| Title | : | The Thick of Things (In Medias Res #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 222 |
| Publication | : | Published March 16, 2018 |
Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.
The Thick of Things (In Medias Res #1) Reviews
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Title: The Thick of Things
Author: J. L. Campbell
Publisher: Garden Avenue Press
Series: In Medias Res Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Thick of Things" by J. L. Campbell
My Thoughts.....
Good story with some interesting characters...from Khalila, Trent, Douglas and Corinne who will gave this story some depth that will keep you turning the pages. From a horrible tragedy [death of her son] to a divorce will Khalila be able to ever have the life that she wanted? Well it looks like things are really looking up for Khalila meets Douglas who was simply a wonderful person. Will Khalila be able to move from her past issues to a new life with Douglas? Thank God Khalila had a wonderful friend like Corinne who was their for her through it all from her up and down times. Will Khalila be able to come out of that dark place? From the title "The Thick of Things" will these two Khalila & Douglas [older couple] get a second chance at love? This would definitely be a sunshine from the dark period that had been their for Khalila. Will she be able to finally feel the joy she so desired? I am not so sure I liked Khalila's father. He was indeed a strange bird. I love the patience that Douglas had for Khalila in not taking 'no for an answer but wanting to show her just how good he could be for her.' It was beautiful seeing Khalila working on her issues and climbing out of that depressed state. By the end this author gives the reader a good story with some emotional drama and let's not leave out the hot sexy scenes and in the end it looks like a HEAFN. To find out how it all goes down you will have to pick up the good read to see how this author presents it so well to the reader. -
This was my first read by this author and this book felt like nostalgia for me. For me this book was romance at its truest form. Yes there was a hint of drama but it didn’t over take the story. Khalila is stuck in limbo. She is trying to hold onto a marriage that’s dead and certain parts of her past she has yet to find peace with. Douglas is a true man! He is a gentleman but knows what he wants. I loved that he was so blunt with Khalilia.
As a reader we got to see these two really date and the courtship process. Let me say home girl went on some good dates and the night caps!!!! I understood with Khalila wasn’t so trusting, her ex was a piece of work. I wanted a times to be like this man is genuinely asking about you why don’t you just tell him? I did not like that she was so hung up with the opinions of others. This is why I think she and Douglas made such a good match, he really was an example of truly living. Some parts the book kind of dragged a bit and I wished for a bit more of a climax. For instance when the ex comes over that whole scene and her reaction. That was a perfect point to release that burden of the past. I wanted a little more from the ending but I felt it was real. These characters don’t have it figured out and Khalilia is growing but not fully there yet. I would love to see more from these characters almost like a finally chapter. All in all I really enjoyed this book it was old school romance for me. Ladies if you are looking for a read that will have you smiling and so relatable this is the read for you.
** ARC GIVEN IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW -
Nice story
I liked the story until it just ended abruptly. Otherwise, the story was about a mature couple, the story was nicely done. 4stars good... -
Khalila has experienced tragedy and is in the midst of a divorce when she sees Douglas Blythe again at an annual golf tournament in Jamaica where she volunteers. She’s seen him at the same tournament in the past and there was always a slightly underlying attraction between them. This time, he’s ready to make a move and while she’s not completely ready to move on, she’s able to accept some of his advances.
Douglas was patient and understanding with Khalila as she struggled to figure out how to stand on her own again and move past her tragedy and failed marriage. He entered her life at the right time because Khalila was at a point in her life where grief was threatening to swallow her whole. It didn’t’ seem that she didn’t want to take steps forward even though she paid her friend and others lip service.
The Thick of Things was a mature romance, which was a refreshing change for me. Khalila and Douglas took things slow, though admittedly there were times when it was a bit too slow. If it were up to Douglas, they would’ve been a couple from the beginning but he gave her enough space to come to him and understand that he only had her best interest at heart. I respected that.
The Thick of Things is a novel about second chances, sunshine after a period of darkness and a reminder that it’s okay to feel joy again after immense pain. -
Khalila is in a transition period in her life. She is still hurting from the death of her son and is in the process getting a divorce from her husband when Douglas comes into her life. He is definitely not what Khalila wants to deal with right now. She senses an attraction to him but she just isn't in a place to start something new. Douglas also feels the pull towards Khalila but he is determined to not take no for an answer and wants to show her how good he can be for her. I liked this book. It was a little different than ones I have read lately in that it featured an older couple and Khalila had a little more traditional values than I'm used to reading about. She was very concerned about what others think of her. Even though she was at the end of her marriage, it was still in the back of her mind making her not want to move further with Douglas. I really liked Douglas. He was interested in Khalila but he wasn't pushy with her. He was so sweet and kind and exactly what Khalila needed. I really liked these two together. Khalila still had a lot of issues to deal with in her divorce and moving forward with her sons death. I really like how the author addressed these issues and allowing Khalila to find the love she deserved again. I would recommend this one to others. 3 stars
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Khalila is heartbroken because of a terrible loss. Her husband wasn't able to support her and that means Khalila is also going through a divorce. The last thing she expects is to fall in love again. She thought she'd be numb forever, but Douglas manages to reawaken feelings in Khalila that she thought she'd never experience again. She isn't ready to deal with the changes his presence brings and tries to keep her distance. Douglas is persistent though. Will he be able to win Khalila's heart?
The Thick of Things is a moving romantic story. Khalila is grieving and this means she's just going through the motions. She is trying to survive each day and that's all she can manage. Douglas is kindhearted, patient, chivalrous, passionate and sweet. He truly listens and his gentle personality is exactly what Khalila needs to start healing. He's a wonderful man and Khalila deserves nothing less. She's a talented and smart woman who's been through a lot. She deserves some happiness after everything that happened to her and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if she'd give Douglas a chance.
