Show Me the Way

I am very stingy with my reviews....Mostly because I would rather be reading. That said, I have read every one of AJ Jackson's books. She, in my opinion, is one of the best in this genre of writers.

This story was no exception, I love how the characters are complete in motivation and dimension. I adore how they reacted, their interactions and the affect they had on each other. It was even a nice surprise that she made Frankie a believable 4 year old who was messy and silly and spoke like an actual 4 year old. Not a perfect, precocious automaton prop for the story.

Many romance writers focus on aesthetics and chemistry, I like how this writer balances it with their love for each other's character and integrity.
If I had to pick a flaw with anything in this Story it was the lack of resolution to what happened to Sydney. But I am assuming that will happen in later installments.

It is with great anticipation that I long for the next installments. At the risk of sounding too fanatical, I confess that I want to tie her to a chair until she finishes those stories.

Because I would never do that, I will say WRITE FASTER! Hehe

This book!!! It was everything!! It is so hard to put into words how much I loved Show Me The Way, the first book in the Fight For Me series by AL Jackson. She truly has an amazing gift with words.You can feel her words, feel what her characters are feeling. It was breathtaking, heartbreaking and funny at times. This is the story of Rex Gunner, a single dad to Frankie Leigh the most adorable, sweet, and loving little girl, and Rynna Dayne, pie maker extraordinaire. I really connected with her. I just wanted to give her a big hug!! Rex and Rynna have both been hurt so bad, emotionally, in the past. Neither were looking for love, but love found them anyway and their chemistry was off the charts. Getting to their HEA wasn't easy. They each had to get past their personal demons and overcome outside forces to get there. The outside force has a name, and it's Janel. As fate would have it, she wrecked havoc, that's putting it mildly, on both Rex and Rynna. There is nothing I love more than two deserving characters getting their HEA. This book also had very strong, well developed, secondary characters with Macy, Rynna's best friend and Kale and Ollie, Rex's best friends.

This was exactly what I needed! Beautiful emotions, terrible secrets.

Rynna Dayne hasn’t returned home for 11 years, not since the night she packed her bags and said goodbye to her gramma. Returning months after her grandmother’s death, she is determined to return the family diner to it’s former glory, to carry on her gramma’s legacy. But the memories she ran from all those years ago aren’t completely gone.

Rex Gunner lives across the street. His daughter is his whole world, and he isn’t comfortable with the way his new neighbor makes him feel and think.

Though they both grew up in town, they ran in different circles and their histories are a mystery to the other. They both have trust issues and though they start to break down walls, there are some major secrets they each hold close.

The chemistry is fast and hot between them, but Rex isn’t willing to let just anyone into his life due to his past. Rynna isn’t willing to let a chance pass her by, and feels like her gramma would tell her to take this chance.

Frankie Leah is such a cute addition to the storyline. Her energy and outgoing nature compliment her dad’s closed off gruffness perfectly. She always made me smile in every scene she was present for.

I was able to predict two of the major reveals that happen later, but thinking I knew and knowing were two different things. Even thinking I knew what was coming, I could not put this book down. Once again, A.L. Jackson has created two broken characters that smooth the jagged edges and fill the empty spaces of each other.

This is the first in a new series and sets up bits of the backstories for two other men connected with Rex. These three men have been through the ringer together and I can’t wait to see more from Ollie and Kale!

You know that feeling when you've waited forever for a book to come out, then it does and you devour it, and you're sitting there stunned by all the beautiful words and characters? You're left with a new favorite book boyfriend, and the knowledge that you have to wait again for more amazing words from one of your favorite authors, but you will wait(sometimes rather impatiently LOL), because you know the next book in the series is going to be just as good because AL Jackson has never let you down? Yeah this was one of those books. Every single word was fantastically written and draws you in. It was really wonderful! I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who loves romance, especially if they love slightly damaged characters in desperate need of their own HEA.

Show Me the Way is an imaginative, melodious, of heart and soul! An engenius, angsty melody, from broken to beautiful! That will steal a piece of your soul! Just like that thief in the night!!

Which will wrap you up in it’s Poetic style of beauty and grace. Leaving your heart, thudding, pounding and pulsating! Thriving for that energy! That flow that brings the pulse of the story to life! That heat, that yearning in play! That desire to new levels! Then leaving the pain, the hurt and the despair to rest!

A.L. Jackson brought this harmonic songbird to life! With this breathtaking tale of serial magic and bliss! Which just obliterated my thoughts on all other romance books!
I'm pretty positive that A.L Jackson can do no wrong!! ❤️❤️❤️

Rex Gunner. As bitter as he is beautiful.

