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Made in Jersey #2
Thrown Down
He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams...
Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her...and River is in danger of drowning a second time.
No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process?even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.
But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time...
Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her...and River is in danger of drowning a second time.
No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process?even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.
But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2016
About the author
Tessa Bailey
91 books59.5k followersNew York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
May 25, 2017
4 All you need is love Stars
Some Spoilers
Thrown Down is the 2nd book in the Made in Jersey Series by Tessa Bailey. I didn't read the first book and I had no problem following so this book can be read as a stand alone. I really liked this book. It was a super sweet second chance romance. I loved both River and Vaughn. I thought Vaughn was a sweet, sexy reformed bad boy. River was loyal, smart, and loving. I loved them together and really enjoyed their love story. I was over the moon that when they were broken up neither dated or touched another. They were faithful to their love for each other. I liked all the side characters. Well not all the side characters I hated her dad he was a jerk. I loved their daughter, Marcy. I am a sucker for babies and children in books. I would have loved to seen a little more of Marcy in this book. A little more interaction between Marcy and Vaughn. The only thing I didn't care for with this book was the dialogue seemed awkward at times. They would talk and it didn't feel natural. The dirty talk was weird and cheesy at times and at other times instead of being sexy it gave me icky mental pictures I could have lived my life happily without having. I was able to over look that though and still really enjoyed this book, just not so much the love scenes. I love Tessa Bailey's books and will for sure read more in this series.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Some Spoilers
Thrown Down is the 2nd book in the Made in Jersey Series by Tessa Bailey. I didn't read the first book and I had no problem following so this book can be read as a stand alone. I really liked this book. It was a super sweet second chance romance. I loved both River and Vaughn. I thought Vaughn was a sweet, sexy reformed bad boy. River was loyal, smart, and loving. I loved them together and really enjoyed their love story. I was over the moon that when they were broken up neither dated or touched another. They were faithful to their love for each other. I liked all the side characters. Well not all the side characters I hated her dad he was a jerk. I loved their daughter, Marcy. I am a sucker for babies and children in books. I would have loved to seen a little more of Marcy in this book. A little more interaction between Marcy and Vaughn. The only thing I didn't care for with this book was the dialogue seemed awkward at times. They would talk and it didn't feel natural. The dirty talk was weird and cheesy at times and at other times instead of being sexy it gave me icky mental pictures I could have lived my life happily without having. I was able to over look that though and still really enjoyed this book, just not so much the love scenes. I love Tessa Bailey's books and will for sure read more in this series.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
April 4, 2016
3 STARS
I've been waiting for River and Vaughn's book since first meeting them in Crashed Out. I love a good second chance romance, and of course the complexity of River having a child that Vaughn didn't know about when he left added to the intrigue. Now this sort of set up could either work really well or not, and in the case of this book, it worked and worked well. Vaughn and River are still very much hung up on each other even 5 years worth of separation later and Vaughn was devoted to her even when he was away. He left because he didn't think he could give River the life she deserves being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. But when he learns that River gave birth to his daughter, he drops everything to come back to the town that only holds painful memories to him to make things right with the only woman that will hold his heart.
But while the set up was great and I loved Vaughn's bad boy side and dirty talking, all the dirty talking and sex began to overshadow the story for me. There's a line between hot dirty talk and porny, and some of the lines here went from porny to making me feel like I was reading a dirty Victorian romance...
Male fluid? Bedclothes?
Then there were terms like ...manhood stood
...damp femininity
...River gasped, feeling her loins quiver.
Then this doozy
He's referring to her clit...as a rosebud...and inferring that he can feel it though his pants? What on earth does she have down there because I'm pretty sure that requires medical intervention!
Or this...
And topped off with this
and this one...
Le sigh.
This had such a strong promise, and again, if you can overlook the lines I referenced above, you'd really love it. I did really love the story. But unfortunately for me, the OTT dirty talk once again overshadowed things. I adored Tessa's Line of Duty series. Her heroes were sexy dirty talkers, but it was perfectly balanced. It feels like it was just trying too hard to be dirty here, if that even makes sense.
On a different note, there's a secondary character in this book that really caught my attention and I do believe there may be an MM in the making, and my pervy self is already salivating for that one. Will I read the next one? Absolutely. Can't love them all. I still love Tessa and her writing, but sadly this one fell a bit flat. Hopefully the next one will make up for it.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
He didn't remember a time when River didn't occupy his heart. His mind. All of him.
I've been waiting for River and Vaughn's book since first meeting them in Crashed Out. I love a good second chance romance, and of course the complexity of River having a child that Vaughn didn't know about when he left added to the intrigue. Now this sort of set up could either work really well or not, and in the case of this book, it worked and worked well. Vaughn and River are still very much hung up on each other even 5 years worth of separation later and Vaughn was devoted to her even when he was away. He left because he didn't think he could give River the life she deserves being the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. But when he learns that River gave birth to his daughter, he drops everything to come back to the town that only holds painful memories to him to make things right with the only woman that will hold his heart.
But while the set up was great and I loved Vaughn's bad boy side and dirty talking, all the dirty talking and sex began to overshadow the story for me. There's a line between hot dirty talk and porny, and some of the lines here went from porny to making me feel like I was reading a dirty Victorian romance...
Male fluid? Bedclothes?
Then there were terms like ...manhood stood
...damp femininity
...River gasped, feeling her loins quiver.
Then this doozy
He's referring to her clit...as a rosebud...and inferring that he can feel it though his pants? What on earth does she have down there because I'm pretty sure that requires medical intervention!
Or this...
Can I have this pussy for myself again? Please, River? Give it back to your buck for safe keeping."
And topped off with this
"This kitty likes when you're on all fours, doesn't it? You could never get that ass up in the air fast enough. Fuck, the way you used to look at me over your shoulder. Come get it, big daddy."
and this one...
Vaughn fell over her like a fuck-hungry prison inmate
Le sigh.
This had such a strong promise, and again, if you can overlook the lines I referenced above, you'd really love it. I did really love the story. But unfortunately for me, the OTT dirty talk once again overshadowed things. I adored Tessa's Line of Duty series. Her heroes were sexy dirty talkers, but it was perfectly balanced. It feels like it was just trying too hard to be dirty here, if that even makes sense.
On a different note, there's a secondary character in this book that really caught my attention and I do believe there may be an MM in the making, and my pervy self is already salivating for that one. Will I read the next one? Absolutely. Can't love them all. I still love Tessa and her writing, but sadly this one fell a bit flat. Hopefully the next one will make up for it.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 15, 2023
4 Need This Heart Back Stars ⭐
I have the softest spot for a hero from the wrong side of the tracks and the good girl that captures their heart. Yet in this instance Vaughn and River were both from the small, working-class town of Hook. However, Vaughn always perceived himself as trash.
How dare you kiss me like that when you left me shattered, without even glancing back over your shoulder?
For years they dated as teens and young adults. But after a number of events and doubts sees Vaughn lying to the one person that means everything; he leaves for good. Except he never knew how much he lost.
In the four years he's been away without a word, River has been raising their daughter. And now that Vaughn is back some things have changed and other things haven't. One thing is for certain, their connection and chemistry still sparks, and Vaughn wants a second chance.
“So I’m telling you now, I’m not leaving. Give me a chance to meet her, then watch me show up every day afterward, even if you turn me away. I’ll show up and take my beating like a man, day in and day out. But you better get used to me, doll. I’m not budging.”
With over the top dirty talk, secrets being revealed, and hearts being torn open, you can't help rooting for Vaughn. Especially after learning what he's come from and how much he desperately wants to be part of this family. Cheesy romance at its best!
I have the softest spot for a hero from the wrong side of the tracks and the good girl that captures their heart. Yet in this instance Vaughn and River were both from the small, working-class town of Hook. However, Vaughn always perceived himself as trash.
How dare you kiss me like that when you left me shattered, without even glancing back over your shoulder?
