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He broke my heart.
No, he didn’t break it.
Jackson Davis destroyed me, changing the course of my life forever.

A decade later, I was living in Manhattan when a hurricane put the city on lock down. I got a message I never thought I’d receive, Jackson was dying and alone. In a city of millions, I was the only person who could sit by his side.

I didn’t want to go, but being the good girl I am, I couldn’t let someone suffer alone.

Tatted up and broken, he woke up in a hospital only to see me -- the one person he needed to atone his sins to -- standing before him. Turned out, he would recover from his injuries, but not from the pain he caused in the past.

Trapped by the storm, I had nowhere to go but stay with him. After a night of reckoning, I found myself needing to getaway.

So, I ran away.

On the island of Hawaii, I planned to start over and try to fix my broken heart once and for all. Except he followed me willing me to live in the present and find a way to navigate into the future.

But could I ever forget the past?

379 pages, ebook

First published November 13, 2017

134 people are currently reading
449 people want to read

About the author

Jeannine Colette

45 books1,537 followers
When I was little, my mom was part of the Double Day book club. She had piles and piles of books lying around the house; most of them with Fabio-esque men and a scantily clad woman set in a different century. I made up stories in my head just from looking at the covers.

When I as 9, I wrote stories using my best friend as a muse. They were romances...but for the 9-year-old. She was the only one who read them.

When I was 14, another friend gave me a Marian Keyes novel. I fell in-love with her wit, and humor with a dark side. This was my first experience with realistic fiction.

When I was 19, Nicholas Sparks forever changed my views on relationships. I learned what true love could be beautiful and difficult at the same time. I wanted it.

When I was 22, Jeannette Wells made me feel more emotion from an autobiographical novel than I thought possible. I wanted to be her.

When I was 30, Jamie McGuire and Colleen Hoover introduced me to the world of self-publishing. For the first time I thought: I could give this a try someday.

When I was 32, my someday came.

----------------------------------------
Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Want to hear about new releases and get exciting emails from me??? Sign up for my monthly newsletter!
www.jeanninecolette.com/newsletter



Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Robin Hill.
Author 3 books295 followers
February 20, 2018
I read this one twice. Once in beta and then again recently because I was anxious to see how it all came together after the final revisions. The first read was excellent, but I have to say, I'm really impressed with how the final turned out.

Trish is great. She is a true Colette heroine and if you are a fan of the Abandon Collection, you will love her. But Jax is where Colette's writing shines. When I first started reading True Abandon back in September, I wasn't sure about him. True, what he did was an accident, but it was a stupid AF accident, and even though he was a teenager at the time, I wasn't sure I'd be able to forgive him. Eventually I did. I even rooted for him, but it wasn't until I read the final version that I fell in love with him.

“I swore on my life I would protect you, and I failed. I might not have been in that video, but the one person I loved more than anything else in this world was. Do you know what it’s like, knowing I can’t take back something like that?”

His character is perfectly written. From the anger I felt toward him in the beginning to the unwavering support I gave him in the end, he grew on me gradually—as he did Trish. His evolution was organic and authentic, and even with the humor Colette masterfully wove into their impossible situation, I never felt anything less than 100% sincerity from him.

description

The bulk of the story takes place in Hawaii and having lived there for a few years in my twenties, I can confirm Colette nailed it. I’ve read every one of her Abandon novels, and they’re each set in a desirable vacation-y location. She never fails to take the reader with her, so even if you’re reading from your kindle while in the waiting room at your dentist’s office, you feel like you’re there. This book, however, takes the experience to a whole ‘nother level. You will smell the plumeria and hear the waves crashing against the shore. I finished the book an hour ago and I can still hear a ukulele playing in my head, feel the breeze from the swaying palms—OK that may be my ceiling fan, but you get my point. Colette’s books are a gift you give yourself. A break from your everyday life. And if you haven’t picked one up yet, you’re cheating yourself. They’re all standalones, so all you have to do is close your eyes, point to a map, and take the ride.

