We weren’t just young, we were stupid and reckless.He was the beginning of every bad decision I made, the enemy of everyone I’d ever loved.I was a pawn in his game. A prize to be claimed, and a trophy to be flaunted.Now we’re two adults with crooked pasts, trying to straighten out our future. His heart belongs to his daughter, while mine is too tattered to give away.Neither of us believe in … away.
Neither of us believe in happily ever after.
Not after everything we’ve been through.
So, why are we desperately trying to chase ours?
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Reviewed by Donna on behalf of KFF
Sasha Allman and Jay Evans worlds collided when they were young, reckless, stupid and loaded with secrets. It was a short-lived affair due to Jay playing games and it certainly looked like he was using young Sasha, making her sorry she ever got involved with him. Years later their stars are aligned; they bump into each other again with a lot of baggage and laden with guilty feelings for their past mistakes. Neither one believes they deserve any kind of happiness, especially after all they have been through. Sasha is the mother of a sixteen-year-old and has coped well being a young mum. She has support from Jagger who is Dakotas father and his brother, Hendrix. They are Sasha’s best friends from her childhood with a lot of history that goes way back. Sasha is loyal to them with all her guilt and insecurities, always being her worst own enemy. She’s accepted that it was a million years ago that her life was a party to be thrown, but now she knows she isn’t the only one with regrets.
“Whatever you need to say, you can say it here.”
“It’s been over a decade, Pretty Girl. I’ve got a lot to say.”
Jay was always known as the devil’s backbone. A total sinner with his shady dealings, now he is responsible for his little girl, Lily, making his priorities solely for his baby and the reputable career he has carved from himself. Jay knows there will be no peace until he makes amends with Sasha and he sets out to put right his wrongs. Sasha isn’t interested in listening to him after her heart being broken, making her colder towards him. She is in no rush to listen to him or his apologies; however, there is something about him that she can’t ignore. She risks bungee jumping into seeing what can be between them. It’s fair to say their chemistry and passion combust into flames, but how about the animosity from the Michaels’ brothers towards Jay? If they were to find out about the reconnection, it could be fire on fire and would take a river to cool things down between the sworn enemies.
‘I wasn’t happy.
I wasn’t loved.
I wasn’t anyone that would ever be worth remembering.’
Ms. Valentine has written a flawless story about a couple who are perfectly wrong in so many ways. And although I believe in second chances for the two protagonists, you would have to read it to discover whether or not they finally have their redemption. Everyone’s waiting to see what lies ahead with them chasing cars. I felt every word and was so invested in the story that for once, I thought I was going to get through the author’s story without shedding a tear. I was so wrong; don’t blame me for being a big softie! Ms. Valentine can deliver that sucker punch of emotions that tear you up. I have given five stars due to not being able to get this story out of my head. It has all the feels with every emotion, and I can safely say this author writing has power over me to make me keep re-reading this story until I can finally let these characters rest. I must mention the accompanying playlist which is a firm favorite of mine to give the ultimate reading experience.
4.5 Stars
Sasha Allman is a single mom to Dakota was in love with Hendrix Michaels for as long as she can remember but unfortunately that didn’t stop her from giving her virginity to another boy or getting pregnant by Hendrix’s brother Jagger. Now both Jagger and Hendrix have found women to share their lives with an she is alone and feeling like an extra “wheel”.
Jay Evans has returned to town with a daughter named Lily as his brother Leroy is in the hospital. When his daughter is enrolled in daycare he is shocked to see who is running it and it how it brings back memories of the past.
Will Sasha and Jay be able to figure out what happened in the past and all of the hard feelings that still remain between all of them? Will Sasha finally be able to put herself first or will her loyalty to the Hendrix brothers cost her everything?
This was a really good book and I enjoyed it from start to finish! This is the first one I have read in the series so I probably had a different view on things not knowing what had previously happened with both Jagger and Hendrix Michael’s whose lives Sasha seemed to revolve around.
