Say the Word

I loved this book!!! It captured the intensity of a once-in-a-lifetime, heart pounding romance that was given a second chance and mixed it in with suspenseful drama and lighthearted fun. From the moment I started reading, I could not put it down!! This is definitely one of my favorites of the year!!I knew I was off to a good start as soon as I read the dedication. Then the prologue gave me tingles and I was already hooked and desperate for more before I'd even started the first chapter. But before anything else, I'll tell you a bit about the story...Lux and Sebastian (Bash) fell in love in high school. They were young, but it was forever love. The kind of love you don't move on from. Even though they were in the same class, they were from such different worlds -- he was the son of a US Senetor and she was dirt poor "white trash" (her words) but neither of them cared about that. The only thing that mattered was how strongly they felt for each other."For a brief span of time, I'd been complete. I'd been his, and he'd been mine, and nothing and everything made sense all at the same time."Then, right before college, Lux was forced to make the hardest decision of her life. She shattered the heart of the boy she loved and broke her own in the process when she unexpectedly left town."I'd known then, at eighteen, that my case of heartbreak was terminal, incurable. It wasn't "puppy love" or "first love" or any of the loves that supposedly fade with time and large quantities of ice cream. Because when you walk away from your soul mate - when you take real, true love and throw it in the fire and watch as it burns down to ashes - you know you'll never be the same."Seven years later, she's working as a writer for a prestigious magazine when a twist of fate has her suddenly face to face with Sebastian, the guy she never once stopped loving but hasn't seen since the day she left him. Naturally he's hurt and angry and she's holding on to secrets too but their intense connection is still there, strong as ever, and Sebastian will stop at nothing to find out what made her leave.Woven in with this already-intense romance was a suspenseful side-plot centering around a case of missing girls Lux was investigating that was linked to deep political corruption. And the deeper she dug, the bigger the case got. I'm not going to lie, this section of the book gave me chills!!I've also left out a certain part of the story in my description on purpose because it's not mentioned in the blurb but I think you'll enjoy the story more overall if you don't know everything going in.I swear to you though, at only 3% in, I was already swearing my undying love for the book. This book put me through more emotions in the first two chapters than some whole books combined. I was highlighting quotes left, right, and center. Even just in those first few chapters, I already had butterflies, my heart was racing, I was excited, curious, heartbroken, laughing and just completely invested in the story!I really loved the layout of the chapters -- Then, Now, Then, Now.... -- it was brilliantly balanced between the past and the present, giving us just enough to hook us into story then taking us either backwards or forwards in time to find the next piece of the puzzle that was Lux and Bash. It was so cool to see these pieces slowly come together to build this bigger picture and reveal the truth of what happened and uncover the secrets that had influenced their lives.When I read that first break up scene though, my heart broke right along side theirs. I had so many questions... Why was this happening?? What made her do this?? It was still very early on in the story and I barely knew the characters, I was already feeling for them so strongly and I needed answers!!!!!Ohhhhh and that moment when they first met again, my. heart. stopped. It was such an emotionally charged moment and so well written!! Their heart break and longing was conveyed so powerfully."We stared at one another, two strangers bound eternally by a shared past of lies and broken promises, and I wanted to throw myself back in his arms... I wanted to erase the past seven years and kiss him until he forgot how I'd destroyed us."Lux was such an awesome heroine! This girl was strong, sassy, and fun. She'd had to make the most heart breaking decision of her life and lived every day with the guilt and pain that was left behind but she still held her head high and tried to make the most of every situation she was put it. Totally a `glass half full' type of person, even when her whole life was falling apart.Bash was just pure swoon-material. I loved him SO much!!!! This guy was the kindest, most understanding, patient, and loving man you can imagine. He had a heart of gold so when I saw it get broken, I just wanted to cry. Check out this quote from him..."You might think you're the villain in my story, Lux, but what you don't seem to realize is that I don't care. Princess or Evil Queen, I want you standing by my side when this tale comes to an end."The writing was absolutely fantastic! I love this author's style and I loved the way the whole story was built. It started strong and stayed strong throughout. The past and present were woven together seamlessly along with a great balance of romance, heart ache, hilarity, suspense, drama, fun, and hotness. I really loved that even though this was by no means a comedy, there was just enough wittiness mixed in to keep me laughing every few pages.Towards the end of the story, tears were pouring down my face (the good kind!!! I promise) as the emotions intensified and then my heart started racing as the suspenseful subplot reached it's peak. I personally loved the way the subplot was woven in -- it incorporated a bit of mystery, suspense, and action into an already emotionally charged romance and it began building from quite early on so I felt it was very well balanced. I can see how someone who doesn't like suspense at all might find it a little distracting from the romance but it totally and completely worked for me. I will say though that I might have wished for things to have been a little bit steamier but, on the flip side, I felt Lux and Bash's connection so strongly that I really didn't feel like I was missing anything even though it would have been a welcome addition.Overall, I absolutely loved this book! It had a little bit of everything -- romance, drama, suspense, humor, strong emotions, great writing and a story that kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. Oh, and the ending was totally gorgeous and we were treated to a wonderful epilogue! I highly recommend it!!"I think that if two people are meant to be together, nothing can ever truly separate them. Time, distance, other people -- it doesn't matter. They'll circle back around to each other eventually."Rating: 4.5+ stars. Standalone romance (w/suspense)

