Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who called a corrupt kingdom home sweet home. Protected and sheltered from the worst the world had to offer, she fell in love with the crumbling city that burned and blazed around her. Every dirty corner, every scary shadow, found a place within her heart. So did a man who was violent and dangerous, just like the streets she claimed as her own. … claimed as her own.
He was all business and brutality, except when it came to her. With her, he was calm, caring, and heartbreakingly patient.
He warned her over and over that he wasn’t the man for her, but she refused to listen. She never expected either the streets or their enforcer to hurt her, since she’d given her heart so completely to both.
She should have known the streets in the Point were always going to be savage, and so was the man committed to keeping control of them in the hands of criminals and bloody kingpins.
Blindsided by a betrayal which cut so deeply she was sure the wounds would never heal, the princess fled the home she loved and the man who broke her heart. Throwing away her rusted, twisted crown was supposed to help her forget. All it did was make her long for everything she left behind. She told herself she would never go back, but in this tormented kingdom, family is everything. Eventually, she has no choice but to return.
While she was gone, the people who loved her worked hard to make the city safe, and the man who destroyed her sank deeper into the darkness. Going back shouldn’t feel like surrender… but it does. As this pretty princess hovers on the edge of the unknown, the past attacks with a vengeance. It’s a good reminder that puppy love eventually grows up and turns into something with sharp teeth and one hell of a bite.
She never asked for the keys to the kingdom. She’d much rather go out and build her own.
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I absolutely love Jay’s writing. Sorry to see this world she created coming to an end.
Wow….just wow. What an amazing ending to a remarkable series. I am so blown away by this book and it was undeniably the perfect way to go out. I would have waited as long as it took for this story and still wouldn’t have been prepared for it. An absolute must read!!
Another winner from Jay Crownover. As much as I hate to say goodbye to the Point, this is the perfect wrap-up. I loved Brooker and Karsen and their not-so perfect journey to each other.
OH MY GOODNESS…I LOVED RESPECT SO SO MUCH!!! I have been waiting for Booker and Karsen’s story and Jay did not disappoint. I loved everything about this and while I am so very sad to see this series end I think that this was an amazing way to close it out! I highly recommend this.
I can’t believe it’s time to walk away from all these characters in the point. This whole series has been about finding love and hope in the cracks and broken pieces of life. Because of all that, it made the happy moments bigger and more meaningful and more real.
I think anyone who has read the series has been dying for Booker and Karsen’s story. It never bothered me one bit she was too young when they started falling, because they waited and regardless of how it comes together, when life is hard you have to grab hold of happiness with both hands. I feel like they both saw the real person each other was, more than anyone else. He saw her darkness and she saw his light.
I love how this book touches on each of the relationships and where they are at. I love where the future ends up for these two, and a chapter near the end had me in tears. They all live happy ever after- that’s the point.
” You can’t have love without respect. ”
Respect by Jay Cronover is the third novel and the conclusion to The Breaking Point Series. Respect is told in a dual point of view and can easily be read as a standalone. Anyway, I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are: Avenged, a prequel; Honor and Dignity.
Back to Respect. Karsen Carter is the 22 year old sister of Brysen. Brysen is in a relationship with the kingpin of The Point, Race Hartman. And Race sees Karsen as his litle sister – aka his responsibility. He’s a demanding, overbearing alphaale.
Karsen loves her life and she loves a certain someone since the age of 16. When they’re forced apart her heart is shattered and she needs a long time to be happy again.
Noah Booker is a ex-con, enforcer, caught up in illegal activities in his thirties. He’s a hard man, ruthless and cold. He loves only one human being and that is Karsen, she’s the only one who shows him compassion and caring. But she’s a girl only and totally off limits because she’s The Point’s princess.
And now after years apart, they get a second chance at a HEA, only to get it ripped away immediatedly. Their chemistry is still through the roof high and they connect on a deep level.
I read and loved every book in The Breaking Point Series, but I can say Respect is the story nearest and dearest to my heart. I wasn’t hooked, I was Hooked from page one and I had to read Noah and Karsen’s story in one sitting. I couldn’t not know what happens to them.
There are a lot of books out in the world, some are good, some are great and some will change you. But there are only a few I’m giddy to read and Respect along with Avenged, Honor and Dignity are part of them.