For years they dated as teens and young adults. But after a number of events and doubts sees Vaughn lying to the one person that means everything; he leaves for good. Except he never knew how much he lost.
In the four years he's been away without a word, River has been raising their daughter. And now that Vaughn is back some things have changed and other things haven't. One thing is for certain, their connection and chemistry still sparks, and Vaughn wants a second chance.
“So I’m telling you now, I’m not leaving. Give me a chance to meet her, then watch me show up every day afterward, even if you turn me away. I’ll show up and take my beating like a man, day in and day out. But you better get used to me, doll. I’m not budging.”
With over the top dirty talk, secrets being revealed, and hearts being torn open, you can't help rooting for Vaughn. Especially after learning what he's come from and how much he desperately wants to be part of this family. Cheesy romance at its best!
March 3, 2016
4.25 Stars
Review to come closer to release date...
Review to come closer to release date...
May 18, 2016
4 Second Chance Stars.
River and Vaughn were completely in love as teenagers, and despite a lot of people seeing Vaughn as a guy from the wrong side of the tracks they kept strong. Until Vaughn realizes he’ll never be good enough for River and decides her best chance is if he leaves. What he doesn’t know he’s that he’s leaving a pregnant River behind.
4 years later he finds out he has a family in a town he swore he would never come back, but this time he’s decided to have his family back and nothing will make him change his mind.
If you are used to read my reviews by now, you know there’s no plot I like more than second chance romances. I’m a sucker for them and I will hardly resist one. So when I read the blurb for this book added with the fact that it was written by Tessa Bailey, an author I love, it was a given I would read it immediately.
And this book did not disappoint, start with a broken couple that never got over each other, a possessive hero willing to do anything to get his woman back, lots of steamy moments and a an adorable little girl and you have a winner.
There was some parts of the book that I didn’t quite love (the nickname “doll” being probably the biggest one), but overall, if you’re a fan of the second chance plot you’re going to love this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I liked how Vaughn tried so hard for a second chance, he really redeemed himself. But he should have groveled a little more. River was sweet and loyal to a fault but there was times I wished she had a bit more of backbone. But I really liked to see them together as a couple and as parents.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
River and Vaughn were completely in love as teenagers, and despite a lot of people seeing Vaughn as a guy from the wrong side of the tracks they kept strong. Until Vaughn realizes he’ll never be good enough for River and decides her best chance is if he leaves. What he doesn’t know he’s that he’s leaving a pregnant River behind.
4 years later he finds out he has a family in a town he swore he would never come back, but this time he’s decided to have his family back and nothing will make him change his mind.
If you are used to read my reviews by now, you know there’s no plot I like more than second chance romances. I’m a sucker for them and I will hardly resist one. So when I read the blurb for this book added with the fact that it was written by Tessa Bailey, an author I love, it was a given I would read it immediately.
And this book did not disappoint, start with a broken couple that never got over each other, a possessive hero willing to do anything to get his woman back, lots of steamy moments and a an adorable little girl and you have a winner.
There was some parts of the book that I didn’t quite love (the nickname “doll” being probably the biggest one), but overall, if you’re a fan of the second chance plot you’re going to love this one.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: I liked how Vaughn tried so hard for a second chance, he really redeemed himself. But he should have groveled a little more. River was sweet and loyal to a fault but there was times I wished she had a bit more of backbone. But I really liked to see them together as a couple and as parents.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
April 9, 2023
vaughn, the drop out bad boy of the town falls for river, the overachieving sweetheart of the town, they have an absolutely adorable and wholesome relationship, but then one day vaughn breaks river’s heart telling her he doesn’t love her anymore and leaves but what he finds out years later is that his girl was pregnant….
spoilers and safety at the end
second chance🤍
“bad boy” mc✨
JP ml🥵
H worships the ground h walks on, totally whipped🦋🦋
strong fl lead🤩
LOTS OF GROVELLING 🛐🛐🛐
for once theres an actual reason for why the H left 😮💨🥹
H takes responsibility for his actions and without wanting anything back wants to be there for the h😭😭😭
“i can’t breath whenever you’re near”😫😫
and the spiceee was soo good🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
dirty talking H🔥🔥🔥
“Who’d have thought the town sweetheart would have no gag reflex, huh?”🦋🦋🦋
and the first time they said i love you to each other was just sooo wholesome🤧💗
mmc is a little older than the h, not a big age gap probably 2-4 years maybe i don’t really remember
waited for 2 years into their relationship for the h to turn 18 so they can finally have sex….idk why i find stuff like waiting soo cutee 😭🤧🫶🏼
AND THE BESTTT THING:
the H was celibate during the separation and barely even “lived” or talked to anyone else😫🫶🏼🔥
“No one else. You hear me? There’s been no one else.” Using both of his knees, he widened her thighs with a merciless push. “I’ve spent this whole time behaving as if we were married. It’s the only way I could stay sane. Making believe you were my wife and I’d see you when I got home at night. Maybe I’m a crazy man. I don’t know. I don’t—”
safety
h was a virgin
H had a bad boy rep but literally nothing was given about his past, though it was clear that it wasn’t his first time
4 year separation
both stay celibate during separation
no ow/om drama
no cheating
SPOILERS
why did the H leave?
the H loved the fl more than anything and knew he was holding her back, knew that if he stuck around she’d stay in that awful town just to be with him and would never reach her fullest potential
while such thoughts always plagued him he loved her too much to leave
and even when he left he planned on making himself a better, more deserving man and coming back!😫🤧
BUT, the h’s dad blackmailed the H telling him he would disown the h if he didn’t back off and manipulated him into giving into his fears of not being enough for the h😭😭😭
did the H plan on coming back?
Initially yes he did, but after the whole thing with the h’s dad - No
and surprisingly that didn’t piss me off, the whole reason he left was bc he wanted the h to have a better life and be happy so thinking she was in college living her best life obviously he planned on staying away
it was only upon finding he had a daughter, the h not being in college and struggling to survive does he come back bc he never wanted her to suffer like that and he comes back with no expectations, knowing she could hate him, slap him or never talk to him
he just wanted to be there for her and take responsibility
the fact that he stayed celibate knowing he never planned to go back and would live in isolation forever without his girl was beyond adorable and just made me love him more🫶🏼✨
some of my fav quotes💌💌
He didn’t remember a time when River didn’t occupy his heart. His mind. All of him.
“Let’s get one thing straight first.” Excitement flashed in River’s blood when he got in her face, bringing them nose-to-nose. “You miss me begging you, River? Know this. Each moment I’m awake, every part of me begs for—”
“Remember the first time you sucked my dick?” His head fell forward, shook side to side. “You didn’t know if you would like it, so we held off. And held off. Until I started dripping in my jeans every time you licked an ice cream cone, or put on that cherry ChapStick. Fuck.”
There he is. There’s that filthy man. Always lurking.
“I didn’t think you could get any more important…any more fucking precious to me than you were that day. And then I lived forty-nine months without you.”
“I used to think if someone walked in while I was halfway down your nineteen-year-old throat, they wouldn’t believe you’d begged for it. But you did, huh? After that first time, you would pout until I took my cock out and let you play.”