The owner of the largest construction company in Gingham Lakes has been burned one too many times. His wife leaving him to raise their daughter was the last blow this single dad could take. The only woman he’ll let into his heart is his little girl.

Rynna Dayne. As vulnerable as she is tempting.

She ran from Gingham Lakes when she was seventeen. She swore to herself she would never return. Then her grandmother passed away and left her the deed to the diner that she once loved.

When Rex meets his new neighbor, he knows he’s in trouble.

She’s gorgeous and sweet and everything he can’t trust.

Until she becomes the one thing he can’t resist.

One kiss sends them tumbling toward ecstasy.

But in a town this size, pasts are bound to collide. Caught in a web of lies, betrayal, and disloyalty, Rex must make a choice.

Will he hide behind his walls or will he take the chance . . .

Wow! This was such a great read! It was flawlessly written with all the feels! I loved Rex & Rynna's story! I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster but in the best possible way! How cute was Frankie Leigh? Talk about precious! This is a must read!

AMAZING story! I came across this story via Facebook Ad and I am soooo glad that I took the chance to read this book ?

I’ve read many stories but this one is a favorite! As you flip through the pages the anticipation and anxiety of what will happen next feeds the reader so that they continue flipping through the pages.

“All moments matter. We just rarely know how important they are until the chance to act on them has already passed.”

It’s been 12 years since Rynna left the only home she has ever known in a small town in Alabama. Her grandmother has passed and she is coming home to a past she has been running from.

Rex Gunner (contractor by day, father to a little girl, and the most broken man I have ever had the pleasure to read) is Rynna’s neighbor and a very unfriendly neighbor at that.

Frankie Leigh is Rex’s little girl and her friendliness is what brings Rynna and Rex together. Rex is running from a damaged pass but is hiding more secrets than we know. After a night of passion will the secrets confessed make them stronger or is disaster waiting around the corner?

Every time I think this author couldn't possibly own my heart and soul , well she does it again!
Rex, Frankie, Rynna, Rynna's girls, her grandmother, Rex's boys..
So freaking much to say and I can't lol
I will say the story totally captivated me..Rex and his fears, his guilt, his passion, his protective nature..when the guard is down the light is blinding.
Rynna has such a kind heart, she is so sweet, but also stronger than she realises, she is independent and she takes chances when it matters.
I won't even go near their pasts.. I will just say that they broke my heart.
Frankie is just so cute..such joy and so pure.
Loved everything about this story!

This story was amazing, another beautifully written book from AL Jackson, full of angst, love and everything in between. I knew this story would gut me, as all of A.L.’s books do and this one did not disappoint. Rex Gunner is a damaged man not looking for love, the only woman he needs in his life is his adorable daughter. Rynna Dayne is a woman who was running from her past, only to be brought right back to the place she had avoided for over 10 years. When these two meet, the chemistry is heart-stopping, making me feel every moment like I was there instead of just through the pages of a book. I love how invested the author makes you feel in these characters lives, giving me the ability to sympathize situations I have no experience in myself. The story is one I will remember and can’t wait to read where this series goes. Rynna and Rex make me believe that love will find you know matter how hard you try to avoid it. Little Theif stole my heart, 6 Stars for me!

Wowww just amazing! Love her words...everything! Funny, sweet, heartbreaking, addictive, little angst ( I knew that J never changed hate her) the way that is written in the story. ...... I was on the edge of my seat!!!!!! So good and sexy !!!!!! Love Rex, Rynna and Frankie Leigh soooo cute. Love all her characters especially the gramma and Rex Gunners mother ! Can not wait for next year Ollie and Kale need their HEA!!!!!

I never thought someone would steal me away from my love of Daniel, AL's first male lead I've ever read. But...Rex comes along to tie with him for my love of Amy's men!!
Rex is a hardworking dad, making his beautiful girl's life all it needs to be...he's an amazing father, an amazing person, you just get so caught up in his life and love, you don't ever want it to leave you!
And Rynna...wow, what a female lead. She's got her issues, but she took them by the balls and made them her bitch. She knew she was sent back home for a reason and she made that reason love her all the same as she loved her own.
Just so many feels, so much love...
This book, it captures your heart from the first page and just doesn't ever let it go. You can't help but read it straight through in one sitting.
Amy, you have an amazing gift of words, I hope you don't ever give up sharing your words and brilliant mind with us!

I loved little Frankie Leigh!!! I have to say that Rex was not real lovable at first but, then you learn of all his heartaches and you start to see why he acts the way he does. I love Gramma and Rynna!! They were both so kind, loving and forgiving. I can't wait to read the second and third book! I hope poor Ollie finds some love. I loved that this book focused on the couple and not alot of chatter from her friends. There was some mild inner monologue but bearable. The chemistry between Rynna and Rex was HAWT!!!! I am a sucker for single dad romance!