I was torn about Respect. On the one side I couldn’t wait to read what happens to the characters. And on the other side I didn’t want to read the conclusion and know there will be no other stories about The Point and the people there.
I recommend Respect and the series and give 5 stars.
The Point is one of my absolute favorite worlds ever! My favorite characters live there. From the first moment Karsen and Booker appeared I wanted more. And with each book I’ve read they captured my heart. They stole my breath because you could see they had something special, something real. Respect was everything and more that I was hoping for. Their love was forbidden and interrupted at every turn. They spent years apart only to colliding into one another is the best way the Point has to offer.
Crownover completely outdid her self with the way she captures you heart. She definitely ended our journey to the Point with the best couple!
This hasn’t always been the easiest of series to read but major props to the amazing Jay Crownover for finishing these stories the way she always envisioned.
Love isn’t always hearts and flowers; sometimes it’s Super Bees and tarnished thrones, sexy Empires and high tech computers, a Craftsman or a farm. Love in the Point is gritty, dirty, hard and oh so worth it! It’s really quite refreshing to remember that ALL people regardless of race, creed, socio-economics etc are worthy and deserving of love.
Jay you did it again. I am so sad the point series is done but what a way for it to end. I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves next. This book kept me on my toes and was a read page turner. I loved it. Booker has always been one of my favorites. Karsen is a very strong women for all she has had to deal with and she is still all light with a little bit of dark on her side Love her. Loves this book!!!
“They called it puppy love. It wasn’t. To me it was a vicious kind of love, filled with teeth.”
Respect is the final book in The Breaking Point series. I have loved this series! It is intense, raw and gritty. The characters are complex. Once again I am wowed by Jay Crownover’s story telling! Jay Crownover herself has stated that this is fiction, and that she took many liberties to make things as bad as they can be so that she can turn around and make them better. There is a lot packed into this series, a lot of uncertainty, unrest and turmoil.
Karsen Carter is the princess who called the corrupt kingdom, The Point, home. But Karsen fled her kingdom. Driven away to college four long years ago. She fled to Colorado for college after having her heart broken by Noah Booker. He was her best friend, her idol and her biggest mistake. Karsen had no intention of ever returning home. However, she must for her sister Brysen’s wedding.
“The people who loved me the most wanted me away from the person I loved the most.”
Noah Booker (Booker) had his reasons for breaking Karsen’s young heart. Now four years later they are both different. Good intentions don’t always yield good outcomes. Karsen feels lost and Booker feels regret.
“I didn’t want someone better for me, I wanted Booker.”
The title Respect pretty much sums this story up. Karsen needs to be respected for her choices while Booker needed respect. Respect not just from each other, but from life, circumstances and other people as well.
“Love and respect went hand in hand, and I would never have either from her if I didn’t stop letting the experiences from my past define the man I was going to be from here on out.”
While Karsen was shielded from life’s ugly side, Booker was not so lucky. Many awful circumstances were the foundation of the man that Booker became. His story will pull at your heart. But never underestimate Karsen and her compassion. She was not as shielded as many people thought. Even heartbroken she sees what others cannot.
“Other people see the Point as this awful place full of crime and terrible people. To me, it was always home. It’s where I felt the safest and most loved.”
Respect, along with Honor and Dignity can all be read as stand-alone. However, with that being said, I highly recommend starting with Honor (which is my favorite). Honor told us Nassir and Keelyn’s story, Dignity is Snowden and Noe’s and Respect rounds out The Breaking Point with the long awaited story of Booker and Karsen!
Starting from the beginning will set the background and give you the “feeling” of the city known as the Point. The stories have layers and layers to them. I only wish they were published closer together. Jay Crownover told us a story that she loved, regardless of sales and trends. I invite you to experience something different. Nothing is rose colored or perfect except for the unconditional love these characters have for one another and their beloved city of the Point.
“I’d been so busy building myself up, and battling for respect, dignity, and honor, I’d missed the fact that I’d already earned it from the men I so desperately wanted to emulate.”
4 stars!
#WelcomeToThePoint #JayCrownover #Respect #BookerAndKarsen #Love #Romance #Gritty #AlphaMales #TheBreakingPointSeries
We have come to the final book in the Point universe and I have to admit, I’m teary. What an incredible and fitting end to these series. I have loved every word written. Every character just as deep and bold as the next. Each story as impactful and lasting. Reading Respect was such a bittersweet experience. I have been eager for Booker and Karsen’s story but knowing this was the end made it even more emotional.