It was the vision of River climbing into bed alone that did it. Another one zoomed in right behind, too. River sleepily preparing breakfast for herself and Marcy in the kitchen. Soft, smiling, sweet. Home. He was supposed to be there. A cutout shape where his body should have been since…always…moved right along River in the shifting images. His life. He wasn’t going to keep climbing out the window of his life. Hope—bright and alive—found the dead center of his stomach like a falling meteor. He’d come to Hook for scraps. Come to collect any small piece of home and family River could give. But he wanted—needed—it all now. All. He wanted the love of his life back. Wanted the freedom to sync their hearts again, so bad his blood soared to his head, making him dizzy and determined at the same time.
spoilers and safety at the end
second chance🤍
“bad boy” mc✨
JP ml🥵
H worships the ground h walks on, totally whipped🦋🦋
strong fl lead🤩
LOTS OF GROVELLING 🛐🛐🛐
for once theres an actual reason for why the H left 😮💨🥹
H takes responsibility for his actions and without wanting anything back wants to be there for the h😭😭😭
“i can’t breath whenever you’re near”😫😫
and the spiceee was soo good🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
dirty talking H🔥🔥🔥
“Who’d have thought the town sweetheart would have no gag reflex, huh?”🦋🦋🦋
and the first time they said i love you to each other was just sooo wholesome🤧💗
mmc is a little older than the h, not a big age gap probably 2-4 years maybe i don’t really remember
waited for 2 years into their relationship for the h to turn 18 so they can finally have sex….idk why i find stuff like waiting soo cutee 😭🤧🫶🏼
AND THE BESTTT THING:
the H was celibate during the separation and barely even “lived” or talked to anyone else😫🫶🏼🔥
“No one else. You hear me? There’s been no one else.” Using both of his knees, he widened her thighs with a merciless push. “I’ve spent this whole time behaving as if we were married. It’s the only way I could stay sane. Making believe you were my wife and I’d see you when I got home at night. Maybe I’m a crazy man. I don’t know. I don’t—”
safety
h was a virgin
H had a bad boy rep but literally nothing was given about his past, though it was clear that it wasn’t his first time
4 year separation
both stay celibate during separation
no ow/om drama
no cheating
SPOILERS
why did the H leave?
the H loved the fl more than anything and knew he was holding her back, knew that if he stuck around she’d stay in that awful town just to be with him and would never reach her fullest potential
while such thoughts always plagued him he loved her too much to leave
and even when he left he planned on making himself a better, more deserving man and coming back!😫🤧
BUT, the h’s dad blackmailed the H telling him he would disown the h if he didn’t back off and manipulated him into giving into his fears of not being enough for the h😭😭😭
did the H plan on coming back?
Initially yes he did, but after the whole thing with the h’s dad - No
and surprisingly that didn’t piss me off, the whole reason he left was bc he wanted the h to have a better life and be happy so thinking she was in college living her best life obviously he planned on staying away
it was only upon finding he had a daughter, the h not being in college and struggling to survive does he come back bc he never wanted her to suffer like that and he comes back with no expectations, knowing she could hate him, slap him or never talk to him
he just wanted to be there for her and take responsibility
the fact that he stayed celibate knowing he never planned to go back and would live in isolation forever without his girl was beyond adorable and just made me love him more🫶🏼✨
some of my fav quotes💌💌
He didn’t remember a time when River didn’t occupy his heart. His mind. All of him.
“Let’s get one thing straight first.” Excitement flashed in River’s blood when he got in her face, bringing them nose-to-nose. “You miss me begging you, River? Know this. Each moment I’m awake, every part of me begs for—”
“Remember the first time you sucked my dick?” His head fell forward, shook side to side. “You didn’t know if you would like it, so we held off. And held off. Until I started dripping in my jeans every time you licked an ice cream cone, or put on that cherry ChapStick. Fuck.”
There he is. There’s that filthy man. Always lurking.
“I didn’t think you could get any more important…any more fucking precious to me than you were that day. And then I lived forty-nine months without you.”
“I used to think if someone walked in while I was halfway down your nineteen-year-old throat, they wouldn’t believe you’d begged for it. But you did, huh? After that first time, you would pout until I took my cock out and let you play.”
It was the vision of River climbing into bed alone that did it. Another one zoomed in right behind, too. River sleepily preparing breakfast for herself and Marcy in the kitchen. Soft, smiling, sweet. Home. He was supposed to be there. A cutout shape where his body should have been since…always…moved right along River in the shifting images. His life. He wasn’t going to keep climbing out the window of his life. Hope—bright and alive—found the dead center of his stomach like a falling meteor. He’d come to Hook for scraps. Come to collect any small piece of home and family River could give. But he wanted—needed—it all now. All. He wanted the love of his life back. Wanted the freedom to sync their hearts again, so bad his blood soared to his head, making him dizzy and determined at the same time.
April 6, 2016
** Update both !
This was exactly what I needed! After having so many let downs recently this was such a sweet story that really hit the spot. It was sweet, a tiny bit angsty, and plenty of filthy.
original thoughts after reading blurb below
This was exactly what I needed! After having so many let downs recently this was such a sweet story that really hit the spot. It was sweet, a tiny bit angsty, and plenty of filthy.
original thoughts after reading blurb below
April 9, 2023
Tessa Bailey and I are cut from the same cloth. I'm a sucker for a blue collar hero from Boston or Jersey who like... gets into fist fights and repeatedly greets the heroine with 'hiya doll' like he's a 1960s mob boss. Even the name Vaughn De Matteo. Stop. This was so ridiculous. 5 stars.
March 6, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Tessa Bailey is truly one of those gifted writers who can write romance that readers can relate. She writes stories that are raw, flawed, and honest. And that’s why I love the Made In Jersey Series because each book portrays a love story that is relatable. Ms. Bailey allows her readers to see that there is no perfect love. No perfect person. Mistakes are made. But these mistakes doesn’t define you when you are willing to make that change. Second chances are called second chances for a reason. And so in Thrown Down, Ms. Bailey reminds her readers that love is not finding the perfect made for you but finding that imperfect person that makes you feel perfectly loved.
“You think I didn’t notice? Your orgasms were my life. I knew what they looked like, what made them happen fast, slow, hard, easy. I called each of them by name. I was their best friend.”
River Purcell was the quintessential good girl. She was her high school class president. And of course, River was madly and deeply in love with her high school love, Vaughn De Matteo. Vaughn and River shared a love like no other. It was simple. Real. Passionate. Tangible. It was the kind of love that was etched into your soul and made you believe that anything was possibility. Vaughn may have been the bad boy of Hook but River saw something in Vaughn that no one saw. His heart.
Vaughn loved River so much. He couldn’t comprehend how a beautiful good girl could love him. A guy that had nothing. And when he saw River was sacrificing so much in order to stay in Hook and not attend college, Vaughn couldn’t take it. He wanted the best for River and so he made a decision to leave her and let her have that chance for a better life that she deserves. Four years later, Vaughn discovers that his River gave birth to their child. And so Vaughn returns back to Hook to get back the only woman he loved and be part of his daughter’s life. Will River be the reason for Vaughn to stay? And can River forgive Vaughn for leaving her?
Thrown Down is a story that leaves a lasting impression. It is a story that shows that money doesn’t buy happiness and home is truly where the heart is. And for Vaughn De Matteo, his home was with River and his daughter, Marcy. Vaughn may not have money but he is rich with love. I adore this story so much because Tessa Bailey made you fall in love with imperfect characters who were perfectly made for each other. So if you are looking for a love story that was made with love then I suggest you read the series Made In Jersey.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is truly one of those gifted writers who can write romance that readers can relate. She writes stories that are raw, flawed, and honest. And that’s why I love the Made In Jersey Series because each book portrays a love story that is relatable. Ms. Bailey allows her readers to see that there is no perfect love. No perfect person. Mistakes are made. But these mistakes doesn’t define you when you are willing to make that change. Second chances are called second chances for a reason. And so in Thrown Down, Ms. Bailey reminds her readers that love is not finding the perfect made for you but finding that imperfect person that makes you feel perfectly loved.
“You think I didn’t notice? Your orgasms were my life. I knew what they looked like, what made them happen fast, slow, hard, easy. I called each of them by name. I was their best friend.”River Purcell was the quintessential good girl. She was her high school class president. And of course, River was madly and deeply in love with her high school love, Vaughn De Matteo. Vaughn and River shared a love like no other. It was simple. Real. Passionate. Tangible. It was the kind of love that was etched into your soul and made you believe that anything was possibility. Vaughn may have been the bad boy of Hook but River saw something in Vaughn that no one saw. His heart.
