. This book will fill you with more than a lick of hope it will fill you with a whole mouthful of it. Follow Me Back is emotional (tissues are not mandatory but are highly recommended), passionate, powerful, soul-stirring and inspirational. I have only one suggestion I want the Hulk to marry his Wonder Woman because that is the only thing that could make this story even more amazing.
This was an amazing book. It was a one of a kind story that moved me and it will stick with me for a long time. The love, the chemistry, the strength of the characters, all mashed so well! Their journey to finding happiness is timeless and inspiring! I definitely would recommend this book to all my friends!
There are not enough words to express the sheer brilliance of this book. Follow Me Back, completed wrecked me from cover to cover!
The story takes you on the heartbreaking journey of Kale and Hope, two people who fight for those they love, and for those who may not be able to fight for themselves. They face obstacles that bring them closer together, but also threaten to keep them apart. And as heroic and strong as they are for one another, they are also each other’s absolute weakness, and their similar struggles and adversities may be their undoing before they can ever really get started.
Follow Me Back is an all-consuming whirlwind of emotions…intrigue, lust, compassion, grief, yearning, devotion…it’s positively endless. With every turn of the page, the story burrows deeper into your heart, compressing down on every single feeling and reaction you have, and refusing to let you go. The gripping and intensely powerful storyline is profoundly unpredictable – stunning in both aspects of storytelling and origination.
“You set me on a path that I don’t want to stop walking. I will follow you anywhere.”
This book draws you in with its unique character dynamic, but keeps you invested throughout with his extremely heartfelt story. The challenges Kale and Hope face are beyond what anyone could possibly imagine. The feelings of inadequacy and defeat are only but a couple deep-rooted emotions that blindly drive each character forward. And it’s the ultimate display of love that they each express, to not just each other, that truly encompasses what the story is all about.
Exquisitely penned with an over abundance of raw emotions, Follow Me Back is an undoubtedly incredible love story that will take your breath away.
5+ Stars!