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One single summer changed them forever, and one moment of devastating silence destroyed it all.
Growing up with six siblings, Leo Preston has always struggled to find his voice.
While his brothers are loud, greedy, and somewhat obnoxious, Leo is forever the quiet one.
The thinker.
The listener.
He watches his life pass by as an outsider in his own world, absent and alone.
Lost.
Until he finds her.
For Leo, Mia Kovács is like a prize, a gift wrapped in passion and devotion.
And she’s his—his very own secret he doesn’t have to share.
Together, they can overcome anything…
heartache and destruction, guilt and regret.
Mia gives Leo everything he didn’t know he needed,
including her fragile heart.
The only thing she doesn’t give him...
are secrets of her own.
Growing up with six siblings, Leo Preston has always struggled to find his voice.
While his brothers are loud, greedy, and somewhat obnoxious, Leo is forever the quiet one.
The thinker.
The listener.
He watches his life pass by as an outsider in his own world, absent and alone.
Lost.
Until he finds her.
For Leo, Mia Kovács is like a prize, a gift wrapped in passion and devotion.
And she’s his—his very own secret he doesn’t have to share.
Together, they can overcome anything…
heartache and destruction, guilt and regret.
Mia gives Leo everything he didn’t know he needed,
including her fragile heart.
The only thing she doesn’t give him...
are secrets of her own.
623 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
About the author
Jay McLean
49 books7,967 followersJay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 567 reviews
August 7, 2020
5 stars
Jay McLean is one of those authors that always writes stories that speak straight to my heart. No other author can make me laugh, cry, and feel as strongly as her. Leo is a testament to that. This book gave me all the feels, had me crying at times, but also made me laugh and smile so much. It’s such a talent to be able to always evoke those kinds of emotions EVERY TIME but somehow, Jay does. She is magic.
Mia and Leo first meet one summer when they’re just kids. Mia’s staying with her mother for the summer (the Preston’s nanny) and the two become friends. Leo looks forward to his time with Mia and wants to keep her all to himself. Mia doesn’t know how she would survive those summers without Leo Preston. Leo is different than his brothers. He’s a little more shy, more reserved, but has a big heart.
One summer, things change for these two and they lose touch. A few years later, Leo and Mia are thrown together in a different way. This time, they’re no longer kids, but teenagers. This story spans their adolescence, as well as early adulthood.
Leo Preston is my new favorite Preston. I could not have loved this guy more. He was loyal, kind, and so totally and utterly in love with Mia. I felt so much for Mia. She’s dealing with some serious stuff throughout this story and I’m so glad she had so many people who loved her in her corner. She’s strong, brave, and she and Leo and perfect for one another.
What I love so much about the ‘Preston Brothers’ series, is though they have great romances, there is such a strong focus on family. I love the familial aspect as well as the friendships. Some of the secondary characters are incredible. I loved Mia’s grandpa and her bff Holden so much. And Leo’s dad is amazing as always. We also got the treat of drunk Lucy. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I will always recommend reading Lucy’s book (More Than Forever) and the Preston Brothers (Lucas and Logan) first to get the full feel of these characters.
Leo and Mia’s story was perfect. And with some of the subject matter, no one is more surprised I’m saying that than me. Both of these characters are imperfect and flawed, but they love each other so deeply. Their friendship and romance was stunning and I couldn’t get enough. This story swept me off my feet and will most certainly be on my top favorites list for 2020!
“You’ve always been the main character in my story, Leo Preston.”
Jay McLean is one of those authors that always writes stories that speak straight to my heart. No other author can make me laugh, cry, and feel as strongly as her. Leo is a testament to that. This book gave me all the feels, had me crying at times, but also made me laugh and smile so much. It’s such a talent to be able to always evoke those kinds of emotions EVERY TIME but somehow, Jay does. She is magic.
Mia and Leo first meet one summer when they’re just kids. Mia’s staying with her mother for the summer (the Preston’s nanny) and the two become friends. Leo looks forward to his time with Mia and wants to keep her all to himself. Mia doesn’t know how she would survive those summers without Leo Preston. Leo is different than his brothers. He’s a little more shy, more reserved, but has a big heart.
One summer, things change for these two and they lose touch. A few years later, Leo and Mia are thrown together in a different way. This time, they’re no longer kids, but teenagers. This story spans their adolescence, as well as early adulthood.
“I’m going to spend my entire existence proving that you have, are, and will always be perfect to me.”
Leo Preston is my new favorite Preston. I could not have loved this guy more. He was loyal, kind, and so totally and utterly in love with Mia. I felt so much for Mia. She’s dealing with some serious stuff throughout this story and I’m so glad she had so many people who loved her in her corner. She’s strong, brave, and she and Leo and perfect for one another.
What I love so much about the ‘Preston Brothers’ series, is though they have great romances, there is such a strong focus on family. I love the familial aspect as well as the friendships. Some of the secondary characters are incredible. I loved Mia’s grandpa and her bff Holden so much. And Leo’s dad is amazing as always. We also got the treat of drunk Lucy. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I will always recommend reading Lucy’s book (More Than Forever) and the Preston Brothers (Lucas and Logan) first to get the full feel of these characters.
Leo and Mia’s story was perfect. And with some of the subject matter, no one is more surprised I’m saying that than me. Both of these characters are imperfect and flawed, but they love each other so deeply. Their friendship and romance was stunning and I couldn’t get enough. This story swept me off my feet and will most certainly be on my top favorites list for 2020!
“To me, Mia Mackenzie Kovács, you are everything.”
May 1, 2021
3.5 stars
ever since i read the epilogue in logan i have been waiting- WAITING for this book for.. 2 years?? what am i talking about you ask??
✧ LOGAN epilogue
because of the epilogue i thought this book was gonna have the unrequited love, ugly duckling trope where the guy finally realizes that the girl who has been in love with him since they were kids is all that, so color me surprised when that DEFINITELY wasn't case.
me to ms. mclean:
please blame my wattpad/romance novel mind. im used to thinking in a tropey way oops.
and after reading 4 parts with 91 chapters and all 600+ pages of this (holy shit right?), i finally fucking finished this book. and did i like it?? yess of course i did. though at times, it was slow and dragging and there was some annoying shit that was happening but it was still cute and filled with drama that i never wanted to put the book down so yes, thank you book for not making me study for my final...
... oh well. it was open book. i'll just do the gen z thing and ✨manifest✨ good grades.
but anywho, i'll probably rant in this review but just know that this book takes place for 10 years and each 4 parts are based on Mia and Leo spending their summers together and most important of all, THIS IS THE LEAST TRIGGERING BOOK IN THE SERIES. so enjoy.
but before we get to the spoiler part, TW: spoilers: bulimia, unexpected pregnancy, and bullying (hurtful words from the Preston brothers)
— SPOILERS BELOW!! —
➳ part 1: when i realized the Prestons were the "bad guys" here 😅
« Mia (12/13); Leo (13/14) »
this part was actually so cute that i thought i was going to rate this book 5 stars. i loved the innocence between these two and y'all know how preteens are when it comes to their crushes when they just ignore each other and pretend like the other doesn't exist? yeah that was them.
but again, when i read the epilogue in logan and thinking that Mia was the one who had the unrequited love, it was nice to see Leo was actually the one who was falling in love with her while they would secretly hang out in the water tower.
it was so cute, they were so cute. but then... motherfuckin- ok hold on. lemme just prepare.
those - and excuse my language here im so sorry - motherfuckers ... oh my fucking god. i don't think i could ever reread lucas or logan without thinking that this is what they said:
my dudes... no. just no. stfu. and what's worse is that Leo was there and he didn't even say anything so when he realizes Mia was there the whole time it was so heartbreaking cuz he was crying!! ok on the side note, does anyone love it when heroes cry?? cuz i do.
poor Mia though. she already had a bad image of herself, as every preteen girls have ever felt, but she took it harder because everyone she loves leaves her so she already wonders if anything is wrong with her. what's worse is, because of their words, she hated herself more and the only way for her to "feel good again" was to purge it out meaning, she became bulimic.
➳ part 2: you can take the girl out of the farmlife but you can't take the farmlife out of the girl
« Mia (15/16); Leo (16/17) ~ 2 YEARS LATER »
when Mia left Leo and his family (as she should 😌) and moved to new york, she returned back to his Papa's farm and lo and behold, whos the teenage boy trying to fix up the porch of their farmhouse?? the one and only, Leo Preston... yikes. but as y'all know me i LOVE drama so i was like
oh! also, for those who are curious, // OW drama // Leo has had "more experience with physical shit" meaning he was hooking up with other girls during the years apart and he did this so he could emotionally connect with someone the way he did with Mia... how lovely.
anyways, nothing really happens here and it was kinda slow but Mia didn't forgive Leo easily and when she went on a date with someone, obviously it made Leo upset and he confessed his feelings to her and they kissed for the first time then she left the next day. but she sent him a letter saying "I love you".
➳ part 3: ahh.. so this is where the dreaded OW/OM drama is huh
« Mia (17); Leo (18) ~ 1 YEAR LATER»
okay now this is where things started to go downhill and a lot of stupid shit happened here.
let's start with the ~ OM drama ~
so apparently Mia moved on real quick and has a boyfriend for a year who she only went on dates with. they tried having sex but Mia wasn't ready so she's still a virgin. he comes over to the farmhouse so she "rubbed" her relationship to Leo's face. also, she cheated on the boyfriend by making out with Leo and obviously by being in love with him.
and as for ~ OW drama ~
first of all Leo hasn't dated anyone since she left and when i found out about this i was- well, i was shocked but i fell in love with him even more because aww he stayed celibate for her?? AWWW but then he did a complete 180, turntables type of shit and hit us with this
BRUH.
i felt deceived again!! Leo, dude, *tyra banks voice* I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU to keep your dick in your pants uggghhh. so yeah. this was annoying.
not only this but when he saw her boyfriend kissing Mia on the neck he went out on a double date with Holden(Mia's bff) and later on, Mia catches him and the OW with their tops off (don't worry folks the bra was still in tact) and her straddling his lap and grinding on his leg. and then after that she kicks her out and he was all like "ughh don't you see how hard this is??!! ive always been in love with you Mia" and then they make out and go to second base for the first time.
obviously this was annoying as shit but i guess silver lining to this is that 90% of the time, we mostly read about Leo's pain and longing for Mia which is actually very nice to read about since it's rare. though, i still don't really like it when heroes say they love the heroine but they're fine sleeping with other girls. that's a head-scratcher for me.
also, the bromance between Leo and Holden!! love that here. though, it really was annoying how he always took Leo's side cuz apparently it's bros before hos for him?? isn't Mia his #1 bff?? so like... where the loyalty at tho?
so anyways, after Mia finally breaks up with her boyfriend and Leo and her are FINALLY together, Leo finds out that he and his brothers are the reason why she's bulimic and does he stay and work things out? nahhhh. he leaves and blocks her and everyone she's associated with.
and you know what's worse??? her papa died the same time he left so can you imagine her pain?!
➳ part 4: but why are kids so freaking cute in books??! (MAJOR SPOILERS)
« Mia (22); Leo (23) ~ 5 YEARS LATER»
ahhh so we're finally caught up with the epilogue in Logan's book so this starts when Mia arrives during the party, seeing Leo for the first time.
their reunion is actually very friendly considering the fact on how they ended things but there's a little unexpected thing here that Mia never told Leo for the past 5 years which is... // SPOILERS // they have a cute 4-year-old kid, Benny.
honestly, this part was a little slow and a bit dragging hence the fact i didn't rate this 5 stars. i found the romance to be meh because what the hellll i thought there would be more angst, Mia playing hard to get, and a lot more resentment from her side since he literally left her when she needed him the most AND when he knew Mia was suffering from bulimia!!
i kind of understand why he left. but still. what he did, leaving knowing she was not well and NEVER looked back was... well, it was problematic af. they got together kinda easily in my opinion so i guess that's why this part felt dragging for me since i expected more angst. again, i know where there priorities are. also for those who are wondering, there's barely any OW info in this part (thank god) but Lucy did say he hasn't had a girlfriend for years. as for Mia, she dated and even had a long-term relationship with one guy but that's it.
anyways, this part finally picked up when Mia caught the brothers talking shit about her and Benny... again. and ughhh it was so painful!!!
obviously they made me wanna go,
the apology from Logan was very nice tho. however, it was kind of one-sided?? he only talked about his side but i wish the conversation was longer and Mia told her side too cuz she was basically just listening the whole time. she suffered too ya know?
my favorite part here is Benny and Leo bonding over rocks and going on their adventures, Leo becoming a helicopter parent, Benny with his cousin Katie (OMFG THIS WAS SO FUCKING CUTE I COULDN'T HANDLE IT) and calling her princess, basically any scene where Leo and Benny are the main focus. that's it.
they were just so precious and Benny's cuteness gave me a dose of serotonin i never knew i needed.