Vaughn loved River so much. He couldn’t comprehend how a beautiful good girl could love him. A guy that had nothing. And when he saw River was sacrificing so much in order to stay in Hook and not attend college, Vaughn couldn’t take it. He wanted the best for River and so he made a decision to leave her and let her have that chance for a better life that she deserves. Four years later, Vaughn discovers that his River gave birth to their child. And so Vaughn returns back to Hook to get back the only woman he loved and be part of his daughter’s life. Will River be the reason for Vaughn to stay? And can River forgive Vaughn for leaving her?
Thrown Down is a story that leaves a lasting impression. It is a story that shows that money doesn’t buy happiness and home is truly where the heart is. And for Vaughn De Matteo, his home was with River and his daughter, Marcy. Vaughn may not have money but he is rich with love. I adore this story so much because Tessa Bailey made you fall in love with imperfect characters who were perfectly made for each other. So if you are looking for a love story that was made with love then I suggest you read the series Made In Jersey.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tessa Bailey
March 27, 2016
3.5 stars. What I enjoyed most about this book was the flawed characters. Their emotions were reasonable considering all they'd gone through and the plot wasn't tied up in a neat little bow. I've always respected stories that can do that well. River loved Vaughn deeply and saw him as far more than he saw himself. Vaughn was used to not feeling good enough and decided he wanted more than him for River. The story brings an emotional element that was relayed well. There was something, however, that I just couldn't connect with. I can't quite pinpoint what it is. While I enjoyed the story, I didn't ever really feel invested in it. All in all, it was a good read. Safety: No OW and I think there were no OM but they don't address it directly. h was a virgin. They used condoms most of the time (disclaimer: one part associated with this may piss you off). No rape/abuse.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2023
SAFETY INFO WITH SPOILERS
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Safe book.
H is a bit older than h.
They have lived in the same small town but once H connected eyes with h there were not others.
H have been with others. h a virgin. H left h twice. Once for military thinking she will move on bc he thinks he doesn’t deserve her and another time after coming back from military and watching horrible stuff. h’s father said to him some hard stuff and he thought if he left h will be happier.
H didn’t know he had a daughter. H didn’t have any communication with anyone and once he knows he goes to h.
Two/three years apart. Both celibate during the time apart.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Safe book.
H is a bit older than h.
They have lived in the same small town but once H connected eyes with h there were not others.
H have been with others. h a virgin. H left h twice. Once for military thinking she will move on bc he thinks he doesn’t deserve her and another time after coming back from military and watching horrible stuff. h’s father said to him some hard stuff and he thought if he left h will be happier.
H didn’t know he had a daughter. H didn’t have any communication with anyone and once he knows he goes to h.
Two/three years apart. Both celibate during the time apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
He’d come to Hook for scraps. Come to collect any small piece of home and family River could give. But he wanted—needed—it all now. All. He wanted the love of his life back.
River Purcell thought she and her high school sweetheart were the forever kind, until he broke her heart into a thousand pieces. She’s spent the last three years being a struggling single mom, she might be exhausted working two jobs and barely making ends meet, but she loves her daughter and is proud of herself for being able to provide for them alone. But her life has just got more complicated because Vaughn has returned and he’s determined to win her back and the daughter he didn’t know about.
“You’re the only one who ever knew I was capable of…anything. If I’d let myself believe you and I’d failed, it would have killed me.” He shook his head. “But I was doing you a disservice, doll. Because if you loved me, I’d already won the world. You see?”
The only good thing Vaughn De Matteo ever had in his life was River, but he was the town’s bad boy, a dropout who no one believed was good enough for her, himself included. So he did the hardest thing he ever had to, leaving her so she could have a better future but he never stopped loving her. But when he finds out they had a daughter, nothing was going to stop him from winner her back and having the family he always wanted with the only woman he ever loved. But Vaughn still has demons that threaten his happiness, will he trust himself to be enough for River or will he make the same mistake he did before?
“I’m the worst fuck-up in the world, and I shouldn’t let you love me.” His voice was hoarse and agonized. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. And I’m the worst thing that ever happened to you. But I can’t help loving you so much. I can’t help needing you this bad.”
I’m not a fan of second chance romances and the pregnancy/secret child trope is even a less favorite of mine and at first I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like this book. But once again Tessa Bailey has shown why she’s one of my favorite authors, because even though I didn’t like that Vaughn hadn’t gone back for River before he found out they had a daughter he never knew about, the more I saw them together, the flashbacks of when they were together before, the love and need Vaughn felt for River was palpable, it leaped from the pages and made me fall in love with the way he loved her. And of course with Tessa Bailey you just know the hero is going to be a delicious dirty-talking alpha and Vaughn was definitely at all ;-)
I liked River and how determined she was to make a good home for her daughter, but in the beginning I was frustrated with how easily she fell back into Vaughn’s arms, how she couldn’t resist him, but it made sense that she was just as crazy about him as he was about her, that the love she felt for him made it hard for her to not forgive him. And I loved how hard she fought for him in the end.
“You’ll never be without it another day.” His breath bathed her lips. “You never have been. I’ve loved you up one side of forever. Now I’m going to love you back down the other.”
Their love is a little crazy and very consuming, and Tessa Bailey made it work for them. Their romance also felt very real, with obstacles most relationships have, money problems, interfering parents, feeling not good enough. Once again Tessa Bailey has written another very emotional and happy second-chance romance, with two people who really loved each other, but who struggled to get it right the first time, but whose love meant there were no one else for them and who finally got their HEA.
September 7, 2018
I was hoping for an improvement with book 2, but I gave myself a headache with all of the eye rolling
Readers comment so highly of Tessa Bailey and she doesn’t do it for me
River and Vaughn are high school sweethearts. She is the town’s most likely to succeed and he is the bad boy. Stuff happens and Vaughn goes away. He finds out that River and him made a child together and returned to Hook to make things right.
The story was superficial. The attempt at angst was inconsequential. And the sex scenes
I won’t continue with the series, but I don’t think I’m quite ready to give up on Bailey. I may try a different book....next year sometime.
Readers comment so highly of Tessa Bailey and she doesn’t do it for me
River and Vaughn are high school sweethearts. She is the town’s most likely to succeed and he is the bad boy. Stuff happens and Vaughn goes away. He finds out that River and him made a child together and returned to Hook to make things right.
The story was superficial. The attempt at angst was inconsequential. And the sex scenes
I won’t continue with the series, but I don’t think I’m quite ready to give up on Bailey. I may try a different book....next year sometime.
June 19, 2016
3.75++ Stars
Now this is what i call romance :)
Both did not even move on during separation, they were always thinking about each other, now if this is not true love, i don't know what it is!
I loved to see how much they loved each other.
The sex scenes were hot. It was good to see that at last both tried to make things work between them. They wanted to be a real family & did not give up. That's what people in love do, right?
Safety Gang:
Now this is what i call romance :)
Both did not even move on during separation, they were always thinking about each other, now if this is not true love, i don't know what it is!
I loved to see how much they loved each other.
The sex scenes were hot. It was good to see that at last both tried to make things work between them. They wanted to be a real family & did not give up. That's what people in love do, right?
Safety Gang:
Read
May 10, 2021River and Vaughn. This second chance romance was made even better by the fact that . It was easy, in the beginning, to be angry at Vaughn and blame him for leaving. I understood River's anger and sense of betrayal. He left her after telling her he didn't love her and never returned. He didn't even know about his baby girl. But as the book progresses, and as River doesn't just bend immediately, Vaughn works hard to prove he has changed and will be there for her this time. These 2 really were too young, and Vaughn had too many demons the first time around. They both needed the time apart to grow up and become their best selves.
The majority of the book takes place over a one week period so even though River wasn't a doormat, things were still pretty rushed. The H/h have better communication this time and finally open up about things that had been left unsaid. They are both in a much better place and I believed in their HEA.
Safety.
