Title: Lifers Author: Jane Harvey-Berrick
Published: February 7, 2014
Genre(s): Romance: Contemporary
Page Count: 435
Rating:
Summary from Goodreads:After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn't changed since he was carted off to juvie all those years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn't even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memories that haunt him? Trapped in the prison of his own mind Jordan wonders if the pain of living will ever subside?
Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn't behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex is the talk of the town. Add that to her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman, and the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, is it possible for two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey's walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, will they find their place in the world? Can they struggle against the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?
Misleading jacket copies are the worst. You think you’re getting one thing, but actually, the book is something completely different. Thank goodness for things like free samples, because Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick is not exactly what its jacket copy and reviews advertized—in the best way possible. I really, really, really loved this contemporary romance novel, and I’m so happy I was curious enough to give this a chance.
Definitely the biggest misconception I had walking into Lifers was regarding the two protagonists and their personalities. Jordan, the love interest, was described in one review as “the ultimate bad boy”, but, um…he’s not? Jordan Kane is kind, sweet, shy, vulnerable, and adorable. Yes, he enjoys sex, and yes, he spent 8 years in prison, but is he the stereotypical “bad boy”? Not by a long shot.
Likewise, Torrey was presented as an out-of-control nymphomaniac who hooked up with everyone in town and was basically just a sex machine. Um…no? Yeah, sure, she likes sex and is afraid of commitment, but it’s not a problem that she needs to deal with, you know? Torrey is a smart, outspoken young woman who likes to enjoy herself. She has a temper and can be a bit too blunt, but her heart is usually in the right place, especially where Jordan is concerned.
The romance between Jordan and Torrey was very sweet and gradual. Jordan is dealing with a lot of stuff, after being responsible for his brother’s death and spending 8 years in prison for it. In a small town atmosphere, he’s obviously Public Enemy No. 1, and he’s hesitant about where he fits into society. Torrey was very patient and helpful throughout Jordan’s reentry process, though she wasn’t afraid to get tough when the situation arose. Lifers also deals with Torrey’s fear of marriage and commitment in general, in a realistic, subtle way. There’s no instalove in sight, and the relationship moves fast, but not unbelievably so.
There’s so much at play here, but overall, Lifers is a wonderful, sweet romance between two good people who want the best for each other. This is the rare story where there’s no drama between the couple at all—every step is the two of them working to make their relationship work in spite of external problems. I was completely charmed by Torrey and Jordan’s story, and I’m so glad I took a chance on Jane Harvey-Berrick and this novel.
