Giveaway - More Than Her (More, #2) by Jay McLean

"For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction."

For every choice you make there are rewards, 

or there are consequences.

It was my choice to walk away the first time.

And my choice to chase her the second.

But sometimes you don't get a choice, 

and all you get are the consequences.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, 

while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

Unless that someone is Logan Matthews. 

Because loving him didn't give me 

the strength to walk away.

It didn't give me 

the courage to fight for him.

And when it was over, 

all it gave me was a broken heart.

3 to 4 Stars … depending on your stance

This is a difficult review for me to write, because I honestly don’t know what to rate More Than Her (MTH)...I think I will decide by the time I finish this review.  I loved book 1, More Than This (MTT), like A LOT.  MTT was a five star read to me, so it’s hard for me to be disappointed with book 2, but I am.

A lot of people will disagree with me on this review and I completely understand that, it’s because I do not like ANGST

I hate it. I can’t stand ANGST!  Again, my definition of Angst is a story written about two main characters not being able to overcome an issue because of misunderstanding.  That is what it means to me.  Have I given a five star rating for a book with lots of angst, of course, but not for MTH.

McLean went in a completely new writing direction for this book and it worked completely for a lot of people…. I see the reviews and everyone loved MTH.  This reminds me of the time where I wasn’t fond of … Going Under by S. Walden, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay or The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher, but everyone loved it.

So, if you like to use my review to form a basis of what you like to read, then note this… did you like the above books I mentioned? Do you like angst? Were you okay with More Than This?  If you say yes to any of those question, than MTH is for you.  With all the reviews I have read, mostly everyone that was okay with MTT, really loved MTH.

It’s Logan’s story and right away we find out who “Her” is.  There’s flash backs, a lot of tension and back and forth throughout the whole book. This drove me crazy.  I had to take mini-breaks and I was pulling my hair out from start to finish.

I didn’t quite understand Logan, nor his issues.  Actually I didn’t understand “her” issues as well.  Maybe I was reading this in a mood, but it was hard for me to empathize with the characters.  I think I was setting myself up with a MTT kind of read and when the direction was turned on me, I was taken back a bit. 

Then we get to that part… the part where EVERYONE knows what I am talking about.  Pretty much throughout the whole book, I was holding out hope that there would be some redemption between Logan and Her.   I was looking for that connection and spark.  But when THAT part happened, I almost vomited in my mouth.  I think I re-read it a few times because I just couldn’t believe it.

This is my issue with stuff like that.  Not that I am “sensitive”, I don’t think I am, because I can read pretty  harsh things, BUT I didn’t feel like it added any value to the book (of course I am not the norm because a lot of readers had a positive affect by this).  I rather have not read that. I think my rating would have been higher too.

Also, the cliffy didn’t bother me. A lot of people have issues with cliffys, I do not. I find them entertaining, but I do have issues if a series is not known to not have cliffys and then to throw it in, well that kind of bothers me. However, I was fully aware of the cliffy in MTH, so I prepared myself for it.

After going back and forth, I decided this was a 3.5 star read for me.  I am fully aware I am part of the blog tour and I have converse with the author several times.  However, I feel like my review does justice on how I feel. If you know me as a reviewer, then you can gauge what works for you. If I am known to not like angsty reads and you love them, well then, you know this one is for you.

SERIES ORDER

More Than This (More, #1) - REVIEW

More Than Her (More, #2)

More Than Him (More, #3)

PURCHASE

AMAZON UK - B&N - KOBO - SMASHWORDS - iBOOKS 

Author of Mature YA / New Adult contemporary novels, MORE THAN THIS and a soon to be released sequel, MORE THAN HER. I enjoy reading and writing books that make people laugh, cry and swoon for dreamy book boyfriends. When not doing either of those, I can be found looking after my two little boys, and trying to avoid house work at all costs.

WEB - FACEBOOK - TWITTER - GOODREADS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline's Reads 3,000 Likes Signed Paperback, Tote, Swag and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

List of Prizes

18 Winners

US ONLY – SIGNED PAPERBACKS

All paperbacks were generously donated by the author

Falling Into Us by Jasinda Wilder (Special Hard Edition)

The Missionary by Jack Wilder

More than This by Jay McLean

Untangle Me by Chelle Bliss

Surrender to Love by J.C. Valentine

The Guardian by Sara Mack

Love Came Back by Stephanie Nicole Garza

Mid-Life Love by Whitney G.

