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
Have you ever loved someone so much that you felt the need to let them go because you just didn’t feel like they could fly if you didn’t?
So begins the story of a Dragon and a little bird, both each others saviors since childhood. Thru the years that friendship turned into a great love. But Mack (the Dragon) and Izzy (the little bird) grew up in very different households, one loving, one not. As they grew older Mack began to believe that he could never be good enough for his little bird, so he let her fly. It broke her, in a way she wasn’t sure she could come back from. So she left…and that was that.
Fate never lets true loves be separated forever and so Izzy returns, she has something important to take care of and as fate would have it Mack and both of their secrets just might tear them apart again.
A beautiful story, with some great characters that you will swoon and fall in love with. As always some of the best stories I have ever read!
It took me a little to get into this book, but when I did I enjoyed it. They say you never forget your first love and for Maxon and Izzy, they never got over each other. Once Izzy came back and Maxon learned all about her new life, I really liked how he stepped up to prove to her that he was really there and wasn’t going anywhere (although it took him a second to come to grips with everything). I’m glad we got to see into their past and really understand why it didn’t work the first time. There are some things I wish was expanded on a little more, but over all I liked their story.
oooooo Mack. How I have waited so long for you, and boy o boy were you worth the wait.
I was a huge fan of this book- it is both second chance romance and single mom, and to be honest, there is just something about single parent books that I love and want more of.
I really enjoyed all of these characters- the mains, the children, and of course, our favorites from the other Confessions of the Heart books. I feel like it really came full circle!
Amazing book. I loved it. Amy is an amazing author. Absolutely breath taking
As we have read the Confessions of the Heart series, Mack has been there supporting his friends as they found love. He is a character that I’ve wanted to know more about from the hints given and we get that chance here in this well written second chance story.
In this installment of the series, we connect with Mack just as Izzy (his teenage love) returns to town and they literally run into each other. The connection between these two jumps off the page from the time first time they interact and it just gets better from there.
This is the sweetest of the Confessions books. Using flashbacks, Ms Jackson introduces us to the young Izzy and Mack so that we can see the foundation of their story as well as what imploded their relationship the first time. This combined with the present day couple make it impossible not to root for them.
Pieces of Us is a great way to wrap up this series of books. There are brief glimpses of Ian and Jace (the brothers featured in the first books) that let us know how they are doing now, but the focus is really on Mack, Izzy, and her sons. The angst level here is a bit lower, but it’s definitely there as not only do we see a past that has to be dealt with, but also an external threat.
Stories like Pieces of Us just reinforce Ms Jackson’s status of a must read author for me.
5 Bird & Dragon Filled Stars!!!
A. L. Jackson lives to pull on my heartstrings. Every book, every story, every character and their lives play out in front of me as I’m reading about them. This is the last piece to the Confessions of The Heart series. All three are standalone books but def read the first two.
We’ve met Mack in the beginning of this series. He’s a big part of this series. Jace and Ian are his best friends, his brothers, his family. He’d do anything to protect them. Mack’s glad they’ve found love, have their families and finally settled. Mack doesn’t ever see himself settling down. He did once but he let his one chance go. Let his little bird fly away and he’s hoping she’s happy.
Mack hasn’t seen her in over ten years. But, he’s thought of her everyday. When doing an errand for Ian he runs into his bird. Izzy. And, she’s as beautiful as the last time he saw her. Mack’s not sure what she’s doing back in town but he’ll do anything to get her back.
Izzy fell in love with Mack before she knew what falling in love meant. He was her best friend, her protector, her dragon. Their lives couldn’t be anymore different but when they were together none of it mattered. Right before they were due to leave Mack broke up with her. Broke her heart, said she deserved better than him. Izzy left town and never planned on returning. Until she had no choice.
Izzy still cares and loves Mack. She always will but things aren’t the same. A lot has happened since he broke her heart and she left. They’ve both got secrets, both done things that they’re not proud of. But, did what they thought was right at time. Izzy’s petrified of Mack learning her secret bc she’s afraid he’ll hate her and never forgive her.
Oh. My. Goodness!!! Talk about a true second chance romance. This gave me chills multiple times. Mack and Izzy are amazing together. They love and support each other no matter the circumstances. It’s a shame they lost on all those years.
One of my favorite things that A. L. Jackson does with her stories is how she puts the characters past in the book. Gives you the characters past. Gives you a piece of them that’s effected their lives in the present, what makes them feel the way they do. She’s a master at really making you fall in love with who you’re reading.