The majority of the book takes place over a one week period so even though River wasn't a doormat, things were still pretty rushed. The H/h have better communication this time and finally open up about things that had been left unsaid. They are both in a much better place and I believed in their HEA.
Safety.
February 28, 2022
4 stars. Second chance romance done right. I loved this story, although I did feel frustrated b/c the hero never planned to return for the heroine until he realized he had a kid.
Safe; H&h separated for about 4 years. They were together for years prior to the separation and were always only with one another after meeting. H was with OW before meeting the heroine (enough to count on two hands), h was a virgin when she met the hero. Celibate during their separation! No OM/OW drama, no cheating.
Safe; H&h separated for about 4 years. They were together for years prior to the separation and were always only with one another after meeting. H was with OW before meeting the heroine (enough to count on two hands), h was a virgin when she met the hero. Celibate during their separation! No OM/OW drama, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2017
Ugh, I just lost my whole review!!!
Anyway... grrr... I love Tessa Bailey, but this reads like Tessa Bailey aka 8th grade. Well, with the caveat that no 8th grader would have the sexy talk going on here.
Continuing with my walk on the cynical side, what we have here is a pity-party-thinks-he’s-a bad-guy hero Vaughn who is yet another hero who must do the cruel to be kind routine to his love of his life high school sweetheart. He leaves her cold, but not before sweet River pulls out the stops, and they have cataclysmic sex one last time. I need to mention that Tessa Bailey raises the stakes to the third degree in terms of sexy talk. That’s not all. Vaughn rarely calls River by her name. No. No. No. He calls her, “doll” all the blasted time. Straight out of youse Guys and Dolls.
Four years later, Vaughn receives a letter that he has a three year old daughter. He rushes to his old town where doll hardly gives him a hard time. They have sex almost instantly, and while sexy with sexy talk, the sex seems a little painful to me.
Vaughn vacillates between wanting to be there and feeling he should leave as he is soooo baaaaadddd, soooo unworthy. Get over it dude. Doll is an adoring heroine, but she's not stupid. They really come across just as what they are: high school sweethearts still in love.
Angst ensues, and although Vaughn is a medaled soldier, neither he nor doll's manipulative father feels he measures up or will ever measure up. Vaughn gets a grip, FINALLY, but I stopped caring before then. Poor doll, she's going to have her hands full with this one. Yes, he adores the ground she walks on, but it feels he will always have one foot out the door because he doesn't measure up. He can't connect except sexually, and even he realizes that needs to change.
Doll's dad is a piece of work who helped manipulate V out of town for a variety of selfish reasons.
Dropped threads as in what happened with the guy that notified him about his child, why did the h's mother not do anything.
Fun secondary characters in Duke, Duke's four crazy sisters, the new and angsty owner of the plant, and the plot moppet.
I will still read TB. She writes awesome, besotted alpha heroes. Try the following: Staking His Claim, and Protecting What's His.
If you want a quintessential high school to second chance love with a good girl and a bad boy, try Ride Steady
Anyway... grrr... I love Tessa Bailey, but this reads like Tessa Bailey aka 8th grade. Well, with the caveat that no 8th grader would have the sexy talk going on here.
Continuing with my walk on the cynical side, what we have here is a pity-party-thinks-he’s-a bad-guy hero Vaughn who is yet another hero who must do the cruel to be kind routine to his love of his life high school sweetheart. He leaves her cold, but not before sweet River pulls out the stops, and they have cataclysmic sex one last time. I need to mention that Tessa Bailey raises the stakes to the third degree in terms of sexy talk. That’s not all. Vaughn rarely calls River by her name. No. No. No. He calls her, “doll” all the blasted time. Straight out of youse Guys and Dolls.
Four years later, Vaughn receives a letter that he has a three year old daughter. He rushes to his old town where doll hardly gives him a hard time. They have sex almost instantly, and while sexy with sexy talk, the sex seems a little painful to me.
Vaughn vacillates between wanting to be there and feeling he should leave as he is soooo baaaaadddd, soooo unworthy. Get over it dude. Doll is an adoring heroine, but she's not stupid. They really come across just as what they are: high school sweethearts still in love.
Angst ensues, and although Vaughn is a medaled soldier, neither he nor doll's manipulative father feels he measures up or will ever measure up. Vaughn gets a grip, FINALLY, but I stopped caring before then. Poor doll, she's going to have her hands full with this one. Yes, he adores the ground she walks on, but it feels he will always have one foot out the door because he doesn't measure up. He can't connect except sexually, and even he realizes that needs to change.
Doll's dad is a piece of work who helped manipulate V out of town for a variety of selfish reasons.
Dropped threads as in what happened with the guy that notified him about his child, why did the h's mother not do anything.
Fun secondary characters in Duke, Duke's four crazy sisters, the new and angsty owner of the plant, and the plot moppet.
I will still read TB. She writes awesome, besotted alpha heroes. Try the following: Staking His Claim, and Protecting What's His.
If you want a quintessential high school to second chance love with a good girl and a bad boy, try Ride Steady
April 3, 2016
OUT TOMORROW
Genre: Second Chance Steamy Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 8/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 3rd person. Stand alone with this H/h, heroine is the lead characters sister from the 1st book.
Thrown Down is a Second-chance Romance with angst, super steamy scenes and bad boy/good girl lead characters.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process--even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.
But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time.
There are some well-known over-used tropes in Thown Down but Bailey writes them in subtly, she doesn't concentrate on just those fictional facts by using them as clichéd themes.
I really enjoyed our hero, Vaughn, He seems sort of adorable despite his alpha ways. He never thinks he's good enough but is able to dish out some super hot sex and dirty talk. The latter of which was on the edge of cheese one or two times, but was still bloody hot. The H&h were always awed by each other, devoted despite separation which I liked as well as the obsessive steamy sex.
4 stars for a steamy, one-and-only, family-matters romance.
ARC received by Netgalley
4 STARS
Genre: Second Chance Steamy Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 8/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 3rd person. Stand alone with this H/h, heroine is the lead characters sister from the 1st book.
Thrown Down is a Second-chance Romance with angst, super steamy scenes and bad boy/good girl lead characters.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process--even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.
But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time.
There are some well-known over-used tropes in Thown Down but Bailey writes them in subtly, she doesn't concentrate on just those fictional facts by using them as clichéd themes.
I really enjoyed our hero, Vaughn, He seems sort of adorable despite his alpha ways. He never thinks he's good enough but is able to dish out some super hot sex and dirty talk. The latter of which was on the edge of cheese one or two times, but was still bloody hot. The H&h were always awed by each other, devoted despite separation which I liked as well as the obsessive steamy sex.
4 stars for a steamy, one-and-only, family-matters romance.
March 28, 2016
3.5 stars
Thrown Down was a heartwarming second chance love story.
Both River & Vaughn were passion and likable characters who loved hard but needed to learn how to communicate with words and trust their love for each other.
I really enjoyed Thrown Down but there was a couple of things that stopped me from rating it higher.
I found the dirty talk a little too much, it took away from their hotness and these two were seriously hot together.
Also this might be a bit trivial for most readers but I wished we had more Vaughn and Marcy time. I was really looking forward to Vaughn getting to know his young daughter, and her getting to know him. The few scenes with them together melted my heart as they were some serious swoon moments ;)
Overall this was a heartfelt & emotional read with believable and relatable characters that will touch your heart with their second chance love story.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
Thrown Down was a heartwarming second chance love story.
Both River & Vaughn were passion and likable characters who loved hard but needed to learn how to communicate with words and trust their love for each other.
I really enjoyed Thrown Down but there was a couple of things that stopped me from rating it higher.
I found the dirty talk a little too much, it took away from their hotness and these two were seriously hot together.
Also this might be a bit trivial for most readers but I wished we had more Vaughn and Marcy time. I was really looking forward to Vaughn getting to know his young daughter, and her getting to know him. The few scenes with them together melted my heart as they were some serious swoon moments ;)
Overall this was a heartfelt & emotional read with believable and relatable characters that will touch your heart with their second chance love story.