Connected by Kim Karr

Kiss Me Like You Mean It by Mahalia Levey

OPEN INTERNATIONAL – SIGNED PAPERBACKS

All paperbacks were generously donated by the author

Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

Lawful Overdose by Justine Elvira

Maybe This Time by Chantal Fernando

My Love At Last by Jaclyn Marulanda

Keeping You Forever by Jaclyn Marulanda

Fury by Michelle Pace

$30 Amazon Gift Card Prize

The following Blogs generously donated, please support, by visiting

One winner will receive a gift card amount from each blog, the final total amount adds to $30 

Jenne’s Book Blog 

Tiffany Talks Books

All Booked Out

Rockin’ & Reviewing

Stephanie’s Book Reports

Have Book Will Read

Word Wenches Guilty Pleasures

Tote is signed by

Open International, one winner will receive a signed tote and various swag items.

Katy Evans | Jennifer L. Armentrout (J.Lynn) | K.A. Tucker 

Lisa Desrochers | Nyrae Dawn | K.A. Robinson | Heidi McLaughlin 

Olivia Cunning | J. Kenner (Julie Kenner / J.K. Beck) | Jay Crownover 

Cora Carmack | Jillian Dodd | Rebecca Donovan | Abbi Glines 

Colleen Hoover | K.A. Linde | Molly McAdams | Tina Reber

Tammara Webber 

Signed Swag is from Kim Karr | Non-signed swag is from various authors

There are 3 Rafflecopter, one is US ONLY and two are open to International

Please see terms and conditions

US ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

US AND INTERNATIONAL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway + Book Review - More Than This by Jay McLean

*Mikayla*

In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.

*Jake*

One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.

*This is our story of a maybe ever after.*

He was right. It made no difference whether it was 6 months or 6 years. 

I couldn’t undo what had been done. I couldn’t change the future.

I couldn’t even predict it. 

It was one night.

One night when everything changed.

It was so much more than just the betrayal.

It was the Tragedy. 

The Deaths. 

The Murders.

But it was also that feeling.

The feeling of falling. 

5 STARS (more really 6 Stars)

I more than a lot like you ... so much more than a lot

WHERE DO I BEGIN?!  I'm just going to be upfront with you. I.LOVED.LOVED.LOVED.LOVED --- > MORE THAN THIS! 

My Emotions:

At 1% - I had no idea what to expect, my girlfriend recommend it to me, so I said, oh what the heck.

At 1.1% - I KNEW this was going to be something special

At 8% I am grinning because of all the cuteness!

At 14% I am in a fit of laughter

At 17% I am like NOOOOO!!!!!! 

At 38% I am shaking because I love it so much

At 82% I am crying big fat ugly tears

At 100% I had a book orgasm

YES.IT.WAS.THAT.GOOD

It all begins with one night.... 

Mikayla catches her boyfriend cheating on her with Mikayla's best friend on prom night. What an asshole right? Well, Jake was at the right place at the right time and suggests Mikayla spend prom night with him and his friends. Mikayla agrees.

The whole read was perfection and I really loved the beginning.  I thought Mikayla (Kayla) and Jake had an adorable meet-cute. I am ALL about the damsel in distress story line, so this worked for me.  The first 20%  is really funny and will bring a smile to your face. I loved Jake's friends and the McLean wrote some fantastic side characters. I LOVED every single one of them from Cam, Lucy, Heidi, Dylan and Logan.  Lucy is my favorite.

We should totally be book best friends

Then the read shifts and you are just gutted. I wasn't expecting it and I was thinking to myself, oh lord, this is something, but it's also fantastic at the same time.  Because of the shift Kayla and Jake become closer.  I LOVED this.  I thought Kayla and Jake were perfectly written characters.  I loved Kayla. I thought she was just this sad broken, but beautiful and you couldn't help, but just-want-to-hug-her kind of girl. And Jake, LORD, how I love Jake. He is the alpha male we girls dream up, he's caring, yet possessive, aggressive and loyal. 

Jake = Book Boyfriend.

Oh and the sexual tension was INTENSE and I LOVED IT! Am I using "LOVE" a lot? Maybe, but it's just me being honest.  I think McLean is an epic writer. I was highlighting almost every page, I could quote the whole read. I loved More Than This. 

