BOOK REVIEW ~ JAKE UNDONE BY PENELOPE WARD

Title: Jake Undone
Author: Penelope Ward
Release Date: October 21, 2013

Reviewer purchased copy of eBook for review

Book Blurb

Nina Kennedy was alive…but not living…until she met him.

Planes, trains, heights…you name it, Nina was afraid of it and led a sheltered life ruled by irrational fears and phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn for nursing school, that life is turned upside down, as she develops an intense but unwanted attraction to her gorgeous roommate, who’s pierced, tattooed and just happens to be the smartest person she’s ever met.

Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her in the process.

What Nina doesn’t realize, is that Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it?

Book Review 

I wasn't quite sure if I would like this book at the beginning, but I will say that I was intrigued. I continued to read it and wanted to see just where Penelope Ward was taking me. 

Nina Kennedy has just moved to the big city of New York, where she will be living with Ryan, and two other roommates. Ryan was her brother's best friend, and he offered her a place to stay after her acceptance to a local college. 

At first glance, the story starts out as a cliche of girl meeting dark, mysterious roommate who puts off a bad boy vibe.  But as the story progresses, Ward reveals the many layers that make up Jake Green. He is more than the tatts and piercings he wears -- and the man he is, I found very appealing. He was funny, charming, and smart as hell. 

When Nina meets her sexy roommate, she is attracted to the outer shell. But as the two spend more time together, she sees how sweet and loyal Jake really is. He pushes Nina to be better, to face her fears, and Nina falls hard.

But despite all the sexual tension between Nina and Jake, Jake doesn't want to start a relationship with her. And the time he spends away from New York every weekend is shrouded with secrets. What is Jake hiding from her? And why does he continue to fight the desires that ignite whenever they touch?

While there were a few parts that I didn't really care for with this story, Jake's character development and the sizzling chemistry between Nina and Jake more than make up for a few "meh, I'm not feeling it" moments. 

Here are some quotes from Jake Undone that capture why I fell in love with this sexy, tatted, hero:

"Sometimes if you are willing to withstand a little pain in life, Nina, you might discover a pleasure you never would have otherwise known existed."

"I wouldn't tell you to leave if I only wanted to kiss  you, Nina. I am telling you to leave because I want to taste you and make you come until you scream in every possible way imaginable."

"But the man upstairs had a different plan because he knew you were going to need me someday. I am glad he chose me to look out for you. I just wish I could make you feel better, make you healthy again. Most of all, I wish I could fight all of your demons for you. I would fucking slaughter them all if I could."

  For me, Jake Undone, was beautifully told and Jake was a very enjoyable character to watch as he struggled with his guilt and fought his own demons.