Thank you Entangled Brazen via NetGalley for the advance copy.
April 4, 2016
3.5 Stars
Let me start off by saying both are celibate during separation. Essentially, this is a safe story. There are no OW or ex drama.
I had no idea it was so short though, at least it felt that way to me.
For the most part, I liked the story. There may have been a few things that I wish the author would've elaborated on such as...
I wanted to see more of the couple BEFORE the H left the h. How she fell in love with him, the good moments...not so much the sad ones...
I wanted to see more interaction between the H and his daughter. I think it'd have added a little more to the H.
While I enjoyed the story, in a way, it did left me wanting more.
Let me start off by saying both are celibate during separation. Essentially, this is a safe story. There are no OW or ex drama.
I had no idea it was so short though, at least it felt that way to me.
For the most part, I liked the story. There may have been a few things that I wish the author would've elaborated on such as...
I wanted to see more of the couple BEFORE the H left the h. How she fell in love with him, the good moments...not so much the sad ones...
I wanted to see more interaction between the H and his daughter. I think it'd have added a little more to the H.
While I enjoyed the story, in a way, it did left me wanting more.
January 29, 2018
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★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? -Yes
Rating - 4.5 stars
★Review★
I enjoyed this one more than the first one (although the first one was still good for me)
I do just love a lovers reunited story.
I really liked both River and Vaughn.
And you really felt just how much these two had loved each other, and still did, and how much their separation hurt them. And Vaughn was just so determined to get his River back, and the family he should had had for the last 4 years.
I wish we could have had more scenes of Vaughn and Marcy, but that is only a minor niggle.
Overall, it was a hugely enjoyable, emotional, hot read.
Very much enjoying my foray into Tessa Bailey after buying and not reading her for years!
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - 2nd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? -Yes
Rating - 4.5 stars
★Review★
I enjoyed this one more than the first one (although the first one was still good for me)
I do just love a lovers reunited story.
I really liked both River and Vaughn.
And you really felt just how much these two had loved each other, and still did, and how much their separation hurt them. And Vaughn was just so determined to get his River back, and the family he should had had for the last 4 years.
I wish we could have had more scenes of Vaughn and Marcy, but that is only a minor niggle.
Overall, it was a hugely enjoyable, emotional, hot read.
Very much enjoying my foray into Tessa Bailey after buying and not reading her for years!
January 22, 2023
*self-note*
Left halfway/Dnf.
Finish cause this is interesting.
I am the odd chicken in this case.
This book is amazing ...... like.....wow.
TB is surely an extremely talented author.
The scenes are well thought-out and ...... *sucks teeth*
It's just.... did anyone else feel that there was maybe TOO much inner monologue.
Actually, I am not in the habit of reading 200+ pages of slow burn/secret baby.
So, the whole time I was like GET TO THE POIIIIINT!!!!
Left halfway/Dnf.
Finish cause this is interesting.
I am the odd chicken in this case.
This book is amazing ...... like.....wow.
TB is surely an extremely talented author.
The scenes are well thought-out and ...... *sucks teeth*
It's just.... did anyone else feel that there was maybe TOO much inner monologue.
Actually, I am not in the habit of reading 200+ pages of slow burn/secret baby.
So, the whole time I was like GET TO THE POIIIIINT!!!!
August 24, 2019
***3.50 Stars***
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a bit better than book one.
Vaughn De Matteo walked away from River Purcell, the love of his life, for her own good. He never felt good enough and had no idea their last night together produced a daughter, a child he never knew about. Friends had tried to reach him to let him know but no one could find him. He was off the grid.
When Sarge Purcell takes a break from his world tour to come home and do some soul searching he has no idea the shape his sister has been in and felt deep guilt for staying away for four years when she needed him so much. He took matters into his own hands and found out there was a PO Box in Vaughn's name. He sent him a letter to inform him that his sister has spent the last three plus years working two jobs and raising a child alone. River is furious that her brother went behind her back to get in touch with Vaughn. River, herself, had never tried to contact Vaughn because on the night she conceived their daughter he told her he didn't love her anymore. She would go it alone and do the best she could for her daughter.
When Vaughn finally goes to his PO Box he finds a letter from Sarge that has been gathering dust for several months. He immediately hit the road to Hook, NJ, where the love of his life has been raising their child alone.
This book is their story, a sweet story. It feels to me like the love and relationship is secondary to the huge sexual appetites and though I am not opposed to reading this type of book, I haven't read any quite like these before and it takes a change of mind set for me.
This is a safe book. I was overjoyed that during the 49 months and 3 days of separation both remained celibate.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was a bit better than book one.
Vaughn De Matteo walked away from River Purcell, the love of his life, for her own good. He never felt good enough and had no idea their last night together produced a daughter, a child he never knew about. Friends had tried to reach him to let him know but no one could find him. He was off the grid.
When Sarge Purcell takes a break from his world tour to come home and do some soul searching he has no idea the shape his sister has been in and felt deep guilt for staying away for four years when she needed him so much. He took matters into his own hands and found out there was a PO Box in Vaughn's name. He sent him a letter to inform him that his sister has spent the last three plus years working two jobs and raising a child alone. River is furious that her brother went behind her back to get in touch with Vaughn. River, herself, had never tried to contact Vaughn because on the night she conceived their daughter he told her he didn't love her anymore. She would go it alone and do the best she could for her daughter.
When Vaughn finally goes to his PO Box he finds a letter from Sarge that has been gathering dust for several months. He immediately hit the road to Hook, NJ, where the love of his life has been raising their child alone.
This book is their story, a sweet story. It feels to me like the love and relationship is secondary to the huge sexual appetites and though I am not opposed to reading this type of book, I haven't read any quite like these before and it takes a change of mind set for me.
This is a safe book. I was overjoyed that during the 49 months and 3 days of separation both remained celibate.
July 26, 2016
Thank you to ENTANGLED and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1.5 stars
I feel bad writing this review, because it’s not favorable at all, but I’ve resolved to write a review for every book I finish, so here we go…
If you're someone who loves the second chance romance trope, I am right there with you. It's probably tied with best friend's older brother/older brother's best friend for me in terms of how much I love it. But in order for me to be invested in a second chance romance story, I need to 'buy' their relationship the first time around, and I didn't here. And I think that is in large part to how much I just didn’t care about the characters. I wanted to, and I even did manage to like parts of Vaughn. But as a whole, these were not likable people. Vaughn was a tough guy but allowed her father to run him off? Nope. Didn’t work for me. I did like that Vaughn was a tortured hero, but he spent way too much lamenting for my tastes, and by the time I got to know River, I was very sad that he didn’t think he deserved better for himself. And why do I say that? Well…spoiler alert.
Vaughn was way too wrapped up in his own guilt to even be mad at River for what she did. I would have liked some tension surrounding those events. Her decision was life altering, and then she could never even be bothered to tell him they had a child. And her reasons weren’t compelling enough to be believed. It made it really hard to like her. And now, I feel like I’m just beating a dead horse here, but this was a woman who was working two jobs to make a life for her and her child. Now, she had a rock star brother who offered to give her money to help her out, but she refused! I think I was supposed to be like ‘Oh, River. Look at how hard she works to support her daughter. Isn’t she such a good person?’ But, of course, I went the other way straight into ‘WTF? Her brother loves her and wants to help her out, giving her an opportunity to spend more time with her daughter and she refuses?’ Yeah. That didn’t endear her to me at all. I thought it was a selfish decision. Hot dirty talkin’ heroes are something I’ve come to expect from Tessa Bailey, and this aspect of the book fell short for me as well. Some of the things Vaughn said made me shudder, and not in the good way. And I get wanting to be original in descriptions, but when you mention ‘corrugated abs,’ all I can picture is the Tin Man with a six pack. And the final nail in the coffin for this one was that while Vaughn may have returned to town because he found out about his daughter, it was clear getting River into bed was priority number one for him. It wasn’t until 72% that her really became interested in learning about his daughter. So she was basically the forgotten catalyst. Overall, Thrown Down was a miss for me, but as I’ve enjoyed previous works from this author, I’m hoping this was a fluke.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
1.5 stars
I feel bad writing this review, because it’s not favorable at all, but I’ve resolved to write a review for every book I finish, so here we go…
If you're someone who loves the second chance romance trope, I am right there with you. It's probably tied with best friend's older brother/older brother's best friend for me in terms of how much I love it. But in order for me to be invested in a second chance romance story, I need to 'buy' their relationship the first time around, and I didn't here. And I think that is in large part to how much I just didn’t care about the characters. I wanted to, and I even did manage to like parts of Vaughn. But as a whole, these were not likable people. Vaughn was a tough guy but allowed her father to run him off? Nope. Didn’t work for me. I did like that Vaughn was a tortured hero, but he spent way too much lamenting for my tastes, and by the time I got to know River, I was very sad that he didn’t think he deserved better for himself. And why do I say that? Well…spoiler alert.