It was nice seeing Jace, Ian and their women and children again. ESP the beginning with Ian you’ll lol bc I did. Meeting Izzy’s family was a great added plus. Loved her mom.
I really wish this series wasn’t ending. I totally fell for this trio of guys and their ladies. But, damn what a way to end this series. A. L. Jackson really did save the best for last. But, shhh don’t tell my guys Jace and Ian I said that. Can’t wait for the next book A. L. hits publish on.
Pieces of Us is the 3rd book in the Confessions of the Heart series and I loved it. This is Max and Isabel’s story, one filled with heartbreak, suspense, romance and deep emotion. I loved that there was more than just romance happening in the story.
Told in dual POV we are given an indepth look into the minds of both these characters, as the story in given to us in both the past and present day.
These two were complex well-developed characters. We met Maxon in the previous novels in this series but here we get to know more of his and Izzy’s history.
The secondary characters brought this story to life. They were hilarious and provided much needed levity in the story.
Pieces of Us was an engrossing second chance romance filled with enough angst, suspense and slow burn romance to keep you hooked until the end. Worthy of a five star status, I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to all lovers of contemporary romance.
Pieces of Us by A.L. Jackson
Pieces of Us (Confessions of the Heart, #3)
by A.L. Jackson (Goodreads Author)
12000607
Renita McKinney’s review Apr 15, 2019 · edit
it was amazing
Do you ever feel you are void of emotion, that nothing phases you? Perhaps you think your heart is stone or you are an empty vessel. If any of these thoughts enter your psyche, I can assume you’ve never read an A.L. Jackson novel. Because this author is a master of all the feels. She can melt the iceberg of the coldest black heart.
Mack is everything you want a hero to be. Funny, kind, sexy, but damaged.
Izzy is all heroine. Passionate, strong, beautiful, but fearful.
These two met when they were children and fell in love as kids do. As we know life does not bundle everything in a neat little pile. It doesn’t guarantee a perfect union. It tests our determination. Seeks out our passion. Discovers our weaknesses. Preys on our insecurities. But, after all the dirty laundry has been aired. The truth brought to the forefront. The passion rediscovered. Then, and only then does the journey home start.
The journey AL set into motion for these two is filled with lies and truths. Ups and downs. Friends and enemies. Hatred and forgiveness. But it’s also filled with laughter and joy. Surprises and miracles. Love and desire.
The beauty of this story is acceptance. And who better to teach acceptance than kids. Benjamin and Dillon are perfect examples. Having no filter, calling things as they see them, and holding to the good instilled in all, they show Mack and Izzy where true love is found.
Mack has to learn to accept himself and to know the bad things in his life don’t define him.
Izzy had to learn to accept circumstances and to know that some things are out of our control.
As I was reading this book, there were so many feelings. There were moments my heart broke, but AL always beautifully put it back together. There were times I screamed, but AL wrote the perfect words to silence me. There were places I sobbed, but AL penned the prose to dry my tears. There were occasions I laughed, but AL gave me that joy.
Heartbreaking, painful, healing, cathartic, love, funny, loving, family . . . that encompasses Pieces of Us.
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Where does one begin when talking about the amazing work of A.L.Jackson. I love the way A.L is able to give you so much detail and emotion with her words, without being wordy… 🙂 Pieces of us is amazing second chances love story. As all second changes loves, there is a lot of back ground that you need i feel in order to know what happen. A.L does a great job of going back and forth to show you what has happen and how this couples love story began. I love the strength and determination of the main lead, Izzy. Whats not to love about a bad ass cop who know what he wants and is willing to do what he feels is best. As we all know however, women know best and its Izzy’s love that bring them full circle. Lets not forge the supporting cast. You will fall in loved with littles in the book. One word to describe this book would be Endless. Great job A. L. Jackson!!
Just like the words from the Carly Simon song state “Nobody Does It Better,” AL Jackson has written a beautiful, emotional, and gripping story of redemption and true love. Pieces of US is the 3rd book in the Confessions of the Heart series but can certainly be read as a stand alone. What I love the most about all 3 of these books is that even though you can read just one, it is so heartwarming to be able to follow up with updates on the characters in the other books. You first meet Mack in book one and you know right away that he is a loyal friend who would do anything for those he loves but you don’t really know the whole back story until you get to his book, Pieces of Us. Here you truly learn just how loyal and lovable he is and his devotion to protecting those he loves the most. Mack and Izzy’s story is sweet, sad, beautiful and happy and hopeful all at the same time. AL Jackson writes the cutest children’s characters and the sexiest and strongest adult characters that have you cheering them on the entire story. I am definitely a huge AL Jackson fan but honestly how can you not be when her stories are all just so dang good. If you haven’t read her work then you really need to.
