A single mother.An up-and-coming drummer with a sordid past. Their paths never should have crossed. But when a senseless crime rocks Mia West’s entire world, she agrees to spend the summer hiding out at her rock-star brother’s mansion in Savannah until the storm blows over. What she never expected was the gorgeous, brooding drummer living in the guest house. His darkness a lure. His gaze a trap. … darkness a lure.
His gaze a trap.
She knows better than to go after what will hurt her most.
Leif Godwin has two focuses in his life: his band, Carolina George, and seeking retribution for what was stolen from him.
Mia was never supposed to be a part of the equation.
Her eyes an appeal.
Her body a temptation.
Touching her is nothing but a sin.
But will loving her destroy them all . . .
A Falling Stars STAND-ALONE rock-star romance from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson . . .
“An epic rocker romance, and top 2020 and lifetime read! ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ but worth 10 soul-kissing stars!” Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog
“Edgy and sexy and sure to have you clinging to every hauntingly beautiful word from beginning to end. Move aside Lyrik West . . . Leif Godwin takes intense, broody, and sullen to a whole new level, and I AM HERE FOR IT.” – NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Molly McAdams
“I’m dead. Deceased. Put a fork in me. I’m flooded with feels and adrenaline and awe after reading this glorious book! My heart is beating so fast right now. HOLY CRAP! Steam, suspense, and FEELS, FEELS, FEELS! I can’t recommend this one highly enough!” –Lauren Rowe, USA TODAY & International Bestselling Author
“Absolutely adored this story…I expected nothing less with this bloody amazing author. She truly is one of my author Rockchicks.” Kimhe Rockchick
more
A.L. Jackson’s powerful writing had me on pins and needles…the darkness surrounding Mia and Leif seemed like a living, breathing thing. I felt like I was heading into the unknown, treading carefully and hoping for the best…there was nothing predictable about this storyline.
Mia and Leif aren’t just broken, they’ve been devastated and are both figuring out how to carry on. Maybe they recognize the grief and pain in each other or maybe it’s something more, but their instant attraction is intense. The mystery of their anguish and suffering was incredibly intriguing. Turbulent and steamy, their connection was a force that couldn’t be denied.
When things turned crazy suspenseful, I may have forgotten to breathe! Luckily A.L. Jackson always knows how to write an incredibly swoon worthy ending that leaves me smiling.
Leif stole my heart in this emotional romance about two people with damaged pasts finding their way to one another. The strong single mother, Mia was trying to find her way in the world for her and her two children after a horrible incident happened in her safe place. When Leif finally let down his walls to accept Mia and her kids, Penny and Greyson, a plot twist threatens what they had built. It was fun to see the other members of Sunder and where they are now with their happily ever afters. Eventually Leif and Mia, along with Penny and Greyson find the happily ever after the four of them greatly deserved. Hopefully we will see more stories about Leif’s band members from Carolina George in the future.
Kiss the Stars is a stunningly beautiful love story that had me captivated from the very first page. Once again AL Jackson delivers an unforgettable rockstar romance. A gripping love story that is powerfully inspiring, emotionally raw, and breathtakingly romantic. A story delivered with so much heart and soul that that I fell deeper in love with the characters and their epic love story with each turn of the page.
Leif Godwin is incredibly sexy, loyal and fiercely protective. A quiet storm who is warring with making amends for his past. There is so much depth to this man; the layers are endless. I fell head over heels for this man and have found a new favorite hero.
Mia West is gorgeous, sweet, strong and brave. Her quiet tenacity was inspiring. I met her in Where Lightning Strikes as Lyrik’s younger sister. Getting to know her more in depth, I adore and deeply resonate with her character.
A chance encounter has their paths colliding and stars aligning. Try as they may to fight their attraction, they are powerless to stop the fall. Two broken souls who find the missing piece that makes them whole again. It was breathtaking to witness these two fall in love. A beautifully written storyline that flowed seamlessly. The twists and turns were a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense that had me spellbound. I could feel every emotion they experienced; they bled from the pages. The heartbreaking moments shattered my heart and the heartfelt moments stole my breath. I laughed with them, cried with them, and rooted for them.
