Not Your Average Joe by Nell CarsonBOOK DESCRIPTION ON AMAZON:
Jennifer Wright is finishing a long shift on the assembly line at Brickman Foods when she meets her newest trainee, Jason Baxter — only that’s not his name and she knows it. She recognises him instantly as Jared Brickman, internationally renowned playboy and son of the CEO of Brickman Foods, working undercover to film the reality show, Joe Average.Jared is also the father of Jennifer’s son, Chris, although he doesn’t know it. The six years since they dated have been momentous for Jennifer, but it’s clear when they meet again that Jared doesn’t even remember her. Jennifer knew Jared the boy — irresponsible and reckless. Now she has the opportunity to discover Jared the man. She’d like to tell him about his son, but fears his reputation as depicted in celebrity magazines. Is Jared an infamous heartbreaker, or is he the man she sees now: sweet, shy, and dependable — someone who can be trusted in her son’s life…and maybe even her own?
MY REVIEW:
I agreed to read this book because I absolutely loved The Gingerbread House. Not Your Average Joe did not disappoint. The main character, Jennifer, falls in love with Jared as a student and falls prey to a fraternity prank involving several young girls. She becomes pregnant but never tells Jared because she catches him in bed with another girl. This devastates her since she thought they were in love. Her father disowns her and throws her out of the house, forbids her mother to have anything to do with her, so she is alone in the world to raise a baby. She is strong, smart, and devoted to her son. She takes a job at Brickman Foods, which Jared's father happens to own. One day Jared prances in, disguised for reality tv, and Jennifer recognizes him right away. But, it seems she meant even less to him than she originally thought since he has no clue who she is. She plays along with his game because she doesn't want him to find out about their son and try to take him away. He flirts and pursues, she dodges and deflects. But their attraction becomes stronger and their joining inevitable. Finally she admits she knows who he really is, but struggles with whether or not to tell him about their son. The decision is taken away from her when it is revealed by accident. Jared is supposed to take over his father's company and is technically supposed to marry someone else. He watched his mother fall to depression and alcoholism over the years as his father strayed from their marriage over and over again and worries he will be the same way. Jennifer doesn't want to settle for less than everything and Jared isn't sure he can give it to her. Watching them work through the mire of emotions and conflicts of their hearts, and the added twist of reality tv makes this a good read. I was very pleased with it.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
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