“You wanna jump again?”
“No.”
“Why?” He smirks from his chiseled jaw. “Too much of a rush for you?”
“No,” I breathe out. “Not enough.” I kiss him. With true abandon, I wrap my hand around his head, pull him toward me, and caress him with every drop of passion in my body. My kiss isn't a chaste one; it's sexy and devious. It's honest and filled with more meaning than I've ever given.
October 13, 2018
4 ⭐'s

As shocked as I was to find out who the heroine was in the last book, I was surprised to find out the heroine for this one was Trish! I really enjoyed her in Pure Abandon.

However, I was shocked at how her love life worked out...I certainly wasn't expecting Jackson nor was I expecting what happened to them in their past!

Likes:

💓Their history.
💓Hawaii!
💓Jackson's tenacity.
💓Getting the necklace back.
💓Asher's cameo.
💓Olivia Benson.
💓What Trish did at the end.

description

Dislikes:

💔What broke up Jackson and Trish in the first place.
💔Kelli.
💔I wish Jackson would have had more faith.

I really enjoyed the journey Jackson and Trish took us on. What happened to them is pertinent to today's society and it felt really honest. I just wish it hadn't taken Jackson so long to figure things out.
Profile Image for Jean.
801 reviews51 followers
November 13, 2017
I just love Jeannine's writing style and this whole series has been a favorite of mine!

Trish and Jackson were high school sweethearts when the unthinkable happens causing them to separate in a horrible way.  Trish's world is shattered and everything she thought was good and right with Jackson goes out the window.  She and her family are forced to move and start over.  

Years later and guess who's back? But now he's known to the world as Jax.  His sister calls asking Trish for a favor.  (I'll tell you right now, I don't know if I would have been as kind as she was....). This time she walks away from him on her own terms!

(Just an aside, the whole hurricane prep thing..... I get it! I live on the East Coast and have been at our shore house when the flood sirens go off..... it's a scary thing!)

Now, she's living a great life in Hawaii with her best friend, Kelli. I loved the whole Hawaiian aspect, her friends there, and the stories of tradition. And who shows up.....yep, Jax.

Loved the way Trish handled things and how her Hawaiian crew of friends backed her up.  There were some really funny moments.  And then, I actually started to feel bad for Jax. It was obvious he had a huge connection to Trish.

Read this book.... heck, read the whole series from the beginning if you haven't already! Love it!

Now I will vent.....

Well, they say things come full circle, or what comes around goes around....and basically that's what happens.

Once again, I have to mention the beautiful cover! Every cover of this series is exquisite!

Thank you Jeannine for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Grey.
442 reviews47 followers
November 14, 2017
I had the distinct honor and privilege of reviewing an ARC of True Abandon by Ms. Jeannine Colette and I must say, I think it is probably my favorite of all of the books I've read of hers, thus far. Not that I'm throwing down a gauntlet or anything. *giggle* I mean seriously, what isn't to love... a book that starts with a natural disaster and it's a romance... it's a match made in heaven for me!

I love natural disasters, I mean, not to get all weird; but I'm one of those people that get all zoned out during hurricane or blizzard coverage on The Weather Channel and will suddenly look up and realize I've been watching the TV for 3 hours in the middle of the night, *blink, blink*. So, this book, when I read the first chapter, I was *ALL IN*. To anyone, who started to tiptoe out of my review just now, no worries, it isn't a natural disaster book at all, LOL... but that's how it hooked me initially!

No spoilers... other than I will tell you that Ms. Colette could write the hell out of a grocery list and make the laundry soap aisle appealing. She has a 'True' gift... see what I did there? LOL. No, but seriously, the vivid pictures she paints with her words made me see the action like it was unfolding right in front of me, instead of taking place on my kindle screen. Her characters are people... not characters, and you will love them... or HATE them, with a vengeance. I didn't feel ambivalent about anyone in this book.