_________________________________
okay, okay, spoilers are done and sorry (not sorry) if this review is long. again, im just glad this is the least triggering, least angsty book in this series cuz the first 2 were painful af. i don't think i could handle being in pain from all these back to back angsty books i've been reading lately. im not that much of a masochist.
most of the time, it was mostly about Leo's pain and healing Leo but what about Mia? i feel so bad for her. honestly, i liked Leo but i felt that he should've grovelled more when it came to Mia but i guess he showed that when it came to Benny though, when it came to showing he loves Mia (mostly in the past) he didn't really show it well which sucks especially since he was sleeping with other girls during the school year knowing he was in love Mia. ugh at least he knows he fucks up tho.
i agree with Lucy, he really should be reading those romance novels she makes him read so he knows wtf to do.
apparently Holden's gonna have his own book too (thank you @Charee ♡ for the info) ?? i know i didn't give him that much love in this review but i actually really liked him. i mean, i don't like his ho-ness but oh welll. i can't wait for his book but i wonder who the next book is about?? most likely one of the twins but they're both barely even introduced in all the 3 books so far so i don't feel connected to them.
also!! where the f was my bb LACHLAN??!?!?!? he was barely in this book and that. is. a. CRIME.
Preston Brothers series
#1: lucas ↠ 2.75 stars
#2: logan ↠ 5 stars (old review); tbr
#3: leo ↠ 3.5 stars
ever since i read the epilogue in logan i have been waiting- WAITING for this book for.. 2 years?? what am i talking about you ask??
✧ LOGAN epilogue
↳ Mia shows up unexpectedly in Lucy and Cameron's kids' 1st bday and apparently when she was 13 years old, she was this "brace-faced" girl with acne, who allegedly went to "fat camp", and who was sooo in love and obsessed with Leo that she made a cake with her face on it.
because of the epilogue i thought this book was gonna have the unrequited love, ugly duckling trope where the guy finally realizes that the girl who has been in love with him since they were kids is all that, so color me surprised when that DEFINITELY wasn't case.
me to ms. mclean:
please blame my wattpad/romance novel mind. im used to thinking in a tropey way oops.
and after reading 4 parts with 91 chapters and all 600+ pages of this (holy shit right?), i finally fucking finished this book. and did i like it?? yess of course i did. though at times, it was slow and dragging and there was some annoying shit that was happening but it was still cute and filled with drama that i never wanted to put the book down so yes, thank you book for not making me study for my final...
... oh well. it was open book. i'll just do the gen z thing and ✨manifest✨ good grades.
but anywho, i'll probably rant in this review but just know that this book takes place for 10 years and each 4 parts are based on Mia and Leo spending their summers together and most important of all, THIS IS THE LEAST TRIGGERING BOOK IN THE SERIES. so enjoy.
but before we get to the spoiler part, TW: spoilers: bulimia, unexpected pregnancy, and bullying (hurtful words from the Preston brothers)
— SPOILERS BELOW!! —
➳ part 1: when i realized the Prestons were the "bad guys" here 😅
« Mia (12/13); Leo (13/14) »
this part was actually so cute that i thought i was going to rate this book 5 stars. i loved the innocence between these two and y'all know how preteens are when it comes to their crushes when they just ignore each other and pretend like the other doesn't exist? yeah that was them.
but again, when i read the epilogue in logan and thinking that Mia was the one who had the unrequited love, it was nice to see Leo was actually the one who was falling in love with her while they would secretly hang out in the water tower.
"Well, you said Holden's just your friend, right? I don't want to be just your friend, Mia. I want to be more. I want to be your Leo."
it was so cute, they were so cute. but then... motherfuckin- ok hold on. lemme just prepare.
those - and excuse my language here im so sorry - motherfuckers ... oh my fucking god. i don't think i could ever reread lucas or logan without thinking that this is what they said:
Lucas says, “I mean, she was nothing to look at when she first got here, but every year she just gets worse and worse.”
“Her braces aren’t doing her any favors,” Logan says through a chuckle.
“And her acne…” Garray this time.
“Oh my god! It’s so bad,” Logan laughs out.
Then Lucas: “And poor Leo. Dad’s put it on him to watch over her at school.”
Another round of laughter.
“I take it back,” Lucas adds. “He’s gonna have a shitty time with the girls with fat-ass, brace face around, hanging on to him everywhere he goes.”
my dudes... no. just no. stfu. and what's worse is that Leo was there and he didn't even say anything so when he realizes Mia was there the whole time it was so heartbreaking cuz he was crying!! ok on the side note, does anyone love it when heroes cry?? cuz i do.
poor Mia though. she already had a bad image of herself, as every preteen girls have ever felt, but she took it harder because everyone she loves leaves her so she already wonders if anything is wrong with her. what's worse is, because of their words, she hated herself more and the only way for her to "feel good again" was to purge it out meaning, she became bulimic.
➳ part 2: you can take the girl out of the farmlife but you can't take the farmlife out of the girl
« Mia (15/16); Leo (16/17) ~ 2 YEARS LATER »
when Mia left Leo and his family (as she should 😌) and moved to new york, she returned back to his Papa's farm and lo and behold, whos the teenage boy trying to fix up the porch of their farmhouse?? the one and only, Leo Preston... yikes. but as y'all know me i LOVE drama so i was like
oh! also, for those who are curious, // OW drama // Leo has had "more experience with physical shit" meaning he was hooking up with other girls during the years apart and he did this so he could emotionally connect with someone the way he did with Mia... how lovely.
anyways, nothing really happens here and it was kinda slow but Mia didn't forgive Leo easily and when she went on a date with someone, obviously it made Leo upset and he confessed his feelings to her and they kissed for the first time then she left the next day. but she sent him a letter saying "I love you".
➳ part 3: ahh.. so this is where the dreaded OW/OM drama is huh
« Mia (17); Leo (18) ~ 1 YEAR LATER»
okay now this is where things started to go downhill and a lot of stupid shit happened here.
let's start with the ~ OM drama ~
so apparently Mia moved on real quick and has a boyfriend for a year who she only went on dates with. they tried having sex but Mia wasn't ready so she's still a virgin. he comes over to the farmhouse so she "rubbed" her relationship to Leo's face. also, she cheated on the boyfriend by making out with Leo and obviously by being in love with him.
and as for ~ OW drama ~
first of all Leo hasn't dated anyone since she left and when i found out about this i was- well, i was shocked but i fell in love with him even more because aww he stayed celibate for her?? AWWW but then he did a complete 180, turntables type of shit and hit us with this
"And when her eyes lock on mine, I realize that ever since she kissed me last year, I've compared every girl I've been with to her. And whenever I sleep with them, I close my eyes, and I pretend it's Mia, because it's the only way I can get off. "
BRUH.
i felt deceived again!! Leo, dude, *tyra banks voice* I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU to keep your dick in your pants uggghhh. so yeah. this was annoying.
not only this but when he saw her boyfriend kissing Mia on the neck he went out on a double date with Holden(Mia's bff) and later on, Mia catches him and the OW with their tops off (don't worry folks the bra was still in tact) and her straddling his lap and grinding on his leg. and then after that she kicks her out and he was all like "ughh don't you see how hard this is??!! ive always been in love with you Mia" and then they make out and go to second base for the first time.
obviously this was annoying as shit but i guess silver lining to this is that 90% of the time, we mostly read about Leo's pain and longing for Mia which is actually very nice to read about since it's rare. though, i still don't really like it when heroes say they love the heroine but they're fine sleeping with other girls. that's a head-scratcher for me.
also, the bromance between Leo and Holden!! love that here. though, it really was annoying how he always took Leo's side cuz apparently it's bros before hos for him?? isn't Mia his #1 bff?? so like... where the loyalty at tho?
so anyways, after Mia finally breaks up with her boyfriend and Leo and her are FINALLY together, Leo finds out that he and his brothers are the reason why she's bulimic and does he stay and work things out? nahhhh. he leaves and blocks her and everyone she's associated with.
and you know what's worse??? her papa died the same time he left so can you imagine her pain?!
➳ part 4: but why are kids so freaking cute in books??! (MAJOR SPOILERS)
« Mia (22); Leo (23) ~ 5 YEARS LATER»
ahhh so we're finally caught up with the epilogue in Logan's book so this starts when Mia arrives during the party, seeing Leo for the first time.
their reunion is actually very friendly considering the fact on how they ended things but there's a little unexpected thing here that Mia never told Leo for the past 5 years which is... // SPOILERS // they have a cute 4-year-old kid, Benny.
honestly, this part was a little slow and a bit dragging hence the fact i didn't rate this 5 stars. i found the romance to be meh because what the hellll i thought there would be more angst, Mia playing hard to get, and a lot more resentment from her side since he literally left her when she needed him the most AND when he knew Mia was suffering from bulimia!!
i kind of understand why he left. but still. what he did, leaving knowing she was not well and NEVER looked back was... well, it was problematic af. they got together kinda easily in my opinion so i guess that's why this part felt dragging for me since i expected more angst. again, i know where there priorities are. also for those who are wondering, there's barely any OW info in this part (thank god) but Lucy did say he hasn't had a girlfriend for years. as for Mia, she dated and even had a long-term relationship with one guy but that's it.
anyways, this part finally picked up when Mia caught the brothers talking shit about her and Benny... again. and ughhh it was so painful!!!
"Maybe she's after his money."
"Leo doesn't have any money."
"He has the money Mom left him."
"Didn't Vagina always try to hit on Dad?"
"For his money, right?"
"Apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
obviously they made me wanna go,
the apology from Logan was very nice tho. however, it was kind of one-sided?? he only talked about his side but i wish the conversation was longer and Mia told her side too cuz she was basically just listening the whole time. she suffered too ya know?
my favorite part here is Benny and Leo bonding over rocks and going on their adventures, Leo becoming a helicopter parent, Benny with his cousin Katie (OMFG THIS WAS SO FUCKING CUTE I COULDN'T HANDLE IT) and calling her princess, basically any scene where Leo and Benny are the main focus. that's it.
they were just so precious and Benny's cuteness gave me a dose of serotonin i never knew i needed.
_________________________________
okay, okay, spoilers are done and sorry (not sorry) if this review is long. again, im just glad this is the least triggering, least angsty book in this series cuz the first 2 were painful af. i don't think i could handle being in pain from all these back to back angsty books i've been reading lately. im not that much of a masochist.
most of the time, it was mostly about Leo's pain and healing Leo but what about Mia? i feel so bad for her. honestly, i liked Leo but i felt that he should've grovelled more when it came to Mia but i guess he showed that when it came to Benny though, when it came to showing he loves Mia (mostly in the past) he didn't really show it well which sucks especially since he was sleeping with other girls during the school year knowing he was in love Mia. ugh at least he knows he fucks up tho.
i agree with Lucy, he really should be reading those romance novels she makes him read so he knows wtf to do.
apparently Holden's gonna have his own book too (thank you @Charee ♡ for the info) ?? i know i didn't give him that much love in this review but i actually really liked him. i mean, i don't like his ho-ness but oh welll. i can't wait for his book but i wonder who the next book is about?? most likely one of the twins but they're both barely even introduced in all the 3 books so far so i don't feel connected to them.
also!! where the f was my bb LACHLAN??!?!?!? he was barely in this book and that. is. a. CRIME.
Preston Brothers series
#1: lucas ↠ 2.75 stars
#2: logan ↠ 5 stars (old review); tbr
#3: leo ↠ 3.5 stars
May 15, 2021
I am a HUGE Jay McLean fangirl. I absolutely love her writing and " More than Forever " is one of my all-time favorites. I re-read it all the freaking time. Almost all the books I have read by her are 5-star reads for me, and this one... I would have given it 10 stars if I could have. It is right up there with More than Forever for me.
Now even though I absolutely loved this one, it also broke my heart and soul into tiny little pieces... I was a wreck when I finished it and my eyes were pretty swollen by the time I read the last few words.
No worries though... Jay definitely made sure that my heart and soul were duct-taped back together when I reached the end..
Leo is one of the Preston brothers that has been a bit in the background in the previous books. I was very curious about his character and I was not disappointed...well maybe I was a bit disappointed at one point, but he did his best to make up for that.
Mia is Vagina's daughter... oops sorry I mean Virginia. And while Virginia has no time to be bothered with her own daughter, she definitely had time to play nanny for the Preston boys.
Which is how Mia and Leo meet and become friends... because Mia spends her summers at the Preston house. The first summer because she had to, but later on by choice... She even gets ready to relocate and join Leo in public school. But some things are just not meant to be and I was left yelling and screaming at my kindle.
Everyone deserves a second chance though, and so did these two kids. Maybe they would get it right the second time around... First as friends and later as so much more.
Life can be a bitch though and so when you think things can't get worse, they freaking do. But no worries because these two... they deserve eleventythree more chances!!!
Some people just needed to be high five... in the face.. with a chair!!
This book made me so freaking angry at times, and it made me yell and scream and cry my little eyes out. But it also made me smile and swoon and laugh out loud. It is everything you want from an amazing book. The ultimate reading experience!!!
I wish I could say more, but I really don't want to spoiler this book. Everyone should get to experience it the way I did. So far this one is my top read for 2020 and I know I will be re-reading it plenty of times in the future ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
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August 9, 2020
LEO: is the third full length romance book in Jay McLean's 'Preston Brother' series. it doesn't necessarily need to be read as a stand alone but it's best to read in order to understand the character dynamics. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
This author right here goes beyond being my unicorn author, she’s my #oneclick above all others!
