REVIEW: A Measure of Love by Sophie Jackson

In A Measure of Love (A Pound of Flesh #3) by Sophie Jackson, Riley Moore knew when he was just eight years old that his life would never be the same after meeting Lexie Pierce. And over the years they were inseparable as they first became best friends and then fell in love as teenagers. But fate was cruel, forcing Riley and Lexie apart just as they were about to embark on their journey to college. Although they still loved one another, the miles and obstacles that separated them became too much for them to overcome.

‘It was nothing but the honest-to-God truth when he said he was unable to turn off the part that cared for Lexie, that wanted her and, in many respects, still loved her. All he could do was take his time, be honest, and pray that she wouldn’t break his heart all over again.’

Now in their late twenties, Riley is getting back on his feet in New York City after a stupid decision put him behind bars for over a year, and Lexie has her own jewelry business in Michigan. But a chance meeting when Riley comes home to see his ailing father proves that Lexie needs to come clean about the things she’s kept from him for so long. They also realize that their feelings have never truly gone away. The trust has been shattered between them leaving them both battered and not knowing if they can carry forward like they once did. But maybe their time spent apart will allow them to forge a new and perhaps better relationship.

‘Her heart stammered, seemingly knowing that its other half was so close, but so far away. He was the missing piece to her, her soul mate, her best friend. Living without him was simply not an option.’

Sophie Jackson’s A Pound of Flesh series is an absolute powerhouse. With each new book and each character we get to know more about, I fall more in love with the cast and with Jackson’s writing.

“I love you,” she said, her words quiet but fervent. “God, I love you so much.”
Riley’s breath stuttered from his lungs and his eyes quickly became very hot. He placed his forearms at the sides of her head, framing her, protecting what was so precious to him. “I love you, too,” he whispered, nuzzling her temple. “All the world, Lex. Always.”

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, I’ll admit. And Riley and Lexie’s story, which spans two decades, was nothing short of epic. I fell in love with both characters right away thanks to the heartfelt manner in which their tale was told. Watching the two of them meet as adorable eight year olds and seeing how their relationship morphed from being best friends to being completely in love was incredible. The flashback scenes, done as dreams Riley and Lexie had, were super sweet, extremely well done and told the story of what ultimately drove the couple apart.

Riley might just be one of the best book boyfriends yet. I can honestly say that I adored him. He was easygoing, loyal, charismatic and just an all-around great guy. I loved the bantering between him and his friends, especially the scene after he, Max, Carter and Tate played paintball. It really showcased their friendship and the great camaraderie between the guys. Riley’s family was also a loving, close bunch of people. His brothers Tate, Dex and Seb were comical together and all about protecting their family. I could easily see them getting their own stories. (Ahem, hint hint, Ms. Jackson…)

But what I loved most about Riley, his loyalty and selflessness, was sort of his downfall when it came to Lexie. He might have been an alpha guy in some ways, but he always followed where Lexie led him. Even when Riley agreed to give her space when she pushed him away, time and again. And that’s when I started having problems with Lexie. Don’t get me wrong, she was really smart, strong, and geeky-in-a-cool-way which I loved. But she made it difficult for me to accept the choices she made sometimes. Lexie ended up a bit humbled by the time Riley came back into her life so while I can say they had a sweet HEA, it was definitely bumpy while he had to learn to trust her again.

A story of redemption, family, passionate love and second chances, A Measure of Love tugged at my heart and my emotions. I think watching childhood sweethearts Riley and Lexie work out their differences and find happiness together will win over any romance fan.
 

Book Info:

Publication: Published June 21st 2016 | Gallery Books | A Pound of Flesh #3

From award-winning fanfic phenomenon Sophie Jackson, the third novel in the sexy and emotionally intense blockbuster A Pound of Flesh series.

Life in New York for ex-con Riley Moore is pretty damn good, until a call from his mother shatters the calm: his father has suffered his second heart attack in two years and is in a critical condition. Leaving everything behind, Riley flies home to Michigan for the first time in five years to support his mother and do his best to make amends with his father. He also tries not to think about Lexie Pierce, the only girl he ever truly cared about, and who broke his heart.

When they inevitably meet, memories of their love make Riley yearn to reconnect, despite the pain they both suffered. Though she’s wary, and has a secret she’s hidden from him for five years, Lexie has little willpower when it comes to Riley and she agrees. Besides, after all that has gone before, she owes it to both of them to find out if they can love each other again.

Can they both overcome their sorrow and secrets and finally share their life together?

A powerful new voice in modern romance, Sophie Jackson has crafted a passionate love story with unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.