Vaughn was way too wrapped up in his own guilt to even be mad at River for what she did. I would have liked some tension surrounding those events. Her decision was life altering, and then she could never even be bothered to tell him they had a child. And her reasons weren’t compelling enough to be believed. It made it really hard to like her. And now, I feel like I’m just beating a dead horse here, but this was a woman who was working two jobs to make a life for her and her child. Now, she had a rock star brother who offered to give her money to help her out, but she refused! I think I was supposed to be like ‘Oh, River. Look at how hard she works to support her daughter. Isn’t she such a good person?’ But, of course, I went the other way straight into ‘WTF? Her brother loves her and wants to help her out, giving her an opportunity to spend more time with her daughter and she refuses?’ Yeah. That didn’t endear her to me at all. I thought it was a selfish decision. Hot dirty talkin’ heroes are something I’ve come to expect from Tessa Bailey, and this aspect of the book fell short for me as well. Some of the things Vaughn said made me shudder, and not in the good way. And I get wanting to be original in descriptions, but when you mention ‘corrugated abs,’ all I can picture is the Tin Man with a six pack. And the final nail in the coffin for this one was that while Vaughn may have returned to town because he found out about his daughter, it was clear getting River into bed was priority number one for him. It wasn’t until 72% that her really became interested in learning about his daughter. So she was basically the forgotten catalyst. Overall, Thrown Down was a miss for me, but as I’ve enjoyed previous works from this author, I’m hoping this was a fluke.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
March 31, 2016
Second chance romances are a favorite of mine and nothing is as satisfying for me to read as a couple who screwed things up the first time, but work through their issues and make it right in the end. Vaughn and River were highschool sweethearts. She was the viriginal smarty pants and he was the delinquent, a standard trope. The story takes off when Vaughn returns, having just found out when he left River four years ago (for her own good, natch), that he left her with more than just a broken heart. Yep, you guessed it, there was a baby made and River never made it to college, working two jobs and taking care of herself and their baby, and she refused to tell him about Marcy (again, no surprise). Along the way, Vaughn has to make right what he broke apart and romance happens.
I enjoyed the realistic touches to Vaughn and River’s daily lives and that neither of them are silver spoon kids. They are struggling to make ends meet day to day and there are no quick and easy solutions to their issues. It grounded their romance and gave it a bit of depth that I enjoyed. The time spent dealing with Vaughn’s demons, and River’s understandable hesitation in trusting him were solid obstacles to overcome and the HEA was believable and sweet.
As for the sex, it is as smutty fun as you’d expect a Tessa Bailey romance to be, though at times I found it to be a bit over the top and a little distracting. I usually enjoy Ms. Bailey’s dirty talkers, but this might have been a bit more than I was in the mood for - especially when he’d refer to her constantly as doll or he’d even refer to himself as buck. The phrasing was more awkward than sexy and I never thought I’d say this, but there may have been too much smut, and not enough time spent with their emotional connection. I know, I think I’ll go lay down now and see if this passes.
I enjoyed Vaughn and River’s romance, even if the smut overpowered the love story at times. I will admit I’m intrigued with Sarge and I’d like to see what comes of his story next.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
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April 5, 2016
I'm a sucker for a second chance story! Toss in a child and I'm all over that. The H, Vaughn, had some major insecurities. He struggled with his worth in regards to being with the h. At first it was getting to be a little much for me. He deserted her because he thought she deserved better, not giving her any choice in the matter. Once he got back to town and was with her again, it was so sweet. She put up a lot of resistance and frankly I would have too. She couldn't deny her feelings for him. This book was safe from cheating and ow/om drama. in fact, the H and h had not been with anyone else since they met. Vaughn was a steamy dirty talker! I hope we get more from this couple in the next story due out in July.
October 30, 2017
Tessa Bailey continues to set my Kindle up in flames with her hot as hell stories. The second installment in the Made in Jersey series was an intense second-chance romance. River Purcell is raising her three-year old daughter by herself. She works two jobs. Dedicates every waking moment to her child. And she claims to be doing fine. Vaughn De Matteo returns to Hook upon hearing he has a daughter, and that River is a single mother. He comes home and River's life is turned upside down. The passion and love she has for him hasn't dwindled, and she hasn't forgotten what he did to her. As usual, Tessa Bailey made this intense. Whenever I read one of her books I have this sense of urgency. It's the build-up beautifully crafted, with the best dirty talk ever! No. Seriously. Tessa Bailey is the Queen of Dirty Talk. River and Vaughn have to work out issues not only from the past, but also from the present, in order to ensure they have some kind of future. I just enjoyed all elements of the story and as always look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I’ve said it a million times already, but Tessa Bailey truly never disappoints. She’s one of my favorite authors, so to say I was excited for Thrown Down is an understatement. A second chance romance, written by her? Pure heaven for me. This book is the second in the Made in Jersey series, but can be read completely as a standalone. I adored River and Vaughn and their heartwarming second chance at love. These two, plus their sweet daughter, were perfect together! If you love second chance romances with lots of sweetness and tons of dirty talk *grins*, Thrown Down is a must read!
“I don’t need a hero. I’m my own her now… and I’m trying to be one for Marcy.”
River Purcell has been working her butt off the past few years as a single mom to provide for her and her daughter. She’s tough and hard-working, a heroine I admired. The love of her life, her high school sweetheart, and Marcy’s father, left River without knowing that he got her pregnant. Vaughn dropped off the face of the earth after that, so River had no clue how to get in contact with him. Now, four years later, Vaughn is back – and ready to be the man and father River and Marcy deserve.
Maybe he’d never earn back that pure, perfect trust. But even a sliver of that former belief she’d had in him? Fuck, it would make life worth living. To have that trust from his child, too, would be the stuff of dreams. Dreams he’d never been aware of having. Until now. And after so much time devoid of feeling, that hope was addictive.
Vaughn tore his heart out when he broke things off with River for her own good. He never really believed he was good enough for her – he was the bad boy to her good girl back in high school – but now, he’s desperate to make things right. I was a bit worried about how I’d feel about Vaughn leaving River without looking back, but getting to know him in Thrown Down puts him in a much better perspective. Plus, the fact that he was faithful and loyal to the love of his life every day they were separated certainly helped make me fall in love with him. He’s a tortured, angsty character with a filthy mouth – another Tessa Bailey possessive alpha-male winner!
“So I’m telling you now, I’m not leaving. Give me a chance to meet her, then watch me show up every day afterward, even if you turn me away. I’ll show up and take my beating like a man, day in and day out. But you better get used to me, doll. I’m not budging.”
This book is the perfect balance between raw, angsty emotion and heartwarming goodness. I loved that River made Vaughn work hard to win back her love, and I adored the way he was with his daughter. I really wish there were more scenes with Vaughn and Marcy together – and that it was a longer book overall! I really wasn’t ready to let go of River, Vaughn, and Marcy.