Thank you, Julie Johnson for taking me out of my slump! "Say the Word", was the answer to my reading woes. But, really, I should have known that would be the case, judging by my reaction to her first book, "Like Gravity". As with "Like Gravity", this book is a standalone, romantic suspense.Her writing is descriptive, lyrical, poetic, moving, and funny."My heart let out a battle cry and decked itself out in war-paint, beating a drum and sharpening a spear as it prepared to engage Cara in a savage altercation that would leave no doubt about who Sebastian belonged to."I loved her approach switching from "Then" and "Now", giving us dual time perspectives. It added so much to the story, and the pacing of information was brilliant. Setting up for us the back story of Lux and "Bash" and how their all-consuming love blossomed, and was destroyed. Mixing that with the current day and how each is effected by the decisions and choices of the past."You might think you're the villain in my story, Lux, but what you don't seem to realize is that I don't care. Princess or Evil Queen, I want you standing by my side when the tale comes to an end."But there's so much more to Julie's writing than just story telling. She is extremely insightful, and weaves golden gems into the pages of her story. So that as you are reading, you have "flashbulb moments" along the way. (She reminds me of author, Amy Harmon in those instances.)"soulmates are a reward, not a certainty."and this"Don't dwell in the darkness, sis. Live in the light."She is Lux Kincaid, 18 years old, "poor white-trash" from the wrong side of the tracks. Twin sister to "Jamie" and daughter to alcoholic parents.He is Sebastian Covington, 18 years old, extremely wealthy, son of US Senator, and only child.On paper, they shouldn't work. But each provides the other with something their own families can't provide. She gives him love, and he supports and takes care of her."His touch filled me, made me feel truly alive, as though my most vital atoms and particles had lain dormant and were only now rousing after a seven year hibernation, stirred awake by the siren song of Sebastian's touch." <-- Loved that!I loved each of these characters. They were both fully developed. The only thing I wished to be different would be if we had "Bash's" POV. When we did hear from him, he was truly swoon-worthy! I want to know what he was thinking and feeling, what was he doing those 7 years, how was he adjusting...I have so many questions. But, I can't leave out Jamie, Fae, Simon and Mrs. Patel. What a fabulous supporting cast!"and no, before you ask, I will not let you wax my eyebrows again. Last time, I ended up looking like Lindsay Lohan pre-rehab." - Lux"That waxing pot was defective!" Simon protested. "It wasn't my fault!"As I mentioned this is a romantic suspense, and the nature of that adventure tugged at my heart strings and was difficult for me to read at times...it was the reality of it that got me. That being said, I loved the adventure and investigative nature of the read, a la Nancy Drew.My rating is 4 1/2 stars and what kept it from being 5, was at times I felt the distracted by the long descriptions of the area, her early interactions with Mrs. Patel and even the information about Vera and her sister - since I had no idea at the time where that was leading or why it was in the book. However, this in no way detracted from my love for this book.With just her second release, Julie Johnson has proven she is a force to be reckoned with. Where she goes from here is going to be a joy to watch/read!