Maxon is the boy that gets all the attention and the one that Izzy dreams of marrying someday. He crushes her and breaks her heart. She ends up leaving town but is back after 13 years with two sons. Max is a cop and lives next door to Izzy’s parents. He’s grown up but still looking better than ever. Will Izzy give him a second chance? Will Max be able to protect Izzy’s heart this time? A good read that I recommend.
Pieces of Us by A.L. Jackson is amazing! It is seriously a MUST READ. Like I need you all to put down whatever book you’re reading right now and read Pieces of Us. It is the BEST book I have read this year… THE BEST BOOK OF 2019. I know it’s still early in the year to be making that claim. I do know without a doubt that this will make it to my list of the best books of 2019. Pieces of Us deserves the praise… as does the author, A.L. Jackson.
Mack and Izzy are two of the most believable characters. Jackson builds the story up with this steady incline. Mack is perfect… in a human way that’s totally not perfect. I know that makes no real sense but it’s the way Mrs. Jackson developed him. He seemed so real to me… like just a normal, flawed man. But Mack is a bit broken. He didn’t start his life in the easiest ways. This could be one of the reasons I was so smitten with him. Izzy though, Izzy is this strong and fierce woman. I had a mad girl crush going on. The strength that she excludes is admirable even when she gets walloped time and time again. The past never seems to stay put in the past.
Jackson has outdone herself writing this book. She gives us a definite slow burn that you’ll want to rush through but savoring every single word written. If you’ve read one review that talks about whatever book they’re reviewing as a “book with all the feels,” than you’ve read them all BUT Pieces of Us really reflects all the feeling you want in a romance. Jackson’s writing is enchanting and truly shocking. I truly didn’t see the events playing out as they did. Jackson takes you on a shocking ride that I felt all through my heart. This is a book you do not want to miss out on. It may be a book 3 but you can read this without reading the previous books but really, you’ll want to read them. A.L. Jackson is a true treasure that’ll transport you to the world’s she creates with her words.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
I can’t even tell you how much I loved Mack and Izzy’s story. I’v been extremely curious about Mack since we first met him in More of You. I can tell you I was not disappointed at all. A.L. Jackson has this way of sneaking up on you and being able to shock me in every one of her books. Every time I think I have the story and the characters figured out a twist happens and I’m left reeling in all the right ways. There were quite a few times I wanted to yell at both Mack and Izzy with the choices they both made when it came to their relationship but they finally figured it out in the end. I loved being able to visit with past character but also the ones we get to see new to each book we read. Izzy’s boys were such a joy to read about and I feel really brought something to the story. Not to mention who doesn’t love seeing our alpha men with the kiddos. I think Mack is my favorite out this book series and I cant wait for everyone else to enjoy him like I did.
Pieces Of Us is an emotional, heartwarming second chance romance that will give the saying Endless Love a new meaning. The angst will call to us, the characters will make us feel more than what we could’ve bargained for, but it’s the love that will be never ending and through it all, not only will you feel it, but you will never forget it.
“Loving you was the only truth I knew… the only thing I ever did right. The only that has ever been real.”
Best friends since they were young, Mack and Izzy had been through a lot together. As they got older, that friendship turned into something much more and grew a love that would go beyond their time. They knew that they were young but they had each other and that was the most important thing. Until one day Mack decided to change the course of their future forever altering their lives. One decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
It’s now been thirteen years since Izzy has been in her hometown but now she’s back for good. With a new job and her parent’s full support, Izzy is looking forward to a fresh start. But when she meets the ghost from her past, starting over is not the only thing that’s going to be difficult. With secrets of their own, a looming threat, and a past that refuses to stay there, Mack and Izzy will be faced with a lot challenges and future heartbreak.
