Unlike most eighteen year olds, I had the weight of the world on my young shoulders. Desperate to do right by my family, my questionable choices led me to the pits of hell. Steel bars, three meals a day and no contact with the outside world; regret consumed my every thought. Desperate to pay my penance, forgiveness and a happily ever after wasn’t the plan.But there she was. Warm, passionate and …
Warm, passionate and unexpected, Emerson Lane was the light at the end of the tunnel. She was all a man like me could want and everything I didn’t deserve.
Redemption wasn’t something I thought I would ever find. Until she found me.
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Reclaim is a novel that will touch your heart and soul like no other. Marley Valentine is an author that knows how to pull every emotion possible from you and Jagger and Emerson’s story is definite proof of that. Their story isn’t about being saved it is about finding redemption and freeing your soul from the guilt that it has lived under for the past 12 years. This novel will captivate you and hold you locked into the pages for its entirety. A teenager that made a mistake is now a man trying to move forward but with the guilt of his actions weighing heavily on him he may just be his own undoing. Emerson is a character with a heart so big and so full of positivity that she deserves nothing less than the best. These characters and their story charmed their way into my heart and took me on a ride full every feeling imaginable. Jagger and Emerson will make you cry, smile, laugh and will fill you full of so much inspiration you will be a better person for having experienced such a beautiful and passionate novel.
I was not sure about this book but thought I would give it a try. I do have to say I really enjoyed it. You could not help to fall for Jagger and all the pain he went through. He did make a mistake but he owned up to it. Emerson saw the good man beneath and fought to make him see it and to them them a future. Great story…can’t wait to read Hendrix. (I love the twins names!!)
Jagger is released from prison after 12 years—that’s 12 years of absence and silence and now has to reconnect with society—that includes his twin brother (Hendrix), his 15-year-old daughter (Dakota), and her mother (Sasha). Does he have room in his heart and mind to make a love connection as well?
This is the first book of the Redemption series, a trilogy of books all inter-related by characters. I had this series on last month’s goal list, but after reading some very heart-heavy stories, I knew I needed some lighter reads before diving in to the head and world of Marley Valentine…I was right.
Marley is a one-click author for me and she reminds me of this over and over again. This book was thoughtfully written with incredible insight. My husband is a Licensed Professional Counselor here in Alaska and living with a therapist is very eye-opening. It is VERY clear to me in reading this book that Marley not only has a history of working in a mental health profession, but was also incredibly good at it.
And can we take a second to talk about all the relationships in this story, too? Jagger-Hendrix, Jagger-Dakota, Dakota-Hendrix, Jagger-Sasha, Jagger-Emerson, Emerson-Dakota, Emerson-Hendrix, Dakota-Sasha…and they’re all just so well-written and executed. I cannot say enough about the gorgeous intricacies and insight Marley Valentine shows in writing these interpersonal relationships.
I loved reading about the ins and outs of Emerson’s job and what all it entails along with realizing the kind of person it takes to do that sort of job. I loved reading about Em’s best friend whom she works with and also does the same kind of work, and how they seem to approach their job differently. I loved the empathy that they both express for Jagger and his situation and reading about his struggles not only from his point-of-view, but from their knowing vantage point as well. And as angsty as this book had the potential to be, it was pretty clear cut and straightforward—which I appreciate!
And of course, the slow burn and the final steam release was so delicious, worth taking the time to savor.
Final Score:
Gorgeously written, heartbreakingly raw and real, flawed characters who communicate well…I’m so excited for the rest of the series!
*5 Stars*
Wow, I absolutely smashed out this book! I devoured it in one sitting, and I will be jumping right into the next one. Jagger really took me by surprise, and I loved his story and getting to know those around him. Whilst he may have made some mistakes in the past, he truly seems like a good person, and has been punishing himself quite harshly for those past mistakes.
There were so many great characters in this book, and quite a bit of depth to them all. I cannot wait to read the next book and find out where everyone is heading. Highly recommend!
4.5 wonderful stars!!
I could not put Reclaim down!! This is my first Marley Valentine read, but she just gained a lifetime fan! Jagger was such a beautiful contradiction: the criminal with the soft and vulnerable soul. And Emerson was the perfect heroine to allow him to slowly become himself again. To not only accept his role in society, but also accept the love of those around him, even though he constantly felt undeserving. The attraction is felt between them immediately, but the relationship takes time, which is ideal for both of them. I can’t wait to move on to Hendrix’s story!
Heartbreakingly beautiful
This story was such a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Jagger gets a second chance to live a good life and to be a dad and finding his way to his hea. This story grips you from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down.
What a story! I literally could not put it down once I started it! Reclaim is a second chance story of redemption and forgiveness.
Jagger Michaels is a man who made a mistake as a boy and has been paying the price with a 12-year jail sentence. Emerson Lane is the attorney working for legal aid who is to help him get prepared for release.
When these two meet…holy chemistry! I don’t want to spoil the book with too much information. But if you love second chance reads that are packed, and I mean PACKED with emotions – then this is the book for you!
