Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Jude's a master of running from things: his best friend, his memories, his nefarious dealer. Billy is determined to stop his marathon once and for all.

Judas Stirlying enjoys being a troublemaker. That way, he can skip the middle man and run off people who might care about him before they have the chance to leave on their own. Life is safer that way.

Billy Walker knows the real Jude. Oh, not the strung out jerk he wants the world to see, but the man with hidden depths that forever earned him Billy’s loyalty—whether Jude wants it or not. With the help of Jude's best friend (the one that never falls for Jude's "get lost" vibe) and a mysterious note at a New Year's Eve celebration, Billy will do whatever it takes to show Jude that maybe, if he changes his path, there really would be something to celebrate.

Billy plans to prove to Jude that his life hasn't been a waste—and prove to the rest of the world that Jude is worth a damn—before the dangers of Jude's past catch up to them all.

 

Book Review

I adore Havan Fellows and when I read the description of 'Judging Jude' I knew I wanted to read it. Judas sounded like he had a whole lot of issues and trying to push people away before they can hurt him is classic drama and angst. Which I love. I also liked the idea of his best friend scheming with another to get Jude the happy ever after he needs. I mean, what's better than friends to know all your weaknesses?

Jude reminded me of a really prickly porcupine just ready to let loose some quills at anyone who looked at him, was nice to him, or wanted to spend time with him. In fact, Jude is constantly pushing his best friend, Wally, away and trying to sever their friendship, to no avail. Jude's entire life ever since his father died when he was eight has been one of despair and self-loathing. Once he did something he considered worthwhile, by protecting a kid in high school from bullies, but when the kid never came back to school Jude figured it was just another person who used him, left him, and never looked back. Jude doesn't deal well with emotion of any kind and he's certainly not ready to handle anyone caring for him.

Billy has been watching Jude for a number of years. I'm not saying why, though, because that would reveal too much. Anyway, recently Billy has been looking at Jude in a completely different way and since Jude won't have anything to do with him, Billy asks for Wally's help. Wally is more than happy to help once he assures himself that Billy means no harm. Unfortunately before any plan can progress, Jude does something really stupid requiring Wally and Billy to save him, from himself.

In the end it takes honesty and trust for Jude to begin to look at himself with value and to head down the right path. Well, that, and a man who will stand by him no matter what. Thank you, Havan, for a beautiful story of hope.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 28207 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	25-October-2013
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-judgingjude-1329609-149.html