Release Day Blitz: Jake Understood by Penelope Ward

From the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length standalone companion novel and sequel.

A different side to the story: Jake’s side.

“We’re getting a new roommate,” they said.

I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis.

Nina...

It was a mismatch made in heaven: innocent girl from the boonies moves in with tattooed, pierced, badboy engineer.

I came up with a bet, a plan to tutor her in math and coach her through her phobias. What I wasn’t betting on was becoming addicted to her.

But I was living a double life on weekends, and once she found out about it, she’d be gone.

I had to protect myself and that meant one thing: I couldn’t fall in love.

In Jake Understood, pivotal scenes from Jake Undone are retold from Jake’s point of view combined with all-new material from both the past and present time where Jake Undone left off. It can stand alone but if both books are read, should follow Jake Undone. Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+. 


4.5 Star Review by Lisa Kane

"Sometimes, you need to step away to realize you can't really walk away from something that's a part of you."

I love books that revisit an earlier work, but in a different POV. Jake Undone was essentially Nina's telling of her journey with Jake, and Jake Understood is Jake's turn to let us see his thoughts and reactions.

Sometimes a retelling of events can become redundant, especially when the same dialogue from one story to the other is used, but Jake is so unique of a character that the story is fresh for readers. He is so snarky and clever and vulnerable that these glimpses are like looking into a window and seeing things for the first time.

The story begins with Jake agitated as he and Nina have just argued and she left to have some time to clear her mind. She asked him not to call her or text her. But Nina didn't know that Jake had planned a party for her, and their friends and family are on their way to their house. So when Skylar and Mitch arrive (I just may have let out a little eek of delight at the sighting of one of my favorite book couples!) it gave Jake the opportunity to explain why Nina is missing and segues into Jake's telling of their history. Very clever, Ms. Ward.

When you read a scene from a different character's prospective, it's like taking a painting and changing the frame. The whole thing has a fresh, unique appearance. Jake's origami bats with his little notes all have a  pattern; what he almost wrote, what he wishes he wrote and what he actually wrote.

What I almost wrote:
You're lucky you're cute, 
When you sleep and toot.
And lucky I don't mind,
The silent but deadly kind.

What I wished I could have written:
To your rain,you said I was fire.
If only I could show you my desire.
Then, you'd clearly see, 
What it is you do to me.

What I actually wrote: 
Rest assured, you neither fart nor talk in your sleep. 
But should you decide to start tonight,
Mr. Bat won't utter a peep. 

Reading about his thoughts and fears and frustrations made me take another look at their story. I only knew Nina's thoughts and wondered at some of Jake's intentions and why he took so long to share his secret. Now I know why and my heart aches for this man who is torn with his loyalties and what's to do the best for everyone involved.

But this is not just about Jake and Nina's past, we move beyond that point and the new events in this story at times, grabbed me by the throat and made my eyes wet. Not to mention that I got to read about Skylar and Mitch and Cedric and Allison. (Jake's brother-in-law and sister from Gemini) I love when characters evolve and grow and their families expand. Familiar faces are bonuses for readers, we loved their original stories and getting to continue to read about their lives satisfies our curiosities.

I hope this isn't the last we've seen of these three couples. Surely there are more stories to tell-ones that will give us the stomach drops and make us laugh and maybe even break our hearts a little.

"We have to trust that even when our time here is over, the powers that led us to each other will bring us together again. In the meantime, don't waste another second worrying about what could have happened that day. Okay?"
"This moment...that's all there ever is."


Buy Links
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