Sasha was a character who had obviously been through so much in the past and that shaped her into the person she was today with her dedication to her work and to her daughter Dakota. She still held onto the Hendrix brothers as they were family but both had moved on and Sasha never really had.
Jay Evans had come back into town for his brother Leroy and was a single father to Lily. I initially had no idea the depths to his relationship with Sasha but as the book went on you learn about how much tension there was between everyone and why. To me I thought he had grown up and was ready to reclaim Sasha but there was a lot in the past.
It was obvious that things had never been resolved between Jay and Sasha and there was so much sexual tension between the two of them. I really enjoyed the confessions between the two of them as to why they ended and it was definitely sad to read but understandable for teenagers.
The scene in the hospital was so filled with tension and I was sitting at the edge of my seat and then my heart just shattered for poor Jay.
The very end was awesome and I was so happy with Sasha’s decision!!
I think I now need to go back and read the other stories! – By Rebecca
This is the third book in this amazing series. Sasha is a broken girl, who loves her family and puts everybody before herself. Jay is a sexy alpha who wants to put right the wrongs from his past with Sasha. This is a well written flawless story, which is filled with angst, heartbreak, and is a raw and gritty emotional roller coaster journey from beginning to end. I was totally intrigued and captivated throughout, and cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
Rectify is book 3 in Marley Valentine’s Redemption Series. This is book 3 in the series but it can be read as a standalone. If you wish to know more about Jared & Emerson or Hendrix & Taylah read the other books.
Redemption reading order;
*Reclaim – Jared and Emerson
*Revive – Hendrix and Taylah
*Rectify – Jay and Sasha
I always like a second chance love story and this Story was worth the heartache to read it. I haven’t read books 1 & 2 as of yet but now having read this book I will definitely be reading them to get inside the heads of Jared and Hendrix. At first I was upset and disappointed with Sasha’s attitude towards making Jared and Hendrix’s happiness her priority, over hers. But thanks to Claire, Holly and Jay, Sasha is able to move past her insecurities and unhappiness to be able to finally be happy.
Sasha and Hendrix were childhood sweethearts, but after thinking she wasn’t worthy of Hendrix’s affection she starts hanging out with the local older bad boy Jay, Sasha and Jared are the parents to Dakota. Sasha has been so busy taking care of the ones she calls family happiness that she has lost herself along the way. Jay was her first but he hurt her when he pushed her away. Sasha was the one that got away and his one regret. After years of thinking about her and not being able to really move on with his life. So when he sees her again he has this urgent need to apologise for his actions, but Sasha wont give him the chance. They say persistence pays and he finally starts breaking down her walls, just for it to come to a crashing halt when he comes face to face with the Michael brothers.
Rectify was a second chance romance with a side of enemies to lovers. This third book in the Redemption series had me enraptured from the start. Sasha has always been a character that had me on the fence, not sure whether to love or hate her. However, as we delve deeper into her inner turmoil with this story, my heart ached for her and my soul finally understood. Jay was the boy who used her in his childish games but when the boy turns into a better man and comes crashing back into her life, can the past be put to bed and can secrets be divulged that will lay a path to a future. Their story is complex, emotional and at times frustrating but so worth the ride. The heat and steam that radiates from these two makes an Aussie summer seem so mild in comparison. A story that stole my heart and wishing for it to never end.
Rectify has all the things you’d expect with a Marley Valentine novel – emotion, humor, heat and many quote worthy lines. This book is the 3rd in a series, but can be read as a standalone.
*5 Stars*
Really didn’t think I was going to like the main characters in this, but Marley sure turned them around. Full of more secrets from the past, more family dynamics, and plenty of personal growth, this was another addictive book in this series.
It’s also left open a spot for another book, which I really can’t wait for. So many interesting characters in this series, and I have absolutely loved reading it. Highly recommend.
Sasha and Jay’s story was so much more than I expected. We haven’t seen the best in Sasha in the previous books, but I feel like her story really let us get a feel for her. Sympathize with her. And truly understand that despite what looks like selfishness, she’s actually a very selfless, giving person. And Jay, the notorious bad boy has grown up to be a super hot single-dad. The chemistry that these two once shared is still there and burns hotter than ever.
