A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I never thought that crime would have love in them but Kyle should a difference. Would his action change Kyle or would Kyle change him?
Kyle had life all figured out to protect others and stop crime but she could not protect her heart from a crush she had 10 years ago.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
5 stars
Romance, suspense an many plot twists. This book is very attention grabbing. I finished it in one sitting. The characters are interesting and intriguing. if you are looking for a quick read over the weekend this is your book. I can’t wait to read more from Becky Flade.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow-burn romance
This book was a great find. The story has a depth in characterisation that allows the reader to connect easily and to get a better understanding of the decisions that were being made. There was a realistic balance between the drama, angst, suspense and romance that made for a very strong storyline. There are time jumps within the book but I felt they were handled very well. I love dual POV but this author weaves this in an interesting way that was clever and not too distracting from the overall flow. If you are a romantic suspense fan this is one not to be missed.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh I just adored this book. Kylee Parker is a Philly police officer. She is strictly by the book and all about following the rules. Jayson Donovan on the other hand is on the other side of the law. The chemistry between these two flies off the pages. How can two people with totally different backgrounds find a common ground? Will the flames ignite them or destroy them?
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained
By: Becky Flade
5*
This book is such a good, quick read that I found myself relating to in so many aspects. The characters were so believable and relatable. It’s a story about how people’s experiences and perspectives influence our path’s in life. It also is about when the past comes crashing into the present. Finally, it shows how the things we always thought, might not always be true.
Ky works for the police. She has a loving family and has all the support in the world. However, her past comes crashing in around her when she makes an arrest. The man that she is arresting is Jayson. Jayson is a local drug dealer who is part of a large drug ring. However, he is also her childhood crush. The boy who broke her heart.
Jayson has always fantasized about being with Ky, from the time he was really young. He had an awful home experience and Ky’s family truly influenced him in a major way. He didn’t mean to break Ky’s heart. In his eyes, she broke his heart.
When they reconnect the sparks are instant. They both remember what they used to have. Jayson really wants to try having a relationship with Ky. But will their jobs hurt their chance of being able to have the relationship they desire. Are they willing to risk everything to be together?
This is truly the epitome of a good girl / bad boy romance. And man did I love it. I truly recommend that anyone considering reading this book do it!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I can say is WOW! When I started reading this book I thought it was a romance novel but as I made it further into the book I could tell it was much more! This book started as romantic suspense to a new high with fast-paced, action-packed twists and turns. The book follows two main characters, Kylee and Jayson. They come from two very different ways of life. Jayson is from an abusive alcoholic low income family. At the same time, Kylee comes from a large supportive family.
Kylee and Jayson finally stop fighting the physical and emotional attraction they have had all these years for one another things start to become more complicated. When Kylee gets jumped because of her job as a police officer and Jayson is about to blow his cover as a DEA agent he must leave Kylee alone in the hospital recovering from a horrific attack that left her almost dead.
I love that the author jumped to the future in the story to continue the story at a turning point! I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
Reviewed by @alape
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
A Love Restrained (Philly Heat Series #1) by Becky Flade
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This book is amazing and I will be looking forward to the next book. A Love Restrained is the first book in the Philly Heat Series.
Kylee is a cop and when she sees a drug deal go down she chases the dealer. Then she realizes that she knows him. The one who broke her heart in high school. Now she’s got to figure out if she can handle what he does. The quote I chose for Kylee is: “No. I don’t. I felt small when you shut me out of your life today. It hurt me to think you were ashamed of me, of us. What we have, and I don’t know what it is or where it’s going, but it felt less. I felt less. I’ve been doing the same thing to you. I know that now. I’m sorry for it.”
Jayson comes from a bad childhood. When he runs into Kylee Parker. Officer Parker. He wants her, but doesn’t know if he should get involved with her. She’s a cop. He’s not a good guy. The quote I chose for Jayson is: “No! I’m ashamed of them. I spent yesterday with your family, and they’re perfect. So what do I do for a f***ing encore? I bring you here to see mine? To this— freak show? I don’t want their ugliness anywhere near you. Near us. I don’t want you to see what I come from.”
Highly recommended for Romantic Suspense lovers.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained was written from a unique perspective that took a lot of getting used to. There were times where I found myself questioning who was speaking and keeping characters completely straight. That being said, that is literally my only criticism about this novel. I felt like the main characters were really likable, especially Kylee. The plot moved along quickly with some really great twists. I would recommend this book if you like your novels to have twists with a bit of spice and suspense. I look forward to reading more from Becky Flade!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I started reading this book I had a deja vu moment, thinking I had read the book before. What caused this was the main characters names – Jayson Donovan and Kylee Parker. I remember thinking of the Neighbours connection. When I looked I then realised that I have read the next book in this series, this book being the first.