Sometimes following your heart and your gut instincts are the absolutely ridiculous get things to do and this was true for Rynna Dayne and Rex Gunner.
It may have took them years of regret mistakes and heartbreak o get there but the pay off totally worth it.
So looking forward to the next books in this series.

I enjoyed reading this. The characters were well developed. As soon as I thought I knew what was going to happen, I found out I was wrong. Frankie was the cutest little girl ever. I gave this 4 stars because it had it's slow moments when I'd skip a page but otherwise, a very good read.

Amazing! And the drama was just...Wow! All the twists and turns were so crazy. Rex and Rynna, both broken in their own way, are trying to find a way through life. Will the drama keep them from finding what they both need? Must read!

Unnecessary cussing, f.... this, that, who on each page, no fail. Di#k, pu$$¥,God are added every few pages to remind us that the Hero is... I'm not sure what the author was going for.
Then there is the insta fall/attraction/pull from across the room with no words or communication followed by the angst and a villain thrown to seal their insta love.
Disappointed.

AL Jackson did it again! Her characters are wonderful, the story beautiful, and I loved this single dad novel. I knew what was coming but the reveal still guts you. Rex and Rynna were perfect. The hard guy with the broken soft heart and the girl brave enough to take a chance for what she wanted. And that precious Frankie Leigh!! Read this -read everything she's written!!- you won't be sorry. Can't wait for the next book!

I made a mistake by not reading the critical reviews for this book. I have read several chapters and I am finished. Another unrealistic and annoying Lifetime movie book. I have now gone back and read the critical reviews and I totally agree with these negative reviews.

I was disgusted by R's behavior. She kept spying on Rex and chased after him time and time again after being rudely and coldly turned down many times. Come on have some self respect and dignity woman.

I hate that some authors promoting disgusting characters. The h reads something about taking chances and She thinkks she has to chase after Rex and push herself on him.

When she was turned down again after the zillion times and she brings pie to his door, I stopped reading. I don't like classless females who don't know NO means freaking NO.

Really tired plot. Not any better by constant interior sexual frustration in teen age angst. I've read this plot line many times and this was so bad I stopped reading almost immediately. A shear waste of money and time.

Single dad, never thought it would be something I card to read. Boy was I wrong!! I love Rex, but seriously I love Frankie even more. She is adorable, and fun!!! Okay so really, Frankie is one of my favorite people, probably ever! I LOVE HER SO MUCH! <3 I want more of her!

Rex and Rynna - such a sweet story. He is getting a second chance at life and love while she is getting a second chance at life.

I cried.. a lot. I will worn you! There was also a twist I was NOT expecting!

I wanted to love this book. I adored the Bleeding stars series and couldn't wait to enter a new world with AL Jackson. But for me, it was a miss. The incredibly intense instant attraction/rejection was over the top, and it made no sense to me that all these people grew up in the same small town and didn't know each other.

AL Jackson did it again! Her characters are wonderful, the story beautiful, and I loved this single dad novel. I knew what was coming but the reveal still guts you. Rex and Rynna were perfect. The hard guy with the broken soft heart and the girl brave enough to take a chance for what she wanted. And that precious Frankie Leigh!! Read this -read everything she's written!!- you won't be sorry. Can't wait for the next book!

I made a mistake by not reading the critical reviews for this book. I have read several chapters and I am finished. Another unrealistic and annoying Lifetime movie book. I have now gone back and read the critical reviews and I totally agree with these negative reviews.

I was disgusted by R's behavior. She kept spying on Rex and chased after him time and time again after being rudely and coldly turned down many times. Come on have some self respect and dignity woman.

I hate that some authors promoting disgusting characters. The h reads something about taking chances and She thinkks she has to chase after Rex and push herself on him.

When she was turned down again after the zillion times and she brings pie to his door, I stopped reading. I don't like classless females who don't know NO means freaking NO.

AL Jackson definitely has the Midas touch—because every word she writes is 100% pure gold! And her newest release, “Show Me the Way,” is no exception. In this first installment to her Fight for Me series, AL Jackson delivers Rex and Rynna’s emotionally charged, gut-wrenching story. In keeping with this author’s trademark style, this angst-filled romance is beautifully written and oh, so very... very... sexy!

