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The Ink Well Chronicles #4

Every Little Thing

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The first time I shook her hand, I knew she was the one.

But my breath stalled when I grazed the cool metal on her finger and when I looked down at that fucking ring, my heart stopped.

Now, she’s back in town and after five years, I had no idea what’d happened. Instead of her husband standing by her side, holding her hand, there was a little girl.

I wanted to know their story.

Because when it came to Melanie, I needed to know every little thing.

310 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2020

5 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

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Jordan Bates

12 books193 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,427 reviews236 followers
February 28, 2020
3.5 stars

This is the fourth story in the Ink Well Chronicles but the first I have read so it can be a stand alone reading experience.

The story begins five years ago when Jack first meets Melanie and the very apparent attraction between them. However, things were not meant to be, Melanie is happily married and Jack has a reputation that precedes him. Just as fast as they meet they part ways, never to cross paths again.

Melanie is now widowed and a single mother to her daughter Amelia. She has moved to be closer to her brother Max, she really needs to have some family support around her. Being alone has been tough on Melanie but after 12 months she is ready to try and move forward with her life.

When Jack first sees Melanie again, the pull hits him full force, in fact it frightens him so much that he tries to find ways to not be in her presence. He knows that he can’t force what he is feeling upon her, it needs to happen organically and lead by her.

Melanie feels the attraction to Jack but she is weary of acting on it. Her brother Max is dead against her having anything to do with Jack but he shows a side of himself to her that he hides from everyone else. Amelia is growing fond of him and Melanie can see how great Jack is with her.

Jack knows that in pursuing Melanie, Amelia will always be her number one priority and he is happy with that, he wants it all with her. Just when he thought he was making progress with her, she takes to step back a bit. In the end will she be the one breaking his heart?
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews361 followers
March 1, 2020
description
So there were definite positives and things I liked about this story, and then there were things that I wasn't a fan of.

My number one like of course was Jack.

He might have been cocky and over confident once upon a time, but he's clearly a different person when it comes to Melanie. I may not be a big fan when it comes to insta love usually but he made it not so bad.

I liked Jack's family, and I even liked the little girl Amelia.

But I had a really hard time connecting with Melanie. I know she was hurting and trying to protect herself, but there were some moments that were just too much for me sometimes. I'm not sure I would have done as well as Jack with the situation.

Overall the story was well written though. And even when there may be a character I don't love, I can still appreciate a story being well written. This story held my attention and was easy to read.
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
826 reviews107 followers
March 4, 2020
My review:

This was my first read by this author, and I enjoyed it so much!! It's an emotional read, yet it was a quick one and I was captivated if from the get go.

We have Melanie who is very happily married when she first meets Jack. He has a clear Insta-love/insta-attraction to her, but they don't cross paths again until five years later. Melanie is now a widow and a single mom to her daughter Amelia. She moved so she could be closer to her brother Max, since she is need of all the support she can get through this terribly difficult time. After a year, she feels like she can at least attempt to move on. She feels some really intense feelings for Jack really quickly, but both of them have reasons to be afraid to start a relationship. Can they each move past those reasons and find something beautiful? Or will they both end up with a broken heart?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters, and look forward to reading more of this authors books in the future!!

Jen
Welikethemdarkbookblog
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
11.5k reviews92 followers
March 1, 2020
Even from the brief moment that he spent with Melanie Jack knew that she was special but finding out she was married quickly put an end to any thoughts of a future he might have had with her. Even though it’s been five years he hasn’t been able to move on so now that she is back in town, he isn’t about to lose her a second time.

With the passing of her husband Melanie finds herself a single mother to her daughter Amelia so coming home to be close to her brother is exactly what she needs. She is conflicted about her feeling for Jack as she sees a man who is wiling to do anything for her and her daughter, but not everyone agrees that they should be together.

I enjoyed both these characters as they are both trying to overcome their pasts for every different reasons.
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,033 reviews54 followers
February 26, 2020
Every Little Thing was my first read by Jordan Bates and I really enjoyed it. The writing style and flow of the story line made for a sweet and easy read.

When Jack first laid eyes on Melanie 5 years ago the wedding band on her finger told him she wasn't available for him to pursue a relationship with. Now five years later and she's back in his life only this time things are different. That doesn't mean it will be easy for them, there are still be lots of bumps in the road they need to overcome if they ever stand a chance of been together.

A great standalone story although this is book 4 of a series and I will definitely be going back to read the others as the secondary characters have left me very intrigued about their stories.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
February 11, 2020
Every Little Thing is an oh so sweet escape. It was exactly what I needed to clear my head from the real world and get lost in a story full of love at first sight and romance that swept me off my feet. If you’re looking for a book that’s going to have you crying happy tears and happy sighing left and right this is definitely the one you need to pick up.Melanie and Jack are exactly the couple you think of when you’re craving a romance that delivers Hallmark levels of sweet.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,701 reviews98 followers
March 1, 2020
This was such a great story and so well written, I forgot where I was for a while. I became so wrapped up in Jack and Melanie, I couldn't believe I reached the end so fast. This story was sweet and tender and just gave me all the feels. I am such a fan of this series.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,266 reviews161 followers
March 7, 2020
When you risk your heart, anything can happen. Jordan Bates takes emotions on a turbulent journey through longing, loss and second chances. Every Little Thing takes it's time seducing emotions into what could be, to ultimately deliver a satisfying romance. Jack and Melanie rise above the heartache to create a beautiful story of love.
385 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2020
This book was great; it make me believe that true love always prevails. I really enjoyed every minute of this book. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2020
I wanted to love this book. The premise had SO much potential, and for the most part the story itself is good. I will say that I absolutely loved all the interactions between Jack and Amelia, Melanie’s daughter. The father/daughter day at her school was especially sweet and made me tear up a little. I actually started out not liking Jack at all, but how he treated Amelia and Melanie won me over quickly.

Now for the rest.

I decided to just copy and paste my notes because it was my honest, raw reactions as I read.

Ch 1- Jack spent less than 5 minutes with Melanie five years ago and barely had a conversation beyond introductions. WTF is he thinking, deciding he’s in love with her and hasn’t dated since? That’s insane.

Then in chapter 2 – “I’m not sure it’s called feelings right now since I barely know her.” NO SHIT

Then turns around and says he’s going to prove to her that she wants him as badly as he wants her.

NO. They had one conversation five years ago, and her husband died suddenly a year ago leaving her with a daughter. SHE DOESN’T WANT HIM.


In the beginning, Jack had a bit of a stalker vibe to him. I cringed at almost all of his narration. And since with the exception of the first chapter, the book is told from his POV only, there was a lot to cringe about. Like I said before, he did grow on me after a while and won me over. But in the beginning I was pulling for Melanie to run and never look back. Also, Max, her brother. Yeah I get the protective older brother thing, especially since they are close and he helped her through the death of her husband, but I hate the whole forbidding friends from dating the sister cliche. If the guy is that bad, why are you friends? Jack is supposedly his best friend of over a decade!

There are more, but those can be summarized easily. The editing in this book is, honestly, horrendous. I was letting it go because ARCs are almost always unedited, and I figured all the errors would be corrected before publishing. Then I reached the end and saw a paragraph thanking her amazing editor. I’m sorry, no. My fourth grader would catch these mistakes in a heartbeat – how did a professional editor miss this, unless it’s the author’s best friend and she doesn’t want to hurt feelings. And if that’s the case, someone else needs to be editing the books for her. Some examples: “dually noted” instead of duly noted. MANY instances of extra words being in the sentence that don’t make sense, or missing from the sentence, as if the sentence was highlighted and retyped but all the words didn’t get selected so they are still in the sentence. Several times the wrong word was used instead of the similarly-sounding correct word. Also lots of punctuation errors – the teacher was consistently referred to as “Miss. White,” apostrophes used for pluralization, random commas in sentences.

Another annoyance that kept taking me out of the story is the timeline. Five years ago Jack and Melanie meet when Jack’s mother is interviewing her for a job in California, where she is moving with her husband in a short time. Five years later she is back in Atlanta with a five year old daughter who didn’t exist before, and she wasn’t pregnant when they moved. And it’s referenced so many times – did no one do the math? Especially when Amelia turns six years old six months after they are back in Atlanta.

In short, if this book was re-edited, it would be so much better. The story itself is really sweet and worth reading for Jack and Amelia’s relationship alone. But the multitude of errors that should never have made it this far, and the horrible beginning, take a lot away from what could have been a great book.
Profile Image for Chrissy Busick.
793 reviews45 followers
February 22, 2020
This book is absolutely beautiful. From love at first sight for him, even though she was married, to a second chance, single parent, best friend's sister romance. Jack and Melanie were meant to be together even if it took 6 years from the moment they met to when they would get their chance.

Seriously, Jack's dedication to not only Melanie, but also her young daughter Amelia, is so incredibly heartwarming. I cried so many happy tears while reading this book. I quickly fell in love with Jack, even though he starts out as an arrogant jacka**. Melanie tugged at my heartstrings through the whole book. Having already had a love and lost it, and having to learn to not only live for herself again, but to love and live with the fear of loss, while taking care of a 5 year old. Amelia is the sweetest little girl, the way she took to Jack so quickly, Melanie may have been in denial, but Amelia knew the truth.

This book is well written, and of course all of our old friends from the other Ink Well Chronicles make their presence known. From apprehensive big brother Max, to Jack's protective Ma, the supporting characters greatly enrich the story. I devoured this book in just a few hours, and it left me feeling so content.
1,056 reviews19 followers
February 29, 2020
Every Little Thing is the perfect title for this book cause you truly do love Every Little Thing about this story. The characters also did as well (including any faults or hurdles they endured). If you enjoy country music, every time you now hear Every Little Thing by Russell Dickerson and Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis you will think of this story cause I sure did. This is book four in the Ink Well Chronicles and can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I have read in this series and by this author. Melanie and Jack had a brief encounter some years back and the chemistry was instant, but the ring on her finger stopped either of them from pursuing anything. She was happily married anyways and Jack's was your typical don't settle guy. Now she is back in town and the zap is back again. Things have taken a different turn in life for Melanie, but can Jack show her that not only does he want to know what happen? He wants to show her that he can be what she needs. You will love the secondary characters in this story. They always say a child is the best judge of character on when it comes to an adult and this time it was spot on. You will truly enjoy Every Little Thing about this book and it will leave your heart happy. 
Profile Image for Karen.
1,413 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2020
Such a tragically beautiful love story. Jack is a man with two sides to him, but not many see the real Jack. He hides his soft, kind side from everyone except those that he lets in. When he meets Melanie everything changes.

Jack works with Melanie’s brother Max in the Publishing company The Ink Well, he’s the cover designer for the books that they publish. He loves his work and gets lost in it when he’s working on a project.

Melanie first meets Jack when she is interviewing with his mother for a position in California. She is moving to California with her husband for his new job and she needed a job as well. Her first impression of Jack is one of wariness and something else, that she’s not able to pinpoint. After five years she returns to Georgia and surprises Jack, because he had no idea she was back or why.

I really liked this story. It tragic but beautiful. Melanie has gone through a lot in the past five years and she’s not sure can continue with her life. If you like stories of second chances, love stories with kind-hearted men that will do anything for the one they love, then you should read Every Little Thing. It tragic, dramatic, and has a Happily Ever After. I give it 4.5-stars and recommend it readers that are looking for a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for justclayreads.
139 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2020
I'm going to rate this book 3.5 stars! It was a really sweet story, but my own personal preferences influenced my whole outlook on the book. I generally shy away from insta-love books just because I find it hard to connect with them, sometimes they can seem a bit unrealistic.

I did enjoy the storyline quite a lot. From the beginning, I had this idea of what I thought was going to happen with Melanie and Jack and Melanie's daughter, Amelia and I was completely wrong about it. After finding out that my initial thoughts were wrong I was hooked into the story, I needed to see where it went. I'm so glad I kept reading because that father/daughter day scene was EVERYTHING. Seriously so cute!

It was admirable how Jack peruses Melanie despite all of the warnings he kept getting from her brother. He proved that he truly loved and that he was just a really good guy, the kind of guy that many girls wish for. SWOON!

Melanie was also really lovable. It was easy to understand her reluctance about certain things because of the tragic experience she had gone through. I liked that she consistently put her daughter first.
Profile Image for Amanda Hash.
292 reviews13 followers
February 29, 2020
This is a sweet story about second chances, starting over, and the transformative power of love. Bates writes characters that are real and relatable, and my heart went out to Melanie as she struggled to find a new life for herself and her daughter, Amelia, after her husband's death. Despite the instant attraction she felt for Jack, she was hesitant to open herself up again and wanted to do what was best for Amelia, and that made me respect her and long for her happiness even more.

Despite this book being 4th in a series, it works beautifully as a standalone read. We get enough background on the supporting characters for them to be an asset to the overall story, rather than a distraction, and Bates gives just enough info to make it impossible NOT to want to read about them, too.

Every Little Thing is a fantastic blend of sweetness, steam, and drama -- which makes for a romance that is hard to put down -- and has quite a few moments that will make even the toughest reader tear up a little. A mist read!
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
1,999 reviews51 followers
February 22, 2020
Cute, Lightning Fast Romance

In Every Little Thing, Jordan Bates gives her readers a quick little romance featuring Jack and Melanie, with a few speed bumps here and there.

Maybe because I've been reading a little heavier lately or that I'm just a cynical b-word, but I found the book hard to connect with. Not a fan of insta-love and that is exactly what this is. Jack and Melanie meet one time, she's married and he's smitten. Fast forward five years where Melanie has lived her life and he's been pining for her the entire time...after meeting her once.

Jack was written too much like a stalker, well not stalker, but a guy that is all in way too soon, calling her Love and rearranging his life for her instantly. To me, this would be a red flag move and that thought stuck with me as I read.

The book was a little clunky and there wasn't much chemistry with the characters, it was stilted and awkward really. It's part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Maybe if I would have read the series, there'd be more appreciation of these characters.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,903 reviews54 followers
February 29, 2020
This is my first book by Jordan Bates and it will not be my last. Every Little Thing is just what this story gives you. Jack and Melanie’s story is one of an instant connection, heartbreak and learning to live again. The words of this story will wrap themselves tightly around your heart, sometimes in such a way it will leave you breathless. Jack and Melanie will make you smile, cry and every little thing in between. Let’s not forget one little character in this story, Amelia, who will steal your heart and have you falling in love with her. At times you will be frustrated, you will sympathize but above all you will feel the fear that love sometimes brings. This was an absolutely beautiful, heartwarming experience from start to finish of the journey these three took to finally find complete happiness.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,080 reviews50 followers
March 1, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Jordan Bates. I was instantly sucked into this book. I loved Jake so much. He is great book boyfriend material. Though in the very beginning you get a picture of a cocky guy, but soon you learn there is so much more to him.The scenes with him and Amelia are precious and some of my favorites. I had a hard time connecting with Melanie. I know what she went through and how devastating it must have been. Just not being able to get inside her head was tough for me as a reader. I felt sort of a disconnect with that character. The story itself is great. It's one that hits your right in the heart and it makes it all the more special that Jake wants to be in Melanie and her daughter's lives. The epilogue had tears in my eyes, but also had be smiling away. It couldn't have been more perfect for Jake, Melanie and Amelia.
Profile Image for Pauline.
899 reviews
February 22, 2020
When Melanie first saw Jack she felt an instant connection, but she was married, moving to California to start a new life with her husband and he was a playboy. Five years later, he sees her again, there isn't a ring on her finger and the chemistry is most definitely still there. But now Melanie has not only herself to think about, she also has a daughter. This means that Melanie has to be very careful about who she brings into Amelia's life. Little by little Jack inserts himself into Melanie and Amelia's lives, proving to Melanie that he is what she needs and that he'll always be there for her. Unfortunately, fear of having her heart broken again makes Melanie call off their relationship but somehow she can't quite cut Jack out of her life. Love Jordan Bates and this series.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,333 reviews53 followers
February 28, 2020
I'm not sure with what to.start this Review; the likes or dislikes???

I did love this story truly did but I was missing a chapter or two where it would be explained why and how did Jack change his ways. That's my main problem. As the story developed that problem was pushed back. Because the way he dotted over Melanie and her little girl was everything. Melanie fought her feelings and almost ruined what they could have together.
It's strange but what I loved the most is probably the fact that he wasn't the one to "back down" and pushed her to make a first step towards HEA.

All in all it was a sweet and heartfelt story about how we can't let fear stand in our way.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads blog***
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,162 reviews16 followers
February 24, 2020
Every little thing by Jordan Bates
“For love, 4 stars”

Ugh, my heart went out to both Jack and Melanie in Every Little Thing. Jack fell for Melanie when he first met her, but when he felt that cool band on her finger he stepped back. He wanted nothing to do with ending a marriage no matter how much he wanted the woman. But when Melanie comes home without that ring and a daughter, he will do anything to make them both his.
Jack was a sweetheart, one who was often viewed differently than how he actually was. He was so misunderstood it hurt my heart. Then Melanie is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and has to decide if she wants to put her heart out there again. Every Little Thing is a sweet read that I think most would enjoy.
Plot-4/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-4/5
Overall-4/5
Profile Image for Liz.
3,650 reviews63 followers
February 29, 2020
As soon as I read the blurb of Every Little Thing by Jordan Bates, I knew I wanted to read this story. When Jack first met Melanie all those years ago he was instantly attracted to her, but she was married, so it was not meant to be. Now she is back, a widow and a mother. Is she ready to open her heart again? But Jack knew what he wanted and he was determined to show her they could be great together. He was so patient and caring not only to Melanie, but her daughter as well. Every Little Thing by Jordan Bates was a sweet story about second chances and will leave you feeling content.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog
Happy reading!
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews250 followers
February 23, 2020
Finding love a second time might not be easy but Jack shows Melanie that it’s possible. I loved how he was 100% in from the second he saw her. Her daughter was super adorable and the banter between all the characters were great. I could feel Jacks feelings and see Melanie’s struggles with moving on but the author did an amazing job. I haven’t read any of this authors other books but I plan to go and check out some of the other books in this series. I really want to read Max’s book. I loved him in this book and how much he loved Melanie. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for Tracy Trixy.
629 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2020
This book had me in tears at some points... this will be your warning to read with tissues handy :)

Jack is a joker, a love em and leave em kinda guy, don’t get me wrong he’s a hard worker, and loves his family, but is loving life. Until he chances a meeting with Melanie, and he knows, she’s the one ❤️

How different that this book is written totally in his perspective! I loved it... an insight into the male mind, and it was great! He’s the one having to take it slow, he’s the one who is heartbroken, he’s a romantic, some of things he says/thinks is totally swoon worthy.... so refreshing to read!

I don’t want to give away to much because it reads well, and it’ll drag you along until the end, but I would definitely recommend you read it!
Profile Image for Julie.
543 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2020
I have loved every book in this series. Every Little Thing is a great continuation. Melanie has been dealt a hard hand in life, losing her husband at a very young age. To see Jack fall for her so hard, it was obvious from the very beginning that she was the one for him. He never gave up, despite the walls Melanie threw up. Really enjoyed this read and also being able to see glimpses into the lives of the previous characters in the series.
Profile Image for Teresa.
699 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2020
Every Little Thing
Book 4 The Ink Well Chronicles [can be read as standalone]
Jordan Bates

4 Stars

This is a very nice quick fun sweet romance. I really enjoy this series.

“I love you because you see me for who I am, Melanie. You’ve never put up with my shit and you’ve always given me the lip I needed. Our imperfections and insecurities, together those make us who we are and damn, we are nearly perfect.”
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
4,841 reviews21 followers
March 8, 2020
Although this story is a bit of insta-love on his part, it's a sweet read, none the less. Jack was an interesting character, all though at times came access as a bit stalker-ish. Melanie's standoffishness, though understandable became a bit much. But, if you get beyond some of these quirks, there is a fun, steamy, well paced read. Even though the book is part of The Ink Well Chronicles, it read like a standalone. This is my first read by Jordon Bates, but won't be my last. I'll be reading more, especially because this book is available for free with my KU subscription.
Profile Image for Tiffany Copple.
1,490 reviews62 followers
March 18, 2020
4.5 stars for Every Little Thing by Jordan Bates. This is book 4 in the Ink Well Chronicles. This is my first book from this author, and I will be reading more. Jack is a character that everyone can love. While, he is cocky and maybe a little arrogant, it is the way he is with Melanie that will melt your heart. Melanie is married when she first meets Jack, but they are both instantly attracted to each other. Now 5 years later when their paths cross again Melanie is a widow and single mom. If you thought this would make things easier for these two then you would be wrong. This book was filled with bumps and bruises but man it is worth it in the end. I enjoyed every page of this story. I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Samantha Hankins.
62 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2020
Such an amazing book by Jordan. Had me on the edge of my seat at times wondering what was going to come next.

Had so many emotions in this book from sad, happy, angry, confused.

Melanie has been through so much in her life and Jack just wants her to give him a chance to show her that she can be happy again and deserves it for both her and her precious little girl.
369 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2020
Jack ran into Melanie in his mother's office and was in awe of her until he saw the wedding band Jack works with her brother Max.Five years later she is back with a young girl and no husband and he still has feelings for her.This is a second chance romance . The story was good and her reasons for not wanting to get involved . But I just felt the author over did it with Jack calling her love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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