I can’t recommend this book… this entire series enough. I’m sad to see these characters go, but deeply satisfied with the ending.
This book pulled me in from the beginning! A beautifully written story of self discovery. I love the characters. Sasha and Jay’s story is one of friendship and forgiveness. I loved every minute of this book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
Another enjoyable read from Marley Valentine that really puts all the books together. Sasha is an interesting character being a young single mom and how she places everyone’s needs before her own. Jay is a strong character who has his soft side for Sasha and his little girl Lilly. Their history together and the history with her best friends Jagger and Hendrix creates for a truly interesting story line and hoping she can find her happy with Jay
I feel like I need to go back and read the other two books to really have all the pieces of the puzzle put together as a whole as I know I wanted to see how all the dynamics played out
Another great read from Marley Valentine. I was anxiously awaiting Sasha’s story as soon as I finished Revive. There was just something that intrigued me about her character and I wanted her to get her happy ending. I’m quite the sucker for second chance romances and so this one DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I literally had tears in my eyes!!
“You’re the reason I know how to love, how to live, how to be a better person, and a better father. You are the keeper of my happiness. You are the light that shines over the most imperfect parts of me, making me feel worthy, loved, and whole”
If you are looking for a down to earth good romance than this is the one for you. Read it!!
What a way to end this wonderful series.
I will admit going in to this I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Sasha as I haven’t been happy with her in the past. I was so glad I read her story and saw her in a different light.
I binged this in a day. I just couldn’t put it down and didn’t want to put it down. I loved every minute of their heartbreakingly beautiful story.Sasha and Jay’s story is about self healing and a second chance love.
This was the first series I have read by Marley Valentine and I absolutely loved it!!!
Ok I’m going to be honest, at first I could not stand Sasha, mostly because of her relationship with Drix, from the first two books. But it’s important to not judge someone until you get their side of the story. In reality,besides Drix, Sasha is fiercely protective of her family and selfless. And as far as Jay goes; he’s not quite the villain I thought him to be. In fact he’s just as broken, vulnerable, and loveable as both Jagger and Drix.
Rectify is definitely a story about misconceived impressions and what can happen when words go unspoken and things get misconstrued. I think this one is the most thought provoking and heart wrenching book in the series so far. This is more than a “single dad” romance this is a second chance book. And who doesn’t deserve a second chance to fix past mistakes. Sometimes the villain in our past becomes the hero of our future.
Oh and let me not forget to mention how much I love Holly!! Also Dakota is blessed to have so many people who love her and place her happiness as a top priority. Sasha is a great mom. Marley outdid herself on this one. Bravo on making me rethink the things I thought I knew.
Most definitely a five star read and a must read book of 2019. #2019MustRead
Gosh I loved this story. You know an author has skills when she not only makes you fall for a character you couldn’t stand for 2 books, but turns her into one of your favourite heroines. Serious skills.
This is a fantastic story of first times, new beginnings and second chances. How everyone deserves the love of their life. This author gives me the kind of story that feels genuine and has my romantic heart full to bursting.
Definitely recommend.
I didn’t think it was possible, however this is my favorite of the series. I say that because after reading the first two you will know these two main characters may not be your most favorite. After delving deeper into Sasha and her story though as well as Jay’s you see the cover doesn’t always match the content. This was the epitome of what second chances are all about, I loved it!!!
Okay first I have to say this because anyone who follows my reviews know I HATE Sasha. I hate everything about her. She is a selfish, manipulating biatch that cares for no one but herself and her daughter. I mean she had my blood boiling so bad I had to put the book down several times. SO can you imagine my thoughts when I saw she was getting her own book. I said oh hell to the no she doesn’t deserve a story but thank God I am not the author.
