Rating: ★★★★★ starsDate published: March 30th, 2015
Publisher: self published
Synopsis: From the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length standalone companion novel and sequel.
A different side to the story: Jake’s side.
“We’re getting a new roommate,” they said.
I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis.
Nina...
It was a mismatch made in heaven: innocent girl from the boonies moves in with tattooed, pierced, badboy engineer.
I came up with a bet, a plan to tutor her in math and coach her through her phobias. What I wasn’t betting on was becoming addicted to her.
But I was living a double life on weekends, and once she found out about it, she’d be gone.
I had to protect myself and that meant one thing: I couldn’t fall in love.
In Jake Understood, pivotal scenes from Jake Undone are retold from Jake’s point of view combined with ALL-NEW material from both the past and present time where Jake Undone left off. It can stand alone but if both books are read, should follow Jake Undone. Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+.
What I Thought:
I've been looking forward to this book but I was both eager and a little worried. Although I love the male point of view, I was worried this story was going to be a retelling of Jake Undone, exclusively from Jake's point of view. Especially since there had been parts from his perspective in Jake Undone, I wasn't sure how Penelope Ward could improve on that, but my fears were completely unfounded. But my fears were completely unfounded. I loved Jake Understood and Penelope Ward did a great job at taking a story many readers knew and turned it into something new and exciting. I loved how this story pulled me in. It was everything I was hoping it'd be.
Part of the reason this book was so amazing was being able to experience everything from Jake's perspective. His mind was an interesting place to be. I realized he didn't see Nina's immediate attraction to him, something she was worried was obvious. In fact, he was drawn to Nina almost immediately. So in way, they way they danced around each other was really one long courtship. I loved being able to relive their relationship from the very beginning. Jake Understood contained so much new material, especially in that regard. I particularly loved how the new stuff was mixed in with the old stuff.
I got really emotional at parts of this book. As in trying to stop my watering eyes from overflowing while I was public. I would've been a sobbing mess if I hadn't. I loved how I forgot where I was to the point that almost happened. Jake and Nina have faced so many challenges. Their unyielding love for one another is what got them through the tough times. That's inspiring and something I aspire to. That's not to say this book was all sad tears. There were happy tears too and moments of laughter interspersed with smiling.
I'm trying really hard to convey how amazing this book is without giving away anything that happens in it. Which is hard, and every time I think of something to say, I realize it might be a spoiler. Which stinks. So basically this is what everything boils down to. This book isn't rehashing a story you've already read in Jake Undone. In fact, it can be read on its own, so for everyone out there who hasn't read Jake Undone, it's perfectly okay to start with this book. There's new elements and aspects that will leave you speechless. It's emotional and powerful and you'll love it like I did.
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About the Author
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers. She spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family friendly career.
Penelope lives for reading books in the new adult genre, coffee and hanging out with her friends and family on weekends.
She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 8-year-old boy, both of whom are the lights of her life.
Penelope, her husband and kids reside in Rhode Island.
She is currently working on her fifth novel and loves friend requests from readers!
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*Thank you to the publicist for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any manner.*
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