J.L. Campbell has a vivid writing style. I loved how she makes Khalila's emotions come to life. The Thick of Things is an impressive story filled with hope, true love and silver linings. Khalila will never be the woman she used to be, but being with Douglas and feeling attractive again gives her strength. I loved this honest and open approach of a difficult topic. J.L. Campbell writes with empathy and compassion. The Thick of Things is a beautiful love story that greatly affected me. -
The Thick of Things by J.L. Campbell is a wonderful new novel that needs to be on everyone's 'Must Read' list. Khalila Skyers is reluctant to make necessary changes and decisions that will take her life in a new direction. Breaking emotional ties to the past is a painful process she would rather avoid, so she's thrown for a loop when fate steps in wearing golf shoes and a handsome smile.
Khalila's divorce is almost final when Douglas Blythe crosses her path at a golf tournament. After he sweeps her off her feet during a night of romance she will never forget, Khalila is so shocked by her own behavior that she tries her best to avoid Douglas as well as her feelings for him. You'll have to read the book to see what happens next on her emotional journey. I loved this story and highly recommend it!
The Thick of Things is steamy contemporary romance with a main character that is easy to relate to and root for. Set in Jamaica and Florida, the story takes you on a literary vacation full of sunshine and culture no matter what time of year you read it. -
Khalila and Douglas
I have now read this story twice, and felt I could give it a non judgmental review. As someone whose never been married or lost a child, I cannot say how someone should cope with such a loss. I will say J.L. took me on a journey with this story. Had me looking at divorce differently. And the process of separation.
I was glad to see how Corrine was able to be a great sister friend to Khalila. We need more relationships like that. And as tough as it was to grasp Trent as being a good person. At the core of the matter he was. That was the revelation I got on this second read.
Khalila had emotionally and mentally shutdown and that is something I believe we can all relate.
Thus the Thick of Things had compounding layers. I recommend that you do what I had to do while reading this story: have compassion and empathy. Don't prejudge and form your own biases. Recognize that while it may not be your truth, it is so many others.
In all relationships we must do the work. Especially when an unthinkable storm comes. -
The Thick of Things
The Thick of Things is a great story of moving forward, second chances, and letting go of pain and sorrow. It was music for my soul, and I loved everything about it. Khalila got on my nerves a bit, but I understood why she was the she was and why she did the things she did. Loss and pain can make one gun shy and unsure of themselves. But Douglas was willing to allow her to set the pace of their relationship. I loved him because he did not give up and he understood those times when Khalila tried to run away from him, but he did not let her go. The melody of this story was brilliant and everynote was a perfect pitch. I highly recommend this book. -
This was not my first read by this author, and it definitely won't be my last. I have to say that I really enjoyed the chemistry between Douglas and Khalila. But I have to say my favorite character was Khalila's best friend, Corinne. She is one of those wild friends that every woman needs in their life. And the nerve of Trent, her soon to be ex husband. He needed to be knocked down a peg. I also enjoyed the growth of Khalila from the beginning to the end. Not to mention there was such detail, I might have to plan a trip to Montego Bay one day soon
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Good Story!!!
Ms. Campbell has written a beautiful story for a mature couple who has been given a second chance at love. Douglas and Khalila met when Khalila was at a low point in her life. Despite Khalila resistance, Douglas did not give up on her. From Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miani, this couple relationship developed by them getting to know each other better first. Ms. Campbell has done a great job with this book and I hope we will learn more about Douglas and Khalila in the next book in the series. -
Nice love story
This was a pretty nice read. A second chance kinda romance with a patient Hero, and a heroine that needs a little push to get out of the heartbreaking hole she's dug for herself. A bit slow at times, and not full of the steam I'm used to, but it was a nice, bring her out of her shell type of love story. I will be looking for their conclusion when it comes out. I'm interested in seeing if he's as good as he seems, and if she has any setbacks. -
What A Story!!
We should all be so blessed to have a Douglas in our life who knows what he wants and goes after it and a Corinne who sticks by your side through the thick of things! This is a great book on a mature relationship that endures heartache, lost love and found passion. I highly recommend this story! -
The Thick of Things....loved it!!💖
This was a great story about life and it's ups and down.... Sadness, happiness, betrayal, loyalty and love. The characters were relatable and the storyline was enjoyable. -
I liked this story of second chances. Khalila Skyers is slowly reclaiming her life and Douglas Blythe is the catalyst who helps her do it. It is a slow process for the heroine, but the hero hangs in there with the patience of Job. Good story and I recommend it.
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Nice read but I wanted something more
Khalila & Douglas took me through their journey sometimes wanting to shake them! I wonder what the future will bring... I really want a lot for them! -
Loved it!
Who says your first marriage is the one to last. Don't stay in limbo if you are not happy try to figure out a way to get your happy back. Khalila did just that and found her Douglas. -
It Was Okay
This was an okay read to me. It was too drawn out for me and I don't understand why things couldn't be summed up in one book. I skipped through some of the long drawn out conversations. -
Unexpectedly good
I really enjoyed the mature romance. I would read this author again. Worth the read. My book club would enjoy this one. -
Enjoyed!
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A good read
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I thought this was a good romance novel with real life issues. -
This was a story of life’s ups and downs. There was sadness and depression in Khalila, but she had inner strength. All she needed was someone to help bring that strength forward, and Douglas was just what the doctor ordered. A shoutout to her best friend Corrine. There’s much depth in this story. A great read.