With each and every book, Crownover manages to transport me into the story. Her beautiful words and gritty themes are mesmerizing. She is able to convey an overall feel to the series while making each book and character wholly unique. This story and these series will always stay with me.
Book was the absolute best way to say goodbye to the point series. I love the characters I laughed I cried my heart swells with pride for these characters. Their story was perfect and I’m so glad that they finally found their way to each other thank you Jay for such beautiful work
I loved the Point Series and waited for Noah Booker and Karsen’s story. Waited from the time she was 16 to after college! The story was great! I read and listened to portions. I’m sad to see the stories end but this was more than what I expected after the wait. The build up was worth the wait just sad I’m done reading it!!
Jay Crownover has done the impossible; she’s taken a corrupt and crumbling city…a crew of dangerous and deadly anti-heroes…a group of, for the most part, angelic and innocent heroines and tied all of these elements together to create a setting and a group of main and secondary characters that grow and prosper in the most unruly, chaotic, and impossible situations, not quite creating fairy tale endings for these dynamic couples but offering them a chance for more…a chance to decide their own fates in a place that would much rather chew them up and spit them out, illustrating who or what’s actually in charge in the Point regardless of what it tries to take away from those who live within its limits.
The Point revels in its darkened alleyways…its dilapidated buildings…its dangerous inhabitants. It’s supposed to be a place of nightmares…a place where people go missing and no one looks for them…it’s not a city that should include fairy tale characters, even if they aren’t necessarily ideal, but that’s exactly what Jay Crownonver offers her readers in her Welcome to the Point and The Breaking Point series, and while her characters of this volatile and deadly world would not be considered true kings, queens, princes, princesses, and knights, Bax/Dovie, Race/Brysen, Nassir/Keelyn, Stark/Noe, and Booker/Karsen all have a part to play in this dilapidated kingdom…as long as they survive what threatens to reign down on them.
In Honor, Jay Crownover introduced readers to the devil himself and placed an angel in his path, not necessarily to redeem him, but to fight for something other than burning places to the ground.
In Dignity, readers met a wizard of sorts and a pixie girl whose skills rival his own.
And now, in Respect, we’re able to watch the knight of the Point guard something other than the gates of someone else’s kingdom and claim his princess…the woman who has always been his despite the age difference, despite his scars, and despite the declaration and threat sent down from the King.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to immerse myself back into the world that I’ve grown to adore despite its ranshackled and fractured status, and I knew from the start of Booker and Karsen’s story that their relationship would have to be broken before it could offer either of them the real chance that they wanted. But as I witnessed that pivotal moment play out and not just break their hearts but blow them into a thousand, million pieces, I didn’t know where these two would go from here and if they would ever get everything they deserved, including each other.
But despite the years they lost…despite Booker’s feelings of inadequacy and a past that constantly haunts him…despite the people who love Karsen willing to do whatever it takes to give her a better life than the one she’ll have in the Point, this knight and this princess, together, find a way to make than own happiness, forging a bond that seemed impossible for so long but one that will now guide them to make a stand against a tyrant and a not so wicked queen who always felt they were doing what’s best for the princess.
As I read the other stories in The Breaking Point series and witnessed the interactions between Karsen and Booker, I can’t say that I understood Karsen’s infatuation with Race’s enforcer, and it was never about the age difference…it was always about the desire for Karsen to have more than the other characters have or at least the choice to have it.
But as Karsen tells her own story, her heartbreak is palpable and readers see, firsthand, how her painful feelings forced her to not truly live during her four years of college in Colorado, simply existing and graduating with no true direction, especially the one that her family always hoped she would take.
Through Karsen’s internal musings, her heartfelt conversations with her best friend, Ari, and her stilted but emotional discussions with the only man she’s ever loved, readers begin to understand that her feelings for Booker were always based on a deep and powerful connection, illustrating that it was never a crush or just puppy love; it was always a living, breathing, and tangible emotion that refused to abate even when it unequivocally shattered her heart.