I’ve always enjoyed this author’s storytelling and this book was no different. The longing and remorse that bled through the pages of a second chance romance that you wanted to see have a beautiful ending were felt. I did have one issue though but aside from that, I loved the characters and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
*Arc received for an honest review
What a wonderful story! I loved Maxon and I wanted him to have the HEA he deserved. It took a little bit for me to warm up to Izzy, but I ended up loving her too. Ben and Dillion were both wonderful additions to Mack and Izzy’s love story. Beautiful writing as always!
Maxon and Izzy story is jam packed with all the feels. This is by far hands down my favorite read of A. L. Jackson. This story had me on such an emotional rollercoaster. I literally felt Izzy’s heartache. I couldn’t read this book fast enough to get to their HEA. I just wanted to see all the happiness that came from all the ugliness that these two characters were faced with.
Mack may seem as if he is a jerk but his character is so much more. As you read through this book and read about his past your heart will literally ache for the little boy.
Izzy is a superwoman through and through. She had no fear and loved with her WHOLE heart. When she comes back to town with her two beautiful boys she has one agenda and that is to take care of her sons. All to soon she comes face to face with her past and there was nothing to stop the feelings that all came rushing back.
Mack and Izzy’s story is one of those books that you will never be able to forget. It’s been almost a week and I am still thinking about it. This book has left one major book hangover.
It’s been 13 years since Izzy left town to try and heal from the broken heart that was caused by the man she thought was her best friend and soulmate. She is now back in their hometown determined not to run into him and leave the secrets in her past where they belong.
When Mack ended his relationship with Izzy it wasn’t because he didn’t love her it was because he did. The childhood he was forced to endure was devastating and she was the one thing that brought him light and happiness and the best thing he could for her was to set her free.
Mack is no longer the boy he was and is now a detective. From the moment he sees Izzy he is determined to correct the worst mistake he ever made, and he will not give up until he proves to Izzy that they are meant to be.
This is such a beautiful, emotional love story. Both Mack and Izzy have made mistakes and hurt each other in the process but watching them find their way back to each was magical to watch. This was a wonderful conclusion to the series, and it was great to catch up with all the characters we know and love.
Sometimes there’s just a book that swallows you whole and you can’t get enough. One that slowly starts to grip you when reading. This one really is going to be one of my favorites by this author! Sometimes life isn’t easy and it takes a long while to figure things out. To try and make things work and who knows what you will find along the way…
Maxon and Izzy have known each other since they were kids and still have a strong bond even though they haven’t seen other for a long time. When Izzy comes back to her hometown to make sure her son gets the best care and therapy, she’ll do whatever it takes to look after him. But when she collides with Maxon, she doesn’t want to get too close to him again although she knows that the truth will somehow come out as the past slowly sneakes up on them…
Maxon never thought he would see Izzy again, not after everything that’s been said and done, and when he finds out her secret and that she has two kids now, things are about to change. But will Maxon find a way to let go of this burden he has dragged along since he was a kid? And will he and Izzy finally have a chance for a happy ending they both never thought they could have?… But with a threat looming over them, Maxon will have to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe from harm…
Emotional and heartfelt second chance romance. This is book 3 in the Confessions of the Heart and it can be read as a standalone.
This is Mack and Izzy’s story. We’ve seen him appear in prior stories but this is his moment. Mack and Izzy were childhood friends that had a moment when they got older. Years later they see each other again and some things change done things don’t. This is certainly not an original story but how it was executed made it a real page turner.
3.5 stars!
Once again AL Jackson gave me a story of 2 souls that were torn apart and brought back together in a beautiful way. One of my favorites things about AL Jackson is that she can rip your heart apart one moment and heal it up just a few pages later. Another favorite part of an AL Jackson book is the children that she has in the lives of her characters. The adult learns so much from these children, they often are the glue that holds them together. AL Jackson has the way to intertwine the innocence and sweetness of these children into everyone’s lives that they are a vital part of the story.
We met Maxon in More of You and All Of Me, (this is the 3rd in a series but can be read as a stand alone) and I knew there was a story behind the man he is, and I couldn’t have imagined how heartbreaking it would have been. Izzy has returned to her hometown with secrets and heartbreak, and of course on day one of her return, she runs into Maxon. These two have a chemistry that ignites again right in the grocery store, and it stays lit for the entire book.
“There’s never been a single day in my life when I didn’t want you. We are endless.”
Watching these two fall in love (maybe again or just continuing) was beautiful. Maxon’s love for Izzy and her children was a beautiful sight, and once again AL Jackson has blessed us with a beautiful love story.