Grab this one today and get ready for love, second chances, angst, heartbreak, redemption…and ummm we need to talk about the steamy sex scenes. Whew! Plus, Drix and Taylah are two really unforgettable secondary characters!
I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read more from this author in the future.
Jagger has been in prison, living with guilt & remorse for what happened to his daughter. His salvation comes in the form of a determined legal aid worker, Emerson. She’s assigned to his case & works with his twin brother Hendrix to prepare for Jagger’s release. Emotions run high as they both can’t deny the feelings that have developed between them. But Jagger’s lack of self-worth weigh heavily on him & could break Emerson’s heart.
Emerson is selfless & sees the good in people. Believing that people deserve second chances, she has faith that Jagger will come through & deal with his past demons. Jagger makes mistakes but owns up to them & tries to make things right. Dakota was adorable & I love that she didn’t fault Jagger for what happened, and her love gave him strength to forgive himself & find his own happiness. Looking forward to reading Hendrix’s book!
Reclaim is the first book I’ve read from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a sweet, short and steamy romance story. One bad choice does not make you a bad person and Jagger learns that the hard way. He has to overcome his fears and realize that everyone makes mistakes. Emerson is everything he wants and everything he thinks he doesn’t deserve. However, she is willing to prove him wrong. I enjoyed all of the characters in this story besides Joe but out of sight out of mind when it comes to him. Taylah made me laugh a lot while reading this story and she definitely kept thing interesting. I enjoyed her character a lot. The ending felt a bit rushed but it was sweet story and I’m looking forward to reading Hendrix’s story.
This is a story of 2nd chances in Life, Family and New love!
Jagger has been away in prison for 12yrs, his up for probation and meets his solicitor for the 1st time. Which is his 1st visitor in 12 yrs, he meets Emerson and something is awaken in him after so many years keeping himself isolated from his family. He starts feeling like their might be a new beginning waiting for him outside the prison wall and hopefully this new beginning includes Emerson!
“She gives me strength, she offers me forgiveness, and delivers redemption.”
“I’m consumed by him. His touch, his kiss, his smile, and his tears. Jagger Michaels is everything I didn’t know I wanted.”
This was my first solo Marley Valentine book. I’ve read books under the Remy Blake duo, so I definitely had to give her a try. I’m so happy that I did.
This book was fueled with everything a good book requires- heartbreak, despair, intense emotion, and proving that if you don’t give up, you will eventually get your HEA even though you may go through hell to get there.
This is a must read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Reclaim is a very well done book that deals with so many emotions and thought processes it was hard not to devour it. I love how the author gets completely into the minds of the characters. I loved reading about Jagger, how he got where he was and how he is struggling with all the new changes in his life now that he is out. I believe the author did an excellent job capturing the struggles I can only imagine inmates must feel when released. The dynamics between all the characters is great and I would love to know more about Talyah, Hendrix and Sasha
What a beautiful story of redemption and second chances. This is the first book I have read by Marley Valentine and I must say the story line was great and the characters had me intrigued by the very first page. Jagger, the tortured soul who doesn’t think he deserves a second chance and Emerson, the legal aid who is willing to do everything in her power to give him that. Their chemistry is evident from their first encounter and they are great together as a couple.
I couldn’t put the book down! I loved the way the story flowed and the secondary characters were just as great! Great job on this book. Can’t wait to read about Hendrix!
This was my first book of Marley Valentine’s and as soon as I started the first page I knew I was going to devour it!
Emerson is the legal aid attorney and Jagger is the ex con. As soon as they meet there is an instant connection. Their story is a beautiful, emotional and sweet.
Marley nailed it with the other characters and the dynamics between them and the way they interacted with each other.
This book has all the feels, hope, fears, love , finding self worth, happiness and a second chance at life.
I highly recommend reading Reclaim!
Thank you Marley for your amazing words!!
This was my first read from a Marley Valentine and I LOVED it.
Jared the ex con meets Emerson the Legal Aid attorney. Sparks fly, moments are shared and then we get what could be my favourite goodbye kiss of all time. I legit melted into a puddle with a big happy/sad sigh
She had a life before me, and I have a life after this. The kiss is a commemoration. An ode to the random, unexpected, and beautiful things that come into your life when you need them most.
Their paths do randomly cross again, but timing is still not their friend… plenty of angry fist shaking at the IPad while reading this story.
I loved the honesty Marley used when telling Jared’s story. She didn’t shy away from his past or from him making mistakes once he’s released. Instead she gave a true account of a man genuinely trying to do better by his family. It’s a raw and beautiful read.
Reviewed by Donna on behalf of KFF
Emerson Lane is a Lawyer whose field of work is legal aid namely helping paroled prisoners adjust to life outside and making sure the transition is smooth along with working with the parole officer assigned. Emerson grew up with a family tradition of lawyers who specialise in property law and that was originally the field she was supposed to follow in; however, she soon realised it wasn’t for her much to her family’s disgust who felt it wouldn’t pay the bills and wasn’t worthwhile enough. She is a strong-willed lady with a heart of gold and on a mission to help those that have fallen on the wrong side of tracks.
