Small town, slow burn goodness with a hero whose self-doubt made my chest ache; this is quite the series starter. I went into this with an interesting perspective - I've read a few of Reid's books, but it's been 3 years since the last time and I certainly don't know all of the inner workings of this small town. I know many readers hated the hero, Jackson, before they even dived into Totally Folked, but he's just a reformed playboy to me - and a very, very compelling one at that. The prequel novella, Just Folking Around, certainly left me with quite the first impression. Jackson is steady and sexy, confident some moments and breathtakingly vulnerable in others. Jackson's playboy past has shaped him into the man he is today, and his desire to love and be loved was one of the best parts of this book.
Note: this love story begins in the prequel novella, and that is absolutely essential for your enjoyment of Totally Folked. The story would feel exceedingly slow-paced if you haven't experienced Raquel and Jackson together first. My ebook copy included the novella at the start, but the audio version does not. Be sure you read that first.
The story follows Raquel, a bombshell of an actress who is tired of faking it. She loves acting, but everything else that goes along with it is beginning to feel tiresome. Not only does she fake it for the cameras, but she's also been faking a relationship for the last several years. So when she returns to the small town that made a lasting impression 5 years ago, it's a breath of fresh air... and she's secretly hoping that she'll run into the man who made her last visit so memorable. Jackson and Raquel have the kind of chemistry that could light a match, but he isn't the same guy that she left behind - and he doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about her return.
This is a series starter that WILL stand on its own, but there are a LOT of appearances from past couples and characters. I'm only vaguely familiar with the series that this spins-off from, and I had no trouble keeping up. But if I have one complaint about the book, it's that there could've been more focus on our couple instead of the town itself. Longtime fans are sure to appreciate the many characters who make this a richer, fuller experience, but anyone starting out is just going to want more Raquel and Jackson. Because they were fantastic together. Their banter and chemistry had me hooked from their first interaction in the novella, and that spark of attraction is what allows this slow burn romance to truly simmer. It's a slow, laidback pace that's heartfelt and a little emotional, pairing moments of humor with some quiet depth as well. I loved Jackson's backstory and he is an absolute gentleman in present day - easily one of my favorite parts of the story. His heartache and yearning had me turning the pages, and Raquel and Jackson's happy ending felt deep and real by the end... even if more time could've been spent with them instead of the townsfolk. But maybe I'm just being greedy - this was definitely good.
Audio note: I liked it! The audio was enjoyable and perfect for an easygoing listen. Both narrators did a great job, and I particularly liked the subtle accent of the male narrator. They enrich the small town feel and their voices were soothing and almost calming for me. It's dual narration and the perspectives shift from chapter to chapter, so we get plenty of both voices throughout. The slow burn of the story lends itself well to a workday listen (very little NSFW content until later on), though the length is a bit cumbersome. At over eleven hours, it took me two days to get through the whole book, AND I had to read through my ebook of the novella before starting - because I wasn't about to use another credit on a 60ish page introduction. Certainly worth a listen, just be aware of the novella element before diving in.
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“My point is one I feel you already know: everything always feels impossible, until it’s inevitable.”Highlighted by 281 Kindle readers- Anything worth having, any relationship worth keeping, it took time, patience, and—most of all—hard work. Being crazy for someone wasn’t anything but smoke. Crazy didn’t hold your hand when you were sick. Crazy didn’t comfort you at the end of a long day. Crazy didn’t pay the bills and pitch in and ease your burden.Highlighted by 182 Kindle readers
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Jackson has been redeemed!
4.5 Stars One of my favorites litmus tests of authors is if they are able to redeem characters from earlier in a series and make readers fall in love with them. Penny Reid has absolutely passed this test with flying colors. I knew there was an inkling of how my feelings were going to change when Jackson James was written into Been There Done That by Hope Ellis. We really got to see a different side of Jackson. “I suppose Raquel was an idea. A memory is made too much out of, remembered too often, relived until the edges had grown worn and soft and frayed.” It was so rewarding to see his finally get his HEA. We really get to find out the reason that he is the way he is, and all his discipline to change the community’s expectations and their opinions of who he is. Rae is just hilarious, she’s awkward and so relatable. But she absolutely so lonely, and has filled her life with people who are not out for her best interest. I love how Jackson wants a complete partnership with her, as equals. Icing on the cake, checking in on all our favorite Green Valley characters and their families. *chef’s kiss*
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021