I'm sure you noticed the 'Abandon' theme... but it isn't necessary to have read the other books in the series, these are all standalone novels. I, myself, haven't read all of them. *hides from the incoming peanut launch that I am sure is coming from my fellow Marmy-friends*

And now... my favorite part of my review; when I get to share a little snippet of the author's words with you. Because they do a much better job of 'selling' their own book than I could ever do.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“What’s this for?”
He took a second too long to answer, as if lost in his own thoughts as well. “Anatomy. We have to create a 3D model of any organ in the body.”
“Why the heart?” I asked. It was a simple question, but the answer I got would stay with me forever.
“Because it’s what controls our emotions, courage, and wisdom.”
I furrowed my brows and slowly shook my head. “No. That’s the brain.”
His finger tapped his head. “The heart stresses when we’re mad or sad, and it beats steady and true when we’re happy and content. The heart influences processing, perceptions, and emotions. The brain tells us what we know.” He placed his hand over my heart, and I nearly died. “The heart tells it how to feel.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Right.... right?!?! Gah! My heart <3

4.75 'all the advanced prep' stars!
Profile Image for Jeannine Colette.
Author 45 books1,537 followers
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July 23, 2020
True Abandon
Release date: November 13, 2017

NOW LIVE AND FREE ON KU!!!!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2yxOlOs
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Can the sins of the past be forgiven with the actions of today?

Trish Hogan's life was destroyed when she gave her trust to her high school boyfriend, Jackson, and he threw it away, changing the course of her life forever.

A decade later she’s living in Manhattan -- she has a roommate, a steady boyfriend and a career. When a hurricane puts the city on lock down, Trish gets a message she never thought she’d receive: Jackson is dying and alone. In a city of millions, she is the only person who can sit by his side.

Jackson Davis was once the golden child of a senator who went against his father’s plans and became a musician. Tatted up and broken, he wakes up in a hospital only to see Trish -- the one person he needs to atone his sins to -- standing before him. He will recover from his injuries, but not from the pain he caused in the past.

Trapped by the storm, they embark on a night of reckoning that has one running away to Hawaii and the other following in her steps. As the victim becomes the villain, the two are forced to face the past, live in the present and find a way to navigate into the future.
Profile Image for Clau.
944 reviews117 followers
November 27, 2017
This is a second-chance romance. Trish has played the victim for the last 9 years. Her boyfriend, the love of her life, recorded a sex tape and it went viral. Of course, it destroyed her life.
Then, 9 years after that, he is in a hospital in NYC on his own, and she is called to his side. This is about the first 30% of the book. They talk a bit, he says he is sorry and he was an idiot, and then she leaves.
Fast forward 6 or 7 months. Trish is in Hawaii, and Jax shows up out of nowhere.

So... I had several issues with this book.
1. First of all, the story is really SLOW.
2. Too much drama. I mean, the plot sounded promising, but I think the author added just too much stuff into it. She should have sticked to the "sex tape" plot. I mean, the last part of the story (98%) was just unnecessary.
3. This is what bothered me the most. You see, Trish thinks it is okay to look into somebody else's phone, without their consent. People, let me tell you: IT IS NOT. Nowadays, the phone is part of a person's privacy. And it really bothered me that Trish would ignore that and check Jax's phone: and I mean look into his pictures and even his email.
I know this seems very silly... but while I kept reading, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Profile Image for Richelle Robinson.
1,268 reviews35 followers
November 13, 2017
I love how Jeannine Colette writes characters that evoke so many emotions from me as I read! I love second chance romances and I’m all for a good redemption but I couldn’t forgive Jackson for his actions towards Trish. Yes, I understand it was high school and he was young and stupid but he violated Trish’s trust in so many ways. Honestly that would have been a deal breaker for me. I know time is supposed to heal all wounds but not for me in this case. I really liked Trish and how caring she was but I was hoping she would have more of a backbone when it comes to Jackson but I understand why she didn't want to make waves. Jackson had a lot of nerve during several parts of this story and I can honestly say I didn’t like his character. I also have to say I loved, loved, loved the message in this story and how the actions of our past can affect our future. Colette was able to bring this wonderful point across without it coming off as a cheesy public service announcement. As expected Colette’s writing was solid and I always look forward to reading her stories!