The one I stalk the most
The one I recommend the most
The series that I love the most!
What ever this author writes turns into pure magic!
Not gonna lie, I did cringe when I saw the sheer volume of this but once I got into my Jay McLean zone the pages were quickly devoured!
Oh how I loved this slow burn, Leo became one of my favourites of the brothers, the boy who didn’t have a lot to say, who mainly listened to the world around him, when it was the right time for him to speak there was no holding him back! All his words had been bottled up and saved! When he spoke you couldn’t help but take notice, I fell for that gentle side of his, that quiet side, when Mia came into his life, his purpose at such a tender age was making her his before he’d even realised that he’d claimed her heart. A perfect coming of age story. These Preston boys know how to get under your skin.
This book gave me ALL THE FEELS from laughing one moment to crying the next, wrapping it up nicely with swoony moments thrown in between.
Mia and Leo first met as pre-teens one summer when Mia stays with her mother whom nannies the Preston bunch, making these two friends of sorts which carries on with a few more summers to follow. They share so many special moments, some in silence, some making small talk, until one summer it all changed in a blink of an eye when Mia overheard something not for her ears making her run, ending many summers that should've followed and creating a divide where they didn't see each other for many years.
Then they're brought back together as teenagers, and slowly with a bit of work that bond that they had when younger came back tenfold. There's isn't an easy road to follow, a few bumps, a few hiccups, but with the right timing things progress perfectly.
August 10, 2020
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I reach up, swipe my thumbs across her cheeks, expose my flesh to her liquid agony. My eyes search hers, and I wish I could sink in her tears until there was nothing but her pain in my lungs. I would drown in her heartache.
If you’ve read any of Jay McLean’s previous books, then you know your heart and mind are about to be put through so much gut-wrenching torment but her stories are beyond phenomenal and so you just keep coming back for more torture. None of her characters ever have a straight and easy path to their happily ever after, and that certainly wasn’t the case for Leo and Mia. Their love story will be filled with about a decade's worth of heartbreak and unbearable angst. I loved every minute of reading this one. Leo surprised me. Who knew the quiet Preston brother would become the biggest swoon-worthy Hero?!
Leo has always been the quiet and introverted Preston sibling, but you learn in his story that he does not waste words. When he does speak, the most beautiful heart-wrenching words come out of his mouth. When Leo gives his heart to a girl…it’s the forever kind of love. The moment he laid eyes on Mia at the tender age of thirteen, Leo was a goner. It takes him a full year to get the courage to even speak to her and when he does, the two form a fast friendship and create sweet memories that will carry them through some dark times.
Mia is a shy and insecure young girl. Both of her parents abandoned her and she’s only ever known what it feels to be loved by her grandfather and her childhood best friend. She’s been ridiculed for years over her looks and her weight. When gorgeous Leo Preston starts spending time with her and makes his feelings for her known, she can hardly believe that this is really happening to her. Just when it looks like her life is taking the turn for the better, it all falls apart, and it’s Leo’s silence that speaks volumes in Mia’s mind. His silence will cause him to lose the girl.
Years go by and somehow fate has brought these two back together, but Mia hasn’t forgotten what happened in the past and she’s not so eager to give Leo another chance to rip her heart apart. So much heartbreaking angst transpires between these two. Ultimately a secret that Mia’s been keeping will have the power to tear these two apart forever or will destroy the Preston family.
This was a truly epic story and Leo is now my favorite Preston brother!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”LEO” releases on August 11th!
Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/3fs4hXZ
Amazon Global ➜ mybook.to/LeoPB
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
I reach up, swipe my thumbs across her cheeks, expose my flesh to her liquid agony. My eyes search hers, and I wish I could sink in her tears until there was nothing but her pain in my lungs. I would drown in her heartache.
If you’ve read any of Jay McLean’s previous books, then you know your heart and mind are about to be put through so much gut-wrenching torment but her stories are beyond phenomenal and so you just keep coming back for more torture. None of her characters ever have a straight and easy path to their happily ever after, and that certainly wasn’t the case for Leo and Mia. Their love story will be filled with about a decade's worth of heartbreak and unbearable angst. I loved every minute of reading this one. Leo surprised me. Who knew the quiet Preston brother would become the biggest swoon-worthy Hero?!
Leo has always been the quiet and introverted Preston sibling, but you learn in his story that he does not waste words. When he does speak, the most beautiful heart-wrenching words come out of his mouth. When Leo gives his heart to a girl…it’s the forever kind of love. The moment he laid eyes on Mia at the tender age of thirteen, Leo was a goner. It takes him a full year to get the courage to even speak to her and when he does, the two form a fast friendship and create sweet memories that will carry them through some dark times.
Mia is a shy and insecure young girl. Both of her parents abandoned her and she’s only ever known what it feels to be loved by her grandfather and her childhood best friend. She’s been ridiculed for years over her looks and her weight. When gorgeous Leo Preston starts spending time with her and makes his feelings for her known, she can hardly believe that this is really happening to her. Just when it looks like her life is taking the turn for the better, it all falls apart, and it’s Leo’s silence that speaks volumes in Mia’s mind. His silence will cause him to lose the girl.
Years go by and somehow fate has brought these two back together, but Mia hasn’t forgotten what happened in the past and she’s not so eager to give Leo another chance to rip her heart apart. So much heartbreaking angst transpires between these two. Ultimately a secret that Mia’s been keeping will have the power to tear these two apart forever or will destroy the Preston family.
This was a truly epic story and Leo is now my favorite Preston brother!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 5
Angst: 5
Steam: 4.5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”LEO” releases on August 11th!
Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/3fs4hXZ
Amazon Global ➜ mybook.to/LeoPB
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
December 16, 2020
update (8/15): my boy Holden is having his own book! It's what he deserves. 🥺👏🏼
***
✰ 5 stars ✰
well then. the way I cried like hell in this. 🥺 I thought Lucas and Logan's books were emotional, but Leo proved me wrong. As the quiet Preston kid, I was curious about him, but I genuinely didn't expect his book to be top tier yet that's exactly what it was. This book broke me apart, but healed me in the best way possible. <3
Mia (h):
➴ I absolutely adored Mia as the heroine. I just wanted to hug her throughout the book. The things she went through and her decisions caused by the past, it broke me. I understood why she did the things she did, tho I didn't always agree she made the right decisions but eh, no one's perfect. We make mistakes and we learn from them (I would hope). I loved her relationship with her grandpa. It was so pure and everything good in the world. I also loved the way Mia doesn't have hate in her heart to hold grudges; I feel like that takes so much strength and courage and I admire her for it.
Leo (H):
➴ my new favorite Preston brother?? idk, Logan and Lachlan both have a special place in my heart but Leo's making his way up there. knowing what goes on his mind, he was more than I expected and my heart ached for him. The guilt he's been carrying because of that one incident. It's ironic how I loved how patient Leo was all these years and maybe a part of me had hoped he'd have fought harder for Mia, but I'm also not mad with the direction of their story. Not to mention, he's such a relatable character with his love for books. <3
Romance:
➴ It spanned over ten years and there were ups and downs in their relationship so it definitely wasn't an easy ride for them, but I personally thought their romance was beautiful. They both had a lot to overcome before they could get to the place they were by the end (and there were a loot of goodbyes in between) but the idea that they had been each other's love since that day made my heart cry.
Holden:
➴ Holden needs his own section because this man deserves the world. I originally thought Idk if he's getting his own book, but I would love to read one if the opportunity arises!! His bromance with Leo was every-fucking-thing. I adored those two together.
Family things:
➴ okaay the whole backstory between Holden's mom and Mia's dad?? So much drama and angst! It could have easily been its own story tbh. 🙈
***
7/17/20:
jbdjbgh I'm honestly about to cry. I can't believe I just found out about this, but I'm so excited!!
***
✰ 5 stars ✰
well then. the way I cried like hell in this. 🥺 I thought Lucas and Logan's books were emotional, but Leo proved me wrong. As the quiet Preston kid, I was curious about him, but I genuinely didn't expect his book to be top tier yet that's exactly what it was. This book broke me apart, but healed me in the best way possible. <3
Mia (h):
➴ I absolutely adored Mia as the heroine. I just wanted to hug her throughout the book. The things she went through and her decisions caused by the past, it broke me. I understood why she did the things she did, tho I didn't always agree she made the right decisions but eh, no one's perfect. We make mistakes and we learn from them (I would hope). I loved her relationship with her grandpa. It was so pure and everything good in the world. I also loved the way Mia doesn't have hate in her heart to hold grudges; I feel like that takes so much strength and courage and I admire her for it.
Leo (H):
➴ my new favorite Preston brother?? idk, Logan and Lachlan both have a special place in my heart but Leo's making his way up there. knowing what goes on his mind, he was more than I expected and my heart ached for him. The guilt he's been carrying because of that one incident. It's ironic how I loved how patient Leo was all these years and maybe a part of me had hoped he'd have fought harder for Mia, but I'm also not mad with the direction of their story. Not to mention, he's such a relatable character with his love for books. <3
Romance:
➴ It spanned over ten years and there were ups and downs in their relationship so it definitely wasn't an easy ride for them, but I personally thought their romance was beautiful. They both had a lot to overcome before they could get to the place they were by the end (and there were a loot of goodbyes in between) but the idea that they had been each other's love since that day made my heart cry.
Holden:
➴ Holden needs his own section because this man deserves the world. I originally thought Idk if he's getting his own book, but I would love to read one if the opportunity arises!! His bromance with Leo was every-fucking-thing. I adored those two together.
Family things:
➴ okaay the whole backstory between Holden's mom and Mia's dad?? So much drama and angst! It could have easily been its own story tbh. 🙈
***
7/17/20:
jbdjbgh I'm honestly about to cry. I can't believe I just found out about this, but I'm so excited!!
August 19, 2020
A recommendation, 10 days, 3 books and a few Kleenex later I have finished the entire Preston Brothers series. Lucas and Logan were good but Leo, the quietest most thoughtful brother and glue of the family, was the icing on the cake.
The characters in this series will steal your heart as they enter adulthood making mistakes that will frustrate and suffering personal plights and pain that will crack even the toughest of cookies. And whilst Leo is a bit of behemoth of a book which took me 5 days to read, it didn’t feel that way: He and Mia have a hell of a history and they deserved their story to be told in all its detailed glory.
Mia and I—together—we deserve more than just one moment.
We deserve a lifetime.”
Jay McLean has herself a new fan and I can’t endorse this series or her writing much more than that.
The characters in this series will steal your heart as they enter adulthood making mistakes that will frustrate and suffering personal plights and pain that will crack even the toughest of cookies. And whilst Leo is a bit of behemoth of a book which took me 5 days to read, it didn’t feel that way: He and Mia have a hell of a history and they deserved their story to be told in all its detailed glory.
Mia and I—together—we deserve more than just one moment. We deserve a lifetime.”
Jay McLean has herself a new fan and I can’t endorse this series or her writing much more than that.
January 26, 2022
”It’s about family and loss and friendship and tragedy and love. Young love.”
How can a quote in the book you’re reading, that is about another book, describe the book that you’re actually reading so damn well? So meta. Anyway. Jay McLean has done it again, and you’d think at this point I would better prepare myself for the heart squeezing rollercoaster ride that this talented woman takes me on. 8219 locations (whatever the heck that means) in this book, and I read the last page wishing there was another 8219 locations, because I can not and will not ever get enough of this author’s words. Especially the words she writes in this More Than/Preston Brothers universe. Leo and Mia’s story was angsty long term longing perfection.
Mia and Leo, stole my heart, broke my heart, mended my heart, broke it again, and fixed it again and won it in the end. Mia by herself is this sort of wounded soul that I honestly felt so much of myself in. Insecure and doubtful of everyone’s love and intentions, because she has so few people in her life she’s been able to trust and just as many that have disappointed her. Leo. Sweet, thoughtful, passionate, Leo. I have too many words to say about this man and his growth and all of them would spoil the book for you. Just know that these two GO THROUGH IT. The only thing that never changes is their love for each other. It’s undeniable and long lasting, but it’s never easy or simple for long.
The Preston family. The brothers I wanted to throttle and hug at the same time, because I know them and their stories. Lucy the glue who can bring a smile and laughter to almost any moment even if it’s a hard one. And that’s just Leo’s bunch. Mia brings a whole set of new characters to fall in love with, and I’d hate to spoil the reading experience by saying too much, but also I need to scream shouty capitals something, so close your eyes if you want to be fully unspoiled.... JAY PLEASE GIVE US MORE HOLDEN, he deserves to be read by us in full country boy glory. Ok sorry. I’m done.
I don’t know what else to say other than, just read this book. If you love teen angst and coming of age, a dichotomy of family dynamics and drama, and just young love growing, changing, blossoming into an adult love that needs careful navigation and thought, then you NEED to read this book and this entire series.
Now I’m off to buy a rocking chair. Don’t ask. Just read.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
How can a quote in the book you’re reading, that is about another book, describe the book that you’re actually reading so damn well? So meta. Anyway. Jay McLean has done it again, and you’d think at this point I would better prepare myself for the heart squeezing rollercoaster ride that this talented woman takes me on. 8219 locations (whatever the heck that means) in this book, and I read the last page wishing there was another 8219 locations, because I can not and will not ever get enough of this author’s words. Especially the words she writes in this More Than/Preston Brothers universe. Leo and Mia’s story was angsty long term longing perfection.
Mia and Leo, stole my heart, broke my heart, mended my heart, broke it again, and fixed it again and won it in the end. Mia by herself is this sort of wounded soul that I honestly felt so much of myself in. Insecure and doubtful of everyone’s love and intentions, because she has so few people in her life she’s been able to trust and just as many that have disappointed her. Leo. Sweet, thoughtful, passionate, Leo. I have too many words to say about this man and his growth and all of them would spoil the book for you. Just know that these two GO THROUGH IT. The only thing that never changes is their love for each other. It’s undeniable and long lasting, but it’s never easy or simple for long.
The Preston family. The brothers I wanted to throttle and hug at the same time, because I know them and their stories. Lucy the glue who can bring a smile and laughter to almost any moment even if it’s a hard one. And that’s just Leo’s bunch. Mia brings a whole set of new characters to fall in love with, and I’d hate to spoil the reading experience by saying too much, but also I need to scream shouty capitals something, so close your eyes if you want to be fully unspoiled.... JAY PLEASE GIVE US MORE HOLDEN, he deserves to be read by us in full country boy glory. Ok sorry. I’m done.
I don’t know what else to say other than, just read this book. If you love teen angst and coming of age, a dichotomy of family dynamics and drama, and just young love growing, changing, blossoming into an adult love that needs careful navigation and thought, then you NEED to read this book and this entire series.
Now I’m off to buy a rocking chair. Don’t ask. Just read.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
September 9, 2020
"I just need you to hold me for,like, five hours"
Jay McLean for me is always a outburst of vivid feelings and emotions
I think I read the whole book with Glassy Eyes
Human life is so full of complexity man!!
Sometimes you gotta Wear your big girl panties and keep your chin up and own your own life
So what you will be dealing with in this book
- Phases of Pre-teen, Teenager and young adult life
-Insecurity
-Depression
-Fear
-Bullying
- Self doubt
What Did I get from reading this book
- Clarity of mind
-How your words affect people
-keep your judgement in your pocket other people's life ain't yours to judge
-Voice your thoughts
-Fight for the things that matters
-You don't need a label of a godamn Hero to be Brave
Mia's issues are sort of personal to me
Being someone who had been overweight as a teenager and suffered from bullying , anxiety
I can totally understand what she is been dealing with
Those triggers I can exactly understand them. I may have handled my situation in a more mature way but hey human beings are different right? So no Judgement on Mia's Part 🌻 Everyone grows and learns in their own unique way
and after reading this book I guess I got to understand Logan's mind set , his perspective more clearly
Last but not the least Leo
I have always been fascinated with him from the very first book of the series and of course he lived upto my expectations
He is the most realistic male lead I've ever read about so far in my life
He was the perfect blend of sensitive , loyal , the quiet , full of passion kind of guy I love. He is an incredible character . He played all the roles with compassion 🌼 He is not your typical fictional hero who will save the day instead he will grow like a beautiful plant with you
Especial mention : Lucy and Tammy literally two angels without the wings 🌼🌻
Leo is my definitely most favourite book in #prestonbrothers series
As in not Leo as separate stand alone character but the book itself
Butttttttttttttttt
all seriousness aside
Tom Preston bow down to the king 👀🙇
He is my favourite Preston Man ☺
because-
“Papa Preston does not play.”
Right Lo 😂?
August 17, 2020
EDIT TO ADD: WHEEEEEEEE! Holden gets his own book! If you haven't read LEO, do it before you read Holden :D Add to your TBR! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
TITLE: LEO
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
SERIES: Preston Brothers #3
RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2020
GENRE: New Adult, Coming of Age
THEMES & TROPES: Mental Health Issues, Friends to Lovers
RATING: ALL OF THE STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
It's been so long since I read a story by Jay McLean and, boy, did I miss the Preston Clan. I loved Logan and Lucas (although they are punks in Leo's story) but Leo? No. Words. I will never do the beauty of this book justice and it's hard to put the multitude of feelings it evoked into words.
Leo is the quiet Preston brother, the one the whole family relies on. He listens in a way not many do. He only speaks when he has something important to say and when he speaks people listen. But sometimes his words get jumbled in his mind he is unable to speak up when it's important which drives away the girl he has been in love with since I first saw her as a kid. I loved Leo. So much. This young man was everything parents want in a son. He was kind, so kind, and his love for Mia so fierce it almost hurt. I want to sing his praises and write love songs and books about him. He's a once-in-a-lifetime guy. Once you're in love with him there is no one who will measure up.
And Mia knows that. From the day they met they were lost to one another and no one else ever stood a chance. Mia's tender heart got stomped on since she was just a toddler. Her mom left her with her grandfather when she was three years old, her dad not very interested in raising his daughter. The result: Mia has ABANDONMENT ISSUES. Yes, in caps because that's how bad they are. And Leo is the best to take care of her heart but, you know, life is a mothereffin' bitch. Mia's issues lead to more issues and I just wanted to wrap my arms around her and help her. This girl had all my love throughout the story and thank God she had people like her Papa and Holden, her best friend, and Tammy, his mom, in her life. They were vital to her life.
Did Leo and Mia make good life choices? Not always, both of them fumbled and failed at life at some point but these are young, inexperienced people. What's important is how you react to these poor choices and make up for them and both of them grew throughout the story.
When I saw the length of this book I was a little intimidated. It's BIG but I was so totally enthralled and captivated by the words, it didn't feel long. And A LOT of things happen, you don't have the time to get bored. The story spans a decade and we get to watch Mia and Leo grow up from the time they first meet until they are in their twenties. We witness how they fall in love and never fall out of it. We are there when they struggle, when they battle their demons and in the end come out stronger for it. It was sheer beauty.
Jay McLean has writing angst down pat. LEO is a slow burn romance that made me rage, laugh, and the author made it hurt so good and I teared up more times than I want to admit. But Jay McLean also made the pain worth it because at the end of the book I just wanted more despite the beautiful epilogue that was the cherry on top. Jay gets better with each book, her talent shines brightly from the pages, her words are powerful and beautiful. She writes about important, timeless issues that we need to talk about, in a way that they are relatable even if your life isn't affected by them. I really wouldn't mind getting the next book soon. LEO goes straight on my favorites shelf.
TITLE: LEO
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
SERIES: Preston Brothers #3
RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2020
GENRE: New Adult, Coming of Age
THEMES & TROPES: Mental Health Issues, Friends to Lovers
RATING: ALL OF THE STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
It's been so long since I read a story by Jay McLean and, boy, did I miss the Preston Clan. I loved Logan and Lucas (although they are punks in Leo's story) but Leo? No. Words. I will never do the beauty of this book justice and it's hard to put the multitude of feelings it evoked into words.
Leo is the quiet Preston brother, the one the whole family relies on. He listens in a way not many do. He only speaks when he has something important to say and when he speaks people listen. But sometimes his words get jumbled in his mind he is unable to speak up when it's important which drives away the girl he has been in love with since I first saw her as a kid. I loved Leo. So much. This young man was everything parents want in a son. He was kind, so kind, and his love for Mia so fierce it almost hurt. I want to sing his praises and write love songs and books about him. He's a once-in-a-lifetime guy. Once you're in love with him there is no one who will measure up.
“I’ve known you for ten years, Mia, and you still do crazy things to my heart.”
And Mia knows that. From the day they met they were lost to one another and no one else ever stood a chance. Mia's tender heart got stomped on since she was just a toddler. Her mom left her with her grandfather when she was three years old, her dad not very interested in raising his daughter. The result: Mia has ABANDONMENT ISSUES. Yes, in caps because that's how bad they are. And Leo is the best to take care of her heart but, you know, life is a mothereffin' bitch. Mia's issues lead to more issues and I just wanted to wrap my arms around her and help her. This girl had all my love throughout the story and thank God she had people like her Papa and Holden, her best friend, and Tammy, his mom, in her life. They were vital to her life.
Did Leo and Mia make good life choices? Not always, both of them fumbled and failed at life at some point but these are young, inexperienced people. What's important is how you react to these poor choices and make up for them and both of them grew throughout the story.
Mia and I—together—we deserve more than just one moment. We deserve a lifetime.
When I saw the length of this book I was a little intimidated. It's BIG but I was so totally enthralled and captivated by the words, it didn't feel long. And A LOT of things happen, you don't have the time to get bored. The story spans a decade and we get to watch Mia and Leo grow up from the time they first meet until they are in their twenties. We witness how they fall in love and never fall out of it. We are there when they struggle, when they battle their demons and in the end come out stronger for it. It was sheer beauty.
Jay McLean has writing angst down pat. LEO is a slow burn romance that made me rage, laugh, and the author made it hurt so good and I teared up more times than I want to admit. But Jay McLean also made the pain worth it because at the end of the book I just wanted more despite the beautiful epilogue that was the cherry on top. Jay gets better with each book, her talent shines brightly from the pages, her words are powerful and beautiful. She writes about important, timeless issues that we need to talk about, in a way that they are relatable even if your life isn't affected by them. I really wouldn't mind getting the next book soon. LEO goes straight on my favorites shelf.
“I’m going to spend my entire existence proving that you have, are, and will always be perfect to me.”
August 6, 2020
Heart. Torn. WIDE!
That's what one of my most vital organs felt like when I finished this book. I felt absolutely shredded! I went into this expecting angst. I knew there was going to be pain. I knew I was going to hate some things, and positively adore others. What I got??? So much more than I could have ever planned for! I. Wasn't. Ready!
As with all the girls the Preston family adopts as their own, Mia was broken. Although she was abandoned by her parents, she wasn't unloved. Her grandfather gave her the best of everything and wanted her to be happy. If that meant a summer spent away from him, then that's what would happen.
A summer at the Preston's is like a HUGE dream of mine. It didn't go so well for Mia at first. But when Leo became her friend, and I mean a true friend, nothing could have been sweeter. I lived for their moments at the water tower. And all too soon, it turned to dust.
This pseudo-friendship lasted years and I felt that Leo was doing way too much for all of it. He gave everything. I'm still trying to figure out what Mia offered. She was at the crux of all of my issues, all of my heartache, all of my tears. This girl freaking broke me! She kept making me put down my kindle. Pick it up. Throw it down. Pick it up. Hide it because I can't possibly handle anymore. Pick it up. Girl had me messed up!
I don't think I should give any more away. This book is super long and super worth it. It will take you places you don't really want to go. It will push your boundaries a bit. And it will draw out every bit of emotion you didn't think you had. Mia's got a lot of secrets and she puts Leo through some of the worst pain, but their story was so beautiful and tragic that I had to give it all the stars.
Click below for more details
That's what one of my most vital organs felt like when I finished this book. I felt absolutely shredded! I went into this expecting angst. I knew there was going to be pain. I knew I was going to hate some things, and positively adore others. What I got??? So much more than I could have ever planned for! I. Wasn't. Ready!
As with all the girls the Preston family adopts as their own, Mia was broken. Although she was abandoned by her parents, she wasn't unloved. Her grandfather gave her the best of everything and wanted her to be happy. If that meant a summer spent away from him, then that's what would happen.
A summer at the Preston's is like a HUGE dream of mine. It didn't go so well for Mia at first. But when Leo became her friend, and I mean a true friend, nothing could have been sweeter. I lived for their moments at the water tower. And all too soon, it turned to dust.
This pseudo-friendship lasted years and I felt that Leo was doing way too much for all of it. He gave everything. I'm still trying to figure out what Mia offered. She was at the crux of all of my issues, all of my heartache, all of my tears. This girl freaking broke me! She kept making me put down my kindle. Pick it up. Throw it down. Pick it up. Hide it because I can't possibly handle anymore. Pick it up. Girl had me messed up!
I don't think I should give any more away. This book is super long and super worth it. It will take you places you don't really want to go. It will push your boundaries a bit. And it will draw out every bit of emotion you didn't think you had. Mia's got a lot of secrets and she puts Leo through some of the worst pain, but their story was so beautiful and tragic that I had to give it all the stars.
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May 7, 2023
I have a soft spot for Jay Mclean, More Than was one of the first NA series that I read, and More Than Forever became a favourite of mine. She can write, and I am a part of her facebook group, and she seems like a genuinely great person. However, to be honest The Preston Brothers series has been a mixed bag for me. Lucas was dead to me in Lucy’s book when he visited her at college and managed to have sex in a car with the girl who was after Cameron. His book did not endear him to me, and he and Laney quite frankly bored me. I loved Logan’s book, he broke my heart, but yeah there was cheating (drug induced or not), and it left a bad taste on my mouth, along with other issues. Leo, if I am honest he was the Preston who I remembered the least about, so I did not have high expectations. That being said I liked him and Mia. They both made me angry and pissed me off, but I found them to be good characters. I just did not like this story, it was too long and all over the place. The push and pull was extreme. These idiots took it in turns to mess up/push the other person away, to the point it became frustrating. The real villains in this book to me were the Preston boys who I love. Sure they were young and said dumb stuff, but I am still not sure I have really forgiven them. This book was not what I expected, and I am still not really convinced of the history or time frame of Mia and Leo’s relationship. It would have worked better without the tainted history, and to have Leo and Mia fall for each other as adults who get to know each other maturely. I also expected a sweeter, more innocent aspect to the characters/story, as Leo was the overlooked, quiet, thinker of the Preston’s. Mia seemed naive, sweet and quite awkward. So I expected a more tender tale, but really what was presented was selfish actions, immature decisions, and a relationship so destructive and toxic, I was not 100% convinced that Leo and Mia should have ended up together.
My thoughts on the book (sorry they are all over the place):
•The Preston patriarch is amazing! Tom makes mistakes, but generally he is an amazing person and one of my favourite characters (would actually love a book about how he and Lucy’s mother met and fell in love, to get his perspective and story).
•Mia’s back story was so sad and dramatic it was like a soap opera, rejected by both her parents, with only Holden, her Papa and Tammy being there to care for her. This sense of isolation was reinforced as she had to visit her mother who could not care less about her. Mia is left out by the Prestons, until she befriends Leo, but even that was treated like a dirty little secret.
•The lake scene. It broke my heart. Leo and Mia form a bond, and she is worried about starting high school as she was previously home schooled. Her best friend Holden was meant to start high school with her, but he is moving due to his parents divorce. So Leo suggests Mia coming to move in with his family and go to school with him:
“Stay,” I cut in. “You can go to high school here. I’ll be there. We’d be in the same grade. I could be your new Holden.” Puke. “And if I talk to my dad, I’m sure he’d let you stay in Lucy’s old room or something. She’ll be on campus.” I’m rambling, trying to voice all my reasons for her to stay before she can come back with one reason why she can’t. “And I’m sure there’s a bus or something that can take you back home to visit your grandpa, and it would make him somewhat happy, right? And this way… this way, we wouldn’t have to say goodbye.”
So Mia does just that.. But the night she arrives to live with the Prestons, she goes swimming in the lake, as the boys including Leo are at a party. The boys come back and go to the lake, Mia overheard the boys ripping her to shreds. It was soul destroying, Logan and Lucas were beyond cruel (especially Lucas seeing as he was the oldest and a good few years older, laying into a 13/14 year old girl).
Here is the painful discussion:
It’s Logan who does. “It’s sure a step up from that fat-ass, Mia.” Laughter erupts. And I feel the first streak of liquid heartache leave me.
Lucas says, “I mean, she was nothing to look at when she first got here, but every year she just gets worse and worse.”
“Her braces aren’t doing her any favors,” Logan says through a chuckle.
“And her acne…” Garray this time.
“Oh my god! It’s so bad,” Logan laughs out.
Then Lucas: “And poor Leo. Dad’s put it on him to watch over her at school.” Another round of laughter.
“I take it back,” Lucas adds. “He’s gonna have a shitty time with the girls with fat-ass, brace face around, hanging on to him everywhere he goes.”
“And also—fuck her for taking the basement,” Logan snaps. “I wanted that.” Leo says nothing. Does nothing.
Logan puts the final nail in the coffin;
Logan continues, “It’s not my fucking fault that she has no home. Or that her parents don’t want her.”
I am going to be honest, I did not know what to think after this scene. Maybe I am naive but I thought the Preston boys were better than that. I know they are young, and as we know from their own books they all had their own issues. But I always thought they had good hearts. Sure they were loud, they pulled pranks, they were cocky, but I always saw them as decent and kind at heart. I did not see them as arrogant, entitled ass wipes who annihilate girls they already treated badly for no reason. I saw them in a completely different light after this scene and do not know if I really forgive them. Especially as it happened again towards the end of the book. Sure Mia made mistakes, but then the twins take their turn to tear her down at the end of the book. With everyone including Laney and Red just sitting there, not saying much. They do this in front of Lachlan who is basically a kid. All the issues get sorted in the and apologies are made, but it all left a bad taste in my mouth.
• Leo was weak, I get he did not want his brothers to tease him, or to be involved in his relationship with Mia, but his not speaking up was a massive betrayal, and I would have done the same as Mia, and taken off and not returned.
•Years later Leo and Mia are reunited as he is sent to work on her Papa’s farm to help fix it up. So unless Leo was placed in Mia’s lap would he ever have apologised or made amends? Ever tracked her down or fought for her? Does not exactly scream true love to me.
• So, before Leo was the person who messed up, now we have Mia in a relationship with a guy, who she is obviously not fussed about. So there is some shitty behaviour on both sides as they try to avoid their feelings. Mia not breaking up with her boyfriend but flirting with and lusting over Leo. Leo expecting Mia to Trust him, and being jealous Mia is taken, both of them acting foolish. Then when Mia’s boyfriend visits it all kicks off as Leo starts hooking up with A girl in the barn and Mia storms in. Then she breaks up with the boyfriend and finally Mia and Leo are on. Only for fresh drama too intrude. It is revealed Mia is bulimic. Finally her father steps up, Leo is Heartbroken and blames himself and what his brothers said for her condition. So Mia is devastated and really needs Leo, she begs him practically to stay with her, what does he do? He leaves her. When she needed him most, I get he thinks it is for the best and he feels guilty, but that is not good enough. Oh for more drama, as the bulimia comes to light Mia’s Papa who raised her has a heart attack and dies at the same time! Making her abandonment even more painful, especially as both Mia’s parents rejected her when she was a young girl.
•One thing I Have a massive issue with, was the whole Mills and Boon style of technicality. Leo tells Mia he has not dated in over a year, trying to act like there is not point in dating as she is the girl he wants to settle down with. He is sneaky as shit, because not long after this discussion, it comes out he has not dated in over a year, but that does not mean he has not fucked around:
“You said you haven’t dated in a year,’ she says, pushing me away. I run both hands through my hair, frustrated. I was so close. To what? I don’t fucking know.
“I haven’t dated.”
“So, you just sleep around?” There’s accusation in her tone, and she has no right. I keep my narrowed eyes on hers.
“You’re not allowed to be pissed about that.”
“I’m allowed to feel however I want to feel.”
“Mia, your boyfriend is right outside this fucking door!” I whisper-yell, pointing to the kitchen, and I don’t know why I’m keeping my voice down. Why the fuck am I protecting her? She’s shaking her head, looking down at the floor.
“Lucky I didn’t break up with him when you told me to,” she says, her voice cracking as she looks up at me, eyes filled with unshed tears. “Maybe I’d be just another one of those girls you sleep with who means nothing.”
Sure, Mia is displaying double standards, to an extent as she is in a relationship. But Leo purposely misled her, making it sound like he was done dating people who meant nothing to him, as if he was waiting for her, when really he has not held back at all. So Leo gets to be with other people while Mia gives her virginity to Leo, and he is the only man she is ever with. How is that fair? Why couldn’t Leo be the brother who actually waited? He is the quiet, thoughtful brother, would it not have made more sense or have been Romantic if Mia was his first too? Why are the heroine’s always celibate, but the heroes are expected and allowed to have sex with others?
• Holden. People are going crazy for him and he is getting his own book. I may be the odd one out, but I do not get the hype. Sure he is likeable enough and he is pretty loyal to Mia, but not always. Like when he takes Mia out for the night and leaves her pretty much on her own so he can get it on with a girl. I also understand Mia behaves badly, but him basically freezing her out because she acted different for a lad seems bitchy and harsh. I also understand he was friends with Logan, and he did not like the way Mia was treating him, but not stepping in when Logan took that girl back to the farm, was sketchy to me. I also am not a fan of how Holden treats girls. Apparently he is upfront with girls that he is not prepared to get serious? Really because he sets up a double date for Brianna, sees her more than once and then supposedly cannot get rid of her? To the point he has to enlist Leo and Mia for help? Either he is not as upfront as he says, or girls cannot have sex without going fatal attraction? He needs to get a Backbone, there is nothing wrong with having fun, but he seems to take it upon himself like a sport. Like when he hits on the single mother at the Preston’s Halloween party. He just seems like a sleeze, and there are far better characters in Jay’s books who I would prefer to see get their own books before this guy.
•Mia not swearing was boring, she could talk dirty to Leo but not swear? Jesus Take the Wheel, is an expression I would happily like to never hear again.
•Logan stating Mia is too pure to be giving him a blow job? Seriously? So only dirty bitches dare to give head? What the hell?
•When Leo leaves Mia after finding out about the bulimia, he blocks her number, Holden’s and her Papa’s, effectively cutting them all out of his life. He never contacts her, and then everyone is annoyed that Mia did not contact him to tell him she was pregnant with his child? He basically rejected her, never checked up on her. Mia was seriously ill, had lost her father figure, and was constantly left behind, but she should have tried harder to contact Logan? I get it, Mia did not behave well, but she was fragile and sick. In fairness why would she be left with the impression Logan would care or want to be involved. He had constantly Hurt her, did not stay when she needed him too, and never contacted her. Sure Mia could have put herself out more to let Leo know, but I felt like Leo also has blame in this situation. I only really was upset with Mia when she went back to see her mother to get her to sign divorce papers. While she is there she sees Leo, they have a heart to heart and she kisses him, but still does not tell him? How can she spill her guts, and kiss him knowing she has a child with him, that he knows nothing about? At that point she was wrong, but generally I found Mia to be a good person, who was constantly crushed, and she survived the best she could.
• I know Leo cut contact with Mia etc, but Tom would have been told that Mia’s grandfather died. Am I to believe that no one let Tom know for all those years about what happened to Mia’s grandad? So Leo never knew the man he spent summers with had died until Mia told him?I am not buying it.
•The whole sordid past with Holden’s mum and Mia’s dad added nothing for me, it just made me feel so sorry for Holden’s dad who loved a woman, who treated him as a rebound and wasted years of his life, only to get back with the man who never put her first. Toxic relationships all over the place. The whole loving someone enough to follow them message was not romantic to me.
•Irrelevant, but a senior girl being interested in a boy that’s not even a fresh man yet, as said at the lake was disturbing and unlikely. Why would a girl who is 17 be into a 13/14 year old guy who is only just about to start high school? That’s messed up, and how realistic is it?
•The whole issue with Mia overhearing the brothers slagging her off should have been brought up years before by Leo, regardless of their feelings or other people’s behaviour.
•Mia’s dad teasing her about sleeping with Leo, telling her to be safe? Is it meant to be funny? He had a kid as a teen he neglected, and his daughter had a child when she was a teen, and did not have the father involved, but it’s funny to joke about safe sex with her wink wink?
•Lucas not actually saying the world ‘I am sorry’, to Mia, but showing her with actions is not good enough. Swallow your pride and say the words asswipe.
•Tammy seemed to make most of compromises like moving to New York, but did Joseph (Mia’s dad)? Seemed one way to me.
•The way the employees were talking at Joseph’s company about their bosses daughter to a complete stranger (Leo), was massively unlikely?
•The cringe talk about Leo’s big revelation might be him being gay? Are these brothers 12?
• Bennett was freaking amazing and saved this story for me! He tied with Lachlan as best child!
•The YMCA joke was hilarious
•When Mia and Leo finally got together as a family, they were great, their story should have been less complicated from the beginning, as they are actually really good together.
•Holden’s dad doing the flowers for his exes wedding?
•Leo and Mia sneaking off to get married? Not cute
This book was not bad, but the length was unnecessary, and the angst and events did not have to be so extreme. I just wish we saw more of Mia and Leo together without interference.
Also Lachlan needs a book.
My thoughts on the book (sorry they are all over the place):
•The Preston patriarch is amazing! Tom makes mistakes, but generally he is an amazing person and one of my favourite characters (would actually love a book about how he and Lucy’s mother met and fell in love, to get his perspective and story).
•Mia’s back story was so sad and dramatic it was like a soap opera, rejected by both her parents, with only Holden, her Papa and Tammy being there to care for her. This sense of isolation was reinforced as she had to visit her mother who could not care less about her. Mia is left out by the Prestons, until she befriends Leo, but even that was treated like a dirty little secret.
•The lake scene. It broke my heart. Leo and Mia form a bond, and she is worried about starting high school as she was previously home schooled. Her best friend Holden was meant to start high school with her, but he is moving due to his parents divorce. So Leo suggests Mia coming to move in with his family and go to school with him:
“Stay,” I cut in. “You can go to high school here. I’ll be there. We’d be in the same grade. I could be your new Holden.” Puke. “And if I talk to my dad, I’m sure he’d let you stay in Lucy’s old room or something. She’ll be on campus.” I’m rambling, trying to voice all my reasons for her to stay before she can come back with one reason why she can’t. “And I’m sure there’s a bus or something that can take you back home to visit your grandpa, and it would make him somewhat happy, right? And this way… this way, we wouldn’t have to say goodbye.”
So Mia does just that.. But the night she arrives to live with the Prestons, she goes swimming in the lake, as the boys including Leo are at a party. The boys come back and go to the lake, Mia overheard the boys ripping her to shreds. It was soul destroying, Logan and Lucas were beyond cruel (especially Lucas seeing as he was the oldest and a good few years older, laying into a 13/14 year old girl).
Here is the painful discussion:
It’s Logan who does. “It’s sure a step up from that fat-ass, Mia.” Laughter erupts. And I feel the first streak of liquid heartache leave me.
Lucas says, “I mean, she was nothing to look at when she first got here, but every year she just gets worse and worse.”
“Her braces aren’t doing her any favors,” Logan says through a chuckle.
“And her acne…” Garray this time.
“Oh my god! It’s so bad,” Logan laughs out.
Then Lucas: “And poor Leo. Dad’s put it on him to watch over her at school.” Another round of laughter.
“I take it back,” Lucas adds. “He’s gonna have a shitty time with the girls with fat-ass, brace face around, hanging on to him everywhere he goes.”
“And also—fuck her for taking the basement,” Logan snaps. “I wanted that.” Leo says nothing. Does nothing.
Logan puts the final nail in the coffin;
Logan continues, “It’s not my fucking fault that she has no home. Or that her parents don’t want her.”
I am going to be honest, I did not know what to think after this scene. Maybe I am naive but I thought the Preston boys were better than that. I know they are young, and as we know from their own books they all had their own issues. But I always thought they had good hearts. Sure they were loud, they pulled pranks, they were cocky, but I always saw them as decent and kind at heart. I did not see them as arrogant, entitled ass wipes who annihilate girls they already treated badly for no reason. I saw them in a completely different light after this scene and do not know if I really forgive them. Especially as it happened again towards the end of the book. Sure Mia made mistakes, but then the twins take their turn to tear her down at the end of the book. With everyone including Laney and Red just sitting there, not saying much. They do this in front of Lachlan who is basically a kid. All the issues get sorted in the and apologies are made, but it all left a bad taste in my mouth.
• Leo was weak, I get he did not want his brothers to tease him, or to be involved in his relationship with Mia, but his not speaking up was a massive betrayal, and I would have done the same as Mia, and taken off and not returned.
•Years later Leo and Mia are reunited as he is sent to work on her Papa’s farm to help fix it up. So unless Leo was placed in Mia’s lap would he ever have apologised or made amends? Ever tracked her down or fought for her? Does not exactly scream true love to me.
• So, before Leo was the person who messed up, now we have Mia in a relationship with a guy, who she is obviously not fussed about. So there is some shitty behaviour on both sides as they try to avoid their feelings. Mia not breaking up with her boyfriend but flirting with and lusting over Leo. Leo expecting Mia to Trust him, and being jealous Mia is taken, both of them acting foolish. Then when Mia’s boyfriend visits it all kicks off as Leo starts hooking up with A girl in the barn and Mia storms in. Then she breaks up with the boyfriend and finally Mia and Leo are on. Only for fresh drama too intrude. It is revealed Mia is bulimic. Finally her father steps up, Leo is Heartbroken and blames himself and what his brothers said for her condition. So Mia is devastated and really needs Leo, she begs him practically to stay with her, what does he do? He leaves her. When she needed him most, I get he thinks it is for the best and he feels guilty, but that is not good enough. Oh for more drama, as the bulimia comes to light Mia’s Papa who raised her has a heart attack and dies at the same time! Making her abandonment even more painful, especially as both Mia’s parents rejected her when she was a young girl.
•One thing I Have a massive issue with, was the whole Mills and Boon style of technicality. Leo tells Mia he has not dated in over a year, trying to act like there is not point in dating as she is the girl he wants to settle down with. He is sneaky as shit, because not long after this discussion, it comes out he has not dated in over a year, but that does not mean he has not fucked around:
“You said you haven’t dated in a year,’ she says, pushing me away. I run both hands through my hair, frustrated. I was so close. To what? I don’t fucking know.
“I haven’t dated.”
“So, you just sleep around?” There’s accusation in her tone, and she has no right. I keep my narrowed eyes on hers.
“You’re not allowed to be pissed about that.”
“I’m allowed to feel however I want to feel.”
“Mia, your boyfriend is right outside this fucking door!” I whisper-yell, pointing to the kitchen, and I don’t know why I’m keeping my voice down. Why the fuck am I protecting her? She’s shaking her head, looking down at the floor.
“Lucky I didn’t break up with him when you told me to,” she says, her voice cracking as she looks up at me, eyes filled with unshed tears. “Maybe I’d be just another one of those girls you sleep with who means nothing.”
Sure, Mia is displaying double standards, to an extent as she is in a relationship. But Leo purposely misled her, making it sound like he was done dating people who meant nothing to him, as if he was waiting for her, when really he has not held back at all. So Leo gets to be with other people while Mia gives her virginity to Leo, and he is the only man she is ever with. How is that fair? Why couldn’t Leo be the brother who actually waited? He is the quiet, thoughtful brother, would it not have made more sense or have been Romantic if Mia was his first too? Why are the heroine’s always celibate, but the heroes are expected and allowed to have sex with others?
• Holden. People are going crazy for him and he is getting his own book. I may be the odd one out, but I do not get the hype. Sure he is likeable enough and he is pretty loyal to Mia, but not always. Like when he takes Mia out for the night and leaves her pretty much on her own so he can get it on with a girl. I also understand Mia behaves badly, but him basically freezing her out because she acted different for a lad seems bitchy and harsh. I also understand he was friends with Logan, and he did not like the way Mia was treating him, but not stepping in when Logan took that girl back to the farm, was sketchy to me. I also am not a fan of how Holden treats girls. Apparently he is upfront with girls that he is not prepared to get serious? Really because he sets up a double date for Brianna, sees her more than once and then supposedly cannot get rid of her? To the point he has to enlist Leo and Mia for help? Either he is not as upfront as he says, or girls cannot have sex without going fatal attraction? He needs to get a Backbone, there is nothing wrong with having fun, but he seems to take it upon himself like a sport. Like when he hits on the single mother at the Preston’s Halloween party. He just seems like a sleeze, and there are far better characters in Jay’s books who I would prefer to see get their own books before this guy.
•Mia not swearing was boring, she could talk dirty to Leo but not swear? Jesus Take the Wheel, is an expression I would happily like to never hear again.
•Logan stating Mia is too pure to be giving him a blow job? Seriously? So only dirty bitches dare to give head? What the hell?
•When Leo leaves Mia after finding out about the bulimia, he blocks her number, Holden’s and her Papa’s, effectively cutting them all out of his life. He never contacts her, and then everyone is annoyed that Mia did not contact him to tell him she was pregnant with his child? He basically rejected her, never checked up on her. Mia was seriously ill, had lost her father figure, and was constantly left behind, but she should have tried harder to contact Logan? I get it, Mia did not behave well, but she was fragile and sick. In fairness why would she be left with the impression Logan would care or want to be involved. He had constantly Hurt her, did not stay when she needed him too, and never contacted her. Sure Mia could have put herself out more to let Leo know, but I felt like Leo also has blame in this situation. I only really was upset with Mia when she went back to see her mother to get her to sign divorce papers. While she is there she sees Leo, they have a heart to heart and she kisses him, but still does not tell him? How can she spill her guts, and kiss him knowing she has a child with him, that he knows nothing about? At that point she was wrong, but generally I found Mia to be a good person, who was constantly crushed, and she survived the best she could.
• I know Leo cut contact with Mia etc, but Tom would have been told that Mia’s grandfather died. Am I to believe that no one let Tom know for all those years about what happened to Mia’s grandad? So Leo never knew the man he spent summers with had died until Mia told him?I am not buying it.
•The whole sordid past with Holden’s mum and Mia’s dad added nothing for me, it just made me feel so sorry for Holden’s dad who loved a woman, who treated him as a rebound and wasted years of his life, only to get back with the man who never put her first. Toxic relationships all over the place. The whole loving someone enough to follow them message was not romantic to me.
•Irrelevant, but a senior girl being interested in a boy that’s not even a fresh man yet, as said at the lake was disturbing and unlikely. Why would a girl who is 17 be into a 13/14 year old guy who is only just about to start high school? That’s messed up, and how realistic is it?
•The whole issue with Mia overhearing the brothers slagging her off should have been brought up years before by Leo, regardless of their feelings or other people’s behaviour.
•Mia’s dad teasing her about sleeping with Leo, telling her to be safe? Is it meant to be funny? He had a kid as a teen he neglected, and his daughter had a child when she was a teen, and did not have the father involved, but it’s funny to joke about safe sex with her wink wink?
•Lucas not actually saying the world ‘I am sorry’, to Mia, but showing her with actions is not good enough. Swallow your pride and say the words asswipe.
•Tammy seemed to make most of compromises like moving to New York, but did Joseph (Mia’s dad)? Seemed one way to me.
•The way the employees were talking at Joseph’s company about their bosses daughter to a complete stranger (Leo), was massively unlikely?
•The cringe talk about Leo’s big revelation might be him being gay? Are these brothers 12?
• Bennett was freaking amazing and saved this story for me! He tied with Lachlan as best child!
•The YMCA joke was hilarious
•When Mia and Leo finally got together as a family, they were great, their story should have been less complicated from the beginning, as they are actually really good together.
•Holden’s dad doing the flowers for his exes wedding?
•Leo and Mia sneaking off to get married? Not cute
This book was not bad, but the length was unnecessary, and the angst and events did not have to be so extreme. I just wish we saw more of Mia and Leo together without interference.
Also Lachlan needs a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
1.5 stars
so a lot of reviewers are talking about how mia was bitchy and leo was perfect and im literally like where? he’s the king of being useless and guilt tripping a girl who was already in a terrible situation (partially brought on by his own insensitive family).
the preston family was pretty terrible in this book too and the way they treated mia for a lot of it kind of unforgivable. she’s nowhere near perfect but they’re just awful. and i really hate how she made excuses for their behaviour and leo’s behaviour over and over again to rationalize everything.
the ONLY redeeming quality of this book is mia and leo’s son benny he’s adorable and so are his scenes with his cousin katie.
so a lot of reviewers are talking about how mia was bitchy and leo was perfect and im literally like where? he’s the king of being useless and guilt tripping a girl who was already in a terrible situation (partially brought on by his own insensitive family).
the preston family was pretty terrible in this book too and the way they treated mia for a lot of it kind of unforgivable. she’s nowhere near perfect but they’re just awful. and i really hate how she made excuses for their behaviour and leo’s behaviour over and over again to rationalize everything.
the ONLY redeeming quality of this book is mia and leo’s son benny he’s adorable and so are his scenes with his cousin katie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
Another faithless loser who swears he is in love with the heroine while sleeping with everything that walks. The finale nail in the coffin for me is when he bails on the heroine after finding out she has bulimia. He “felt so guilty” about the comments his brothers made that contribute to her bulimia, that he immediately made it all about himself and bailed on her. He blocked her number and completely devastated her to assuage his own guilt 🙄 How self involved can you get? That is in no way shape or form love. The only way this guy would be worthy of any type of forgiveness is if he had truly left to punish himself and was celibate. Nope. He moved on fine, went back to sleeping around, dates and had a least one girlfriend. We know this because one of the side characters made a comment about how it had been years since his last girlfriend. So since this girlfriend was after Mia and it’s been years since then, it means that he had to have jumped right into dating and a girlfriend. It’s only been 5 years total between their last breakup and present day. What a joke. This would have been an awesome book if this author understood how to make her here’s SHOW love instead of just saying it. Any douchbag can say “I love you” or “I love her” (such as the case here). A real man know how to prove that he loves a woman by showing her.
September 7, 2022
This book is really long. I was totally exhausted.Although it was too draggy, especially in the middle, I ended up enjoying it.
My main problem is the Preston boys. They are such hypocrites. They say they have changed and then they bad mouth behind Mia's back.
I wasn't very fond of neither Lucas nor Logan. And only Logan apologized to Mia but Lucas never did. Why? Because he is bad with words.
Leo annoyed me a lot. Even though Mia had Bulimia she decided to be with Leo and he just pushed her away. I was really angry. However, when he fought for her later I felt good. I wonder if they didn't have their son Benny, would Leo fight for her?
Lucy is the best Preston among them. The twins Liam and Linc were also fascinating. I wanted more scenes of Lachlan. Furthermore, Mia deserves better. Overall, the story itself wasn't bad, I enjoyed it other than these issues.
My main problem is the Preston boys. They are such hypocrites. They say they have changed and then they bad mouth behind Mia's back.
I wasn't very fond of neither Lucas nor Logan. And only Logan apologized to Mia but Lucas never did. Why? Because he is bad with words.
Leo annoyed me a lot. Even though Mia had Bulimia she decided to be with Leo and he just pushed her away. I was really angry. However, when he fought for her later I felt good. I wonder if they didn't have their son Benny, would Leo fight for her?
Lucy is the best Preston among them. The twins Liam and Linc were also fascinating. I wanted more scenes of Lachlan. Furthermore, Mia deserves better. Overall, the story itself wasn't bad, I enjoyed it other than these issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
I wrote a review and didn't get saved so here is my second attempt
this book is really putting me trough
I advise anyone who clicked on the spoiler link to not read any reviews and goes into it blindly except if you have triggers then definitely check them out
SERIES: Preston Brothers #3 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: new adult
TROPES: friends to lovers, accidental pregnancy, secret baby, second chance
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: bulimia, bulling, parent neglect, loss of a loved one, substance abuse by a family member
HOTTIE METER: 2,5🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: say you won't let go
scars to your beautiful
cruel summer
always been you
I never wanted to put this book down.. over 600 pages piece of cake
but it was a trip, full of emotions, twists and turns
a whole experience
🎈random book info:
💎 57% of the book is in the past when Mia and Leo were teens 13-18
💎 Leo is a year older
💎 Mia is their family nanny's daughter
💎 in family order Leo is second oldest brother in between Lucas and Logan
💎 Mia is virgin and there is some OM drama at some point she has a boyfriend
💎 present part of the story is when they are 22 and 23
🎈 random ramblings:
💎every moment with Mia's grandfather was heartwarming
💎Benny is the sweetest kid
💎Logan and Lucas were awful in this book as kids I felt little love for them as adults either
💎me slow clapping when she confronted the Preston bunch
💎Benny & Leo's moments bonding are everything
💎I knew this book will be all of this so Jay McLean didn't disappoint but hey at least it wasn't as painful as book two
this book is really putting me trough
I advise anyone who clicked on the spoiler link to not read any reviews and goes into it blindly except if you have triggers then definitely check them out
SERIES: Preston Brothers #3 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: new adult
TROPES: friends to lovers, accidental pregnancy, secret baby, second chance
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: bulimia, bulling, parent neglect, loss of a loved one, substance abuse by a family member
HOTTIE METER: 2,5🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: say you won't let go
scars to your beautiful
cruel summer
always been you
I never wanted to put this book down.. over 600 pages piece of cake
but it was a trip, full of emotions, twists and turns
a whole experience
🎈random book info:
💎 57% of the book is in the past when Mia and Leo were teens 13-18
💎 Leo is a year older
💎 Mia is their family nanny's daughter
💎 in family order Leo is second oldest brother in between Lucas and Logan
💎 Mia is virgin and there is some OM drama at some point she has a boyfriend
💎 present part of the story is when they are 22 and 23
🎈 random ramblings:
💎every moment with Mia's grandfather was heartwarming
💎Benny is the sweetest kid
💎Logan and Lucas were awful in this book as kids I felt little love for them as adults either
💎me slow clapping when she confronted the Preston bunch
💎Benny & Leo's moments bonding are everything
💎I knew this book will be all of this so Jay McLean didn't disappoint but hey at least it wasn't as painful as book two
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2020
FIVE EMOTIONAL STARS for Mia and Leo 💜💛💜💛!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW!!!
Jay McLean is one of my favorite young and new adult romance writers and with this book she has once again shown that she deserves to be high on the list of best writers.
"Leo" is a new adult romance with friends to lovers trope that will keep your attention through the whole book.
Mia is a female character who has been rejected by her parents from an early age and the only love she got is from her grandfather.
At the age of thirteen, she met Leo and her life has changed fundamentally because, despite all the flaws she noticed in herself, she managed to gain Leo's attention.
Leo is a male character we have met in previous books as a quiet and introvert guy who rarely speaks and we know almost nothing about him.
But in this book, that has changed drastically because there are reasons behind his silence and when his silence is interrupted by Mia, we learn how good he really is and how willing he is to give his whole heart to Mia.
Mia and Leo's relationship is everything!
It's sweet, beautiful and heartbreaking...
Their story will steal your heart, break it, and then after all ups and downs, it finally put all your pieces of your broken heart together.
If you loved previous books from the "Preston Brothers" series and you also love Jay's writing style, then this is the book you need to read the next!!!
Highly recommended!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW!!!
Jay McLean is one of my favorite young and new adult romance writers and with this book she has once again shown that she deserves to be high on the list of best writers.
"Leo" is a new adult romance with friends to lovers trope that will keep your attention through the whole book.
Mia is a female character who has been rejected by her parents from an early age and the only love she got is from her grandfather.
At the age of thirteen, she met Leo and her life has changed fundamentally because, despite all the flaws she noticed in herself, she managed to gain Leo's attention.
Leo is a male character we have met in previous books as a quiet and introvert guy who rarely speaks and we know almost nothing about him.
But in this book, that has changed drastically because there are reasons behind his silence and when his silence is interrupted by Mia, we learn how good he really is and how willing he is to give his whole heart to Mia.
Mia and Leo's relationship is everything!
It's sweet, beautiful and heartbreaking...
Their story will steal your heart, break it, and then after all ups and downs, it finally put all your pieces of your broken heart together.
If you loved previous books from the "Preston Brothers" series and you also love Jay's writing style, then this is the book you need to read the next!!!
Highly recommended!!!
August 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
August 9, 2020
As with any Jay McLean book, I knew there would be angst. I knew that my poor heart would be put through the wringer. But nothing could prepare me for this one. Leo kicked off a powerful coming of age love story that had my heart aching and racing while sitting on the edge of my seat with my emotions churning. Mia and Leo's story completely ripped my heart in two before it was painstakingly put back together again.
Mia has never known love other than from her grandfather. Her dad is out of the picture, and she only sees her mom during the summers at the Preston house. Her mother is a nanny there, but she dotes on the Preston children rather than her own. The only thing that makes life bearable there is her sweet friendship with Leo. But all too soon, that turned to dust - until years later when their paths crossed again.
I don't want to say too much more about Mia and Leo's story, but I will say that this is a story that made me feel. My emotions were all over the place, just as McLean had intended, with all of the ups and downs of this couple's story. Both of the characters are imperfect and flawed, but their friendship and romance was so beautiful. I simply could not get enough. All of the stars and more for this amazing story that I couldn't put down!
Mia has never known love other than from her grandfather. Her dad is out of the picture, and she only sees her mom during the summers at the Preston house. Her mother is a nanny there, but she dotes on the Preston children rather than her own. The only thing that makes life bearable there is her sweet friendship with Leo. But all too soon, that turned to dust - until years later when their paths crossed again.
I don't want to say too much more about Mia and Leo's story, but I will say that this is a story that made me feel. My emotions were all over the place, just as McLean had intended, with all of the ups and downs of this couple's story. Both of the characters are imperfect and flawed, but their friendship and romance was so beautiful. I simply could not get enough. All of the stars and more for this amazing story that I couldn't put down!
August 4, 2020
I finished this a few days ago and need to wait on the review because I needed to sit and stew on it. I've really struggled with how to rate this book because I LOVED Leo. Like, really, really loved him. The man is a saint and an expert in patience. He's not without his faults of course, but he never deserved to be treated the way Mia treated him.
There were moments when I liked Mia. Small moments here and there where I really empathized with her because I've been that person that was made fun of and it's really, really difficult. That being said, that whole situation and Leo's response or lack thereof happened when they were barely even teenagers and she held it against him for almost a decade. She strung him along over and over again even when he tried to put a stop to it. And don't even get me started on the last part of the book. What SHE did as practically an adult was unforgivable. Completely, 100% unforgivable. It was selfish and, I don't care what her reasonings were, downright horrible. I absolutely loved that everyone called her out on that mess because she deserved to feel as bad as they made her feel. I honestly don't think she would have ever come clean about anything if she wasn't caught.
So why the 3 stars if I strongly disliked one of the main characters? Because everything else about the book was amazing. Jay Mclean has a way of bringing out a wide range of emotions in her writing. She's such a beautiful and talented writer that I can't help but get sucked into the worlds she creates. All of the secondary characters in the book I absolutely loved. Holden was easily my favorite and the way he handled all of the situations was perfect. He put Mia in her place on multiple occasions, but was also still there for her when she needed him, no questions asked. I did struggle with the Prestons in this one because their portrayal wasn't really how they were written in Lucas and Logan's books so it was hard to reconcile that. Granted, it's been a long time since I read those, so I don't know if I'm overlooking something. That being said, their remorse was genuine and it really made them turn a page for me.
Overall, I think this book is going to have very divided reviews when it comes to Mia. I think I'd suggest reading it because Leo was so perfect that everyone should experience what he has to offer.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
**Review by Jaime**
There were moments when I liked Mia. Small moments here and there where I really empathized with her because I've been that person that was made fun of and it's really, really difficult. That being said, that whole situation and Leo's response or lack thereof happened when they were barely even teenagers and she held it against him for almost a decade. She strung him along over and over again even when he tried to put a stop to it. And don't even get me started on the last part of the book. What SHE did as practically an adult was unforgivable. Completely, 100% unforgivable. It was selfish and, I don't care what her reasonings were, downright horrible. I absolutely loved that everyone called her out on that mess because she deserved to feel as bad as they made her feel. I honestly don't think she would have ever come clean about anything if she wasn't caught.
So why the 3 stars if I strongly disliked one of the main characters? Because everything else about the book was amazing. Jay Mclean has a way of bringing out a wide range of emotions in her writing. She's such a beautiful and talented writer that I can't help but get sucked into the worlds she creates. All of the secondary characters in the book I absolutely loved. Holden was easily my favorite and the way he handled all of the situations was perfect. He put Mia in her place on multiple occasions, but was also still there for her when she needed him, no questions asked. I did struggle with the Prestons in this one because their portrayal wasn't really how they were written in Lucas and Logan's books so it was hard to reconcile that. Granted, it's been a long time since I read those, so I don't know if I'm overlooking something. That being said, their remorse was genuine and it really made them turn a page for me.
Overall, I think this book is going to have very divided reviews when it comes to Mia. I think I'd suggest reading it because Leo was so perfect that everyone should experience what he has to offer.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
**Review by Jaime**
August 10, 2020
5 « almost DNF as it hurt too much” stars
I finished Leo this afternoon and I am a mess.
I went through so many emotions reading that book!
First: frustration
Because Jay chose at one point to use a trope I dislike in romance the “I am choosing this to spare you but I am not asking you”. I HATE when characters choose something to “spare” the other without discussing it! They just rob the other character of his choice under the pretense of sparing them the burden not to choose.
If it comes from a good intention, you know what they say about good intention and hell right?
That creates what I am calling unnecessary drama and that’s someone that frustrates me to no ends!
Second: sadness
Deep emotional turmoil. I bawled like a baby many times while reading this book. For Mia because what she went through was so unfair and sad. For Leo because he made mistakes but he had to bear the weight of his guilt and deep regrets. He gutted me so often that Preston brother!
Third: anger
I really wanted to kick some behinds here! Beginning with Mia’s mom (I hated that …woman!). Then Lucas and Logan! Yes I know teenagers make mistakes and consider some girls based on their appearances but they were so much more than brats here! They were downright cruel! I haven’t read their stories but I had no good feelings for these kids!
I never understood the need to badmouth others, even privately. I was raised to find qualities in others, not to be condescending so their attitude was unacceptable.
And Leo disappointed me so much at that moment in the story.
Fourth: joy
Papa’s love for Mia warmed my heart and her friendship with Holden added some sweetness to that otherwise very emotional story!
But what’s this book about?
It’s about Leo, one of the Preston’s brothers who is the most quiet and intense of the bunch. Leo listens to what others say to him. He is a little bit a loner too as he becomes overwhelmed at times by his other boisterous siblings.
When he is thirteen, Mia will come spend the summer with his family as she is their nanny’s daughter.
Both will bond the summer after and have a tight friendship, evolving towards…more.
But their story was far from a calm lake!
Both have flaws and Mia has been hurt so many times in her young life.
It will span on ten years with many ups and downs.
Mia is a character I wanted to take in my arms and soothe. Jay did an amazing job writing the intricacies of the human mind and heart. That little girl had been rejected so many times! And being a teenager with braces, acne and too much weight, she felt so insecure. Words have the power to cut people open and leave lasting damages.
That’s what happened with Mia.
I was feeling so many things that I thought of DNFing the book. I am glad I didn’t as Jay clearly wrote a masterpiece in human emotions but dang, was the ride hard!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
I finished Leo this afternoon and I am a mess.
I went through so many emotions reading that book!
First: frustration
Because Jay chose at one point to use a trope I dislike in romance the “I am choosing this to spare you but I am not asking you”. I HATE when characters choose something to “spare” the other without discussing it! They just rob the other character of his choice under the pretense of sparing them the burden not to choose.
If it comes from a good intention, you know what they say about good intention and hell right?
That creates what I am calling unnecessary drama and that’s someone that frustrates me to no ends!
Second: sadness
Deep emotional turmoil. I bawled like a baby many times while reading this book. For Mia because what she went through was so unfair and sad. For Leo because he made mistakes but he had to bear the weight of his guilt and deep regrets. He gutted me so often that Preston brother!
Third: anger
I really wanted to kick some behinds here! Beginning with Mia’s mom (I hated that …woman!). Then Lucas and Logan! Yes I know teenagers make mistakes and consider some girls based on their appearances but they were so much more than brats here! They were downright cruel! I haven’t read their stories but I had no good feelings for these kids!
I never understood the need to badmouth others, even privately. I was raised to find qualities in others, not to be condescending so their attitude was unacceptable.
And Leo disappointed me so much at that moment in the story.
Fourth: joy
Papa’s love for Mia warmed my heart and her friendship with Holden added some sweetness to that otherwise very emotional story!
But what’s this book about?
It’s about Leo, one of the Preston’s brothers who is the most quiet and intense of the bunch. Leo listens to what others say to him. He is a little bit a loner too as he becomes overwhelmed at times by his other boisterous siblings.
When he is thirteen, Mia will come spend the summer with his family as she is their nanny’s daughter.
Both will bond the summer after and have a tight friendship, evolving towards…more.
But their story was far from a calm lake!
Both have flaws and Mia has been hurt so many times in her young life.
It will span on ten years with many ups and downs.
Mia is a character I wanted to take in my arms and soothe. Jay did an amazing job writing the intricacies of the human mind and heart. That little girl had been rejected so many times! And being a teenager with braces, acne and too much weight, she felt so insecure. Words have the power to cut people open and leave lasting damages.
That’s what happened with Mia.
I was feeling so many things that I thought of DNFing the book. I am glad I didn’t as Jay clearly wrote a masterpiece in human emotions but dang, was the ride hard!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
July 20, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. I think because I loved Logan's book so much, it was hard for this one to live up to it in my opinion. First of all, it was wayyyy longer than necessary. Yes, I loved the angst and emotions, but a lot of their back and forth, push/pull of their relationship was not needed. Like, can y'all just be together!!! What Mia went thru was heartbreaking and definitely hard to overcome but I felt like Leo was being blamed for everything. and then I was PISSED when that bomb was dropped. Like really pissed about it, Leo didn't deserve that at all.
I loved Leo and Holden's bromance and although we didn't get any of Lachlan's cuteness in this, there was plenty other to go around. I love this family!
I loved Leo and Holden's bromance and although we didn't get any of Lachlan's cuteness in this, there was plenty other to go around. I love this family!
August 13, 2020
I don’t know about you but I feel I have to always brace myself before starting a book by Jay McLean…It’s always an emotional read. The story always feels so real. McLean somehow always manages to get me so invested in the characters..They become come alive and become near and dear to my heart.
I have loved the Preston Brothers series for a while and Leo, My silent quiet boy, always captured my attention.
The Preston family *sigh* I love the Preston family. I am aware that I’ve said this before but I must emphasis just how much I love these characters and how invested I’ve gotten with them. When one of them acts so out of character,I feel such disappointment and when they accomplish their goals, I feel so proud.
The Book Leo is without a doubt an emotionally charged book. I don’t feel like I need to state the obvious but if you haven’t figured it out, I LOVED this book. These imperfect characters truly came to life, they became real..they felt real.Their struggles felt like a gut punch, their loses made me cry ..it wrecked me. Even with all the unfortunate events that took place in the story, there was so much goodness. SO MUCH GOODNESS!
I honestly feel like crying again when I think about Leo and Mia’s story.
Jay McLean wrote an outstanding book. You guys need to read this book as soon as possible.
Excerpt
Click here to meet Leo and Mia → https://bit.ly/3g8G1uP
The Preston family *sigh* I love the Preston family. I am aware that I’ve said this before but I must emphasis just how much I love these characters and how invested I’ve gotten with them. When one of them acts so out of character,I feel such disappointment and when they accomplish their goals, I feel so proud.
The Book Leo is without a doubt an emotionally charged book. I don’t feel like I need to state the obvious but if you haven’t figured it out, I LOVED this book. These imperfect characters truly came to life, they became real..they felt real.Their struggles felt like a gut punch, their loses made me cry ..it wrecked me. Even with all the unfortunate events that took place in the story, there was so much goodness. SO MUCH GOODNESS!
I honestly feel like crying again when I think about Leo and Mia’s story.
Jay McLean wrote an outstanding book. You guys need to read this book as soon as possible.
Excerpt
Click here to meet Leo and Mia → https://bit.ly/3g8G1uP
August 11, 2020
I knew this book was going to ruin me. Since the second I saw it I have been dying to read it but I knew it would kill me to read it so I held off until I had an opportunity to read it without distraction. And honestly, I can't remember the details of the previous books but I know I loved them to the depths of my soul. I also know they killed me.
So as soon as I picked up this book the prologue had me dying to know what was going to happen and how it was going to end. I was broken by both of these characters in so many paper cuts. They just kept slicing deeper and deeper into my heart.
I had ALL the feels. I was sitting with tears streaming down my face before giggling and smiling. Leo and Mia were written in the stars from their first meeting but damn did Jay run them through the wringer a time or twenty to get them through to their happily ever after.
I really wish I had done a reread of the previous books before I read this one but thankfully, I didn't need to. I feel like I'm in such a Preston family fog and I can't wait to get the next book in the series and I honestly don't care who's next because they all have their own story I'm dying to read.
So as soon as I picked up this book the prologue had me dying to know what was going to happen and how it was going to end. I was broken by both of these characters in so many paper cuts. They just kept slicing deeper and deeper into my heart.
I had ALL the feels. I was sitting with tears streaming down my face before giggling and smiling. Leo and Mia were written in the stars from their first meeting but damn did Jay run them through the wringer a time or twenty to get them through to their happily ever after.
I really wish I had done a reread of the previous books before I read this one but thankfully, I didn't need to. I feel like I'm in such a Preston family fog and I can't wait to get the next book in the series and I honestly don't care who's next because they all have their own story I'm dying to read.
August 26, 2023
⭐️5 stars⭐️
Sometimes there's a single line in a book, or a sentence, or an entire paragraph that gives you pause, makes you think, makes you open that page over and over just so you see the same few words again and again. Relive them. Rethink them.
These are the pages that connect to the part of the spine that has the least amount of ink, the most damage.
Ok Leo is LOVE .
Sometimes there's a single line in a book, or a sentence, or an entire paragraph that gives you pause, makes you think, makes you open that page over and over just so you see the same few words again and again. Relive them. Rethink them.
These are the pages that connect to the part of the spine that has the least amount of ink, the most damage.
Ok Leo is LOVE .
June 13, 2021
Preston family was too obnoxious at times and their excuses for how they treated Mia were so lame. Her and Benny definitely were the most likeable characters in this.
October 26, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.95/5
TRIGGERS WARNINGS
□ Bullying of the worst type a girl with complex can experience = body shaming.
□ Eating Disorders =》This is VERY realistically portrayed in the book, quite triggering for sensitive people or for people suffering from this kind of disorders.
The book was very well done and portrayed, I really enjoyed and loved how Mia fights against her disorder everyday, how strong she is for that because it's really difficult to be in her situation. So yes, I'm in love with author, she's one of the few who really knew how to portray this disorder and the person suffering from it, the triggers and how influenced one can be by third parties.
I highly recommend it!! I hope you love it as much as I did!! Happy reading everyone!! ❤❤
TRIGGERS WARNINGS
□ Bullying of the worst type a girl with complex can experience = body shaming.
□ Eating Disorders =》This is VERY realistically portrayed in the book, quite triggering for sensitive people or for people suffering from this kind of disorders.
The book was very well done and portrayed, I really enjoyed and loved how Mia fights against her disorder everyday, how strong she is for that because it's really difficult to be in her situation. So yes, I'm in love with author, she's one of the few who really knew how to portray this disorder and the person suffering from it, the triggers and how influenced one can be by third parties.
I highly recommend it!! I hope you love it as much as I did!! Happy reading everyone!! ❤❤
September 2, 2020
4-4.5 ⭐'s
“Everything.”
I was NOT prepared for Leo/Leo on sooo many levels. When I finished reading the book, I literally felt trampled on physically and emotionally. And that's saying something because I actually think this book is too angsty!
If you're reading the series, you might remember that Mia is Virginia's daughter. Virginia is the boy's nanny/housekeeper/etc.
Mia hasn't had much of a relationship with her father as she lives with her "Papa" (her paternal grandfather). Her Papa thinks it will do her good to spend some time with her mother so off she goes at the age of twelve to spend some time at the Prestons.
Unfortunately, NONE of the children give her the time of day and it isn't until the next summer that Leo speaks to her.
Leo's a bit different. He's been known to be quiet but we get to know all his bells and whistles...and there's a certain sweetness behind that (and then there's his bad boy side...OMG!). Unhappily, it's their downfall as well because when they are fourteen, Leo's brothers do something unthinkable. I was devastated especially because they were two of my favorites.
Leo and Mia don't see each other for two years when Leo shows up at her Papa's ranch. It's there with no family around that they make their most intense connection. Unfortunately, life has other plans for them and after finding out something else, Leo leaves and they don't see each other for FIVE years.
But in those five years...A LOT happens. Mia shows up in town on a mission but she has a hard time staying at the Prestons. Luckily, Leo takes the lead and looks out for Mia helping her with her mission. And when he unexpectedly shows up at the farm, he finds out more than he bargained for.
It really is quite the journey. The book just sucks you in. Leo and Mia go through so much in ten plus years and I only touched on the surface.
There were some things I wasn't happy with but there were more that I was really thrilled about. Mia and Leo are so sweet together and they grow up a lot supporting each other.
There are many story lines with the Preston family. It does help knowing what went on in the prior books but we still have to go through some of the trauma.
I enjoyed getting to know Mia's Papa, Dad and Tammy. There's also a character that is super adorable and just made the story.
I highly recommend this...just hang in there and maybe have a tissue or two because you're gonna need it!
BTW...it's 632 pages! Also...Holden is getting a book! Yay!
“Mother lover.”
“Everything.”
I was NOT prepared for Leo/Leo on sooo many levels. When I finished reading the book, I literally felt trampled on physically and emotionally. And that's saying something because I actually think this book is too angsty!
If you're reading the series, you might remember that Mia is Virginia's daughter. Virginia is the boy's nanny/housekeeper/etc.
Mia hasn't had much of a relationship with her father as she lives with her "Papa" (her paternal grandfather). Her Papa thinks it will do her good to spend some time with her mother so off she goes at the age of twelve to spend some time at the Prestons.
Unfortunately, NONE of the children give her the time of day and it isn't until the next summer that Leo speaks to her.
Leo's a bit different. He's been known to be quiet but we get to know all his bells and whistles...and there's a certain sweetness behind that (and then there's his bad boy side...OMG!). Unhappily, it's their downfall as well because when they are fourteen, Leo's brothers do something unthinkable. I was devastated especially because they were two of my favorites.
Leo and Mia don't see each other for two years when Leo shows up at her Papa's ranch. It's there with no family around that they make their most intense connection. Unfortunately, life has other plans for them and after finding out something else, Leo leaves and they don't see each other for FIVE years.
But in those five years...A LOT happens. Mia shows up in town on a mission but she has a hard time staying at the Prestons. Luckily, Leo takes the lead and looks out for Mia helping her with her mission. And when he unexpectedly shows up at the farm, he finds out more than he bargained for.
It really is quite the journey. The book just sucks you in. Leo and Mia go through so much in ten plus years and I only touched on the surface.
There were some things I wasn't happy with but there were more that I was really thrilled about. Mia and Leo are so sweet together and they grow up a lot supporting each other.
There are many story lines with the Preston family. It does help knowing what went on in the prior books but we still have to go through some of the trauma.
I enjoyed getting to know Mia's Papa, Dad and Tammy. There's also a character that is super adorable and just made the story.
I highly recommend this...just hang in there and maybe have a tissue or two because you're gonna need it!
BTW...it's 632 pages! Also...Holden is getting a book! Yay!
“Mother lover.”
October 3, 2020
5 + Stars
And again, Ms McLean steals my heart with Mia and Leo. This story really touched my heart with Mia's character, since her issues were a little too close to my past. I found myself choking up during her embarrassment at the lake and then double it during her confrontation at Halloween.
This was just the perfect love story with Ms McLean's normal recipe of angst thrown in. So, the only thing I was a bit disappointed in was missing Lachy's character, but I think Benny was the perfect substitute.
And again, Ms McLean steals my heart with Mia and Leo. This story really touched my heart with Mia's character, since her issues were a little too close to my past. I found myself choking up during her embarrassment at the lake and then double it during her confrontation at Halloween.
This was just the perfect love story with Ms McLean's normal recipe of angst thrown in. So, the only thing I was a bit disappointed in was missing Lachy's character, but I think Benny was the perfect substitute.
August 5, 2020
6 STARS
Leo is EVERYTHING and more. The reason I read is encapsulated within these pages. So much emotion, depth and heart I seriously lose myself while reading. A jolting reminder of why I love romance, the feeling of first love and complete devastation. Family, and who you are within the walls of your loved ones. Learning to break barriers to stand for something, to love, heal, grow, and become a better person on the way. This book has it all in only the way Jay McLean can deliver, perfectly. If I could force every reader to meet Leo and Mia, I feel like all the problems in the world would dim. Yes, it is that kind of escape. Please read this book. Fall in love with a good, flawed human that deserves all the fictional world has to offer. When you're done falling hard, I will be here with a well meant you're welcome. xo
Leo is EVERYTHING and more. The reason I read is encapsulated within these pages. So much emotion, depth and heart I seriously lose myself while reading. A jolting reminder of why I love romance, the feeling of first love and complete devastation. Family, and who you are within the walls of your loved ones. Learning to break barriers to stand for something, to love, heal, grow, and become a better person on the way. This book has it all in only the way Jay McLean can deliver, perfectly. If I could force every reader to meet Leo and Mia, I feel like all the problems in the world would dim. Yes, it is that kind of escape. Please read this book. Fall in love with a good, flawed human that deserves all the fictional world has to offer. When you're done falling hard, I will be here with a well meant you're welcome. xo
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