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Year 28
Sylas Broussard. He’s the hometown golden boy. To the residents of sleepy, southern Palmetto Grove he’s a war hero, and a modern-day saint. My view of him does not quite align with the one they hold.
At ten I couldn’t stand him.
At fifteen I loathed him deeply.
At seventeen I loved him completely.
At eighteen I despised him passionately.
At twenty-eight…Well, it’s complicated.
I have been just fine staying in another time zone, keeping my focus on work and off my past. I would prefer to remain in the office, building on my professional reputation but my sister has called me home to attend her wedding where I know I will see him again.
I still hate him but I’d burn my world to the ground to forget our stupid pact and protect him from the awful truth. Keeping my secret in the past is difficult and getting out of the pact I made is harder still.
Not loving Sylas Broussard like everyone else in our hometown—impossible.
***
Raegan Potter. She’s the former love of my life and the pride of Palmetto Grove turned into an ice queen. She’s been living it up on the east coast in her designer threads and cushy job. I’m betting she won’t think she’s so high and mighty when she’s forced to face me after a decade of radio silence.
Ten years ago she walked away from me without explanation, but not before making me one big promise. She made a pact and I’m going to hold her to it. If she thought I had forgotten, she thought wrong.
At ten I couldn’t stand him.
At fifteen I loathed him deeply.
At seventeen I loved him completely.
At eighteen I despised him passionately.
At twenty-eight…Well, it’s complicated.
I have been just fine staying in another time zone, keeping my focus on work and off my past. I would prefer to remain in the office, building on my professional reputation but my sister has called me home to attend her wedding where I know I will see him again.
I still hate him but I’d burn my world to the ground to forget our stupid pact and protect him from the awful truth. Keeping my secret in the past is difficult and getting out of the pact I made is harder still.
Not loving Sylas Broussard like everyone else in our hometown—impossible.
***
Raegan Potter. She’s the former love of my life and the pride of Palmetto Grove turned into an ice queen. She’s been living it up on the east coast in her designer threads and cushy job. I’m betting she won’t think she’s so high and mighty when she’s forced to face me after a decade of radio silence.
Ten years ago she walked away from me without explanation, but not before making me one big promise. She made a pact and I’m going to hold her to it. If she thought I had forgotten, she thought wrong.
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Published October 1, 2020
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Mac
17books1,816followersAuthor, J.L. Mac is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Wrecked series and several other titles. Beginning with her debut novel in January 2013, J.L. Mac has self-published nine novels to date. When J.L. was five years old, she came home from school and told her mother that she was ready to quit just as soon as her kindergarten year was complete. When her mother asked why she wanted to quit school when she had only just begun, J.L. simply told her mother that she could now read and write and that was all she needed. Though she did not quit school, she turned out to be right. Having successfully written and published nine novels in seven years, J.L. has become a household name in the Indie community with multiple bestsellers, audio editions and foreign editions of numerous titles. J.L. Mac lives in El Paso, Texas with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 20, 2020
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I tried liking this novel, I tried. But it just didn't happen.
I just didn't feel any connection to the characters, no matter how much I tried. The romance felt forced...the writing of them felt a bit dry. The plot was the only thing I liked, the actualment of it didn't feel real.
I wish it was better, but it's not.
Until the next read,
TMR
I tried liking this novel, I tried. But it just didn't happen.
I just didn't feel any connection to the characters, no matter how much I tried. The romance felt forced...the writing of them felt a bit dry. The plot was the only thing I liked, the actualment of it didn't feel real.
I wish it was better, but it's not.
Until the next read,
TMR
October 1, 2020
This was an emotional second-chance romance.
”One unforgettable woman who has an uncanny ability to make me feel whole, then obliterate me in the very next breath.�
Raegan Potter and Sylas Broussard were destined to be together. Until they broke each other’s heart. After ten years of silence, Raegan is back in her hometown for her sister’s wedding and there’s no avoiding Sylas, or the chemistry and love that flares back to life when they are in close proximity. However, Raegan’s secrets are keeping her from moving forward and hearts will be broken again.