I will say that I am glad that I read this book because I was able to piece together what happened to her when she was younger. She ended her relationship with Drix to be with Jay and I could not understand why. I was so disappointed in her behavior but after reading her story I understand why she did what she did. It still doesn’t excuse her behavior but what the hell people deserve to have second chances and as long as it was not with Drix I was happy to see she would get a happy ending.
When Sasha was younger she left Drix to be with Jay and Jay did her wrong real wrong and she got her feelings hurt real bad. She ends up having her daughter and she focuses solely on her daughter and trying to figure out how she could get Drix back into her life without ruining it. But Drix has moved on and he is with his girl married and has children. Then she sees Jay and he wants to talk to her. He wants forgiveness for what he did and he is truly sorry for what he did to her and she is not ready to forgive him yet. Then she finds out that Jay has a daughter himself and he has changed his life for her for the better.
As the two rekindle a friendship it turns into something more and as they navigate through this new relationship they have to learn to let go of the past and move on to the future.
This is the book I have been waiting for. I always had a soft spot for this girl. I just wanted her to be happy. She may have made some decisions that frustrated me at times in the past but I still felt for her, she was an awesome teenage Mum and this book showed even more what a beautiful soul she is.
This was a lovely heart-wrenching story of troubled teenagers turning their lives around and finding their second chance at love many years later. These two had a history together. It didn’t end well but there was a reason for that. I really admired Jay and his ability to break the mold. He was easily someone you would fall hard for. I loved the Dad he became and the way he could read Sasha’s insecurities.
Marley has a way of ripping your heart out one minute and then making it race with her steamy HAF scenes the next, Jay had it all going for him. I adored how attentive he was, he was very charismatic.
But Marley keeps you guessing.
“The connection is there, the strands of something new, weaving its way around something old, and we’re both helpless on what happens next. In a perfect world our history wouldn’t be so painful, our timeline wouldn’t have an end, and our future wouldn’t be non-existent. It’s right there, and either one of us can grab it, but like old times, I don’t think either of us will. Fear. Rejection. Heartache.”
This is a must read to see how it unfolds. If ever there were two people I wanted to see get their HEA it was Sasha and Jay it was their turn.
This was my first book from this author, and Wow it grabbed me and didnt let go. I found the book to be very well written, just of ansgt, heartache, lust, betrayal so many things to make it a wonderful read. I would definitely recommend it to my friends. I look forward to reading more of Marley Valentine’s work.
5 Cranky Stars
A book full of every emotion possible and the author gets it spot on!!! A very well written book. In the early years, Sasha has twin brothers as best friends. She becomes romantically involved with Hendrix, one of the twins. She thought they would be together for ever, they were so in love. A twisted tale this is, much like most teenagers lives, she gets caught up with the local handsome, bad boy, Jay. He took her innocence, but walked away from her. Hendrix could not forgive her, so she gets totally drunk and falls into the arms of the also drunk Jagger, the other twin. She becomes pregnant by him. Confused??? Well this is just the beginning!!! The book is set at Sasha’s daughter, Dakota, being 16. Jagger didn’t marry Sasha, but he stepped up to the responsibility of being a father. Hendrix and Sasha over the years try to rekindle their love with no success. The book is mainly set on Sasha and how she perceives herself as responsible for messing everybody’s lives up. I don’t want to give much else away, but her life is to become even more complicated!!! This is a very powerful book that needs to be read to understand it all.
4 Stars
Review by Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Rectify by Marley Valentine was an amazing story where the one who gives all of herself to everyone else finally gets her happy ending.
Jay and Sasha have a past. A terrible, dirty past. When he moves back temporarily to deal with his brothers passing and they see each other again, sparks like the Fourth of July go off. He now has a daughter and so does she.
She had her daughter with her childhood best friend’s brother. Who, in fact, hates Jay with a burning passion. Jay and Sasha try to see each other secretly since his move is temporary. When what they feel is more than temporary, they must figure out what to do. But Sasha’s baby daddy has to have his say first.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was clear to see how much Jay and Sasha had feelings for one another and why they couldn’t make it past the old hurt and pain from years ago. Their story displays how you have to work through the bad to get to the good.