If you love Tessa Bailey, you’ll no doubt enjoy Thrown Down. It has what you’d expect from this wonderful author – fantastic characters to root for, an emotional romance that tugs at your heart, and plenty of dirty talk from our filthy, obsessed hero. Right now, I’m dying for the next book in the Made in Jersey series – I don’t really care who it’s about (I hope it’s Duke) but since it’s Tessa, it’s up high on my wishlist!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1U7HwfB
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/227yrSK
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April 2, 2016
This is the second story in the Made in Jersey series, and is a second chance romance between River and her ex-high school boyfriend Vaughn. For an assortment of reasons, and believing River would have a better future without him in the picture, Vaughn joins the military, unknowingly leaving a pregnant River behind. Fast forward a few years, and he's just found out about his daughter, returning home to try to mend fences with the woman he never forgot.
There were several aspects about this story that I liked, and some I didn't care for as much. I liked River's character a lot. A single hardworking mom, she's learned to take care of her daughter and herself all on her own. She's happy with the life she's made, and when Vaughn shows up again, she's not willing to jump into his arms and let bygones be bygones. He's going to have to prove himself to her, and right up to the end of the story she constantly makes him work for her trust and forgiveness. I liked her badass attitude and her strength. Vaughn did what he thought was best before, but he knows he made mistakes. He's trying to fix them, and he wants to be a father to the daughter he didn't know he had. He's determined to show River that he's going to stick around, and looks for work back in his home town again. He feels bad for not being there for River during the pregnancy and birth, and early years of their daughter's growth. Truly I didn't feel like it was his fault for not being there (despite his own guilt complex) and he makes good strives at repairing their relationship. He also suffers with some issues from PTSD, that definitely have affected his decisions between leaving the military and now. He's sorting through that while trying to gain River's trust again.
So what didn't I like? Well, this is one of those stories where there is an external influence (in the form of River's father) who is causing them both grief. A little communication and honesty up front would have made things completely different for them. Even in the second half of the story, I felt frustrated that Vaughn didn't come completely clean with River about his true reasons for breaking up with her in the first place.
Most of all, I just got tired of the sex. Now, Tessa has always been my go-to author for dirty talking, her Line of Duty series being among my favourites. But somehow in this story, the sex just took up way too much storytime, and overshadowed the rest of the plot for me. Truthfully, I just don't believe that every time a couple gets together for sex, that there is this level of over the top dirty talking, no matter how much the couple in question go for that kind of interaction. Some of the language used even in describing the reactions of their body parts gave me raised eyebrows. This might be the first time where I was actually skimming sex scenes, just to get to more of the story. I wanted to see them connecting more on a friend level, and less on the bedroom level.
Overall, I'd rate this as a 3.5. I liked seeing River and Vaughn get their happy ending, and I was happy with how it ended (and intrigued about certain other characters brought into the story). It's certainly not going to stop me from reading more of this seriesin the future, and I just hope to see more balance between the character growth and relationship dynamics versus the lust-filled scenes.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
There were several aspects about this story that I liked, and some I didn't care for as much. I liked River's character a lot. A single hardworking mom, she's learned to take care of her daughter and herself all on her own. She's happy with the life she's made, and when Vaughn shows up again, she's not willing to jump into his arms and let bygones be bygones. He's going to have to prove himself to her, and right up to the end of the story she constantly makes him work for her trust and forgiveness. I liked her badass attitude and her strength. Vaughn did what he thought was best before, but he knows he made mistakes. He's trying to fix them, and he wants to be a father to the daughter he didn't know he had. He's determined to show River that he's going to stick around, and looks for work back in his home town again. He feels bad for not being there for River during the pregnancy and birth, and early years of their daughter's growth. Truly I didn't feel like it was his fault for not being there (despite his own guilt complex) and he makes good strives at repairing their relationship. He also suffers with some issues from PTSD, that definitely have affected his decisions between leaving the military and now. He's sorting through that while trying to gain River's trust again.
So what didn't I like? Well, this is one of those stories where there is an external influence (in the form of River's father) who is causing them both grief. A little communication and honesty up front would have made things completely different for them. Even in the second half of the story, I felt frustrated that Vaughn didn't come completely clean with River about his true reasons for breaking up with her in the first place.
Most of all, I just got tired of the sex. Now, Tessa has always been my go-to author for dirty talking, her Line of Duty series being among my favourites. But somehow in this story, the sex just took up way too much storytime, and overshadowed the rest of the plot for me. Truthfully, I just don't believe that every time a couple gets together for sex, that there is this level of over the top dirty talking, no matter how much the couple in question go for that kind of interaction. Some of the language used even in describing the reactions of their body parts gave me raised eyebrows. This might be the first time where I was actually skimming sex scenes, just to get to more of the story. I wanted to see them connecting more on a friend level, and less on the bedroom level.
Overall, I'd rate this as a 3.5. I liked seeing River and Vaughn get their happy ending, and I was happy with how it ended (and intrigued about certain other characters brought into the story). It's certainly not going to stop me from reading more of this seriesin the future, and I just hope to see more balance between the character growth and relationship dynamics versus the lust-filled scenes.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
April 17, 2016
3.5/5
I liked this one a lot better than the first book! In the first one, I had some issues with the lack of balance between the emotional and physical connection between the couple. Here, I thought the balance was done really well. I'll admit that some of the dirty talk in Tessa Bailey's books are becoming seriously "unsexy" and even plain strange, but I was able to skim those scenes. One thing I definitely wanted more of though was seeing Vaughn connect deeper with his daughter.
Overall though, this was very enjoyable!
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FULL REVIEW
Tessa Bailey is the first author I think of when I'm in the mood for a quick, steamy and romantic read. I had some issues with the first book in this brand new series, Made in Jersey. But I was excited to read Thrown Down because it has one of my favorite tropes of all-time, second chance romance. Thrown Down, overall, was a stronger book than Crashed Out.
I was initially a little bit iffy about the premise of the book. River and Vaughn had an intense relationship when she was in high school, but circumstances lead to them breaking up with River pregnant and Vaughn leaving town. Years later, Vaughn finds out that he has a daughter with River and is willing to do anything in order to get back with the love of his life so he can finally be with his family. Vaughn and River, at first glance, were complete opposites when it came to personality. She was the good girl, who was expected to go far in life while he was the bad boy that her parents warned her to stay away from. There were times when I was a bit frustrated with Vaughn because he acted too alpha, and would force River to make decisions that she didn't want to make like going to her workplace and making a scene because he didn't want her working there. Those kinds of scenes made me want to slap him, but I was glad that River also refused to budge from her stand.
Despite their differences in personality, their romance from the very start was passionate and full of love. The chemistry between them was palpable and very intense and I found myself rooting for the two of them. River made Vaughn want to be a better person and he made her want to go after what she desired. Together as a couple they were great. River was definitely a little wary to let him back into their lives, but she also couldn't ignore the passion they shared. One of my main issues with Crashed Out was that I felt like there was no balance between the emotional scenes and the physical scenes. It was one sexy times scene after the other and it got old very fast. Here, I thought Tessa Bailey did a great job with balancing out the emotional side and the steamy scenes. I liked the steamy scenes overall, but I will admit that Tessa Bailey's dirty talk is becoming over the top, unsexy and plain strange at times. I personally think she needs to tone it down a bit and maybe go back to her roots with the dirty talk. Another small issue I had with Thrown Down was that we barely even got to see Vaughn interacting with his daughter. If he was so bent on becoming a member of the family, he needed to work on also getting close to the kid and I didn't think we saw that at all throughout this book because he was so focused on seducing River.
Even though I had some complaints when it comes to this book, I enjoyed reading it overall. None of Tessa Bailey's newer books have lived up to her original series for me, but that doesn't mean I don't find them to be entertaining especially when I'm in the mood for a short book with some great sexy times. If you're a fan of the author and this series, you will most definitely enjoy Thrown Down.
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