I loved revisiting the Sunder family. Lyrik and Tamar have a significant role in this story and I loved every second with them. The family moments with the guys, their wives and children were so heart-warming and are a huge part of what makes this story so real. The unconditional love and support of family was inspiring.
A powerful story of love, faith, forgiveness and second chances that forever left a mark on my heart and soul. A top read of 2020 and of all-time. Worthy of 10 brilliant falling stars!! This is one book you want to read! That’s my honest.
5 Drummer Boy Filled Stars!!!
Omg finally!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting for A. L. Jackson’s next release and the waits finally over.
This is a stand-alone and the start of her next new Falling Stars Series. I’m stoked bc in Kiss The Starsthe guys and gals of Sunder are back since Leif is helping them out on the drums. In The Bleeding Stars Series we heard of the country band Carolina George and I’d been hoping we got more of them and that day has finally come. Whoop whoop!!
Leif Godwin is just trying to get thru his day without breaking. Waiting patiently until he can get his revenge onto those who took away what he loved and cared for most in his life.
Music ran thru Leif’s veins. It’s why he joined Carolina George. They’re made for stardom and he wants to help out anyway he can. Running into Lyrik from the band Sunder wasn’t the plan and neither was meeting an angel.
Leif agreed to help out Lyrik and the others from Sunder. Step in playing the drums while they record their album. It’s only for two months and he’ll walk away with decent money.
Leif thought he could keep his head down long enough to get thru it. Until in walked Lyrik’s baby sister, Mia West and her two children along with their extended Sunder family and Leif wasn’t sure he’d make it the entire summer.
Mia hasn’t had things come easily. The birth of her daughter saved her and then her son completed her. She tries coparenting the best as possible.
One night at close of business at her art gallery her and her best friend/business partner are held at gunpoint. Her best friend is killed and the cops have no idea who’s behind it.
Mia and her kids go to stay with her older brother Lyrik, his wife Tamar and their two kids. Not that her big brother was giving her a choice otherwise LMAO!!
Mia’s mind has been on the beautiful, dangerous man she met in the attic at her brothers house. Mia was shocked to learn he’s the infamous drummer her brother was saying that was coming to help them on their album.
Mia’s not sure how she’s supposed to go thru the summer with him living in the guesthouse. Their chemistry is instant and super explosive and yet Leif pushes her away whenever they get too close. If only that was her only problem. There was still somebody after Mia.
Leif wanted to leave almost the minute he showed up. When he finds out somebody could still be after Mia he knows instantly he can’t leave her. Between Leif and Lyrik they vow four eyes is better then two. He’s also worried that his baggage will be brought to their doorstep but he can’t leave Mia or her kids.
This was another nonstop read for me. Definitely lost sleep but I wouldn’t trade this book for sleep. It has everything from hot rockstars and funny, hot country singers, a love story and suspense. It’s got everything!!
Leif has bumped his way to the top of my book boyfriend list. I was heartbroken for him and what he went thru. That’s amazing man deserved a HEA that’s for sure.
Mia was amazing as well!!! With her brother and his friends being famous musicians she knew what kind of lives they live and she swore she’d never get with a musician. But, all she needed was to find the right musician. Even though he tried pushing her away and was fighting his own demons, Mia never gave up on him or them.
Add in Lyrik, Tamar and the rest of their family it was an epic read!!! Let’s also saw Lyrik’s son Brandon and Penny, Mia’s daughter they stole my heart. Hopefully, we’ll get their stories when A. L. Jackson starts hearing their voices. **Wink wink**
I’m looking forward to the rest of the guys and lady of Carolina George. ESP Rhys bc he’s the one who spoke to me the loudest so far.
I am writing this review as I am catching my breath. Not because I have been exercising or working out in the physical aspect. I have been on an emotional path that has left me breathless, with heart palpitations, but reveling in the benefits of a job well done!