I was absorbed, I laughed, I cried, I was gutted and I SWOONED VERY HARD.

Oh and I can't wait for book 2, More Than Her.  More Than This does not end on a cliffy (Thank You), but you get an intro to More Than Her and oh gosh, I just want this read  .... so BAD.

Okay, enough of me gushing, go read More Than This and then message me so we can talk about it. 

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE READ.

Jay, you are from Australia, tell me, is it like what we Americans see on TV?  Do you dingoes in your backyard? I’m kidding.  What’s it like living in Australia? Is it hot all the time? 

I don't really know what it's like to live anywhere else, so I can't compare it to anything. I think it would be very similar to America -- without guns. lol. We do, however, have pet Kangaroos in our back yards and Koalas in our homes. Joke. 

I’m a MAJOR fan of More Than This.  The story is just so unique and beautiful to me.  Where did you get your inspiration? 

I'm an avid reader myself, and I loved reading books that have epic love stories. You know the type, the can't live, can't breathe without you kind of love. I also loved pages that just had intimate moments between the couples. I often found myself skimming books that had other characters in the storyline too often. So I came up with the idea, and went from there. 

I have a total crush on Jake, he’s a major book boyfriend of mine, is his character based on anyone you know? 

Yes and no. I think Jake is every girls kind of dream boy. But, he is loosely based on my own man. The whole knight in shining armor, saving the day type hero. The patience. The understanding. That's all him.

Can you tell us five fun facts about yourself?

1. I would rather have a snake wrap around me, or pick up a spider, then be anywhere near a moth.

2. My eyes water when I'm nervous.

3. The above happens all time, because I'm extremely socially awkward. 

4. I never have anything charged properly. My phone, laptops and e-readers are on constant low battery warning, because I can't seem to let any of them go long enough to fully charge.

5. I find it really difficult to drive with shoes on.

Okay, so you didn’t have a cliffy at the end of More Than This, but you did give us a little excerpt to book 2, More Than Her, Logan’s story. Can you give us any deets on it? 

I don't know how much to say without giving too much away. It's very much Logan's story. We follow him and his life at college. The other characters are still in there, we do get an insight into more Cam and Lucy, Dyland and Heidi, and of coarse, Jake and Micky. It has a little of his past, a lot of his present and a little of his future ;)

I would love to meet you. Do you have any plans in visiting America? Maybe for a future book signing? 

I'd actually had plans to go to Vegas for Naughty Mafia - as a fan though, not for a signing. But I guess we'll see how things pan out. Either way, I'll be there. :)

I noticed on Goodreads you are writing another book not relating to the More series. When can we expect that one?

I haven't decided if I want to write that one before or after Cam and Lucy's story. I do want to write about Heidi and Dylan, as well as two other characters you'll meet in More Than Her, so I guess it's just what ever inspires me. I'm also looking at writing another Jake and Kayla book.

“He was going to meet you at the cages after he dropped us off. He was just there for me, that’s all.” I pause for a minute. “Wait, he didn’t tell you?”

Jake’s shaking his head, taking it all in. “He said it wasn’t his story to tell, and if I wanted to know I had to hear it from you.” He blows out a breath, puffing out his cheeks with the force of it. “Fuck, Kayla. I really am an asshole. I was a dick to him, and to you. And Julie, shit, I scared the shit out of her. Why didn’t you tell me? Was that what last night was about?”

“Yeah. I didn’t think about it until I was at the pharmacy with Julie, and then I wigged out, and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t tell you, because I wanted to be sure first. I didn’t know what I was going to do if … you know.”

“So you’re not. For sure? Like a hundred percent?”

“Yeah, Jake.” I nod my head. “I’m sure.”

He breaths out a heavy sigh, and we sit in silence for a long time.

“Can I stay with you tonight? Please, Kayla?” It’s barely a whisper.

I scoot across the bed and lift the covers. He takes his shirt off and gets in. We face each other. Holding on, not wanting to let go, not even for a second.

We’re looking so intently into each other’s eyes, trying to see into each other’s souls.

Talking without speaking.

Feeling without touching.

“Jake?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s just you. It’s only ever been just you. It will always only ever be just you.”

And then he kisses me. A quick kiss on the lips. But it has the passion of a thousand kisses, and holds the power of a thousand promises.