Although the Point is not where Noah Booker was born, it definitely played a significant role in molding him into an unfeeling brute…a scary and scarred enforcer who thinks his only skill is his ability to hurt people, doing the dirty work of those he works for, never feeling capable or worthy of more. But Booker showed a much different side of himself in his interactions with Karsen, and through their time together, regardless of the fact that he downplayed her feelings for him as nothing but a crush, he developed his own affection for the girl who he guarded with his life.
Booker and Karsen are fighters, which means that there’s nothing they won’t do for the ones they love, but more importantly, there’s nothing they won’t do for their ONE…for their other half…for the person who brings light into Booker’s darkness and for the person who surrounds Karsen with trust and respect.
What Jay Crownover has demonstrated through Respect is that regardless of the age difference between Booker and Karsen, they know what they want and who they want it with and the people who love them should have recognized that idea and respected both of them enough to see what’s so clearly been between Booker and Karsen for all these years.
The Point and The Breaking Point series poignantly illustrate Jay Crownover’s remarkable ability to craft storylines and characters that despite their gritty and raw appearances truly define and depict the true measure of a man in an atmosphere that wants nothing more than to see them fail, so overcoming their circumstances and finding love and light beneath the hate and darkness speaks more to who these characters are and how they make their own not-so fairy tale endings.
5+ Poison Apples
It’s finally here. The end of The Point series. Crownover’s bad boys found their balance and they weren’t afraid to fight tooth and nail for it. But Karsen and Booker….they’re a story covered in years of shadow.
Karsen thought she had left The Point behind when Booker broke her heart four years ago. She believed he felt the same for her and that one day they’d run away together to find that HEA. But her dreams were smashed to pieces in one night as Booker broke not only her heart but her trust as well. As she prepares to return for her sister’s wedding, Booker shows up with a declaration…he’s done waiting. But can Karsen truly trust Booker? Or will it all fall to pieces as the delicate life she built away from The Point begins to crumble and pull her back to the darkness.
Booker….my poor sweet Booker. How i wish to throttle you for breaking for Karsen. Now no spoilers here…truly…but read on readers and don’t give up on Booker in the beginning. The truth will come out. Booker’s past was a different shade of dark from our other Point non-heroes. He’s been cast aside and abused his whole life. So when the sunshine that is Karsen comes barreling in to his life, he flees from his emotions. After escaping said manipulation Booker realizes that she’s the one thing that’s kept him going and he’ll do anything to get her back. A road trip from hell, a twisted soul, and a visit from past ghosts turns this dark romantic redemption into a twisty fun ride. Sweet, powerful and downright sexy, Crownover ends on a high note with a spectacular ending. (Shout out to my main man Bax. Though I love all the Point boys, he holds a special piece of me!) I will miss this series SO MUCH!
Respect is an rousing and successful end to the Point series. Jay Crownover outdid herself. Karsen and Booker are a dream team you root for from start to finish. There is romance, drama, deception and an EPIC always and forever Epilogue. RESPECT is a must read.
I’ve always felt like Jay Crownover’s The Breaking Point series would make an amazing graphic novel. She’s created such a vivid, interesting world with memorable, complex characters and the gritty, dark city of the Point. It reminds me of Gotham without the Batman. The series has been fun, sexy and totally unique.
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The third book, Respect, is a May-December romance with a semi-naive, protected woman and a scarred older man, who has had a brutal life and lives a tough, criminal-ish existence. She’s always seen more in him, but they were manipulated and separated four years ago while she attended college. Now that she’s older and knows her mind more, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to have her, although he isn’t sure he is worthy of her.
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Respect has action, romance and suspense and is wildly entertaining. While I am to sad to say goodbye to these characters and the Point, I have no doubt Jay Crownover will cook something up just as great next.
Finally Booker and Karsen’s story! I have been waiting for this for so long! Yes, there is an age difference and she was young in the beginning of the series, but I always thought it was handled very well. And I think the author did a good job of balancing all the factors to make their story work.
Everyone thought Karsen just had a crush on the big, bad enforcer, Booker. They wrote it off as puppy love and her family was determined to make her leave the Point and go to college and find something more for herself. But in order to get her to leave, something drastic was necessary. And it sent them both into years of pain, loss, anger, and resentment.
Years later, it is time for her to figure out what she is going to do with her life. And she has to figure out what to do once and for all about Booker. But there is also danger lurking in the background. Someone is trying to stop her from returning home. And someone is out to get either her or him.