Jagger Michaels is a brooding man who has spent the past twelve years in a penitentiary and finds himself up for parole although he isn’t very keen. Whatever it is that got him wound up in, jail preys a heavy burden on his shoulders. He feels so much guilt and thinks he should still be serving time. He paints himself as worthless and not in the slightest good enough to be back in society with any forgiveness for what he did all those years ago.
“Can you do one thing for me please?”
“It’s a bit early to ask for favours isn’t it?”
“Its time to call your family Jagger, get ready to go home.”
There is an instant attraction between the two protagonists but given their positions, it is hopeless even thinking about it. The chemistry is very palpable and you get to know what each one is thinking with the story being told in dual point of view. Jagger has a brother called Hendrix and he is very different, but an interesting character and the dynamics of their relationship was refreshing considering they had spent so many years apart. Overall, the side characters were a great attribute to the story and while its mainly centred around the two main counterparts, the development and individuality kept me fully entertained. Emerson has a colleague called Taylah and she was very feisty and funny. I should also mention two other additional characters called Dakota and Sasha although I don’t want to give away their connection to the story just be assured they were interesting. Dakota was a real sweetheart and I warmed to her instantly. Joe, Emerson and Taylah’s colleague, I didn’t like him one bit. I had a bad feeling about him.
There is a total swoon worthy moment and my favourite line: I kiss her as if its my first kiss. I kiss her knowing its our last.
“So, why are we walking away from one another?”
“Its not our time.”
“Maybe in the next life?”
“You wont be able to keep me away.”
The moment I turned the cover to the prologue the words reeled me in. I wanted to know more and why. The author very cleverly makes you think you know what’s going to happen only to put a completely different spin on it. I hung onto every word and felt the pain of the transgressions of the male protagonist and the passion. There is every emotion going from sadness to laughter. I love the author’s storytelling and the development of plot and characters. I have had to go in for a re-read as I couldn’t get this masterpiece off my mind. You know it’s a great book when you think about it long after the epilogue. Its already paved the way for Hendrix story and I look forward to it especially if we get a glimpse of all that played a part in Reclaim. Marley valentine is a great addition to the book world with her talented penmanship. I mustn’t forget to mention the Reclaim playlist on Spotify that I have had on constant play since I have read the book. The tracks are cleverly chosen to compliment the story. Bravo and congratulations Ms Valentine. A worthy five stars.
I’ve always wanted to read this book and finally have i now got to it, i must Admit i love the covers of these books and so glad that i read this one.
I really liked how this story got you pulled in front he start we got a prologue that kept things hidden so during the story we knew we had questions to be answered. I loved the instant chemistry between the jagger and Emerson.
With his struggles of just coming out of jail and the way Emerson was such a caring sole it was just such a great fit. You had Jagger who was coming back to society after 12 Years and wanted to be the best he could for his family but he felt like he should be paying his whole life for his mistakes and i loved reading his growth through his story.
This was a fantastic book about redemption and trying to do the right things for family, i loved the side characters of Taylah, Dakota, Hendricks and even Sasha can’t wait to get into the rest of this series
This is the first book I’ve read by Marey Valentine so I came to it with the hopes of reading a good story. I wasn’t disappointed. The storyline is one that is heartbreakingly relatable with characters you’ll feel like you know. Em, the still hopeful attorney working for legal aid and Jagger, a young man emotionally beaten by his mother, who believes he has to do whatever it takes to be considered a man. This story will take you on a journey of emotions, the power of words, and the strength of character that can be received by the show of faith in someone. The remainder of the characters in the book were filled with personality and side stories leaving me to hope there will be more from this author.
Well written storyline, with very relatable situations and characters. Full of angst, some humour and some very heartwarming moments.
Jagger is older than his twin brother Hendrix. They’ve grown up without their father and their mother blames their birth on him as to why he left. Sasha is their neighbour and they become best friends. As they get older their relationships start to change, Hendrix and Sasha have a falling out. One night leaves Jagger and Sasha with a baby girl. Growing up without a father and having nothing in life is a struggle. For Dakota’s sake they live together creating a mock family. Jagger finds himself working with some shady characters even though Hendrix is trying to guide him in the right direction. A tragic event occurs which tears them apart further. Jagger is sentenced for fifteen years, Sasha is scared, furious and alone. He asks Hendrix to step in and look after her. His guilt eats away at him, he doesn’t deserve anything good so he turns away any visitors. Twelve years later he is up for parole and is instantly attracted to Emerson his Solicitor. When he finally gets released he has lots to catch up on and lots of hurdles to overcome.
Marley Valentine writes such beautifully moving stories. In Reclaim we meet Jagger. After spending 12 years in prison, Jagger is a man looking to right the wrongs in his life. Emerson is his legal council and helps him navigate the the weeks leading into his parole. Their connection is instant, but can a man who doubts his own self worth allow himself to be loved? I loved Emerson’s faith in Jagger. I thoroughly enjoyed their story.