“So much more than a lot,” he says, before we fall asleep, the best way we can, in each other’s arms.

Playlist - > HERE

Jay is an author of Mature YA / New Adult contemporary novels, MORE THAN THIS and a soon to be released sequel, MORE THAN HER. She enjoys reading and writing books that make people laugh, cry and swoon for dreamy book boyfriends. When not doing either of those, she can be found looking after her two little boys, and being completely awkward in most social situations.

FACEBOOK - TWITTER - WEBSITE - GOODREADS

PURCHASE

 AMAZON (UK) - B&N - KOBO - SMASHWORDS - IBOOKS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway + Book Review - More Than This by Jay McLean

Blurb

*Mikayla*

In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.

*Jake*

One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.

*This is our story of a maybe ever after.*

He was right. It made no difference whether it was 6 months or 6 years. 

I couldn’t undo what had been done. I couldn’t change the future.

I couldn’t even predict it. 

It was one night.

One night when everything changed.

It was so much more than just the betrayal.

It was the Tragedy. 

The Deaths. 

The Murders.

But it was also that feeling.

The feeling of falling. 

Review - 5 STARS (more really 6 Stars)

I more than a lot like you ... so much more than a lot

WHERE DO I BEGIN?!  I'm just going to be upfront with you. I.LOVED.LOVED.LOVED.LOVED --- > MORE THAN THIS! 

My Emotions:

At 1% - I had no idea what to expect, my girlfriend recommend it to me, so I said, oh what the heck.

At 1.1% - I KNEW this was going to be something special

At 8% I am grinning because of all the cuteness!

At 14% I am in a fit of laughter

At 17% I am like NOOOOO!!!!!! 

At 38% I am shaking because I love it so much

At 82% I am crying big fat ugly tears

At 100% I had a book orgasm

YES.IT.WAS.THAT.GOOD

It all begins with one night.... 

Mikayla catches her boyfriend cheating on her with Mikayla's best friend on prom night. What an asshole right? Well, Jake was at the right place at the right time and suggests Mikayla spend prom night with him and his friends. Mikayla agrees.

The whole read was perfection and I really loved the beginning.  I thought Mikayla (Kayla) and Jake had an adorable meet-cute. I am ALL about the damsel in distress story line, so this worked for me.  The first 20%  is really funny and will bring a smile to your face. I loved Jake's friends and the McLean wrote some fantastic side characters. I LOVED every single one of them from Cam, Lucy, Heidi, Dylan and Logan.  Lucy is my favorite.

We should totally be book best friends

Then the read shifts and you are just gutted. I wasn't expecting it and I was thinking to myself, oh lord, this is something, but it's also fantastic at the same time.  Because of the shift Kayla and Jake become closer.  I LOVED this.  I thought Kayla and Jake were perfectly written characters.  I loved Kayla. I thought she was just this sad broken, but beautiful and you couldn't help, but just-want-to-hug-her kind of girl. And Jake, LORD, how I love Jake. He is the alpha male we girls dream up, he's caring, yet possessive, aggressive and loyal. 

Jake = Book Boyfriend.

Oh and the sexual tension was INTENSE and I LOVED IT! Am I using "LOVE" a lot? Maybe, but it's just me being honest.  I think McLean is an epic writer. I was highlighting almost every page, I could quote the whole read. I loved More Than This. 

I was absorbed, I laughed, I cried, I was gutted and I SWOONED VERY HARD.

Oh and I can't wait for book 2, More Than Her.  More Than This does not end on a cliffy (Thank You), but you get an intro to More Than Her and oh gosh, I just want this read  .... so BAD.

Okay, enough of me gushing, go read More Than This and then message me so we can talk about it. 

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE READ.

Add to -> Goodreads

Cast Interview

To Jake:

What were your first thoughts when you saw Kayla?

Jake puts his arm on the seat behind Kayla, she moves closer to him. Her hand landing on his leg. It's almost like she does it subconsciously. She looks up at him and smiles, waiting for him to answer. He looks at her, then back up, "The first time I saw her, she was holding hands with her ex. I noticed her straight away...and then she smiled, and I think I actually stopped breathing. She was so beautiful - I remember staring at her from my seat at the table, watching her walk past us. I don't think I blew out my breath until Cam and Logan tried to get my attention."

"Liar," Kayla says, looking down at the floor.

