Review & Giveaway: The Will by Kristen Ashley

The Will (Magdalene #1) by Kristen Ashley

Publication Date: April 8th 2014

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

About the book:

Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.

While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.

But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.

Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.

My Thoughts:

Whenever I pick up a Kristen Ashley story I know I’m going to have a good time and fall completely in love with all the characters by the end.  The Will was no exception, Jake and Josie’s romance warmed me all over.

After years spent globetrotting for her glamorous job, Josie is back home in the small town of Magdalene to attend the funeral of her much beloved grandmother, Lydie.  Lydie rescued her from her abusive father and absentee mother and since then they shared a close and loving relationship, so it’s a complete blow when she dies. Josie inherits all of her grandmother’s belongings which include the stately home Lavender House.  However, Josie isn’t the only beneficiary at the reading of the will.  Jake Spear is present and Josie gets the shock of her life when she finds out what her grandmother left him.

Josie is surprised and has no idea what her grandmother was thinking, but she sticks around to settle the estate and soon finds herself entertaining the idea of staying in Magdalene in more of a permanent way. Jake and Josie don’t get off on the best foot, but Josie’s manners and curiosity at her grandmother’s intentions have her opening up to Jake and his kids. They so obviously carved out a spot in Lydie’s heart, but Josie can’t fathom why her grandmother never mentioned them. 

Josie was a little different from KA’s usual heroines. At the beginning I thought she was a little uppity and maybe a bit too prim and proper, but as the story went on I realized this lady had class and heart.  I loved that even though Josie may have been a little judgmental to begin with she quickly corrected her thinking and gave Jake and his family a chance.

I must admit, I was a little skeptical of Jake after discovering he was married three times, and in addition to a gym, he owned a strip club. But I fell HARD and fast for Jake Spear and I dare any reader not to do the same! The tender love and care he showered on his family and on Josie chased away any skepticism and made me wish for my very own Jake Spear! *sigh*

The deep emotional connection and slow burning romance between Jake and Josie was a thrill, but the connection between Josie and the kids was so completely amazing as well!  It was moving to see the changes they brought out in each other, and you could see why Josie’s grandmother was so eager to push them together.

“She wanted me for you.”

Of course, the beautiful epilogue brought tears to my eyes and left me on a Kristen Ashley high! After reading my highlighted quotes and writing this review, I just want to read This Will all over again! A total must for any Kristen Ashley fan! 

5 Suns

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