”The look on his face is that of a hurricane in a bottle. Wild and powerful and utterly entrancing.�
Overall, this was a great story. Raegan and Sylas had an enviable connection and spark between them. The story moves back and forth between the present and the past as we follow them from childhood to their teenage years and into adulthood. I adored Sylas. He was charming, silly, sexy and just all man! I adored his devotion to Raegan and how he wore his heart on his sleeve for her, but her fears and her secrets keep an almost immoveable wedge between them.
”He’s a tattoo on my skin inscribed in invisible ink.�
Raegan was a woman who was all business but, deep down, she never faced her trauma and was crying out for emotional and mental help. My heart hurt for her and how she dealt with things. She just found it almost impossible to let go of the past and move on.
”You’ve always been my book to read, Rae. Every line, every word.�
The love between these two was abiding, no matter what the circumstances. I admit I struggled a little bit with this book � purely due to the device the author used for us to get inside Raegan’s psyche, so it made for a mixed-bag read for me. However, that’s just personal taste and I’m glad I finished it as I would have missed out on a story that was humorous, heartwrenching, emotional and beautiful in places.
”One unforgettable woman who has an uncanny ability to make me feel whole, then obliterate me in the very next breath.�
Raegan Potter and Sylas Broussard were destined to be together. Until they broke each other’s heart. After ten years of silence, Raegan is back in her hometown for her sister’s wedding and there’s no avoiding Sylas, or the chemistry and love that flares back to life when they are in close proximity. However, Raegan’s secrets are keeping her from moving forward and hearts will be broken again.
”The look on his face is that of a hurricane in a bottle. Wild and powerful and utterly entrancing.�
Overall, this was a great story. Raegan and Sylas had an enviable connection and spark between them. The story moves back and forth between the present and the past as we follow them from childhood to their teenage years and into adulthood. I adored Sylas. He was charming, silly, sexy and just all man! I adored his devotion to Raegan and how he wore his heart on his sleeve for her, but her fears and her secrets keep an almost immoveable wedge between them.
”He’s a tattoo on my skin inscribed in invisible ink.�
Raegan was a woman who was all business but, deep down, she never faced her trauma and was crying out for emotional and mental help. My heart hurt for her and how she dealt with things. She just found it almost impossible to let go of the past and move on.
”You’ve always been my book to read, Rae. Every line, every word.�
The love between these two was abiding, no matter what the circumstances. I admit I struggled a little bit with this book � purely due to the device the author used for us to get inside Raegan’s psyche, so it made for a mixed-bag read for me. However, that’s just personal taste and I’m glad I finished it as I would have missed out on a story that was humorous, heartwrenching, emotional and beautiful in places.
October 1, 2020
Raegan Potter is now a focused, strategic, rigid, ice queen living on the East Coast as a campaign manager
for a Senator. The once naive, sweet, perfect girl ran from her hometown with a broken heart and has never looked back. She runs on regret, self-loathing, and self-preservation. She has not been truly happy since she was a teen, but now she has no choice but to return home for her sister's wedding.
Sylas Broussard is the town golden boy and war hero, and he was the boy she sometimes hated but also loved...until something happened to send her running and to go radio silent for over a decade. He has his own issues, but is determined to cash in on a pact and a promise from her and it is time for her to pay up.
Young friendship and love. Two people damaged and split apart. Pandora's box is about to be opened and the secrets and betrayals are going to start coming out. There's a thin line between love and hate and these two have been walking it for years.
I liked Sylas throughout the book. He is pushy and sometimes obnoxious, but he did it to get under her skin and get a reaction from her...and it worked. He did it until he finally won her favor as a teen, but now he will have to push even harder because as an adult she has totally closed herself off and shut everyone out. I had a harder time liking Raegan. She always had an air of superiority about her, but as an adult, she wears strong armor. She is literally ruled by her inner self and turmoil, but puts on a facade and keeps her demons locked down tight. But Sy is determined to take her apart piece by piece.
The angst in this one is strong. There is a lot of back and forth, push and pull, resistance, avoidance, and running. Sometimes her body would say yes, but then her mind would say no and begin the cycle again. I felt terrible for him several times in this book. But he made some mistakes too.