"All true, baby. Swear it." Jake puts his arms around her shoulders and pulls her to him, kissing her on the temple. "Ask Cam and Logan. It's the truth."

They smile at each for a few seconds before looking away. His arm doesn't move from her shoulders as she leans closer into him.

To Kayla:

Jake can be pretty possessive, how do you feel when he acts “cave-man” like?

Jake makes a small grunting noise, then leans back in his chair, stretching his legs out. He removes his cap, runs his hand through the back of his head, then replaces it. The whole time, Kayla watches, trying to hide her smirk.

"Answer the question," he says, motioning his hand to continue. 

She giggles, "He's not so bad. It's kind of my fault he acted that way. I never really told him how I felt... and I'm sorry for that. But he has nothing at all to worry about, not now. Not ever. I mean, have you SEEN him? Why the hell would I choose anyone over HIM?" 

They both chuckle to each other.

To Kayla:

What was your favorite moment with Jake, where you were absolutely happy?

"The night we got home from Aunt Lisa's wedding. And his parents had just shown me the room. That night I told him about how my parents met." She looks at Jake. "You know that was the first time I tried to tell you how I felt about you?"

He looks into her eyes. "Yeah, baby. I know. Well, at least I was hoping that's what you were saying." He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses the inside of her wrist.

To Jake:

You and Logan are so different, yet your friendship works, how come?

He shrugs, "It started with baseball, he's the catcher so I guess we've spent a lot of time together during training and stuff. The thing with Logan is that around other people he has this persona, I don't really get it. I know when it's just us and our girls, he's completely different. The kids got a big heart, I've seen it a few times. I don't think he knows that we all see him like that..." his words fade, like he's internally thinking more about it.

To Kayla

What were your first impressions of Jake’s friends and family?

She smiles, "That they could have easily been mine."

"They are yours," Jake interrupts.

She looks up at him, "Yeah, baby. They are now...but that's wasn't the question." She flips his cap backwards and gives him a quick kiss. 

To Jake:

Kayla can be pretty stubborn, what pushed you to keep working on your relationship with her? How were you so patient?

He shrugs again, looking down. He's picking imaginary lint off his sweats. Then so quietly, I almost don't hear him, "Because, I'm her Jake, and she's my Kayla."

I see her squeeze his leg gently, before he clears his throat and looks up. He swallows, "It was never work with Kayla. There was never a question, or a doubt in my mind, that whatever it is we'd end up being wasn't worth waiting or fighting for. Never. I would have waited another 6 months, or another 6 years. It makes no difference. We'd still end up here." 

To Kayla and Jake:

What’s in the future for you guys? What can we expect?

Jake answers quickly, almost too quickly. "College, draft, pro's, wedding, house, publishing deal, lot's of baby making practice and then babies," he deadpans. Kayla laughs, "Yeah, what he said."

Then they both laugh.

Excerpt
We get to prom within seconds of the announcement. Heidi goes from the girl we know to the girl everyone expects her to be. She prances on stage, smiles and says a few words. Prom king is Doug, the quarterback. Of course he is.


They pose for photos, but it’s awkward as hell, because Doug knows Dylan’s watching, and you don’t fuck with Dylan. Doesn’t matter that, physically, they’d be a decent match up. There’s only one thing Dylan loves more than basketball, and that’s his girl. And there’s a huge difference between basketball and Heidi. We’d give him shit if he weren’t so serious about her. He’s not the hearts and flowers kind of guy, but he’s the heart and soul kind, and fuck if every girl would rather that than flowers.

About the Author
Jay is an author of Mature YA / New Adult contemporary novels, MORE THAN THIS and a soon to be released sequel, MORE THAN HER. She enjoys reading and writing books that make people laugh, cry and swoon for dreamy book boyfriends. When not doing either of those, she can be found looking after her two little boys, and being completely awkward in most social situations.

FACEBOOK - TWITTER - WEBSITE - GOODREADS

We are having a Facebook party throughout the tour. There will some deleted scenes and other goodies!!! Join ->  HERE

** Jay will be donating part of her sales from More Than This from 19th Augusts to 19th September to The Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society. Click HERE to Jay’s Blog post explaining it.

Purchase - AMAZON (US) - AMAZON (UK)

GIVEWAY

Jay is giving away $20 amazon voucher and 10 ecopies of More Than This

Be sure to follow the Blog Tour - > HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway