The Reason for it All by Jessie Marie is fighting for top spot on my all time favourite books list. And that's only because I'm indecisive when it comes to picking a favourite.
I picked this book up for its brother's best friend, marriage of convenience, and "it's always been you" vibes. Couple that with an amazing narrative style, larger than life characters, and more conflict than a girl could ever dream of and you get, well, a masterpiece. I don't even know how to write this review without gushing. But I'll try.
I loved everything about this book. There. Review over.
Just kidding!
The setting, the characters, their interactions, and of course the romance were all amazing. Literally every piece of this book brought me closer to the characters and it was written so masterfully it pulled me right through the story. I never wanted to put it down. And when I did have to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again.
The way with which the author exposes the history of the characters is so seamlessly done I barely realized it was happening. But the history these two characters had with each other, and the way that it ended up bringing them together in this story, was both realistic and beautiful. I cannot get enough of "It's always been you" and this book was the perfect example of why.
Jaxton's player/dad vibes are impeccable and Tee's independent can-do attitude is challenged when he shows her what true love and care looks like.
And the banter. The banter and teasing in this book is perfection. These two had everything.
If you like brother's best friend, very realistic marriages of convenience, that rivals-to-lovers style banter, or characters with a past, you will definitely love this book. I honestly cannot recommend it enough.
Please note the content warnings in the beginning of the book as there are several heavy topics discussed. I thought they were all handled with great care, but they may still be difficult for some.
Did you read this book? Please let me know in the comments or send me a message on Instagram. I need to talk about this novel with you!
Until next time,
Your Romance Reviewer,
Eliza.
She’s Miss Independent. He’s the town’s biggest player. Will they make it out with their hearts intact?
JAXON
I knew it was a risk as soon as the words left my mouth.
“I’m marrying Tiana.”
She was gonna kill me.
After all, she’s my boy’s older sister.
And I was known around town for not settling down.
But when she asks me to help her out in exchange for marriage vows, I knew I could do it.
If there was one thing I could do, it was give it to her good.
But what happens when that’s not the only thing I’m giving away?
TIANA
Independent was my middle name.
I had a great job, career, and life.
But I had one little problem that could only be solved by another person.
And I knew just the one: Jaxon James.
Jaxon was the town’s biggest player.
He was also my little brother’s best friend.
But when he asks me to help him out, and we get together, I start to wonder…
…will I escape this with my heart intact?
The Reason For it All is a brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience romance about a relationship born of unusual circumstances. It is the fourth full-length novel in the Hometown series and can be read as a standalone. Readers can expect lots of laughs, side eyes, and scenes that will burn up the pages.