I just couldn’t put it down!I was so intrigued with the drama n suspense all threw this story I just kept going n forgot to eat!I was so sad to see the end of the story I just wanted to keep reading more of their future together!Oh well! all good things comes to an end! A beautiful end!Grab ur copy today while it’s still cheap u definitely won’t regret it!Enjoy!

Say the Word by Julie Johnson is my favourite book written by her. The plot had me completely invested in the story and the characters had me rooting for their second chance at love.When Lux comes face to face with the love of her life Bash aka Sebastian after years apart she finds herself in a situation she can’t get out of. Not only does she have to work with him but she has to also deal with his catty model girlfriend, and omg did some scenes have me wanting to slap the smirk right off the model’s spoilt ass! I did revel though in the jealousy, the drama and the angst the girlfriend caused between Lux and Sebastian, and I loved that he still protected what was his despite the hate he projected towards her. The sexual tension between Lux and Sebastian drew me in from the first page and only got hot, Hot and HOTTER, creating butterflies in my stomach and a desperate need to know what tore them apart.The suspense in the story was also intense with dark and edgy elements that had my heart in my throat. I also found it to be an emotional read with heart ripping sadness but then also balanced out with the hilarious bff antics. Say the Word felt very much like an all-encompassing read with its fantastic engaging storyline, strong characters and a sexy protective hero to fall in love with. The only thing I hated about the book was the hfn ending given. I felt the book deserved an actual epilogue instead of reading about what the future might hold for the couple in the last chapter.

I love second chance romance! And this is very interesting for the various scenarios that brings! Lux is a very strong woman and she knows what she wants, she makes a poor decision when she is young and life, destiny gives her a second chance to get the man that she loves back in her life. Bax is a sweet boy that in my opinion must have appeared more in this book! But is really nice, like it very much!

I don't usually write reviews because I'm not good at it. But I just HAD to write one for Julie Johnson "say the word". I have to admit that I wasn't sure whether I'd like it at the beginning, fearing it would be a love/hate book with whining characters, non necessary cruelty etc. I was soooo far from the truth!Both Lux and Bash are perfect characters. They are both intelligent (thank god), the dialogues are quick and smart and funny, ok sometimes also heart wrenching because yes there is a love/hate thing but thankfully it dissapears fast; but all in all just what you want from the main characters. Lux's friends made me think of "the devil wears prada" , and they were the perfect sidekicks. Again, no clichés and entertaining as hell. I can't remember how many times I laughed out loud at their banter. And Jamie, omg, what to say? I have never cried that much reading a book than with this one. Don't get me wrong, it's the good kind of tears. The ones where you smile as you cry.I loved the underplot a lot. Because I think the book would have been too much of the same thing without it. It brings a perfect balance in it, and on top of it it covers a topic everybody should be aware of and do something about.I can't count the many twists and turns Julie gave this book, and I couldn't put it down. I had to at a certain moment because my eyes would have burned through my skull...The way she writes about love, life, it is something one must experience in a lifetime. This woman is sooo talented, she needs to get a huge prize for this book! All in all, it's a huge page turner, you will laugh, cry, shout out loud, get frustrated, exhilarated and you get beautiful life and love insights as a bonus. An absolute must buy! I hope they make a move out of this, because with the right actors they'd go straight for the oscars. I will definitely purchase more books from Julie, but first.. I'm just gonna read it again !!!

THIS. IS. THE. BOOK.I have waited for it and thanks to Julie I have it now!.It is a beautiful story, where love and sacrifice have the main part. BUT...there is also a tragic story of girls traffic behind that will reunite in a certain way Lux and Sebastian (my baes!!!)Their love affair start with innocently. But Lux have to decide between the love of her life and his brother...She made a decision she regrets forever until Sebastian come back into her life (finally).There is a lot say...well read it to know.This book is just...I have literally lost my words to say how much I am attached to it.It's a story that goes under your skin.