Title: JEM
Author: Michelle Abbott
Genre: New Adult Romance
Book Blurb:
Two injured, stubborn souls meet unexpectedly. Will they save each other from their demons or have they been too damaged for too long to see past the pain?
Growing up, all Jem knew was hatred and the pain from his father’s fists. Taunted by the kids at school, he was alone, until a girl with carrot coloured hair sat next to him.
She smiled.
She listened.
She cared.
She was his angel, and he knew he’d love her forever. But Jem’s father hurts him in a way he never expected by taking him away from her.
Now eighteen, scarred inside and out, Jem trusts no one and has worked hard to ensure he’ll never be helpless again. But then he runs into his angel. The only problem is she doesn’t recognize him. Jem needs her to remember him, to show him that their time together meant to her what it did to him. For once in his life he wants to have mattered to someone, to her.
Devon is attracted to the muscular, tattooed, pierced hottie standing by the pub quiz machine. That is, until he punches a guy clean across the bar for daring to touch him. She’s had her fill of violent men and intends to avoid this one at all costs.
This is a standalone, new adult contemporary romance. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
DAWN’S 3 STAR REVIEW
I
received an arc of Jem by Michelle Abbott for an honest review. When I read the synopsis of Jem I was so excited. It’s definitely my kind of book. Who doesn’t love a second chance romance with a broken bad boy?? It’s has a great storyline with some colorful characters. Each of them bringing something unique to enhance the plot. As I read, I felt the execution was off. Some of the issues I observed were choppy dialogue, short sentences and abrupt transitions from scene to scene. All of which made it lose its flow and difficult to read. It had potential to be a lot stronger, darker and more emotional. However, it did hold my attention and I continued to want more. I read it rather quickly within two days. It’s a sweet story with some angst.
We first meet 7 year old Devon and 4 year old Jem. Who are best friends. Devon is actually Jem‘s only friend. She shows him a love he’s never known. He’s bullied in school and beaten at home. When Devon discovers his bruises, she confesses to her mother. The result of her actions, Jem and his family vanish. Never to be seen again. Both children are devastated and often wonder where the other one is…. Neither one truly getting over their separation. Fast forward to 14 years later, they are face to face again… Devon does not recognize Jem and he does not divulge who he is. Will she see beyond the bad boy he portrays and find the sweet boy she remembers? As the story unfolds, we learn more about the demons the plague them. While they are getting to know one another, there are many misunderstandings and insecurities. I did enjoy the characters, but it took me a while to connect to them. Once I did become invested, I was rooting for them to get their HEA.
Thanks so much for your review. I appreciate that you took the time to read it.