*ARC Review*

For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
164 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2017
I absolutely adored this second chance romance!! You will absolutely root for Trish & Jackson on their adventure back to each other as you laugh, cry & gasp!
Profile Image for Lauren Runow.
Author 49 books1,316 followers
November 13, 2017
I was in a massive book funk and I knew anything by this author would take me out of it and I was right!! I was hooked from the start! I mean come on, it’s a storm and he might be dying?!?! Would you leave him there to die alone or go to the side of the man who did you wrong all those years ago?! This book had everything I love in a book. I laughed out loud, I tested up and I even have a massive crush on Jax. Buy this book now! You won’t regret it!!!
Profile Image for Cindy M. Green.
838 reviews30 followers
November 13, 2017
True Abandon is beautiful, emotional roller coaster between Jackson and Trish, high school sweethearts torn apart by actions Jackson will always regret. Kids will be kids and you don't always think clearly when you're a teen. Mistakes are made, trust is broken and decisions are made that will shape their lives and define choices that Jackson and Trish make in their future.

Fast forward ten years, Jackson and Trish are brought together in the most random of situations. They're forced to be together in a hospital room while riding out a hurricane. They talk about what happened in their past, but I felt at that time Jackson didn't really understand the full ramifications of his actions and how they've affected Trish all these years. Little do we know he was suffering in his own way, but I guess the surprise encounter threw them both off as it was unexpected. I wanted Trish to really give him a piece of her mind, but that would come in time. They clearly both had unresolved feelings as to how things ended in their past.

The time they spend together in Hawaii is key. They both have to learn to let their barriers down and reveal what they've been feeling this entire time apart. It's hard for both of them to be honest and it takes some work, but isn't that the reality of life?!?! We finally begin to understand Jax and how he doesn't feel worthy of Trish, the guilt he's carried all these years has taken its toll and his carefree life as a musician has proven that. Trish has trust issues and that has affected every relationship she's had since Jackson left her life in high school. Will time eventually heal all wounds?!?

This story is about second chances and most importantly forgiveness. We all make silly decisions when we're younger that can affect other people we love. But the real test is if you let those things define your life and who you are. I wish Trish would not have carried so much of that with her as she got older, but I can only imagine how Trish felt about Jackson's indiscretion. I'm happy we got a better understanding on what the situation did to him, how he felt, the weight he carried with him all these years. I wish Jackson would have gone to her sooner, but everything happens for a reason and I think their timing was meant to be. I really appreciated the message in this story; forgiveness and redemption.
Profile Image for Alexis.
753 reviews86 followers
November 15, 2017
I’ve become a huge fan of this author but sadly this one really fell below the mark for me.

I know that part of this book is set in Hawaii but I felt like all the Hawaii-ness from the dialect, over description of the island just took away from the story. And the dialect really got on my nerves.

Lastly, I didn’t really feel connected to this story and found myself skimming and then I knew that the ending was coming a mile away.

I still love this author and will still one-click but sadly this one was a bust for me.
Profile Image for Innergoddess_Booklover.
559 reviews
November 11, 2017
True Abandon will take in a emotional ride at second chance at love. I couldnt put this book down .After reading this it makes you refelect on your life and in the choices you have made in your life and wether or not you regret them in order to move you must forgive and forget and move on and be happy. Theres a great lessoj in this story . Jeannine Colette True Abandon is a must read.. youll love every single page.
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,717 reviews220 followers
December 4, 2017
**Arc provided by author for an honest review**

In Jeannine Colette’s True Abandon two high school sweethearts get a second chance twice.

After her high school boyfriend Jackson Davis humiliates her, Trish Hogan’s life is shattered. He broke her trust and committed the ultimate betrayal. Fast forward about a decade, Trish is in Manhattan living a wonderful life, until she gets a phone call telling her Jackson is dying. She is the only one close enough to sit beside his hospital bed until his family arrives. But it turns out that things aren’t what they seem and after being trapped together during a storm Trish runs away to Hawaii.

Jackson has made mistakes and he wants to rectify them. So when Trish leaves, yet again, this time he follows pursuit. He is determined to right the wrongs he once committed against her and win her heart again. He’s not that scared little boy anymore and he’ll prove it to her, in more ways than one.

This book starts out with heartache right away. Jackson stomps all over the love and trust that a young Trish had for him. It isn’t any wonder that she leaves him twice. That is a lot to forgive. But I have to say that it took both characters quite a while to ‘grow up’. The incident happened when they were teens, and while it should be remembered and kept in mind, it is no excuse to act childish and run away like Trish did.

To me it was quite obvious that Jackson realized his mistakes and grew because of, and in spite of them. Trish held onto her hatred a bit longer than I think was necessary. They should have talked and hashed everything in the hospital. Trish running to Hawaii was unnecessary and something I could see her teenage self doing, not a grown woman with a steady life.

Trish annoyed me and I felt bad for Jackson, but their love story though bumpy was a great one to read. I highly recommend this to romance readers who like a bit of angst and a whole lot of groveling. Four stars.
Profile Image for MillsyLovesBooks.
807 reviews37 followers
November 19, 2017
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True Abandon by Jeannine Colette is a full-length, standalone, second chance romance novel. The cover to this book is just beautiful and suits this book perfectly. An emotional read with great tension, angst, and heartbreak. I smiled, laughed, cried and at times was angry and wanted to scream at both Trish and Jax.

Trish lives and works in Manhattan, has a boyfriend and lives with her some what best friend. Looking in from the outside you would think life is good for her. But for Trish it's anything but good her job is just one she's stuck at and she is always holding back when she knows she should be moving forward but she' s stuck in the past when she was wronged. Years of pain have made Trish a broken woman, scared to love and trust.

Trish never wanted to see or hear from Jax after what he had done to her. But when she gets a very unexpected call that Jax is in her local hospital alone and possibly dying. She reluctantly puts her feelings to one side to be at his side. What Trish didn't expect was that it would turn out to be so much harder to do than she thought.

Jax Davis wakes in hospital and is even more shocked at seeing the person in his room than waking up in hospital. Jax has always struggled with regrets at what he caused Trish, the girl he betrayed to go through. Trying to explain what happened turns out to be so much harder than he thought it would. When the nurse comes in to take him for a scan he ask's Trish to wait but when he returns she's gone.

Trish does what she does best she runs and hides to scared to face what she's thinking or feeling. She leaves Manhattan and moves with her friend to Hawaii. She wanted to put see Jax again far behind her, but he has other plans. When they are reunited and Jax tries with everything he's got to put their relationship back together, Trish is understandably reluctant to let him in. She is confused and frightened by the way he still makes her feel, still consumes her.

I'll admit I had mixed feelings for Jax at first. What he did to Trish was unforgivable, but not everything is as it seems. That being said I liked that she made him work for her forgiveness. It was his determination to atone for his actions, his tenderness and undying love for Trish that won me over. Especially the whole time they were Hawaii which by the way was beautifully written and the searching the ocean scene melted my heart. It was so clear that they belonged together, but there was so much that they needed to work through!

This book was a gripping love story about forgiveness, redemption and giving that second chance. The journey that both Trish and Jax went through was bittersweet and emotional. How they were able to come back to each other after years of being apart was so heartwarming and made this a truly beautiful read.

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Profile Image for Michelle.
3,121 reviews33 followers
November 11, 2017
3.5-4 stars. Two high school sweethearts, Trish and Jackson, were torn apart by a scandal that ruined Trish's reputation and left her scarred afterwards. Now, almost a decade later, Trish is face to face with Jackson again in a hospital because he has no one to come to his side and she can't go anywhere because the hospital is on lockdown from a hurricane. They have no choice but to confront one another. The overall premise seems to promise a lot of charged energy, angst and possible redemption.