Kylee and Jayson were secondary characters in the previous book that I read but in this one they are the main characters and I really loved reading their story.
This is a story filled with so much angst, something that I love in a book, even though it can be very exasperating and you want to bang their heads together.
One thing this book has that I loved is a major plot twist that’s thrown at you. I was gobsmacked when the author threw this curveball at me.
I adored both Kylee and Jayson as characters. Kylee is the straight and narrow cop who wants to put away the bad guys. The book opens with her catching Jayson, her crush from high school, dealing drugs. Not exactly what she’s looking for in a long term partner but she can’t help the pull that he still has on her.
I definitely recommend this book.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the first book in the Philly Heat Series, but can be read as a stand alone. The book is about Kylee and Jayson and their journey together. It begins when they are in high school and picks up in present day. Kylee always had a crush on Jayson, but she thought he blew their bet off in high school. Years later she finds out the real truth on what really happened and why he never showed up. When things start going well between them now, Jayson leaves out of the blue, only to return years later to try to rekindle the relationship and explain why he left. When things start coming together again, they face another crises, this one together.
I could not put this book down. It had romance, suspense and somewhat of a thriller all in one. It was a great read!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fantastic. I was hooked by the middle of the 2nd page. When Kylee handcuffed Jayson, I thought to myself, “Oh, this just got interesting.” It made me smile, it made me laugh, I might have even misted a little bit. Loved these characters.
Kylee has a distinct view of the world. Everything is either right or wrong. Justice must be served. Kylee proves this everyday as a police officer. Everything in her world worked great until she ran into the love of her life, the one that got away in high school. Then things exploded.
Jayson is a criminal. He should have nothing to do with Kylee. She has always been too good for him, better than him. His abusive alcoholic father and disappearing mother taught him that. Now as the go to fixer for the local drug lord, Jayson puts Kylee at risk just by association. When things get too real for everyone to handle, Jayson has to make a huge sacrifice.
Daaaaaaaaang….I was not prepared for what happened next. I can’t tell you what happened. You just have to read to find out but I will tell you that it will rock your world. All the twists. All the turns. This just proves that if two people are meant to be, they will find a way. Excellent!! Couldn’t put it down!!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Police officer Kylee Parker and drug dealer Jayson Donovan meet each other in an alley. Busted!
Then you find out they know each other from high school – crushing on each other then.
Their growing up years took them both into different adult paths. Kylee grew up in a traditional family with lots of support and love. Jayson was in the opposite situation… abuse and struggle.
After their encounter in the alley, they realize their feelings for each other still exist. But as you can see, their jobs and differing morals may cause some issue with pursuing the relationship.
This story is told from different points of view and goes back in forth in time – past to present. The characters are well developed and the story line is good. I gave it a three only because romance isn’t my go to genre. But don’t let that stop you from reading it – you will enjoy this book!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While Kylee and her are on the job they come across a drug deal and Kylee goes after the “perp” only to discover it’s her bad boy high school crush 😉
Kylee and JD came from different worlds while Kylee grew up in a living and kind home JD grew up in an abusive and alcoholic home but her folks reached out to him and shows him a kindness he’ll never forget ….
Jayson gets off on his charges and is ready to pick up where he left off and I’ve got to give it hom the man is persistent, it does pay off though 🥰 and that’s how it all begins ….
There was so much to love about this book like how her parents are so kind and compassionate towards JD as a child and as a man , how our big bad drug dealer cares for his mum , how he woos her with pit plants ….
There was so much to cry about … the abuse they had to endure and then Amelia takes over where her father left off …
Jayson (JD) is not all he seems and don’t be angry with some of his decisions, his heart is in the right place ❣️
He returns a few years later and discovers a little piece of him had stayed behind when he left and my heart aches for him and his little family for all the time they’ve missed out on but they’re getting their second chance at love and life ❣️
There were so many boxes ticked , I laughed ,I cried , I cheered and there were some nail biting and tense moments be prepared for a few unexpected twists and turns as well .
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars!!
Kylee and Jayson come from two very different ways of life. Kylee comes from a large supportive family and Jayson comes from a life of abuse and abandonment. Kylee had a huge crush on Jayson when they were in high school but he totally broke her heart when he stood her up. The next time she sees him, Kylee’s taking him down during a drug bust.
Can their differences bring them together or are they just an explosive bomb waiting to detonate?
This book was very enjoyable! There were a few times that the writing seemed just a bit wonky but the overall story made up for it in every way. There were several unexpected twists and turns, which I always enjoy when reading a book! I found myself rooting for all the right things towards the end and I was not disappointed in this book!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained is a romantic suspense surrounding the lives of Kylee, a Philadelphia police officer, and Jayson, a man on the wrong side of the law and the boy she had a childhood crush on. Although the two are on opposing sides, the attraction and need for each other overtakes them and love begins to bloom. Both battling their own demons, we are taken along their journey as secrets unfold and challenges are met.
This author is fabulous at weaving a suspenseful tale and keeping us engaged with twists and turns. I loved how I was debating the outcome even towards the end of the story. The characters were well written and had great development. The author does jump between third and first POV so it began slow for me, but by part two I was immersed and couldn’t put it down.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A true opposites attract love story, filled with broken hearts, twisted fates, betrayal, true love, and second chances.
Kylee was always the good kid, smart and studious, who came from a loving family.
Jayson wasn’t so lucky, coming from a broken home full of emptiness, pain, and betrayal.
But even as teens they are attracted to each other more than anyone else.
Now, Kylee is a cop. And Jayson is a dealer. Two people from completely different lives find companionship and love for each other. This book is their story.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read.
Kylee comes across a very familiar face while on patrol. She is determined to have him charged to prove a point but it backfires on her. This is a man that she had crushed on in school and he had left her hurt and embarrassed.
Jayson had made some bad choices in high school, and he also had feelings for Kylee. Now that he has seen her again he pursues Kylee relentlessly, will she give in to him again or keep him at arms length? Can Kylee get past the choices that Jayson has made in his life?
Overall this was a great read, I really liked both characters we get dual POV which I love. Although Jayson did anger me a little here and there. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today. .
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The point of view switches back and forth and I didn’t love that, so I’m giving a 4 instead of a 5.
The story though was great! Two very different characters in two different worlds come together! From the beginning it’s pretty easy to root for the two of them but as the story carries on, you root for them even more!
This book was face paced, with a few twists, filled with drama, but ultimately leads to a happy ending!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained is a contemporary, suspense romance about two people who had a short highschool history together, but find each other again years later. Kylee Parker is a Philadelphia police officer who loves her job. While observing the streets, she sees a drug deal go down and chases down the dealer. While she is trying to arrest him, she recognizes that voice, Jayson Donovan, the boy who broke her heart in highschool. Jayson is quite excited to be getting arrested by her, because what she doesn’t know is that he had always had a thing for her and the fact that her heart was broken was a lot of misunderstandings. Jayson was abused and had a rough home life, but he did have a savior! After being arrested by Kylee, Donovan sees this as his chance to make amends and go after what he has always wanted, so he sends her different plants and flowers, with a note asking her to dinner. Kylee is cautious but can’t seem to eventually keep saying no. That original yes turns into the two of them dating and falling for each other. However, Donovan’s past is sad, complicated, and his present seems to go against all of her morals. Can all of his past and the secrets of his present continue in their relationship or will it eventually ruin this beautiful love story?
I really enjoyed this story. As a person who works in the field of psychology, it was great to see just how much love, even from strangers, can change the course of someone’s life within this story. I thought the flow of the story made you feel like you were walking through their life. While on this “walk”, you could feel all the things they were going through, the ups, the downs, the love, the secrets, etc. However, at no point in time did I ever not like one of the main characters, even through the hardship. Just the way the information was presented you felt like something was going on you couldn’t put your finger on, but knew it would work out in the end (I am not really sure why, it has been a while since I felt that in a book). You truly feel for each of these characters at all the twists and turns that the story takes you on. I was actually pretty surprised, in some sense, about how the story turned out.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a page turner. Kylee Parker is a strong woman; dedicated to her job on the police force. Jayson Donovan, works for the wrong people, a drug peddling mobster. Under normal circumstances, these two probably wouldn’t meet; but fate has other ideas.
I enjoyed reading this book, the chemistry between the characters builds as does their romance.
Becky Flade has written a wonderful story that brings these two together, and while they try to navigate a relationship, will Jayson’s secrets and her vulnerability truly tear them apart?
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a page turner. Kylee Parker is a strong woman; dedicated to her job on the police force. Jayson Donovan, works for the wrong people, a drug peddling mobster. Under normal circumstances, these two probably wouldn’t meet; but fate has other ideas.
I enjoyed reading this book, the chemistry between the characters builds as does their romance.
Becky Flade has written a wonderful story that brings these two together, and while they try to navigate a relationship, will Jayson’s secrets and her vulnerability truly tear them apart?
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense thriller that is hard to put down. Jayson and Kylee should have been high school sweethearts but Jayson’s family situation stopped that from happening. Fast forward a few years and the pair apparently find themselves on opposite sides of the legal system but unable to stay away. When a threat tears them apart, it is a shock for both of them when they meet again and things are not the same as they were. This was a fast paced book, split into three distinct parts. I was a bit skeptical when I first started it but quickly found that I really liked the characters and the storyline was fast paced and an engaging read. I really enjoyed this story.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good slow burn romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. These characters drew me into their story right from the beginning. I loved how you got to read both of their points of views. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story.
Kylee Parker is a really good police officer in Philadelphia. She loves her job putting the bad guys away. Kylee goes to a call and finds herself arresting her high school crush, Jayson Donovan. She knows he is one of the bad guys but she can’t help the feelings she has for him. Kylee and Jayson get to know each other again and they find out they do care for one another.
They better be careful because when you know a bad guy there are more to follow. Will Kylee and Jayson find love or will the past destroy it?
Review @heatherbass
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I chose this book as good girl meets ex crush bad boy intrigued me. I must say I wasn’t disappointed and it was a great read. The characters were great and came to life in the text.
I was a little thrown by the POV swapping between 3rd and 1st person – it took a little bit to get used to it and for the majority I kind of ignored it.
Definitely worth the read.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a romantic suspense with twists and turns. This story has love, romance, danger, deceit and family. Kylee and Jayson go through a lot of ups and downs in their relationship. As I was reading I felt the emotions along with the characters. There were some moments that were a little confusing because of the writing style but as soon as I figured out what the author was doing I was able to move on without any more confusion, overall I thought this was a very good read.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade. I really enjoyed this book. Romantic Suspense is one of my favorite genres so I was really excited this one was so good. Its the story of Kylee Parker and Jayson Donovan who grew up together in the same neighborhood and had mutual crushes on each other but they never told each other. Kylee has gone on to become a police officer to try to right all the wrongs unfortunately she arrests Jayson after she witnesses him in the middle of a drug deal. Kylee has to do her job so she does but she feels bad for Jayson and after seeing him realizes that she still has feelings for him. Kylee comes from a hard working family and she’s a strong, independent woman. Jayson comes from a broken home where alcohol was the main thing along with yelling and sadness. When he gets involved with a drug king he knows he has to change. Will Kaylee’s influence help him get on the right side of the law? Read A Love Restrained to find out!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a gem that was very much enjoyed all the way through! I was swept away with the easy flow of the author’s writing and how the characters were and how they developed by the end! Great read!
The book as I said had an easy flow, but it was not all candy and gum drops. There was a suspenseful side to the story as well. I really loved the chemistry and lustful moments between Kylee and Jayson. They were both different but when they were together there was no denying what was blooming between them. I enjoy stories where two people want to be together, really have to work towards that goal For these two there was a million reasons to stay apart, but how long could they fight it The character development between them was really deep and heartfelt.I felt I knew them all my life. Loved that the author did such a strong development with the story and the characters. I loved this book all the way through, I will be reading more by this author for sure, I cannot wait to binge what other creations of books they have written! Definitely a author I want to experience more of, their writing style was perfect!
Loved this book, it held me all the way through, and was a gripping read for more than one reason! I could not put this one down! For sure a must read on my list, and no doubt, a high recommendation from me!
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade is a romantic suspense with a slow-burn contemporary romance, opposites attract, finding love unexpectedly, danger, mystery, drama, secrets, chemistry, tension, intrigue, and some violence.
What happens when a dedicated police officer comes face to face with her former bad boy crush who is now entrenched in the world of crime? You should definitely read all the intriguing developments for yourself.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Becky Flade!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the best bad-boy romance novels I have read in a long time. Not the typical I want to change him and he does immediately like every other book of this trope. Becky does an amazing job at keeping the reader guessing about what will happen next. Well written and a fast read.
If you love a good bad boy this is the book for you. This book follows the journey of a young beat cop and the bad boy from her high school. JD is a hardened man made this way by a past with more twists than you would expect. Kylee the intelligent, witty, strong, and independent cop from a cheerful and loving family. You get to witness a chance yet unpleasant reconnection between these two. This book is full of surprises and twists you would not expect. Not your typical bad boy love story.
What happens when two worlds collide and past feelings arise? How well do you know someone and their past? Can two broken hearts heal each other? Read this book to find out.
A Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Growing up in two different lifestyles, Kylee in a loving and secure home and Jayson from an abusive home.
Never able to pursue the relationship he wanted to pursue in high school. Jayson thinks he can make it up to Kylee now, but can a criminal like him get a cop like her to fall in love with him?
There is a HUGE time lapse of 6 years in the middle of this story where I feel there was so much that was left out. I could see there being a whole other story with the main story. The author could have ended this book on a cliff hanger and written a book about the 6 years, then pick up but alas that is not what happened. I feel there is a lot we could have learned about Kylee and Jayson and how they have come to be who they are now.
Good story line if you can follow the dialogue. Sometimes the switch from First to third person and back can get confusing. But it does add a depth to the book that is unusual.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be looking into more. Very good story.
