Now an Amazon Top 15 Bestseller Maxon Chambers has a way of stealing all the attention.All my affection, and all my dreams.What I needed to remember was he’d stolen my good judgment and my virginity, too.When he broke up with me, I ran across the country and swore I’d never return to Broadshire Rim.But here I am, thirteen years later.Maxon is all grown up.Sexier than sin and more tempting than … years later.
Maxon is all grown up.
Sexier than sin and more tempting than ever.
A detective on the Charleston force, he lives on the outside of safety, devoted to protecting the people of his city.
But with the way he’s looking at me now? I’m pretty sure what needs protecting is my heart.
Can we mend the pieces of us? Or will he leave my heart shattered forever . . .more
It took me some time to process how I felt about this book.
The story was great, as you can always expect from AL.
I had a child with the same neurological disorder so it wasn’t easy for me to read about it, I guess I wish I were warned.
Maxon, he stepped up and out and for that, he stole my heart.
I really can’t blame Izzy for the choices she made, but she hurt my heart a bit. I can’t explain it yet, as I said, I’m still processing.
Again, AL writes amazing stories, so I’d definitely recommend this book.
Such an heartbreaking and heartwarming book from beginning to end. This is one that will stick with me for a long time. Second chance romance is my favorite and this one takes the cake and number one spot on my list of favorites. I just couldn’t put this one down once I got started and was sad to see the end. There were many tears and laughs and just overwhelming heartfelt moments.
So much story in one amazing book. Loved the characters. So many answers explained for all of our questions.
My favorite line is:
“But whose joy is forgotten is lost.” Emotion rushed, warmth pressing full as I murmured, “And whose heart is free is found.”
Be still my heart, AL Jackson once again slayed it like a dragon.
Childhood memories, dreams and plans shredded in a moment
cause the main players Maxon Chambers and Isabel Lane life changing
years of pain and what ifs.
One ran to escape, the other remained living a vicious cycle of self-hatred.
The sins of the father fall on the son, or do they?
A few surprises, some detective work and a heat wrap up nicely with a HEA.
The Dragon and his Little Bird
Oh my goodness…Mack! He was not what I was expecting. I always just thought of him as the loyal, good guy and cop helping his friends, and that there were maybe a few past mistakes. I had no idea that under that tough exterior he is also struggling with his own demons, lack of self worth, loss, and hopelessness.
He has seen his two best friends find love and settle down. But he is living his life status quo until he is surprised by the return of Izzy Lane. We learn the story of their past from childhood to teens and the devastation left in its wake. And Mack learns some news that he never saw coming.
This man is full of guilt, regret, pain, and has never believed he was worthy of her. But being around her again also brings back the want, the need, and the connection that these two always had. He pushed her away and broke them both due to a twisted sense of honor. But now he cannot help but be drawn back under her spell.
Izzy has been through her own struggles and is now happy to be home with the support of her parents(who I just loved). But facing her first love that shattered her heart is not easy, especially when she kept some secrets of her own.
So now thirteen years later, they are facing all of their past hurts…the choices, mistakes, betrayals, secrets, and their own feelings of regret, guilt, and self blame. There are hard truths and misunderstandings. There are choices that cannot be taken back, but have to be dealt with.
There is also danger and threats surrounding them adding suspense and fear. It was easier to do his dangerous job when he only had himself to worry about, but now he has something to lose. I swear I alternately wanted to smack and hug Mack. He was stubborn, self deprecating, impulsive, self sacrificing, and made some questionable choices. But in his own mind he was trying to do the right thing and be protective, but in reality it was based on fear. And his self hatred and self worth issues were embedded in him from childhood. But he could also be so sweet, supportive, and loving. There were so many scenes that just made me tear up.
I loved Izzy’s strength and fight to do the best she could for those she cared about. She always believed in him in the past, even when he did not believe in himself, but now she has trust issues and is rightfully scared of being hurt again. I loved them together. Their intense connection was obvious from past to present. I felt their pain and their happiness. I saw their potential and was full of tension.