I can't really say that I liked their first encounter after almost a decade. I was very confused. I thought Jackson would be more sorrowful and apologetic, even with his injuries, and beg for forgiveness. But instead, he was rather closed off and even rude, although it was obvious that he was somewhat apologetic. As for Trish, I liked that she was compassionate, but I expected more of her, too, as far as venting out her frustrations and hurt, rather than them trying to make small talk and avoid explosive conversation for self-preservation.

So when the story moved to Hawaii, I could appreciate the new locale and what it meant for Trish and Jackson, but again, now that they are in each other's orbits, they weren't communicating like they should have. Jackson was trying hard to regain Trish's trust and redeem himself, that much was obvious and I admired his attempts. But I had trouble getting on board with Jackson because I didn't know what he was thinking or feeling or his side of the story. That part came much, much later, and I found that if it had been shared earlier, I would've been a stronger advocate for him. The same goes for them airing out their feelings, that dialogue needed to happen sooner for me to understand the intensity of their buried emotions, but it came later. And it's one thing for Jackson to call Trish out on her weaknesses (which I found to be a turn off given that he wasn't in a position to talk given the magnitude of his past errors), but then another for him to have that same weakness later on and not actually practice what he preaches. So maybe if the events and conversations were ordered a bit differently than what was presented in the book, then I would've been able to endorse and move forward with this couple more easily and earlier on because I truly did like them, but had hangups with them for the majority of the story. I did like the actual plot and premise, the writing was solid and the secondary characters are entertaining. Also, the ending offers a strong and poignant take home message.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Bloggers From Down Under .
795 reviews37 followers
November 11, 2017
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review **
** Review by Kylie from Bloggers From Down Under **

I had been eagerly waiting for this novel to drop into my kindle ever since I agreed to read and give an honest review. Each and every teaser that was released to social media, had me hoping that True Abandon lived up to the hype.

And in a simple answer........hell yeah it did. It held me captive from cover to cover. Annoying daily things like work and running a family was keeping me from devouring this novel. Instead I took it nice and slow, getting to completely understand the characters.

“It astounds me that one man could leave a scar so deep that I’m still affected. It’s not just the dreams; it’s the way I live my day to day life, straddling the past and the present, unable to see the future”
Trish and Jax used to be a “thing” in high school. Until the fateful day a video emerges. An intimate moment shared between the two of them, has now done the rounds on social media.

Fast forward nine years later, during the worst hurricane her home state has seen, a message will stop Trish in her tracks. Jax has been in some sort of accident, and it doesn’t look good.

Should she just let sleeping dogs lie, or face her past and open up old wounds again?

Starting a new life in Hawaii is exactly what Trish needed. She’s happy, in a job she loves, and the friendships she’s made she knows will last a lifetime.

What will happen when Jax shows up at the resort to win her back?

And just like Jeannine says “While there are do-overs in life, there are second chances to be had. We’ve all made mistakes - some bigger than others. But it begs to ask the question: Is our character based on the mistakes we made in high school? Can we right a wrong from the past with the actions of today?”

Did this novel touch a nerve with me?

Yes it did....

I too have made mistakes, but the person I am today is because of the mistakes I did make.

So Jeannine, thank you.
Thank you for trusting me with this wonderful story.
I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the location details and I love your ability to make us love a character even when they are being a jerk!!!