Each time I write a review for Amy, I have to inhale, exhale and try to bring my thoughts into focus. I have to figure out how to take 26 letters and arrange them to say what her books do to me, how they make me feel and where they take me. It should be easy, huh? I mean, after all, she can take those same 26 letters and create worlds that kidnap me. Give me characters that resonate with me. Create love stories that are romantic, sensual and heartwrenching.
Kiss the Stars takes me back into the world where I first discovered Amy. Kinda like going home again. And I was home. In the Sunder word, but like returning home, new people have moved in the neighborhood and we don’t know what they bring with them.
Leif, talent extraordinaire. Mia, always a mom. He’s broken. She’s scarred. He’s unsettled. She’s determined. He’s afraid. She’s steadfast. He’s running. She’s halting. They are healing.
Amy gives a supporting cast that does more than support. They are just as significant as the hero and heroine. They carry just as much weight. They are family. I mean it’s Lyrik and the crew. Family is everything.
What Amy does better than anyone else in the game is pen her stories that you are so immersed in what she’s created you can’t tell it’s fiction. You’re captured. You’re mesmerized. Lost in the vortex of her words. Stunned into silence. And then . . .
She gives you a culmination, that is brutal but cathartic. That is dangerous but pleasing. That is war but love. That is no other than the SUPERB A.L. Jackson.
I’ve slept with other women, but you are the only one I’ve been with – Leif
I love all things A.L. Jackson and of course this book I was really looking forward to it. I absolutely loved this story. Leif and Mia will grab hold of you and not let go. This story consumed me from the very beginning, I felt so many emotions.
This story is the first in the Falling Stars series which is a spin off of The Bleeding Stars series. Now I have never read any of The Bleeding Stars books, but I was able to read this story without feeling like I was missing anything. It is absolutely a stand-alone but I am definitely curious to read the other books.
As always anything that A.L. Jackson writes is a must read for me!!
** spoiler alert ** TRUTH- I was completely and utterly beguiled with “Kiss the Stars” it is EPIC and will be a 2020 top read of all time. It is destined to break your heart over & over again in the most beautiful way turning your tears into shooting stars” When I think of AL Jackson I think of an artist who delivers the most emotional raw and spellbinding love stories to our hearts and “KISS THE STARS” will leave you speechless and on cloud nine turning all of your hearts into shooting stars for evermore!.
Mia West, the sweet, sexy, sister of Sunder’s Lyrik West moves in to Lyriks home in LA after her best friend was murdered. Unbeknownst to her during a fundraiser a stranger assaults her and she going running to the attic being called like a safety beacon only to realize she is not alone feeling the hairs on her neck stand she turns to find an image sitting in a chair with wide shoulders and a hard body watching her. A gorgeous stranger in the attic. A dark storm. A white light. Her universe tilting only to watch him leave.
When Mia and her children decide to leave LA and go to Savannah until it is safe to return to LA does she discover the image that was in the chair in the attic is the very dark “drummer dude:” Leif Godwin who is going to fill in for Sunders Drummer who is taking a break.
When he arrives the atmosphere changes the temperatures rise and the inability to stay away is eminent. With the exception that no matter how much he wants Mia, he won’t allow himself to have her. He believes he is incapable of happiness that his grief and hopelessness deserves only pain, and that karma is bitch that will never leave him alone or allow him to find happiness nor does he want to find them for all his bad decisions and the past life he has lived.
Meanwhile Mia only sees the good in him after he saves her daughter from a near miss. She can’t watch him be swallowed by the pain and anguish that he feels. She has never wanted a man as badly as she wants Leif.
“I see someone who is brave. I see someone who is fearless. I see someone who saved my daughter.”
With these two kindred spirits one broken-hearted, The heat in this story will have you on the edge of your seats, wanting to claw through the book to shake Leif, her drummer dude, from his pain and tell him that Karma has a way of turning herself around and given the chance it can happen to him if he would just share his pain with the one who loves him beyond the stars. Mia and Leif have a sizzling chemistry that is off the charts but no matter how much chemistry when someone believes that they are undeserving of a love.
“Believe me, baby, a few minutes of bliss is never worth the pain that comes with the aftermath. And you obviously have too much to live for to be taking those kinds of chances with me.”