This is an angsty, emotional, frenemies-to-lovers, second-chance love story covering almost twenty years. It is told from dual points of view, but there are also a lot of flashbacks. And even though the author did a good job of making each flashback relate to the topics in the present, sometimes they took me out of the story and I had to find my place again.
These two put me through the wringer. They were enemies, friends, lovers, then enemies and friends and lovers again. It took me through all the emotions good and bad. Thankfully there was also some snarky humor between them, and side characters providing a bit of comic relief.
Follow Me: | | | |
for a Senator. The once naive, sweet, perfect girl ran from her hometown with a broken heart and has never looked back. She runs on regret, self-loathing, and self-preservation. She has not been truly happy since she was a teen, but now she has no choice but to return home for her sister's wedding.
Sylas Broussard is the town golden boy and war hero, and he was the boy she sometimes hated but also loved...until something happened to send her running and to go radio silent for over a decade. He has his own issues, but is determined to cash in on a pact and a promise from her and it is time for her to pay up.
Young friendship and love. Two people damaged and split apart. Pandora's box is about to be opened and the secrets and betrayals are going to start coming out. There's a thin line between love and hate and these two have been walking it for years.
I liked Sylas throughout the book. He is pushy and sometimes obnoxious, but he did it to get under her skin and get a reaction from her...and it worked. He did it until he finally won her favor as a teen, but now he will have to push even harder because as an adult she has totally closed herself off and shut everyone out. I had a harder time liking Raegan. She always had an air of superiority about her, but as an adult, she wears strong armor. She is literally ruled by her inner self and turmoil, but puts on a facade and keeps her demons locked down tight. But Sy is determined to take her apart piece by piece.
The angst in this one is strong. There is a lot of back and forth, push and pull, resistance, avoidance, and running. Sometimes her body would say yes, but then her mind would say no and begin the cycle again. I felt terrible for him several times in this book. But he made some mistakes too.
This is an angsty, emotional, frenemies-to-lovers, second-chance love story covering almost twenty years. It is told from dual points of view, but there are also a lot of flashbacks. And even though the author did a good job of making each flashback relate to the topics in the present, sometimes they took me out of the story and I had to find my place again.
These two put me through the wringer. They were enemies, friends, lovers, then enemies and friends and lovers again. It took me through all the emotions good and bad. Thankfully there was also some snarky humor between them, and side characters providing a bit of comic relief.
October 22, 2020
Even though it’s been a few years, I’ve read some of this author’s previous works and thoroughly enjoyed them. Devouring this story reminded me just how much. A true contemporary romance at its finest, Year 28 will have you flipping the pages faster than a cat lapping chain lightning. Usually I like a lot of danger and suspense in my books, but this was a nice change of pace. While I guessed what the big secret was from the get-go, it was done in a way I haven’t really seen before. That perspective changed things for me, in a big way. I went from being really exasperated with the heroine to seeing her in a whole new light.
That being said, I was still firmly on team Sylas the entire book. Even knowing she was hiding a ton of pain and not knowing why, she was really hard to connect with. I appreciate that this story was told from dual perspectives; it added a much-needed layer that wouldn’t have been known if we only read from Raegan’s mind. The depth that Sylas added to Year 28 allowed me to fall in love with both characters. I loved that the story bounced from past to present, allowing you to really experience and immerse yourself in their lives. Done well, this adds a complexity to characters that you didn’t realize you needed, and the author achieved this in spades.
I love a tale with a good deal of angst, one that physically hurts to read in the best possible way. Year 28 poked and prodded at me with a hot fire poker from page one and never let up. Not afraid of the façade that Raegan presented to the world, Sylas fought tirelessly for her, taking charge in the most delicious means. I need my stories to have characters who are both confident and vulnerable, and this one did not disappoint. Lack of love was never their problem; it was just what went unsaid, or rather was what refused to be spoken about. When those walls were torn down, brick by brick, I felt like it was a hard-won battle. I was equal parts fatigued and so full of love, but it was all worth it.