I loved getting more with Jace and Faith and Ian and Grace and the kiddos. I liked how her family treated Mack throughout the book despite the issues. This whole series has been about these three friends whose pasts had marked them so greatly that they had no hope and self worth. But these strong woman showed them how to love and heal and want to be better men. And their friendships have stood the test of time despite so much negativity and pain. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and these guys have built their own extended one. All of their stories were interesting, emotional, and unique, but this one was my favorite.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past, and brings back a lost love, hurt feelings and the promise of a second-chance. Pieces of Us tells the story of Mack and Izzy who fell hard for each other as teenagers, and now as adults get a chance at a do-over. I love this emotional story.
“I knew he was more dangerous than any casual passerby could ever be. Dangerous to me. To my heart and my world and everything that remained the most precious.”
Mack and Izzy go way back. As kids they live next to each other, but their lives are very different. Izzy has loving parents, but Mack’s dad is the complete opposite. Of course, the friendship between Izzy and Mack changes into love during their teenage years, but Mack feels he isn’t good enough for Izzy. She doesn’t believe that, until he proves to be the worst and she leaves town. Fast forward thirteen years… Mack is a police detective who doesn’t do commitment, and Izzy returns home for the first time for some much-needed help. The chemistry between them is still there, but our couple has a lot to talk about.
“She’d been my ending. My collision. The breaking point of who I’d been and who I’d come to be.”
Izzy is an independent woman who can takes care of herself and her two boys, but now she needs the help of her parents. Going back to the town where she got hurt so badly isn’t what she wants, but sometimes the support of family is more important than yourself. As a mom I fully understand Izzy; I understand her hopes and dreams for herself and her sons, but also why she is hesitant about Mack. Mack is a ladies-man, but Izzy has always been different. I get where he is coming from, but at the same time I hate what he did to her. Izzy and Mack still love each other, but the road to their HEA isn’t the easiest.
Pieces of Us is the third book in the ‘Confessions of the Heart Series’ and brings the reader back to Charleston. Mack and Izzy are the main couple of course, but the couples from the previous books are present as well. Pieces of Us is a second-chance story; Izzy and Mack had a true love as teenagers, but forces beyond their control pulled them apart. I was so happy when all was out in the open, and that Izzy and Mack are finally able to have the love of a lifetime.
“Until we were flying. High, high above the trees. Where we’d always belonged. Where he was my forever. Endless.”
I am a HUGE DIE HARD fan of A.L. Jackson & her books. Believe it or not but she was a NEW TO BE author a little while ago & I read one book & BAM i read them all!! Therefore so happy to be able to read this master-piece before hand!! Now, this book is #3 and I have read the previous two of course. This is the story of Maxon & Isabel!
Even from the beginning I went from smiles and laughter at a situation to OH MY HEART! The tension, the words…beautiful but broken. The take-back’s through out the story are also heartbreaking but in a beautiful way, more beautiful between the lines kind of way. I was blown back by how much emotion this brought out in me, I was glued to each page, each sentence. I can’t express enough how much A.L. Jackson kind of does that to you, her writing style and words will mesmerize you.
Maxon is a broken soul, from the very beginning. With what he had gone through his childhood well into teenage years, it’s no surprise. He now is a tall, strong and sexy man, filled out, gorgeous, a police officer for goodness sake..but still broken. The worst part is that Izzy though her love would be enough back then, what makes her believe that it would ever help out now, as adults.
Every single character in this (not just the previous book ones) are unique and to each it’s own. I love Izzy’s parents (her mom is the kind of mom you’d want) the predicament and situations in this are a slow burn, pulling at heart strings moments. It was like riding a roller coaster of emotion, just when you think I’M OKAY I’M OKAY nope, you’re not. My love for this story and characters especially Izzy is enormous. The secrets, the nerve wrecking scenes…GAH! I don’t want to give out too much BUT you will not see it coming, I’m telling you when it hits you, worse than a sledgehammer. Anguish, passion, heartbreak & conquer!