“You came out of nowhere, a train-wreck. Paradise. Moved. Desolate. Would give it all up. If it would keep you from falling apart.”
“I will ruin you! I want you to”.
When these two kinder spirits are brought together to discover the power and will of karma. Will they survive the forces of which they are both encroaching upon. Leif fears he is not worthy of love or romance for the sins of his past and what was taken from him because of his lies… while Mia only sees the positive and good in him….and wanting to have something and someone in her life that is worthy of her love and her children.
“Best thing I’ve ever seen, Mia West. Everytime I look at you, you steal the breath right outta me. Captured me the second I saw you. You have no idea what you have done to me.”
“And maybe you’re the first beautiful thing I’ve seen since the last of the beauty was ripped from my life. I can’t sleep, I can’t dream. I can’t paint. And then you came here…
You are the true definition of beauty Mia, You stole my breathe the first time I saw you. You are the creator of it. I won’t taint that.” Which is exactly why I stay away because the last thing i want to do is more harm. I will destroy you, Mia, just like I destroy every good thing I ever have.”
I positively was wrecked by the beauty of this story and the emotional tribulations of these two desperate characters. Nonetheless, once again AL Jackson captures my heart with this EPIC story of love that comes with a cost and the cost is worth it all!.
What if I don’t let you get that close?” Don’t kid yourself Angel, I’m already there.” Baby you are my dangerous fantasy.
When he decides to leave his past and focus on the future with Mia, it is then that he is confronted with a demon of his past. Fighting the pull Leif is catapulted his own hell. Until his past arrives in Savannah to take Mia and the children back to LA. Only then does Leif blinded by his grief, anguish and loss that he is in fact worthy of a new love this love and that no matter what his past caused he did everything to make it right and that the evil was out of his control and in the end the Karma was his friend allowing Mia and Leif to Kiss the Stars in this love stricken romance. This is the read of 2020! 5 stars and more.
My first five star of 2020. AL always brings all the feels when she writes a book. Mia’s story was beautifully written. You will come to love each character. Laugh, cry and worry all wrapped up in the pages. Lyrik is my favorite AL character of all time so getting a look into his and Tamar’s life was an added bonus.
A heart-warming, tear-jerkin’ new release from AL Jackson?! Sign me up. Kiss the Stars is a Falling Stars STAND-ALONE rock-star romance, and it’s LIVE and free with Kindle Unlimited.
“A single mother.
An up-and-coming drummer with a sordid past.
Their paths never should have crossed.”
Kiss the Stars is one gorgeous angst-fest from start until finish. As only A.L. Jackson can deliver. Right from the first few pages, I could tell that I needed to buckle up and hold on tight to my heart since it would undoubtedly take quite a bruising. But as the story progressed, it was made abundantly clear that both Leif Godson and Mia West were the ones who would especially need that balm to soothe all the pain and heartache they both have experienced. I was merely a witness to all their triumphs and tragedies and was simply glad they eventually had each other to soothe their battered souls.
These two have a world of hurt and sadness between them. But the way neither one ever backed down when the going got tough, and boy did it ever, was such a testament to their inner strength. Mia is a fighter, much like her beloved brother and my personal favorite, Lyrik. A young mother with too much of a painful past for her age. With her wonderful kids as a very welcomed respite to all that was swirling around her, she is one tough woman. Considering all the secret agony that Leif seems to be carrying on his very sexy shoulders, only his Angel, this headstrong yet wonderfully sensitive rock n roll princess could bring him to his knees. And talk about a whirlwind of emotion. Jackson dives right in and we’re immediately at the forefront of all of their issues and the hidden mystery behind Leif’s actions and his feelings for Mia.
There is a ton to digest as the book slowly unfolds and we find out why there is this constant push and pull between Leif and Mia. Why he is so afraid to love and most importantly, why he feels like he forever unworthy of any slight chance at happiness the world might offer. And all through it, Lyrik and his Tamar, and the rest of the Sunder crew I might add, are there to help guide them, protect them and warn them, when necessary. The abundance of love is there for the taking and despite whether or not blood is between these band members doesn’t matter. They are one family no matter what might happen and I fell in love with them all over again.
In addition, the members of Carolina George (Leif’s primary band) make a well-timed and truly sweet appearance, allowing Leif to show off HIS family to Mia and it was really something watch. It had a bittersweet quality that this incredibly selfless man never took any of his mates for granted and it allowed his held-tight pride show. I am thrilled Jackson has decided to write about this band and I can’t wait for the upcoming books featuring the rest of them. They are a great team.
Kiss the Stars is a story of hope, forgiveness and the desire for more out of life, even when we don’t always feels as if we deserve it. Sure, Leif and Mia have been through the wringer but the wonderful support they have from band-mates and new-found albeit unconventional family members becomes the very essence of their love. For both each other and everyone they care for.
It’s always a gift, getting to read one of A.L. Jackson’s books and this one is another 5 star winner!
I’m a HUGE A.L A.L Jackson fan, and once again she did not disappoint!! This book is magic that was written in the stars. I love that we get new characters, but also get the see the boys of Sunder. Of course nothing has changed with these beloved characters. Leif is everything, a man with a tragic past trying to find himself. Winds up finding so, so much more. Mia is an amazing mother and women! This women is so strong, and has all the feels. The journey leif and Mia take is magical. I love, loved this story. Amazing job A.L.
5 Another Honest Crowns
Where have I been that this is the first book I’ve read by A.L Jackson? This book ripped straight through every single one of my emotions until I was utterly drained and emotionally wrecked. A.L’s prose is lyrical and soothing even in the darkest of situations, and I found myself completely enraptured from the moment I opened this book until the last page. Mia and Leif are beautifully broken and devastatingly honest in their lives and in the evolution of their relationship to the point your heart will physically ache for them.
“This girl was nothing but temptation. Wicked, perfect sin.”
Leif is Alpha possessive deliciousness. He tries so hard to stay away from Mia thinking he isn’t good enough for her, but their connection was intense and immediate, they did not stand a chance. However, Leif is fighting some powerful inner demons and holds himself responsible for things that happened in his past. But the fact that he tries so hard to stay away from Mia shows you how good he really is. He puts her and her children before himself and you can feel the transition in him when his walls start coming down and he stops trying to push Mia away. Leif is ultimately a protector you can feel it in the intense way he handles situations and that’s exactly what Mia needs.
“A rumble of need curled up his throat. “I will ruin you.” “I want you to,” I begged. I was already there. My wreckage strewn at his feet.”
Mia is so strong, stronger than I think she realizes. She has had to endure some terrible situations and tragedy has gotten to her, but she did not break. Mia held herself together better than most would have, and I loved that about her. She wasn’t afraid, I mean she was, but she still put herself out there especially with Leif. She knew that their connection was a once in a lifetime thing. Her soul and Leif’s were intricately woven together through tragedy and acceptance creating their own beautifully written song that only they could hear.
“The girl written on my skin, the taste of her emblazoned on my tongue. Knew I wasn’t ever going to be the same.”
This book took me on a journey that I was not prepared for, I fell in love with these characters and the evolution of their love story, that was so exquisitely written. A.L Jackson has created magic with Mia and Leif, her words will slowly and effortlessly wrap around your heart and soul leaving their imprint forever embedded. This may have been my first book by her, but it will definitely not be my last.
Kiss the Stars is A.L Jackson’s newest poetic masterpiece! Wow. Just wow. I didn’t start this series until the fourth book and with that, it can be read as standalone but it does make me want to go back and read the first three books. I just love this band that is more like a family.
Mia is a single mother of two and a gallery owner who just went through tragedy. Leif is a man who believes he only has darkness within and a past that will haunt him forever. When they meet in an unlikely place, the connection is instant. It was too much. Too deep without even knowing each other’s names. Then it happens…
Mia and her family are staying with her brother, Lyrik and his family in Savannah for the summer. Leif is staying in the same home, in the guesthouse out back. Seeing each other again was a shock to their systems. He warned her that he would ruin her. And she warned him that she saw his good. They were two souls who weren’t looking for love. Two souls with pasts that were coming for them. Two souls who couldn’t stay away. What happens when their pasts catch up with them?