Welcome to Gingham Lakes, Alabama… where single father, Rex Gunner, lives with his young daughter, Frankie Leigh. Having built a successful construction company in this quaint little city, Rex works hard to be the best dad he can be to his precocious and energetic little girl. But Rex is tormented by the ghosts of his past, determined to keep a safe haven around himself and Frankie Leigh. Refusing to allow any woman to wreak havoc in their lives, Rex closes himself off, causing him to act gruff, antagonistic, and unyielding. He’s also hot as hell!!

It’s been eleven years since Rynna Dayne stepped foot in Gingham Lakes. Eleven years since she fled her home and left behind the grandmother that loved her dearly. Now, with her grandmother’s recent passing, Rynna finally returns home. Set in her resolve to keep her grandmother’s legacy alive, Rynna is determined to reopen Pepper’s Pies—the diner that closed under financial hardship but that had once held a special place within the community, as well as Rynna’s heart.

The last thing Rex needs is a sexy new neighbor wanting to be friends. But that’s exactly what he gets when Rynna Dayne moves into her grandmother’s vacant house across the street. Between Rex’s surly disposition and Rynna’s sweet demeanor, the buildup to this couple’s relationship is quite volatile. But there’s no denying that the sexual energy between them is like a force of nature--fierce, urgent and highly combustible! And so, little by little, Rex Gunner stole pieces of my heart. Now, I refuse to take them back. Because Rex Gunner with a serving of cherry pie? Now THAT’S what fantasies are made of!!!!

“Show Me the Way” is so much more than your typical romance. It's a masterful journey well worth traveling—one where secrets abound amongst a web of intrigue, some of which have yet to be explored. Perhaps in Kale and Ollie's stories still to come? I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Until, then, lose yourself in Rex & Rynna’s story. Because theirs is what romance is all about.

Really tired plot. Not any better by constant interior sexual frustration in teen age angst. I've read this plot line many times and this was so bad I stopped reading almost immediately. A shear waste of money and time.

I wanted to love this book. I adored the Bleeding stars series and couldn't wait to enter a new world with AL Jackson. But for me, it was a miss. The incredibly intense instant attraction/rejection was over the top, and it made no sense to me that all these people grew up in the same small town and didn't know each other.

You would be hard pressed to find someone who was more excited than me about this first book in a brand new series from A.L. Jackson, and what a way to kick off the Fight For Me series it is. With sweet, lovable, and memorable characters, a healing connection, and a couple mighty twists, Show Me The Way is not only an emotional and enjoyable read in its own right, it is the perfect first book of the series with endless possibilities as to where it can take us from here.

As soon as I became caught up in Rynna's departure from her beloved hometown because of some intense humiliation and some shady circumstances, I was hooked, needing to know right then and there what drove Rynna for the hills. A.L. Jackson certainly has a knack for gripping you and then holding out all the gory details, leaving you on pins and needles, and this story is no different. Between Rynna's apprehension of returning home and Rex's almost impenetrable walls, my imagination was running wild and I felt as though there was no possible way to even think about putting this book down until at least one of my many questions was answered.

A little longer and slower going for the first quarter or so of the book, it did take me a little longer than I would have liked to really connection with the character and truly get into, but the mystery definitely kept me going as well as some seriously cute and fun moments. Watch out, the second half of the book really ramps up though with more than a few surprises, a bit of suspense, lots of action, and an intense and unshakeable bond.

Unfortunately, I called the big shocker right from the start, which both dismayed and thrilled me a little. In all fairness, it is a very good twist, and I certainly will never complain about being proven right, just ask my husband. Although a few things may have been a little predictable, there were still a few other really great surprises that do catch you off guard and provide quite the turn of events. If you love thinking you know it all, only to have things blow up in your face, this book will definitely take care of that for you.

Beautiful and poetic writing carries you on an emotional journey that is both turbulent and gratifying. Dealing with grief, loss, ghosts from the past, the incredibly heavy burden of past mistakes, and how those mistakes can weigh on your future and that of your loved ones, there are ups and downs of every kind as two unlikely people find solace in each other bringing an adorable and precocious five year old along for the ride.

Show Me The Way is a fantastic and exciting start to a brand new series from a much loved author, with the introduction of some really great side characters, including the dreamy and intriguing Dr. Kale Bryant. This story is sexy, swoony, and wonderfully sweet and I can't wait to see where A.L. Jackson will take us next.

You're = you are. Your = mentioning belonging to self.
When you're a writer and cannot differentiate between the 2 it drives me mad, because you are a writer/author. This should be the most basic of basics. When I find such errors I find it hard to continue on reading. Sometimes I soldier on if I like the story, but running into the same error again just puts me off and I cannot continue.
Were it not for these stupid stupid errors I might have enjoyed this book more and given it more starts. A better editor is needed.