5 stars 
Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,755 reviews41 followers
November 13, 2017
It's been a while since I had the chance to read a book from this lady and I was super happy for the chance I was about to get. Her previous books made me realize that she was amazing with her words and each book drove me to a beautiful world.
Jeannine Colette has a writing full of feeling, love and some hotness into the mix. If you don't trust me see for yourself.
True Abandon is her latest release and tells the stories of Trish and Jackson.
Trish saw her world crumbling the day her high school boyfriend betrayed her. She had suffered alot. 10 years went by and now she's living her life the way she wanted with a steady boyfriend and a career. That is until the day she got a call...
Jackson was a rebel. At young age he went against his dad and had pursue his dream becoming a musician. After 10 years someone will make the call that can help erase his sins or seal his fate.
Can these two work things out? Can Trish forgive and forget?
Let me just say that once the book ended I was stunned. I was in love, I was happy to had the chance to read it.
The plot is amazing, very well written, the glimpses from the past were so detailed that didn't leave a margin for errors. The interation between the characters is beautiful, intense, raw, funny and bumpy sometimes.
The way the story progressed left me happy, delighted, sad, scared, mad and furious sometimes and that's why I loved this book.
The thing that attracted me the most about this author was the way she puts her heart in each story. The way she makes all characters come to life.
I totally advise every lover of a good romance to take a chance with not only this book but with all Abandon series.
Jeannine Colette you are amazing and everyone should know your work. You rock. Will we have another book from this series? Fingers crossed..
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lorena  Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog.
1,758 reviews57 followers
November 13, 2017
What do you do when you have to come face-to-face with the one person you never wanted to see again!

Trish Hogan has fled her home after being ridiculed and humiliated by none other than her boyfriend Jackson Davis.

Trish has tried to move on, she lives in a new city and has a steady boyfriend but for some reason she can't seem to take that leap and make that commitment with her current boyfriend because she's scarred from what happened to her in her youth.

When Trish gets a call that Jackson is dying, she has no choice but to go to him and they are forced to be in the same room together due to a hurricane hitting their town.

Trish has a lot of resentment towards Jackson and she definitely unleashes that anger towards him.
But can these two souls forgive and forget or is the damage too much that they will never be able to give each other a second chance?

This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I was drawn to every single page of this book and was unable to unglue myself from my device from beginning to end.

Trish and Jackson had a lot to work on and the only way they could do that was by communicating and Jax wasn't about to lose the love of his life twice and nothing was going to stop him from trying to get his second chance at love with Trish.

This was one heck of a book and I totally loved the characters especially because I wasn't keen on them at the beginning but as you continue to read the story you'll understand them and the why's and how's of the storyline.

Totally one that will stay with me -- one of my top reads for 2017!

5 TRUE ABANDON STARS!

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,301 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2017
I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

Jackson and Trish were high school sweethearts but then something happened and they were torn apart by something that Jackson did and something that he will regret forever.

Ten years later and Trish is happy with her life, a steady boyfriend and a career that she enjoys, until she gets a call and Jackson is back in her life.
So when the call came that Jackson is dying she has no choice but to go to him and they are forced to spend time together due to a hurricane hitting their town.
I can't say I blame her for how she reacts. She has a lot of anger toward him and she doesn't hold back. But for some parts I have to say that I actually felt back for him. But I have to say that Jackson took it and he wasn't about to loose Trish again.

A rollercoaster ride of a book. And I just have to say that if it was me I don't know how I would have reacted in Trish's place. But definitely a good story and definitely kept me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen.

Reviewed on behalf of


Profile Image for Isa Jones (Jo&Isalovebooks Blog).
411 reviews88 followers
January 10, 2018
WOW!!

I was completely breathless after finishing this story.

Trish and Jackson have spent each regretting the events of the past in their own way. For Trish the traumatic implications of one night led to her complicated and much traumatised adulthood. As much as she has tried she can't seem to ever find the peace and happiness she has longed for.
The present and fate has its own way to bring both characters face to face in order to put their differences aside and get much needed closure. It is incredible how someone can think so little and feel so much before understanding the other person motives.
Life has given them a chance to correct the past and search in their hearts the forgiveness in order to find happiness.

A lovely and touching story of redemption and second chances. Loved the style of writing and the very original story line.
Thank You for letting me read and review.

A Page turner with plenty of romance.

Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
Profile Image for Morgan Cross.
124 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2017
Jeannine is one of my favorite authors. I have read every book she has published, so I couldn’t wait to start True Abandon. Once I started, I seriously couldn’t put it down. I was glued to the pages. I’m not normally a huge fan of second chance romance, but this story sucked me in and I was dying to know what was going to happen.