I am rating this a 10 PLUS & HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! On my TOP 20119 MUST READ list & a TOP FAVORITE 2019 READ!
H A P P Y – R E A D I N G
I’ve loved Mack for the moment we met him in book one and so I’ve waiting for his story – and it certainly did not disappoint. Absolute my favorite in the series.
Mack has a past and we know it has to have some sketch since Ian and Jace as his best friends – but he has been trying to atone for that past by being on the police force and trying to stop those that remind him of his past.
Izzy has been in love with Mack since he rescued her out of that tree when she was little. He has always been her protector her best friend until he broke her heart and she ran. Now 13 years she back in town with a huge secret that she needs to tell Mack about but she has so much more at stake now.
Both have to learn to let go of the past to look deep inside to the core of their friendship and love that never faded.
Another AMAZING book by Amy and I highly recommend this series and any book from Amy.
It’s not an Al Jackson book if it doesn’t rip you apart or tear up your insides then slowly gets put back together
Mack and Izzy were childhood sweethearts til he broke her heart.
13 years later they are reunited by chance and Izzy has a secret she doesn’t know how to tell.
You don’t want to miss this slow burn love story. That definitely has all the feels.
AL Jackson never disappoints and this is the perfect ending to the series.
There is something about A.L. Jackson writing that tends to feel like you are reading some kind of poetry. The story of Maxon “Mack” Chambers Max & Izzy Lane’s story will take you on a ride that will have you hoping that things are possible after the impossible.
The dragon and the little bird. A history that stems from childhood. The beauty of their friendship will have you feeling the comfort between two people from different worlds. Best friends leading to falling in love; however, the need to let the other go so they would have a better life is the price they have to pay.
“There’s never been a single day in my life when I didn’t wan you. We are endless.”
Years later and the chemistry is still inevitable. The hesitancy is holding them back but the need to realized that this is their time. Then the unexpected comes into play and the want to be more becomes even deeper.
Once again blown away by her words. This was a book that I have been anticipating & the author did not disappoint. There is always so much more when it comes to the Confessions of the Heart series.
Pieces of Us was a beautiful second chance romance!! I loved Mack & Izzy. Mack was such a strong, powerful character who had to endure fat too much as a kid, which carried over into adulthood. Izzy was a resilient, powerful Momma doing all she needed to do for her boys. These two were made for each other and their love story was wonderful to read!!!
4.5 Stars
Pieces of the Heart is the third title in the Confessions of the Heart series, and whilst I do highly recommend reading the previous books, you could read Mack and Izzy’s story as a standalone.
I’ve read quite a few of A.L. Jackson’s books, and they all feature intriguing, flawed, and endearing characters. Her stories are heartfelt and emotional, and Pieces of the Heart is no exception. This moving second chance romance has a pair of characters that are both incredibly strong, yet vulnerable, and sure to find a place in your heart.
Izzy is sweet, kind, hardworking, dedicated, driven and determined. Maxon aka Mack is a sexy, protective and loving cop with a dark past.
The connection this pair shares is amazing, even as childhood best friends it was undeniable and their chemistry just oozes off the pages.
I’m not usually a fan of flashbacks but I loved the glimpses into Mack and Izzy’s relationship as children and it really added depth and complexity to the story.
I will be eagerly awaiting the next addition to the Confessions of the Heart series.
Another A.L. Jackson book to get lost in!!!
I’ve been wanting the good officer’s book for quite some time. He’s always intrigued me and I was dying to know his full back story.
Maxom’s story just breaks me heart. The boy who thought he was never good enough due to bad circumstances.
Izzy. The girl next door who’s always wanted only good things for her protector. Knew his work thanks vowed to make him see it too!
This book has everything! Angst, boy/girl next door, suspense, alpha, friends to lovers! Grab your copy today and binge on this amazing authors newest release!
This is Book 3 in the “Confessions of the Heart”Series and I loved to pieces.
Mrs. Jackson has a distinct way of writing, one I recognize as soon as I start reading one of her stories and this book is no exception. Full of emotions, well written, emotional, great characters and a love story that conquers all.
Mack and Izzy are amazing characters and their love story is so strong that I could feel their pain and heartbreak.
Izzy’s kids are very important and add to the sweetness and deep feelings created by the book.
This second chance story is great and I wholly recommend it!!!
If you’re a fan of AL Jackson like I am, you know how emotional her books can be. Pieces of Us was such an emotionally charged unique story. In typical AL Jackson style, my she puts a chokehold on your emotions from the very beginning, but then puts everything in place by the end.
To say that Mack and Izzy have a bit of a complicated and storied history is putting it mildly. Izzy finds herself back in her hometown, while Mack seems to be running from his demons. When they collide again…oh let me tell you the chemistry is OFF. THE. CHARTS. Oh my heart… Secrets will be revealed, questions will be answered, and maybe…Mack and his ‘little bird’ will finally get their happily ever after.
Just when you think that Amy can’t out do the last book, she makes you fall damn hard for the next one. Mack and Izzy’s story will take you on a definite all the feels kind of ride.
Who doesnt love a second chance romance? Its one of my favorite kind of troupes.
Even though Izzy who comes back to town has no desire to run into Mack (the man who she gave her whole heart to and ended up breaking it) theres just something about your first love that you can’t stay away.
Not gonna give any spoilers, but as always with any Amy book, its a definite can’t-put-down kind of book and you will be fully enveloped in it and tune the outside world out.
A beautiful way to end this series!
I have enjoyed the Confessions Of The Heart books and this story-while I’m sad it brings them to an end-finished in a way that left me so happy to have invested my time in the worlds that are beautifully crafted by A. L. Jackson.
Mack and Izzy’s story is a second chance romance (which I’m a sucker for) and it had me right away.
Growing up together as best friends, Mack and Izzy are there for one another through thick and thin, and as the years go by, their friendship turns into and ends, with an inevitable heartbreaking first love.
Gone for 13 years, Izzy returns home a changed woman, ready and in need of starting a new life. A new life she still plans to exclude Mack from existing in, even though the memory of him still lingers with her every day she is alive.
But Mack didn’t get that memo, and he has no intention of staying away from the woman who has come back to town or the girl who has always had his heart.
If you have read this author before…..you already know what to expect. Wink wink.
If you are new to this author, get ready for a love story that will give you two main characters that are perfect for each other in every way……….but will be put through the wringer before they finally succumb to a love that will not be denied, despite the obstacles, secrets, lies and destruction that are lying in wait.
A. L. Jackson has poetic angst down to a science and her formula refuses to disappoint. The talent to combine sorrow and beauty with passion and pain is second to none and really shines through with this story and all of her previous works as well.
I would highly recommend this book (which is a stand-alone) and any other book by this author.
You may cry…..but will smile by the time you are done.
Pieces of Us is an angsty love story will surely hit you till the core!
Just take my breathe away lyrical bliss is what we have here!
A.L. Jackson just knows how to pull at my heartstrings, make me weep and then makes me fall to my knees in dire love!!!!
Pieces of Us definitely starts in pieces but slowly the puzzle starts to take shape and transforms into something very beautiful. I love reading an A.L. Jackson book because I know I’m about to be taken on a wonderful journey. There is something very healing in Jackson’s writing. She reaches deep and delivers something so intimate and tender. The Confessional of the Heart series is a beautiful collection of overcoming challenges in life and restoring inner beauty.
I look forward to so much more! I will be here waiting.
Great 5 star story! A.L. Jackson gives you all the feels in this one!
Follow Maxon, detective on the local force, runs into the one he let go, Izzy, so long ago. Now she’s back and his heart is full and complete again, he just has to convince her that he’s all in and won’t chase her away again. She’s got more at stake now, 2 amazing boys, that will have you cracking up, can she risk not only her heart again but those of her 2 boys that are her life right now? Read along with their story and find out! You will love this one!