Can Booker keep them safe long enough to get her home and then deal with the consequences of their actions? And is there any way that he can win the trust and heart back of the Princess of the Point and actually have a chance at keeping her?
I just love Booker. This big, burly, broken, deadly, and and dangerous man also has a caring and giving heart. He is protective, strong, and loyal. He lives on the dark side and does dirty deeds for Nassir and Race. But he is also vulnerable when it comes to Karsen. She always saw him as man instead of monster. She was his light, his hope, and the person that mattered the most to him. But she was always off limits due to circumstances. And despite his hard-edged persona, he was also self sacrificing and did not feel worthy of something good.
Karsen might be younger than the rest of them, but she is tenacious, brave, smart, and fearless.Those around her always wanted to protect her or questioned her choices. She just wanted to be taken seriously. She always hoped that one day Booker would reciprocate her feelings, but she left with a broken heart. After being away she still misses her family and city, even if she is also wary of seeing him again.
So it is now time to deal with the past, face their demons, and make a stand for what they want. It is time to really open up and share the things that have shaped them or caused pain. They also have to realize that there are people that have their back and learn to accept help sometimes. But this is the Point and they are also surrounded by any number of people that could want to do them harm.
This is the finale of this series and I loved getting to see more with all of the couples and even some cameos. These characters have all been through so much to survive and thrive in this dangerous and unpredictable environment. They are a diverse and dynamic group that live on the edge, but have their own niche. They have flaws and make mistakes, but they also love fiercely and protect those that they care about even if it is not always the right way to go about it.
There is mystery, tension, danger, and suspense. There are possible multiple antagonists. It is a puzzle they have to figure out. It is not only an actual journey for them to a destination, but also one of personal growth and of trying to see if they can mend their broken relationship.
This is ultimately about respect, purpose, love, and paying it forward. These two are survivors and fighters. They had a connection and feelings that were so embedded in them that could not be broken by time, distance, or even pain. But they will have to fight for acceptance and a chance. Things in their lives will never be black and white, but they can hope with the support from those that respect them that they can all live fully and happily in their spectrum of gray and find their own purpose.
Respect is the third and final book in The Breaking Point series by the talented Jay Crownover. I joined the Jay bandwagon a little late in the game. I didn’t start reading her books until Built, but I’ve read everything since! There is something special about the Point. Even though I didn’t start reading the series until Honor, I could tell this place and these characters were special. In my opinion, Jay has done her best writing with these flawed characters. They do bad things. They are battered, broken and full of hate. But they are not bad people. They are victims of their circumstances. I really thought Stark was going to be my favorite, but no, it’s Noah Booker. I love his intensity. His mistakes. His heart. He’s big and scary but extremely lovable. But he had to betray her and watch her walk away. Now it’s four years later and Karsen is older and wiser. She’s lived her life, but her heart has always been in the Point. Unsure what to do next, she comes face to face with her past. He’s bigger than life and better than she remembered. But she’s still so heartbroken over what happened. When dangers starts coming for her, Booker has to keep her safe while they try to get home. What happens when they are forced to spend days together in a small space? Can Booker keep his feelings locked up tight or will he give in and take what he’s always wanted? I love this couple!! Karsen is young, but she’s not a naïve, little girl. The age difference didn’t bother me one bit! She knew what and who she wanted when she was just a girl. Booker couldn’t give into that for various reasons. But he’s done running away from her. Booker and Karsen were the perfect end to this series. I was shocked how hard and fast I feel for Booker. I loved every one of his imperfections. And Karsen is badass! She’s not afraid to be who she is. I’m going to miss these characters so much. I’m hoping we’ll get to see them again soon! Thanks for sharing them with us, Jay!
I wasn’t sure who moved first. Maybe neither of us did. We’d always been drawn to one another. I breathed in as she breathed out, like I was tugging her toward me with the whisper of her sigh.
“I would want everyone who sees us together to know you are mine and I am yours, an there will never be any question whether or not I think you are the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.”
Snowden Stark might not say much, but he always showed the fuck up when anyone needed him.
I live every single thing about the Point series especially the dynamic between Booker and Karsen leading up to Respect. These two suffer in silence for years before they finally find their way back to each other and oh boy is it explosive! Karsen is an amazing heroine, ranking right up there next to Key from Honor. Jay Crownover knows how to write the bad boys and the girls that reign them in!