This story is full of heartbreak, betrayal, angst, and so much love. I felt so many emotions while reading, but this story truly touched me. I found myself looking back at my own life and wondering if I would of made different choices, where would I be right now?

I absolutely loved this book, and cannot recommend it enough!! If you’re a fan of second chance romance, grab this one right now! You will not be disappointed. 5 stars!
Profile Image for BeautyandtheBooks.
272 reviews17 followers
November 18, 2017
Every time I read a book in this series, I’m like this one is my favorite, no that one was my favorite, but now this one is! Jeannine Colette is the best at taking you to a place you’ve never been, or maybe you have, and it’ll leave you super nostalgic. In True Abandon, she takes you to Hawaii, and she leaves your heart there. In some ways this book had serious Moana vibes, and I LOVED it! From love to hate to love, this book will tear you in two. You’ll feel all the feels a great book should give you. Her books always do that for me, and I’m glad she did it again.
Profile Image for Kelli.
25 reviews
November 14, 2017
Another great Abandon book from Jeannine! I loved the agony in this book! I was continually wondering where Trish was going to take things in her relationships. The friends in the book added so much fun and humor. I loved the culture and am now wanting to plan another trip back to Hawaii myself! I really enjoyed watching the growth of Trish and Jax and loved the lessons that were taught in this wonderful story about soulmates and second chances. ❤🌺
52 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2017
What a absolute swoon worthy second chance. I loved Jax almost right away. ALMOST. I needed answers first.

This story has everything... love, hate and some betrayal. I was all over the place with whether to root for him or not.

This is a must read... this whole series is and with its emotional rollercoaster, it's ok to send Jeannine a majestic Unicorn giving the finger. It's worth it and she'll forgive you *wink*
Profile Image for Jamie.
125 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2017

I am a newbie to Jeannine Colette. Crazy right?! I know. She sure made a fan with this book. You had me at Virginia Tech! As a Virginia girl and a die hard Hokies fan, Trish was such a relatable character for me. You did the Commonwealth well.

This was Trish and Jax's story. Trish has her life headed in the right direction, a good friend/roommate, boyfriend and a career. Like they say one call can change your entire world, make the past come crashing into the future. Stranded together, the Victim and the Villain will the sins of the past be to much to over come?

This is a book that spreads over a period of time, I never felt like I was being bored with useless information, the story had a real flow to it and never lagged, once I started reading I found it hard to put it down, and a little disappointed it ended.True Abandon is a book that will no doubt stay with you for a while, it's emotional, sweet, heartbreaking, and most of all it's real. Relatable. 
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews250 followers
November 20, 2017
This was a really good second chance romance. I didn’t like Jax for a long time because of what happened in their past, but I slowly grew to love his character and the love he had for Trisha.

Trisha had a lot of snark and seeing her overcome her past and slowly forgive Jax was one heck of a ride. The whole plot was fun and at times heart warming. There not a lot o can say because this is one of those books that each scenes mean something different and I loved each scene

I know that there are other books in this series and I plan to read them at some point. 4 Stars #2OCCjD
Profile Image for Quinn's Quippy Quotes.
1,369 reviews138 followers
January 24, 2023
This was good, but not my favorite of the series. It didn’t really fit with the rest of the series and felt really disconnected, like it was forced to fit into this series. I appreciated the character development of both main characters, it just didn’t hit me in the feels like the others.

Now, I can’t wait to dive in Wrecked! I have a feeling Leah is going to have me rolling in laughter!
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,785 reviews105 followers
November 27, 2017
What an emotional rollercoaster! I was angry, heartbroken, frustrated, then I would be laughing then right back to being heartbroken. True Abandon was the first book in the Abandon series that I read and now I’m going to go back and read the others. The story of Trish and Jackson (Jax) is about betrayal and forgiveness. Jackson does something to Trish that seems absolutely unforgivable. Yet the way this book is written, the story of how that forgiveness may be achieved is believable and inspiring. This was a great book that kept me intrigued the whole time.

Reviewed by: Alexis B.
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