This was a sweet story, full of innocence in the flashbacks, but also very adult throughout the rest. Quite simply, it was the perfect balance that displayed the progression of their relationship from children to teenagers to adults. It was real, it was authentic, and I would highly recommend it. Do not pass on this phenomenal love story!
To sum up this story perfectly with two songs that just happened to be on my playlist today:
Alanis Morrisette - Everything
You see everything
You see every part
You see all my light
And you love my dark
You dig everything
Of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything
To which you can't relate
And you're still here
Sheryl Crow - Strong Enough
When I've shown you
That I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When I'm broken down and I can't stand
Would you be man enough to be my man
That being said, I was still firmly on team Sylas the entire book. Even knowing she was hiding a ton of pain and not knowing why, she was really hard to connect with. I appreciate that this story was told from dual perspectives; it added a much-needed layer that wouldn’t have been known if we only read from Raegan’s mind. The depth that Sylas added to Year 28 allowed me to fall in love with both characters. I loved that the story bounced from past to present, allowing you to really experience and immerse yourself in their lives. Done well, this adds a complexity to characters that you didn’t realize you needed, and the author achieved this in spades.
I love a tale with a good deal of angst, one that physically hurts to read in the best possible way. Year 28 poked and prodded at me with a hot fire poker from page one and never let up. Not afraid of the façade that Raegan presented to the world, Sylas fought tirelessly for her, taking charge in the most delicious means. I need my stories to have characters who are both confident and vulnerable, and this one did not disappoint. Lack of love was never their problem; it was just what went unsaid, or rather was what refused to be spoken about. When those walls were torn down, brick by brick, I felt like it was a hard-won battle. I was equal parts fatigued and so full of love, but it was all worth it.
This was a sweet story, full of innocence in the flashbacks, but also very adult throughout the rest. Quite simply, it was the perfect balance that displayed the progression of their relationship from children to teenagers to adults. It was real, it was authentic, and I would highly recommend it. Do not pass on this phenomenal love story!
To sum up this story perfectly with two songs that just happened to be on my playlist today:
Alanis Morrisette - Everything
You see everything
You see every part
You see all my light
And you love my dark
You dig everything
Of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything
To which you can't relate
And you're still here
Sheryl Crow - Strong Enough
When I've shown you
That I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When I'm broken down and I can't stand
Would you be man enough to be my man
October 11, 2020
“Year 28 was such a huge surprise. You cant simply imagine how deep the story is, an emotional read indeed. My heart ached and cried at some times, it was impossible not to feel all the emotions.
Second chance stories always gives me back all the love and hope I need. Sylas and Reagan weren’t the exception. I read the blurb and knew there would be a deep background story and I was craving for it. Reagan was a surprise to be honest. I thought I would be annoyed by her at some point because let’s be honest there’s always a moment were the heroines are simply frustrating but to my surprise she was a peculiar female character and in the good way. I would love to give more details especially of those scenes that� she’s not what she seemed. Every ‘ice queen� has her own story.
Sylas� I couldn’t agree more with Reagan about being impossible not to love him. He was adorable and lovely, a hero indeed. His determination, confidence and patience. Loving him was the easiest part trust me but as the blurb said they have long history and their ride was delightful to read. So much emotions, secrets, twisted situations and ultimately love.�
Second chance stories always gives me back all the love and hope I need. Sylas and Reagan weren’t the exception. I read the blurb and knew there would be a deep background story and I was craving for it. Reagan was a surprise to be honest. I thought I would be annoyed by her at some point because let’s be honest there’s always a moment were the heroines are simply frustrating but to my surprise she was a peculiar female character and in the good way. I would love to give more details especially of those scenes that� she’s not what she seemed. Every ‘ice queen� has her own story.
Sylas� I couldn’t agree more with Reagan about being impossible not to love him. He was adorable and lovely, a hero indeed. His determination, confidence and patience. Loving him was the easiest part trust me but as the blurb said they have long history and their ride was delightful to read. So much emotions, secrets, twisted situations and ultimately love.�
October 1, 2020
An inspiration to all first loves reuniting. Practically friends since birth Sylas and Raegan were best friends first, lovers and then strangers. She fought him every step of the way. They suffered the usual fall of young love: communication and pride. All it took was one event to change everything. Raegan is a character to be admired, the crap she puts up with working for the politicians in DC would be enough for anyone to have a heartache but she endures and conquers. Sylas, is a vet and dedicated to his non-profit, while pining for Raegan and never giving up on their future. One of the most romantic, emotionally satisfying and heart wrenching books I’ve read this year. It will pull you in many directions and bring a tear to your eye. I signed up for an early copy knowing I would get an outstanding read but I was so engrossed in the characters they seemed real.
October 2, 2020
Reagan left town 10-years ago when something had her on the run, and is now the campaign manager for a senator, and her reputation has her known at the “ice queen�, and she is now returning to her hometown for her sister’s wedding, and she knows that she will come face to face with her past love Sylas. These two made a pact when they were teenagers, and Sylas is determined that it is time for her radio silence to end, and for dues to be paid. This is a well written story which is a great 2nd chance love story, which is filled with heartbreak, regret, secrets, betrayal, twists, angst, emotions, and love. I was intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I recommend for all. I recommend for all readers.
October 7, 2020
4.5 stars!
I'm a sucker for second chance romances and first loves and i got every bit of it from this book. 🖤
Raegan and Sylas are each others' first love and they were on the track to forever...until they weren't. Some 10 years later, they meet again for the first time and Sylas is determined to collect on the pact Raegan made when they were kids, only Raegan isnt too keen on keeping her promise.
I enjoyed this book. I love the push and pull. I love getting in to Raegan's mind even if it got a tad depressing at times. Loved reading bits of their pasts, seeing how their love blossomed as kids up to their emotional present. I loved everything about Sylas. He was just so adorable 🥺🥰, how he wore his heart on his sleeves, how he made no bones about still wanting and loving Raegan.
Overall a great story and a good read!
I'm a sucker for second chance romances and first loves and i got every bit of it from this book. 🖤
Raegan and Sylas are each others' first love and they were on the track to forever...until they weren't. Some 10 years later, they meet again for the first time and Sylas is determined to collect on the pact Raegan made when they were kids, only Raegan isnt too keen on keeping her promise.
I enjoyed this book. I love the push and pull. I love getting in to Raegan's mind even if it got a tad depressing at times. Loved reading bits of their pasts, seeing how their love blossomed as kids up to their emotional present. I loved everything about Sylas. He was just so adorable 🥺🥰, how he wore his heart on his sleeves, how he made no bones about still wanting and loving Raegan.
Overall a great story and a good read!
October 1, 2020
This book is so much more than meets the eye at first. There are layers to it that reveal much deeper waters. Reagan and Sylas have such a long history, that uncovering those layers take time. I loved getting to know them better in this friends, lovers, enemies tale, though the flashbacks did fragment the narrative, even while being both interesting and essential.
This is a book rich in atmosphere and setting, long on resolutions, but definitely worth the time spent in its pages. With Sylas' unselfish patience we can only hope he can cradle Reagan's skittish heart. 💖💖💖💖
This is a book rich in atmosphere and setting, long on resolutions, but definitely worth the time spent in its pages. With Sylas' unselfish patience we can only hope he can cradle Reagan's skittish heart. 💖💖💖💖
October 1, 2020
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
This was an emotional read for me. It brought tears to my eyes and had my heart aching. Raegan & Sylas� story was very moving and the kind that completely captivates. If you are looking for an emotional read that is the kind of story you can relate to, look no further. It’s definitely a goodie!
This was an emotional read for me. It brought tears to my eyes and had my heart aching. Raegan & Sylas� story was very moving and the kind that completely captivates. If you are looking for an emotional read that is the kind of story you can relate to, look no further. It’s definitely a goodie!
November 5, 2020
❤️
I really liked how this book kept me wondering what really happened. Oh I thought I knew and I was close but it just kept eluding to what happened and why they still aren’t together. It really made it a great book.
I really liked how this book kept me wondering what really happened. Oh I thought I knew and I was close but it just kept eluding to what happened and why they still aren’t together. It really made it a great book.
October 4, 2020
3 STARS
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Ok, I know I know but I need to explain myself before I review and before I get lynched Year 28 by JL Mac. I read darker grittier reads so when this one hit my kindle I was groaning a bit. Yes, there are people that love a good love story. A good second chance at love but it is hard for me to get into those types of books much less watch that type of movie. I think my hubs watches more rom/coms, hallmarks than I do, HA!
Anyways back to Year 28. We start out with Raegan Potter. A woman that is conquering DC in stilettos. So you know this woman has a backbone stronger than steel. And JL Mac wrote her perfectly for that. She is now having to face some demons that we as readers have no clue besides her highschool sweetheart. Which kind of has you guessing throughout the book.
Raegan’s high school sweetheart was Sylas Broussard and his entry into this book is priceless. In a way, I was hoping for more of that type of scene throughout the book between Sylas, Raegan, and Chicken Nugget. This man is as stubborn as a mule, I mean I don’t know how many who would put up with what he did for Raegan’s heart.
It just felt a little slow for me and Reagan’s personality got to me a bit. I am all for a strong h in a book but she felt frigid and like she was too good for her hometown which put me off. I wanted more of the bowling alley scenes where it showed Reagan relaxing and more herself rather than putting on a show. Overall it is a good read just not for me.
**ARC provided for honest review**
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Ok, I know I know but I need to explain myself before I review and before I get lynched Year 28 by JL Mac. I read darker grittier reads so when this one hit my kindle I was groaning a bit. Yes, there are people that love a good love story. A good second chance at love but it is hard for me to get into those types of books much less watch that type of movie. I think my hubs watches more rom/coms, hallmarks than I do, HA!
Anyways back to Year 28. We start out with Raegan Potter. A woman that is conquering DC in stilettos. So you know this woman has a backbone stronger than steel. And JL Mac wrote her perfectly for that. She is now having to face some demons that we as readers have no clue besides her highschool sweetheart. Which kind of has you guessing throughout the book.
Raegan’s high school sweetheart was Sylas Broussard and his entry into this book is priceless. In a way, I was hoping for more of that type of scene throughout the book between Sylas, Raegan, and Chicken Nugget. This man is as stubborn as a mule, I mean I don’t know how many who would put up with what he did for Raegan’s heart.
It just felt a little slow for me and Reagan’s personality got to me a bit. I am all for a strong h in a book but she felt frigid and like she was too good for her hometown which put me off. I wanted more of the bowling alley scenes where it showed Reagan relaxing and more herself rather than putting on a show. Overall it is a good read just not for me.
**ARC provided for honest review**
September 25, 2021
engrossing and intriguing
Year 28 kept me engrossed throughout. Raegan was a conundrum with an intriguing cast of characters in her head playing devil's advocate to every personal decision she makes, though the internal specious reasoning she used to protect Sylas from herself was disturbing and resulted in serious heartbreak and a wasted decade.
Raegan & Sylas have a love that remains strong even while unspoken of atrocities keep them apart.
Year 28 kept me engrossed throughout. Raegan was a conundrum with an intriguing cast of characters in her head playing devil's advocate to every personal decision she makes, though the internal specious reasoning she used to protect Sylas from herself was disturbing and resulted in serious heartbreak and a wasted decade.
Raegan & Sylas have a love that remains strong even while unspoken of atrocities keep them apart.
January 25, 2022
I feel like Rea’s reasoning as to why she couldn’t be with Sy is not logical.
Of course it’s horrible and super sad but it has nothing to do with them not being together.
She doesn’t want him to know so he won’t feel guilty, but it’s okay with her to break his heart and make him miserable. 🙄🙄🙄
This a good read if you want to be frustrated and cry.
Of course it’s horrible and super sad but it has nothing to do with them not being together.
She doesn’t want him to know so he won’t feel guilty, but it’s okay with her to break his heart and make him miserable. 🙄🙄🙄
This a good read if you want to be frustrated and cry.
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