I absolutely fell in love with this couple! Mia’s kids have my heart. Oh Penny…she wrecks me. I can’t really say much without spoiling anything but I can say that I was fully consumed. If life didn’t get in the way I would had read this book in one sitting. It’s such a beautiful story full of suspense, love, and passion. A.L has once again made me feel every single feel. Gah! I just want more and more! And I love that the Sunder family is there for the ride. Those kids? Adorable and so funny!
Quotes:
I clutched her by the wrist, and I set my lips against her cheek. “The only thing you see when you look at me is your beauty reflected back. You are the true definition of it, Mia. Beauty. You stole my breath the first time I saw you. You are the creator of it. I won’t taint that.”
“I always want your honest.”
An annoyed groan echoed from behind us. “Would you kiss her already? I’m about to revoke your man card, Leif, and I don’t even have one yet. That’s just embarrassing.”
AL Jackson’s latest is emotional and angsty and, as always, her prose is beautiful.
AL Jackson delivers an explosive, emotional romance you won’t be able to stop thinking about.
After reading “Kiss the Stars” I know why A.L. Jackson is a one click author for me. From the first page I was hooked. Mia is a single mom that would do anything for her kids but is having a hard time with life when in walks Leif. Leif is the type of guy she should stay away but the more they see each other the more they can not stay away.
A.L. Jackson hit me in all the feels with this one! Her lyrical pen seeped through the pages. Kiss the Stars was like going home.
This story is a beautiful love story with a twisty and terrifying spin that had me on the edge of my seat!!!
The H and h’s chemistry was off the charts and I loved every minute of them!
Being back with all the Sunder boys and their families was the best feeling ever.
The intrigue, the twists, the feels, the conflict, the angst, the emotion…it had all the things!!!!
4.5 stars
OMGEE!! It feels so good to go back to where it all began…We’re reunited with our boys from Sunder. It’s a lot more chaotic but in a completely different way. This story is for Leif and Mia. They both have troubled pasts but for different reasons. They’re both running from something. Maybe they could run together? Well, not if Lyrik has anything to say about it. Being the protective big brother and all.
I was so happy to be pulled back in. It’s angst and fear, passion and regret. It’s everything you want in a heart wrenching story that grabs you by the hand in a death grip and never lets go. How each story is so different and yet feels so familiar. It’s the guys we love so much mixed with the women who tamed them. Leif and Mia may be just bystanders in a sense in this crazy world, but they’re involved enough that the past somehow always finds them. And that’s where the drama comes in. Maybe they can get lost in each other to forget about the heartache and pain?
One of my all time swoon worthy reads would have to be the broken man, the man who feels his past deeds have made him irredeemable. Someone so beautiful yet broken inside. He is someone who feels so deeply that he cannot fathom that he will ever deserve good in his life again.
This is Leif. Beautifully broken. Hard on the outside and closed on the inside. Yet Mia feels who he is instantly. She is drawn to him even though her life has been wrecked by tragedy. The journey that they take together is beautiful yet there is a mystery from both his and her past that could destroy them.
Back into the world of Sunder we go with a family of rock and country stars that I will forever love. Family is everything to them and reading we get to enjoy the love, the protection and the laughter that family provides. Once again, Ms. Jackson brings those adorable little ones into the light and we get to fall in love with them too!
A MUST READ!
Oh this book. This book.. it feels like coming home. It’s that moment when youve spent some much time in a world followed by a period of time away and finally get to come back.. yeah that moment- gah.
I really really liked these characters, they were beautiful and broken and so right for each other. On top of that, you have the cutest kids- I really love me some single parent juiciness. And top top it off, AL Jackson gave us back so many familiar faces and voices that it expanded the book beyond what I could have hoped for.
And although, I really would have liked a little more of them happy, them spending time nore together instead of the heaps of pushing away and termoil, I enjoyed it.
Really, if you loved the bleeding stars series- you’re going to love this more and if you haven’t read the bleeding stars series- you’ll want to once your finish.